Wang Yan thought for a moment and then said: "Guan family, although this battle with Xixia has not achieved full success, it has also curbed the development of Xixia. According to the information obtained by the caravans passing through Xixia during the Western Regions, in the past four years, The war left the people of Xixia in dire straits. From what I saw, they would not be able to fight again within five years. Now the Liao, Jin, and Lu Zhishen in the north are vying for supremacy and have no intention of looking south. It is a great opportunity for the Song Dynasty to restore people's livelihood and cultivate themselves after the war.
The ministers believed that the hard road from Bianjing to Hebei should be rebuilt now, which would speed up the mobilization of troops and horses, transport of grain and grass materials, and at the same time build large-scale water conservancy and other projects that are beneficial to people's livelihood. Now that we have obtained the horse farm and captured many war horses, it is time to start training the cavalry troops. When the national strength is restored and the cavalry is ready to fight, we, the Song Dynasty, will launch an expedition to the north to restore our mountains and rivers and save our Han people. "
Now that the situation is clear, anyone who is not a fool knows that it is time to restore people's livelihood and reorganize the army. Of course Zhao Ji also knew, he just wanted to hear many similar opinions.
After the previous battle with Xixia, Wang Yan no longer had any expectations for the monarchs and ministers of the Song Dynasty. To be honest, they all know what to do to make this country better and more prosperous. But they don’t do it, or they want to but don’t have the ability to do it. Just like the previous reforms by Fan Zhongyan and Wang Anshi, those who were changed also clearly knew that as long as they followed it, the country would be better and stronger. But they don't see any benefit to them if the country becomes stronger, but when the knife stabs themselves, the loss is real. So whether the country is strong or not, what does it have to do with me?
After hearing the nonsense that Wang Yan said, Zhao Ji nodded and said: "You are right, I think so too. It's just that you said who should take care of the training of the field cavalry..."
"The officials have a sacred heart and are dictatorial. Naturally, they already have a candidate in mind. I have been focusing on business for many years and I don't know many civil and military officials in the court. I'd better not embarrass you."
Official Wang smiled bitterly and shook his head, begging for mercy.
In fact, Zhao Ji knew all about his connections, such as Wu Song, Lu Junyi, Dong Ping and some local civil servants, some of whom he recommended. Of course, there are only two types of people he recommends. One is for doing things, and the other is for those who are capable of doing things.
Those who work are well-versed in the books of saints and sages, and truly take it as their own responsibility to help the world. They are absolute activists, the kind who do whatever they want. Most of these people are lonely, poor, but have a low status. The hatred towards corrupt officials cannot be gnawed at their flesh and blood and cannot be changed. He helps these people get to the next level and gives them the right to do things. Of course, such people cannot reach high positions. After all, they always offend people every day. Most of them work in the local area and are considered middle-level local leaders.
Those who have the ability to do things are those who do not. They have political wisdom, do not offend others, are cautious, and are focused on making money and rising to power. He sent these people up to serve as local high-level leaders to protect those who were doing things from disaster.
To be honest, although he has no influence in the court, in the local areas, especially in Shandong and Hebei, he cannot say that he has many people, but he still has some.
Zhao Ji knew that Wang Yan could not speak. This man was sensible and smart. In the past, you might be able to make money, but now you just really want this money bag. It's really rare to speak well and act reliably.
He did not continue the topic and instead said: "Zi Yan, I remember that you only have two concubines and have never married a real wife, right?"
"Exactly."
"You are both civilized and military, and have a huge fortune. You are already over the threshold for a matchmaker, so why haven't you married yet?"
Wang Yan cupped his hands and said: "Guan family, I tell you the truth. Those who are talking to me as matchmakers are all from the family behind me who are plotting against me for my holy family and financial resources. I don't want to get involved. Not to mention anyone else, it is the natal family of my second concubine." , all used the minister’s name to dominate, oppress the good, and ruin the reputation of the minister. How could he dare to marry the ladies of those families again, so he rejected them all. With the minister’s current holy family and family assets, I want to find a well-matched match. The difficulties are getting worse, so I decided not to marry. Now my two concubines are getting along harmoniously, and they have seven children, and my second wife has been pregnant for six months, so I am content."
"Is this enough? You are a dignified and loyal fourth-grade general. You don't have a wife at home. If you say it, it will inevitably make people laugh."
Zhao Ji waved his hand and looked at the unclear official with a smile: "I have known you for eight years. I know very well what kind of person you are. You are capable of literature and military, patriotic and caring for the people. What is more rare is that you are willing to help. People. Although I have never been to Yanggu County, I have seen the changes in Yanggu County every year. In eight years, Yanggu changed from Yizhong County to today's Wang County, and its tax payment ranked first in the Song Dynasty. It's all thanks to you. You make millions of dollars with me every year, and you even plan the balance between Liao, Jin and Nalu Zhishen, consuming their national power.
With such merit, if he were only promoted to a few official ranks and other meritorious officials could see him, they would inevitably feel chilled. Your talents and achievements are worthy of my concubine. It just so happens that my eldest daughter Jiade is already eighteen this year and is about to leave the court. I intend to betroth her to you as your wife. In this way, you don’t have to worry about anyone acting in your name and ruining your reputation, and you don’t have to worry about being ridiculed by others for not having a wife. What do you think? "
I want to rebel and usurp the throne, but you want to be my father?
"Guanjia, this..." Wang Yan looked hesitant, and when he saw Zhao Ji's slightly narrowed eyes, he quickly got up and knelt down on one knee: "I, Wang Yan, thank you Guanjia for your grace."
In fact, he had expected it before. Although he didn't deliberately get to know the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, he still had some impressions. Just like the Jiade Emperor Zhao Yupan who is currently married to Zhao Ji is the main one. At an age where she is getting married at the age of thirteen, fourteen or five, the eldest princess Zhao Yupan should have gotten married long ago. But he never heard any movement, and at that time he thought about whether to keep it for him.
Now that I am eighteen years old, I just pretend to mention it casually. In fact, Zhao Ji is also preparing, because Wang Yan's role is irreplaceable. Not many people know all about the production methods and formulas of those products. If Wang Yan is really killed, then the boss will be useless. Of course, he can still make money, but making hundreds of thousands of guan is the same as making millions of guan.
Maybe Zhao Ji took Wang Yan's past into account and saw that he didn't find a girl who was fourteen or fifteen years old, so he kept her until she was eighteen. Was it a comprehensive consideration?
Speaking of things at this age, although Wang Daguan has done a lot of bad things, he really can't do it when he is a minor of 14 or 15, and his profession is not suitable for him...
Now that Zhao Ji asked him to marry Princess Shang, the empress of the Song Dynasty, to a contestant with two concubines and seven and a half children, there was no room for him to refuse. Besides, it was the eldest princess, born to the queen. The first princess to leave the royal family would be the head of someone else's king. This was an honor and favor. If you can't refuse at all, then of course you recognize him as your father.
"Okay, okay, Ziyan, we will be a family from now on, no need to be polite." Seeing his agreement, Zhao Ji happily waved his hand to let him get up: "I see, you should hurry up on your marriage. Jiade is very happy now. It’s eight years old, we can’t delay anymore, it’s best to get married before the end of the year.”
"I have neither parents nor relatives or friends. Only the official family is my king and father. Everything is decided by the official family."
"Okay, okay, let's make it this way. You two will get married as soon as possible, and I will be relieved as soon as possible. You don't know, I have put a lot of thought into Jiade's marriage. Most of the people I introduced to her were mediocre, and they just took a fancy to you. What a blessing.”
"What I have today is all given by the officials."
Just listen to what Zhao Ji said. What choice does the royal daughter have? The emperor asks for marriage, but she still dares to refuse? It's nothing more than trying to lift up Zhao Yupan.
Zhao Ji nodded with a smile and said thoughtfully: "You are both civil and military. I heard that your nursing home and the people of Yanggu County are well trained. The nursing home is even as good as ten, and the training of the new army is under your command... ?”
Wang Yan was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and said: "In the official family, I am already very rich in business, and now I am a prince-in-law. If I take charge of the army again, I am afraid that I will be tabooed by the courtiers. This matter of the new army, the official family still Choose another good general."
If he becomes a prince-in-law, according to the convention, he will no longer be an official and will have to live and die. Therefore, in the Song Dynasty, a good man should never be a prince-in-law, nor should he be a prince-son-in-law. Fortunately, the Song Dynasty did not have many restrictions on concubines. They basically lived a normal life as a couple and were allowed to take concubines, even going out to so-called prostitutes.
If he refused, he was reminding Zhao Ji, his father-in-law, that he had money and resources, and now he also had military power, which was not good and could easily lead to trouble.
"I know what you are worried about. Even Tong Guan, a eunuch, can lead an army on an expedition. What can my prince consort not do? I know your talents. How can you not use them if you have them? Besides, I just want you to train troops, I did not say that I want you to lead an army and go on an expedition. Even if you want to go, I still don't want to." Zhao Ji shook his head and smiled: "I heard that you are either playing with the children at home all day long, or you go hunting in the mountains. You are really free, so I can find something for you to do.
The cavalry training is just outside Bianjing City. Open another battalion and fill it with skilled soldiers and horses from each army, with a total strength of 50,000. It's a good idea for you to stay in Bianjing for a little longer, so that I can miss you and not be able to find anyone. "
"I thank the official family for their love. In this case, I will not shirk the blame." Wang Yan cupped his hands and said, "It's just an official family. I have many things to do in Yanggu County. Although it seems leisurely, the letters exchanged between various places are everywhere every day. There are many important things, and if one thing is missed, tens of thousands of dollars will be lost. Therefore, if you ask me to lead the training of the new army, you may not be able to take care of it at all times, so please appoint a few generals to take charge."
"I know everything, why are you talking?" He waved his hand to suppress the son-in-law-to-be who was about to accuse him. Zhao Ji said with a smile: "That settles the matter. I will discuss it with the courtiers tomorrow morning. Just wait."
What else could Wang Yan say? Of course he nodded in agreement. After chatting with her for a while, we made an appointment to meet Emperor Jiade on the night of the 15th, and then wandered out of the palace and took a small stroll around Bianjing City as usual.
Zhao Yupan is Zhao Ji's daughter, and he is Zhao Ji's son-in-law. Master Li is Zhao Ji’s ex-boyfriend, and he has nothing to do to steal fragrance at night. It’s interesting...
As for letting him practice cavalry, this was probably the most correct decision Zhao Ji had ever made in his life, and it was also the most wrong decision.
Correct, because he is really professional in military training. As long as the Song Dynasty's logistics supply is good, he will definitely be the best field cavalry in the world. Jurchens are invincible and capable, so it's no big deal. They are all cavalry, who is afraid of whom? Moreover, his industries are there, and he can build weapons and equipment for the cavalry. They are all produced in a streamlined manner. At the same time, he can also mobilize other meat and medicinal materials, which can ensure the training consumption of the cavalry. Of course, these had to be paid for by the Song treasury, and there was no reason for him to give them away for free.
The mistake was because he was an ambitious man plotting rebellion, so the cavalry team was given directly to him. Although he only cares about training and nothing else, he can intervene directly, which is justifiable, and it is really for nothing.
Anyway, no matter why Zhao Ji asked him to take charge of cavalry training, it was Zhao Ji who dug his own grave.
I wandered around until the evening, ate something casually outside, and then returned to the Xihuamen house to rest.
Late at night, of course, I went to Yuxiang Pavilion to steal the incense. The teacher who wanted to be in love was always passionate. In this aspect, he was better than Jin Lian and Sanniang. Maybe it had something to do with the fragrance of wild flowers.
Of course, he also said that he would be Zhao Ji's son-in-law. Li Shishi didn't care. After all, she might not even be able to enter the Wang family in this life. Whether she married or not, what did it have to do with her...
In a blink of an eye, it was the brightly lit Shangyuan Festival. On the high tower of Xuandemen, Zhao Ji and his ministers looked at the beautiful lights on Yu Street, beaming with joy.
In the corner on the tower, Wang Yan looked at the crescent-shaped eyebrows, big eyes with double eyelids, a pretty nose, thin lips, a plump and tender face, with a little red glow due to the cold weather, and a tall figure. The girl in question is Zhao Yupan, the Jiade Emperor.
The genes that the royal family had improved over generations were not given in vain. Zhao Ji was also a discerning person. Although Wang Yan had never met the queen, she was definitely not bad at her charm. Such a combination of the two, Zhao Yupan, of course surpasses most people in appearance, and is on the same level as Li Shishi and Jin Lian.
She was born into an imperial family and received palace education since she was a child. Her aristocratic temperament gave her a certain nobility that cannot be toyed with. Compared with Jinlian, who is less educated, Li Shishi's courtesan and talented girl lost again to Jinlian, even though she had been studying for many years. But compared to Li Shishi, it's not bad. This princess has a different kind of style.
"How do you see me?"
"Very good." Zhao Yupan shook his head and smiled: "Dad has been true to his word, since he has given me a marriage, what can I do if it's not good?"
The little girl spoke quite rudely... The official asked with a smile, "Do you know all about my situation?"
"Know."
"That's good." Wang Yan nodded, glanced at the officials in the distance who were always looking this way, and said, "Okay, since I've seen them, I won't say more. A group of old people over there Bangzi is watching, it is always difficult to get along for too long without getting married. I will ask someone to bring you some food, drink and other things tomorrow. It is up to you to distribute some to your brothers and sisters. I am leaving. "
Zhao Yupan hummed and watched Wang Yan leave to join the ministers. She turned around and went to the other palace family members to enjoy the lanterns...
Jiade Di Ji's situation was the same as that of Jin Lian. She didn't have any love affairs, and she got married directly when the time came. So now it's just about seeing what a person looks like, and cultivating relationships has to be done after marriage. Besides, he has no intention of messing around with an eighteen-year-old girl now. At the age of eighteen when he first arrived, he still had some ideas. Now that he is twenty-six again, his mentality is different.
Wherever he is, whatever his age, he does whatever he wants, and he tries his best to keep doing it. If he didn't have the mentality of having lived for hundreds of years, even if his living father allowed him to be one year old again, he wouldn't be happy after having that experience. A long life brings countless experiences, and always loses a lot of interest. In other words, those interests have been experienced long ago, and there is no freshness. What he does is try his best to please himself in a life with nothing new. But that does not include falling in love with an eighteen-year-old girl at the age of twenty-six. But if the location is changed to the bed, he will be very interested, but that is a different matter...
He didn't stay long on the city wall when he returned to the officials. Those officials were impromptuly composing poems there. He didn't like being with a group of old guys, so he just apologized and went out to hang out. No one was surprised. He was alone and had no teammates, so he felt uncomfortable staying here.
But it's the Lantern Festival again, and the Lantern Festival song he 'wrote' for Shishi has already been widely spread, and people mention it at this time every year. There are many people pretending to be the original work, but all of them have been counterfeited. Now it has become a legend. It has been compiled by enthusiastic storytellers into a beautiful love story between a talented man and a beautiful lady, which is widely circulated and enviable.
He walked among the crowd, and as usual, he won a lantern riddle and held it in his hand, teasing thieves who dared to attack him and traffickers who dared to steal children in front of him. He had to kill several people every year. The flow of people was so dense, and he was quick, accurate and ruthless. There were several unsolved cases every year, which made the governor of Kaifeng feel very uncomfortable.
This kind of child abduction cannot be exterminated by crackdowns. It is human greed. After all, in modern civilized times, petty theft is common, and human trafficking is still an industry, and making money is inevitable.
Unknowingly, he wandered back to Xihua Gate again.
Just when he arrived, he saw someone suddenly holding an ax and shouting in front of Yuxiang Tower: "Let grandpa go in, let grandpa go in! Song Jiang, get out of here! I want to settle the score with Song Jiang. Song Jiang, you give me get out."
A group of people tore at the man who was holding an ax and shouting. People around him screamed and scattered when they saw that these people were holding weapons.
Not long after, the two people hurriedly came out of Yuxiang Tower. One of them stared at the axe-wielding man and wished he could kill him.
It was also at this time that a dense sound of footsteps and horse hooves sounded in the distance, accompanied by shouts and curses, and they rushed towards them.
"Brother, the officers and soldiers are here, let's go, let's go." Someone shouted, pulling one of them and trying to run away.
The man looked up at the signboard of Yuxiang Tower above his head, as if his feet were rooted and he didn't want to leave. Finally, with the help of people around him, he turned around and ran away.
Of course, the high-ranking officials know this kind of scene, it is the Yuan Ye night in Tokyo...
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
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