Chapter 65: Emperor and Ministers' Discussion
The dialogue between the monarch and his ministers has a long historical tradition. Initially, it was mostly a one-way question and answer between the monarch and his ministers. After the unification of Qin, the procedure of the dialogue was further standardized and eventually established as the dialogue system.
You read that right, it’s the word “system”. Since the Qin Dynasty, there have been three terms: law, regulations, and system, and they have continued to this day.
Funing Hall, living room.
The "Emperor's Lunch" system is still continuing. The person Zhao Huan is entertaining today is his elder brother, Zhao Ding, who is highly praised as a capable minister in Yuwen Xu's recommendation.
"Your Majesty is wise and intelligent, brave and courageous, and you clearly distinguish rewards and punishments. You lead by example and are able to unite all forces that can be united. You have alleviated the threat posed by the Jin Kingdom, saved the millions of people in Bianliang, protected the ancestral temple, and rescued the court from danger, saving the country from the threat of destruction."
"Hahahaha!" Zhao Huan laughed happily, then picked up a large chicken drumstick and placed it on the plate in front of Zhao Ding. "I like people like you who can talk. Come on, say a few more words."
Zhao Ding raised his head, looked Zhao Huan in the face, and said, "Your Majesty, I dare to ask you to follow the etiquette of the monarch and his subjects."
"Do you think I'm laughing too much and not serious enough?" Zhao Huan looked at Zhao Ding in surprise, thinking to himself.
The dialogue between the emperor and his ministers was a very formal conversation. Every word of the questions and answers was recorded in the history books by the officials and passed down through the ages.
However, the formality of the "conversation between the emperor and his ministers" has always been decided by the emperor. If the emperor thinks the conversation is very important, he will order the summoning of servants and paper and pen before the conversation. One person in the hall will be responsible for asking questions, one will be responsible for answering, and another will be responsible for recording with paper and pen.
Today, Zhao Ding took the initiative to request a formal dialogue between the emperor and his subjects. Zhao Huan felt even more puzzled. The status of the literati in the Song Dynasty was very high, and the people were open-minded. The emperor and his subjects often discussed state affairs at banquets. This was the first time that Zhao Huan heard of a minister in the Song Dynasty taking the initiative to request a dialogue between the emperor and his subjects.
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Huan looked at Zhao Ding curiously, and ordered his servants to enter the hall.
The attendant hurried into the hall, first greeted Zhao Huan, then saw Zhao Ding. The two looked at each other with smiles and nodded to each other as a greeting.
Grinding ink, spreading paper, washing the brush... everything is ready. Cui Sheren said nothing, dipped the brush in ink and hovered it over the paper, quietly waiting for the emperor and his minister to respond.
The atmosphere suddenly became solemn and dignified. Zhao Huan straightened his clothes, washed his face with a solemn expression, and bent his body slightly. This was a formal occasion for the emperor and his ministers to meet. Zhao Huan could only follow the etiquette and treat Zhao Ding as a national hero, asking him about the governance of the world.
Zhao Ding also tidied his clothes and left the dining table. He first bowed to Zhao Huan, and then sat down on the ground without waiting for Zhao Huan's instructions, with a solemn and dignified expression.
Zhao Huan coughed twice and said solemnly, "What advice do you wish to offer?"
Li Su bowed and said, "I offer my advice to benefit the people and bring peace to the world."
Zhao Huan's eyebrows twitched, and he said in a deep voice, "I would like to hear the details."
Zhao Ding was silent for a moment, composing his words before speaking, "Judging from the current situation, the Jin troops will soon retreat. Many court officials, such as Li Gang and Zong Ze, believe that we should actively prepare for military action and wait for the Jin troops to cross the Yellow River and then seize the opportunity to destroy the Jin forces. I personally disagree."
Zhao Ding paused for a moment, and Zhao Huan suddenly became interested: "Tell me about it in detail."
Because he had the same idea as Li Gang, which was to seize every opportunity to eliminate the Jin people's vitality, and the size of the land card was not the most important thing.
"Only when the imperial court is stable can we launch a campaign. This is the ultimate magic weapon for defeating the enemy. Historical experience has taught us this countless times, including the Han and Tang dynasties."
"Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, occupied Guanzhong and planned for its development, which enabled him to expand eastward and compete with Xiang Yu for supremacy."
"It was Emperor Guangwu of Han, Liu Xiu, who saved the Henei region, which led to the subsequent submission of the Red Eyebrows and the Bronze Horse."
"Emperor Suzong of Tang first secured Lingwu, which enabled him to defeat An Lushan and Shi Siming, quell the An-Shi Rebellion, and recover the two capitals."
"Stop, stop, stop. There are many examples like this. I can remember countless of them. If you don't believe me, I'll tell you."
"Duke Xiao of Qin occupied the strategically important terrain of Mount Yao and Hangu Pass, and possessed the land of Yongzhou. The king and his ministers firmly guarded it, waiting for an opportunity to seize the power of the Zhou royal family."
"What you mean is that we should first defend the base camp, and then seek opportunities to recover lost territory and expand our territory, right?"
Zhao Ding nodded. "Bianliang City is the foundation of the Song Dynasty. However, since the Jin Kingdom attacked the Song Dynasty, the soldiers have been living in fear and fighting desperately. They have been working tirelessly in the field for long periods of time, and the financial costs are huge. The people's support for the anti-Jin war has delayed a lot of their work time."
"Therefore, I believe that we should seriously improve the defense of Bianliang City and let the locals outside the city start to cultivate farmland, so as to promote the self-governance of Bianliang and even the country, so as to ensure the fundamental stability of the country."
"Your Majesty has previously proposed the theory of protracted warfare. Why don't you insist on it now? War is fatal, and the Jin soldiers are still quite capable. Repeated stalemates will only delay the Song Dynasty. Why can't we wait until the country is stable and secure before defeating the enemy and avenging our grievances?"
Zhao Huan pondered for a long time. "You are right. I have gotten a little carried away. I did not pay too much price for letting the Jin Kingdom take the initiative to negotiate peace and withdraw its troops. I am a little proud of myself."
Zhao Ding cupped his hands. "I greatly admire Your Majesty. Forcing the Jin to withdraw is a truly remarkable feat. Your Majesty has also stated that military strength is the foundation and guarantee of diplomacy. In my opinion, the Song Dynasty's military is not weak. Previous defeats were due solely to incompetent commanders. The Zhong, Zhe, and Zhang armies are all renowned for their formidable combat capabilities, rivaling those of the Jin."
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