Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 55: Bowing in the Shade

Zhao Mi said happily, "That's right. I just tried it. The crossbow that the palace commander improved on the basis of the enemy bow has greatly improved its accuracy and the convenience of stringing. I was just about to report it to the emperor."

Zhao Gou was overjoyed: "Very good, come on, take me to try it out."

The Song Dynasty lacked horses, but its powerful neighbors all had powerful cavalry.

If the Song Dynasty wanted to defeat cavalry with infantry, it could only rely on strong bows and crossbows.

Therefore, the Song Dynasty has always attached great importance to the improvement and manufacture of bows and crossbows.

Zhao Gou himself was a skilled archer and horseman, and he was particularly fond of riding and shooting, so he naturally attached great importance to the development of bows and crossbows.

Since the Song Dynasty invented the Shenbi crossbow, it has become an important weapon for the Song army to defeat enemy cavalry.

Han Shizhong once made improvements to the Shenbi bow to improve its accuracy and range.

Han Shizhong's improved version of the Shenbi bow is called the "Enemy-killing Bow".

However, there are still some problems with the Ke Di Bow, mainly in that the stringing process still places very high demands on the archer.

This means that the training of crossbowmen still requires a very high starting point.

Now, Palace Commander Yang Cunzhong has made some improvements based on the Ke Di Bow. The biggest change is that it is more convenient to string the bow.

Don't underestimate this link. Making it easier to wind the watch means that the difficulty of operation is greatly reduced at this critical link.

In this way, more soldiers can be converted into archers at any time, which is of great significance.

Zhao Mi let Zhao Gou into the camp.

There were soldiers in the camp doing drills in formation.

Because the emperor came incognito only to test the new crossbow, not to review the troops, there was no need to assemble the three armies, and the soldiers could not even be told that the emperor had arrived at the barracks.

Therefore, Zhao Mi led the emperor directly to the small parade ground nearby.

Zhao Gou casually glanced at the troops in training and was very satisfied with their neat appearance.

But Prince Pu'an Zhao Yuan, who was following closely beside him, started talking to himself with a puzzled look on his face.

"How come the number of soldiers training in this camp is so much less than when I was ordered to inspect it last month? It seems that there are less than half of them."

He said this very lightly, as if he was just confused and so was talking to himself.

But as the emperor's adopted son, he was always by Zhao Gou's side, and Zhao Gou heard this sentence clearly.

Zhao Gou's heart suddenly moved.

Zhao Gou was a man with an extremely delicate and sensitive mind.

When he was young, King Kang was a heroic and martial young man.

At that time, he was not only skilled in archery and horse riding, proficient in both civil and military affairs, but also had extraordinary courage.

When the Jin army was approaching the city, Zhao Gou was ordered to be an envoy to negotiate with the Jin army.

Some of the ministers traveling with him were so frightened by the power of the Jin people that they trembled like sieves, but King Kang remained unafraid and calm.

However, this person has a major character flaw.

Some people become more courageous and perseverant as they face more setbacks, but Zhao Gou is a typical person who will quickly slide from one extreme to another once his psychological defenses are broken.

He later became as afraid of the Jin people as a tiger and changed color when talking about them because of this reason.

He also went through the same psychological process regarding his sensitivity to and control over military power.

When Zhao Gou, as King Kang, took on the position of "Grand Marshal of the Army" and went to Hedong and Shandong to recruit soldiers, he actually did not have a single soldier on hand.

At that time, all his troops came from the defeated Song army or the rebel army.

These teams have complex compositions and origins, are based on many factions, and have varying degrees of loyalty, making it a headache for anyone to manage them.

It was a time of turmoil, and the prestige of the Song royal family was at its lowest.

Outside, there was the powerful enemy, the Jin Kingdom, and inside there was also chaos.

The fake emperor and fake army set up by the Jin people, the righteous army that claimed to be an uprising but robbed and harmed the people everywhere, Li Yu and Zhang Yu in Shandong; Yang Tianwang and Tou Shouhua in Hebei; Li Cheng in Hubei; Zhong Xiang and Yang Yao in Hunan; Chen Xin and Wang Quan in Jiangxi; Fan Ruwei in Fujian and Guangdong; Cao Cheng in Guangxi...

Amid internal and external troubles, Zhao Gou was able to gather all the troops under his command, and eventually make these military leaders submit to him. This naturally showed that he was quite resourceful and scheming.

At that time, he dared to delegate military power.

Objectively speaking, these military leaders are all members of his own team, so he has no choice but to give up power even if he doesn't want to.

Subjectively, the psychological trauma caused to the emperors by the generals who frequently usurped the throne during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period is too distant.

However, when the Jin army was about to cross the river and the newly established Southern Song Dynasty was actively preparing for war, something went wrong internally.

The two generals Miao Fu and Liu Zhengyan actually launched a mutiny, killed the famous prime minister Wang Yuan, and forced Zhao Gou to abdicate.

This sudden change caused the famous general Zhang Jun to hastily abandon the river defense and lead his troops to Hangzhou to rescue the emperor. The Jin army successfully crossed the river to the south without bloodshed.

Zhao Gou was under house arrest, but was rescued thanks to the cooperation of Han Shizhong and his wife, the legendary couple, and other loyal generals.

However, the Jin army had already crossed the river, and Zhao Gou, who had just been rescued, had no time to organize a defense.

Thus, the tragic "mobilizing millions of troops to the West Lake" and "searching the mountains and seas" began...

During the Miao-Liu Rebellion, Zhao Gou was worried and tortured day and night. He did not even have time to breathe before he began his escape.

Every day, he was literally racing against the Jin army's fast horses and cavalry, and in the end he could only escape to the sea.

The tragic experience of living in fear day and night and not knowing what would happen next left an indelible and terrible shadow in Zhao Gou's heart.

From then on, release the military power?
Haha, it’s impossible, it will never be possible.

Miao and Liu's actions brought the distant history of those generals who killed their kings and usurped the throne during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period closer to Zhao Gou's mind, and it was deeply imprinted in his heart like a branding iron.

From then on, Zhao Gou became extremely sensitive about military power and developed an obsessive and pathological desire for control.

However, he only saw the disloyalty of Miao and Liu, but ignored the loyal and courageous generals such as Zhang Jun, Yang Cunzhong, and Han Shizhong, as well as the loyalty and bravery of thousands of loyal and righteous warriors in the process.

He only remembered the tragedy of how he lived in fear day and night and was on the verge of death at all times during those days.

However, he overlooked how many Han men followed him without hesitation during this process, sacrificing their lives and blood, and never leaving him!
His character determined his fate and also doomed him to failure in achieving great things.

Just imagine, would a person with this kind of personality ignore the words "casually spoken" by his adopted son?

Yang Cunzhong, who served as the commander-in-chief of the Palace Front Department and was actually in charge of the three yamen, was the most trusted military general in his life.

Yang Cunzhong was a descendant of the Yang family of the Northern Song Dynasty. When Zhao Gou went to Hebei and Shandong to recruit soldiers as the Grand Marshal, Yang Cunzhong was the guard of the Grand Marshal's Mansion, guarding Zhao Gou's bedroom day and night.

In the repeated dangers, Yang Cunzhong always stayed by his side, risking his life for him time and time again.

Therefore, although Zhao Gou had developed a morbid obsession with military power, he still had great trust in Yang Cun Zhong.

In fact, Zhao Gou's trust in Yang Cunzhong was far greater than his trust in his close companion Zhang Quwei and Prime Minister Qin Hui.

However, his adopted son Zhao Ai's "inadvertent" words to himself still made him suspicious.

So, when Zhao Gou stood on the small parade ground, took the newly improved crossbow from Zhao Mi and examined it carefully, he asked casually, "Isn't Zifu on duty in the army today?"

Zifu is Yang Cunzhong's pen name. Zhao Mi hurriedly said, "Qinsi Sanchang has purchased a new batch of western horses. Yang Gong has gone to select war horses. He wants to select a batch to supplement the Xixi Village Horse Army Division."

Zhao Gou nodded, pointed the bow to the ground, and wanted to put his foot into the "dry stirrup".

Zhang Quwei, the great eunuch, said earnestly, "Sir, this is a powerful crossbow of 2.7 tonnes. I am afraid it will hurt your waist strength. Let me fire the crossbow for you."

Zhao Gou glanced at him and said calmly, "I am not old yet, but I can't even fire a crossbow?"

He stepped on the "dry stirrup", exerted strength with his arms, and pulled the powerful crossbow open in one go.

Zhao Mi and Prince Pu'an Zhao Yuan cheered in unison.

Zhang Quwei quickly handed over a wooden feather arrow and complimented him, "Your Majesty is really energetic. If it were me, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to do it as well as you even if I tried my best."

Zhao Gou laughed and scolded: "You are a shameless old killer, you only have a pink mouth."

He took the crossbow arrow, put it on the string, held the crossbow with both arms, aimed at the target in the distance, and asked casually:

"Did Zifu take many people with him? I see that less than half of the soldiers who were training are left in this camp."

"Uh... this..., minister..."

After hearing this, Zhao Mi suddenly became speechless.

Zhao Gou's heart trembled, and he slowly turned his head to look at Zhao Mi, his eyes darkened for a moment: "What's wrong?"

Zhao Mi gritted his teeth and said, "I... dare not deceive you. The soldiers in the camp are indeed missing half."

Zhao Gou smiled and said, "Oh? Then... where are the people?"

Zhao Mi lowered his head in embarrassment and said, "A cat was lost from Prime Minister Qin's home. All the districts, counties, and even Lin'an Prefecture mobilized their forces, but the cat's whereabouts were still unknown.

So... the Palace Marshal..., ahem! The Palace Marshal assigned some soldiers from the three yamen to help Prime Minister Qin... find the cat."

Zhao Gou's eyes suddenly shrank, and even his eyelids tightened because of inexplicable tension.

But it was only a momentary change. Before anyone could notice his expression, Zhao Gou quickly regained his composure.

However, the eunuch Zhang Quwei felt a little uneasy because of Zhao Mi's words.

The three people, the Grand Eunuch Zhang Quwei, Qin Hui, and the Doctor Wang Jixian, had a relationship in which they all prospered and suffered together.

Someone once joked that the government entrusted state affairs to Qin Hui, family affairs to Zhang Quwei, and one's own life to Wang Jixian.

What does that mean?

In other words, the government handed over all state affairs to Qin Hui.

All affairs in the harem were handed over to the eunuch Zhang Quwei.

The so-called entrusting one's life to Wang Jixian..., that's because Wang Jixian was a doctor.

This doctor is not particularly good at treating other diseases, but he specializes in treating that disease with miraculous effects.

When Zhao Gou was enjoying himself with a favorite concubine, news came that the Jin army was approaching, which frightened Zhao Gou so much that he became ill.

From then on, let alone having children, even if he just wanted to have fun, he had to rely on the aphrodisiac provided by Wang Jixian.

Therefore, Wang Jixian is a medical officer that he cannot do without.

Qin Hui first used money to pave the way and won over the great eunuch Zhang Quwei, and then asked his wife Wang to recognize Wang Jixian as her sworn brother. From then on, the three of them formed an inseparable alliance.

Realizing that Zhao Mi's words were somewhat taboo, although the emperor did not show any displeasure, Zhang Quwei still hurried to make amends for Qin Hui.

"Ahaha, has the cat lost by the Qin family not been found yet? Your Excellency, I have heard about this matter as well.

"The cat in the Qin family is Madam Tong's favorite, and Madam Tong is the favorite of Prime Minister Qin.
"Prime Minister Qin is now at an age where he can enjoy playing with his grandchildren. How can he bear to see his granddaughter crying all day long?

"So he asked the local residents to help investigate. These people walk around the streets all day long, so it's very convenient.

“However, Prime Minister Qin paid money and offered a reward, so he didn’t use these officials for nothing.

“I never thought that all the civil and military officials would do their best and participate in it.

"The officials say that I am a soft-spoken person, but in my opinion, these officials are the ones who are greedy.

"They all think that the emperor values ​​Prime Minister Qin the most, so they are trying to please the emperor in various ways."

"You, you, you are so outspoken. If Zifu hears you, he will slap your little pink mouth into three pieces. Then I will not protect you, haha..."

Zhao Gou had quickly adjusted his mood and said with a smile: "It turns out that Jiayue's cat is lost.

"When I went to Qin's house, I saw her cat. It was indeed Jiayue's pet that she never left.

"Qin Qing loves Jiayue the most. When that girl starts crying, Qin Qing really can't handle it..."

At this point, Zhao Gou's face darkened: "Under the emperor's feet, with so many people mobilized, we can't find a cat?
"If someone does something illegal, what can we expect them to do? I think Cao Yong doesn't want to do this Lin'an Prefecture anymore!"

Prince Pu'an Zhao Yuan, the Dragon Guard's fourth wing commander Zhao Mi, and the eunuch Zhang Quwei all leaned forward and said, "Your Majesty, calm down."

Zhao Gou picked up the new crossbow again, aimed at the target in the distance, and said calmly: "Ask the Imperial City Bureau to help look for him. No matter if he is dead or alive, we must find his whereabouts!"

Zhang Quwei secretly breathed a sigh of relief and was about to agree when Pu'an County Prince Zhao Ai spoke quickly and answered first, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. The Imperial City Bureau also started to help look for it yesterday."

Zhao Gou's fingers suddenly tightened, and the "hanging knife" of the powerful crossbow was pulled down at once.

The wooden feather arrow shot out and hit the bull's eye a hundred steps away, and the arrow tail kept buzzing.

Zhang Quwei quickly swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue, and clapped his hands and cheered.

Zhao Gou smiled and said to Zhao Mi, "Have you named the crossbow that Zifu improved?"

Zhao Mi cupped his hands and said, "It has not yet been named."

Zhao Gou said: "Although the Ke Di bow is an improvement over the Shenbi crossbow, it is still difficult to deploy.

"The crossbow that Zifu has improved is exquisitely crafted and can be fired far. What's even more rare is that it can be deployed even on horseback. I will give it a name, let's call it... 'Mahuang Crossbow'."

Zhao Mi bowed happily and said, "I thank your majesty for naming the divine crossbow."

Zhao Gou smiled and said: "Zi Fu obeys my orders and is loyal and faithful. He is truly my role model.

"I want to appoint Zifu as Grand Tutor. What do you think?"

Everyone was shocked, and Prince Pu'an hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Yang Cunzhong is a military commander. He has not fought in any wars recently and has no military achievements. If he is promoted hastily, it seems... not enough to convince the public."

Zhao Gou raised the crossbow in his hand and said, "Zi Fu made the 'Ma Huang Crossbow'. Isn't that a great achievement?"

Zhao Mi clasped his fists and said, "Improving military equipment is certainly a merit, but it is not enough to make me the Grand Master, Your Majesty."

Zhang Quwei smiled and said, "Sir, I think the Prince and General Zhao are right."

"Oh? Then... let's discuss it later..."

Zhao Gou threw the "Mahuang Crossbow" to Zhao Mi and smiled faintly.

The attendant Yu Huai stood aside, neither raising his head nor opening his eyes.

He just held the book and the pencil, and hurriedly wrote down the conversations between the monarch and his ministers, as if he was not aware of the subtle wit between them...

(End of this chapter)