The prince is more stable

Chapter 943 Volunteering to Lead the Army
An emperor's thinking must surpass that of ordinary people.

The army lacked a commander-in-chief, and the common people's thinking was to carefully select and cautiously appoint generals from the imperial court.

But the emperor's thinking was that if this expedition lacked a commander-in-chief, then the next expedition would also lack a commander-in-chief, and the problem needed to be solved at its root.

While Zhao Xiaoqian was considering candidates for head coach, an idea immediately popped into his mind.

The Song Dynasty's emphasis on civil officials over military officers was a long-standing problem. To change this situation, it's not enough to just focus on the treatment of military officers and soldiers; much more needs to be done.

For example, establishing a Song Dynasty version of the Whampoa Military Academy.

From now on, we need to collect and stockpile talent for leadership positions. If we can't collect them, then we should actively cultivate talent for leadership positions.

The name of a military academy doesn't necessarily have to be too modern; it can be something like "Military Academy of So-and-so." The name is secondary; the main thing is that it should be divided into strict and detailed departments.

For example, there are infantry, naval, firearms, tactics, reconnaissance, and so on.

Of course, it is also necessary to establish a strategic command department, which is specifically designed to cultivate commanders-in-chief.

In the future, the Song Dynasty will launch many more wars. Zhao Xiaoqian has too many places to conquer, and the only way to resolve this is through war. Only a sufficient number of military commanders can guarantee the needs of future wars.

Zhao Xiaoqian thought about it more and more and felt that it was right. He was about to summon the Privy Councilor Xu Lai to meet with him and have a good talk about this matter when Zheng Chunhe entered the palace to report that Zhong Jianzhong, the Commander of the Palace Guard, was requesting an audience outside the palace gate.

Zhao Xiaoqian was taken aback, then immediately understood Zhong Jianzhong's purpose.

Hearing that the imperial court was going to launch a campaign to destroy the Western Xia, these generals who had once followed him could no longer sit still.

Destroying a country is an unparalleled achievement, and any general with even a little ambition would be envious. Moreover, the Song Dynasty's military is advancing by leaps and bounds, and the outcome is almost a foregone conclusion. The immense merit is within easy reach, and anyone who doesn't seize it would be a fool.

Zhao Xiaoqian was certain that not only Zhong Jianzhong, but also his father-in-law Di Zi, who guarded the palace, Chen Shou, and generals such as Zong Ze and Zhe Keshi who were stationed far away in Youzhou, would volunteer to lead the army after hearing the news of the court's expedition against Western Xia.

Zhong Jianzhong was probably the first to receive the news, so naturally he was the first to volunteer for the mission.

After hesitating for a long time, Zhao Xiaoqian decided to summon Zhong Jianzhong.

When Zhong Jianzhong came to pay his respects, he did not wear armor, nor did he dare to carry any weapons. Instead, he wore the court robes of a military officer and bowed respectfully upon entering the hall.

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed heartily and waved, saying, "Old Zhong, you've come at just the right time, right around mealtime. I'm starting to suspect you're deliberately here to freeload..."

"Sit down, Old Zheng, serve the meal. Make the portion bigger today. Old Zhong is a military officer and can eat three dou a day. I'm treating him to a meal, but don't let him eat only three-tenths full. I'll lose face if word gets out."

Zhong Jianzhong's face flushed, and he said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I didn't come here to freeload. It's just a coincidence."

"Since it's mealtime, I can't afford to feed you? Eat as much as you want. Back in the Juma River camp, you always managed to freeload off my good food..."

As he spoke, Zhao Xiaoqian's cheek twitched as he recalled the past: "I remember that outside the Juma River camp, there was a small market that had spontaneously formed among the people. On the first and fifteenth of each month, local villagers would go to the market to sell their mountain products."

“Chen Shou, the commander of the Imperial Guards who was by my side at the time, took a fancy to two deer antlers that a villager was selling. These things are very nourishing. As soon as he paid for them, you saw them and snatched them without saying a word and ran away. Those two deer antlers went into your mouth. Chen Shou, a tall and strong man, almost cried out in pain…”

Zhao Xiaoqian glanced at him and said, "Chen Shou still remembers this matter. He never has a good word to say about you."

Zhong Jianzhong's face flushed slightly, and he couldn't help but defend himself, saying, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. It was indeed something I stole, but I didn't eat it. Later, that scoundrel Zhe Keshi snatched it away, and it ended up in his dog's mouth."

Zhao Xiaoqian sneered: "Zhe Keshi is now far away in Youzhou guarding the border, and there is no way to verify the matter. You can say whatever you want."

Zhong Jianzhong said without changing his expression, "It's really something to eat. I can swear on the ancestral tablets of the Zhe family."

"...You'd better keep one eye open when you sleep at night, or your ancestors might pop out of the ground and rip your crotch."

"My killing intent is so strong that even ghosts and demons dare not approach me. I have nothing to fear!"

The two looked at each other and laughed, as if they had returned to the arduous yet joyful days when they were stationed at the Juma River.

Zhong Jianzhong suddenly sighed, "Fortunately, the Emperor has ascended the throne. If he had failed, none of us loyal brothers who followed him would have had a good end."

Zhao Xiaoqian also sighed, "Fortunately, it was you who led the Yan Yun troops back to the capital at top speed, giving me enough confidence. Otherwise, I really might not have been able to sit on this position."

"Your Majesty, I dare not claim credit. Even without the troops of Yan and Yun, I believe Your Majesty would have escaped unscathed. Your Majesty is ordained by Heaven; no one but you can sit on this dragon throne. Anyone who defies this and insists on sitting on it will surely suffer misfortune and a shortened lifespan, and die a gruesome death. Heh, like Zhao Ji..."

Zhao Xiaoqian glanced at him and sighed inwardly.

A military general is a military general; he speaks without any restraint. Is the death of Emperor Huizong something to discuss? Now that a suspicious emperor has taken over, Zhong Jianzhong has already been blacklisted.

It's just that Zhong Jianzhong was lucky to have such a good emperor, and they had a long-standing friendship, so he didn't hold a grudge against him.

Zheng Chunhe led several palace servants in to bring in the food, and as Zhao Xiaoqian had instructed, the imperial meal was indeed very large today.

A whole stewed chicken, braised pork the size of a baby's fist, a whole leg of lamb roasted until golden brown and dripping with oil... Zhao Xiaoqian cut off a small piece of roasted lamb leg and stuffed it into his mouth, saying as he ate, "Don't be shy, eat however you want. We're all old brothers, no need to worry about formalities."

Zhong Jianzhong rarely had the opportunity to attend palace banquets. After Zhao Xiaoqian ascended the throne, he held a grand banquet for his meritorious officials. Later, he would occasionally go to the palace to discuss matters with Zhao Xiaoqian and also attend a couple of banquets. However, Zhong Jianzhong was always very reserved and hesitant to move freely, afraid that he might do something wrong and violate the taboos of the palace.

Zhao Xiaoqian was afraid that he would be nervous, so he simply crossed one leg, broke off a chicken leg, grabbed it with his bare hand and put it in his mouth, eating with his mouth dripping with oil, making a very unsightly eating habit.

Since the officials had set an example, Zhong Jianzhong immediately stopped being polite and began to eat and drink heartily without any restraint.

"Let's not drink in broad daylight. Let's just have a simple meal to fill our stomachs. We still have serious business to discuss later," Zhao Xiaoqian mumbled, his mouth full of food.

Zhong Jianzhong finally remembered something and was about to speak when Zhao Xiaoqian pointed at him and said, "Shut up, eat first, we can talk after you're full."

The emperor and his minister wolfed down their food, while Zheng Chunhe, who was serving them, watched with his old face twitching repeatedly.

The emperor is kind and benevolent. He deliberately displayed an unseemly eating manner just to please Zhong Jianzhong. Such an emperor is truly one in a million.

The two finished eating quickly, and Zhao Xiaoqian raised an eyebrow: "I know you have a big appetite. To be honest, are you full? Shall I bring you a few more hearty dishes?"

Zhong Jianzhong shook his head, patted his belly, and let out a burp.

Okay, there's nothing more to say. This burp has already given Zhao Xiaoqian the answer.

Zheng Chunhe led the palace servants to remove the leftover food and served tea to the two men. The emperor and his ministers then sat down in a side room of the Funing Palace and began to discuss important matters.

Zhong Jianzhong stood up, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I have heard that Your Majesty intends to launch a military campaign to destroy Xia. I am unworthy, but I am willing to lead the army as commander-in-chief. If the mission fails, I am willing to die to atone for my sins!"

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed and said, "You were originally a suitable candidate for commander-in-chief, but you are the commander of the Palace Guard. If you leave, who will defend the imperial city of Bianjing?"

Zhong Jianzhong said urgently, "The Palace Guards protect the safety of the Imperial City, but His Majesty is now in power, the country is stable, and no villains dare to cause trouble. The Imperial City and the capital are as stable as Mount Tai, and it is impossible for anything to happen."

"Only by leading the army to destroy Xia can I demonstrate my talents and abilities and make contributions to Your Majesty. I request to go on the expedition, and I beg Your Majesty to grant my request!"

A mysterious glint flashed in Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes as he slowly said, "This time, we are allied with the Liao Kingdom to destroy Xia. If you were the commander, how would you handle this?"

Zhong Jianzhong had clearly thought things through before entering the palace, and upon hearing this, he replied without hesitation: "If I were to become the commander, I would not only annihilate the Western Xia army to the greatest extent possible, but I would also set aside a contingent of troops to guard against and prepare for the Liao army."

"The war to destroy Xia is a foregone conclusion, but it will ultimately be an allied war between the two countries. Moreover, the Song and Liao are only superficially united. I am worried that the Liao army will try to sabotage the war and create trouble. Therefore, I will pay close attention to the Liao army's actions and never give them any opportunity to take advantage of the situation."

"Furthermore, after the destruction of Western Xia, there are many matters concerning how to divide Western Xia's territory, population, and property, and how to deal with the Western Xia ruler, royal family members, and tribal leaders. As long as Your Majesty gives instructions, I will certainly comply without any discount."

After Zhong Jianzhong finished speaking, Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't help but cast an admiring glance at him.

As expected of one of the few commanders-in-chief in the world, Zhong Jianzhong's strategic vision and perspective are far more profound than those of ordinary generals.

Before the war even began, he had considered all aspects of the situation, including pre-war, post-war, political, and military matters.

This is the difference between a "commander" and a "general".

A true leader considers issues comprehensively, taking into account not only strategy and tactics, but also politics and allies.

Ordinary generals only care about winning a particular battle and don't bother to think about anything else.

Zhao Xiaoqian was initially reluctant to let Zhong Jianzhong lead the army, as he felt more at ease entrusting the safety of the capital, Bianjing, to him.

However, Zhong Jianzhong's response pleased Zhao Xiaoqian, and he couldn't help but waver at this moment.

"Old Zhong, this alliance with the Liao army to jointly destroy Western Xia is called an 'alliance,' but in reality, each side has its own agenda. It's called a 'division,' but after Western Xia is destroyed, the Liao army will definitely create trouble and clash with our Song army over the distribution of territory, population, and property."

"When that time comes, you don't need to hold back. Just beat them hard and don't bring shame to the Song Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Jianzhong's eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately understood Zhao Xiaoqian's meaning.

Sure enough, coming to the palace today was the right decision! Look, the commander-in-chief is in our hands!
Overwhelmed with excitement, Zhong Jianzhong immediately knelt down and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your trust. I will certainly live up to your mission and lead our mighty army to expand the territory of Your Majesty and bring Western Xia into the land of our Great Song!"

Zhao Xiaoqian scoffed, "How come your appetite is even bigger than mine? We agreed that the two countries would divide Western Xia, but you won't leave the Liao Kingdom a single drop. Won't they fight you to the death?"

"The Song Dynasty's treasury is currently empty. It can barely support the war against Western Xia, but it is not enough to go to war with Liao. So whether we join forces with Liao or we go to war, you have to figure out the right balance yourself."

"If a conflict breaks out with the Liao army, give them a good beating and then stop while you're ahead. Don't actually cause a major disaster for me, understand?"

"Yes! I understand. Give the Liao army a sound thrashing!"

Zhao Xiaoqian was taken aback: "Didn't you get the point right? The point is to beat the Liao army badly, right? The point is to 'quit while you're ahead'!"

(End of this chapter)