《宋史·列传·卷一百八十八》
将帅，是掌握三军命运的人，而选拔将帅的方法背离常道到如此地步，那么那些具有智谋勇敢才艺胆略的人，谁肯抑制内心低头而立于宦官、宫姬的门下，而陛下得到以为可任将帅的人，都是平庸之辈和仅供奔走的小卒，但陛下还希望他们整饬清明军政、激励劝勉士兵，以增加国势，岂不是谬误吗？
夫将者，三军之司命，而其选置之方乖刺如此，则彼智勇材略之人，孰肯抑心下首于宦官、宫妾之门，而陛下之所得以为将帅者，皆庸夫走卒，而犹望其修明军政，激劝士卒，以强国势，岂不误哉！
Leaders are those who command the destinies of the armed forces, and the methods of selecting these leaders had strayed from the proper path to such a degree! With that being the case, who among those with wisdom, bravery, talent, and valor would be willing to suppress their innate talents, bow their heads, and fawn upon eunuchs and palace concubines? His Majesty only receives those who are mediocre at best, barely more than foot-soldiers, and yet hopes for them to rectify military and political matters, as well as motivate and encourage the soldiers, thereby increasing the strength of the nation. Is this not a grave error? 