The prince is more stable

Chapter 944 The Silent Ultimatum
After much deliberation, Zhao Xiaoqian finally decided to appoint Zhong Jianzhong as the head coach.

The Song Dynasty was indeed experiencing a decline in military talent, a consequence of its long-standing policy of emphasizing civil affairs over military matters. As a result, when the country needed capable people, there were not enough candidates, forcing the reassignment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Palace Guard to the position of commander-in-chief.

Since Zhao Xiaoqian ascended the throne, there has been something even more distressing for him: the national treasury is empty.

This feeling is very unpleasant. If we compare a country to a person, then this person is very poor, has no money to go out and spend, no money to see a doctor, and even has trouble eating.

Zhao Xiaoqian was originally full of ambition and eager to destroy Liao and Xia, but after half a year on the throne, he was even stingy when it came to fighting Western Xia. He clearly had the ability to destroy these two neighboring countries, but he had to change his plans because of the empty treasury.

The only first step the Song Dynasty can take is to destroy the Western Xia, and it will have to join forces with the Liao Dynasty.

It's like two poor people going out to eat a boxed lunch; they have to chip in to buy one, and then pitifully split it in half.

Thinking of this, Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, even for a hero.

A poor country really can't afford to fight a war.

The Han Emperor Wu's conquest of the Xiongnu, as recorded in historical texts, was based on a strong national foundation laid by Emperors Wen and Jing, which gave him the confidence to lead an army to defeat the Xiongnu.

What about Zhao Xiaoqian?

Although the Song Dynasty was wealthy, its expenditures were also enormous. The annual revenue of the national treasury was quickly depleted, not to mention that in recent years the Song Dynasty had frequently waged war against the Liao Dynasty. Once the army was mobilized, the daily consumption of grain was in the tens of thousands of bushels.

Fortunately, the Song Dynasty had a solid economic foundation, so Zhao Xiaoqian did not need to accumulate for too long, nor did he need to accumulate the wealth of two generations of emperors like Emperor Wu of Han before daring to take action against the Xiongnu.

"Old Zhong, you'll be the commander-in-chief of the western expedition against Xixia." Zhao Xiaoqian sighed helplessly. "Originally, I didn't plan to transfer the commander of the Palace Guard to him, but there's really no commander to send in the court. Besides, I only trust my old brothers from back then."

Zhong Jianzhong was overjoyed and prostrated himself on the ground, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your high regard. I am willing to sign a military pledge: if we fail to win this battle, I will bring you my head!"

"Although our Song army's firearms are invincible and enough to crush the Western Xia, you must not underestimate them. No matter who you face, no matter how weak they may seem, you should fight with all your might like a lion hunting a rabbit. In addition to ensuring victory, I hope you will minimize the casualties of our Song soldiers."

"Yes! I understand."

Thinking about the lack of a military commander in the court, Zhao Xiaoqian looked at Zhong Jianzhong and suddenly had an idea.

"Don't you have a younger brother named Zhong Shizhong?"

Zhong Jianzhong was taken aback, then said, "That's right, my brother's name is indeed Zhong Shizhong, and I am currently serving on the border under Commander Zhang in the Northwest Army."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled: "Your Zhong family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, and the Zhong family army is renowned throughout the northwest frontier. As a family of distinguished generals, how can we not praise you?"

"I will personally inscribe a plaque for your family later, have the craftsmen make it, and send it to your residence. Your father, Zhong Ji, may be posthumously granted the title of Duke of Yan'an and appointed as Chancellor."

Zhong Jianzhong was taken aback, then his eyes reddened, and he knelt down, choking with sobs, saying, "On behalf of the entire Zhong family, I thank the Emperor for his boundless grace! The Zhong family has been willing to die for the Song Dynasty and share the fate of the nation!"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "The Zhong family has been loyal and virtuous for generations. In the past, the Song Dynasty valued literature over military affairs, which caused your family to suffer. Starting with me, as long as there are loyal and virtuous military families, I will not hesitate to bestow honors and favors upon them."

After a pause, Zhao Xiaoqian continued, "Why don't you transfer your younger brother, Zhong Shizhong, to Bianjing? He can serve as the Commander of the Palace Guards. I intend to cultivate him; perhaps he will become a military leader like you in the future."

Zhong Jianzhong was overjoyed and prostrated himself, saying, "On behalf of Master Zhong, I kowtow to thank Heaven for its grace!"

"Alright, you've had your fill of free food, and you've achieved your purpose for coming to the palace today. Now get lost. Spend the next few days visiting the Privy Council and discussing strategies and tactics for destroying Xia with Xu Jiang and An Tao. Also, select some talent from the three armies in Bianjing."

After Zhong Jianzhong took his leave with tears of gratitude, Zhao Xiaoqian breathed a sigh of relief.

Okay, the head coach issue is resolved.

Next, we await news of Su Zhe's mission to the Liao Kingdom. If nothing unexpected happens, the outcome should not disappoint him.

If Yelü Yanxi had any normal intelligence, he should have known that the best option for him at the moment was for the Song and Liao dynasties to join forces to destroy Xia.

The machinery of the state in Bianjing was running day and night, preparing provisions and weapons, selecting imperial guards, and so on, which would still take some time.

Taking advantage of this lull, Zhao Xiaoqian managed to resolve another important matter.

After sitting in the Funing Hall in deep thought for a long time, Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly asked, "Old Zheng, is there still no movement from the Qingshou Hall?"

Upon hearing "Qingshou Hall," Zheng Chunhe knew who the Emperor was referring to, and immediately replied, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager remains silent and has not sent any message."

Zhao Xiaoqian frowned, a hint of coldness in his eyes: "I'm getting a little impatient..."

Zheng Chun and Yi Shu felt a chill. Since the matter involved palace intrigue, he dared not say much and simply maintained his bowed posture.

…………

Inside the Qingshou Hall, Empress Dowager Xiang looked haggard and stared blankly at the tribute gifts piled up in her bedchamber.

The tribute was sent by Zheng Chunhe, sent by Zhao Xiaoqian. It was a large and varied collection of items, including brocade from Sichuan, Suzhou embroidery from Jiangnan, fine porcelain from Ru kiln, and silk from Bozhou.

The items selected as tribute and presented to the palace were naturally the most exquisite and of the highest quality in the world, and were all specialties from various parts of the Song Dynasty.

Having lived a life of luxury in the palace for many years, Empress Dowager Xiang was naturally familiar with these things, but today, however, she felt they were a bit too hot to handle.

She knew this was the official's silent urging, a final act of courtesy to her.

The Fangtian Equal Tax Law must be implemented without any room for negotiation, and an explanation must also be given regarding the 120,000 hectares of land under the names of the Empress Dowager and her relatives.

Empress Dowager Xiang knew very well that if the Emperor wanted to implement the equal land tax system, he had to make an example of someone to deter others and find the toughest nut to crack. The Empress Dowager's family was of high status and was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate, especially since Empress Dowager Xiang and her family had indeed gone too far over the years, quietly seizing and appropriating 120,000 hectares of land.

If such a powerful tiger cannot be subdued, when the Fangtian Equal Tax Law is implemented throughout the country, which local officials and powerful figures will be convinced?

Both morally and logically, Zhao Xiaoqian had no choice but to target the Empress Dowager's family.

In Yanfu Palace today, the Emperor and Empress Dowager can still maintain a semblance of decorum. Their grudges have not yet been made public, but Empress Dowager Xiang has already learned a great deal about Zhao Xiaoqian's methods. She no longer dares to naively believe that her status as Empress Dowager will make Zhao Xiaoqian have no fear in the slightest.

I'm giving you face, you're the real empress dowager.

If I don't want to give you face, what are you anyway?
Conversely, you should be careful not to take advantage of the kindness I show you.

This involves 120,000 hectares of farmland; we can't let this go without an explanation.

The pile of tribute gifts presented to the Empress Dowager at this moment was Zhao Xiaoqian's final ultimatum.

Thinking of this, Empress Dowager Xiang was furious, terrified, and extremely anxious.

With the family growing large, people's hearts were scattered. Such matters that affected the interests of the clan members were not something she, as the Empress Dowager, could decide.

In order to save her life, Empress Dowager Xiang was willing to give up all the land under her name, but what about the land under the names of her maternal relatives?
Land is everyone's lifeline; why would they be willing to give it up?
As she paced back and forth in the palace, no matter which direction she faced, Empress Dowager Xiang could not help but see the tributes piled up in the hall, which became increasingly irritating to her eyes.

Finally, Empress Dowager Xiang stopped, gritted her teeth, and said, "Someone, please invite several of my elder relatives into the palace."

Two hours later, seven or eight elderly men, looking very frail, walked into the Hall of Longevity.

The elders first bowed to the Empress Dowager as subjects, and then bowed to the Empress Dowager and several others as juniors.

After everyone was seated, Empress Dowager Xiang had no interest in small talk and decided to get straight to the point.

"Elders, it seems that the land properties under your names will have to be returned to the imperial court."

Upon hearing this, the old men were taken aback, then exchanged astonished glances.

"May I ask Your Majesty, what is the reason for this?" an old man asked in a deep voice.

Empress Dowager Xiang smiled bitterly and said, "His Majesty is bound to implement the Fangtian Equal Tax Law. As the Empress Dowager, I should set an example. Our family has seized too much land, which has been criticized by the people. If the Fangtian Equal Tax Law is to be implemented, the Empress Dowager's family cannot get around it no matter what."

The old man sneered, "What does his proposed equal taxation of the land have to do with the Xiang family? The land under our name was bought with real money. No matter where the lawsuit goes, we are in the right. Besides, you are the Empress Dowager. Does anyone dare to wrong the Xiang family?"

The people around him chimed in, looking completely self-righteous.

Empress Dowager Xiang couldn't help but feel secretly bitter.

The Xiang family was a prominent clan. Xiang Minzhong, the great-grandfather of Empress Dowager Xiang, served as prime minister during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong. He had thousands of students and former officials under his tutelage, making him a prominent figure of his time.

Xiang Jing, the father of Empress Dowager Xiang, was an official who served as a junior official and prefect of Qingzhou. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Councilor and granted the imperial regalia of the Nine Ministers.

It can be said that the Xiang family is still very prominent to this day, and as long as she is the empress dowager, the Xiang family's power will not fall.

But can any power be greater than imperial power?

These elders of the Xiang family are probably getting senile, or perhaps their long-standing influence of power has made them increasingly arrogant, and they still haven't figured out the situation.

Now the emperor is targeting our Xiang family!

The Emperor was already quite rude to her, the Empress Dowager, let alone these maternal relatives.

The Empress Dowager lowered her eyes, her expression gradually hardening.

Logically speaking, she should stand on the side of her own family and consider the family's interests in everything.

But now Zhao Xiaoqian is like a sword hanging over her head, ready to fall at any moment.

At this point, is the family interest more important than one's own life?

Her maternal relatives, relying on the Empress Dowager's power, were used to being arrogant and domineering outside. They had no idea of ​​the dangers inside the palace, let alone the Emperor himself taking action.

Empress Dowager Xiang wanted to live, and to live, she was willing to give up everything she owned.

However, since these relatives of the empress dowager did not agree, the 120,000 hectares of farmland could not be delivered, and the crisis for Empress Dowager Xiang was still not resolved.

Empress Dowager Xiang became a little anxious: "Times have changed. I no longer have a say in the Emperor's eyes. Do you still think this is the era of Emperor Shenzong and Emperor Zhezong? Wake up!"

"What does this mean, Queen Mother?"

Xiang took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and said, "His Majesty has already set his sights on our family's land, 120,000 hectares. This number has enraged His Majesty."

"Did the Emperor say that we, the Xiang family, had to hand over our land?"

"He didn't say, but... once he opens his mouth and speaks frankly, it won't be as simple as just handing over the land. This matter will definitely not end well, and it might even result in death!"

An old man was furious and slammed his fist on the table, saying, "This is outrageous!"

(End of this chapter)