Zhang Yue accused Wu Chong of being weak in his policy toward the Liao Dynasty. Yuan Jiang and Wang Gui, who were standing by, were greatly surprised when they heard this. At the same time, they were also thinking secretly in their hearts.
This is related to an issue, that is, whether Zhang Yue, Wuchong and Weng's son-in-law formed a party.
What is a party?
On issues and opinions regarding government affairs, not only do the two sides not undermine each other, but they are highly consistent.
For example, in the Godfather movie, when the opposing leader was negotiating with the godfather and his son, he noticed the difference in views between the other father and his son, and believed that the two were inconsistent. Finally, he made a plan to assassinate the godfather first and then negotiate with the godfather's son.
So the same goes for forming a party.
Differences must not be exposed externally, but consistency must be maintained, and issues can be discussed internally.
But can two people actually agree on everything? The above examples tell us that even biological father and son cannot.
But forming a party is manifested in mindless unity on major political issues and on criticizing political opponents. Otherwise it wouldn't be called a party.
But now the differences of opinion between Zhang Yue and Wu Chong were openly exposed in front of the emperor and several prime ministers.
Although Zhang Yue and Wu Chong were sons-in-law, they were also ministers of the imperial court. They were loyal to the emperor, so how could they dare to be selfish in state affairs?
Therefore, in the negotiations with the Liao Kingdom, Zhang Yue discussed matters in front of the emperor.
Wu Chong had a few arguments with Zhang Yue, and he also knew what to do. Now Wang Anshi was disgraced because of Lu Huiqing's stab in the back, which greatly damaged his prestige.
Now I am recuperating at home, and I seem to be thinking of going out to the countryside.
As the second-ranking figure in Zhongshu, once Wang Anshi resigns, it will be Wu Chong who succeeds Wang Anshi and becomes one person below ten thousand people.
But Wu Chong knew that Wang Anshi actually had no plans to step down for the time being, so at this time he asked Zhang Yue to criticize him, saying that he had also taken the blame and had made an oversight.
Regarding the affairs of the Liao Kingdom, my judgment was not correct.
If you are unlucky, I will also be unlucky, and we will advance and retreat together.
When the officials heard that Zhang Yue wanted to prepare for war in Hedong and Hebei, and even made the decision to fight with Liao if the negotiations failed, their faces turned pale with shock.
This is something that neither Wang Anshi nor Wu Chong dare to mention.
At this moment, Your Highness came to report that Wang Anshi asked for an audience!
The officials were surprised and happy that Wang Anshi was willing to take matters into his own hands again, so he immediately declared his presence.
After everyone watched Wang Anshi dragging his sick body back to the palace, the officials immediately ordered someone to bring him a large and comfortable low bed so that he could lean on it and talk.
Compared with this, Wu Chong, Zhang Yue and other prime ministers were just ordinary senior officials.
After Wang Anshi sat down, he understood the differences between Wu Chong and Zhang Yue. He said: "Your Majesty, the responsibility for this matter lies with me. I am too eager to deal with the Liao Kingdom. But Zhang Yue just accused Wu Chong and the Liao Kingdom. It’s natural to give in too much.”
Zhang Yue thought to himself, well, I won't criticize him by name yet, but Wang Anshi would be better off just naming him. It was also to prove Wu Chong's crime.
The official said: "Xiao Xi was in the capital before and refused to return to Liao to resume his duties. Thanks to the second minister's extra effort, he sent Xiao Xi back to the capital. I thought I shouldn't worry about this matter anymore. I just risked quarreling with Liao." I think it has too much to do with the risk of war between our countries."
Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, regardless of whether we are at war with the Khitan or not, we should eliminate mediocre generals and redundant troops in Hebei and Hedong. At the same time, we should repair the city and replenish horses, so that the Liao Kingdom knows that we are prepared."
Wu Chong said: "Your Majesty, I think that with your Majesty's virtue, why should you be stingy with the solidity of the Jincheng Tangchi? Once you serve soldiers, your wealth will be wasted, and you will spend tens of thousands of gold every day. At present, there is a severe drought in the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers. Only if the capital has surplus food, it will be saved. Once If you go to Hebei, there will be no way for ordinary people to live."
“I believe that a gentleman’s first priority is morality, and if you want to defend Hebei, it’s your morality that’s not in danger.”
Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, I do not agree with this argument. The Liao Kingdom is now frequently plundering the Han territory. The people of Hebei are no longer at peace with the land. The people's hearts are shaken and the Guizhou leader is not attached. How can this be moral and not dangerous?"
"Nowadays, every time the Liao Kingdom enters the country, they will plunder and lure the population to the north. If preparations are not made early to stop it, the Liao Kingdom's ambitions will be even greater."
Wu Chong said: "The methods Shen Kuo played before can protect armor, market squares, etc., and prohibit entry and exit, which can prevent the Khitan from plundering people and taking wealth. There is no need to go to war!"
"At the same time, the Lord of Liao can send envoys to observe the situation on his birthday this year and give generous gifts, and then order the Lord of Liao to restrain his troops."
The official sighed after hearing this.
Everyone knew what the officials meant, and they still preferred not to engage in war with the Liao Kingdom.
Wang Anshi said: "Why don't your Majesty send someone to take charge of the military affairs in Hebei and Hedong first, thinking that there will be an unexpected war between the Liao Kingdom and the Liao Kingdom?"
The official pondered for a while and said: "It would be best if we could start a war. If not, I won't let the Liao people bully me. Who do you think is qualified?"
Wang Anshi said: "There is Han Qi in Xiangzhou and Wen Yanbo in Daming Mansion. It would be best if we can have these two people to supervise the affairs."
The official frowned after hearing this, Han Qi, Wen Yanbo? Let the two of them go to command the troops in Hebei and Hedong? Can he trust it?
He still remembered that when Wang Anshi was engaged in the Qingmiao Law, rumors spread throughout the court that Han Qi had led troops to the capital to Qing Dynasty. Han Qi withdrew from the political center in the first year of Xining, but still criticized the new law in the opposition. Wen Yanbo only retired two years ago, but he has always been in opposition to Wang Anshi.
To put it bluntly, officials are still not confident about veterans like Han Qi and Wen Yanbo. After all, they were not promoted by themselves.
But the officials did not object. Doesn't this show distrust of these two people?
Wang Anshi continued: "Both of them are old and cannot work easily. I think it is better to send a promising minister from the imperial court to Hebei and Han. The two ministers Wen will discuss it."
The officials nodded after hearing this, and the ministers who had longed for it said that the official position could not be lowered. If it was lowered, there would be no way to discuss it with Han Qi and Wen Yanbo.
At the same time, this person also needs his absolute trust, so that he can finally make a decision and bear the consequences of war with Liao.
The official looked at Zhang Yue and said, "Can you please go to Hebei?"
Zhang Yue said without hesitation: "Your Majesty is so important to you that I am obliged to do so!"
The official nodded and said: "Okay, Prime Minister Wen and Prime Minister Han are both old. You must not rely on my power and ignore them. Everything must be discussed with them and negotiate with the Liao Kingdom." Please tell me everything in detail."
In fact, what the officials say is to be listened to in reverse. You must remember that you are my people. Don't be manipulated by Wen Yanbo and Han Qi when you go to Hebei. You must control them to make decisions on major matters.
In the final negotiation with the Liao Kingdom, you must not make any arbitrary decisions. If a fight breaks out, you will be the one to take the blame.
Zhang Yue said with understanding: "I obey the decree!"
The official looked at Zhang Yue with confidence. From the time he recommended Wang Shao to Pinghe Huangqi, he had always trusted Zhang Yue. Zhang Yue had never let him down in important matters.
In the negotiations with Liao, it was more reassuring to have experienced and young officials like Zhang Yue preside over it than to go there in person.
And this time Zhang Yue will still live up to his trust and return home with a full load.
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