The Chui Gong Hall of the Imperial City of the Song Dynasty.

Zhao Kuangyin was sitting high on the dragon chair, his eyes were deep and his face was expressionless. He exuded a substantive coercion, towering like a mountain, and filled with an indescribable bone-chilling chill.

Wang Jien hunched over and recounted the story of how he solved the ordnance case and attacked the Khitan cavalry, and finally said: "... Xiao Chilang used the golden cicada to escape from his shell and escaped alone. Now his whereabouts are unknown. The minister has disappeared.

We ordered that checkpoints be set up at all major transportation routes for strict inspection, and a large bounty was placed on his head. This time, our Imperial City Secretary launched a thunderous attack and almost wiped out all the internal and external enemies. It was all thanks to the intelligence provided by Captain Fu. I ask the Holy Emperor for his clear judgment."

Fu Jingtao cupped his hands and said, "This is a matter within the scope of my duties. I dare not take credit for it."

Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand and said: "I am well aware of your contribution. Wang Jien, you will draw up a list and submit it later. I will reward the heroes who solved the case and killed the enemy! I want the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty to know that the so-called Khitan cavalry is invincible in the world.

What you said is pure fallacy!”

Wang Jien responded respectfully: "I will obey the Holy Will!" He knew in his heart that rewarding the heroes was not the key, but how to take this opportunity to eliminate the remaining poison in the army was the most important thing.

Zhao Kuangyin's tone turned cold and he said coldly: "As for the thirty-seven generals headed by Li Yongping, they were all deprived of their military titles, their property confiscated, and sent to prison for interrogation. In addition, although Ma Wanzhu died, he was still guilty.

He cannot be pardoned, and all the properties, houses and shops in his name will be confiscated. The men of the Ma family will be banned immediately and will not leave the capital for even half a step before the case is concluded! If it is found to be related to the ordnance case, all men, women, old and young will be sentenced to beheaded in half.

!”

Wang Jien said: "My lord, I obey the order!"

Zhao Kuangyin changed the topic and said: "Wang Jien, you command the Imperial City Division and are responsible for spying on the military and people's sentiments inside and outside the capital. But Li Yongping and Ma Wanzhu have been colluding to sell ordnance for many years, and you haven't found out at all. Why?"

Working?"

Wang Jien couldn't help sweating from his vest, his knees became weak and he knelt down, kowtowing and said: "I have committed the crime of negligence and failed the Holy Grace. I am willing to accept the punishment of the Holy Emperor."

Zhao Kuangyin said in a deep voice: "It's not too late to make amends. For the sake of your courage to lead troops to kill the enemy thieves and your commendable loyalty, I grant you permission this time to balance your merits and demerits and temporarily retain your position."

Wang Jien was so excited that he trembled and said: "The Holy Emperor can see thousands of miles and live as long as the sky!"

Zhao Kuangyin said calmly: "The original generals of the Imperial City Division were all selected from the Forbidden Army. They are more than loyal and powerful, but not enough to adapt to the situation. I want to add a divine military guard under the Imperial City Division to monitor Jianghu gangs and spy on the enemy's military situation.

, to prevent the Jiedu envoys from various places from colluding and conspiring against each other. You can go down and draw up a charter and submit it to me in five days!"

Liu Qingyi's rebellion, Zhao Yanrong's attack and Xiao Chilang's appearance, a series of events made him aware of the shortcomings and limitations of the Imperial City Division. Especially the ordnance case happened right under his nose, which made him feel even more

Disheartened. The generals and soldiers of the Imperial City Division come from the Forbidden Army and belong to various factions of the generals. Who can guarantee that they will not be mixed with others?

In addition, with the announcement of the recruitment list, a large number of warriors signed up to join the Song Army. The composition was complex, and it was likely that many enemy spies were mixed in. How to identify, use and monitor these warriors is also an issue that the superiors must carefully consider.

Neither should we stop eating due to choking, nor should we indulge ourselves and let those spies leak the movements of the Song army at will.

Therefore, the establishment of the Shenwu Guard is urgent.

Wang Jien had long been prepared to be decentralized, but he didn't expect that Zhao Kuangyin still authorized him to form and take charge of the Shenwu Guards. His power was not reduced but increased. How could he not be grateful for such trust and favor? He vowed to complete the task within three days, otherwise

Bumping one's head against the pillar to apologize.

After Wang Jien respectfully exited the palace gate, Zhao Kuangyin turned to Fu Jingtao and said with a faint smile: "Fu Xiaowei is really my lucky general! In just two days, he successfully solved the arms case and annihilated the Khitan spies.

It’s more than ten times better than Xiao Chilang!”

Fu Jingtao's thoughts were flashing. In terms of scheming, the city government himself was far inferior to the Jin King Zhao Guangyi, let alone the founding emperor Zhao Kuangyin. If he was clever and made up lies to prevaricate, he might not be able to hide it from Zhao Kuangyin's discerning eyes. Now he would honestly tell the cause and effect.

, including Xiao Dexing’s origin and role, Zheng Peng’s repentance and commitment, and only concealed the identity of “Xiao Nu”.

Zhao Kuangyin frowned and shouted: "Fu Jingtao, you are so brave! Who allowed you to be lenient and deliberately spare the White Horse Gang?"

Fu Jingtao lowered his head and said: "I know I was wrong. I originally thought it would be better to persuade them to serve the country than to watch them die in prison without any selfish thoughts."

Zhao Kuangyin snorted coldly: "I think you are loyal to the country and don't know the depth of your actions. I won't argue with you this time. But I won't do it next time!"

Fu Jingtao breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your magnanimity!"

Zhao Kuangyin said in a deep voice: "You are leading the imperial equipment, which represents the emperor's patrol. You should have a beginning and an end to your work, and you should not give it to others. I will give you a secret decree, allowing you to recruit the people of the White Horse Gang as spies, and go deep into the Liao territory to comprehensively collect Khitan Liao soldiers.

The country's customs, government and military affairs. You tell Zheng Peng to do a good job, and when I launch my troops for the Northern Expedition, I will reward him with the title of commander."

Fu Jingtao said happily: "Know yourself and the enemy, and you will never be in danger of a hundred battles. With the eyes and ears to find out the Khitan's reality, we, the Song Dynasty, can make targeted arrangements early and have the winning ticket in the decisive victory over Yanyun!"

Zhao Kuangyin aroused his ambition, slapped the table, and said loudly: "Western Shu, Southern Tang, and Northern Han are all stupid in my eyes! The biggest obstacle to the unification of the nine states in the Song Dynasty must be the Khitan of the Liao Kingdom! The current Emperor of the Liao Dynasty

Being ignorant, neglecting government affairs, and appointing villains and sycophants caused the huge empire to lose its desire to expand, and its military strength was weakening day by day. This is God's blessing for the Song Dynasty! I will seize the time to solve internal troubles, save food and property, and build a strong and iron-blooded army.

We must win the final decisive battle! Jingtao, if we retake Yanyun’s hometown, you and I, our rulers and ministers, will definitely leave our mark in history!”

Fu Jingtao's blood was surging, he clenched his fists and said: "I am willing to go north and die!"

Zhao Kuangyin laughed loudly: "I really saw the right person. You will be the first commander of the Shenwu Guard!"

Fu Jingtao was startled, and hurriedly waved his hands and said: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust and cultivation! However, my cultivation is still shallow, and I still need to learn many exercises and formulas to improve my cultivation. I cannot stay in the capital for a long time, so I have to return to Lingyun Peak to continue practicing.

In order to avoid delaying important matters, we kindly ask you to appoint talented people to serve."

Zhao Kuangyin's eyes were astonished and he said curiously: "I have never seen anyone decline my appointment to an official position. You are the first to do so."

Fu Jingtao scratched his head and said, "Is the emperor scolding me for not knowing how to appreciate others?"

Zhao Kuangyin said with emotion: "Everyone has his own ambitions and can't do it reluctantly. Dezhao is about the same age as you, but he is too immature and impulsive and is far less calm and mature than you."

Fu Jingtao's heart moved slightly and he said with a smile: "Prince Dezhao is courteous and virtuous, he is generous and kind, and his family tradition is rigorous. He is a talented man who can manage the world and benefit the people. He is ten thousand times better than a martial artist like me."

Zhao Kuangyin laughed and scolded: "Do I need flattery from a bastard like you? Loyal words are harsh to the ears, but good medicine is bitter to the mouth. I hope you can be De Zhao's critical friend and be outspoken in your conduct."
Chapter completed!