You have truly caused me great suffering!

When Wang Yin arrived from afar and entered the Lingwu camp, Chen Shao was checking the list of officials sent by Xiping Prefecture.

They were all promoted and appointed as officials in Yunzhong Prefecture.

At this time, coming to Yunzhong Prefecture to serve as an official carries a certain degree of risk.

But people from the Northwest don't care!

Regardless of whether they are civil or military officials, when the enemy comes, just pick up your weapons and fight.

For over a hundred years, we've been fighting in the Northwest. There have only been two or three years of peace. In fact, no one really has the idea of ​​peace yet.

The battlefield has simply changed.

Upon seeing Wang Yin arrive in person, Chen Shao put down the documents in his hand, feeling inexplicably uneasy.

"How did you come?"

After Wang Yin leaned closer, he said, "General, there are some matters in Xiping Prefecture that I think it would be better to discuss in person."

"Say!"

"Since the commander-in-chief left, the prefectural government has appointed and dismissed many officials, and many scholars from the Central Plains to the Northwest have been promoted without regard to precedent. This has already caused dissatisfaction, especially after Geng Nanzhong arrived."

Chen Shao felt relieved, realizing that something had happened back home.

It's hard to say whether this matter is right or wrong. Chen Shao also gave his approval to bring in talent from the Central Plains.

But if the executor is Wei Li...
Old Wei was talented, but like many officials in the Song Dynasty, he had been caught up in the vortex of factional strife for decades.

His work style inevitably carries some muscle memory. When I was in charge, his power seemed immense, but in reality, he only had administrative power, not decision-making power.

Now that I am away on campaign, the balance of power has been lost.

As his own intelligence chief, Wang Yin was responsible not only for investigation and espionage but also for monitoring public opinion.

He himself came from a rebellious background, so he attached great importance to these things.

So he came in person to make things clear to Chen Shao. Although Chen Shao didn't comment, the act of coming in person was already a way of expressing his attitude.

Wang Yin was also dissatisfied.

Chen Shao pondered for a long time and felt that it was not appropriate to remove Wei Li's group at this time, because they were a purely civil official group that depended on him.

If someone with real power is installed, or a local chieftain is installed, and the person is not present, they will be sidelined within a few days.

However, it cannot be ignored. The factional strife in the Song Dynasty was a malignant tumor among malignant tumors.

"From now on, only those who have served in Dingnan Army for two years will be eligible to become officials. In addition, Yang Chengjin will be allowed to enter the council hall. When reporting the appointment of officials above the rank of county magistrate, their resumes in Dingnan Army must be clearly stated."

"We'll talk about the rest when I get back."

After Chen Shao finished speaking, Wang Yin finally felt at ease. He was afraid that the commander-in-chief would bring the Song court's methods to the Northwest.

"There's one more thing: you must hold onto the authority to mobilize troops to protect the caravans."

Chen Shao looked at Wang Yin and asked, "I heard that the merchant escort team attacked the Karakhanid army in the Western Regions without your permission."

Wang Yin chuckled dryly, feeling a sense of relief. It was better for the commander-in-chief to bring this up himself. He could only remind the commander-in-chief of these events in the military report.

That Lady Xiao often acted as the commander's woman and frequently overstepped her authority to give orders. Although her abilities were indeed outstanding, the caravan's profits in one month were more than in the previous six months.

However, she is too assertive, extremely career-driven, and prone to taking risks and starting fights at the drop of a hat.

Wang Yin had little interest in the merchant escort team and was rather wary of it, as he was the commander-in-chief's eyes and ears, holding an intelligence network that spanned the entire country.

Add to that a caravan of protectors.
It should be noted that the merchant protection team, like the grain protection team in Hexi, was a legitimate military force, and quite capable in combat.

It's not a good thing to have too much of this kind of hard power on your own. Taking advantage of the situation, Wang Yin said, "General, I think we should appoint another person to lead the caravan."

Chen Shao hesitated for a moment, then said, "Alright."

Within the Yipin Guangyuan Hall, the military, business, and secret service—any two of these three powers combined would create a terrifying monster.

The separation of powers and mutual checks and balances are a good thing.

This person must be someone you trust, and doesn't need to have any special talents, just loyalty.

Chen Shao thought for a moment and decided that he should still look for someone among his personal guards, or if that didn't work, he would send Zhao He.

Because the escort team doesn't need strong troop deployment skills, when it really comes to that, it's time to deploy real soldiers.

“I will handle this matter. You need to be more assertive in the future. You can’t give in to anyone unless I agree.”

Wang Yin replied solemnly, "Your subordinate understands."

The longer Wang Yin sat in this position, the more he realized that it was an important and trusted position, but one that required extra caution.

In this position, one cannot get too close to other officials. Fortunately, he was originally a rebel and had no connection with anyone else.

On Fang La's side, the military commander only subdued himself. When he arrived in the northwest, thousands of miles away from Jiangnan, Wang Yin had no foundation whatsoever.

This makes him particularly suitable to be the commander of Yipintang.

Chen Shao's words today further convinced him of his own ideas.

Wang Yin secretly reminded himself that he had to be cautious and ruthless before the military commander transferred him away, and he could not give face to anyone.

No matter how much Xiao Shi hinted that she was the warlord's woman and favored by him, she could not be an exception.

Despite his young age, Wang Yin always regarded the military commander as a god. He himself was somewhat fond of worshipping gods, otherwise he wouldn't have followed Fang La.

Back when he was under Fang La's command, Wang Yin was the kind of ruthless man who, despite holding a high position, dared to brave a hail of arrows to dig up the city walls of Hangzhou. Now, his starting point was many times higher than when he was under Fang La, so Wang Yin naturally cherished it all the more.

Chen Shao also discovered something: people of this era, especially those who rose from the bottom, all had a ruthless streak.

They're really willing to risk their lives.

In his previous world, there weren't many ruthless people like him, because back then, whether people were doing well or not, it was still relatively easy to make a living, or at least they wouldn't go hungry.

But in this era, hunger was common, and it was not uncommon for entire families to starve to death.

These people, who rose from humble beginnings, already lived lives that constantly battled death. Once given a chance, even the slightest opportunity to defy fate, they would forge ahead without hesitation. This is probably why the men of Northwest China are so eager for military merit.

After explaining the matter clearly, Wang Yin stood up to take his leave.

Chen Shao smiled and said, "No rush. Pigs and sheep have been sent from Taiyuan City to reward the troops today. Eat before you go."

Given Wang Yin's status, he would certainly not lack food at the intelligence stations in various places.

In fact, he could have anything he wanted to eat, but Chen Shao's words warmed his heart, and he quickly agreed with a smile.

After Wang Yin left, Chen Shao rubbed his temples.

Indeed, one can only truly see whether their own system is up to standard after they have left.

Wei Li, Geng Nanzhong, Xiao Shi, and Chen Shao had no personal grievances against them.

That's just their personality.

As those in positions of power, we must utilize their methods and abilities while also considering their shortcomings and ambitions.

Having spent many years immersed in the officialdom of the capital and then being demoted to local posts for over a decade, Wei Li was familiar with the power dynamics from the central government to the local level. Chen Shao could use him to build the administrative framework for the Northwest Dingnan Army in the shortest possible time. However, this meant accepting his inherent tendency towards factional strife, his occasional ambition to become the Northwest's Cai Jing (a notorious figure in Chinese history known for his political maneuvering), and the need to frequently give him a warning.

Geng Nanzhong was renowned and influential among the literati, possessing extensive connections that allowed him to attract and recruit talented individuals from the Central Plains, thereby enhancing his own standing among the local gentry. However, he was power-hungry and of average ability.

Needless to say, Xiao Shi can make Chen Shao's purse bulge. She has a pioneering spirit, but she is also domineering, adventurous, and reckless. Chen Shao can only limit her power and prevent her from going too far.

Even Wang Yin, who came today, is not without flaws. He came from a humble background and hated corrupt officials too much. When he was supervising officials, he went too far, often arresting and beating to death those who were capable but had slight moral flaws.

No one is perfect. When it comes to employing people, if you expect every subordinate to perfectly meet your expectations, you'll need a 'personality entry editor' system.

What Chen Shao needs to do is to make the best use of everyone's talents while occasionally giving his subordinates a warning and guidance.

To make the entire system operate and develop in the direction one desires as much as possible.

Throughout history, even unparalleled rulers like Liu Bang, Li Shimin, and Zhu Yuanzhang merely maintained their own groups and propelled them forward.

That's already incredibly impressive!
Expecting your startup team to be flawless and perfect is pure wishful thinking.
-
Outside the city gate of Bianliang.

The sound of horses' hooves came from the north, gradually growing louder.

Judging from the sound, there should be dozens of riders coming together. The riders don't seem to be in a hurry; the sound of their horses' hooves landing suggests they are not rushing.

This place is where Gao Qiu trains the new army of the Beijing Garrison. For more than a year, Gao Qiu has been doing his job diligently.

He was deeply grateful for Emperor Huizong's recognition and support, and in his old age, he risked his life for him.

Knowing his own limitations, Gao Qiu humbly invited many renowned veterans, including some who had fought in the Northwest, to teach him methods of military administration and training.

After consulting with Tong Guan several times, he made an exception and promoted some young generals from the Western Army to serve in the new army of the Beijing Garrison.

For example, Yang Yizhong, the eldest son of Yang Zhen, a fierce general of the Western Army; Liu Qi, the son of Liu Zhongwu, the military governor of Luchuan; Wang Yan, a fierce general of the Jingyuan Army; and Wang De, a young general of the Xihe Army.
While Zhao Ji was undeniably incompetent and utterly wicked, he was indeed somewhat different from other rulers who lost their kingdoms. He stormed out of the palace in protest when Li Gang proposed ten strategies.

But after returning to his palace, he pondered for several days and nights and silently adopted some of his ideas.

For example, practicing frugality to alleviate the people's hardships; strengthening the army and eliminating the weak to train the strong.
Ultimately, this man is very intelligent; he understands how critical the current situation is. If things don't change, the country might truly perish.

So he secretly stopped the construction of several palaces and Taoist temples, and stopped lavishly rewarding those around him. Instead, he squeezed out some money every day and sent it to Gao Qiu so that he could train the new army.

Seeing that the emperor was in a bad mood and looked worried, his concubines, after learning the reason, generously donated more than 300,000 strings of cash to help him train his troops.

That son of a bitch has really good interpersonal relationships.

Outside Nanxun Gate, a Taoist temple was specially built to serve as a military camp for training the new army.

He himself would come to visit from time to time, and on several occasions, he even specially summoned Li Gang to accompany him.

Li Gang was not punished.

This gave him some hope, and he stopped mentioning passing the throne to the crown prince. He focused on helping Gao Qiu train his troops and recommended several friends.

This included Zong Ze, who was demoted to Bazhou; Zhang Suo, the supervising censor; and Yuwen Xuzhong, who was known as a strategist.
Emperor Huizong adopted all of Zhao Ji's suggestions, and Bianliang finally regained some of its former glory as a capital city.

As the dozens of riders arrived, the guards at the camp gate were about to stop them when they discovered that it was the emperor and several ministers who had come. They hurriedly came forward to greet them and sent someone to report.

Gao Qiu was nearly dead at this point. He was old and had suffered too much in his youth, so his health was not good.

Upon hearing that the Emperor had arrived, Gao Qiu mustered his courage and led a group of young generals to greet him.

Those junior officers in mink hats were all very handsome, some broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, others tall and imposing, and Ma Junjian was also tall and strong.

Everyone wore leather armor and helmets, polished to a gleaming shine, with brand-new red tassels on their helmets. This armor was made of the finest Qing Tang wart armor; there were probably ten thousand such suits throughout the entire Song Dynasty, each worth several hundred strings of cash.

Gao Qiu showed no mercy; as long as someone had real skills and could fight and shoot on foot, he would immediately bestow upon them fine armor!
Although these Qingtang wart armors were polished to a dazzling shine, the raised warts on the armor plates, formed by cold forging, still reminded people that these were true military weapons, things used to kill on the battlefield!

"This old minister greets Your Majesty!"

Emperor Huizong of Tang had already dismounted and was pointing at the new army with Li Gang and others, looking very pleased.

Upon seeing Gao Qiu, whose temples were gray and whose skin was as withered as a tree, I realized that I had not paid much attention to him when I visited before. I never imagined that this old servant would be so seriously ill now.

He was taken aback for a moment, then tears welled up in his eyes: "My dear minister, why do you look so haggard?"

Gao Qiu sighed inwardly, thinking to himself, "You gave me a fortune, allowing me, Gao Qiu, to enjoy all these years of glory."

Now that I am old, you ask me to disband the Imperial Guards, and as the Commander-in-Chief, I am the first to cooperate, disregarding my own interests; you ask me to reorganize the New Army, and I also risk my life to train the New Army for you.

Your Majesty, I, Gao Qiu, have done right by you.
After Zhao Ji finished speaking, Gao Qiu stood there stunned, seemingly lost in thought, as if recalling something. The two, the emperor and his minister, seemed to be of one mind at that moment.

The moment their eyes met, they both smiled knowingly.

To be fair, Gao Qiu did a really good job. During his final period, he used every penny that Zhao Ji gave him to train the new army.

This was nothing short of a miracle in the Song Dynasty, especially during the reign of Emperor Huizong.

In the Song Dynasty, there was never a shortage of capable people, whether in the civilian population or the military. If you put your heart into it, you will definitely be rewarded.

Leaving aside the exceptionally talented newly promoted officers around Gao Qiu, even these soldiers were quite capable. (End of Chapter)