Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

德芳47岁王妃48岁长子30次子28幼子26女儿24-真宗38

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In the third year of Jingde, Song and Liao signed the Chanyuan Covenant, frequent exchanges of envoys, and the absence of wars. Facing the party that was already in trouble, Li Deming, the leader of the party, had the will to repair with Song, so he sent envoys to Song Dynasty several times. Express surrender.

In May, Zhenzong asked above the Golden Palace, "All dear friends, the party Xiang Li Deming has sent envoys to the court many times to express his submission. What do you think?"

Wang Qinruo stepped forward, "Your Majesty, I believe that he should be appointed as an official immediately and announced to the world to show his favor."

Several other ministers echoed, Defang was very displeased seeing this, turned around and said, "Your Majesty, I think the title is inappropriate at this time."

"Oh? Brother Huang, why did you say that?" Zhenzong was puzzled

"Report to Your Majesty, for many years, that party item has gained the benefits of being a fisherman between the Song Dynasty and the Liao Dynasty, and has been rewarded and ennobled by the two countries, but it has continued to betray its trust, surrender on the surface, and harass the border. Although Li Jiqian is dead now, Li Deming has ascended the throne. Up to now, they have only courted Liao, but now that Song and Liao have made an alliance, they know that there is no profit to be made, so they sent envoys to show their obedience, and I think that it should not be awarded immediately," Defang said.

Zhenzong thought for a while and nodded, "What the emperor said is true."

"Your Majesty" Kou Zhun, who was the prime minister at the time, stepped forward and said, "I also agree with the words of the eight sage kings. If your majesty bestows a gift at this time, it will show that our Song Dynasty is eager to repair it. I believe that we should let him see the strength of our Song Dynasty against the enemy." Determination, so that it does not take chances."

"Well, the prime minister's words are reasonable, and I also feel that the party item is very hateful, and he has broken his promise many times." Shinzong asked, "I don't know if the emperor and the prime minister have countermeasures?"

Defang looked at Kou Zhun, and Kou Zhun also glanced at Defang, and said, "Your Majesty, there are many Fan Han border people at the junction with Dangxiang. They understand both languages ​​and are familiar with the local terrain. They can be recruited as soldiers and given land. , making it an army of solid defense at the border."

Zhenzong nodded, "Okay, the prime minister's method is very good. I wonder if the prime minister has someone recommended to be in charge of this matter?"

Kou Zhun looked up at Defang, and Defang said, "Your Majesty, I wish to go"

"Brother Emperor?" Zhenzong was very surprised. "Brother Emperor, the danger of this border crossing is unknown, not to mention the current situation at the border is unknown. If anything goes wrong, I won't blame myself."

Defang stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I am afraid that I am the best candidate to go to the border."

"Why?" Zhenzong asked

"Your Majesty, more than 20 years ago, I sent an envoy to resolve disputes under the order of the late emperor. At that time, the leader of the party had a friendly relationship with Emperor Taizu, so he treated me courteously, and the problem quickly subsided. When I was guarding the gate, I went to I belong to all over the world, I have a good understanding of the terrain, and I have spent a period of time with local soldiers and generals, and I know their habits of dealing with people. I believe that by virtue of my status as a minister, returning to the border this time will definitely fulfill the emperor's order." Defang said.

Shinzong thought about it for a long time, and said, "What the emperor said is very reasonable, but...I always feel uneasy when I let the emperor go. I think that the emperor has lived in the capital for a long time, and I can't bear to travel here."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding, but this matter is related to the peace of the border, and it can be used to defend the party for a long time. With such a heavy responsibility, I cannot stay out of it. If someone else goes there and handles it improperly, it will definitely cause turmoil. Please let your majesty do it."

Zhenzong thought for a long time again, and said slowly, "Okay, I agree with Brother Huang to go and be responsible for the recruitment of border residents."

"The minister obeys the order" Defang bows