Under the attention of everyone, Han Qi came out and said: "The Li family of Xixia is ambitious, fearing power but not ethical.
Blind peace talks will only increase their arrogance and make them think that the Song Dynasty is weak and can be bullied. In the future, I am afraid that the northwest will never have peace. "
After hearing these words, Zhao Zhen said: "Then according to the Grand Prime Minister's intention, he said that he would send troops to fight Xixia."
Han Qi said firmly at this time: "Yes, a battle with Xixia is inevitable. Only after this battle can the northwest be truly peaceful."
But Zhao Zhen really didn't want to fight this war.
First, the three battles that he had high hopes for all failed, which brought a huge psychological shadow to Zhao Zhen. Zhao Zhen really couldn't believe that he could win this time.
Secondly, it was due to his physical condition. Zhao Zhen knew that his body might not be able to support him for too long.
The war between the two countries will definitely last for many years, and the elites of the Song Dynasty will definitely gather in one place.
But in this way, if something goes wrong while the army is out there, the morale of the army will inevitably be shaken.
If the elite troops were ruined as a result, the Song Dynasty could not afford such a loss.
But Zhao Zhen naturally couldn't say this in court. After all, he couldn't take the initiative to say that he didn't have long to live.
So at this time, Zhao Zhen looked at Ouyang Xiu, hoping that Ouyang Xiu could put forward different opinions.
Ouyang Xiu could understand what he meant. After all, if Zhao Zhen wanted to fight this battle, he didn't have to ask himself anymore and just follow Han Qi's words.
Moreover, Ouyang Xiu didn't think it was really appropriate to fight this battle now. Originally, Ouyang Xiu had never dealt with military affairs, so he didn't know much yet.
But after Ouyang Xiu became the Privy Councilor, he realized that the situation in the army was not very optimistic.
Although there are many soldiers on paper, only twenty-three out of ten can actually go into battle and kill the enemy.
Apart from facing Xixia's Northwest Army directly, only the Upper Fourth Army is the only truly elite soldier that can handle it.
If we really want to start a war, we must mobilize the four armies to go out, and this is not like countering rebel bandits, only a small part will be mobilized.
Once the war expands and drags most of the Fourth Army's troops to the northwest, it will inevitably lead to an empty situation in the center.
If nothing happens then, let it be. Once something happens to the court, I'm afraid the situation will be difficult to deal with.
Therefore, Ouyang Xiu said: "The Song Dynasty and Xixia have been at peace for more than 20 years. It is really strange that Xixia suddenly wants to provoke a war this time.
In my humble opinion, it is better to send envoys to Xixia formally to meet Li Liangzuo to see what he wants to do.
In addition, we also need to be prepared. It is better to send a veteran to the northwest to lead the northwest military affairs and prepare for it.
At the same time, the Fourth Army is also ready to go out, and if war is inevitable, it will immediately go to support. "
Most people agreed with Ouyang Xiu's compromise, but there were still some generals who felt that soldiers were more valuable and faster.
You shouldn't waste your time like this when you start to argue with Ouyang Xiu.
But Ouyang Xiu naturally didn't feel embarrassed about the quarrel, especially in the court, where the generals obviously couldn't take advantage of the chaos.
So he was severely suppressed by Ouyang Xiu's quotations from scriptures.
At this time, Zhao Zhen took advantage of the situation and said, "What Grand Prime Minister Ouyang said is reasonable. It is better to send someone to Xixia first.
Go and ask Li Liangzuo personally to see what he wants to do?
However, the northwest really needs a general to take charge, and I wonder if anyone is willing to go. "
After hearing Zhao Zhen's question, everyone turned their attention to the generals. Of course, the main attention was still focused on a few people such as Duke Yingying and Marquis Zhongjing.
After all, there are only a few people who have the ability and prestige to preside over the war with the northwest. It is really uneasy to leave this matter to others.
It was at this time that the British Duke took the lead and said, "I would like to go to the northwest to lead the army. I hope the officials will give me permission."
Then Hou Zhongjinghou
Others also stood up one after another and expressed their willingness to go to the northwest to lead troops.
But Zhao Zhen thought again and again, and might let the British public take action, which would be more reassuring.
Then he said: "I am very pleased that your family members are loyal to the country, but I still need to trouble the British Lord about this matter."
Upon hearing this, Marquis Zhongjing and others retreated.
Then Zhao Zhen handed over the arrangement of the envoys to Han Qi and asked him to arrange the candidates to set off as soon as possible.
After the disbandment of the dynasty, Zhao Zhen left Ying Gong, Ouyang Xiu and Han Qi behind, and went to Chui Gong Hall to discuss the matter together.
After everyone sat down, Zhao Zhen asked the British Duke: "If Song Dynasty really goes to war with Xixia, what are the chances of winning?"
The British Duke replied: "The battle between the two armies depends on the time, location, and harmony. I am now in Bianjing and don't know much about the situation in the northwest, so I dare not speak nonsense."
The implication is obvious, there is really not much confidence in winning this war.
Of course, the British didn't think Xixia could take advantage.
The high probability is that it will be the same as before, both sides will suffer losses, it depends on which company will suffer the greater loss.
As for the British public's words, the people present could naturally judge it.
So he skipped this question and asked, "How many people are you going to take with you this time?"
Hearing this, the British Duke said directly: "Since we are just taking precautions, there is no need to mobilize too many people for the time being. It is enough for me to mobilize one army from Peng Japanese Army.
The rest of the troops can wait for news from the northwest and head north if necessary. "
Zhao Zhen said: "Okay, it's up to you, Lord British, to decide which army to choose."
Then he said to Ouyang Xiu and Han Qi: "It will be up to the two great ministers to prepare other food, grass and armaments."
This was their job, so Han Qi and Ouyang Xiu naturally responded.
While Zhao Zhen and the others were chatting, news about this court meeting had already spread.
Li Hao also learned the news quickly, and now Li Hao couldn't sit still.
After all, it was his father-in-law who was going to war. Li Hao was a little worried that something would go wrong because his wife knew the news because she was worried about his father.
So after being released from office, she hurried back to the mansion. But obviously, as a female general, Zhang Guifen's ability to accept is far stronger than Li Hao imagined.
Even though he learned the news in advance, he still looked calm and composed, as if this was a normal thing.
For a time, Li Hao thought that Zhang Guifen hadn't heard the news yet and was still worried about how to make peace with her.
It wasn't until he asked Biying later that Li Hao knew that Zhang Guifen already knew.
So at night, Li Hao asked Zhang Guifen: "My father-in-law is about to lead troops to the northwest to take charge. Are you really not worried?"
Zhang Guifen's answer was beyond Li Hao's expectation: "Since I was a child, my father has gone to war so many times that I can't even remember how many times.
The past few years have been relatively good, with nothing happening at the border, so my father has been able to stay in Bianjing.
But in the early years, my father was away on military expeditions all year round and rarely returned to Bianjing for several years, so I was used to it. "
Hearing this, Li Hao couldn't help but sigh in his heart: "The British government seems to be glorious and wealthy, but it is soaked in the blood and tears of generations of people who have fought hard on the battlefield."
However, Zhang Guifen's attitude is good, as it prevents her from worrying too much, which is not good for her health.
But in fact, Zhang Guifen said she was not worried, but she really waited until Li Hao calmed down and chatted with Zhang Guifen.
However, Li Hao found that Zhang Guifen was not so calm after all, and was always a little distracted when talking.
So Li Hao simply took Zhang Guifen back to the British Duke's mansion to meet the British Duke and his wife, so that Zhang Guifen could feel at ease.
How could the British father-in-law and his wife not know what their daughter was thinking, so the British father-in-law took Zhang Guifen down to persuade her.
Li Hao, on the other hand, accompanied the British Duke to speak in front of the hall, but at this time, the British Duke was not concerned about national affairs.
, but his own daughter.
I saw the British Duke saying: "I am going to the northwest this time, and I will definitely not be able to come back in a short time. I will not be in Bianjing during this time."
It also coincides with Fen'er giving birth during this period. Since ancient times, women have to go through the gate of hell when giving birth. I only hope you can take more care of Fen'er. "
Li Hao replied: "What are you talking about, father-in-law? Guifen is my wife, and I will naturally take good care of her. Please rest assured, father-in-law."
After hearing this, the British public replied: "I still believe what you said. It just so happened that your mother-in-law was at home alone during this time.
At that time, I will also ask her to go to your house to spend more time with Fen'er and help you relieve some pressure. "
Li Hao naturally nodded in agreement. Anyway, even now, his mother-in-law is quite diligent when running around his house. There is basically no difference.
Just as Li Hao was complaining in his heart, the British father changed the subject and what he said shocked Li Hao.
"By the way, I heard that you are planning to take a concubine recently, is this possible?"
Li Hao thought that the British Duke was going to launch an army to investigate the crime, and he didn't know how wronged he felt. After all, although he had expected it, he never really took action.
Although this matter was indeed caused by Zhang Guifen, it was hard to blame it all on her, especially in front of her father.
So he had to admit his mistake and said: "It turns out that this is indeed the case, but maybe Guifen misunderstood what I meant.
Now I have decided not to take concubines, so please rest assured, father-in-law. "
But the British Duke said at this time: "It doesn't have to be like this. I am also a man, so naturally I understand your current suffering.
When I say this to you today, I am not saying that you are not allowed to take concubines. It’s just that Fen’er is pregnant now and it’s really hard to have strangers around her.
So I hope you are looking for someone who knows the basics.
After Fen'er recovers from giving birth, if you still want to bring someone into the house, Fen'er will naturally help you and I won't say anything more. "
After hearing these words, Li Hao really didn't know what to say. He didn't expect that his father-in-law would not stop his son-in-law from finding a wife. It seemed that it was more popular in ancient times.
But thinking about it, Li Hao really doesn't plan to take a concubine at this time. It's not that he really believes in monogamy, but he really hasn't met anyone he particularly wants to take in.
Moreover, it always feels weird to take someone in when my wife is pregnant, and I feel like a scumbag.
However, facing the British father-in-law, Li Hao definitely wanted to take the opportunity to establish an image at this time, so he said righteously: "Don't worry, father-in-law, I have no intention of taking a concubine now. This is not to prevaricate with you, but to That's what I mean.
Now I just want to take good care of Guifen, and I will never let her suffer any injustice. "
Regarding Li Hao's words, the British father-in-law was still a little moved, and for a while he felt that his son-in-law was quite good.
But soon, the British Duke calmed down. After all, there are many people who are clever and charming these days, and it is not like the British Duke has never been deceived by others.
So the British public wanted to be an insurance company, at least to ensure that nothing would happen to Li Hao when he was not in Bianjing.
Therefore, the British Duke said: "Of course I can trust your words.
However, Fen'er's body now urgently needs care, and there are many people in need.
It's better to wait and ask your mother-in-law to transfer the people who were originally taking care of Fen'er in the house to some smart and useful ones.
You can take them back together when the time comes. I think having them around will save you a lot of worry.
After Fen'er gives birth, you can keep these people if you want. If you don't want to keep them, just send them back. It's up to you. "
Li Hao knew in his heart that this was not a maid for him. He was obviously afraid that he would bully Zhang Guifen because of his different opinions. Zhang Guifen might not want to spread the news due to feelings, so he wanted to put something in his courtyard to spread the news. people.
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As long as he really did something to offend Zhang Guifen, the news would immediately reach the British government, and then his mother-in-law would have to come to investigate.
However, Li Hao really didn't intend to do anything untoward, and naturally he wasn't afraid of letting people know about it. Moreover, the British Duke was about to go on an expedition, so it was just a matter of letting him feel at ease before leaving.
So Li Hao said: "That is of course great. I think all the maids in the Duke's mansion are well trained.
With them taking care of Guifen, I can feel more at ease. "
Seeing Li Hao's promise, the British duke didn't waste time and immediately called the British duchess.
Later, when the British princess came, Zhang Guifen also came with her.
After listening to what the British father said, both of them looked at Li Hao immediately. After all, Li Hao's attitude was the most important in this matter.
Li Hao naturally nodded in agreement at this time, saying that he agreed to this matter.
But Zhang Guifen's first reaction was still to refuse. After all, she is now the eldest lady of the Li family.
At this time, she felt that it was not good to take someone from her natal family and place her with Li Hao.
And she also felt that Li Hao only agreed out of love, so she opened her mouth to find a reason for Li Hao to refuse.
"Husband, when anyone enters this house, you must first talk to your mother-in-law.
Otherwise, if we bring the person in directly, I'm afraid my mother-in-law will be unhappy if she finds out. Otherwise, I'd better not bring the person in, and wait until I go back to ask my mother-in-law before talking about it. "
When Zhang Guifen thought about it, Li Hao could have refused directly at this time, but Li Hao said: "The people in the Duke's Mansion are not those outside who don't know the details.
I will tell my mother when I get back and she will definitely agree, so I'd better take it back directly to avoid any trouble. "
Only then did Zhang Guifen believe that Li Hao truly agreed, and she was quite moved.
The British princess didn't think too much. Since Li Hao agreed, she turned around and went to pick someone.
Moreover, the selection of people was really fast. Before it got dark, the British father-in-law brought the people to Li Hao to identify them and asked Li Hao for his opinion.
However, since Li Hao was willing to take people away, he didn't think about screening them, and the British father-in-law probably chose carefully.
Li Hao couldn't tell the other parts for a while, but anyway, his appearance was pretty good.
So when Li Hao went out, there were only a few people, but when he came home, there were more than a dozen people.
On the carriage home, Li Hao said to Zhang Guifen: "It seems that the Duke of Guo really cares for you. Today, the Duke of Guo and I did not talk about official matters. We have been talking about your affairs."
