In the Song Dynasty, there was no law or order.

In the fourth year of Qingli, AD 1044, it was the eighth year that Zhao Jun came to the Song Dynasty and he was about to turn 30.

At this time, after eight years of recovery, the Song Dynasty had greatly improved from top to bottom, both in terms of system and development direction. Many shortcomings were gradually eliminated, and the country as a whole tended to trend upward.

However, the problem of redundancy was still the most unstable factor within the Song Dynasty, especially the redundant army. The annual military expenditure of 40 to 50 million yuan seriously dragged down the finances of the Song Dynasty.

To this end, Zhao Jun worked hard and made many plans. On the one hand, he reclaimed new land, built canals, built rivers and other projects to accommodate soldiers. On the one hand, a state-owned commercial bank was established and the generals were given valuable shares to eliminate their dissatisfaction.

Under normal circumstances, I would probably be able to calm them down.

With this idea in mind, Zhao Jun helped the Cao family successfully complete the transition within a few months, allowing the Cao Cong family to hand over their vacant salary quota, and completed the transformation of the weapons manufacturing workshop below, making a lot of money. Full.

At noon on January 10th, Zhao Jun and Zhao Zhen were discussing how to deal with the affairs of the generals in Chongzheng Hall. Zhao Zhen just gave Zhao Jun another idea.

Because Zhao Zhen actually found the formula for cement while reading another historical novel.

"I didn't expect cement manufacturing to be so simple. It seems that many technologies are just an inspiration. To put it bluntly, they are worthless. With this thing, it is easy to build city walls and roads, isn't it?"

Zhao Jun was quite surprised when he heard Zhao Zhen tell him the formula.

He had seen it on some construction sites in later generations. Workers could make cement by themselves. They would mix the ash in the bag with some water and mix it, but he didn't know what the ash was.

Now I realize that it is cement ash, which is made by grinding limestone, clay and iron ore powder in proportion and then calcining it. There is no technical difficulty at all.

Zhao Zhen said proudly: "That's right. I found this after reading more than 20 historical novels. I didn't read any other cultivation novels."

As he spoke, he accused Zhao Jun and said, "Look at that time traveler. He knows everything. Let's look at you again."

"Aha?"

Zhao Jun spread his hands and said: "Then I'll go, you go find someone else."

As he said that, he was about to leave.

"I was wrong. I was wrong."

Zhao Zhen quickly went up and grabbed his hand and said: "My great grandson, you are my best grandson. It would be good if others come through time and don't cause trouble for me. As long as you are willing to help me, you are my relative." Grandson, you must not leave!”

"Damn it!"

Zhao Jun said angrily in embarrassment.

He is a history major, not a civil engineering major. It is not easy to find the Bestway air steelmaking method and the Bessemer converter steelmaking method from Western history. Zhao Zhen also dislikes that he cannot make cement, no I know how to make chemical fertilizers, which is really intolerable.

"Dasun, look at this cement, will it be of any help to us?"

Zhao Zhen pulled Zhao Jun back with a smile, then changed the subject and said: "It seems that all modern buildings in later generations use this."

"That will definitely help. Building cement plants, building dams, building embankments, and building roads are all projects. Anyway, these generals and nobles are just lying there to make money. It's better to let them become the bosses of construction companies. ”

Zhao Jun took advantage of the situation and gave Zhao Zhen a step down, and sat back on the chair. As he sat down, he said, "Let's allocate some benefits to them. After all, we will be a state-owned construction company in the future. We must focus on quality, prevent cutting corners, and strictly control arrears." It’s better to negotiate with them about the wages of migrant workers.”

"That's good."

Zhao Zhen took a long breath.

At this time, Bianliang's business was in a very active period. With the development of overseas trade, the handicraft manufacturing industry became increasingly prosperous, and more and more people came to the city to work.

After the invention of cement, it was a good thing to start the construction industry when there was no shortage of manpower and productivity was greatly improved.

As a result, the generals and nobles have another way to go. I don't believe that they are still dragging the army and not letting go.

"Your Majesty, Commander Caodu has sent them here."

Wang Shouzhong said at the door.

"Well, it's almost time, let's go."

Zhao Jun stood up from the chair again.

Zhao Zhen went out with him.

The banquet was held at Jingfu Hall. After coming out of Chongzheng Hall, walk north through two palace gates and a palace passage, and then pass through Yanhe Hall.

At this time, there must be at least fifty or sixty people in the room, sitting at seven or eight large round tables, greeting each other.

There were still many famous generals in the early Song Dynasty. There were forty or fifty high-ranking generals awarded by Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Guangyi alone, and there were hundreds of other mid-level and senior generals, forming a huge honorable group.

The descendants of these people not only made money through the army, but also held false posts in the three yamen, and had the rank of military attache. It can be said that they received three portions of money.

Except for some generals whose families were in decline and had few talents, or whose crimes were eliminated by the lord, almost all the descendants of high-ranking generals in the early Song Dynasty are here, controlling the official affairs of Sanya Zhong, Yuhou, commanders, Duyuhou, etc. position.

Don't think that these official positions are small. In fact, the original commander-in-chief of the palace front department, the commander-in-chief of the bodyguards' horse and army, and the commander-in-chief of the bodyguards' infantry were not permanent after Taizong arrived. The chief officers were deputy positions.

In the three yamen, these officials, Yuhou, commanders, and Duyuhou are senior officials second only to the three deputy capital commanders. Although they have no actual military power, their status is still very high.

Today's deputy commander of the front department is called Gao Hua. Like Guo Chengyou, he is Zhao Zhen's "old man from the feudal residence."

The deputy commander of the infantry force of the bodyguard is called Li Yonghe, who is Zhao Zhen's uncle.

The deputy commander of the bodyguard's horse army is Cao Cong, who is Empress Cao's uncle.

In this way, the overall structure of the three yamen is the group of Zhao Zhen's relatives and the old people of the feudal mansion, which ensures his safety.

The other descendants of military generals and nobles basically just hang around, collect wages, eat and wait to die. There are few descendants of the founding fathers like Cao Cong who can go into battle to kill the enemy.

At this time, many descendants of the founding generals gathered in the hall. On weekdays, they actually played their own roles. Some were good friends with each other, and some disliked each other. When it came to the banquet, they naturally formed different circles.

While he was talking, he heard Wang Shouzhong say, "Your Majesty is here, the Governor is here!"

Everyone stood up quickly.

Zhao Zhen and Zhao Jun came in from the back hall, Zhao Zhen went to the main seat, and Zhao Jun went to Cao Cong's table.

"See Your Majesty!"

Everyone bowed their hands and saluted.

"No gift!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"My lords, I invite you all to come here today. Firstly, I want to catch up on old times, and secondly, I have some things to talk about."

Zhao Zhen pressed his hands down and motioned everyone to sit down, then said: "Let's have a banquet."

Wang Shouzhong waved to the rear.

After a while, many waiters brought out various dishes that were delicious and delicious.

But no one dared to move their chopsticks.

In fact, they had heard some rumors recently, and now the emperor asked them to drag their families into the palace and put their wives and children in the back garden for a banquet, which really made them feel uneasy.

However, no one suspected that Zhao Zhen wanted to murder them. Firstly, Zhao Zhen was indeed known for his kindness. Secondly, they had no military power and could not threaten the imperial power.

So they all just looked at the food and waited for the next step.

"Eat them all."

Zhao Zhen smiled and said: "This matter is also a good thing for the ministers. Let's talk about it while eating."

In his and Zhao Jun's opinion, the Cao family has become a model, and they are probably inseparable.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Everyone looked at each other and then started to move their chopsticks.

Basically, they just moved a few times, took a few mouthfuls, and then looked at each other without saying anything else.

Seeing that everyone was relatively silent and quiet, Zhao Jun thought that everyone was afraid, so he stood up with a smile and said: "Everyone, let me toast you all first!"

"Zhiyuan is polite."

"Zhiyuan is welcome."

"I'll also give Chiyuan a drink."

Everyone quickly stood up and returned the favor with wine glasses.

Now everyone knows that Zhao Jun is in a high position and they are a group of powerless nobles. Who dares to provoke him?

After drinking a glass of wine, Zhao Jun said loudly: "Everyone, I am here today to discuss important matters with you and state the pros and cons."

Everyone knew that business was coming, so they didn't say anything and looked at him quietly.

I saw Zhao Jun put down the wine glass in his hand, walked slowly into the hall, walked back and forth between several tables, and said as he walked.

"I think everyone knows how serious the problem of redundant soldiers in the Song Dynasty was. Every year, the court spent at least 50 million yuan to meet the needs of the army. The burden increased day by day, making the court breathless."

After Zhao Jun said these words, everyone's expressions changed. Although they had already speculated in their hearts, they were still unwilling to mention this topic.

After all, in recent years, many civil servants in the imperial court have also opposed the issue of three redundancies, believing that the three redundancies were too heavy, causing the court to have no money and food, and the topic of reforming the three redundants has also been discussed.

It's just that as the people's benefit audience, they naturally dare not speak out. Now Zhao Jun proposed, obviously he wanted to attack San Ruan, so everyone looked solemn.

Zhao Jun continued: "In recent years, there are not many officials in the court who have some objections to the Three Redundants. However, the court has not made up its mind to reform because it knows that the food and clothing of all of you here, and even the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the camp, is not All in it.”

After he said this, everyone's faces were mixed with light and dark, and they didn't know what to say.

However, Zhao Jun was still walking back and forth in the hall, with his hands behind his back and he said calmly: "Of course, this matter is not your fault. Taizu once said, "Life is short, and the time is fleeting." It would be better if you, your ministers, accumulate lots of gold and treasures, build good land and beautiful houses, and have singing children and dancing girls to spend your whole life. In this way, there will be no suspicion between the monarch and his ministers, and they can have both sides.”

"It can be said that this is what Taizu allowed for your fathers and elders. However, times have changed and the number of armies was not large at that time, so the redundant troops can only be a minor trouble. But today, it has become a serious disease Yes, so the court had to deal with it."

After listening to some people, they immediately couldn't sit still. A middle-aged man in his fifties, who looked like a rich man and had a big belly, stood up and asked: "May I ask the Governor, how does the court plan to deal with it?"

"Who are you?"

Zhao Jun looked at him.

The man replied: "The lower official guards the pro-army horse army Yuhou, the inner hall Chongban, and the Xiuwu Lang He Changling."

Among these three official names, the first is the commander-in-chief, which is similar to the dispatch officer in the civil service. The second is a rank officer, which is similar to a salary officer in the civil service. The third one is the official, which is equivalent to the casual official in the civil service.

Zhao Jun looked at him with a strange look. This fat man looked like a cavalryman, and he was afraid that he would be out of breath even on the horse.

But he also knew that this person was the grandson of He Jijun, a famous general in the early Song Dynasty. He was also married to the daughter of Zhao Yuanzuo, the king of Qi. He was considered to be well-off among the nobles.

"It is natural to eliminate the old and weak in the army, as well as many people who cannot fight."

Zhao Jun replied: "Nowadays, military discipline in the army is corrupt. Many people go out to do business during the day and return to the camp to sleep at night. They are not considered soldiers at all, and they receive salary from the court. How can this be done?"

"Absolutely not, Your Majesty!"

Another person stood up for Liu Tinghan's son, Liu Chanyuan, and said to Zhao Zhen: "Your Majesty, Xixia and Liao are still waiting around. Cutting off the army at this time is tantamount to cutting off an arm."

"alright."

Zhao Zhen waved his hand: "Let's hear what Zhiyuan has to say."

"okay."

Zhao Jun glanced at Liu Chanyuan and said, "I know what you are thinking. Do you think the court will abandon you and ignore you?"

Someone quickly asked: "I wonder how the court will arrange for us?"

"and who are you?"

"Xia Guan San Zhi Du Tou, You Ban Dian Zhi, Cheng Zhonglang Chu Ding."

"It turns out that he is the grandson of Chu Shizhong."

Zhao Jun knew that Chu Zhaofu had no son, so Zhao Kuangyin asked his nephew to inherit his honorary title, and said: "Chu Shizhong said at that time, "I have no sweat and hard work, and I get this in vain. I serve the country." You, I will offer it to you later. "Now, it's time to give it to God."

Chu Ding's face turned pale in an instant.

"Haha, I was just joking."

Zhao Jun said with a smile.

Chu Ding could only laugh.

"Actually, it's very simple. The imperial court needs to clear out a large number of idle soldiers to ease the expenditure on the treasury."

Zhao Jun continued: "However, considering that so many people need to eat, and the descendants of the founding fathers depend on it for their livelihood, I will not treat you badly, otherwise I would not invite you to discuss it in detail today."

As he spoke, he pointed at Cao Cong and said, "Everyone knows that after thinking about it recently, Ma Shuai has made a fortune in the past few months. In the past six months, he has probably made three or four hundred thousand yuan, which is only more than before. No less than before. And these paths are reserved by the imperial court for you."

Everyone looked at Cao Cong, and Cao Cong stood up and said, "Yes, last year the imperial court's fleet returned overseas, bringing more than 7 million gold and silver jewels with it. The imperial court set up a fleet and allowed me to buy shares at a price. Just this." One item, the Cao family earns more than 200,000 yuan."

"Ma Shuai is actually my role model for everyone. Although there are some risks in overseas trade, the routes are basically stable and safe. You can trade with Korea, Japan and other countries first, and when the time is right, you can go north and reach overseas. "

Zhao Jun looked around at the crowd and said: "In addition, the imperial court will also set up commercial banks, and the princes will also participate in them. At that time, the imperial court will announce some projects, which will be taken over by the commercial banks, so that the eliminated soldiers can build bridges, pave roads, and build buildings." We make a living by building water conservancy facilities and managing rivers, and you can also share in the profits.”

"I have calculated that for at least the next fifty years, the imperial court plans to carry out major infrastructure construction, that is, building roads, building bridges, regulating rivers, etc., and will invest at least millions or even tens of millions of dollars every year, plus sea trade Profits, and will also allow everyone to invest in the profits of steel plants in the future.”

"To sum up, as long as each family contributes enough capital, it will receive more profits. Even if you only contribute 100,000 or 80,000 guan, it is definitely better than lying in the military camp now. At least 200,000 guan every year above."

"In this way, the imperial court saves military expenditures and uses them to build roads, manage rivers, etc. The eliminated soldiers have a job. You can make money by taking over the imperial court's projects, and you can also make money by participating in the maritime trade operated by the imperial court. In this way, It is said that one action can achieve many things, so why should we continue to lie in the army without changing the past?"

At the end, Zhao Jun looked at everyone with a smile.

The same is true for Zhao Zhen.

They felt that this one should be foolproof.

Not only the interests of these nobles were taken care of, but also the interests of the lower-level soldiers were taken care of.

It is definitely a good thing that achieves multiple things with one stone. It cannot be said that there is a gathering of followers, but it must at least be a joint event and everyone responds to it.

However, after Zhao Jun finished his impassioned words, there was almost silence in the venue. Most people just stared at him blankly. No one said anything, and no one started to agree.

Even Cao Cong sat there awkwardly, bowing his head and saying nothing.

A few seconds later, Zhao Jun's face changed slightly when he noticed something was wrong in the atmosphere. He looked around and asked calmly: "What? Are you dissatisfied with the court's arrangements? Do you still think the court is not good enough to you?"

This tone is already a bit serious.

Because of his meritorious service in the Xixia War, Shi Yuansun, who was promoted to the position of official in front of the palace, introduction envoy, and Zhongwei doctor, stood up and said: "Zhiyuan, please slow down on this matter."

In an instant, Zhao Jun's face turned extremely ugly. The court had given such preferential treatment, but they actually said "take it easy"?

What's the meaning?

Do you take the court's policies as a joke?