Water Margin: The opening scene involves assassinating Emperor Huizong of Song and forcibly taking L

At that time, everyone strongly advocated resisting the Jin and launching a northern expedition.

He was by no means the incompetent scholar that later generations imagined.

They chatted idly along the way.

The three brothers quickly realized they were on the wrong path.

They were actually taken to the garden of the inner palace.

Upon arrival,

Not only the emperor and the King of Liang were there,

There were also the Empress, the Imperial Concubine, the Princess Consort of Liang, and the Concubine of the Prince of Liang.

The three brothers quickly bowed in greeting.

Greet them one by one.

He dared not look at the concubines.

Zhao Yuan smiled and said, "My three ministers, please sit down."

"I have a day off today, so I finally have some free time."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After the three brothers sat down,

The food was served quickly.

As a concubine, Hu Sanniang,

Pointing to a plate of vegetables, he said,

"Since you three are from Fujian, have you ever seen this kind of dyed wood ear fungus (wood ear fungus)?"

Liu Ziyu shook his head: "Never."

Shen Yourong said, "Sichuan does indeed cultivate it extensively."

"The fruit can be used as a red dye,"

"Therefore, it was named Ranjiangzi."

"The officials say this thing thrives in warm, humid conditions,"

"They could survive for several years in the south,"

"The plants were transplanted to Kaifeng but couldn't survive the winter."

Liu Ziyi said, "It can be used for dyeing and is also edible."

"This plant should be cultivated in the south,"

"Fujian should be a good fit."

Liu Zihui smiled and said, "My two elder brothers don't know,"

"This item is also found in Fujian,"

"However, its cultivation is not yet widespread."

"It is also recorded in the Erya,"

"Also known as Malabar spinach, dew-collecting, and abundant dew,"

"It is also said that 'Luokui' is a misnomer for 'Lukui'."

"When I went to Fuzhou,"

"Counties and prefectures near Fuzhou,"

“Monks often like this item,”

"It is called imperial cuisine."

A plate of wood ear fungus,

Make the atmosphere very relaxed.

It was more like sitting together and chatting casually.

Zhao Yuan followed up by asking about the local customs and culture of Fujian.

The three brothers, however, had lived in Zhejiang for a long time.

On the contrary, I am more familiar with Zhejiang.

They only spent their childhood in Fujian.

I only occasionally go back to Fujian to pay respects to my ancestors.

Gradually, the conversation turned to military matters, Liu Ziyu said.

"The people of the southeast all despise Zhu Mian,"

"And that tyrannical emperor was still allowing Zhu Mian and his son to levy taxes and amass wealth."

"If provisions are plentiful, only five thousand elite troops are needed,"

"Supported by twenty to thirty thousand miscellaneous troops,"

"Then the Fujian and Zhejiang regions can be pacified quickly."

"Let's talk about it next year,"

Zhao Yuan asked,

What are your views on the situation in the Northwest?

Liu Ziyu replied, "I have never been to the Northwest."

"Only during the campaign against Fang La,"

"I asked some generals on the northwestern border,"

"Drink with them, chat idly, and try to get information."

"Military operations in the Northwest can be carried out in only two directions."

"First, we will send troops from the Hehuang region,"

"Conquer the Hexi Corridor, for it is a vital source of wealth for the Western Xia."

"Secondly, we will send troops from Hengshan, which is the homeland of the eight tribes of the Tangut people."

Zhao Yuan nodded and smiled.

He gestured for Liu Ziyu to continue.

Liu Ziyu said, "We will conquer the Hexi Corridor from the Hehuang region."

"The terrain along the way is complex,"

"And the supply lines were extremely long,"

"The slightest mistake could lead to utter collapse."

"Therefore, the old Song dynasty conquered Xia,"

"We should still focus on Yokoyama,"

"First stabilize the defense line, then gradually advance."

"But whether it's the Hehuang region or the Hengshan region,"

"In fact, everyone should be focused on ensuring the people's livelihood and stockpiling grain,"

"Let's replenish the population of the border areas first,"

"This way, we can minimize the need to transfer troops and supplies from Guanzhong."

"Four words: 'Fight while farming!'"

Chapter 1750 The Liu Brothers

Zhao Yuan expressed extreme satisfaction.

"Although you've never been to the Northwest,"

"But I understand these things,"

"That's already quite remarkable."

"Huanqing Prefecture does not yet have a prefect,"

"You should go there."

"Remember what you just said."

Liu Ziyu looked at Zhao Yuan.

Zhao Yuan smiled and nodded.

He then stood up and bowed.

He immediately accepted the assignment.

Zhao Yuan then said to Liu Ziyi and Liu Zihui,

"Shandong and Hebei are unstable,"

"One must be skilled in both civil and military affairs to serve as a local official."

"You two will go and become county magistrates first,"

"One is in Hebei, and the other is in Shandong."

"We will certainly live up to the trust placed in us by Your Majesty and the Prince of Liang!"

The two brothers quickly stood up.

.....

After the Liu brothers left,

Zhao Yuan and Wen Huanzhang strolled around the garden for a while longer.

Zhao Yuan suddenly said, "I plan to do it the same way as Sichuan."

"First in the capital region, Henan, and Guanzhong,"

"Completely abolish the Xiang Army system."

"Retain the inspection and delivery functions,"

"And both sides have their own affiliations,"

"No longer under the jurisdiction of a dedicated local military unit."

"In addition, the Gangjun Army must be retained."

"Sichuan hasn't suffered too many natural or man-made disasters,"

"A large number of the miscellaneous laborers of the local militia were resettled by immigrants,"

Wen Huanzhang asked,

"The three places you mentioned,"

Have you figured out how to settle things?

Zhao Yuan said, "Distribute land nearby for reclamation, and transfer some to local government service."

"The exemption from military service will be implemented in the future,"

"This needs to be done in conjunction with the 'equalization of land tax and poll tax' system."

"Therefore, the disbandment of the local militia was a coordinated effort with the land survey and the merging of land tax and poll tax,"

"If we don't work together, things will definitely go wrong."

Wen Huanzhang nodded and said, "Provide a set of regulations."

“I’ll have the local officials carry it out.”