Before Liang Tao, the Minister of Revenue, returned to Beijing, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, wielded his power and mobilized a large amount of money and grain to go north.

After a sudden and drastic reduction in the Song Dynasty, even though the taxes were reduced, there was actually no shortage of money, and the national treasury and internal treasury were not short of money.

A team of soldiers escorting food and grass walked on the paved official road, looking at the ruts in front and behind, and smiled and said, "The Ministry of Works did not take a laziness this time, and it was really good."

The guard beside him echoed and said, "I used real things, not cutting corners."

Another harbor immediately sneered and said, "They have to dare to do so, the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Political Affairs Hall, and took turns to inspect, without letting go of every detail. Hundreds of people were executed directly, who dared?"

There were a few people who didn't speak, just a 'understanding' smile.

To talk about such things, cutting corners to make money is the lowest level and the most likely to happen. There are too many places where you can make money, and the court may not know it, but most people know it.

However, the road under your feet is indeed well repaired.

This group of people were escorting food and grass to Hebei Road. They had plenty of time and walked slowly, so they were very idle.

"By the way, my brothers, I forgot to tell you that I will retire at the end of this year." A guard suddenly said.

The few people frowned immediately. The "brother" of the Song Dynasty was very popular. They had been together for many years and were reluctant to part ways.

The other man understood and said, "Is it the article issued by the Ministry of War? Is it the land to be retired?"

The man said, "It's that. I'm thinking? It's not interesting to be in the army? It's better to go home and marry a wife and have a fat boy? Besides, I haven't seen my parents for several years, and I don't know how they live..."

Other topics? Can you still accuse him of being "ruthless and unrighteous" and involving "parents"? It's hard for everyone to speak? A moment of silence.

The person who spoke was named Lin Zhengchong. Because his family was hit by a disaster, he was strong and healthy. He joined the Xiang Army? Fortunately, he joined the army, so he supported the family of nine. In a flash, seven or eight years passed.

I have never experienced any war, and I have not even suppressed bandits. In normal times, I have not had to go to patrols and training. Basically, I just eat, drink, and have fun everywhere. I have no achievements and no promotion. But the ladies from brothels everywhere met.

"We can finally go back." Lin Zhengchong said with great emotion. Although he had not lost food, drink, gamble, and had to support a large family? But he also received some savings. Going back was enough to be a small wealthy man.

"It's right to leave..." Someone shook his head and said, "Now the Ministry of War is implementing a 'elite military policy'. He has forced people to retire through various strange assessments, and has also cut his salary and reimbursed his rewards. My salary this month is only 70% of the same as last year, and all other benefits are gone..."

"This is nothing. Although it seems that there are not many people who have been laid off, I heard that there are people who have been laid off everywhere. In the entire Song Dynasty, at least 40,000 people have been laid off this year. This is still the Xiang army. It is said that more imperial guards have been laid off. Now there are integrations and unified orders everywhere..."

"The Hebei Road we are going to, it is said that there were originally more than 100,000 imperial guards and wing troops, but now it is only 50,000 at most. I heard that there will be further severance..."

"What is the court doing? It's obviously going to fight, but it's going to lay off troops..."

"It's not the reformists who are doing it. If this continues, I don't know who else is willing to join the army..."

"However, I heard that the salary of the Shang Fourth Army and the border troops such as Qin Fenglu has not decreased, and the reward has increased..."

"What does this mean? Take our salary to fill those border troops..."

"I can't say it's true. Anyway, the treasury is out of money and wants to fight again. The money and food must have a source..."

A group of soldiers were talking nonsense while walking, and they were all about their own affairs.

Lin Zhengchong did not follow the discussion, but thought about how much land to buy and what kind of woman to buy.

‘I heard that Liu Yuanwai’s daughter is sixteen years old and she looks quite pretty…’

Lin Zhengchong thought, never thought that he was already thirty-three and could be Miss Liu's father.

Their target was Hebei Road. At this time, there was no movement on the surface of the two Hebei Roads, but there was already a panic. All armies were gathering quickly and were ready for battle.

And Hedong Road next to him is also very nervous.

On Qinfeng Road, Huanqing Road and other northwest, under the command of the Privy Council, the army ended various trainings and banquets, intensively entered their "posts" and closely watched the movements in the direction of Xixia.

In addition to the original Zhe Keshi, the middle-aged generals of Zhongshi, the Huwei Army from Zongze from Kaifeng Prefecture, and the cavalry from Zhong Jianzhong were also waving banners and would enter the battle at any time.

However, in just a few days, a "offensive" against Zhao Xu gradually spread in Kaifeng City.

Birthday Hall.

While pinching the dumplings for Zhao Xu, Concubine Zhu said worriedly: "It's not the first time that the Xia people are invading, why do you, the official family, run over to the imperial guards in person... I heard that their Xia people are three heads and six arms, and are covered with hair and horns, and are very ferocious..."

Zhao Xu listened, suppressed his smile and reached out to grab the dumplings.

Concubine Zhu hit him with a hand and said, "Don't you give me a bag, did you hear me say..."

Zhao Xu still took one, wrapped it carefully, and said casually: "Don't listen to nonsense outside, how scary is it? I heard that there are people from the palace?"

Concubine Zhu glared at him and saw that Zhao Xu was quite beautiful. She said unexpectedly: "Who taught you to make dumplings?"

Zhao Xu made an excuse and said, "I ate it once a few days ago at the saint."

Concubine Zhu did not doubt it, and then said, "I will tell you, before you can speak, don't let the emperor go to the army in person. The last time Mr. Zhang fought very well..."

Zhao Xu smashed his mouth, looked at Zhao Si, who was honestly making dumplings, and Zhao You'e suddenly said, "Where is Zhao Ji?"

Zhao Si may have been training in the martial arts academy and was more energetic. He heard this and said, "He has been particularly fond of poetry recently. He has been thinking all day long and is worried that the teacher will not want to learn..."

Zhao Xu said oh, nodded, and glanced at Concubine Zhu and said, and quickly got up and said, "I'll call the saint to come and eat together. He has had serious morning sickness recently..."

When Concubine Zhu heard this, she hurriedly said, "I tell you that you have severe morning sickness and it is more likely to be pregnant with a prince. Please be careful..."

Zhao Xu responded and quickly walked out of the birthday celebration hall.

And at this time, in the conference room of the Political Affairs Hall.

Zhang Dun, Xu General, Liang Tao and Wu Juhou were having a meeting.

Liang Tao said: "My master, it's only half a year. The Ministry of Revenue's warehouse is still surplus. The expenditure is mostly paid by the army, officials and the Ministry of Works. Various rewards for the army and officials have been suspended, which is really a big sum of money left."

Zhang Dun said: "The reimbursement suspension is temporary. In the future, a comprehensive, clear, stable and long-term salary system needs to be established. Not to mention these, money and food must be transported to Qinfeng Road on time to ensure worry-free."

Liang Tao said: "Yes. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War are transporting the first batch, and it is expected that all of them will be shipped within one month."

Liang Tao was right. Kaifeng Prefecture lacked almost nothing, especially money and food. Moreover, it was not much spent in the first half of the year and the inventory was sufficient.
Chapter completed!