The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 70 National Conditions
On the first day of June in the first year of Jingfu, the sun was scorching hot.

After resting for a few days in Tianjingzhai, 7000 soldiers from the two capitals of Yingwu and Yicong escorted the seized property and materials back to Chang'an.

In this battle, more than 10,000 cattle, sheep, camels, and horses were captured. Some were for the Qi people's military supplies, and some were for the meat they had robbed along the way. Not to mention cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, chickens, and ducks, not to mention coolie horses and donkeys, all of which were used for agricultural production and baggage transportation.

After an inventory, 3786 military horses were found.

Some were used by the scouts under the command of the Yuyi Envoy, some were used by officers, and some were used by the Qi people's cavalry. There were nearly 5000 horses in total - real war horses. They were docile, strong, not afraid of the battlefield, and not sensitive to the sound of killing, but they were a little worse than the mounts of the Longjie Army. The war horses currently in service in the Longjie Army were bought by eunuchs from ranches in Hebei, Hedong, Xiazhou and other places when the eunuchs were in power. For example, the large and small ranches such as Loufanling, Caochengchuan, and Shenwuchuan under Li Keyong's rule - this made my father-in-law extremely arrogant. The Datong Army alone had less than soldiers, but more than war horses in service.

For example, in Yinzhou and Hengshan pastures under Tuoba Sigong's rule, there were also a large number of poor Tanguts who farmed and raised livestock, so the Xia people were not short of war horses. A few years ago, the Northern Division sent people to buy them, but Tuoba Sigong was so poor that he wanted to sell 20,000 horses, which was a sure way to relieve the emperor's worries. The eunuchs had the financial resources, but considering the lack of pastures in Guanzhong, they did not buy too many.

The war horses in service are different from other horses. The cavalry needs to be trained, and a large number of them will inevitably occupy too much arable land. It is a waste of natural resources to open a pasture on the fertile plains of Guanzhong. This is still a period of geographical humidification. Rice can be grown in Gansu, not to mention the Bashui royal capital.

Having said that, although the 3786 horses seized this time were of inferior quality, they were free - we had no guns or cannons, but the enemy made them for us!
This was a good thing, as it meant that the cavalry would be expanded again, and the Imperial Guards Cavalry Division would welcome the first batch of fresh blood. As for cavalry alone, Zhu Wen did not have as many as Chang'an.

Zhu Wen was different from his father-in-law - he didn't even consider the relationship between farming and animal husbandry! The iron cavalry charge on the battlefield was fun first. He attached great importance to agriculture, and he had done a great job in persuading farmers to do so in recent years. The farmers returned the favor and worked hard for King Bian. On the battlefield, these farmers who had not been trained for long and were fighting for their "homeland" beat the surrounding warriors to a pulp. So this determined that the people of Bian would not care much about cavalry - they must have them, but there was no need to be like Li Keyong, the big horse seller, who kept shouting about how many horses he had. Zhu Wen just asked: How many self-employed farmers do you have? In terms of the thickness of the health bar, the two sides were worlds apart.

A certain amount of silk, cloth, vehicles and clothes were also seized, but most of them have not been counted yet.

The officers' first concern was with war equipment.

In the battles of Meipi Ze and Tianjingzhai, the royal army chased the enemy northward and annihilated 20,000 rebels, capturing countless swords, bows, crossbows, armor, flags, halberds, and spears. Damn, the Qi people are really warlike, with more than 70% of them wearing armor, and each person has several kinds of weapons. Most of the warriors are flowery. It seems that under the governance of Fengxiang by Li Changyan, Li Changfu, and Li Maozhen, the Qi people have only existed for war in the past ten years.

In fact, it was not just the Qi people. The old vassal states of Bin, Pu, Xia, Jing, Wei, Jin, Zhao, and You were all in this situation. The accumulation of 150 years and the need for long-term internal and external wars made the military armaments reach the extreme. In the Zhonghe period of the late Tang Dynasty, Chengde offered tribute - I don't have any special products, so I'll just give tens of thousands of armors to the saint. Anyway, they will just gather dust in the warehouse.

This is also a significant feature of the late Tang and Five Dynasties that is different from other periods. In the Han, Wei, Jin, Liao, Jin, Song and Ming dynasties, how could the soldiers have such luxurious equipment? 70% of them wore armor, dreaming. Everyone had three swords, a spear and more than a dozen weapons. Didn't they wake up?

On the second day of the first lunar month, the sage led the Longjie, Longxing and Baozi cavalry to escort the captives back home. There was no other way, as the big toes of more than 3,000 captives were chopped off, and they could not walk for a few days.

At this moment, more than 3,000 people were tied up with their hands behind their backs, limping along the post road. The sun was high in the sky, and everyone was sweating profusely. Considering the possibility of riots and to temper their fierceness, they could only get a bowl of porridge every day to survive these few days, without any salt.

At first, the warriors would curse loudly or cry bitterly, regretting their actions. Gradually, as hunger set in, they became dizzy and no longer had the energy to make a fuss. Instead, they would wag their tails and beg for mercy from the knights escorting them, hoping to get a vinegar cake.

"I want your mother's cake!" The knight whipped him in the face.

The man fell to the ground on the spot, vomiting the green acid in his stomach and unable to get up.

The knight reined in his horse, drew out his cold sword, and thrust it against the back of his neck: "Can we go?"

"Yes, yes..." The soldier grabbed a bunch of weeds, held the horse's legs with his hands, and stood up shakily like a zombie.

The high-spirited sage rode by, patted his face, and encouraged him: "Hold on a little longer, and you will have a full meal when you reach Chang'an."

What awaits them is to be tattooed with numbers and sent to the evil army, where they will work for the country and the people until they die. Pardon? If the vicious criminals who cannot be reformed are released, it will affect public security. If it were not for the large number of laborers needed in the ditches of the eight rivers in the inner pass and the wastelands of the twenty-two counties in the capital, the unfathomable Mibei Ze and the big pit in Tianjing Village would be their rightful cemeteries.

This battle feels like the ancient tribal wars to capture slaves.

In addition, the various towns’ memorial offices have learned of the situation, and the local vassal states will have to readjust the way they get along with the imperial court.

Several little tyrants in Hebei would offer gifts to congratulate the court. Not to mention, the attitude of the five towns in Hebei, Zhao, Wei, Yan, Ding, and Heng, towards the imperial court was quite good. Although they were separatist, they had always done a good job in face-saving. Old man Du begged Weibo twice, and Weibo really gave it to him.

Needless to say, Chengde never stopped paying tribute. Ever since Princess Shouan married Wang Yuankui during the reign of Emperor Wenzong, Chengde changed his ways and became very respectful to the royal family. Is it difficult for the court to send troops to fight against the bandits? Pay two taxes! Huang Chao entered the pass to serve the king! Look, Li Maozhen was one of the soldiers sent to defend against the autumn, and so was the little king.

Youzhou was also okay. In the Qianfu year, he fought against Li Keyong. As soon as he received the benefits from the court, he immediately beat up Li Keyong and his son - take the money, do the work. However, it is said that the current Jiedushi - Jintou Wang Li Kuangwei is about to fail, and intends to bring his confidants to Chang'an. A few months ago, Youzhou Jinzouyuan spread the news to test the court's reaction. However, in history, Zhaozong himself could not protect himself and could not accept this dying hero.

The Jiedushi of Hebei Province could not survive and had to go to the court. This was a precedent left by Emperor Daizong. Don't be so rude to me. Let's give each other face. If you are desperate, Chang'an will be your retreat.

It now seems that this benevolent policy is still shining in the political arena.

Wang Chucun of Yiwu Army——, a military governor appointed by the court, was the first to send 2,000 soldiers to the pass to help the king during the Chaos period, showing gratitude. In addition, he was an ally of his father-in-law, so after receiving the news, it was a foregone conclusion that he would pay tribute.

As for Henghai, he is even more of a thief than Wei Bo! According to the old man, he hasn't paid tribute properly for ten years, and he only gives away some furs, fish, and salt from time to time. The court's patience is almost at its limit, and who knows when the Political Affairs Hall will discuss giving his territory to someone else.

I forgot, there is also Zibo Qingwang Normal School.

This kid has just inherited his father's position, and the people in the town are unstable. He still hopes that the court will give him certification. The king's decree is so magical. Without it, the people below think you are a wild chicken and want to replace you. With an imperial edict, you can more or less win the hearts of a group of people with this piece of paper. It can only be said that although an imperial edict is not very useful, it is necessary to have it.

If the old man sends someone to urge them, there is a high probability that Teacher Wang will also feed them heavily.

The above are the six overlords of Wei, Zhao, Yan, Ding, Cang and Qing. They will maintain relations with the court by adding money.

In the southeast Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangzhou, and the three sea commanders of Zhen, Jing, and Qing, Sun Ru's power has not been eliminated. The war is raging south of the Yangtze River, and there is no hope for the time being. In the past two years, only Dong Chang of Zhejiang sent troops with wealth to bypass the customs and travel thousands of miles to pay tribute. In the Central Plains, the four powerful vassals of Jin, Xu, Yan, and Yun have formed an alliance to jointly fight against the evil axis Zhu Quanzhong and his subordinates. Forget it.

I was lucky that my father-in-law didn't ask me for food.

Shu is still in the midst of a fierce battle between the foreigners and the thieves, and it will take at least a year or two to calm down. The towns in Hunan, Eyue, and Jiangxi are all in a state of chaos.

Only the small wolves and dogs in the inner and outer regions of the pass are left - Fu, Xia, Jing, Tong, Pu, and Jin. They are neither strong nor weak. Seeing the destruction of Qi and Bin, they must be very nervous. Will they unite to fight against the imperial court? Or will they just pay money to avoid disaster?

But Li Ye still wanted to ask them to move the town. However, the specific plan still needed to be carefully studied with the prime ministers.

Some Jiedushi were newly appointed and difficult to replace.

Xia, Fu, Tuoba and Tangut were very respectful to the imperial court and were very active in paying tribute. No matter who lost power, they would not be willing to accept it. There were also many Tanguts serving in the eight garrisons northwest of Beijing, which might lead to Tangut rebellion. Jing, Tong, Jin and Pu had to see who was easy to talk to. If they wanted to make someone move, the new position they gave had to be in line with their wishes, otherwise they would fight with you - the main thing was whoever won would listen to you.

Fine.

Up to now, in less than a year, Han Jian, Li Maozhen and Wang Xingyu have been eliminated, which is a great harvest.

The army entered the city from Tonghua Gate and escorted the prisoners to the military camp in Yongjiali. When the people saw them along the way, they started another massive wave of chasing, beating, scolding and throwing stones.

The saint did not return to the palace directly, but went to Ximen Chongsui's mansion.

The last time he came, the eunuchs and the young knights of Chang'an were still sneering at him and brandishing swords and guns. This time, Wang Congxun, He Chuyu, He Zongyi, Helian Weihuan, Zha Zhu and others brought more than a thousand elite soldiers. The guards on duty were directly wilted, but they were still required to remove their weapons and only ten people at most were allowed to enter.

Hearing this, He Chuyu turned over and dismounted, and yelled at them directly: "You made me angry, I will kill you bad guys."

Wang Congxun led dozens of soldiers and rushed out from behind the saint, ready to fight if they disagreed.

"When beating a dog, look at its owner." The saint patted He Chuyu and pulled his brother-in-law to his side.

At this moment, the door suddenly opened, and a loud and powerful shout came from inside: "Back off!"

When he looked closely, it was Ximen Qi, Ximen Zhongsui's adopted son, who came out. When he shouted, the guards retreated in anger. He Chuyu and Helian Weihuan looked at each other and led their men to push the guards away.

"How is Junrong's health?" Sitting down in the pavilion, the saint called Ximen Qi, Ximen Yuanyuan and a few of his trusted sons to ask.

"At the beginning of the illness, he was just dizzy and fainted from time to time, and couldn't stand steadily, but he lived a normal life and was able to inspect the troops. But in the past half month, he has been sitting or lying down, rarely going out, and doesn't like to talk." It can be seen that Ximen Qi and his friends have a deep relationship with the old pig herder. When he said this, his expression was heavy and he sighed, "He can't see clearly either, and needs someone to support him when walking."

"It has come to this..." The saint compared in his mind and thought that the old swineherd probably had a chronic disease such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

"What's the situation in the army?" he asked again.

"Without a leader, the situation is turbulent, and the fake sons and generals are scheming against each other." At this point, Ximen Qi did not shy away from it. Once his father died, everyone would definitely fight for the inheritance.

"Take me to see Junrong." The saint had mixed feelings. He loved, hated and was angry with the old pigherd.

Ximen Qi looked surprised and said, "I'm afraid that the disease will affect the saint, so let it go, right?"

"It's okay." This symptom is not an infectious disease, so there is no need to be afraid.

Entering the backyard, Ximen Qi asked the guards to leave and then led the saint and his entourage inside.

"Military appearance?" The saint stood at the door and shouted to the old man who was sitting on the armchair and staring at the blooming lotus flowers outside the window.

The person sitting there was no one else but the half-blind Ximen Chongsui. He had a white silk ribbon wrapped around his eyes and his long hair was casually draped over his shoulders, untied or pinned. Perhaps it was because he couldn't eat, or perhaps the long-term torture of illness had hollowed out his body, causing the once strong and muscular Ximen Chongsui to become much thinner.

Hearing the shout, Ximen Chong turned his head and flared his nostrils slightly.

"Is it the Emperor?"

"Haha." The saint laughed, walked forward, took the Huchuang and sat down next to the old pigkeeper, then held his hand: "I defeated the rebel army in Mibei Lake in Huyi and beheaded more than 20,000 people. Today I am returning to the court and came to see you."

"What's so good about this... Your not coming here is the greatest favor." Ximen Zhongsui sighed and touched the saint from head to toe. "There are thick calluses on his hands and a wound on his left face. Was it scratched by thorns? It's a pity that I'm blind and can't see. You've defeated tens of thousands of rebels and made great progress. Have you captured Wang Xingyu and Li Maozhen?"

"They were both killed by their subordinates." The saint replied while combing his hair.

"The thieves will rise with this, and will fall with this." Ximen Zhongsui coughed twice, propped up his head and said, "Zhu Quanzhong is at the peak of his power, and Li Keyong has just suffered a great defeat. We must find a way to help him. Otherwise, no one in the world can control Quanzhong."

"I know." The saint said in a relaxed tone, "Take good care of yourself and eat a light diet, and you will get better."

"There is no way to save the situation." The old man knew his situation very well. His life was coming to an end. "Everything that is born will die. Death is the law of nature and it is natural. Why should we be too sad?"

"Father..." Ximen Qi, Ximen Yuanyuan and others standing nearby choked up and burst into tears at the same time.

"He's not dead yet, why are you crying?" The old swineherd grunted weakly, and looked around with his eyes wrapped in white brocade, as if he was recalling their faces - the only ones he was worried about now were his disciples and a group of old subordinates who had served him for many years.

"Qi'er, you have always been honest and kind-hearted, but you are always bullied." Ximen Zhongsui hooked his finger, and Ximen Qi knelt down at his knees in one step: "Father...!"

This should be the adopted son that Ximen Zhongsui trusts and loves the most.

Calling over here in front of the saint...

Li Ye guessed the intention.

(End of this chapter)