What Yang Zhi thought of, of course the emperor also thought of. As the new monarch of a powerful country in troubled times, every major decision is tantamount to a big gamble. Especially when you don't have much money on hand, you need to be more cautious.

Yang Zhi is right, Zhao Qi is a smart person. Once you decide to pull down your face and let go of your body, you do it very thoroughly.

Even if Yang Zhi is not in Chang'an on weekdays, because of the old man's virtue of liking liveliness, Yang's mansion has not been quiet for a few days from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Early in the morning two days after the state funeral of the Martyrs' Shrine, the Yang Mansion welcomed two uninvited guests from Weifu: one is the current emperor, and the other is Jin Zishan, who is with him.

Zhao Qi is also a lively lord, since he met Yang Zhi by chance on the street, he has been in and out of the Yang Mansion frequently, and within a few days he and the old man have become a New Year's friend, and even with the chief servant Ah Fu has also become a fox friend and dog friend, so that the Yang Mansion is familiar with it. But as this kid grows up, his identity also rises, from the prince to the prince, from the prince to the emperor, who dares to have a hippie smile in front of him? Sometimes even Zhao Qi himself feels bored.

came to the door early in the morning, even if Yang Zhi had a big matter, he could only put it aside for the time being, and he didn't dare to shout and drink blindly by borrowing 10,000 guts from the old man. The reason for leaving the palace? Micro service out of the patrol, observe the people's feelings, stop for a day.

Yang Zhi hurriedly came out to greet him, and when he saw the two of them dressed like this, he knew that any cumbersome driving etiquette was saved. The question was very direct: "Aren't you two here to catch breakfast?" ”

"Sort of!" Zhao Qi also replied truthfully: "But I want to eat what you made." I...... I think it's been a long time. ”

Yang Zhi's cooking skills are excellent, and the meals in Yang's Mansion have always been varied. Today's breakfast is just as simple and tempting: yellow millet porridge. Fried veal pancakes with yellowing on both sides, fragrant broth.

Zhao Qi ate and burped with satisfaction. casually asked, "Old Jin, how is it?" It's much better than the ones made in the palace's dining room, right? ”

If these words reach the ears of the palace chef, I am afraid that I will be scared out of the urine. Do you think that you can enter the imperial dining room without any real work under your hands, just a casual cook? How can the "look goods" made not taste good? You're tired of it!

The "little gold" in the mouth of the first emperor has been upgraded to "old gold". Jin Zishan said with a smile: "The emperor is good to use it comfortably." ”

Of course, Yang Zhi knew that the emperor definitely didn't come here for breakfast. Zhao Qi was welcomed into the study room of the inner courtyard and sat down with tea. Then he ordered Chang San to cooperate with Jin Zishan to serve as a vigilance. It is strictly forbidden for anyone to approach without permission, and not to disturb anyone in any way.

The guest and the host sat down, and Zhao Qi took the lead in speaking and said bluntly: "Today's law does not spread six ears. We don't care about kings and ministers, we just want to treat each other like close friends. - Brother-in-law, help me! ”

People who take the emperor's words too seriously usually don't end well. Not to mention when this kid was a little kid. It's not very worry-free. Yang Zhi took a sip of hot tea and said, "Haven't I been helping you all the time?" How else do you want me to help? ”

“…… The **** said the method of raising money. Do you have to use the first two strategies? ”

Yang Zhi patiently explained: "Actually, I made it very clear that day. There is a saying that a penny is difficult to defeat a hero, who hasn't had a tight time? The same is true for countries. You have been wandering around the streets since you were a child, and you are familiar with people's customs and customs, so you should know that it is normal to pay for loans. As the saying goes, there is borrowing and repaying, and it is not difficult to borrow again, and the small people still know this truth. Even if someone is coerced by the imperial court and does not dare to believe it for a while, as long as it is widely publicized. Just follow the example of Shang Ying, migrate to Mu Lixin, and find a few wealthy businessmen to take the lead in demonstrating. ”

This is very different from the malicious looting of people's wealth, and there is no need to rise to the height of eating food and drinking to quench thirst. Of course. In addition to leaving behind the so-called decency of the imperial court, it is also a great test of your ability to govern the country. ”

Zhao Qi understood it at a glance and thought it was true: "That's true." The foundation for the smooth implementation of the two policies is guaranteed by the credibility of the imperial court and the income of the state. If there is no guarantee that the repayment will be made on time, it will inevitably lead to confusion. I thought about it again and again, and I realized my brother-in-law's hard work and the beauty of it. ”

"The previous dynasty was overthrown, the world was in turmoil, and the people suffered greatly from the war. My father fought in the dynasty for many years, and every time he occupied a place and destroyed a country, he never forgot to appease the people and implement benevolent government. The country of Great Xia is becoming stronger and stronger, and the rule is peaceful, and the people's hearts are attached, all because of this. Whether from the current or long-term point of view, the implementation of the two policies is better than the levy of commercial taxes and the increase of taxes. It is said that everyone has a scale in their hearts, at least in the minds of the people, I am an emperor who would rather take out a loan than raise taxes! For that alone, they will think I'm a good emperor! ”

Zhao Qi was able to draw inferences from one another, Yang Zhi was very pleased, and encouraged: "I have never doubted the vision of the first emperor, and I have always believed that you will be a good emperor!" ”

As long as he is a sober-minded emperor, he will have a certain immunity to sycophants. Zhao Qi said honestly: "Right and wrong, in the long run, I can still distinguish and want to get it." The reason why he is hesitant and can't let go of his face is only one aspect. The **** also saw it, even Chen Wenyuan, Wang Yunong and other auxiliary ministers can't accept it, the two royal brothers King Ning and King Kang can usually not add to the chaos, can they still be expected to support? It is conceivable that the opposition of the civil and military ministers of the DPRK and China will inevitably come overwhelmingly. Although I am the emperor, without the help of these people, it is really difficult to move an inch! Do you think I can be careless? ”

Zhao Qi can make Geng Chao and Yang Yao die willingly without blinking their eyes, since they came to catch breakfast, if they didn't come up with a way to deal with this situation, they wouldn't believe it if they killed Yang Zhi. said with a smile: "You can't even figure this out, let me give you an idea, right?" ”

Zhao Qi smiled and admitted bluntly: "There is a lot of pressure, but it is not difficult to say." Brother-in-law Lao wrote a recital on the three strategies of raising money, and I took it out and handed it over to the ministers to discuss in court. Those people either think that they are old and seek the country, or they think they are loyal and righteous, or they tend to follow the trend, and they will definitely attack them in groups. I will pretend to hesitate again and again, and then I will be forced to reject your proposal in a categorical manner. ”

Yang Zhisun said with a smile: "Then he issued an edict to increase commercial taxes and increase weight? ”

Zhao Qi said arrogantly: "Yes! Under the banner of serving the country and the people, the opposition of those people will only become stronger. I'll just get it in. Claims must be one or the other. The so-called lesser of two evils, what do you say they will choose? ”

Yang Zhi sneered and said: "If you want to capture the old people, I will bring it to your father and son as a gun cushion." It's not once or twice anyway. ”

Zhao Qi also knew that it was very unrighteous to do this, and of course he would not entangle with him. Cutting to the next topic: "Giving is giving, why should there be three levels?" You don't have to be that complicated, right? ”

Yang Zhizhi said: "To put it bluntly, it is necessary not only to achieve the goal of making money, but also to guide public opinion and create an atmosphere in which the whole country unanimously supports the war. ”

"This war between the north and the south has greatly damaged the vitality of Great Xia. Many of the dead soldiers were mostly brothers of Sanqin, Guanzhong, and Zhongatom. The princes and dignitaries, the civil and military of the Manchu Dynasty in order to figure out the holy will and not attract infamy. Even if you have the heart to cope, you will definitely not object. Wealthy businessmen and wealthy people, in order to win popularity. It's not bound to be too stingy. ”

"The money donated by the small people may not be too much, but it is the most valuable! Folks in the village, who has no children? Today is the martyrdom of your child, do you know if it will be my child's turn tomorrow? But whose child's life is not fate? Compare your heart to your heart! Even if they donate a penny. A piece of cloth. A piece of clothing, a bowl of rice, that's all a heart that weighs more than a thousand catties! All of you are united, you know how many emperors have tried their best to get it! ”

When Zhao Qi heard this, he immediately became respectful: "This remark is deafening, it is really the road of the king!" The people's will is the most inciting, and it is not a matter of looting. No matter how many or too little, only the whole country seeks war! At that time, it is strictly forbidden to appropriate the apportionment. If you are voluntary, you will not draw tiger dogs, which will cause public resentment. ”

Then he asked unceremoniously: "If my brother-in-law throws bricks and leads jade, how much will he donate?" ”

Yang Zhi said with a smile: "Then the **** asked me how to raise money, and I knew that your kid was not well-intentioned, and he stared at my pocket." Anyway, you've already made up your mind to sell me, so you can help someone to the end. As long as you have done enough foreplay, I will donate two million taels of silver. ”

"Two million taels?!" Zhao Qi was shocked: "Brother-in-law, I'm ...... I know you're rich, but I've never seen you so generous! …… It's not like your usual style! You've always been a person who doesn't want to lose, and you won't want to scrape it back from somewhere else, right? With all due respect, I thought you could donate one hundred or twenty thousand taels and it would be the top! ”

Yang Zhi smiled bitterly: "Life is in the world, but everything you can do, do something, and don't do something." I have personally experienced bloody battles, and the families of the dead soldiers are large, and not every family has had a good time. To tell you the truth, even if you don't openly initiate donations, I will donate two million taels of silver and use it on them through other means. ”

You are already famous, you are the first to compose lyrics, and you are the last to donate huge amounts of silver, no matter who is the emperor, even if you are a pig, you will inevitably have ideas. Zhao Qi claims to be a monarch and a minister today, but the trust between the two is only half-truths and half-truths at best.

Noncommittally diverted the topic and said: "It's hard for my brother-in-law to have a heart." On the Turkic side, how does my brother-in-law think I should deal with the aftermath? ”

Yang Zhi had been fully mentally prepared since he saw Zhao Qi in the morning. There is no need to hide a question like this. First, Zhao Qi himself will always figure it out, and secondly, a few loyal auxiliary ministers are not dry. Without a top think tank team in the world, Great Xia would definitely not rise to become a powerful country in troubled times.

Regardless of whether Zhao Qi's inquiry is true or not, according to the truth: "The aftermath of the Turkic side is also divided into three levels. The first is the reward and mercy of the deceased soldiers, which is natural and self-explanatory. ”

"The second is that after Suoli's death, the dragons have no leader, there are many Turkic tribes, and those who are eager to unify the desert and ascend to the throne of the Khan do not know how many. When fighting each other, Great Xia might as well watch from the sidelines. Wait until they fight until there are only three or two power groups left that have the strength to compete for supremacy, and then they can intervene. Once you decide to intervene, the first thing to do is to set conditions and negotiate separately. At that time, it can be said that whoever Daxia supports will be able to ascend to the throne of Khan. This process would have been very long, and for the sake of Great Xia's interests, it would have been delayed as long as possible. ”

"Third, of course, it is to take this opportunity to deploy the most favorable situation for Great Xia. Because the Turkic side had no time to take care of anything else for at least three to five years, there was no need to rush to replenish the troops and grain burden to the Shuofang border army. Still with Shuofang as the base camp, hoarding grain and straw, stationed with heavy troops to hold on. After that, he selected a strong general to go out of Shuo and build a garrison in Wuhai or Jilantai. At the same time, the selected warrior general led the army to garrison Jingzhou, and also hoarded grain and straw to build a fortified city. The three places are distributed in the shape of a pin, which can be attacked and defended. The biggest advantage is that you don't have to rush to increase your troops, and you can calmly plan it. ”

Zeng Yingming is a veteran who has been reused by the first emperor, Xiao Gang and Guo Rui are the new generals that Zhao Qi intends to promote, and Ling Kaiyang is a wonderful and fierce general, who likes and is relieved to be the emperor. Yang Zhiruo recommended by name, which is obviously an extra move.

Zhao Qi praised: "Wonderful! In particular, the garrison of Jingzhou could not only go north to fight the Turks, but also go east to attack the Northern Yan. Now I know that the arrangement that my father made at the beginning was really a stroke of genius! ”

Yang Zhi said: "You should have a fixed opinion in your heart on these matters. They came to ask me today just to confirm it and seek psychological support. ”

Zhao Qi sneered: "I knew that I couldn't hide anything from you." Brother-in-law, what do you think of the war between Great Xia and Nanchu? ”

Yang Zhi sneered bluntly: "Didn't I tell you all that day? Southern Chu was in power, the generals lost power, and the political disputes in the court were far more complicated than those in Great Xia. With just one Zhang Bohu, what kind of climate can it become? The unexpected capture of Suizhou is already a fluke, if you want to capture Xiangyang again, how easy is it to talk about? Not to mention that Great Xia is already in full battle, I am afraid that within Southern Chu, there are also various forces that take care of their own interests, and it is difficult to unify their opinions. What Nanchu hopes for most is to maintain the status quo. If you only ask for Gou An, I dare to ensure that there will be no big war in Xiangyang, so you don't have to worry. ”

"But you said that it is imperative to recover Suizhou, so you have to fight Zhang Bohu again. This battle can only be won, not defeated. But Geng Jin you can't use it, Wei Feiyang you don't dare to use it, Ye Chuang you can't use it, change to other generals, you don't have a bottom in your heart. ”

"It's not that I'm alarmist, according to Zhang Bohu's talent, what he needs most is time. He has won two consecutive battles and became famous in one fell swoop. If he is given three or five years, it will either cause harmony between the civil and military forces of Southern Chu, or simply settle Emperor Chu and Tan Chongyuan. I recommended myself to lead the army to destroy Chu, not to say anything. If you say something you shouldn't say, in fact, it doesn't matter if you use me or not. You don't use me, it doesn't affect me at all, and I won't lose anything. But in terms of strategic opportunities, now is indeed the best time to extinguish! ”

Zhao Qi frowned and asked, "I understand what you said." If I make you the commander of the extermination of Chu, how long will it take? How many troops? How much does it cost? My primary concern is, how do you guarantee success? If so, what are your qualifications? ”

Yang Zhi sighed: "It's finally to the point. That's the main purpose of your visit today, right? ”

Zhao Qisen said: "If you are someone else, a high-ranking official, I will definitely not hesitate!" But you are Yang Zhi! Not to mention Great Xia, even if you look at the world, there is only one Yang Zhi! Brother-in-law, we don't talk darkly, for you, is it meaningful to be crowned a king and a marquis? (To be continued.) )