I studied in modern times

Chapter 1039 The British Master
As Zhao Xu led his officials, they boarded the dragon boat, a sacred relic passed down from their ancestors.

This means that the bidding for Jinmingchi this year has officially begun!
The boats of all the athletes participating in this year's competition were lined up together on the water to the east of the dragon boat.

From a distance, they looked like rows of soldiers lined up before a king, ready to be inspected.

An officer, riding in a small boat, inserted a bamboo pole adorned with brocade and a silver bowl into the water near the Water Heart Hall, not far from the dragon boat where the emperor was located.

The so-called competition for a prize is precisely for this.

Whoever arrives first and picks up the marker first is the champion!
Of course, the Zhao officials were all masters of manipulating people's hearts. They knew that there was no first place in literature and no second place in martial arts, so there could only be one title.

I'm afraid that every year when the competition for the Jinming Pond takes place, the various teams will fight tooth and nail!

Therefore, as early as the reign of Emperor Taizong, the competition for the Jinming Pond had already been changed to three different titles.

In other words, the competition for the Jinming Pond was divided into three parts.

However, this made the Imperial Guards behave themselves.

But it also wore down the fighting spirit of the army.

Thinking of this, Zhao Xu sighed, "Alas! There's nothing we can do but throw money around!"

"Hopefully, some of the Imperial Guards in Beijing still possess some courage and bravery..."

If so, even money can't rouse the spirits of those soldiers.

Zhao Xu could only dismiss these scoundrels or simply transfer them all to engineering corps, sending them to work with Song Yongchen on road repairs and dredging.

Of course, Zhao Xu would not take this step unless absolutely necessary.

There was no other reason than that the Imperial Guards in the capital were the army that the Zhao family trusted most.

These people had served as soldiers for the Zhao Emperor since their fathers, grandfathers, and even great-grandfathers and great-great-grandfathers.

A century of nurturing, a bond of gratitude and righteousness.

In the early years of the dynasty, whenever there was a major battle, troops were dispatched to fight.

Before Yuanhao rebelled against the Song Dynasty, the imperial guards in the capital were essentially protecting the emperor's power.

Even after the tiger skin was punctured, the Imperial Guards in the capital were still a powerful tool for the Zhao Emperor to monitor the Western Army generals and infiltrate their ranks.

The past figures include Zhong E, Yao Lin, Liu Changzuo, Yan Da, Guo Kui...

Today's Wang Hao, Qu Zhen, Peng Song, Zhe Keshi...;
Who doesn't have a squad of imperial guards sent by the Zhao Emperor by their side?
These people are not only the eyes and ears of the Zhao Emperor, but also his arms and swords.

This also ensured the foundation upon which the micro-management of the Zhao emperors throughout the past could be implemented—if you disobeyed orders, these people would write down your actions in detail, report them to Bianjing, and even arrest you by imperial decree.

Just like Zhong E—Zhao Xu's father, why was he so clear about everything he had done?

It's because Zhong E had a troop of imperial guards by his side!
These people were always by Zhong E's side, taking notes of his words and actions.

Although they could not interfere with Zhong E's command, Emperor Zhao in Bianjing was fully aware of every decision Zhong E made in command.

Therefore, Zhong E's tragic end was already predetermined—relying on his fighting skills and prowess, he disregarded the battle formations bestowed upon him by Bianjing and repeatedly disobeyed the Emperor's commands and arrangements.

The worst part is—he was right about everything!
This can't be tolerated.

In other words, when Zhong E was alive, he was incredibly powerful in combat.

The country is in dire need of talent, so we had to swallow our pride and bear it.

But once he died, the purge of the Zhong family began.

The Zhong family's power on Fuyan Road was almost completely eradicated in an instant.

Other families also didn't get any favors.

It wasn't until Zhao Xu ascended the throne and summoned the Zhong brothers to the palace that the Zhong family's fortunes improved, and they regained their favor and trust.

Therefore, although the Imperial Guards in Beijing had various problems.

However, Zhao Xu continued to be lenient with them and did not take any action against them.

Even when they were sent out to repair roads or clear silt, they were always given generous rewards.

They weren't even asked to do any heavy physical labor.

They do work similar to supervisors or foremen.

They even left them a piece of the pie in the capital—nowadays, at least 40% of the wells inside and outside Bianjing are the tertiary assets of the Three Offices.

The officers of the three military districts were able to live a comfortable life simply by selling water.

The Imperial Guards in Beijing were truly rotten!

Some time ago, a group of imperial guards was sent back from Yuanzhou by Yang Wenhuai. These soldiers were originally ordered to escort Yang Wenhuai to Yuanzhou and Chenzhou to mediate the feud between the local chieftains, but after arriving in Yuanzhou, they actually went to harass the local women.

In other words, Yang Wenhuai had too much influence—all the chieftains of the Yang family in Yuanzhou and Chenzhou were trying to curry favor with the Yang family.

Each of them insisted that they were descendants of Yang Wenguang, who had secretly conceived a child with the daughter of a local chieftain when he followed Di Qing on his southern expedition.

It's obvious at a glance that it copied the homework of the Yang family of Bozhou!

Because of this relationship, they were relatives of Yang Wenhuai. Out of respect for Yang Wenhuai, those scoundrels were spared from being knocked unconscious by the local chieftain and thrown into the Yuan River in sacks.

However, he couldn't stay there any longer and had to slink back to Beijing.

When Zhao Xu heard this, he was furious.

They were all dismissed and expelled from the Imperial Guard, and the ringleaders were even transferred to the Court of Judicial Review for punishment—it was too shameful!
If it weren't for Yang Wenhuai, the chieftains of Yuanzhou and Chenzhou might have actually chopped off the heads of these bastards.

then……

Yuanzhou and Chenzhou are about to descend into chaos.

To suppress it, we would need to deploy troops and allocate funds, which is completely unnecessary!
Therefore, Zhao Xu's lavish spending in the Jinming Pond bidding was actually the last test of the Imperial Guards.

Even money can't rouse the bloodlust of these scoundrels.

Zhao Xu had no choice but to give up.

Fortunately, as it turns out, the power of money is indeed all-powerful.

Spurred by the bounty, war drums thundered in Jinming Pond, and one boat after another competed fiercely, showing no sign of yielding to each other!

People will use any means necessary!

In a short while, seven or eight small boats capsized, and the sailors who fell into the water did not lose heart.

Some men righted their small boats, intending to continue the pursuit.

Some, in a fit of desperation, transform into water ghosts, diving into the water specifically to sabotage and capsize other people's boats.

For a time, hundreds of boats raced on the lake, and waves splashed everywhere beneath the surface.

"You son of a bitch, the Tiger Wing Army, how dare you!?"

"Hehe... You're allowed to trip up the Japanese army, but I, the Tiger Wing Army, am not allowed to use my own methods?"

"Fool! Xu Si of the Divine Guard is about to win the championship!"

He can't take it!

Amidst the commotion, a tiger-headed boat broke through the encirclement and headed straight for the bamboo pole with the marker hanging in front of the Water Heart Hall.

The war drums on the tiger-headed ship were being beaten loudly, and the general standing at the bow was waving his military flag frantically.

It is the battle flag of the Tianwu Army.

Zhao Xu stood up and clapped his hands in praise: "Excellent!"

"Truly worthy of being called the warriors of Tianwu!"

The Tianwu Army is one of the true foundations of the Zhao family.

Its predecessor was the Crane Control Army of the Later Zhou Dynasty, which was the direct line of Emperor Taizu. When the Song Dynasty was founded, it was even more famously called Tianwu. It belonged to the Palace Guard and was divided into left and right wings, shouldering the responsibility of guarding the right wing of the inner city of Bianjing.

The benefits were the best among the four armies!

The Tianwu Army was the emperor's personal guard and elite troops in front of the palace. Since its establishment, it has maintained a system of seven armies and thirty-six commands (the Tianwu Army had three armies on each side, with five commands in each army, and a fourth army was set up in each side to support the elderly and disabled soldiers, known as the Remaining Army).

Moreover, they were all based in Bianjing and never ventured out to stay elsewhere.

He can be described as the most loyal of the Zhao family's inner circle!

While praising him, Zhao Xu instructed Tong Guan beside him, "Please invite Commander Miao to step forward and receive the reward!"

Currently, the Commander-in-Chief of the Palace Guard is Yan Da.

But Yan Da had already voluntarily and consciously gone home to retire – Yan Da's three sons were all commanders of the Imperial Guard. If he continued to serve in the Palace Guard, even if Zhao Xu could rest assured, Empress Dowager Xiang would not dare to!

Therefore, the daily work of the Palace Guards fell to Miao Shou, the deputy commander of the Palace Guards.

Now that the Tianwu Army has won the competition, it is natural to reward Miao Shou, who is in charge of the Palace Guard. Tong Guan received the decree and stepped forward, announcing loudly: "By imperial decree: Miao Shou, Deputy Commander of the Palace Guard, step forward to receive your reward!"

Upon hearing this, Miao Shou immediately stood up, stepped forward, and bowed before the dragon boat's pavilion, saying, "Your Majesty, Deputy Commander of the Palace Guard, respectfully awaits your esteemed words!"

"General, you have achieved great success in training troops and in commanding the army. I am very pleased with you. I hereby bestow upon you a sword. I hope you will continue your efforts and achieve even greater merits!" Zhao Xu said loudly.

"Yes!" Miao Shou was overjoyed: "Your subject respectfully receives your esteemed words and will rise early and retire late, never daring to forget them!"

Zhao Xu nodded: "Good!"

But deep down he knew that this was all there was to Miao Shou's life.

This former general has now completely developed into a gray-haired marshal.

While in the capital, he led the Imperial Guards to undertake countless projects, including digging wells, building docks, constructing gantry cranes, and building courtyards and residences.

Thus, he was given the nicknames: "The Well-Digging Grand Commandant" and "The Garden-Building Palace Commander".

Of course, Zhao Xu knew that Miao Shou had become like this entirely because of him.

Miao Shou's depravity was even ordered by the authorities!
Just like after Emperor Taizu released his generals from their military power over a cup of wine, those righteous brothers bought land and houses and lived an absurd life of sleeping with beauties when they had nothing to do.

Within two years, those once mighty generals who roamed the world and terrified the barbarians had fallen to the point where they could no longer wield iron maces or draw hard bows.

but……

fair enough!

People say that the general died on horseback.

However, Zhao Xu still believed that it would be best for a general who had made great contributions to the country to die in wealth and surrounded by his descendants.

In any case, the Imperial Guards in Beijing were completely rotten.

That's it!
Thinking this, Zhao Xu took off another jade pendant he always wore, then personally stepped down from the throne, down from the palace, and onto the deck.

"This jade was made by the Empress Dowager and is worn by me daily. I hereby bestow it upon the Commander of the Palace Guard. I hope the Commander will cherish it and enjoy wealth and longevity!"

Miao Shou bowed deeply, weeping, and said, "Your Majesty's grace is as vast as Heaven's, I humbly accept it!"

He then accepted the imperial sword and jade pendant, solemnly putting the jade pendant into his robes. He then happily raised the imperial sword and showed it off to the assembled military officials.

I am deeply grateful that I made the right bet by selecting the best swimmers from among the various armies of the Palace Guard six months in advance!
So even after returning to his seat, he remained immersed in joy.

Miao Shou has always believed in sharing happy events with his colleagues.

"Zijing (Liu Changzuo), what do you think of my sword-wielding technique?"

Liu Changzu smiled, touched the precious jade bestowed upon him by the emperor in his bosom, and then glanced at the one in Miao Shou's hand.

He sneered inwardly: "My jade has the four characters 'Loyal and Virtuous to the Nation' personally inscribed by the Emperor!"

He couldn't be bothered to argue with this ignorant and unsophisticated Commandant Zaojingzi.

only……

The emperor bestowed this jade sword upon us; who would complain that we don't have enough?
The more the better!
Liu Changzuo couldn't help but look at Yan Da, the military governor of Wukang Army, who was dressed in brocade robes and sat at the head of the military officers.

He had heard that Yan Da's three sons had all received imperial gifts of swords, bows, and knives from the emperor.

As for Yanda himself?

On his birthday this year, the emperor personally inscribed the six characters "A family of loyal and upright pillars" for the plaque of his residence.

This is what a military officer should truly strive for!

Seeing that Liu Changzuo ignored him, Miao Shou then went to Qu Zhen, who had just returned to the capital to take up the post of commander of the four wings of the Divine Guard and the Dragon Guard.

"Junyu, what do you think of my Baoyu?"

Qu Zhen swallowed hard, looking at the smug Miao Shou, and almost ground her teeth to powder.

The emperor bestowed upon him a personal jade pendant and an imperial sword...

Although it had no practical significance, it was a symbol of imperial favor for military officials.

For military officers, the promotion to command troops was determined by the emperor's favor.

Unfortunately, he was a complete novice in this area and had no prior experience.

All he could do was stare longingly at Jin Mingchi, vowing to give those bastards from the Divine Guards and Dragon Guards a good beating this year!

Next year, Jinmingchi will compete for the championship and make a stunning debut!
Seeing Qu Zhen's performance and expression, Miao Shou felt as if he had drunk a divine wine, and his whole body felt comfortable!

Therefore, the commander immediately made up his mind to turn back and properly reward the brave soldiers of the Tianwu Army who had made him proud!
……

The tiger-headed ships of the Tianwu Army, having won the bid, arrived joyfully before the dragon boat where the emperor was located.

Then, all the soldiers prostrated themselves on the ship.

"Your Majesty, the Left Wing Commander of the Tianwu Army, along with the soldiers of the Tianwu Army, respectfully inquire after His Majesty's long life!"

Zhao Xu walked to the front of the palace and ordered the screen to be removed, so that his appearance could be fully revealed to the generals and soldiers on the tiger-head ship.

"What a fine soldier!" Zhao Xu praised with a smile. "He truly deserves to be called the hero of the Great Wall!"

"Reward!"

"Each of them shall be given one hundred strings of cash and one bolt of cotton cloth!"

In front of the Imperial Guards, Zhao Xu was more than just the number one leader.

He's still the ringleader!

The leader must show generosity and heroism when dealing with his underlings!

Those soldiers below fall for this trick!
From the Qin and Han dynasties to the present day, countless heroes and valiant men have relied on this very method to win over those willing to die for their cause, valiant generals, and those who would fight to the death.

Although Zhao Xu had no prior experience with this, he learned it very quickly.

Upon hearing the imperial decree of approval, the officers and soldiers of the Tianwu Army on the tiger-headed ship slightly raised their heads and caught a glimpse of the emperor's face. They were immediately moved to tears of gratitude and bowed their heads one after another, saying, "Your Majesty's grace is beyond our comprehension. We are deeply grateful and will surely repay your kindness even if it means dying for you!"

Zhao Xu listened and smiled wryly.

He is now, theoretically, thirteen years old. In recent years, he has focused on nutrition, maintained a regular schedule, and exercised every day, which has caused his height and weight to increase rapidly.

As a result, fine downy hairs grew on his lips, and his height increased to a level similar to that of an average adult male.

"Since our ancestors, my family has always admired warriors and loved heroes the most!"

"Since you were able to win the championship at Jinming Pond, you will surely be able to make new contributions for me on the battlefield in the future!"

The soldiers on the tiger-head ship had never seen such a scene before.
Immediately, they all bowed their heads and said, "We are willing to die for Your Majesty!"

From their perspective, the current emperor is kind and loving, generous with rewards, and if people work for him, they will surely do no wrong!
So everyone perked up, and even their voices became stronger, showing no sign of their will being worn down by the brothels.

This is normal—since ancient times, it's not that there haven't been strong armies, but rather that there haven't been good commanders!
No matter what, what people below always fear most is that their efforts and struggles will not be rewarded.

Once you work hard, you can reap tangible and visible rewards.

Even the worst army has the chance to turn into a formidable force.

Of course, this is on the premise that the army has a solid foundation.

The foundation of the Tianwu Army is naturally excellent!

At least, the warriors on the Tiger Head Ship in front of Zhao Xu were physically and mentally strong, possessing the foundation of tigers and wolves!

Therefore, Zhao Xu loudly proclaimed, "Excellent!"

"I will give you all an opportunity to serve your country!"

"Now that the nation desires to build a navy and establish the East China Sea Fleet Commandery, are you willing to serve as my maritime henchmen and embark on a journey to the east of the sea?"

It was a tradition for the Imperial Guards in the capital to act as the Emperor's eyes, ears, and even swords, to monitor and supervise the troops in the border regions.

Moreover, the Emperor himself has decreed that he will be granted the task.

The people on the tiger-headed ship immediately bowed with unbridled joy, saying, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"We are willing to serve as the government's henchmen!"

"Good!" Zhao Xu nodded, then asked the officer who identified himself as Chen Shun, the commander of the Tianwu Army, "Commander, could you please state your name?"

The commander bowed and said, "Your surname is Zhang..."

"Zhang Shun?" Zhao Xu's eyes lit up. He thought of the White Streak in the Waves from the Water Margin. Seeing the man standing motionless on the boat, he exclaimed with delight, "Excellent!"

"I have gained a great general!"

"He appoints you as Commandant of the Warships, and you may select five hundred Imperial Guards skilled in swimming to go to the capital to assume your posts!"

(End of this chapter)