The Happy Life of Small Officials in Northern Song Dynasty

Su Jin sighed secretly, there will never be a lack of battles in the imperial court. It was like this when Lu Yijian was alive earlier, and it was still the case with the New Deal Party and conservative officials who emerged after Lu Yijian's death. Now the New Deal Party Fan Zhongyan, Han Qi Fubi and others have been relegated Beijing, Yan Shu and Du Yan were the same.

Every day, every day, conflicts of interest and power are inevitable. For one thing, if you say you do it this way, I will find some faults. In short, I will never make you comfortable. Most of them are old and experienced, but when they act impulsively, they are just like children playing house.

"Su Aiqing, what suggestion do you have, let me know." Seeing Su Jin's thoughtful look, Zhao Zhen asked with a smile.

Su Jin cupped his hands and said: "Actually, what Yan Xiang and Du Shumi said is correct, the fundamental way is to enrich the country and strengthen the army, and increasing the number of soldiers is also necessary for preparing for war. However, due to various factors at present, I am afraid that others will not give it to us." Too long to be on guard."

Zhao Zhen nodded and said: "I understand that the Great Song Dynasty has been in existence for more than a hundred years, and it is not always yearning for a rich country and a strong army, but so far, it is still far away."

"Your Majesty, don't worry. The prosperity of a country is not achieved in a day. The predecessors built the foundation and the descendants built tall buildings. After several generations of hard work, there will eventually be that day. Moreover, there are some things that manpower is exhausted, and sometimes it depends on circumstances, such as natural disasters and man-made disasters. , For example, the suppression of the enemy country, or the limitations of the policy, in short, there is no rush."

Zhao Zhen said that Su Jin's "policy action" somewhat alluded to the New Deal, so Zhao Zhen could only keep silent on this matter.

"Long-term development is naturally based on a rich country and a strong military. But as far as the current situation is concerned, there are still ways to prevent the Xia and Liao countries in the short term. It is naturally very difficult to have one enemy and two, and the Song Dynasty is very difficult, but the division collapses. The alliance they may form is still promising." Su Jin continued.

"Oh? You mean... to win over one of Xia Liao? But Xia Liao has already regarded Da Song as the number one enemy. After this incident, they hate Da Song to the bone. I'm afraid it will be difficult to work."

"Your majesty, I analyzed that it is indeed impossible to win over the Liao people. The Liao state is strong. Even if it is hit hard now, with more than a hundred years of accumulation, they will not easily admit defeat. In terms of national strength, Liao The country is slightly weaker than the Song Dynasty, but its military strength is stronger than my Song Dynasty. This is the capital of their unwillingness to show weakness; but the Xia Kingdom is different. The puppet is completely ruled by the Empress Dowager Yeli, and Zhang Yuan, the prime minister of China, is also from our Song Dynasty. After the civil strife and the Liaoxia War, it is the weakest country among the three countries in terms of national strength and military strength. They hate my Great Song Dynasty because My Great Song Dynasty forced them to fight with the Liao people, which not only depleted the national power, but also hurt the dignity. Any country would have such emotions, but it is understandable.”

Zhao Zhendao: "The weak eat the strong, the law of heaven and earth, when Xixia Yuanhao was alive, didn't he take advantage of our internal worries in the Song Dynasty to harass and sneak attack?"

Su Jin said: "That's true, but people are willing to harm others to benefit themselves. The suffering of others often sets off their own comfort and comfort. How many people sympathize and reflect? It's mostly just gloating. Today's Xia Kingdom is trapped between Song and Liao It’s a dilemma, but if the Song Dynasty remains hostile, the only way for the Xia Kingdom to turn to the Liao people is, if the Liao people can really ignore the 26 elites lost in the Battle of Helan Mountain, the Xia people will of course choose to join them; but if If I, Great Song, take the initiative to show favor to Xia Guo, the people of Xia may turn to my Great Song."

Zhao Zhen said: "Win Xia people? I'm afraid it will not be easy."

Yan Shu also said: "Master Su may be a little whimsical. With the current situation, it is very difficult for Xia people to trust me, Da Song, and no one wants to be fooled a second time."

Su Jindao: "You can't say that. The relationship between countries depends on the gains and losses of interests, not on emotions. If the Xia people blindly act on emotions, they will never be able to stand in the northwest as a party clan for nearly a hundred years; the size of the bargaining chip determines the distance of the relationship. "

Zhao Zhen frowned and said: "You mean, we want to benefit the Xia people? But the Liao people will also show favors, and how can I spare no effort to benefit the Xia people in Song Dynasty?"

"That's right, isn't Master Su afraid of the consequences of raising tigers? The Dangxiang family has never really returned to their hearts. If they are fed enough, they will bite back again." Xia Song said.

Du Yan waved his hand and said: "The Xia people are so troublesome, if you ask me, we might as well launch a crusade and wipe them out."

The ministers were in an uproar, and they all looked at Du Yan in surprise. Du Yan realized that his words had not been thought through, so he quickly covered up: "It's just a casual remark, don't take it seriously."

Yan Shu said coldly: "As an important minister, it's ridiculous for someone in the court to say something casually."

Du Yan glared at Yan Shu, deeply regretting his slip of the tongue, Yan Shu seized the opportunity to ridicule him.

Su Jin smiled and said, "It's not about Xia, but about Liao."

"Master Su, why are you making noises too? Is it time for war?" Yan Shu was extremely dissatisfied.

Zhao Zhen said seriously: "How can you use your troops lightly, Su Jin, don't talk nonsense."

Su Jindao: "I didn't talk nonsense. Conquest by force is not a good way. Doesn't the emperor want to unify the north, expand the territory, and complete the unfinished great work of Emperor Taizong?"

Zhao Zhen lowered his face and said: "That also depends on strength, can Da Song do it now?"

Su Jin said: "Preemptively attack the enemy, and then attack others. Instead of guarding against the Xia-Liao alliance, why not disintegrate the alliance and defeat it one by one?"

Xia Song said: "Even if we fight, we should fight Xia Guo first. The Liao people's military strength is not inferior to mine, how can we fight? Besides, it is definitely not the best time right now. Great success will bring disaster."

Su Jindao: "What I'm talking about is that I don't mean to use troops immediately. Of course, we must make complete preparations, but if we want to fight, we can only fight the Liao people. The reason is very simple. If Xia is attacked, Liao must be rescued. , and attacking Liao, Xia may not be able to rescue them, because Xia Guo does not have the ability to rescue them. If they consider the worry of dying lips and teeth, they may bite the bullet and rescue them. If we don't worry about it, the Xia people will definitely stand down, and then it will become a one-on-one duel between Song and Liao, and whether we can win or not depends on our ability."

Zhao Zhen never expected that Su Jin had such a shocking idea brewing in his heart, Mie Liao Mie Xia created an eternal foundation. It's not that he had never thought about this idea, on the contrary, he dreamed about it, but it was just a thought, and with People never mentioned it, for fear of being laughed at and overestimated, but Su Jin actually said it like that, and it was plausible, as if he was a little sure.

Even though he knew that it was not feasible, Zhao Zhen subconsciously wanted to talk about it for a while, so he coughed, calmed down the buzzing officials, and asked, "What kind of promises and benefits can the Xia people stand by? If the Xia people caught me and opened my mouth like a big Song mental lion, wouldn't we be coerced by him instead?"

Su Jin thought for a while and said: "Let Xia people believe that our sincerity needs urgent needs. One of the main reasons why Xia's national strength has declined in recent years is because my Song Dynasty imposed a trade blockade on them. Xia's climate It is bad, food is not enough to eat, and daily clothing and food are problematic. Their fur, green salt and other special products cannot be sold to the Song Dynasty. Although there is trade with the Liao people, the Liao people they need are not self-sufficient. The Liao people they produce are also produced, and there is no complementarity at all; to win their hearts, the first thing to do is to fully open up trade with Xia, and allow normal commodity transactions between the two countries, which is what Xia hopes most. See a little."

"There seems to be some truth in what you say. The Xia people have tasted the sweetness, so naturally they dare not give up the sweetness easily. Besides, they also have the heart to restore their national strength and self-improvement. If the two countries trade, it will be difficult for them to develop." Zhao Zhen and the officials were a little moved.

"Opening trade alone may not dispel Xia's vigilance. If the Song Dynasty and the Liao people go to war, the Xia people will naturally consider their own safety. Don't they know how to defeat them one by one?" Zhao Zhen said.

Su Jin nodded and said: "What the emperor said is true, so there is still a need for political means. This time the emperor will come forward."

Zhao Zhen said in astonishment, "I'm coming out?"

Su Jindao: "Yes, the emperor's face is great. Only when the emperor comes forward in person can he show the sincerity of my Song Dynasty. I can build a bridge from it and facilitate the secret meeting between the king of Xia, the queen mother and the emperor. By apologizing for the matter and promising never to violate the Xia Kingdom, the hearts of the Xia people will be lenient. I think the Xia people should be able to ask for it, and with some sweetness to make up for it, even if the Xia people are still wary, as long as they remain neutral, I won’t send troops to aid Liao, that’s enough.”