The official office of the Ministry of Personnel is in the duty room.
Xu Changjie was immersed in paperwork and handling government affairs.
Xu Changjie is not young anymore. When Yan Wuji was here, he didn't care about government affairs and ignored what happened in the outside world. He only needs to occupy the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and prevent Yan Wuji from becoming the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
Now, it's different.
Xu Changjie presided over Xia's government affairs and shouldered all responsibilities.
On the one hand, the emperor wanted to practice Taoism, which cost a lot of money. If he was unable to maintain the emperor's consumption of monasticism, he, the official minister, would lose his holy support, and he would not be able to continue to correct the chaos. On the other hand, Xu Changjie wanted to bring order to the chaos, but the problem was that it involved many powerful people in the Xia Kingdom, and there were thorns along the way.
After being in power for more than a year, Xu Changjie has aged much, and his hair is already full of silver.
He works too hard.
Fortunately, Xu Changjie's energy and energy were quite good.
When Xu Changjie was looking through the memorial submitted by the Ministry of Finance, there was a rush of footsteps, and an attendant entered, bowed and said: "Xu Shangshu, Zhao Hu, the commander of the red armored cavalry, wants to see you."
Zhao Hu is the godson of Zhao Yuan, the general manager of the palace, and also a eunuch.
The emperor delegated power to Xu Changjie and asked him to take charge of government affairs and bring order to the chaos. To this end, Xu Changjie approached Zhao Yuan for negotiation. After an in-depth and eager conversation, Zhao Yuan finally agreed to fully cooperate with Xu Changjie and arranged for his godson Zhao Hu to contact Xu Changjie.
Whenever the Red Armor Cavalry has information, Zhao Hu will be asked to deliver the information to Xu Changjie and leave it to Xu Changjie for disposal.
Xu Changjie ordered: "Please."
The attendant went to deliver the order, and Zhao Hu entered shortly after. He is fair-faced, beardless, tall, and quite strong. Because the eyes are narrow and long, there is a sense of gloominess.
Zhao Hu stood still and said: "Xu Shangshu."
Xu Changjie had a smile on his face, waved his hand and said: "Commander Zhao, please sit down."
In his heart, Xu Changjie was reluctant to cooperate with the eunuch. How could the eunuchs interfere with the development of Daxia and the restoration of chaos? However, Emperor Li Chong's mansion relied heavily on eunuchs, and even asked Zhao Yuantong, the chief internal officer, to take charge of the Red Armor Cavalry, thus gaining control of the Xia Kingdom's intelligence agency.
Xu Changjie had no choice but to compromise and use kind words to contact the people of the Red Armor Cavalry.
So far, getting along pretty well.
Zhao Hu looked serious and said sternly: "Xu Shangshu, my red-armored spies in Da Qin have sent back the news. After the autumn harvest ended in September, and after Da Qin's tenants entered the land and reformed, they mobilized troops and horses, with Bai Cejun as the commander, and went to We, the Xia Kingdom, are here. The strength of the Qin Dynasty is mainly composed of the Black Dragon Army and the garrison of Jinshan City on the border, which is about 80,000 people. The war is coming, please Xu Shangshu to make arrangements in advance."
brush!
Xu Changjie's complexion changed slightly.
Internal and external troubles.
Xia State's internal problems emerged one after another, the official system was corrupt, and local bandits were infested. Xu Changjie took charge of the overall situation and kept making adjustments, but the problem was still not solved.
Unexpectedly, Da Qin came to kill him again.
For the Xia State, Da Qin's killing was tantamount to taking advantage of the situation and posing a great threat.
Xu Changjie thought for a while and said: "I would like to ask Commander Zhao to report to General Manager Zhao about the dispatch of troops by Qin Dynasty and ask General Manager Zhao to know about it. I will immediately ask someone to discuss it, and then we will go to the palace together to see His Majesty and ask His Majesty to make a decision. For the time being, please do not inform Your Majesty, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble. Your Majesty is distracted."
"Here!"
Zhao Hu agreed and left.
Xu Changjie sighed.
Bai Cejun!
It was Bai Cejun who went to battle in Da Qin!
Although this man is old, he was the commander-in-chief of the Qin army in the past. Bai Cejun's martial arts are not very strong, but Bai Cejun's command of the army is extremely powerful. When defending, he is impregnable, and when attacking, he is as aggressive as fire.
What Bai Cejun is best at is overall planning and implementation of grand strategies.
Such people are extremely difficult to deal with.
Xu Changjie thought of Da Qin and invited Bai Cejun out of the mountain, which shows that Da Qin attached great importance to this attack.
Da Qin is going to have a decisive battle with Xia Kingdom.
After Xu Changjie thought for a while, he ordered: "Come here, please invite Taiwei Qi Feixiong, General Gong Lang of the Western Army, Zhang Gong, Minister of War, and Cao Ji, Minister of Household Affairs, to discuss matters."
"Here!"
The attendant received the order and went directly to inform.
Qi Feixiong, Zhang Gong, and Cao Ji were all members of Xu Changjie's lineage and all supported Xu Changjie. Including Gong Lang, the current commander-in-chief of the Western Army, also obeyed Xu Changjie's orders.
It is precisely because of this that Xu Changjie can take power.
Without the support of the army and officials, it would be difficult for Xu Changjie to govern. Even so, Xu Changjie now feels a headache. There were strong enemies outside, bandits and rebellions inside, and powerful people constantly grabbing profits. He was a little irritable for a while.
Not long after, Qi Feixiong, Gong Lang, Zhang Gong and Cao Ji entered hand in hand. The four people looked serious and saluted Xu Changjie before taking their seats.
Xu Changjie did not beat around the bush and said directly: "I just got the news from the Red Armor Cavalry. The Qin Dynasty has Bai Cejun as the commander of the army, and an army of 80,000 is coming to our Xia Kingdom."
Qi Feixiong's temples have already turned white. He has a strong physique and does not look old. When Qi Feixiong heard that Da Qin was coming to attack, his tiger eyes shone brightly and he said, "Xu Shangshu, I have also received news about Da Qin's attack."
"This news first spread among the people. Previously, I just thought it was a joke. After all, there was no official news. I didn't expect it to be like this. Bai Cejun, an old man, would actually come out."
"This person is difficult to deal with."
"Of course, when Bai Ce's army comes, we, the Xia Kingdom, will send out troops. I am willing to lead troops to fight and defeat Bai Ce's army."
Qi Feixiong had dealt with Bai Cejun before and knew how powerful Bai Cejun was.
In his heart, there was even more fighting spirit.
He Qi Feixiong is not afraid of Bai Cejun.
Zhang Gong said in a deep voice: "Although Da Qin has a strong military, but Da Qin and our Xia Kingdom are fighting each other, can Da Qin survive? After a big war, especially when hundreds of thousands of troops fight, the amount of food, grass and ordnance consumed is incomparable. Consumption. Da Qin may not be able to sustain it."
Cao Ji shook his head and sighed: "Zhang Shangshu, Great Qin is different now."
Zhang Gong said: "What's the difference?"
Cao Ji said seriously: "In the past, Da Qin was indeed poor, with very difficult finances and insufficient food. But Lin Feng went to Da Qin and brewed West Wind Drunk for Da Qin first. Don't think this is just wine, it is the West Wind of Da Qin. Zui, he earns at least one million taels of silver for Great Qin every year."
"Even, maybe more."
"The taste of West Wind Drunk is unique. It has become popular in all countries in the world, and even in the Western Regions."
"Except for Xifeng Zui, Great Qin has been reforming and developing commerce in the past two years. The local prosperity has increased Great Qin's commercial taxes and enriched materials, which has eased Great Qin's finances."
"The other most important point is that Da Qin implemented the reform of dividing one person into one mu."
"As far as I know, the reform of dividing people into acres by dividing people into acres was personally presided over by Lin Feng in Guzang County, and was then implemented throughout the Qin Dynasty. The so-called dividing people into acres means that the capitation tax and many miscellaneous taxes have been abolished, and they have been unified into Land tax is no longer calculated based on head count, but calculated based on land.”
"This reform has been a great success."
Cao Ji couldn't help but sigh and said: "I heard news from Da Qin officials that Da Qin has collected more than one million taels of silver from land tax this year. Da Qin is not short of money now, and even has no shortage of food due to continuous bumper harvests. . If we have to fight a war, Da Qin can hold on."
"Is there still this matter?"
Zhang Gong was shocked.
He is the Minister of the Ministry of War and does not care about taxes. He has never paid attention to them at all.
Cao Ji said: "It's absolutely true."
Zhang Gong said in a deep voice: "Since the Qin Dynasty can reform, why can't our Xia Kingdom reform? Xu Shangshu, we can also carry out the reform. Today's imperial court is short of finances. Our Ministry of War needs pensions and military pay, etc. Cao Shangshu of the Ministry of Household It’s such a complaint. Our Ministry of War can’t get the money, so things are difficult to handle.”
Xu Changjie snorted and said in a deep voice: "The reform of sharing the land with the peasants touches the interests of the powerful. Da Qin has Ying Jiuxiao's full support and can implement it. We, the Xia Kingdom, cannot implement it. The place is already in chaos and needs the powerful gentry. Donating money to help, where can we go to reform? Once reformed, the Xia Kingdom will completely collapse. I have discussed this matter with Zhang Shangshu a long time ago. This matter will be discussed later."
Cao Ji said: "Speaking of which, this Lin Feng is really amazing. All the changes in Great Qin were brought about by this boy. What a pity, what a pity!"
Xu Changjie snorted.
He naturally knew what Cao Ji regretted?
Xu Changjie did not want to talk more about Lin Feng and said directly: "Let's get down to business and talk about sending troops. Da Qin is going to attack the Xia Kingdom, and we have to respond. The top priority is to talk about how to resist Da Qin's attack. After confirming the plan, we can go to the palace to see him. Your Majesty, please explain the matter."
Qi Feixiong stroked his beard and said: "Xu Shangshu, this battle must be resisted. As I said just now, I am willing to lead the troops to fight. In addition, the local encirclement and suppression will be temporarily slowed down, and we will focus on dealing with Da Qin's troops first."
"Which is the lesser of two evils, the domestic harm is even smaller, so we can only ignore the domestic rebellion first and focus on appeasement. Then, mobilize 30,000 Western troops outside Anyi City, and then mobilize 50,000 troops from the local area, There are still 20,000 troops stationed on the front line.”
"On the Xia side, a hundred thousand troops will fight."
"In this battle, we not only have to resist Da Qin's invasion, but we also have to fight back and defeat Da Qin's troops."
"This battle is very crucial. If the army is defeated, I believe that Jin and Qi will not sit idly by and take advantage of the situation. We are on the front line and must win quickly and defeat the Qin soldiers and horses. In this way, we will further frighten Jin. The two countries did not dare to act rashly."
Qi Feixiong said solemnly: "The fighting in wars in the past is not only limited to the competition in one place, but also involves much more. The relationship between Xia State, Qi State, and Jin State is not harmonious. It is possible for them to take advantage of the situation, so we must consider arrive."
Xu Changjie nodded and said: "I agree with the Taiwei's analysis. As for the Ministry of War, can it be completed by assisting in the preparation of equipment for a hundred thousand troops and the deployment of troops and horses?"
Zhang Gong said: "Promise to complete the task."
He is the Minister of the Ministry of War and a member of Xu Changjie. He knows that there is no room for negotiation in this battle and he can only fight with all his strength.
Xu Changjie looked at Cao Ji again and asked: "Cao Shangshu, the Ministry of Household Affairs has to raise food and grass, arrange military pay, etc. Do you have any problems with the Ministry of Household Affairs?"
Cao Ji said solemnly: "Please rest assured, Xu Shangshu, the Ministry of Revenue will fully support it and will not hold you back. The Ministry of Revenue can mobilize the food and grass for a hundred thousand troops, and if the war lasts too long, the Ministry of Revenue will open the Anping warehouse and mobilize the Anping warehouse." Stored food. In short, the food, grass, and money are still enough to support the First World War."
Zhang Gong glanced at Cao Ji and felt angry.
This guy Cao Ji usually comes to him to ask for money, and he is always looking for money. When it comes to war, money and food are not frowned upon.
This guy is so stingy.
Xu Changjie nodded with satisfaction and ordered: "Cao Ji, Zhang Gong, and Gong Lang, hurry up and prepare. I and the lieutenant went to the palace to see your majesty and asked your majesty to approve a battle. The war is urgent and we must quickly send troops to resist."
"Here!"
Cao Ji, Zhang Gong and Gong Lang left one after another.
Xu Changjie and Qi Feixiong also entered the palace in a carriage and went straight to the palace to ask for an audience.
It’s just that Li Chongfu is still cultivating Taoism.
This is spiritual time.
Xu Changjie was very anxious when he got the news about Zhao Yuan, but he had no choice but to wait with Qi Feixiong. After waiting for almost two quarters of an hour, Zhao Yuanlai came in person and said: "Xu Shangshu, Qi Taiwei, Your Majesty has invited me."
After Xu Changjie thanked him, he and Qi Feixiong followed Zhao Yuan and hurriedly entered the hall.
Li Chongfu had just swallowed a pill, and the effects of the medicine had just worn off. His body was still a little hot, so even though there was a bit of chill in September, he still wore a thin shirt. He is now thinner, has more spots on his face, and is even older.
Li Chongfu's original eyes were a little erratic. When Xu Changjie and Qi Feixiong met in court, they regained focus and said slowly: "Xu Changjie, you and Qi Feixiong came to the palace hand in hand, what's the matter?"
Xu Changjie looked serious and said slowly: "Your Majesty, the Great Qin army has invaded our Xia Kingdom and has come to the border of the Xia Kingdom. On the Da Qin side, there are about 80,000 troops, and the leader is Bai Cejun."
brush!
Li Chongfu's expression changed suddenly.
He wasn't panic, he was angry.
Da Qin dared to attack his Xia Kingdom. He was so impatient and even more arrogant.
Li Chongfu stood up abruptly, flicked his sleeves, and said coldly: "It's really strange. The Qin, a mere barbarian, dares to send troops to attack our Xia Kingdom. It's enough for Ying Jiuxiao to become the king and hegemon in the Western Region, but now he wants to come to our Xia Kingdom Show off. He lives impatiently, I will help him."
Xu Changjie's cheeks twitched.
The emperor felt too good about himself.
The Xia Kingdom is no longer the Xia Kingdom of the past; Great Qin is no longer the Great Qin of the past.
But in the emperor's impression, the Xia Kingdom was still the celestial kingdom that all nations came to visit, and it was still majestic and majestic. Under such an impression, the emperor naturally did not take Da Qin's attack to heart, and even wanted to fight back.
Xu Changjie did not elaborate or defend too much, because the emperor did not care about this.
Xu Changjie said directly: "Your Majesty, our Xia Kingdom should respond to Da Qin's provocation. After discussing with the Taiwei, I decided to dispatch the Western Army to fight with the Taiwei as the commander, and deploy 50,000 troops and horses, plus 20,000 troops stationed on the front line. I A hundred thousand soldiers and horses of the Xia Kingdom came to fight. With one go, they defeated the Qin army."
"That's right!"
Li Chongfu's face was slightly flushed and he gave the order directly.
He was looking forward to it.
The Xia Kingdom is invincible.
The Xia Kingdom must win.
Li Chongfu continued: "Qi Feixiong, I want you to crush the Qin Dynasty with overwhelming force and completely crush the Qin army. In these years, our Xia Kingdom has never sent troops, but these small countries in the Western Regions dare to despise our Xia Kingdom and even send troops to invade. , just damn.”
"Old minister, I obey."
Qi Feixiong didn't say much.
He and Xu Changjie had reached a unified opinion long ago. As long as the emperor did not interfere with specific government and military affairs, they could handle it themselves regardless of what the emperor said.
Li Chongfu waved his hand, and Xu Changjie and Qi Feixiong followed suit and retreated.
Li Chongfu still had anger on his face, and said in a deep voice: "Zhao Yuan, how dare you say Ying Jiuxiao, an old man? How dare he attack my country, Xia?"
Zhao Yuan controls the Red Armor Cavalry and is very familiar with the news from the outside. He also knows that Xia Kingdom is riddled with holes.
However, he can't say much here.
Zhao Yuan smiled and said: "Your Majesty, Ying Jiuxiao is old, so he naturally wants to fight to the death. If Da Qin can get something from the Xia Kingdom, he will be proud. The Xia Kingdom is barefoot and not afraid of wearing shoes. That’s why I dare to do this.”
"You old thing, you do have a good sense."
Li Chongfu stroked the sparse beard under his chin with an expression of approval on his face.
Zhao Yuan had a smile on his face, but he didn't say anything else. Anyway, as long as the emperor was happy.
Xu Changjie and Qi Feixiong left the palace, and Qi Feixiong went to mobilize troops. In order to ensure the smooth progress of the matter, Xu Changjie personally took charge and supervised the cooperation of the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War. This is the key when it comes to the army's food, grass and equipment.
The battle is fought on the battlefield, and the soldiers on the front line work hard, and the battle may even last for a long time. Therefore, the front line must have sufficient food, grass and equipment.
Without food, grass and equipment, everything is prone to problems.
Therefore, Xu Changjie personally checked the situation.
In the household department, Jin Wuque, the head of the warehouse department of the household department, is handling the matter quickly. Jin Wuque was responsible for food and grass and arranging transportation.
Jin Wuque was nearly forty years old and an old man from the Ministry of Household Affairs. He had been working in the Ministry of Household Affairs for many years. Jin Wuque, who was more than ten years ago, was just a minor official in the Ministry of Household Affairs. He rose step by step to reach his current status.
Even so, he is still just the head of the warehouse department of the household department.
The official position is still not prominent.
It's just that although his official position is ordinary, the things he is responsible for are very important. Jin Wuque has been busy. After all, when the war comes, Jin Wuque is responsible for when and how much food and grass will be transferred, and how to arrange for people to transport it.
In the evening, Jin Wuque arranged most of the things and left the household department with his tired body. On his way home, he came to a braised pork shop. This braised pork shop has braised chicken, duck, goose, mutton, and relatively rare beef.
In Anyi City, this braised meat shop is quite famous, and many people come to buy it.
Jin Wuque bought a pound of braised beef and left.
The shopkeeper of the braised meat shop took the money, turned his eyes, and had something in mind. When night fell and the braised meat shop closed, the shopkeeper left straight away and went to a remote street. He took out a letter from a wall brick and disappeared into the night, heading in the direction of Heibingtai.
