I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 146 The Flower and Stone Tribute Has Arrived

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The reason why Zhao Yu forced the Western Xia to take the initiative was not because he believed in diplomacy before resorting to force.

Instead, thirty years ago, Emperor Shenzong of Song had already launched a full-scale attack on Xia with five armies, attempting to destroy Xia in one fell swoop and engage in a struggle for the fate of the nation, proving that such a conquest of Xia was not feasible.

The roads between the Song and Western Xia were treacherous, traversed by the Hengshan Mountains and the vast Gobi and Mu Us Deserts. At that time, the Song army's logistics relied primarily on manual labor, resulting in low efficiency. A single laborer could carry enough grain to sustain one soldier for nine days' advance into Western Xia territory. At most, 200,000 to 250,000 laborers could support a Song army of 350,000 for about 300 li (approximately 150 kilometers). After reaching this limit, the Song army lacked the capacity to continue, and their supply lines were frequently harassed by Western Xia raids, leading to food shortages.

Meanwhile, the Western Xia adopted a scorched-earth policy, making it difficult for the Song army, which had penetrated deep into enemy territory, to obtain supplies. Lacking siege equipment, the Song army besieged Lingzhou for eighteen days without success, only to have their camp flooded by the Western Xia army releasing water from the Yellow River, resulting in heavy losses.

In addition, due to factors such as poor command and coordination, strategic and tactical errors, improper personnel selection, and poor timing on the Zhao Song Dynasty's side, the achievements of Wang Anshi's reforms were almost wiped out in one battle.

At that time, Shaanxi's annual expenditures surged to more than 33 million strings of cash.

As a result, because they failed to win that crucial war, Emperor Shenzong of Song died in depression. Gao Taotao and Sima Guang led the conservative old party to completely reject Wang Anshi's reforms and wanted to return all the territories that Emperor Shenzong and Wang Anshi had conquered. The war almost destroyed the fate of the Zhao Song Dynasty.

Some people often have the misconception that the Song Dynasty had a larger army than the Western Xia Dynasty.

In reality, although the Song Dynasty's army was not small, in the Shaanxi battlefield alone, the number of Song troops was never as many as that of the Xia army.

At its peak, the Imperial Guards, Local Army, and Township Army of the six northwestern routes, along with their families, numbered around 300,000 to 400,000.

However, due to the need to defend the long border, the troops were scattered across the vast battlefield and in scattered fortresses, making their forces somewhat stretched thin.

While the Western Xia dynasty had a much smaller population and territory than the Song dynasty, its national mobilization capacity was far superior to that of the Song dynasty.

As is well known, the Western Xia was a state established by the Tangut people.

Even in the early years of their state, the Tangut people still retained many characteristics of late primitive society.

Therefore, after the establishment of the state, the Western Xia had two organizational structures at the grassroots level: the village system dominated by Han people and the tribal system dominated by non-Han people.

Later, during its development, the Western Xia upgraded the village system into a system similar to the Baojia system of the Song Dynasty, which consisted of ten households forming a Jia, five Jia forming a Xiaojian, and two Xiaojian forming a Qianliu.

The Baojia system was an attempt by Emperor Shenzong of Song and Wang Anshi to make up for the low mobilization capacity of the conscription system of the Zhao Song Dynasty, and it was later adopted by the Western Xia.

During wartime, the inhumanity of the Baojia system, a form of conscription, often revealed the darkest side of ancient dynasties.

At the same time, the tribal system of the Western Xia Dynasty was preserved.

These tribes retain many remnants of primitive social lifestyles.

Tribal troops are always the easiest to mobilize.

The tribal slaves under them had virtually no human rights.

As a result, the understanding of primitive society, combined with the system of the Middle Ages, naturally formed the terrifying mobilization capacity of the Western Xia Dynasty, which could mobilize the entire population to be soldiers.

From the time when Empress Dowager Xiao Liang ruled the Western Xia until she was poisoned by a Liao envoy, the Western Xia attacked the Zhao Song Dynasty almost every year.

Each time the Western Xia launched an attack, it involved the mobilization of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of troops, each time with overwhelming force.

The Western Xia army had been preparing for war for many years, possessed a large number of cavalry, was fast-moving, familiar with the terrain, and was good at ambushes and cavalry warfare, giving them a home-field advantage.

The Song Dynasty's army was mainly composed of infantry, which had poor mobility and was often at a disadvantage when fighting against the Western Xia cavalry.

As early as Fan Zhongyan's time, he adhered to the strategic concept of active defense. When fighting against the Western Xia, he advocated not engaging in large-scale direct battles with the Western Xia easily, but rather strengthening the construction of border fortifications, training soldiers, and using small units to conduct flexible attacks and harassment to disrupt the Western Xia's military operations and logistical supplies, thereby gradually weakening the Western Xia's strength.

During the reign of Zhang Jie, who was later known as "the most capable literati in the Northern Song Dynasty," he proposed the combat strategies of "shallow attacks to harass the enemy" and "fortress advance."

What is meant by "shallow attack to harass the enemy"?
Relying on the Song army's six bases in the northwest, they launched small-scale attacks on the Song-Xia border to disrupt the production and lives of the local Tangut people, making them restless.

The "fortress advance" involved constructing numerous easily defensible fortresses on the edges of the areas actually occupied by the Song army, gradually infiltrating into the heart of Western Xia, and using these fortresses as springboards to launch new attacks against Western Xia.

These two strategies hit the Western Xia's Achilles' heel.

The Western Xia was located in a remote area with a weak economic foundation. The Tangut people were skilled in riding and archery but not in siege warfare.

The Song army's construction of fortifications was like putting an increasingly tight noose around the Western Xia, forcing the Western Xia army to take the initiative to attack and endlessly deplete its war-making capabilities in siege warfare.

The Song army could take advantage of the fortifications, wait for the enemy to tire themselves out, and concentrate its forces to annihilate the Western Xia army.

The "shallow attack and advance" strategy and tactics were military theories for defeating the Xia dynasty, summarized from practical experience by capable ministers of the Song dynasty who were on the front lines.

Ultimately, history has proven that this was the most effective means of conquering and destroying the Western Xia.

However, this strategy also has a problem: it requires forcing the Western Xia to take the initiative to attack so that the Song Dynasty can continuously deplete the Western Xia's national strength.

Furthermore, Zhao Yu's Shenji Army and the Sifu New Army are not yet fully trained, so now is not the time to launch a full-scale war against Western Xia.

Therefore, the Song Dynasty continued to use "shallow attacks to harass the enemy" and "fortress advances" to compress the Western Xia's strategic space, deplete the Western Xia's war-making capabilities, and wait for the opportunity to annihilate the Western Xia in one fell swoop...

……

The construction site of Yanfu Palace.

Having nothing to do today, Zhao Yu brought Yuan Qingcheng and others to check on the progress.

To build Yanfu Palace, the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works moved all the wineries, tailoring workshops, and oil and vinegar warehouses outside Gongchen Gate, as well as two Buddhist temples and two military camps, to make way for Yanfu Palace.

After this expansion, the imperial palace of the Song Dynasty would reach a circumference of nine li and thirteen steps. Although it was still the smallest among the major dynasties in history, it was still much better than before. Upon learning of Zhao Yu's arrival, Zhao Ji, Li Jie, and others who were in charge of the construction of Yanfu Palace hurriedly came to welcome him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Zhao Ji, Li Jie, and others bowed deeply in respect.

"No need for formalities, please rise," Zhao Yu said.

Then, Zhao Yu asked about the matter he was most concerned about: "You two submitted a memorial saying that there has been a major breakthrough in cement. Take me to see it immediately."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji and Li Jie led the way, with Li Jie saying:
"We must thank Consort Ma for this. In the cement research and development guidelines she left us, she clearly stated that cement firing requires extremely high temperatures. We realized that ceramic firing temperatures can reach relatively high levels, and famous kilns such as Ding Kiln and Ru Kiln fired porcelain at even higher temperatures. In addition, our Great Song Dynasty has also made progress in metallurgy and other fields, and has accumulated some expertise in high-temperature technology. Based on this, our Ministry of Works developed the cement kiln..."

Li Jie put it simply, but in reality, the hardships that the people in the Ministry of Works endured in cement research and development were beyond what outsiders could comprehend.

For example, because they lacked the ability to accurately analyze and proportion the material composition, the Ministry of Works conducted tens of thousands of experiments in developing cement proportions.

Fortunately, Ma Xiaojiao had been exposed to various materials in modern times and had some understanding of their properties. After traveling back to the Northern Song Dynasty, she was able to identify the key raw materials for making cement, such as limestone and clay. Furthermore, she used her knowledge to propose directions for processing and treating these raw materials, as well as how to meet the requirements for making cement.

With these foundations, the Ministry of Works was able to achieve such a significant breakthrough in cement research and development in less than a year.

Zhao Yu personally inspected the cement developed by the Ministry of Works, and witnessed their experiments and the concrete poured with this cement. He confirmed that although the cement developed by the Ministry of Works was far inferior to the cement of later generations, it was much better than the cement that Ma Xiaojiao and her team had made before, and it could even be used with difficulty.

Zhao Yu immediately promoted Li Jie to a higher rank and title, and all those who had contributed to the matter were also rewarded.

Afterwards, Zhao Yu said, "This cement is truly a revolutionary tool for the construction of our Great Song Dynasty. It can make palaces sturdy and durable, and the dwellings of the people can also be improved as a result, freeing them from the ravages of wind and rain. I am delighted to see it. It is truly a great fortune for the country and a blessing for the people."

Yuan Qingcheng added from the side: "If the use of cement is widely promoted, not only will palaces benefit, but roads, bridges, water conservancy and other infrastructure will also become more sturdy and durable, which will be of immeasurable benefit to the development of our Great Song Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu pretended to be delighted and said, "What my beloved consort says is absolutely right. Such excellent materials should be widely used to benefit all people. I intend to issue an edict ordering the Ministry of Works to promote the cement refining technology throughout the country as soon as possible, and it may be used wherever needed."

Upon hearing this, Li Jie and the others were overjoyed!
"We have already begun preparations to compile the techniques of cement refining into a book so that it may be passed down to future generations and benefit our descendants. We will also strengthen research and development to further improve the techniques of cement refining in order to meet the needs of the nation," Li Jie said.

“Excellent,” Zhao Yu said.

After Zhao Yu finished inspecting the cement, Zhao Ji very attentively invited him to a temporary building to see the blueprints for Yanfu Palace that he had already drawn.

Upon arriving at the temporary building, Zhao Yu was immediately struck by the thousands of blueprints on the walls.

Zhao Yu's gaze slowly moved across the blueprints, discovering that every detail seemed to contain ingenious craftsmanship.

Overall, the design of Yanfu Palace is intricate yet elegant, possessing both the solemnity and majesty of the original Song Dynasty palaces and incorporating novel layouts and concepts, making it truly breathtaking.

To be honest, Zhao Ji's artistic talent was truly remarkable. Putting aside his exquisite designs, any one of his drawings would have been enough to ensure Zhao Yu's comfort and wealth in later generations.

Clearly, Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) devoted a great deal of effort to the construction of Yanfu Palace.

“Prince Duan’s design is indeed magnificent, but it is not advisable,” Zhao Yu said with regret.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji's heart tightened, and he quickly asked, "Is there something amiss?"

"In my opinion, although it is very good, it is extremely luxurious and will surely take a long time and effort, which may cause hardship to the people and waste resources. It is not a long-term plan for the country, so it should not be adopted," Zhao Yu said.

"Your Majesty's concern for the affairs of the state is a blessing to the nation. However, the construction of Yanfu Palace is not for personal gain, but to demonstrate the majesty of our Great Song Dynasty and to inspire the people. This expense should not be spared."

"Furthermore, the construction of Yanfu Palace can also promote the improvement of craftsmanship and the development of related industries, and it is not entirely without benefit to the people. I believe the key is to maintain a proper balance and prevent the trend of extravagance from becoming prevalent."

"Furthermore, if Your Majesty wishes to promote cement, there must be examples to reassure the people. Under heaven, is there anything more convincing than an imperial palace?"

It's clear that Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) didn't want to change his brilliant design.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yu did not give Zhao Ji any face at all and directly rejected Zhao Ji's statement: "It is just a residence, there is no need to be so exquisite. The building materials can be obtained from nearby. For you to collect 4,600 Taihu stones from Suzhou and Huzhou is too extravagant and wasteful."

This Taihu stone was precisely what Zhao Ji was proud of. He thought that Zhao Yu, this bumpkin, had no idea how beautiful the Taihu stone was, which was why he refused to use it.

So Zhao Ji hurriedly said to Zhao Yu, "Your Majesty may not know, but these Taihu stones are extremely beautiful and are the perfect material for building gardens, emphasizing 'slenderness, wrinkles, holes, and transparency'..."

At this moment, Emperor Huizong was completely obsessed with Taihu stones. In his view, it would be a huge loss for him not to use these Taihu stones to decorate Yanfu Palace.

Yuan Qingcheng could no longer bear it and advised, "Your Majesty, this source of evil must not be allowed to be opened..."

Upon hearing Yuan Qingcheng's words, a fleeting look of displeasure crossed Zhao Ji's face. He wanted to say, "What do you, a woman confined to the palace, know? How dare you interfere with my plans? Besides, they're just some broken stones; how much could they possibly be worth?"

But Zhao Ji dared not, because he felt closer to Yuan Qingcheng than to Zhao Yu.

Yuan Qingcheng continued, “When the ruler has a certain preference, those below will follow suit. Once this precedent is set, everyone will imitate it. In such a time, in order to obtain flowers and stones, officials may not hesitate to destroy people’s houses and graves and forcibly seize them. Even worse, many people will be ruined because of flowers and stones. These small flowers and stones will consume huge amounts of public funds, increase the burden on the national treasury, empty the national treasury, arouse public resentment, and shake the foundation of our Great Song Dynasty’s rule.”

What Yuan Qingcheng said was not only considered too exaggerated by Emperor Huizong and some courtiers, but even some of the old party officials present felt that Yuan Qingcheng had gone too far.

'They're just some stones, why make such a big deal out of it?'

'Empress Yuan is even more demanding than the remonstrating officials; women like her are unlikely to be favored by the monarch for long and will probably fall out of favor quickly.'

However, to the surprise of those present, Zhao Yu praised Yuan Qingcheng's advice: "My beloved consort is truly a wise consort. What you say is absolutely right. This source of evil must not be allowed to be opened. Now our Great Song Dynasty is in dire need of reconstruction. How can we spend money on large-scale construction projects? Saving this money and exempting the people from taxes is the way to govern the country."

Yuan Qingcheng was not Zhang Chun. Otherwise, if she had seized the opportunity to kneel and express her gratitude to Zhao Yu for his slip of the tongue, she would have been immediately promoted to the rank of Consort Xian, one of the four consorts. Instead, she simply bowed with satisfaction and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

Subsequently, Emperor Zhao Yu issued an edict: the building materials needed for the construction of the palace must be sourced locally from the capital region or purchased fairly from the people; no one is allowed to use this matter to disturb the public, otherwise they will be severely punished. Furthermore, Yeonbok Palace does not need a large garden or water system; a few simple embellishments will suffice. Any extra space should either be used to build more houses to improve the living conditions of the palace staff, or to build an inexpensive plaza for the palace staff to exercise in…

……

(End of this chapter)