The Jin army besieged the city, and the Song emperor’s daughter died

Chapter 131 Capital Navy [two chapters in one]

Three days later, at night, it rained in Jinming Pond.

If Yujin Garden is the zoological and botanical garden of the Song Dynasty, then Jinming Pool is the water park of the Song Dynasty.

Jinmingchi is a huge square pool dug manually. During the Taizong period, it was expanded to a radius of ten miles, and water from the Jin River was used to irrigate it, so it was named Jinmingchi.

At first, the pond was dug to divert water purely for water training masters.

After the water master failed to become a master, it was abandoned for a long time. In the hands of Emperor Daojun, an art master and infrastructure madman, he began to build five halls in the center of the lake in Jinming Pool. They are the Shuixin Hall in the center of the pool, and the Shuixin Hall connected to the Shuixin Hall by an arch bridge. The Baojin Tower on the west side, the Linshui Hall adjacent to the Baojin Tower, and the Qionglin Garden Archway and Owu cannot be called palaces because they are too sloppy.

The Shuixin Hall was where Emperor Daojun meditated and practiced, the Linshui Hall was used for important state banquets, and the Baojin Tower...

style!

There is a high platform built of bricks and stones, with a tower on top, surrounded by weeping willows, which is about a hundred feet wide. In spring, the butterflies are dancing and the birds are singing, and the weeping willows are clinging to the willows. Young men and women can swim in the lake or watch the scenery from the balcony, which is very pleasant.

Although they are all royal gardens, they are still open to the public for free at fixed times every year. Unless there is a large-scale national event, they will never clear out the place just because the royal nobles and dignitaries want to visit, or even before visiting each other. When meeting these characters, they would only clasp their fists and salute, saying: Happy Spring!

In the following hundreds of years, no ruling class could achieve this.

So every time I read historical materials, I see that in the second year of Jingkang, when Emperor Daojun went out of the city to Jinying to seek peace, the people in the city cried and shouted to block the way and refused to let him go. Fan Qiong even had his arms cut off and counted ten people, but they still surrounded the car and could not drive. Ken was willing to disperse. On the Lantern Festival night of the second year of Jingkang, tens of thousands of people gathered outside Nanxun Gate, waiting for the return of the second emperor, and scolded the gold thief for his lack of faith. The doubts that had arisen were answered.

The common people's life is nothing more than firewood, rice, oil and salt. If they can get a little more dignity, they won't ask for much more.

In the Shuixin Palace, Zhao Fujin, dressed in green and thin clothes, stood in a pavilion, looking at the misty water vapor in the darkness, listening to the sound of the rain hitting the lotus leaves, and murmured: "The night rain in the Golden Pond is really unique and elegant."

Li Bangyan on the side agreed: "Each of the eight scenic spots in Kaifeng has its own merits. If the officials have time, I will accompany them to appreciate them."

Zhao Fujin ignored him, but turned to Cao Yanchang beside him and asked: "General Cao, is this Jinming Pool still suitable for training navy troops?"

Cao Yanchang thought for a moment, then Nuonuo said: "Others are fine, except for the arch bridge, which is a bit in the way. If the warships are arrayed, they won't be able to cross the bridge."

Zhao Fujin nodded: "Then let's dismantle it!"

Li Bangyan was stunned: "This... what about this Shuixin Palace?"

Zhao Fujin smiled and said: "With the bridge gone, what use is this palace? If General Cao feels that the Shuixin Palace is in the way, just demolish it altogether."

Cao Yanchang said in fear: "This is the place where the Supreme Emperor meditated and cultivated..."

Zhao Fujin waved his hand: "The Emperor is old and cannot bear the fatigue of traveling and traveling, let alone the wind of this water vapor pool. If the general feels it is in the way, just demolish it."

Cao Yanchang was noncommittal for a moment, looking at Zhao Fujin and then at Li Bangyan.

Li Bangyan suddenly understood why the emperor and his ministers were taking him with them when they were talking about reviving the navy.

So his expression immediately changed and he turned on the mouth substitute mode: "General Cao, you can save this life because of the favor given by the official family. Now, the capital navy has been entrusted to you with full authority. Even this Shuixin Palace and Luotuo Bridge are demolished at any time. The officials treat you like a reborn parent. If you mess up the navy of the capital, you would be really unfaithful and unfilial."

After hearing this, Cao Yanchang was frightened and bowed, saying, "I will definitely live up to the emperor's kindness!"

Zhao Fujin smiled and nodded, sighing slightly: "In a few days, when the warships are galloping, this pool of lotus leaves will probably be gone. Li Xiang..."

Li Bangyan stepped forward and obeyed the order.

"I heard that you are excellent at poetry and painting. Why don't you stay here tonight and leave this golden rainy night in your painting so that future generations can know about it? How about you?"

Li Bangyan was stunned, wondering how he had offended the officials. It was raining and windy, so he was allowed to paint here?
"Ke Chen, I didn't bring any pen or ink."

"It doesn't matter. I'll ask someone to bring it to you in a moment. General Cao and I have important military matters to discuss, so you don't have to follow."

After that, Zhao Fujin took Cao Yanchang back to Baojin Tower.

Li Bangyan pulled the accompanying chamberlain and asked, "Mr. Zhongguan, did I... say the wrong thing?"

The chamberlain smiled wryly and said: "The official family is still alone, how can they be parents to others?"

Li Bangyan suddenly realized...

It was windy and rainy outside, but the lights in Baojin Tower were warm. Zhao Fujin was leaning on the soft couch, listening to Cao Yanchang's plan to rebuild the capital's navy. There were many details, such as how to train troops, how to fight in actual combat, how to equip equipment, and how to use warships. Build…

Zhao Fujin couldn't understand this, and it was not her business.

There are only two things she has to take care of, the first is money, and the second is people.

Naturally, money cannot be withdrawn from the treasury, and it is difficult to withdraw it from the Money Department. After all, Taizu Taizong failed to raise the navy. Now he wants to raise it himself. In the minds of all the ministers, isn't this a waste of money?

At that time, I will inevitably have to argue with these ministers again, which is quite time-consuming.

If you act arbitrarily...

It's not that Zhao Fujin doesn't dare, but that he doesn't want to.

The purpose of purging the six thieves was to restore the purity of government and avoid speaking out.

If he, the emperor, acts arbitrarily when he disagrees, and the Yushitai becomes a mascot, then it won't be long before he will be like the Daojun Emperor again, with the whole court full of sycophants. With the emperor, The emperor's liking is regarded as liking, and the emperor's dislike is regarded as disgust...

The deterioration of the political soil will lead to chaos in the long run.

Since you can't act arbitrarily openly, you can only do things secretly: "All the money your Cao Gang has earned over the years has been confiscated by the Ministry of Punishment?"

"Not a penny left."

Zhao Fujin was curious: "You make so much money, but you live in a shabby place and don't have any expenses. Why?"

Cao Yanchang hesitated for a long time, and finally said the most disrespectful words: "I have resigned from my official position, and when I see that the court is in a state of distress, I know that the court's time is numbered..."

Having said this, Cao Yanchang raised his eyes and looked at Zhao Fujin's expression. Seeing that Zhao Fujin was not angry, he continued: "So I thought at that time, if the gold thieves invaded the south, the court was not protected, and the world was in turmoil, I would take the silver back to Tanzhou. , based on Dongting’s momentum, established the Jinghu Navy..."

"Oh? Are you aiming for the world?" Zhao Fujin chuckled.

Cao Yanchang explained repeatedly: "I don't dare. I just think that when the court cannot protect the people, I will protect the safety of Tanzhou. After all, my mother is still in Tanzhou and she must not be slaughtered by the Jin army."

This is not Cao Yanchang's temporary remarks, but his plan from the beginning.

Zhao Fujin was not angry at all. He thought that after Jingkang, rebels from all walks of life rose up. Regardless of whether these people wanted to take advantage of the situation and establish another dynasty, at least everyone was unanimous on the matter of resisting the Jin Dynasty.

The fact that Cao Yanchang has such thoughts shows that he has far-reaching wisdom and thoughtfulness.

"Why didn't you escape when the Jin army besieged the city a few months ago?"

Cao Yanchang wanted to say that it was too late, but he still didn't say it out loud, in case he really made the officials displeased...

He still knows very well that accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger. "I originally wanted to escape, but when I saw the officials announcing the execution of the six thieves, and then decided to resist the Jin in Xuande Tower, then..."

Zhao Fujin stopped asking any more questions and turned to thinking about the silver issue.

Before the Ministry of Punishment transfers the money to the national treasury, if it can be intercepted...

After a moment, Zhao Fujin seemed to have figured something out, and turned around and asked: "Is the money you have earned over the years enough to cover the initial expenses of the capital navy?"

Cao Yanchang nodded: "It's enough. The capital navy already has some foundation. It only needs to repair the warships and replace some old equipment to meet the needs of military training. As for the salary...the money I got is enough for half a year." .”

Zhao Fujin smiled bitterly and said: "I will let the Ministry of War find a way to solve the payment issue."

Cao Yanchang shook his head: "The officials should not embarrass themselves. It has been almost ten years since the Navy's pay was stopped during the self-government and the end of the year. If we mention it again at this time, we may cause a lot of gossip."

Cao Yanchang's considerate words warmed Zhao Fujin's heart: "Well, I will first find a way to get you back the money paid by the Ministry of Punishment. You just have to train your troops well. In half a year, if the capital navy can become famous in one battle, I will give you an official position and a title, and I will give you a place in the navy of the capital."

"Half a year later? There's going to be a war?" Cao Yanchang perked up when he heard this: "Didn't we already reach a peace alliance with the Kingdom of Jin?"

Zhao Fujin waved his hand: "You don't have to worry about this matter. In short, you only have half a year. After half a year, I will try the sharp knife of the capital navy!"

"The minister obeys the order!"

After talking about money, it’s about people.

Zhao Fujin initially thought of recruiting Shanshui soldiers from Liangzhe Road and Jinghu Road, then transferring them to Kaifeng and handing them over to Cao Yanchang for training. However, if this was done, it would take a very long time, and it might be necessary to recruit soldiers alone. Last month or two.

Cao Yanchang bowed and said: "If the officials can pardon the brothers from the Cao Gang, they can support the skeleton of the navy, and then select some people who are good at water from the troops stationed outside Kaifeng City to form a few thousand people." The navy team should be very fast."

Zhao Fujin thought about it, yes!

Now half of the soldiers and generals of the Song Dynasty are around Kaifeng and Taiyuan. There are many Xiang troops from Liangzhe Road and Jinghu Road. The Xiang army has low combat effectiveness, so it is better to pick some soldiers who are good at water and integrate them into the capital navy. , and it can also relieve Cao Yanchang's military salary pressure, but he only helps everyone...

"Caogang is just a chamber of commerce, can these people be used?"

Cao Yanchang explained: "Although it is a chamber of commerce, after I took over the Caobang, the people I selected were all people who were good at water, and these people were all somewhat skilled. Before joining the Caobang, they escorted ships, escorted them, and dug ships into the water. , they are all a good team.”

After hearing this, Zhao Fujin couldn't help laughing: "They are all dishonest and dishonest people."

Cao Yanchang didn't think so: "Taiyuan General Han Shizhong was a bad guy back then, a man who fought hard and was brave and ruthless."

When Zhao Fujin heard this, he laughed loudly and said, "You found out about him clearly."

"If I want to return to the court, I must know what the official preference is."

Zhao Fujin chuckled and nodded: "Now that we, the Song Dynasty, are employing people, I don't care where they come from or what their life experience is. As long as they can fight and are good at fighting, they are all talents. Forget it, I will think of a way to see how Forgive them."

Then, Zhao Fujin's face turned serious: "In short, for this capital navy, I want money to give money and people to give to people. Don't let me down."

Cao Yanchang straightened himself up and saluted: "I will die to repay the great kindness of the officials!"

The next day, it was raining and sunny.

In the Jinming Pond, swallows fly low over the water, and frogs jump across the crisp lotus leaves.

The sunlight shining on the pool water sparkles, which is really beautiful.

After washing, Zhao Fujin had his hair loose and a long gown. As soon as he walked out of Baojin Tower, he saw Li Bangyan holding a painting and laughing at him. Before he could speak, he sneezed three times in a row.

"Guan Jia, the painting is finished."

Seeing that Li Bangyan was really obedient, Zhao Fujin felt a little guilty and secretly swore: "The last time, this is really the last time!"

"Follow me."

Li Bangyan handed the painting into the hands of the chamberlain and followed Zhao Fujin. The monarch and his ministers walked around the path by the pond and chatted.

After hearing Zhao Fujin's difficulties, Li Bangyan gave some advice and said: "It is not appropriate to seize money from the Ministry of Justice. If Li Gang knows about this, he will not hesitate to say that the officials are wrong."

"I also know, so, what should I do about this matter?"

Just as Li Bangyan was about to speak, Zhao Fujin interrupted: "Don't mention the money. I know your family background. The money was earned by your ancestors through hard work. Don't be a waste of money."

When Li Bangyan heard this, he almost cried. The official's words were so heart-warming.

"I...I am saying that although we cannot cut off all of them, we can cut off nine out of ten, and the remaining ten or two will be included in the national treasury."

Zhao Fujin looked confused: "In this case, Li Gang won't scold him?"

"Li Xiang didn't participate in the settlement of the payment to the Caogang. How did he know how much money was paid from the Caogang?"

When Zhao Fujin thought about it, it made sense.

"But Qi Wei..."

"Don't worry, officials, I'll leave this matter to you. I promise that Minister Qi will keep his mouth shut!"

"really?"

"The officials should be at ease!"

Zhao Fujin still believed in Li Bangyan's methods of deceiving people, otherwise he would not have been able to have a drink and talk with Wanyan Zongwang in the Jin army camp and call him brothers.

"As for the matter of pardoning everyone in the Cao Gang, it's a bit troublesome."

Li Bangyan pretended to think deeply for a moment, and then stopped: "There is no need to pardon the pardon. All of them will be exiled and distributed until the escort officer leaves the city..."

Li Bangyan looked at Zhao Fujin with a smile: "The officials are repeating their old tricks, but...it's a pain for the escorting officials."

Zhao Fujin didn't care about letting a few escort officers take the blame. He had to take the blame for the court because he had a salary from the court. But these hundreds of people, not just one or two, disappeared out of thin air even if they were rescued?
"Harm, I will give the Ministry of War a decree saying that there are bandits in Qingcheng. Let them suppress them. Will this matter be over?"

"But these people are in Jinmingchi..." Zhao Fujin asked again.

"Jinming Pond? Where can there be Jinming Pond? This place will soon become the center of our navy in the capital of Song Dynasty. No casualties are allowed to enter, except for the Privy Council and the Ministry of War... No, the navy does not receive royal pay, so with It doesn’t matter to them, they are just official and pro-military people, and no one will dare to come to Jin Mingchi.”

After hearing this, Zhao Fujin smiled and said: "Fortunately, I was soft-hearted and didn't kill you, Li Bangyan. Apart from these things, I still have a huge task to entrust you with!"

When Li Bangyan heard this, he immediately put away his playful smile and said: "Your Majesty's will!"

"The matter of mercantile business is divided into domestic demand and foreign trade. Within the borders of the Song Dynasty, it is called domestic demand. I want to hand over this matter to you. In the future, you don't have to worry about other things and focus on domestic demand. As long as the Song Dynasty is not destroyed, This matter will not stop, are you confident?"

(End of this chapter)