Zhangye, which means "the arm of Zhang State to connect the Western Regions", is one of the four counties in Hexi. It is located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor. It has been an important merchant town and chokepoint of the Silk Road since ancient times.
The snow-capped Qilian Mountains are densely forested; between the Yanzhi Mountains and the Qilian Mountains, there are endless grasslands and rippling lakes filled with horses, sheep and yaks; the rolling waves of wheat are boundless, and countless people are rushing among them.
Suddenly, countless war horses wearing protective gear came out of the east gate of Zhangye, and immediately they were filled with helmeted and armored, fierce and powerful Song Army cavalry. The army's quivers were full, their horses were equipped with hard bows, and they were mighty, with at least a thousand knights.
Seeing the Song army appear, everyone on the official road gave way to let the officers and soldiers pass first. This is not because the people are afraid of the government and the army, but because the government and the army in Hexi have done no harm in autumn. They suppress bandits and kill thieves and protect the country and the people. They are very loved by the people in Hexi.
"General, I didn't expect that His Majesty would visit the northwest frontier in person again!"
Yang Daquan drove his horse slowly and shouted to Yu Jie in front of the horse.
"That's because His Majesty can't let go of the brothers and misses them!"
Cao Shixiong's face was full of excitement and he laughed loudly.
After three years in Hexi, his face had become weathered and he had become much darker and stronger.
"Do you think you are a fairy in the sky, whom His Majesty never forgets?"
Yu Jie laughed and said loudly:
"When Your Majesty comes to Hexi, firstly, he will see the farming, secondly, he will see the war horses, and thirdly, he will see the training of troops. As for you, you are just here!"
Yu Jie's words made the surrounding soldiers laugh.
The emperor came to the northwest frontier many times, and all of them, generals who came from the martial arts hall, were happy to see the holy face.
"General, in addition to the more than 18,000 war horses supplied to Hexi Road and Lizhou West Road, there are more than 26,000 war horses at the Hexi Racecourse. Your Majesty asked us to prepare 30,000 war horses, and we have exceeded it!"
Cao Shixiong said enthusiastically, his face shining.
After three years of hard work, Zhangye Racecourse regained its vitality and continuously supplied war horses to the border troops of the Song Dynasty, which was a great contribution.
"There are currently 8,000 cavalry on Hexi Road. By next year, there will be at least tens of thousands. Your Majesty should be happy!"
Yang Daquan was also very proud and said loudly.
Seeing Yu Jie frown slightly, Yang Daquan rolled his eyes.
"General, Your Majesty is visiting Hexi in person. He won't just take a look, right?"
The Mongolian army has been dormant for so long, and the number of Mongolian horsemen on the border is increasing day by day. It seems that they are afraid of another war.
"I don't know either."
Yu Jie kept his horse speed unchanged and continued to move forward.
"His Majesty once said that the Tatar army will come back in three years. The three-year period will soon be over. His Majesty's visit this time may really be for this fierce battle."
Cao Shixiong wanted to ask again, but Yu Jie's eyes widened.
"Stop asking! When you meet His Majesty later, you can ask enough yourself!"
Cao Shixiong made a face and stopped asking questions. Like the other generals, he cheered up and rode up to follow.
On the official road from Liangzhou to Zhangye, Zhao Hong rode on horseback, surrounded by ministers and followed by countless armored warriors, overwhelming the sky and the earth with a huge momentum.
"Your Majesty, as of this spring, Hexi has more than 220,000 hectares of farmland and more than 1.1 million immigrants. Among them, military settlements account for 20%, business settlements account for 30%, and the remaining 50% are civilian settlements. This year's estimated income from summer wheat is 25 million shi. Autumn millet can reach 30 million shi. There are no wasteland in Hexi. By next year, people can pay taxes as usual."
Fan Zhong rode on his horse and introduced Zhao Hong carefully.
There are more than 220,000 hectares of fertile land, and the annual income is 50 million stones, wheat, and millet, which is enough for millions of people. The income from the military garrison alone was enough to provide food and fodder for an army of 100,000 troops.
"Fan Zhong, you built water conservancy in Hexi, appeased the local people, immigrated to the border areas, settled the fields and settled the people, raised food and wages, and turned a ruins into thousands of miles of fertile fields. You have benefited the country and the people. Your achievements will last forever. I am very pleased!"
Zhao Hong did not hesitate to praise this official.
This time, when setting off to the west, in addition to accepting the surrender of Xixia, of course, he also had to patrol the border and comfort the soldiers of the Song Dynasty's border army.
"Your Majesty, this is the result of the hard work of officials at all levels, especially Shi Songzhi, Cui Shusi, Gao Jia, and several colleagues such as Peng Daya and Chen Longzhi. I dare not be greedy for credit."
Fan Zhong quickly became humble.
"Gao Jia, Shi Songzhi, Cui Shusi, and all the Qing family, I see your contribution. On behalf of the people of Hexi and Lizhou, thank you!"
Zhao Hong looked at the ministers and said loudly.
Chen Longzhi and Peng Daya have returned to Hanzhong and Lizhou, but the others are all in Hexi. These people all have weathered faces and look like they have worked a lot.
All the ministers were smiling and thanking each other.
"Shi Songzhi, Gao Jia, Cui Shuxi, you have done a good job. As long as you remember the four words "for the country and the people", the people will not forget you, and I will not forget you. Please take care of yourself."
Zhao Hong said warmly, with profound meaning.
This Shi Songzhi is Shi Miyuan's nephew, and he is very talented. However, in history, this person was very authoritarian and used cruel methods to deal with political opponents, which made him hesitate for a while whether to reuse this person.
However, as long as he beats him regularly and is restricted by the law, he is not afraid of Shi Song's mistakes.
In the final analysis, talents are rare, and it is still necessary to use their strengths and let them play to their strengths and avoid weaknesses. This is the correct way to employ people.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
In the envious eyes of everyone, Shi Songzhi and Uncle Cui thanked them again.
"Wu Feng, you have worked hard to ensure the safety of Liangzhou City!"
Looking at Wu Feng, who was missing a forearm, he seemed to be much darker and stronger, and looked good. Zhao Hong was also pleased.
"Serve the country and the people with loyalty and loyalty. Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by me."
Wu Feng looked around, his face turned red and he was a little embarrassed.
"Your Majesty, I met a local woman in Liangzhou. I am married and have a son who has just turned one year old."
"Very good, very good! As long as you are willing!"
Zhao Hong laughed and suddenly frowned.
"Wu Feng, your parents, do they agree with your marriage?"
The Wu family is a famous family in the Song Dynasty. Will Wu Feng's parents accept their son marrying a northwest woman?
"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. When the war in Hexi comes to an end, I plan to take my wife back to Lin'an City to visit my parents. I would like to ask Your Majesty for your mercy."
It seems that Wu Feng is not worried about his parents' attitude.
"Wu Feng, my parents are here and I won't travel far. If you want to go back to Lin'an, I can transfer you back."
Zhao Hong nodded and said seriously.
Wu Feng is the only son in the family. His parents are old and Wu Feng is disabled, so it is natural for him to be transferred away from Hexi.
"No, no, no, that's not what I meant. I just went back to see my parents and let them see their grandchildren. I have something to do in Hexi, and I can share the worries of His Majesty. I don't want to leave here!"
Wu Feng's face turned red and he became anxious.
"Okay! I grant your request!"
Everyone has their own ideas and pursuits, and Zhao Hong can't force it. Wu Feng finally found his goal in life and actively devoted himself to it. Of course he would not use force.
Looking forward, Zhao Hong couldn't help but smile at the billowing smoke and moving horse heads in his sight.
"Yu Jie and the others are here."
Thousands of iron cavalry are indeed heartbreaking. Yu Jie managed Hexi and did not let him down.
Yu Jie and others came over, dismounted from a distance, and knelt all over the official road.
"I will see you, Your Majesty!"
The official road was full of war horses. The Song Army's cavalry were fierce and brave, kneeling all over the official road and the wilderness. Zhao Hong was also secretly surprised.
"Brothers, thank you for your hard work. How have you always been? We haven't seen you for three years. I miss you so much!"
Are there strong warriors guarding all sides? With so many warriors, why worry about the world being unfair?
"I thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
All the troops worshiped together, with great enthusiasm, and everyone's face was full of joy.
Only the principal and emperor would address the generals affectionately like this.
"Everyone, get up! Follow me and go to Zhangye County to have a look!"
All the troops mounted their horses one after another in a mighty manner, one leading the way and the other following behind the brigade.
"Your Majesty, when you come to Hexi this time, is it because the war has started again?"
Yu Jie and the ministers Xue Ji, Xuan Zeng, and Fan Zhong had seen the ceremony, and then asked in a low voice.
The surrounding generals and ministers, including Xue Fanzhong, looked at Zhao Hong.
"Yu Jie is right. The Tatar army is back, and the war is starting again. I'm afraid it will be another big war!"
Zhao Hong nodded slightly and glanced at the accompanying generals.
"There are now more than a million people in Hexi and more than 200,000 hectares of fertile land. It was our Song Dynasty that blocked the south of the Yangtze River. You must build this fence and don't let Hexi be ravaged by the flames of war again!"
"Your Majesty, don't worry! There are currently 8,000 cavalry and 50,000 soldiers in the west of Hexi. If the Tatar army dares to come, I will make sure that they never come back!"
Yu Jie said enthusiastically. He looked at the soldiers around him and asked loudly:
"Brothers, the Tatar army is about to invade. Tell your Majesty, are you afraid?"
"Your Majesty, I still say the same thing. It's useless to talk too much. You can see your true skills on the battlefield!"
Cao Shixiong immediately clasped his fists and swore to Zhao Hong.
"Your Majesty, if the Tatar cavalry dares to come, the general will make him bleed like a river!"
The warrior Yang Daquan also did his part.
"Your Majesty, don't worry!"
"Your Majesty, just wait for the general's good news!"
Everyone rushed to express their opinions.
Today's Song army in Hexi has strong soldiers and well-equipped firearms. Many generals have participated in the war. Everyone is ambitious and wants to make achievements.
"Okay, okay! I have such a warrior, I can sit back and relax!"
Zhao Hong nodded repeatedly and laughed.
The military morale is available, which is enough to reassure him. There are so many comfortable moments in life!
Xue Ji, Xuan Zeng and others looked at each other and shook their heads. The confidence and bravery of the Song Army soldiers today are extraordinary.
Could it be that the martial artist is domineering, and the officials will suppress him and drain his salary?
"I have a message for you. Strategically, you must despise the enemy, but tactically you must pay attention to the enemy. You can be dismissive of the opponent, but when fighting a war, arranging troops, etc., you must not be careless. Behind you, But tens of thousands of soldiers and millions of civilians. Remember all of you!"
Zhao Hong solemnly warned, and all the generals took the order with solemn awe.
Yu Jie also accepted the order solemnly. The general manager is a genius, and what he says is a wise saying, but we don’t dare to take it lightly.
If you carry a small notebook with you, you can write down the emperor's famous sayings and reflect on them at any time.
"Yu Jie, the Tatar army is likely to invade in autumn and winter. Hexi must strengthen the walls and clear the fields to ensure that the people are safe and not a grain of food is left to the enemy. As for the Zhangye Racecourse..."
Zhao Hong stopped talking and looked at Yu Jie.
"Your Majesty, don't worry. The racecourse will be temporarily closed. Some adult horses will be kept in the army, and some will be sent to Lintaofu Road and Lizhou Road. Only stallions and mares will be left at the racecourse fortress. Then the Tatar army will When they arrive, they will definitely not leave any war horses behind!"
Yu Jie thought for a moment and replied loudly.
It seems that he already has a countermeasure for the upcoming war.
"Allocate 4,000 war horses to Cao Youwen, so that his Xixia Road cavalry can also reach 5,000."
Zhao Hong nodded happily and said loudly.
A famous general is a famous general and will never let you down. With Cao Youwen, Yu Jie, Wang Jian and other generals stationed in the northwest, he could consider sending troops to Lianghe.
After five years of keeping a low profile, it’s time to deploy troops abroad.
"Xixia Road?"
Yu Jie was confused and looked at Zhao Hong in surprise.
Zhao Hong smiled slightly, and Fan Zhong on the side picked up the conversation.
"General Yu doesn't know that Xixia has surrendered to the Song Dynasty. Your Majesty will divide the Xingling area, including Dingzhou, Yanzhouchuan, and Xiazhou, into the Xixia Road. General Cao Youwen will control the capital of Xixia Road. When your Majesty finishes his trip to Hexi, He will go to Zhongxing Mansion and accept Xixia's submission."
Yu Jie nodded as if she had just woken up from a dream.
I only heard that Xingling Land was going to be incorporated into the territory of the Song Dynasty, but I didn't expect that the emperor had even given it a name.
All the generals were excited, and Xixia surrendered to the Song Dynasty. In this way, Hexi and Xingling were integrated, and it was easier for the Mongolian army to make an overall layout.
"The army enters Zhongxing Mansion, which is the administrative center of Xixia Road. The required war horses and food must be transferred from Hexi. Four thousand war horses and 500,000 dan of food are allocated for the defense of the army."
Zhao Hong reminded Yu Jie and Fan Zhong seriously.
"In the land west of Hexi, the Tatar army may enter from Yumen Pass and Yangguan. In the land of Xingling, they will probably go south from Keyi Gate. You all must not slack off. After the trip to Zhongxing Mansion, I may return to Mianzhou, Sit at Shukou. Things are unpredictable, and the main force of the Tatar army may enter from there. I will just wait for them to come as guests!"
Zhao Hong smiled softly, and Yu Jie and others felt a little creepy for a moment.
Emperors are often unpredictable. If the Mongolian army attacks, I'm afraid a few front teeth will be broken.
"Has there been any movement on the Hexi border fortress in the past few years?"
To the west of Hexi is the Xizhou Uighurs, a vassal state of the Mongol Empire. It would not be surprising if they came to invade.
"Your Majesty, Balshu, the king of the Uighurs in Xizhou, led his troops to invade several times. Later, because he did not get any benefits, he disappeared. Because they were small-scale wars, I did not report it."
Yu Jie introduced it eloquently.
"Barshu took refuge with Genghis Khan, and Mongolia established the Shangshu Province and Daruhuachi in Besestbali. This guy levied excessive taxes in the country, and the people were in dire straits. Many people from the Western Regions dragged their families and horses into Hexi. Speaking of which, Hexi The growth of the racecourse is also related to the transportation and help of these common people to convey military information."
Zhao Hong laughed softly. In these slave tribes, the nobles are extravagant and lustful, oppressing and bullying the people, and maintaining their arrogant and decadent lives, which is nothing more than normal.
