The prerequisite for the Song, Liao and Xixia to maintain the current peace is not "yearly gifts", but whether the land, food and wealth in the Liao and Xixia can still support their domestic subjects?
Zhao Yang's remarks sounded like thunder in the ears of the monarchs and ministers in the palace, shocking everyone.
After a while, Pang Ji, the political advisor, couldn't help but interjected: "Zhao Zhengyan's remarks are thought-provoking, but I forgive you for being ignorant and missing the point... Although the Khitans are descendants of the Hu people, they also admire our Central Plains culture and imitate the Central Plains dynasty. Since then, Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, they have claimed to have inherited the system of the Han and Tang Dynasties and pretended to be orthodox in the Central Plains. They should not behave like grassland barbarians... Furthermore, if the Khitan really failed to govern the country well and caused its subjects to suffer from hunger and cold, they would not abandon the Chanyuan Alliance. Mention, it should be me, the Song Dynasty, who takes the opportunity to attack, how could it be..."
Zhao Yang smiled slightly and thought to himself: People in the Song Dynasty were still quite simple, and their thinking was far less than that of later generations, especially in some countries.
He thought for a while and said: "Xiangong Pang misunderstood. I didn't mean that the Liao would follow the grassland barbarians and plunder the Song Dynasty. I also didn't mean to talk about how the Liao was running the country. What I wanted to say was... resources."
"Resources?" Pang Ji was stunned.
"Yes." Zhao Yang nodded and said: "That is, resources such as land, mineral deposits, rivers, lakes, forests, hills, etc. within a country's territory, such as land, more land can feed more people, and more people It can create more value and wealth. These are called the size of a country. During the Three Kingdoms period at the end of the Han Dynasty, why was the Shu State unable to defeat the Wei State? The most fundamental reason is that the size of the Shu State is far inferior to that of the Wei State. Taking the current Xixia as an example, as long as the Great Unless the Song Dynasty is stupid, Xixia will never be able to defeat the Song Dynasty. The difference in size between the two is too big."
These words made everyone in the palace look embarrassed. After all, the Song Dynasty had lost three battles in a row against Xixia in the past few years.
After secretly glancing at the ugly expressions of the officials, Pang Ji coughed lightly and said, "Zhao Zhengyan must not underestimate Xixia. Xixia's national strength and army cannot be underestimated..."
"Ha." Zhao Yang smiled and shook his head: "It's not that I underestimate Xixia, but with Xixia's size... I think it's not difficult to defeat it."
Pang Ji was startled, cupped his hands and said, "I would like to hear your advice."
Zhao Yang looked at Pang Ji without hesitating to speak, and glanced at Gao Ruona.
Pang Ji suddenly woke up, smiled and nodded and changed the topic: "I understand, if the land in the Khitan cannot support its subjects, the Khitan will consider seizing the territory from the Song Dynasty. Is this what you mean?"
Zhao Yang actually knew that the Liao Kingdom was far from reaching the upper limit of the population that its territory could support, so he did not answer Pang Ji directly to avoid talking about it in the future. After thinking about it, he asked Gao Ruona lightly: "The Song Dynasty dedicated every year to the Liao Kingdom." Do you think the annual coins of Gao Xianggong are enough to support the people of Liao?"
Gao Ruona glanced at Zhao Yang, who called him Mr. Gao for a while and then called him by his first name, and was really reluctant to answer.
"Xiangong Gao, I don't know if I can find someone to answer." Zhao Yang chuckled.
"Hmph." Gao Ruonei snorted and replied reluctantly: "As far as I know, an ordinary household in the city, a family of three or four, spends at least 40,000 yuan a year on grain purchases, that is, Forty guan, not to mention other fees. Although 200,000 silver and 300,000 silk are valuable, they are only 600,000 or 700,000 guan at most when converted into money. At full calculation, it is only enough to feed 20,000 people. Naturally, it is not enough to feed the Liao subjects."
Zhao Yang applauded, nodded and said, "I think so. The five hundred thousand silver silk can at best be used by the Liao court and dignitaries to eat and drink. Although it will flow into the people and drive the Liao economy, the most fundamental thing is that Can the resources of the Liao Kingdom support its domestic subjects? In other words, the annual coins that the Song Dynasty pays to the Liao Kingdom cannot really prevent the possibility of the Liao Kingdom attacking the Song Dynasty... Is it true or not, Mr. Gao? "
"..."
It was difficult for Gao Ruona to refute, and after a long while he reluctantly argued: "Even if it is as you said, but...it cannot be denied that the Song and Liao countries have not fought wars for fifty years."
Zhao Yang sneered, shook his head, and asked: "Is that the credit of the Chanyuan Alliance and the annual tribute of coins, or the credit of the Song Dynasty army? I said before that the war between the two countries is mainly about gaining interests, among which Resources are the most critical. More land can feed more people, and more people can create more value and wealth, which will feed back the country and make it stronger. Although the Liao Kingdom has a wide territory, it is mostly barren land. It is not conducive to farming, the climate is cold, and the population is not as good as that of the Song Dynasty. It is more difficult to develop national power. It is not as good as the Song Dynasty, which has most of the fertile lands in the Central Plains, has a pleasant climate, and has a large population. If the Song Dynasty was really weak, the Liao Kingdom could Qingtun, does Gao Xianggong think the Liao Dynasty cares about any covenant? I believe that all the ministers have read the allusion of a child carrying money and walking in the busy city, and should know the truth. As for the annual coins, that is even more of a joke. Song, everything belongs to him."
Gao Ruona remained silent.
Seeing this, Zhao Yang glanced at the ministers in the palace and said: "In the past, Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty conquered Goguryeo three times, and everyone praised him for his great success. But not long after, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty also went on an expedition to Goguryeo. Could it be that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was also a coward? In the final analysis, it was because Goguryeo grew stronger day by day and frequently harassed the Central Plains Dynasty. It gradually became a disaster and had to be eliminated. How could it be allowed to let others sleep soundly on the side of this couch?... As far as I know, before Taizu destroyed the Later Tang Dynasty, he also rejected the peace request of the Lord of the Later Tang Dynasty. Yes, does this count as ancestral instruction?"
"..."
All the civil servants in the court looked at each other in confusion. Those who didn't know it looked at their colleagues for confirmation, while those who knew it nodded slightly.
At this time, Zhao Yang continued: "Since ancient times, the Central Plains dynasties have treated their neighbors like this. As long as they are strong, they will weaken or even destroy them. The purpose is naturally to eliminate threats. Is it wrong for these countries to seek strength? Or maybe Is the fault the Central Plains Dynasty? In fact, it is not the case. The struggle for interests between countries does not distinguish between right and wrong. It is the same as the enemies of the enemy and the heroes of ourselves. ... Speaking of the Liao Kingdom, I do not deny that the two countries of Song and Liao have already There has been no war for nearly fifty years. Some people say that we should try our best to maintain the current harmony between the two countries. I actually have no objection. But as the saying goes, if you are born in trouble and die in happiness, the world will be in danger if you forget about war. Even if you are fifty years old, you will be in danger. There has been no war for years, who can guarantee that the Liao Kingdom will not threaten the Song Dynasty again?"
"..."
The whole hall was silent.
There is no other reason than that the "Qingli Increasing Coins" incident a few years ago is still vivid in my mind - that is, when Li Yuanhao of Xixia proclaimed himself emperor and triggered the Song-Xia war, the Liao State took the opportunity to threaten the Song State. After negotiation between the two parties, in the Chanyuan Alliance, On the basis of the three hundred thousand silver silk, an additional one hundred thousand silver and one hundred thousand silk were added, totaling five hundred thousand silver silk.
Although the final result of Qingli's increase in coins led to the enmity between Liao and Xia and two wars, which was greatly beneficial to the Song State, it is also an indisputable fact that the Liao State threatened the Song State.
Zhao Yang didn't know this clearly. He just thought he had convinced the officials in the palace, so he turned to look at Gao Ruona: "Can Mr. Gao guarantee it?"
With the facts before his eyes, Gao Ruona naturally couldn't refute it and looked at Zhao Yang with a complicated expression.
Although he was still disgusted in his heart, he had to admit that this boy with strange origins was indeed talented, and even he felt that he had benefited a lot from the various arguments he put forward.
"No. ...Other than that, Zhao Zhengyan should not expect to hear anything else from me."
Gao Ruonei solemnly said what he was doing, and then returned to his original position after bowing to the official's house.
Zhao Yang was stunned for a moment, and then understood what Gao Ruona meant - this guy was still afraid of being forced to ask the question "whether the culture of advocating literature and suppressing martial arts should be changed."
Seeing that Gao Ruona was also rendered speechless by Zhao Yang and sadly returned to his original position, the officials in the palace were amazed and couldn't help but whisper.
After all, there were eight people in total, and they had to refute eight officials with Taiwanese remonstrance status. Even they may not have this ability.
At this time, Zhao Yang had already turned his attention to Qian Mingyi and greeted with a smile: "Prefect Qian Quan? Qian Neihan?"
Qian Mingyi never expected that the eight Taiwan remonstrators who joined him in the impeachment would be refuted by that kid one by one, and the refutation was rendered speechless.
Considering that he was not sure, he naturally did not dare to step forward.
Zhao Yang shouted twice but didn't see Qian Mingyi's reaction. The ministers in the palace were discussing privately. Zhao Zhen also felt a little surprised and called out: "Why doesn't Qian Neihan come forward to argue with Zhao Qing?"
Knowing that he couldn't escape anyway, Qian Mingyi sighed secretly, walked to the palace, bowed to the official, and said: "Zhao Zhengyan has sharp teeth and a mouth like a river. I think to myself that he can't argue with him. Instead of showing off his ugliness, it is better to hide his clumsiness." "The court meeting today took a long time, and I don't want to delay it any longer. If Zhao Zhengyan wants to scold or humiliate, please do as he pleases."
It's honest...
Zhao Zhen felt secretly happy.
Previously, he was worried that Zhao Yang could not handle it alone, but after seeing this kid reject eight Taiwanese remonstrances with his own eyes, he was secretly amazed and naturally did not think that Qian Mingyi would be an exception.
He turned to look at Zhao Yang, only to see Zhao Yang tilting his head and looking at Qian Mingyi, reaching his right hand into his arms, and said with a half-smile, "Then I'm going to read the Book of All Nations..."
Recalling Zhao Yang's copy of the Wanmin Book that day, Qian Mingyi's face turned red and he said angrily: "You can do whatever you want!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Yang took out a piece of paper from his arms.
Just when Qian Mingyi was ashamed and angry, Zhao Zhen stopped him and said with a bit of laughter and tears: "Okay, Zhao Yang, your copy of the Book of Ten Thousand People has left a deep impression on me and all the ministers, so there is no need to read it again. Qian Nei John..."
"I'm here."
"Since you are unwilling to argue with Zhao Qing, then your impeachment today..."
"I sincerely request you to withdraw." Qian Mingyi lowered his head and bowed.
"That's right." Zhao Zhen nodded, then glanced at the ministers in the palace and said: "The eight remonstrances jointly impeached, are you willing to withdraw them?"
"I sincerely request to withdraw."
Including the restored Zhijian Yuan Wu Shi, eight Taiwanese admonishers including Li Dui, Liu Yuanyu, Liu Shi, and Gao Ruona spoke in unison.
Not withdrawing would mean having to argue with Zhao Yang again. How dare they not withdraw?
Zhao Zhen nodded secretly with satisfaction, and couldn't help but look at Zhao Yang one more time, feeling admiration in his heart.
Appreciating Zhao Yang for refuting all the Taiwanese remonstrances was only second. What he appreciated more was Zhao Yang's talents displayed in today's round of debates, especially his vision of discussing the relationship between Song and Liao.
In addition to admiring him, he signaled Wang Shougui with his eyes.
Wang Shougui understood and said loudly: "If no one plays again, the court will be dismissed."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Yang bowed and said, "I have something to say!"
Zhao Zhen was stunned and asked in confusion: "What do you want to do?"
I saw Zhao Yang holding up his hands and saying seriously: "I want to impeach the power to know the affairs of Kaifeng Prefecture, know the admonishment court Qian Mingyi, deputy privy envoy and right admonition official Gao Ruona, censor Li Dui, who knows miscellaneous affairs, and censor Liu Yuanyu in the palace. Liu Shi, the serving censor, Wailang, a member of the Ministry of War, Zhi Zhi Gao, Quan Zhi Jian Yuan Yang Wei, Yan Shi Yu Shi, Ding She Ren, Zhi Jian Yuan Wu Shi, Ding Shi Ren, Zhi Shi Guan, Tong Beng Sinong Temple, Zhi Jian Yuan Wang Zhi of the Remonstrance Court, Jia Jian, the Supervising Censor..."
Good guy, revenge is coming!
Zhao Zhen raised his hand and rubbed his forehead with a headache. Most of the courtiers in the palace were also secretly happy: No wonder this kid asked for the name and official position before, so here he is!
When everyone was laughing and crying, Zhao Yang suddenly glanced at Wen Yanbo after reading the list of nine people, and continued: "...and, Tongping Zhangshi, Wen Yanbo, a scholar of Jixian Palace!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone in the palace was stunned, including Wen Yanbo himself.
Immediately, there were private discussions in the palace.
"Why is there Mr. Wen?"
"Have you forgotten? Although Xianggong Wen did not join the impeachment committee, he agreed and said that officials were indulged in indulgence, which is why Zhao Zhengyan was disrespectful and made false claims about the quality of civil and military affairs, which violated Taizong's regulations..."
"Oh, right."
"Tsk tsk..."
While the courtiers were discussing, Wen Yanbo frowned and looked at Zhao Yang, who returned the cold look.
Just when everyone thought that Zhao Yang and Wen Yanbo were going to have a debate in the palace, the imperial censor Zhang Fen, who had previously submitted a memorial requesting for external transfer, added to the fire: "I have a memorial to impeach Qian Mingyi last night." Having a banquet at his residence to admonish nineteen people from the DPRK and Taiwan is suspected of forming a clique for personal gain."
As he spoke, he read out the list of nineteen people, including himself, in front of everyone.
There was an uproar in the hall, and Zhao Zhen's face was as deep as water.
Previously, he thought that Zhao Yang was jointly impeached today because the sentence "Who said that only the person who sings the number one scholar outside Donghua Gate is a good person" offended the civil servants. Unexpectedly, it was Qian Mingyi who conspired with the DPRK and China. Taiwan admonishment.
Is this okay? !
Zhao Zhen glanced at Wen Yanbo and asked the censor Zhongcheng Zhang Guandao: "Zhang Guan, is this possible?"
Seeing that the official called him by his first name, Zhang Guan was shocked and hurriedly bowed and replied: "It's just as Zhang Yushi said, but I didn't participate."
"Guo Quan!"
"What Zhang Yushi said is true, but I was not involved."
After continuously asking several Taiwanese remonstrators who were not involved in today's joint impeachment report, Zhao Zhen finally confirmed the matter and immediately asked Qian Mingyi with a stern face: "Qian Mingyi, what do you intend to do by uniting the DPRK, China and Taiwan to remonstrate with you? "
"I...I just want to advise the admonishing officials to stay away from the demon star..."
Qian Mingyi was also panicked. He did not expect that the nine Taiwanese remonstrators who jointly impeached Zhao Yang could not bring down Zhao Yang, nor did he expect that Zhang Chen would take the risk to report the matter without caring about offending many colleagues.
"shut up!"
Wang Zhi of the Zhijian Yuan shouted: "I have watched Zhao Zhengyan debate several times, and all of them have good words. He is the pillar of this country. How can he be the so-called demon star in your mouth? We are jointly impeaching today. We are all deceived and instigated by you. Now the truth is Dabai, why do you still want to make excuses?!"
"..."
There was silence in the hall. Everyone, including Zhao Zhen and Zhao Yang, looked at Wang Zhi with strange expressions, but the latter did not change his expression and remained serious.
As the saying goes, everyone pushes against the wall. Perhaps they were awakened by Wang Zhi's words. Except for a few people such as Wen Yanbo and Li Dui who couldn't help but remain silent, the others like Liu Shi, Liu Yuanyu and others joined in the impeachment. Including several Taiwanese advisers who were invited last night but did not participate or even took a stand in advance.
The only person who interceded for Qian Mingyi was his brother Qian Yanyuan.
In this almost one-sided situation, Zhao Zhen was naturally happy to go with the flow. After all, he had already been prejudiced against Qian Mingyi when he first filed a lawsuit against Zhao Yang. However, Zhao Yang was also at fault for making a big fuss in Kaifeng Mansion that day. He It was not good to favor one over the other, so as not to arouse opposition from the ministers, so Qian Mingyi was not demoted or punished.
This time Qian Mingyi contacted the DPRK, China and Taiwan to remonstrate, and the evidence was conclusive. Zhao Zhen naturally would not tolerate it, so he just killed one person to serve as a warning to all officials not to form cliques.
"Qian Mingyi joined forces with Taiwan to remonstrate and criticize officials. He removed his position as Quan Zhi Kaifeng Prefecture and Hanlin Bachelor, changed his position to Long Tuge Bachelor, and served as governor of the state."
Qian Mingyi looked bitter, but he had to thank the officials for their lenient treatment. After all, in other dynasties, the crime of forming a party for personal gain would not be so easy.
"Thank you, sir."
