Chapter 352: Send Troops to the Northwest, Dispatch Han Qi and Zhang Kang

A group of people arrived at Chongzheng Hall, but Zhao Zhen had not come yet.

After everyone waited for a while, they saw Zhao Zhen pushing the door open and saying with a smile: "I'm late."

Seeing that he was very happy, Yan Shu asked curiously: "What happy event does the official family seem to have today?"

"I still can't hide it from my uncle Tong."

Zhao Zhen said with a smile: "I have been studying DC generators recently and successfully made a hand-cranked generator."

"dynamo?"

"Oh my god, is the power going to start so soon?"

"It's just unimaginable."

Everyone's eyes widened. Steam power has just begun. Will there be an electric revolution in the blink of an eye?

"It's not that exaggerated."

Zhao Zhen waved his hands repeatedly and said: "Electromagnetic induction is very simple. It only requires a magnet, a few turns of copper wire, a rocker outside, and turning the magnet. Wouldn't that generate electricity?"

"Yes, this thing is indeed relatively simple. Electromagnetic induction, magnetic flux, generator, capacitor and resistance. It sounds very high-end. In fact, the most primitive generator itself is very simple and nothing new."

Zhao Jun said with a smile: "As long as you have studied a little junior high school physics and bought some copper wires, magnets, capacitors, rectifier bridges, wires and other things, you can basically make one by yourself, put a light on it, and shake it a few times. Can generate electricity for lights.”

"In many doomsday games of our later generations, the flashlight carried by the protagonist is often this kind of device. For example, in "The Last of Us", you can shake it when the battery is out. The structure is not complicated."

As he spoke, he continued: "The current difficulty in electricity lies in inventing batteries to store electricity. If batteries can be invented, large-scale hydroelectric generators can be built according to the principle of generators to store electricity. Only in this way can electricity be applied to in life.”

"Of course, what the officials are doing now will be at the level of junior high school physics in later generations, but in the Song Dynasty, it was an unparalleled innovation, both in the Song Dynasty and in the entire world at the same time."

Zhao Jun waved his hands up and down as if embracing each other, and said quite excitedly: "This is something that can be recorded in the annals of history. Maybe the foundation of the Song Dynasty Power Grid will be laid here!"

"Oh ho ho ho."

Zhao Zhen smiled from ear to ear and said, "Is it that exaggerated?"

"of course."

Zhao Jun smiled and said: "It's like the earth's gravity has existed since ancient times, but no one has discovered it. The objective laws of everything are there. Even though its existence is very simple, no one has explored it for thousands of years. And once one person takes the initiative, even if it is something simple, it will start a revolution.”

This is really not Zhao Jun praising Zhao Zhen.

Humans have used flames for thousands of years, but it was not until the 18th century that steam was used for power. It was not until the 19th century that electricity was developed, but steam can be seen cooking every day. Electricity obviously only requires a coil of copper wire and a magnet, but no one has ever explored it.

Sometimes science is actually just a layer of window paper. What is lacking is not how much material or money is needed for scientific research, but a person who can pierce this window paper.

But it takes a lot of time to invest in scientific research, and Zhao Jun doesn't have that much time. With Zhao Zhen here, many things will be much easier.

"Um."

Zhao Zhen was very happy. He sat on the chair and was about to say that he planned to start researching batteries next.

But at this time Lu Yijian said: "Your Majesty, the appearance of the generator is very happy, but there is still another matter that is urgent at the moment."

"What's the matter?"

Zhao Zhen asked.

He doesn't know what's going on in the northwest yet.

"Yuan Hao led his troops to bypass Qishan Mountain and attacked Qingtang. Sou Siluo's life and death are now uncertain."

Lu Yijian briefly explained the situation.

Zhao Zhen opened his eyes wide, and then his anger surged up. He slapped the table and said, "What a courageous dog."

Although the Song Dynasty has the meaning of Qingtang, it is not now.

Now after eleven years of hard work, the Song Dynasty has finally risen and gained a reputation. It first defeated Xixia, then defeated the Liao Kingdom, and finally destroyed Annan, and firmly established its position as the number one brother in East Asia.

It's just that the Song Dynasty had been cowardly for too long, and the younger brothers around them were alienated and all worshiped the docks of the Liao Kingdom. Now they have just joined, and they still need to continue to stabilize their prestige.

As a result, in the blink of an eye, Xixia attacked the allies of the Song Dynasty. Then where was the face of the Song Dynasty? What do loyal brothers like Gaoli and Dali think about it?

Therefore, this is no longer a simple issue of Xixia's attack on Qingtang, but an issue related to the face of the Song Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, I feel that it is not easy at this time."

Yan Shu said: "Hanlong said before that Xixia and Liao would not accept the fact that the Song Dynasty was getting stronger and they were getting weaker. Thinking about it this time, it is a sign."

"You mean, Zhao Yuanhao's move was intended to provoke the Song Dynasty and provoke a full-scale war?"

Zhao Zhen asked.

"I'm afraid it's not just Xixia, the Liao Kingdom is also involved."

Zhao Jun said.

Zhao Zhen said in surprise: "Does Liao also want to send troops?"

"Yes."

Everyone looked at each other and agreed with the answer.

It's not that they are from God's perspective or already know about the meeting and alliance between Li Yuanhao and Yelv Zongzhen, but they are simply thinking from someone else's perspective.

If they were in the position of Li Yuanhao and Yelv Zongzhen and saw that the Song Dynasty had experienced rapid growth in both military and economy in just ten years, would they be afraid?

The key is that these things are only in ancient society. After all, the size of the Song Dynasty is many times that of the Liao Kingdom. Wasn't it beaten to pieces by the Liao Kingdom before?

But they found that the Song Dynasty seemed to no longer play with them and engage in cold weapon warfare. In terms of weapons, they began to vigorously develop hot weapons. Those firearms that were not much more powerful than firecrackers in the past could now destroy city gates.

Later, a train was actually developed, which could travel thousands of miles in a day without the help of horses and boats.

Is this okay?

As a result, whether in terms of weapons, equipment or logistical support, Xixia and Liao were left behind by the Song Dynasty for who knows how far.

Their original cavalry advantage would be gone.

What's even more egregious is that in the past, Xixia and Liao had an advantage in terms of the quality of their soldiers and the abilities of their generals, but now the Song Dynasty has repeatedly reorganized their troops, eliminated the old and weak, and trained their soldiers. The quality of their troops is improving rapidly.

If this continues, Xixia and Liao will no longer have any advantage in the end. Coupled with the Song's national strength and the number of soldiers and horses, it will be a matter of time before they annex these two countries.

Therefore, in this case, as long as Li Yuanhao and Yelu Zong are not idiots, they must take precautions and take advantage of the fact that the Song Dynasty has not completely surpassed them in all aspects, take the lead, provoke a war, and try to strangle the Song Dynasty in the cradle.

"Xixia's attack on Qingtang must be to provoke a war with the Song Dynasty and attract our troops in the northwest. They even looked to see if they could mobilize the central imperial army to rush for reinforcements. Taking advantage of the emptiness in the central government, the Liao Kingdom invaded Hebei."

Zhao Jun said thoughtfully.

"It's strange. Even if the Liao Kingdom goes south with all its strength, with our current defense capabilities in Hebei, can they break through? What gives them confidence?"

Fan Zhongyan scratched his head. He knew the military strength of Hebei very well. There were so many artillery deployed there.

Does Liao have the ability to break through Hebei?

"Whether they can break through or not, we just have to take advantage of them. No matter how hard it is, I will remain unmoved."

Zhao Jun said.

Of course it is impossible for them to judge all the plans of Liao and Xixia, but now the Song Dynasty has the confidence to be worthy of any invading enemies. No matter how many people you come, I will defeat ten of them with my own strength.

As he spoke, Zhao Jun became excited again and said: "Since Xixia and Liao Kingdom are here to send you, we can't be polite."

Zhao Zhen also said excitedly: "Does Grand Sun want to take advantage of this time to annex Xixia and Liao?"

"That's not true. Our country is currently in a period of growth. Annexing land as large as Xixia and Liao will bring the Song Dynasty's territory to nine million square kilometers in one fell swoop. It's easy to hold on to a huge appetite."

Zhao Jun shook his head and said: "The best way is to take it slow and digest it slowly. Let's collect some interest this time. I think Yanyun Sixteen States and Zhuo Luo and Nan are very good."

It goes without saying where the sixteen states of Yanyun are. Zhuoluo and Nan are Gaolan, Baiyin, Yongdeng, Jingyuan, Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Jingtai and other places north of Lanzhou in later generations. Currently they are Xixia, Qingtang, The triangle between the Song Dynasty and the Song Dynasty.

Zhuoluohenan is about 100,000 square kilometers. If you add the sixteen states of Yanyun, then the land of more than 2.8 million square kilometers in the Song Dynasty can basically break through to about 3 million square kilometers.

It may not seem like much, but for the Song Dynasty, it was already an incredible expansion of territory. Unless the Song Dynasty officially started its war of annihilation against Xixia and Liao, it would still be a bit difficult to increase the land area on a large scale.

"Well, I always feel that since the Song Dynasty has regained its strength, it should take advantage of the victory to pursue it. At least while I am in power, I also want to conquer a large territory."

After hearing Zhao Jun's words, Zhao Zhen sighed.

"It actually won't take long."

Zhao Jun smiled and said: "If we defeat Xixia and Liao again this time, as we work hard to develop, they will become more frightened. In the end, they will either destroy themselves or make a desperate move, so why rush?"

"Yes, if I were Yuan Hao and Yelu Zongzhen, I would only be eager to fight the Song Dynasty, because if we delay it any longer, everyone knows what kind of ending will be in front of them."

Yan Shu said: "So we all feel that even if we don't destroy Xixia and Liao this time, it will basically be like this in the next three to five years."

"That would be great."

Zhao Zhen was very happy. You must know that this is a contribution to the expansion of territory, comparable to the achievements of the founding emperors of the past dynasties.

If the Song Dynasty can annex Xixia and Liao in his hands, Li Shimin's position in history may not be guaranteed. There is no problem in competing for the top three in the ranking of emperors in the past.

"Then according to Han Long's intention, what should we do when Yuan Hao attacks this time? Should we wait for Qingtang to be destroyed before taking action and annex Qingtang, or should we send troops immediately and catch Yuan Hao by surprise?"

Lu Yijian looked at Zhao Jun.

Zhao Jun pondered slightly. It would be much more reasonable for the former to annex Qingtang and let Li Yuanhao help them clear the obstacles and then take advantage of the situation to seize it, but this is obviously against morality.

The latter does not violate morality, but it may allow the Gsisiluo regime to still exist, so it will be difficult for them to annex Qingtang.

Although politics is dirty and there is no need for morality in the face of national interests, this will be a bad start and will allow the allied countries around the Song Dynasty to sow the seeds of distrust towards the Song Dynasty from now on, which is not conducive to unity.

Even if the Song Dynasty's ultimate goal is to annex them, at least it is not for now. It is a long-term plan for the future. It can be done step by step or it can be done as time goes by. It cannot be impatient.

Thinking of this, Zhao Jun said: "Send troops immediately. This is a signal to the surrounding allies that the Song Dynasty will definitely protect their safety."

"good."

Zhao Zhen nodded.

"Then who should we send?"

Everyone looked at Fan Zhongyan.

Fan Zhongyan previously served as the military envoy of Shaanxi Road and Hebei Road, which was a temporary official position.

After he came back as prime minister, there were no chief officials in Shaanxi Road and Hebei Road.

The main officials are the transfer envoys of Shaanxi No. 4 Road and Hebei No. 2 Road.

The transfer envoy obviously cannot take on the important task of national war, so a main coordinating official is still needed.

But now Fan Zhongyan's reputation as the military god of the Song Dynasty is all over the world. Whether in the eyes of people in the world or in the eyes of enemy countries, he is already the most capable person in the Song Dynasty.

"How can you kill a chicken with a bull's knife?"

Zhao Jun said with a smile: "If you want to fight Xixia, you have to go to Lao Fan. That's not necessary."

"Then who should we let go? Zhang Kang?"

Zhao Zhen asked.

Apart from Lao Fan, Zhang Kang was the second most capable civil servant among the Jinshi. As for letting Di Qing go, they were afraid that the transfer envoys on Shaanxi Road would not accept a military commander riding on their head.

"Let Han Qi go."

Zhao Jun said: "In the past, if Han Qi couldn't do it, then the Song Dynasty couldn't do it. Now that the Song Dynasty can do it, Han Qi should be able to do it too."

Han Qi is senior. He was the second-ranked official twenty years ago. Now he serves as the Supervisory Yuan and exercises supervisory power together with the Public Security Bureau. Last year, Zhao Jun raised the political status of Kaifeng Prefecture and promoted Kaifeng Prefect to the second rank. By the way, he also promoted the Supervisory Yuan and the Supervisory Yuan. Dali Temple was brought up.

In this way, the Police Ministry, the Supervisory Yuan, and the Dali Temple became the three major public prosecutors, the Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme Procuratorate, and the Supreme Court. It is currently equivalent to a lower-level organization of the Constitutional Yuan, and the chief officer also serves as an alternate deputy to the Constitutional Yuan.

During the first Song-Xia war, Zhao Zhen appointed Fan Zhongyan as the chief officer of the northwest. That was because the Song Dynasty at that time could only use Fan Zhongyan's shrinking tactics to lure Li Yuanhao to fight and take defensive counterattacks.

It was different now. The Song Dynasty was stronger. As the person who advocated sending troops for a decisive battle, Han Qi could adopt his countermeasures.

"Isn't it okay for Han Qi to fight?"

Zhao Zhen said in surprise: "He is pretty good in governing various ministries, but his fighting skills are historically poor."

"It is true that he is not good at fighting, but I am not bragging. Now I have the advantage. Northwest can win even with a tied dog."

Zhao Jun said with a smile: "The main thing is that I am interested in his ability to govern. After winning the battle, it will be enough to let him manage Shaanxi properly, appease the people, and not make any mistakes."

He thought for a while and then said: "Send Zhang Fangping to assist and a few capable generals, and there should be nothing wrong. If you can lose in this way, then just tell Han Qi and hang yourself, so as not to worry about it. Court-martialed and shot.”

"Well, so be it."

Zhao Zhen was actually a bit non-committal. Historically, Han Qi was actually a staunch war fighter. He was also very opposed to Li Yuanhao's blackmail during the Qingli peace talks. He also wrote a letter stating how to remedy the situation. Later, he also agreed with Fan Zhongyan's defensive counterattack tactics, which were quite fruitful.

But none of this could cover up his incompetent ability to fight, so Zhao Zhen didn't want him to go, so he just wanted to be a political officer.

However, Zhao Jun seems to want him to manage Shaanxi Road well. After all, Han Qi is not good at fighting, but he is indeed good at managing local and government affairs. This cannot be blamed.

It's just that Zhao Zhen felt that Zhao Jun was a bit too much. Even if he wanted to govern, he should wait until a general captured Xixia before he governed. There was no need to go with someone who was not good at fighting before the war started.

Only Zhao Jun smiled and said: "Brother is still worried."

After thinking for a moment, he said: "If you are really worried, let Zhang Kang go too. In fact, I did not consider the possibility of failure. After all, the gap in strength between Xixia and our Song Dynasty is too big. It is really a tie-breaker. All dogs win. I still consider Han Qi to take the lead and boost morale. Also, since we are eyeing a land as big as Xixia, we still need to choose a reliable person to govern it. "

"Well, it's okay to let Zhang Kang go."

Zhao Zhen felt relieved now, this way it would be foolproof.