The prince is more stable

Chapter 196 Deputy Envoy
Zhao Xiaoqian had a refined appearance and had never done anything outrageous. Instead, he was well-known for his talent in the city of Bianliang.

But he is actually a thorough hawk, and both his political and military inclinations are very strong advocates of using force to solve problems.

This is thanks to the national environment in his previous life. He was fortunate to grow up in an era of national strength and military rise. The country gave him sufficient confidence, which enabled him to develop the thinking of a citizen of a great country.

Kou can go, so can I.

Coming to this world and living in such a cowardly era, Zhao Xiaoqian had actually been feeling very aggrieved for a long time, otherwise he would not have invented the flintlock rifle and forced himself to increase the strength of the country.

Now that his strength has increased, these old guys in the court are still so weak. Zhao Xiaoqian is really angry and his words are not so polite.

If we send these old guys to the battlefield and give them flintlock rifles, what's the use of killing people from a hundred steps away? As soon as the enemy launches a charge, they will definitely throw down their weapons and run away.

This is why Zhao Xiaoqian always emphasized that no matter how advanced the weapons are, it is people who ultimately decide the outcome of the war.

These words infuriated the ministers, but Zhao Xu smiled happily when he heard them.

As expected, he is my brother. He is more caring than outsiders. This is what human beings say.

"Zi'an's words are very true. I agree with him deeply." Zhao Xu set the tone decisively.

The ministers who were angrily cursing Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly became silent.

The so-called "diplomacy" actually has the subtext of paying money, and everyone present knows it well.

In the past, Zhao Xu might have hesitated for a while and then reluctantly agreed with a look of hesitation.

But now Zhao Xu no longer has any psychological fear of the Liao Kingdom and Western Xia. Instead, he is eager to try, and Zhao Xiaoqian's words are exactly what he wants.

Slowly looking around at everyone, Zhao Xu said, "According to Zi'an's opinion, how should the Song Dynasty respond?"

Zhao Xiaoqian said bluntly, "My opinion is that this discussion is completely unnecessary. What the emperor and the officials in the Council of State should do is to immediately summon the Privy Council, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, and other departments to coordinate the supply of food, fodder, and weapons, mobilize the imperial guards, select a commander, and agree on a route for the march."

"When the enemy invades, tooth for tooth is the right path. When two countries go to war, only swords and fists can prevail. My lord, swiftness is of the essence in war. We must not miss the opportunity to fight. This matter cannot be delayed and a swift decision must be made."

Zhao Xiaoqian looked around at his ministers and said in a more serious tone, "Now that war has begun, the emperor, his subjects, the army, and the people must unite as one, sharing a common hatred for the enemy. Anyone who dares to talk about peace and disrupt the morale of our people and army will be executed."

The ministers' eyelids twitched, and when they looked at Zhao Xu's gloomy expression, they suddenly realized that the emperor agreed with what Zhao Xiaoqian said. War with Western Xia was probably inevitable.

Zhang Dun said in a deep voice, "The war is about to begin. The risks are enormous. If we lose this battle, not only will the Song Dynasty be unable to recapture the lost territory, but the entire northwest will be out of our control in the future. Who will bear the responsibility for this?"

Zhao Xiaoqian sneered, "Of course it's Zhang Xianggong who's responsible. You're the prime minister of the dynasty, are you going to let a kid like me, who just came of age, take the responsibility?"

Zhang Dun and everyone else were stunned. Whose child is this? How could he speak so irritatingly?

It was you who wanted to lead the war, but you want me to take the responsibility for the defeat?
Can the universal excuse of "he is just a child" be used in such an important national event?
Zhao Xiaoqian sneered.

Do you really treat me like a child? Do you think that if you provoke me with words, I will get hot-blooded and say "If I lose this battle, I will accept the death penalty"?
What was the old fox thinking? The child was not a fool, not to mention that he had lived two lives.

Seeing the situation becoming increasingly tense, Zhao Xu waved his hand and said, "Let's not talk about defeat yet. Zi'an's words make sense. Let's prepare for war first. We should act swiftly. Within three days, we will have all our troops, food, fodder, and weapons ready. The 30,000-man Dragon Guard Battalion will leave the capital and march northwest to join Zhang Yu's Northwest Army."

Zhang Dun sighed inwardly. It seemed that war was inevitable, so he asked, "When the Dragon Guard Camp leaves the capital, who will the emperor appoint as commander?"

Zhao Xu pondered for a long time before slowly saying, "We can't change generals right before a battle. We can appoint Zhang Yu, the General of Huanqing Road, as commander-in-chief and in command of all three armies, including the Dragon Guard Battalion."

"Also, the Huanqing Military Commander Zhe Keshi and the Dragon Guard Battalion Commander Zhong Jianzhong will serve as his deputies."

The commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief had been appointed, but Zhang Dun glanced indifferently at Zhao Xiaoqian and suddenly said, "Your Majesty, the Dragon Guard Battalion is a newly formed musket battalion. Our Great Song has obtained this sacred weapon, and we hope to display its power in this battle." "This is the Dragon Guard Battalion's first battle. The fate of the nation depends on it, and it is a matter of great importance. As the inventor of the flintlock musket, I believe that the Marquis of Anle should also accompany the army. The person who understands the flintlock musket best in the world is none other than the Marquis of Anle. How can the Dragon Guard Battalion's first battle be without the Marquis of Anle personally supervising the battle?"

Zhao Xiaoqian was horrified: "You..."

"Cough cough!" Zhao Xu coughed in time to stop Zhao Xiaoqian from swearing.

Even if he cursed the prime minister to his face in the government hall, Zhao Xu would not be able to show favoritism to him and would have to stay in the Dali Temple jail for a few days.

Zhao Xiaoqian was furious. The old man was a real dog. He took revenge so quickly, and it was a deadly revenge.

I can't enjoy the peaceful days, but you want me to go to the battlefield where arrows are flying and risk my life. This old man wants to cut off the lineage of the King of Chu with just one word.

Zhao Xu also showed an unhappy look. Of course, he was reluctant to let his brother risk his life. Zhao Xiaoqian was of great use to the country, so how could he easily take risks and stand on a dangerous wall?
Just as he was about to object, Xing Shu stepped forward and said, "I think what Minister Zhang said is quite right. Whether the flintlock rifle is truly useful on the battlefield requires actual combat. If the Marquis can personally lead the battle, he can make decisions on the spot and adjust tactics during the battle, thus increasing our army's chances of victory."

At this time, even Zeng Bu stood up and said, "I agree with you two. For the sake of national victory, the county marquis should indeed go to the battle to support the enemy."

Just now, Zhao Xiaoqian's impassioned speech mocked and denigrated everyone present. Now the retribution has come, and even the good-tempered Zeng Bu wants to stab him.

The three important ministers all spoke, leaving Zhao Xu speechless.

The reasons are very legitimate and sufficient.

As the inventor of the flintlock rifle, it would be inappropriate for him not to personally lead the charge when this artifact was used in the first battle.

Zhao Xu looked at Zhao Xiaoqian helplessly: "Zi'an, what do you think?"

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed. Since Zhao Xu asked this question, it meant that he could no longer change the facts.

What else?

Of course, just close your eyes and enjoy it.

"I am willing to share the emperor's worries." Zhao Xiaoqian said gritting his teeth.

Zhao Xu sighed and said, "In that case, I will appoint Zhao Xiaoqian as the Deputy Envoy of the Huanqing Road General Affairs and Pacification Office, assisting Zhong Jianzhong in commanding the Dragon Guard Camp. I will grant him the power to make decisions on the spot and act as he sees fit."

Zhang Dun frowned, and his first reaction was that the power granted to Zhao Xiaoqian was too great.

"Deputy Envoy of Strategic Planning and Pacification" is a position with real power, and he holds military power. He is also allowed to "make decisions on the spot", which means his power is even greater. Is an eighteen-year-old kid worthy of such an important position?

Just as he was about to open his mouth to object, Zhao Xu glanced at him coldly and said, "You said the words 'make a decision on the spot' yourself."

Zhang Dun felt a chill on his back and retreated silently.

He understood the warning in Zhao Xu's eyes.

You better stop it, or I'm going to get mad.

Zhang Dun restrained himself obediently.

Anyway, this official position is temporary. Once the war is over, regardless of victory or defeat, Zhao Xiaoqian will return to Bian Jing, and his position as Deputy Envoy of Strategy and Pacification will naturally be handed over and dismissed.

The commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief had been appointed. Zhao Xu stood up and looked around at the ministers. He said in a deep voice, "The war has begun. I hope that you will fight with me wholeheartedly. Anyone who secretly hinders me, pretends to obey but actually disobeys, or wastes the opportunity to fight, I will execute them!"

(End of this chapter)