Why did Taizu transfer the best troops to the capital?

Taizu, the founder of the Song dynasty, transferred the best troops to the capital primarily to counter the military threat to the state's integrity and to prevent the rise of powerful, autonomous military commanders who could challenge imperial authority.1

By centralizing the most elite military units under his direct command at the capital, Taizu effectively weakened the power of regional military governors and generals. This strategy was part of a broader effort to end the cycle of militarism and usurpation that had characterized the preceding Five Dynasties period. By consolidating military strength at the center and subordinating military affairs to civil officials, he ensured the stability of his dynasty and established a system of checks and balances that prevented any single commander from gaining enough power to threaten the throne.12