"Next is the Dali Kingdom. Since we have already annexed the Western Xia, Dali is also isolated and helpless, making it the easiest to annex. To annex the Dali Kingdom, we must use a gentle approach to avoid provoking resistance and alerting other countries. I will instigate a war between the Dali Kingdom and India. We will take a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, we will send troops to fight under the banner of pacifying the war and rescuing their people, helping them resist the invasion of India. On the other hand, we will win over their people, treat them well, and give them their land. After experiencing war, their people will surely be weary of war and have benefited from it. They will definitely support us strongly. In the future, even the Dali Kingdom will not be able to take the land back from the people. By gaining their people, we will naturally gain their country."
"Next are the Liao and Tubo. I will try to get them to fight against their neighboring countries, but there are no powerful countries around them. After we annex Dali and Goryeo, these two countries will definitely be very vigilant and may make some sacrifices to make peace with their neighboring countries to guard against the Song Dynasty. However, they will definitely not dare to start a war easily. We also need some time to digest the existing gains. We can send ministers to establish diplomatic relations and cancel their tribute. We will wait for the right time."
"The fourth step is the most difficult. It is easy to annex these countries, but it is difficult to truly and completely subdue their people. This step is the most time-consuming and the most precarious. If too ruthless methods are used, it will inevitably cause a huge reaction. The officials sent must be carefully selected. Moreover, to do this fourth step well, we must first rectify the officials within the Song Dynasty. Selecting talented people is the most important thing."
"Which ministers do you think should be reformed, General? And who should be selected?" Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong of Song thought for a moment and asked.
"To gain the support of the people, we must first select those with bad reputations, and the selection of talent will primarily be based on examinations," Wang Han said, only outlining a standard without specifying which individuals to choose. He left the selection and decision-making power to Emperor Huizong of Song.
Emperor Huizong nodded. On this point, Wang Han did not make a direct decision, and thus did not violate any taboos.
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