The evil forces roaming the heavens

Chapter 1783 Zhao Ji: "What if he conquers Dali?"

Tokyo, Bianliang
In the Imperial Palace, in the Imperial Study,
Emperor Huizong of Song, wielding his brush with flourish, is currently showcasing his calligraphy.

Don't be surprised, Zhao Ji could have been anything but an emperor!
After all, his calligraphy and entertainment skills were quite good, even by the standards of any dynasty!

But at that moment, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial requested an audience.
Looking at the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial who walked in, Zhao Ji slowly put down his pen and said, "What is it?"

"Your Majesty, there are too many tributary envoys from South Asia. They are all requesting an audience today. Please allow us to see them all!"

When the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial addressed Zhao Ji before him, he was speechless.
For the past month, South Asian countries have been taking turns paying tribute, and they've even been sending hostages like they're being delivered in bulk!

Upon hearing the words of the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, Emperor Huizong appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly he was overjoyed and exclaimed, "You're right! I know everything!"

As he spoke, Zhao Ji sat down in his chair and said, "The Niuhou Man and Jinchi tribes dared not respect the king's rule and even plotted to attack Jiaozhi. I have already ordered the Dingnan Army to subdue them."

After saying this, Zhao Ji waved his embroidered robe, rolled it up,
Looking at Zhao Ji, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies exclaimed in shock, "Ah?"

"Could it be that you haven't read the official gazette? These two places were already incorporated into the territory of our Great Song Dynasty half a month ago!"

With an irrepressible smirk, Zhao Ji looked at the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, feeling that this was the second time he had felt so good since ascending the throne!

If you were to ask about the first time, it would definitely be when he heard about Zhang Cheng's recapture of Jiaozhi.

After all, Zhao Ji had reclaimed the lost territory from the Joseon Dynasty!

Even though Jiaozhi was once part of the Central Plains, what they couldn't do, I, Zhao Ji, have done!

"Oh dear, Your Majesty, why didn't you say so sooner? I've been so busy lately that I've completely forgotten!"

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial immediately realized what was happening.
Upon seeing Zhao Ji's smile, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies immediately began to flatter him.
Sure enough, those who can serve as Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies must have had their mouths carefully selected!

After the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial left, Zhao Ji was now grinning from ear to ear.
Because he's practically the Zhao family's chosen emperor!

Upon assuming power, he recovered Jiaozhi, and now he has even subdued the Niuhouman and Jinchi tribes.
Thinking of this, Zhao Ji looked at the huge map behind him.

When the name Dali came to mind, Zhao Ji was filled with ambition, because if Zhang Cheng conquered Dali, wouldn't he be...?
His soul rushed straight to the top of his head, and Zhao Ji couldn't help but widen his eyes, because if that were really the case, then he would be on par with the founding emperor!

"Quickly, quickly, bring the Right Chancellor to the palace!"

Speaking to the eunuch beside him, Zhao Ji could no longer suppress this thought once it arose.
After all, Zhang Cheng is such a capable fighter, so doesn't that mean that even if he were sent to fight Dali, there would still be hope?

Even though the chances are slim, Zhao Ji is still willing to give it a try!
Hastily entering the study, Cai Jing looked at Zhao Ji, who had his hands behind his back, gazing at the landscape painting. A sense of unease crept into his heart as he said, "Your Majesty, this old minister has arrived!"

"Right Chancellor? If I wish to retake Dali, what should I do?"

Turning to look at Cai Jing, Zhao Ji couldn't help but ask,

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, Cai Jing was completely dumbfounded.

Is this still Zhao Ji? How could he ask such a brainless question?
"Your Majesty, Dali is located in the southern border region and possesses abundant military strength. If the Song Dynasty were to engage in war with it, it would likely be difficult to overcome the predicament and might even incur unnecessary losses. Furthermore, the Western Xia is eyeing us covetously, and the Liao Dynasty has also sent envoys."

When asked about fighting, Cai Jing did not answer whether or not it was possible to fight, but instead told him what kind of consequences would result if a fight broke out!
Upon hearing Cai Jing's words, Zhao Ji's sudden surge of ambition was completely extinguished.

Because war itself costs money, and if all that money is lost in Dali, how can he have any fun?
Moreover, just as Cai Jing said, if he dares to attack Dali, the Western Xia will definitely not sit idly by, and even the Liao Dynasty will exert pressure.
After all, a powerful Song Dynasty is something no one wants to see!
"Is there really no other way?"

Looking at Cai Jing before him, Zhao Ji asked with some reluctance,

"If Your Majesty truly wishes to recapture Dali, you should entrust this matter to the Dingnan Army."

Offering advice to Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was undeniably cunning.
With Jiaozhi's financial resources, how could they possibly conquer Dali? That's just wishful thinking.

Moreover, sending Zhang Cheng to attack Dali was also a calculated move by Cai Jing.
After all, on the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. If Zhang Cheng were to die in battle, the imperial court could then reclaim military power.
The decision to station the Dingnan Army in Jiaozhi was a reluctant one for the imperial court. Nobody wanted to go to that godforsaken place, and what if the old inhabitants of Jiaozhi rebelled? Wouldn't that mean one would die and the other would be sent away? Such a great opportunity was squandered.
But now that Zhang Cheng has suppressed Jiaozhi, if we don't take back his military power now, are we just waiting for him to become a "military governor" like the Zhong family army and the Zhe family army?

"This matter is worth discussing!"

Looking at Cai Jing before him, Zhao Ji's eyes suddenly sharpened.
Because it's not that he hasn't thought about it, but it's too early now!

However, it is possible to have Zhang Cheng's Dingnan Army attack Dali!

"Now that he has conquered the Niuhou and Jinchi tribes, why not promote him to the rank of Senior Protector-General and reward him with ten thousand taels of gold and five hundred bolts of silk?"

After a moment's thought, Zhao Ji spoke to Cai Jing, then waved his hand and said, "Alright, you may leave. I'm tired!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, Cai Jing bowed respectfully and slowly left the imperial study.
After Cai Jing left, Zhao Ji turned his head and said, "Shicheng! Tell me, is there any way to resolve this matter?"

"Your Majesty, I do not know, but my son is in the southern border and will surely convey your message!"

Looking at Zhao Ji with a broad smile, Liang Shicheng showed a sensible expression.
After all, Liang An was keeping an eye on Zhang Cheng in Jiaozhi. If he were to give Zhang Cheng the order to attack, would this man dare to disobey the emperor's command?
"Yes, it's good that you're sensible!"

Upon hearing Liang Shicheng's words, Zhao Ji laughed.

Bianliang, Dongyue Temple

A woman as beautiful as a celestial being was coming with her maid to offer incense.
Even through the veil, one could sense that this woman was undoubtedly a beauty.

Staggering down the street, Gao Yanei walked with a confident stride, exuding an air of swagger.
Even though Gao Qiu is dead, Gao Yanei is still a big shot in Bianliang. Don't ask why, just ask about his new godfather, Yang Jian's power!
In fact, Yang Jian looked down on Gao Yanei.
But Gao Yanei was clever enough to donate most of his wealth to Yang Jian.

What could Yang Jian do with such a "godson"? Of course, he would accept him with a smile!

"Hey, little beauty, come play with me!"

Gao Yanei, teasing the women on the street, laughed arrogantly.
But at that moment, Gao Yanei looked at Lin Niangzi in the distance, widened his eyes and said, "Beauty!"

After saying this, Gao Yanei rushed forward and blocked Lin Niangzi's path.

Faced with the sudden appearance of Gao Yanei, Madam Lin was startled.
However, when Lin Chong arrived and saw this scene, he immediately stepped forward and said, "Young master, young master, this person is my wife."

"Oh, is she your wife? Isn't that perfect? ​​It's better to benefit me than an outsider!"

Upon hearing that she was Lin Chong's wife, Gao Yanei's interest grew even stronger.

Looking at Gao Yanei in front of him, Lin Chong clenched his fists and remained silent, as if tacitly agreeing to something.
Because Gao Yanei's former father was his superior, current godfather, and also Yang Jian, who wielded immense power and influence, he couldn't afford to offend him!

Looking at her husband, Zhang Zhenniang was filled with bewilderment and her heart turned cold.
But just then, an angry shout rang out: "Young Master Gao, what are you doing now?"

"Hey, Li Qingzhao, hahaha!"

As soon as Li Qingzhao appeared, Gao Yanei was about to step forward when he saw her pick up a stick from the table.

In response to Li Qingzhao's actions, Gao Yanei grinned and said, "Lin Chong, I've taken a fancy to your wife. Remember to send her over tonight! Hahaha!"

With that, Gao Yanei turned and left with his men. After all, Li Qingzhao was no ordinary person; her father was Li Gefei, and she had plenty of powerful connections among the civil officials. Gao Yanei wasn't a complete fool; he knew very well whether or not to mess with certain people.

"That beastly thing!"

Watching Gao Yanei leave with disdain, Li Qingzhao couldn't help but curse.

Staring at Li Qingzhao in shock, Zhang Zhenniang froze on the spot, because wasn't she a talented woman?
Zhang Cheng: A talented woman, an alcoholic, a gambler—she's got a little bit of everything except for God himself!
Li Qingzhao:
(End of this chapter)