Chapter 32 2. Repeat the old tricks and strengthen the centralization of power

On top of the Song court who had experienced "a cup of wine to release military power", Zhao Kuangyin finally saw the situation he hoped for: the civil servants took over the powers of the military generals, responsible for the command of the forbidden army, and the prestige generals in the army all voluntarily retired, allowing the emperor You can rest assured.The emergence of this situation alleviated Zhao Kuangyin's anxiety to a certain extent. It seems that most of the hidden dangers of imperial power since the Five Dynasties have been eliminated. Zhao Kuangyin firmly believes that as long as the civil servants and his cronies control the military power, the throne of the Song Dynasty can be stabilized.

After Shi Shouxin, Wang Shenqi and others resigned and abdicated, the question of who to be the leader of the most powerful imperial army team began to emerge. Although there were many trusted people, Zhao Kuangyin didn't want one person to monopolize the power. Contain each other and maintain a balance, so as to ensure that even if you hold military power, people will not have undue thoughts.Who is the most reassuring to hand over the position of supreme command of the Forbidden Army now? Zhao Kuangyin said to Zhao Pu: "At present, there are half of the veterans and half of the newcomers in the court. Since the opening of the examination, many scholars have entered the court. I intend to hand over the responsibility of the imperial army to the newcomers. What do you think? ?”

Zhao Pu held the opposite opinion on this. He said: "Although the old ministers are mostly meritorious ministers, in order to avoid dominance, it is not suitable to be in charge of military power. However, the newcomers are not familiar with military affairs, and the Forbidden Army is different from other institutions. Prestige, I am afraid it will be difficult to convince the public." Zhao Kuangyin nodded and said: "Military and political affairs are the foundation of the country, and I don't want any mistakes in it. At present, there is only one person who is the most suitable candidate, and that is Fu Yanqing, the commander of the Tianxiong Army Yamen."

Zhao Pu asked, "Why does Your Majesty think that Fu Yanqing is the most suitable candidate?" Zhao Kuangyin said: "Fu Yanqing's daughter used to be Sejong's empress. Although Empress Dowager Fu is now in the West Palace, there is no need to worry about it. At the same time, he is also Guangyi's father-in-law. My Great Song Dynasty is very loyal. In the Sejong Dynasty, I was an official with him, and I know that this person is a person who values ​​friendship, integrity and honesty, so I can definitely rest assured that he will be appointed as the general of the Imperial Army."

Zhao Pu said: "Your Majesty and Fu Yanqing not only have a working friendship, but now he married his daughter to Guangyi and became an in-law, so it is understandable to feel relieved about him. However, the Tianxiong Military Office where Fu Yanqing worked was originally It is a very important institution, if he is allowed to serve as the commander of the imperial army again, wouldn't he have too much power?" From the time when the military power was released with a glass of wine, Zhao Kuangyin has always regarded how to control the military power of his subordinates as his top priority in his heart, and he is always thinking about how to let the ministers check each other and avoid being dominant.Now that Zhao Pu raised this question, it was exactly what he was worried about, so he pondered and said: "The choice of Fu Yanqing is already a compromise, otherwise I will hand it over to other people, and I am even more worried. I am very worried about Fu Yanqing. Trust me, will he forget such kindness? Even if he thinks about it, I don't think he will do me any harm."

Regarding this, Zhao Pu suddenly smiled and said: "Your Majesty treats Fu Yanqing well. All the ministers have seen this, and Fu Yanqing himself is very clear, but kindness can guarantee loyalty, but I do not agree. May I ask Your Majesty: Back then, Shizong treated Fu Yanqing very well. Is your kindness shallow?" These words were like a heavy hammer hitting Zhao Kuangyin's chest. The trust that Shizong Chai Rong had in Zhao Kuangyin back then was also extraordinary.Above the court, not only let him take charge of the power of the imperial army, but also discuss with him no matter how big or small, and entrust his son to him when he died.Such trust cannot be obtained by ordinary ministers, but Zhao Kuangyin can still raise the flag to rebel and take the throne from the orphans and widows of the Later Zhou Dynasty.Although I still trust Fu Yanqing now, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly understood the truth of "Loyalty does not necessarily come in exchange for kindness" because of Zhao Pu's rhetorical question.

Starting from this problem, Zhao Kuangyin's understanding of state management has been improved again. After depriving the military power of a large number of generals, he gradually turned his attention to Jiedushi.As the supreme leader of an important town, the Jiedushi stationed in various places holds not only the local army, but also financial and other powers in his hands. The Jiedushi in a wealthy place has considerable influence due to its military power and financial power. .These people should not be underestimated. Although the strength of the Jiedushi in the later period of the Five Dynasties was not as good as that of the central government, they will grow stronger day by day in the long run.The weakness of the imperial court is the biggest crisis in a regime, and it will bring disaster. Therefore, while strengthening the central government, it is also necessary to extinguish the local sparks in time.

Thinking about this, Zhao Kuangyin said to Zhao Pu: "Since Fu Yanqing is already in power, the imperial army will no longer consider him. However, the Jiedu envoys in various places also hold important power. In order to ensure that their power will not be stronger than the imperial court, we The time has come to take away their power." Zhao Pu said: "I have proposed three major strategies as a way to ensure peace in the world. One of them is to seize military power, because military power has always been the root cause of generals usurping power. As long as they don't have heavy troops in their hands, they will keep their own place."

Zhao Kuangyin said: "Military power and money grain are necessary for the development of the country, but they are also the root causes of instability. From now on, the imperial court should control these, just like the best soldiers were drawn from various places when the Forbidden Army was established. The financial and military powers of the country must also be transferred, and only by expanding the power of the monarch can the power of the Jiedushi be deprived and the Song Dynasty will be more stable." Under the guidance of this idea, Zhao Kuangyin held another banquet in October of the second year of Kaibao, that is, in 969 A.D., and invited five people including Wu Xingde, Guo Congyi, and Wang Yanchao, the Jiedu envoy, to enjoy flowers in the back garden of the palace. to dinner.

At the banquet, Zhao Kuangyin said to the ministers: "Since the establishment of the Song Dynasty, you have been responsible for the safety of all places. It is your credit that the peace has been maintained for so long. The people have suffered so much for decades. Infected by the flames of war, I can live a good life for a few days now, thanks to all of you." Wang Yanchao and others hurriedly raised their glasses and said: "Your Majesty is diligent in governing and loving the people, which is the blessing of all people. The prosperity of the Song Dynasty and the world are all dependent on Your Majesty."

Zhao Kuangyin pretended to be dignified and asked: "Although it is peaceful now, I can't forget the wars in the past few years. Why has the emperor changed several times since the end of Tang Dynasty, and there are always wars? I want to hear your opinions." Wang Yanchao said: "In Yichen's opinion, every emperor since the end of Tang Dynasty is greedy for wealth and honor. They disregarded the world just for their own glory, and they also forgot the rules of the monarch and ministers, so they did rebellious things. .” Zhao Kuangyin asked the others: "Today, the monarch and his ministers are having a good time. If you have any good opinions, just say it." Guo Congyi said: "For more than 50 years since the end of Tang Dynasty, the emperors have changed their surnames several times, but they all have one thing in common. Apart from Wang Yanchao's greed for wealth and honor, they are all born in the army and hold military power in their hands." Wu Xingde and Wang Yanchao hurriedly agreed, "Exactly! Military power in troubled times is the foundation of life." Zhao Kuangyin said: "These warriors have conquered the world one by one, but after becoming emperor, not only can they not make the world peaceful, but they can't let the subordinates who followed him have a good life. These are the reasons why they are not admired by others." The ministers hurriedly took the opportunity to say: "Since the four seas have returned to His Majesty, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the world is peaceful and worry-free. Everyone is very grateful." But Zhao Kuangyin shook his head and said: "Now the whole world has surrendered, you who have followed me have not enjoyed any blessings, and are still guarding and suffering in various places. This is really not what I want to see, and I don't want to let you Such hard work!" Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in blank dismay, not knowing how to respond. Zhao Kuangyin said: "I have always treated meritorious officials very preferentially. I will never let them suffer and suffer any more. If you have any requests, I will definitely grant them, so that everyone can enjoy their lives in peace." Tianlun." There were precedents before, Wang Yanchao, Guo Congyi and others had already understood what Zhao Kuangyin meant, and one by one began to tell about their hardships, and asked the emperor to allow them to retire for the rest of their lives because of their advanced age.Zhao Kuangyin also took advantage of the situation, and soon after, the five were dismissed and given false titles.Xiang Gong, Yuan Yan and other Jiedu envoys who did not attend the banquet also understood the emperor's intentions and surrendered their military power on their own initiative. The successful deprivation of the military power of the feudal towns this time further implemented Zhao Kuangyin's strategy of suppressing generals. It is also the continuous implementation of this strategy that has gradually changed the situation of strong feudal towns and weak central government since the Five Dynasties.The original situation where the warriors were domineering and the literati had no power was gradually reversed. The previously very important military positions such as inspectors in front of the palace and deputy inspectors were no longer established, but directly obeyed the emperor's orders.The tightening of local power has made the central government more centralized, and the imperial court's control over various places has gradually begun to increase. The decision to seize military power was formed by Zhao Kuangyin by absorbing the lessons of the vassal chaos since the Five Dynasties. This move effectively consolidated the throne, and seizing power through peaceful means once again demonstrated Zhao Kuangyin's extraordinary political talent. He was not only good at controlling people, but also good at Negotiations allow both parties to reach a win-win result and ensure stability.However, the practice of excessively depriving military commanders of military power and letting civilians take up military positions also has certain disadvantages. The civilian command of the army led to military sluggishness, and a weak situation gradually formed from then on.Since Zhao Kuangyin, military generals have taken the name of great fortune to protect their lives, so there were not many famous generals in the Song Dynasty.However, in the long run, the series of measures to seize military power effectively ensured the stable rule of the Song Dynasty and ended the turbulent situation, which still has positive significance.