Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 271 Zhao Ceying: I, I really want to be the greatest emperor of all time!

Chui Gong Hall.

The candlelight flickered gently, and the sandalwood incense wafted softly.

The civil and military officials stood solemnly, holding their tablets at their sides.

On the steps of the imperial palace, a long table lay across the floor. Zhao Ceying, with a solemn expression, said in a deep voice, "I have decided to let the Grand Chancellor temporarily manage the affairs of state!"

"I, the Emperor, will personally lead the army into battle!"

The sound settled like a thunderclap.

The civil and military officials were either suddenly enlightened, shocked, or startled.
The underlying solemnity vanished instantly from top to bottom.

The civil and military officials exchanged glances and began to discuss among themselves.

In fact, the Emperor's decision to personally lead the expedition was not exactly a secret.

Since the cabinet deliberations, the other Grand Secretaries have already been aware of the Emperor's decision.

If a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet becomes aware of the news, he may inform some high-ranking officials of the third rank who are valued by him.

In this way, the news spread little by little, and at least those in the small circle of officials above the third rank and those wearing purple robes would know a little bit about it.

Of course, the fact that high-ranking officials of the third rank or above knew about this information did not mean that others would also have the opportunity to know anything about it.

Furthermore, it is ultimately two different things for a minister to know the news and for the emperor to announce the verdict.

As a result, in just a short while, the entire hall was in an uproar, with noise that never ceased.

at this time
"No, no!"

A loud shout drew the attention of many people.

At the end, a man holding a scepter strode out.

This man was actually Qi Heng, the fake Vice President of the Censorate!
In the fourth year of the Xifeng reign, a year of the triennial imperial examination, Qi Heng was promoted to a certain degree, rising from a seventh-rank Imperial Censor to a sixth-rank Imperial Censor in charge of miscellaneous affairs.

Of course, someone of only the sixth rank was certainly not qualified to participate in the annual budget and political discussions.

Qi Heng's qualification to participate in the annual deliberations mainly stemmed from his temporary position as "Acting Deputy Chief of the Censorate," nominally a sixth-rank censor, but in reality performing the duties of a fourth-rank official.

Qi Heng strode forward, quickly reaching the center, and bowed with his tablet in hand, his face full of surprise and doubt: "Your Majesty is the ruler of the country, responsible for the safety of the nation and the foundation of the state. How can you personally wield weapons and lead an expedition?"

"Your Majesty, you mustn't!" Qi Heng said solemnly.

"I second the proposal."

A man walked out; he looked to be in his fifties or sixties. He was none other than Wu Zhongfu, the Left Censor-in-Chief.

This is a second-rank censor, a figure who has reached the "end of the road" in the censorate.

Wu Zhong stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, there are three dangers in personally leading an expedition to the border. I hope you will be cautious."

"One danger is that on the frontier battlefield, arrows have no eyes, and even the most powerful emperor cannot guard against assassins and ambushes."

"The second danger is that the small country of Jiaozhi is shrouded in miasma, which may harm the emperor's health."

"The third danger is that the barbarians of Jiaozhi do not understand morality. If the people of Jiaozhi know that Your Majesty is personally leading the expedition, they will surely set a trap to lure you in order to encircle and annihilate the royal army."

"These three dangers are fraught with peril, and I earnestly hope that Your Majesty will exercise caution."

Compared to Qi Heng's rather "decisive" advice, Wu Zhongfu's advice was undoubtedly much "gentler".

It might even seem like a symbolic formality.

The main point is that, as the head of the censors, Wu Zhongfu would certainly have to offer some advice when the emperor intended to personally lead the expedition, but his own subjective will may not necessarily be inclined to go against the emperor's wishes.

"I also second my opinion."

Right Vice Censor-in-Chief Deng Wan strode forward, his face solemn: "The health of His Majesty concerns the stability of the country and the well-being of all people; it must not be touched lightly."

Do not act rashly!

Many people focused their attention on Qi Heng, Wu Zhongfu, and Deng Wan, secretly shaking their heads.

Qi Heng is still too straightforward and too naive!
Both Wu Zhongfu and Deng Wan offered advice, but their approaches were noticeably more "gentle."

It conveyed a message of advice, but did not truly block the way out, leaving room for reversal.

There are two main reasons for this:
Firstly, officials are strong-willed and not easily persuaded.

The principle of addressing the root cause is crucial in all matters, and the same applies to offering advice.

Different rulers have different temperaments, so the methods of admonishment must also be different.

Wu Zhongfu and Deng Wan were both seasoned officials who had been in power for decades and were extremely adept at reading people's expressions and moods.

The emperor was strong-willed, so the two of them naturally dared not disobey his will.

Secondly, since it involves the emperor personally leading the expedition, even if there were any suggestions to be made, it wouldn't be the Censorate or the Remonstrance Bureau's place.

In matters of great importance involving the emperor's personal command of a military campaign, even if one were to offer advice, the main force would inevitably be the Grand Chancellor and several Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet.

As for censors, they just need to honestly accumulate a certain "participation rate".

Only a "fool" like Qi Heng would not consider the consequences of offending the monarch.

Standing on the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying looked down indifferently.

Three censors in succession offered their advice and expressed their opposition, creating considerable momentum.

However, Emperor Zhao remained completely unperturbed.

Firstly, the eldest son was a like-minded person who "understood" him.

Secondly, the cabinet has reached a consensus.

During the period when Jiang Zhao announced that the emperor would personally lead the expedition, several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet had entered the palace to offer their advice.

Subsequently, naturally, all attempts to persuade him were unsuccessful.

The Grand Secretaries were all pragmatic people who knew the Emperor's temperament, so they did not offer excessive advice.

The Grand Chancellor supported it, the cabinet reached a consensus, and the Emperor's attitude was resolute!

With these three elements combined, who can stop it?
Who dares to stop us?

Given this, Emperor Zhao remained as steady as Mount Tai, unmoved.

This is the source of the power of a monarch with real authority, and the confidence that comes from the combined efforts of the monarch and his ministers!
Of course, looking at history, only in this way could a great unification be achieved!
After observing for a moment, Zhao Ceying said unhurriedly, "Throughout history, there have been many monarchs who personally led their armies into battle."

"Not to mention Qin Shi Huang, who unified the six kingdoms, Emperor Wu of Han, who expanded the territory and secured the borders, and Emperor Taizong of Tang, who created the Zhenguan era, even since Emperor Taizu, it has not been uncommon for emperors to personally lead military campaigns."

Many people have a misconception that Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han were viewed negatively in the minds of the ancients, and were indeed incompetent and tyrannical rulers, unworthy of being called emperors of all time.

However, since Jia Yi and Sima Qian of the Han Dynasty, some people have already recognized Qin Shi Huang's achievements, and there is even a saying that "the whole country was unified, and his achievements were equal to those of the three dynasties", placing Qin Shi Huang on par with the sage kings of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties.

Emperor Wu of Han was in the same situation, and was also portrayed as someone whose "crimes were in his time, but whose merits lasted for thousands of years".

Especially since the Tang Dynasty, the achievement of "unification" has been considered to be in a class of its own. The mainstream opinion about Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han has gradually shifted to "foundational achievements." While some criticize them as tyrants, the foundational status of "unification" is generally recognized.

A tyrant is a tyrant, and a great emperor is a great emperor; the two are not contradictory!
Zhao Ceying continued, "Since Emperor Taizu established the foundation, Emperor Taizu, Emperor Taizong, and even Emperor Zhenzong have all had the experience of personally leading military campaigns."

“Since the reforms of the Grand Chancellor, the nation has grown stronger day by day, but there are constant provocations from barbarians who refuse to submit to the king’s rule. I wish to personally lead an expedition to boost morale. What’s wrong with that?” Zhao Ceying slammed his hand on the wooden table and shouted.

"No!"

Qi Heng argued urgently, "The monarch's body is of paramount importance, concerning the nation and its people. He should be in charge of the central government, not personally leading troops to the border. There are precedents of monarchs being trapped and the country falling into chaos when King Wu Ding of Shang conquered the Guifang and Emperor Gaozu of Han conquered the Xiongnu."

"If Your Majesty desires a great victory, sending capable generals to the border is sufficient. As for boosting morale, why must you personally lead the expedition?"

"Humph!"

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying snorted coldly and rebuked, "Why don't you talk about Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Taizong of Tang?"

"Is it not even possible for me to emulate the determination of Emperor Taizong?"

"this--"

Qi Heng hesitated for a moment, then prepared to argue.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Ceying waved his sleeve, not giving anyone a chance to speak: "My mind is made up, so the officials should not try to dissuade me!"

"On January 11, the three armed forces swore an oath."

"I, the Emperor, will personally lead the expedition!"

His firm tone and decisive style reveal his immense courage and charisma.

You want to ask why?
There is no other reason than that if one wants to be an emperor for all time, one must have the merit of expanding the territory.

Otherwise, it would be a bit "watered down".

Zhao Ceying desperately wanted to become a great emperor for all time!

"The court session is over—"

A sharp sound rang out, and Qi Heng, holding his scepter, let out a long sigh.

If the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet do not offer their advice, the opposing voices of others are simply too weak and insignificant to matter.

As the year's events came to a close, the officials dispersed.

Soon, the news spread.

Ordnance Bureau, Bomb Factory.

Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the strong smell of gunpowder.

A three-foot-long bronze scepter weighs approximately one or two hundred pounds.

Dozens of iron cannonballs were piled up in a corner.

Apart from Jiang Zhao, Shen Kuo, Su Song, three chief clerks of the Armory, and a hundred or so Imperial Guards, there was no one else.

"How are the results of the artillery development?" Jiang Zhaoping asked.

Shen Kuo bowed and hurriedly said, "Ever since the Grand Master suggested making cannons from copper and iron, the craftsmen of the Ordnance Bureau have been enlightened and their skills have improved dramatically. The range of the cannons has reached 800 paces."

The Grand Chancellor suggested that the cannon barrel be made of copper or iron.

This refers to one of Jiang Zhao's inspections.

At that time, Jiang Zhao made a brief inspection of the Ordnance Bureau, hoping to understand the research and development progress of artillery and muskets.

Unexpectedly, it was only by chance that they learned that some people in the Ordnance Bureau preferred to use bamboo as cannons.

For no other reason than that bamboo is cheap and it saves money!

Even if Jiang Zhao was unfamiliar with the principles of arms dealing, he knew that this fundamental error in direction meant they had gone astray.

After all, cannons are definitely made of metal.

This is a matter of common sense.

Even if bamboo were made into cannons, their range would probably only be twenty or thirty paces.

This is not the artillery Jiang Zhao wanted!
The artillery Jiang Zhao wanted was an advanced military weapon with "ultra-long range" and near-dimensional attack capability.

Therefore, Jiang Zhao suggested that they try to develop artillery with stronger load-bearing capacity and longer range, mainly using copper and iron.

With the general direction set, the people at the Ordnance Department quickly changed their research focus.

In this way, progress is made rapidly.

"Eight hundred steps"

Jiang Zhao pondered for a moment, then nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad." Each step was approximately 1.6 meters.

Eight hundred paces, or a range of over 1,200 meters, or what is called two li (approximately 5 kilometers), is about one-third the range of heavy artillery during the reign of Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang).

Of course, even if it's only one-third, it's destined to be a weapon that's "far ahead".

"Let me demonstrate," Jiang Zhao said, waving his hand.

Talk is cheap; we need to see the real results.

"Yes."

Shen Kuo nodded quickly and waved his hand, and the three clerks hurriedly went to prepare.

About a hundred breaths or so.

Gunpowder, fuses, iron armor, bronze cannonballs, all lined up neatly.

Afterwards, one of the clerks led a chestnut horse, dragging iron armor and holding a small white flag, and galloped away to a place 800 paces away.

Shen Kuo extended his hand and introduced at the opportune moment:
"After research and development, this artillery piece mainly consists of five parts:"
Firstly, it serves to stabilize the body and replenish the ammunition.

The second part is the muzzle, used for aiming.

The third chamber is the propellant chamber, which is mainly used to fill the propellant and play a propellant role.

The fourth is the fire gate, mainly for ignition.

The fifth part is the tail socket, which mainly serves a stabilizing function.

"Load the shell into the barrel, aim at the direction through the barrel opening, load the firing shell into the powder chamber, ignite it through the touch hole, stabilize the breech, and you can kill the enemy from 800 paces away!"

Jiang Zhao understood and nodded.

The principle behind artillery is actually the same as that of bombs.

In other words, artillery is a device for long-range bomb launching, similar to a catapult in the agricultural era.

There are two main types of artillery ammunition:
One type is a solid copper bullet, whose main purpose is to kill the enemy.

One type is the projectile, which is purely bulk gunpowder. Its main purpose is to generate thrust and propel the solid copper bullet several miles away.

Essentially, this is a combination of a bomb and a booster.

Of course, artillery was far more powerful than catapults.

Generally speaking, large catapults have a range of about eighty or one hundred paces.

The cannons were a full eight hundred paces away!

It is no exaggeration to say that he killed someone from a thousand miles away.

About half an incense stick's time.

Eight hundred paces away, a white flag was raised, and the clerk who had transported the armor returned on horseback.

"Aim at the white flag and shoot!"

As soon as the order was given, the other two clerks quickly filled the gunpowder room with the loose gunpowder that the craftsmen had prepared.

A fuse over ten meters long stretched out, connecting to the fire door.

"My lord, I hope you will step back a hundred paces with me."

Shen Kuo gestured with his hand: "Occasionally, cannons may also be at risk of exploding."

"it is good."

Jiang Zhao nodded and decisively took a large step back.

A moment later, a craftsman picked up a tinderbox and blew on it, causing orange-red sparks to flicker continuously.

Reach out and aim at the fire door.

"Sizzle!"

The fuse was lit, and the craftsman quickly retreated dozens of steps.

The gunpowder in the chamber burned rapidly, emitting a dull "hissing" sound.

After a while.

"Boom!"

A sound that was neither too loud nor too soft was heard, followed by a strong smell of gunpowder.

The cannon barrel shifted slightly backward due to recoil and landed steadily on the pre-set support.

Later...

"Peng!"

Eight hundred paces away, a deafening roar, like a thunderclap, erupted, raising a cloud of dust.

The group all turned their attention to that direction.

At the white flag, dust billowed up as armored vehicles were struck by solid bronze bullets, sending fragments flying everywhere.

"it is good."

Jiang Zhao stared intently, nodding repeatedly: "This cannon's power and range far surpass those of the catapult; it is indeed a formidable weapon."

"In this way, even if the bomb is leaked, the Great Zhou can still rest easy."

That short sentence was quite astonishing.

The group exclaimed in unison, "The bomb has been leaked?"

Jiang Zhao looked over, pondered for a moment, and said, "In the Battle of Yanmen Valley, the Liao Kingdom lost 50,000 to 60,000 iron cavalry in one go, which was a great loss."

"Therefore, the Liao Kingdom will certainly try to develop bombs."

"The artisans at the Ordnance Bureau are all under house arrest, so it's impossible for them to leak the formula. However, the bombs have to be transported from the Ordnance Bureau to the military camp. It wouldn't be too difficult for the Liao Kingdom to get one or two ceramic bombs."

"Once they have the bombs, their craftsmen can make replicas. Even if the power is slightly different from the ceramic bombs of the Great Zhou Dynasty, they are still real bombs."

The group exchanged glances, their expressions grave.

These analyses are not without merit.

The people of the Ordnance Bureau could use the "exhaustive method" to gradually discover the formula for bombs, and the people of Liao could do the same.

Once they learned that the bomb's ingredients were charcoal, saltpeter, and sulfur, the Liao people would eventually be able to make it.

This is the difference between a pioneer and an imitator.

Pioneers may spend years exploring before making a breakthrough, but imitators only need to follow the steps based on the answer.

Moreover, if the pioneers do not strive for excellence, the difference between the two sides' "finished products" will not be too great.

Overcoming some of the difficulties in developing military weapons may require a significant amount of time.

This means that during the period before the difficulties in developing military weapons have been overcome, the gap between pioneers and imitators is negligible.

Therefore, theoretically speaking, the moment when the gap between the two is greatest is actually the moment when the more advanced weapon first appears.

For example, in the Battle of Yanmen Valley, bombs were used for the first time, and the battlefield situation became almost one-sided.

In the future, once the Liao Kingdom learns bomb technology, the gap between the two sides will definitely narrow.

Of course, all of this is based on the premise that the Great Zhou Dynasty did not possess military weapons more advanced than bombs.

"It is indeed the Grand Master who has foresight and plans ahead," Shen Kuo quickly echoed.

"Keep researching."

Jiang Zhaoping replied, "I will definitely report any merits that deserve recognition, and I will not hesitate to do so."

"Thank you, Your Excellency." The group quickly bowed.

Jiang Zhao nodded and strode out.
Jiang Zhao made a special trip to the Ordnance Bureau this time mainly to inspect the "leading position" of artillery.

To achieve unification, the Zhou dynasty's military weaponry must be at least one step ahead of the Liao and Xia dynasties.

Now that our military weaponry is quite advanced, there is no need to worry too much.

Ultimately, it wouldn't necessarily be easy for the Liao and Xia dynasties to make bombs.

The main reason was that the economies of the Liao and Xia kingdoms were not very good.

Making bombs is always very expensive, easily costing millions of dollars.

Even the Great Zhou Dynasty, which had not yet undergone reforms, could hardly spare a few million strings of cash, let alone the Liao and Xia dynasties.

The Great Zhou is indeed in a fiscal deficit, but Liao and Xia are not necessarily in much better shape; it's just a matter of who's worse off!

Given the economic strength of the Liao and Xia kingdoms, there was only one possibility for them to mass-produce bombs: completely disregard any domestic opposition and the suffering of the people.

Therefore, even if the Liao Kingdom did obtain the formula, they would still have to make a decision.

Alternatively, vigorously develop military weapons.

Alternatively, considering the well-being of the people, they could manufacture a small number of bombs and use this as a way to train the horses to remain "unperturbed."

It's obvious which of the Liao and Xia dynasties they'll choose!
……

Zhongjing, Dadingfu.

Cultural Hall.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Yelü Hongji picked up a document, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

"The Emperor of Great Zhou is actually going to personally lead an expedition against Jiaozhi?"

The Southern Chancellor Zhao Hui responded, "The Emperor of Great Zhou is quite martial and his desire to personally lead the expedition is not incomprehensible."

"Great Zhou, have you recently reduced your army?" Yelü Hongji asked, squinting his eyes.

"The total number of soldiers was 730,000, but more than 200,000 were laid off, leaving only about 500,000," Zhao Hui nodded.

"Um--"

Yelü Hongji pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Since a few years ago, the Great Zhou has launched several military campaigns and fought many wars. I don't believe that there has been any depletion of national strength."

"This time, it's another massive reduction in military strength..."

"Does Your Majesty mean to take this opportunity to wage war again?" Zhao Hui's expression shifted.

"Since the reforms of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the gap between the two countries has been widening."

Yelü Hongji sighed, "I am so worried that I can't eat or sleep!"

"Let the men below try casting bombs to train the horses."

"The Liao, Zhou, and Xia kingdoms will inevitably clash sooner or later!"

"However, it may not necessarily be this year."

"Even if the Great Zhou wins against Jiaozhi, it will definitely have to garrison a large number of troops in Guangnan West Road."

"Sending troops within one or two years will have the same effect."

"Yes." Zhao Hui bowed and nodded.

……

(End of this chapter)