Chapter 601: Grasp the military and politics

Zhao Chen pondered for a long time and said: "Every time the country holds ceremonies, it costs a lot, and now the three major Xuanfu Divisions are expanding their armaments, and they have to use money everywhere. ”

Zhu Shengfei didn't seem to have come specifically for this matter, so he pushed the boat down the river and said: "Since the official family is on vacation, it is okay to be simple." What does Huang Xiang think? ”

Huang Qianshan is not simple, he first stood on the side of the Cai family's father and son, which is equivalent to the old minister of the Daojun. But Zhao Huan ascended the throne, he was not implicated, and even made it all the way to Shangshu Youcheng, I am afraid it was not due to luck. When Xu Shao, Zhu Shengfei and others staged a coup d'état, he was also purged and relegated to other places. Now it is making a comeback, and it is an official reinstatement, which is really an anomaly.

First of all, compared to those three unknown prime ministers, his administrative ability is very strong. During his tenure of office, he achieved remarkable results in water conservancy construction in various localities, and no major disasters occurred, thus ensuring the state's grain reserves. He may not have a far-sighted strategic vision, but he does a pretty good job. Even after being demoted, he has made remarkable achievements in local politics.

After being driven out of the central government by Xu Shao, he was different from other former ministers of the Emperor Taishang, and he still often wrote and talked about things. For example, when Zhao Huan was forced to abdicate and the Great Song Dynasty won successive victories on the battlefield, he neither sang the decline nor killed, but said that the imperial court should take this opportunity to pay close attention to agriculture and commerce, accumulate national strength for another day, and oppose the immediate raising of troops to the Northern Expedition. This coincided with Zhu Shengfei's political views, which attracted attention.

"The minister seconded the proposal." Huang Qianshan said.

"Since the two secretaries agree, then it's decided." Zhao Chen nodded.

Zhu Shengfei glanced at Huang Qianshan at this time, the latter thought for a moment, and said: "Official, there is an important matter at present, and the imperial court should make a decision quickly. ”

"Oh? What is Huang Qing talking about? Zhao Chen asked, thinking at the same time, there is nothing important recently, right?

"Since Xu Churen and Taifu Zhishi, Sichuan and Shaanxi Xuanfu have been vacant. At that time, because it coincided with the peace talks between the north and the south, I didn't care about this incident. Now, the imperial court should make arrangements. Huang Qianshan said.

Zhu Shengfei immediately followed up: "Yes, Sichuan and Shaanxi are where the country's strong troops are, and the chief cannot be vacant." Although there is a temporary government administration of Wang Shu, it is not a long-term solution. ”

Zhao Chen heard the words and asked: "Has the Minister of the Ruling Governor discussed it, who is more suitable to take over?" ”

Huang Qianshan thought for a while and replied: "The important town of Sichuan and Shaanxi must be entrusted to the right people." The ministers thought that it would be more appropriate to serve as the minister of the second government. Previously, Li Gang, Xu Shao, and Xu Churen had all served as governors of the Eastern and Western Prefectures, but otherwise, it was not enough to deter the localities. ”

"Then is there a suitable candidate in the second mansion now?" Zhao Chen asked.

Zhu Shengfei took over the conversation at this time: "The ministers have agreed that it is more appropriate to have two people." One is Xu Liang, the former Sichuan Shaanxi Xuanfu judge, and the other is Qin Hui, who stayed in Xijing and sentenced Henan Mansion. Xu Liang has been trained in the local area for many years, and has also assisted the governor in Sichuan and Shaanxi for many years, and has rich experience. As for Qin Hui, his predecessor was the governor of the government, and if he declared the pacification of Sichuan and Shaanxi, it would also be justified, and he would ask His Majesty to cut it. ”

If you look closely, it's not hard to spot. The two people recommended by Zhu Shengfei have several things in common. First of all, these two are people close to Xu Shao. Xu Liang is Xu Shao's son, and Qin Hui used to be Xu Shao's right-hand man, and even taught Xu Shao. Secondly, the abilities and qualifications of these two people are enough to enter the center.

Zhao Chen thought for a long time, and seemed to be unable to decide, and asked rhetorically: "Based on Zhu Qing's personal opinion, which of these two people is more suitable?" ”

Chen thinks that Qin Hui may be more suitable. First of all, he used to be among the rulers, and his qualifications and abilities are beyond doubt. Secondly, he was born as a speech official, with a loyal and upright personality, and he will live up to the trust of the Son of Heaven. Moreover, he issued a sentence to Henan Prefecture, and I believe that he also has a certain understanding of the situation in the western region. Finally, and most importantly, Qin Hui once assisted the king of Xu Jun in governing the government, and from this point of view, he will definitely be able to cooperate with Xu Wei sincerely, and the civil and military affairs have a tacit understanding. ”

None of Zhu Shengfei's reasons are irrefutable, and they are obviously carefully prepared.

Zhao Chen looked at Zhu Shengfei with a scrutinizing gaze, and said in a deep voice: "In the past, Qin Hui asked for a judgment by himself, but it was a last resort. Now that there is a truce between the north and the south, the ministers of the DPRK and China suggested that he be recalled, believing that he had made great achievements in assisting Xu Shao's administration, and if he returned to the center, he would be able to continue to implement Xu Shao's new policy. In this way, is it better to put him in Sichuan and Shaanxi, or is it appropriate to recall the center? ”

As soon as he heard the emperor's words, Zhu Shengfei beat a small drum in his heart. That's right, Qin Hui is indeed Xu Shao's right-hand man, and he is also very familiar with Xu Shao's set. Now Li Ruoshui has gone to Henan Mansion to inspect, if he comes back and reports that the tomb of Emperor Qin Hui is well repaired, the place is also well governed, and the official family is happy and summons him to return to the court, then this person is very likely to sit in the position of the last prime minister in the future. He and Xu Han were both involved in supporting the new monarch, and they were like-minded, and once they returned to the dynasty, they would unite......

Zhu Shengfei couldn't help but think of some time ago, Xu Shao was in charge of the government alone, and he, the prime minister, had nothing to do all day long, and was almost set aside.

Xu Liu and Xu Jiu discussed some time ago, thinking that Zhu Shengfei brought Huang Qianshan back to the central government in order to block Xu Liu's way. In fact, Zhu Shengfei's move was mainly to block Qin Hui's return to the court, followed by Xu Liu. Because in comparison, Qin Hui's influence among the ministers of the active anti-war faction is obviously not comparable to Xu Liu, although he is Xu Shao's son.

"The minister thinks that it is better to put it in Sichuan and Shaanxi." Zhu Shengfei said.

Huang Qianshan said: "Please Your Majesty." ”

Zhao Spy was speechless for a while, and said for a long time: "Let me think about this matter, if the important land in Sichuan and Shaanxi is not entrusted by people, there must be a mistake." ”

Since he said so, Zhu Shengfei and Huang Qianshan didn't want to talk more, so he retreated. Shen Xue watched the two of them go out, and then said to Zhao Chen: "The official family, the main and deputy are the same, which shows how much attention the political hall attaches to this matter." ”

Zhao Chen said casually: "Sichuan and Shaanxi are important places, and the candidate for the chief is naturally important. Did you hear what Zhu Shengfei said just now? ”

"Listen, little slave." Shen Zedao.

"He recommended Qin Hui to Xuanfu Sichuan and Shaanxi, those reasons are sufficient?" Zhao Chen asked again.

Shen Ze looked at the Son of Heaven and said slowly: "On the surface, it still makes sense. ”

Zhao Chen smiled suddenly: "Zhu Xiang doesn't want Qin Hui to return to the dynasty, it seems that when Xu Shao was in charge in the past, he was idle." "I don't want Zhao Chen to see it thoroughly.

Seeing him say this, Shen Ze rolled his eyes and said in a low voice: "Indeed, it is said that Qin Hui once called Xu Shao as his teacher, and when King Xu Jun implemented the new policy, Qin Hui was his right-hand man. If the juniper returns to the dynasty, it will recreate the old situation. ”

These words are in Zhao Chen's mind. It is true that Zhao Chen fully affirmed and praised Xu Shao's talent and merits. But at the same time, he didn't want that to happen again. You must know that when Xu Shao was in power, it was a time of crisis, and the major military affairs were decided by him, and sometimes the emperor may not be able to intervene. Such a situation where the ministers are strong and the monarch is weak, it is okay to be expedient for a while, if it lasts for a long time, which emperor can stand it? Therefore, from this point of view, Xu Shao's death is just in time, and if he is in power until Song and Jin negotiate peace, after the two countries make a truce, I am afraid it will be another ending.

Qin Hui is widely regarded as Xu Shao's successor, if he returns to the dynasty, can Zhao Chen not worry about recreating the situation when Xu Shao was in power? As for Xu Liang, it doesn't matter, he is far from his father's popularity.

"Now that there is Zhu Shengfei and Huang Qian's good governance in the DPRK, Qin Hui doesn't have to come back." Zhao Chen said.

"Then really let him preach Sichuan Shaanxi?" Shen Ze asked. An inner sì can talk about state affairs without scruples in front of the emperor, which shows the emperor's trust in him.

Zhao Chen shook his head: "Not everyone in Sichuan and Shaanxi can sit in the town, and besides, now that the north and the south are truce, Sichuan and Shaanxi are the time to restore and rebuild, and they don't need a strong commander." ”

"Then continue to let him sentence Henan Mansion?" Shen Ze broke the casserole.

Zhao Chen shook his head again: "Let's talk about it after Li Ruoshui comes back, Qin Hui still has merit, the situation in Henan Mansion is not very good, look for an opportunity to change places for him." ”

When Shen Ze heard this, he didn't say anything more, because he had already achieved his goal.

Zhao Chen thought for a while, then raised his pen and wanted to approve a few copies, but after all, he couldn't concentrate, threw away the pen, and asked, "Were you present when you summoned Xu Wei for the last time?" ”

"Be present." Shen Xue didn't know why the official family suddenly asked about this.

"Remember what he said?" Zhao Chen asked again.

Shen Xue snorted, held his head high and thought for a moment, and replied: "At that time, the official family asked him in detail about connecting with the Western Xia Khitan. Xu Wei started from the beginning, until he appointed Na Ma to envoy the Khitan. Anyway, in a word, if we can unite the party and the Khitan, it will be of great benefit to the restoration of the great cause. ”

"Gone?" Zhao Chen said with a smile.

"That's all the little slave remembers." Shen Zedao.

Zhao Guanjia shook his head while laughing: "You can't remember." At that time, in addition to this incident, Xu Wei also elaborated on his idea of reconstruction in Shaanxi, saying that within three years, all the displaced people would be mobilized back to their hometowns. Within five years, Shaanxi will become self-sufficient. In the long run, it is to reproduce the glory of the country of abundance in Qinchuan for 800 miles. ”

Shen Xue bowed: "The official family is well-read and strong, how can it be compared to a small slave." ”

Zhao Chen sighed: "Compared with the ministers of the DPRK and China, Xu Wei is still a real person. He explained this incident to me, in fact, he wanted to say that he could do it, to put it bluntly, he wanted to be the envoy of Sichuan and Shaanxi. This kind of person is more reliable and can say what he wants. These people in the court and China think they are smart, and they regard me as a young man who has nothing to do, hum. ”

"What kind of important position is this Sichuan-Shaanxi Xuanfu Disposal Envoy? Xu Wei, as a military minister, may not be suitable. Moreover, the official family has already entrusted the power of the Shaanxi military power to him. Shen Zejin said.

Zhao Chen nodded slowly: "Look at it again, it took a long time to see people's hearts, and I only saw him once." In the near future, let Wang Shu and him divide the military and political affairs of Sichuan and Shaanxi, and in a few years Wang Shu will talk about it when he reaches the age of Zhishi. If he can succeed, it is not impossible to entrust him with the power to appease and dispose of it, and if not, he will choose another one. Shen Xue kept these words in his heart, lest he miss a single word.

In February, Li Ruoshui returned from Henan Province and reported in detail on the experience. Qin Hui was edicted to repair the imperial mausoleum, and it was indeed due diligence and completed on schedule. In Henan Prefecture, production has also been restored to a certain extent, and the scholars, soldiers, and civilians have praised him for his virtue. Li Ruoshui's praise did not give Qin Hui any benefits, and the official Zhao Chen only instructed Yousi to reward him.

In late February, Emperor Kaigong stated to his ministers that the current team in Sichuan and Shaanxi was enough to cope with it, and he would not consider adjustment in the short term. Although he did not follow the advice of Zhu Shengfei and others and let Qin Hui proclaim Sichuan and Shaanxi, he did not let him return to the court.

Xu Han and other ministers held that the central government lacked officials with rich local experience and were familiar with the border military, and this was not conducive to the central government's correct and practical policy decisions. This is tantamount to making it clear that he suggested to the emperor that Xu Liu be appointed.

Zhao Chen also knew in his heart that although Zhu Shengfei was loyal and obedient, he lacked courage and was conservative, so he really had to be given another assistant with stronger ability. Then he issued an edict to restore Xu Liang's affection, end the funeral, serve as the governor of the council, and work with Huang Qianshan to assist Zhu Shengfei in handling the daily affairs of the center.

When Xu Liu came to power, the ministers of the DPRK and China who actively resisted the war were deeply encouraged. They hoped that Xu Liang would be like Xu Shao, the king of Qinghe County, to vigorously implement the new policy, enrich the country and strengthen the army, in order to recover. But if Xu Liu succeeds or not, he can only ride a donkey to read the record book.

Besides, after Xu Wei returned to Sichuan and Shaanxi, he first stopped in Mianzhou and conveyed Zhao Chen's commendation and encouragement to the officials of the Xuanfu Disposal Department. Then he returned to Qinzhou, and immediately summoned the chief officials of the Shaanxi Criminal Division, the Transfer Division, the Changping Division and other institutions to Qinzhou for a meeting, telling them that they would be directly controlled by the division in the future, and let the directors of each department report on their responsible affairs. Although Zijin Hu was born in a martial arts, because he has been in Shaanxi for many years, officials at all levels, no one dares to underestimate him.

The situation in Shaanxi is indeed more specific, because due to the impact of the war, the most fertile Guanzhong Plain has almost become a battlefield site. The situation in the mountainous areas of other places is even worse, and if it were not for Sichuan's aid, Shaanxi would have been doomed long ago.

To rebuild Shaanxi, we must first grasp agriculture, and agriculture is the foundation of everything. In order to grasp agriculture, the first thing is that the land must be cultivated. Xu Wei has already begun to implement this one, and tens of thousands of township soldiers have already been stationed in various places. But these people alone are not enough, and people who have fled must be called back and allowed to rebuild their homes.

In February, Xu Wei issued an order directly in Qinzhou as the deputy envoy of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Xuanfu. The chief executives of the prefectures and counties in Sichuan and Shaanxi were ordered to start handling the matter of the return of the displaced people to their hometowns.

This is the first time that Xu Wei has independently issued an order since he became the deputy envoy of Xuanfu. In the eyes of Shaanxi officials, this is a matter of course. But the Sichuan officials couldn't react, and they were at a loss with the order sent directly from Qinzhou.

This matter caused a huge controversy in Mianzhou, and Zhang Jun said to Wang Shu, how could Xu Xuanfu bypass the Xuanfu Disposal Division and directly issue an order? And is it facing Sichuan and Shaanxi? Where is this Xuanfu Disposal Division? Where did Wang Xuanfu go?

Wang Shu also felt that Xu Wei should at least take the initiative to come to Mianzhou to communicate, and then the Xuanfu Disposal Department would issue an order, rather than in his own name. However, as Xu Wei's old prefect, Wang Shu's belly is not small, he appeased dissenting subordinates, saying that Xu Xuanfu and I are both the deputy envoys of Sichuan and Shaanxi Xuanfu, and the imperial court has not asked him to "exempt from signing books and official affairs", which means that he and I have the same power, so he issued orders, and there was no problem in the system.

In fact, Wang Shu was not willing to argue with Xu Wei because of such a thing. Besides, he's about to retire, so what's there to fight about? Now that Shaanxi has also recovered, he is also happy to be free and easy, just to live in peace and stability for the past few years, and then go to work for the elderly.

However, Xu Wei will also be a man. He unilaterally issued an order, just to knock on the mountain and shake the tiger and establish his prestige, not to suppress Wang Shu and take charge of the military and political affairs of Sichuan and Shaanxi alone. He also didn't want to be estranged from the old chief. Afterwards, he sent someone to Mianzhou to explain that it was because he was not familiar with administrative procedures. Wang Shu also said he didn't mind. They even reissued orders to the prefectures and counties in northern Sichuan to start handling the return of displaced people.

Before the war, Shaanxi had a population of more than 1.7 million. However, in the Song Dynasty, this "mouth" was only counted as adult men, and women and minors of the same age were not counted. So even with a conservative estimate, Shaanxi's pre-war population should have been about five million. As soon as the battle of more than ten years was fought, people realized what it means to "sharply decline".

Because it is not long after the end of the war, reconstruction has only been put on the agenda, and the division has not yet had time to count. But fortunately, in order to camp the fields, Xu Wei organized civilian adult men from all over the Guangfu District into township soldiers and reclaimed them on the spot. One only needs to compare the pre-war population of these areas with the number of existing village soldiers.

It is conservatively estimated that the war in the past ten years has reduced and lost about 40% of Shaanxi's population, that is, nearly 2 million people. Of course, we will have to wait until the displaced people from all over the country return to their hometowns before we can accurately calculate the number of losses. In any case, the damage caused by the war to Shaanxi was extremely serious.

Xu Wei said in front of the emperor that it was entirely possible to let the displaced people return to their hometowns within three years. Because the escape route of the displaced people in Shaanxi is nothing more than the western part of Shaanxi and the northern part of Sichuan. However, within five years, it will be very difficult for Shaanxi to become self-sufficient. Post-war reconstruction is a huge project, and it doesn't mean that you can let the people go back to their hometowns and build a straw hut.

The purpose of reconstruction is to have their fields and their homes for the home, which is the most basic thing. For this purpose alone, Xu Wei has to list a huge budget of tens of millions. After the people return to their hometowns, the government must provide livestock, farm tools, seeds, advance materials and policy support, otherwise he will use nothing to rebuild.

Obviously, Shaanxi can't come up with this money. Shaanxi capital transfer envoy Liu Gan, that is, Liu Ziyu's father, took the account book to Xu Wei to flip through, how much was Shaanxi's tax last year? 3,600,000,000 guan, not even a fraction of Sichuan's, and this is the result of benefiting from border trade and increased tax revenue. These more than 3 million guan do not need to be handed over to Sichuan now, we can use it in Shaanxi.

But for what? Not to mention military spending, let alone reconstruction, it is estimated that it can only be used to pay money to civil and military officials. If Shaanxi wants to rebuild, it still depends on the support of Sichuan.