You have truly caused me great suffering!

As we descended from Nuanquan Peak, snowflakes began to fall from the sky.

Chen Shao ordered his troops to head towards Xia Prefecture.

The three sisters stayed in Yinzhou, while Chen Shao rode directly to Xiazhou with his personal guards.

Zhang Jue is dead.

Upon receiving this news, Chen Shao knew that the Jurchens were not far from making their move.

The Song Dynasty made a terrible move. They should have either rejected Zhang Jue from the beginning or protected him to the very end.

He first accepted the surrender of the entire territory of Pingzhou and appointed him as a military governor, but then stood idly by when the Jurchens attacked Pingzhou.

They sent someone to fetch Zhang Jue to Yanjing, but when the Jurchens demanded his head, they killed Zhang Jue and presented his head as a tribute.

In this way, the people of Yan have probably lost all support.

Guo Yaoshi, the most powerful military officer in Yanshan Prefecture, and Zhang Jue were both former generals of the Liao Dynasty who surrendered to the Song Dynasty. Seeing Zhang Jue's fate, how could he not harbor rebellious thoughts?
From Nuanquan Peak to Xiazhou, troops and horses came in an endless stream, indicating that Li Xiaozhong's sense of smell was equally keen.

The horses of Xia Prefecture are similar to Mongolian horses; they are not large in size, but they have great endurance.

There were also mules and packhorses that continuously transported supplies along the way.

Many of the soldiers in Xia Prefecture were originally subjects of the Liao Dynasty, but they were not eager for revenge and were instead very afraid of fighting the Jurchens again.

The Khitan's defeat was so devastating that most of the Liao people developed a phobia of the Jurchens.

Chen Shao had known this for a long time, and he often sent people to collect the thoughts of his subordinates.

However, the troops of Xia Prefecture were roughly the same size as those of Yin Prefecture.

Chen Shao arrived outside Xiazhou City and met Li Xiaozhong at Wuyang Ridge.

"General Jie, what brings you here!"

Chen Shao laughed and said, "I sent someone to inform you a long time ago. It seems you haven't been staying in the city."

Li Xiaozhong also laughed, "Just got back from Black Mountain."

Heishan Town is quite far from Xiazhou, no wonder he didn't receive the message that he was coming. It seems that after returning to Xiazhou, Li Xiaozhong was on the go and didn't even go back to the city.

He and Chen Shao not only had similar ideas, but also similar actions; both of them constantly inspected and filled gaps before the battle.

The two sat down by the roadside on the east side of Wuyang Ridge, while Da Hu lit a bonfire and added a few sticks from time to time.

The firelight made everyone's faces look rosy, as if they had gained some color.

Li Xiaozhong sat down cross-legged. "General, according to my estimation, our grain supplies probably won't last until next autumn harvest."

Chen Shao nodded. He had noticed this long ago. It wasn't that his subordinates weren't engaged in production, nor that he wasn't trying to stockpile grain; it was simply that the amount of arable land on his territory was limited.

Giving myself Jinghu, Guanzhong, or even Hebei would be enough to feed me. The areas Chen Shao's troops are heading towards have virtually no grain-producing regions; they might even have to add some grain to their ranks.

"The Jurchen Tartars were already few in number, and their auxiliary troops rarely received pay, relying entirely on plunder. Moreover, this time Tong Guan redeemed Yanjing, giving them no less than two million shi of grain from the Jiangnan region for free."

Hearing this, Chen Shao got a headache. Just that time in the fourth year of Xuanhe, he was given 1.6 million shi of grain.

Tong Guan, oh Tong Guan.
I'm going to work early!

The Song Dynasty had grain, but it was all spent on things that shouldn't have been spent. Bianliang alone consumed nearly half of the Song Dynasty's grain.

Chen Shao said, "Once the war starts, I predict that Hebei will not be able to hold out for long, because Cai You, whom the Song Dynasty sent, is currently pacifying Hebei and Hedong. This man is a complete incompetent, and he is both stupid and wicked."

"If we leave him in Hebei, his destructive power will be comparable to that of 10,000 Jurchen soldiers. He might even drive the people of Hebei to revolt before the fighting even begins."

Li Xiaozhong glanced at Chen Shao; the firelight reflected in their eyes, making their gazes appear somewhat mysterious.

Chen Shao seemed to sense his gaze, raised his head, and nodded slightly at him.

The two understood each other without saying anything more.

Once war breaks out, we can no longer allow the Song Dynasty to continue its erratic actions, doing things that please our enemies and hurt our friends.

While they were fighting in the area between Shuozhou and Yunzhou, the commander was about to enter a completely different battlefield.

There was no smoke of gunpowder, no swords, but it was still very dangerous.

"Go ahead and fight. You lead them and fight in peace. I promise you'll get something to eat."

In fact, there are many benefits to the start of the war. It can resolve some of the ethnic conflicts, regional instability, and the soldiers' eagerness to make merits within the Dingnan Army.

Furthermore, Chen Shao has been stockpiling supplies in preparation for war. If war doesn't break out soon, these arrows, gunpowder, warhorses, and medicines will incur expenses for preservation and maintenance.

What does it mean to maintain 100,000 soldiers? Spending money on them is like water flowing away.

The real goal is to quickly use them to generate profits.

Chen Shao stood up and said, "You should organize these Liao people in Xia Prefecture. When we attack places like Shuo Prefecture and Ying Prefecture, we can say that we are restoring the homeland of China. But if we go further north, it would be best to have a righteous cause, a just cause."

Li Xiaozhong nodded and said, "Let's organize the Khitans in Xia Prefecture and form a Liaodong Restoration Army to fight specifically in the north."

"The name 'Restoring Liaodong Army' is good."

The good thing about the phrase "restoring Liao" is that the Liao dynasty is beyond restoration. And while advancing north might be difficult, it's actually quite effective because many tribes in those areas still recognize the Liao dynasty as the legitimate dynasty…

The fact that Yelü Yanxi was able to organize a counterattack even after being wiped out several times is a case in point.

Snowflakes drifted down from the sky, and the fifth year of the Xuanhe era was drawing to a close.

Chen Shao looked to the east.

As for the issue of supplies, perhaps I should take the Lingwu Army and make some good connections with those people in Bianliang.

As the war continues, Chen Shao's troops will increase, as the Dingnan Army has an abundant supply of soldiers.

This money can only be obtained from the Song Dynasty, and only they can afford it. The Dingnan Army is too small to support hundreds of thousands of troops.

If we can truly enter Bianliang with the Lingwu Army under the pretext of serving the emperor...
Chen Shao seemed to see himself standing on the golden palace, shouting loudly:

The affairs of the world are in my hands; I will act now, and who dares to disobey!
Anyone who disobeys will be dragged out and beheaded by Big Tiger. How satisfying!
A gust of cold wind blew by, and Chen Shao instantly woke up. He glanced at Da Hu beside him and patted him on the shoulder.

"Big Tiger."

"Master, what is it?"

"It's alright," Chen Shao said with a smile. "Just do a good job! I tell you who to hit, and you hit that person, understand?"

Da Hu scratched his head and laughed, "Alright, I'll do whatever the boss says."
-
Several fast horses galloped swiftly through the ice and snow, reaching Jizhou as if flying.

They stopped at the ferry crossing on the Jizhou Canal, on the north bank of which was the site of the crushing defeat of the remnants of the Pingzhou army.

Xiao Gan's Xi army was also defeated by Zong Wang here. The riverbank on the east bank was covered with blood-red mud, and the broken soldiers and weapons were still scattered everywhere, making it a scene of a battlefield.

The canal was at a high water level, but it had frozen over and lost its ability to stop the Jurchens.

The long rope stretched across the river also became useless.

On the west bank of the ferry, the Shengjie Army, brought by Yang Keshi, was stationed. The Shengjie Army had arrived in a hurry and had not brought any baggage train with them.

The victorious army felled trees and dug pits here, covering them with dead branches and trees, and set up defenses here to await the enemy.

Once the carts and horses brought up the tents and cooking stoves, and there was no enemy activity in sight, the victorious troops on the west bank lazily lit up bonfires and endured their days there.

After sending Zhang Jue away, Zhao Ji probably felt that killing Zhang Jue was too shameful.

So they pretended to say that Wang Anzhong had misinterpreted his meaning and had killed a general of the state. They dismissed Wang Anzhong as Grand Academician of the Guanwen Hall and Junior Secretary of the Secretariat. Before he returned to Bianliang, he was further demoted to Deputy Military Commissioner of Danzhou.

It can be said to be a one-stop service.

Tong Guan was appointed to lead the Privy Council and to pacify Hebei and Yanshan, once again taking command.

Tong Guan had no choice but to accept the order, but he did not go to Yanshan, nor did he dare to go to Hebei. Instead, he went to Taiyuan City in Hedong, where Wang Bing was stationed.

With a major war imminent, Tong Guan sent Ma Kuo and Xin Xingzong to the Jin Dynasty under the pretext of celebrating the New Year and consolidating allies, in order to probe the Jurchens' intentions.

At this time, almost everyone knew that the Jurchens would definitely invade the south.

Yanshan Prefecture will be the first to bear the brunt and will inevitably be attacked from both sides. The Jurchen Tartars at Gubeikou and Wanyan Zongwang, who just conquered Pinglu in the east, have already surrounded Yanshan Prefecture.

This ferry crossing was considered the best route for Wanyan Zongwang to advance into Yanjing.

If the Tartars advance westward into Yanjing in the future, they will most likely pass through here, so no matter how hard it is, we must guard this place firmly.

The Victorious Army soldiers, who were originally the most comfortable in the Western Army, had no choice but to endure hunger and cold, struggling here, hoping that the main force behind them would catch up soon.

Even if they can't take my place, at least tents and provisions will be brought up, instead of me sleeping in a dugout and eating the meager rations I brought with me.

When the news came that Tong Guan had been reinstated as commander, they were quite happy. Although the old commander had led his men to defeat battles in recent years, he had connections in the court and was a trusted confidant of the emperor, so he could obtain provisions and supplies.

Downstream on the west bank, however, were the remnants of the Ever Victorious Army, whose situation was even more dire than that of the Victorious Army.

The victorious army at least had some of its own supplies on the west bank, while the Ever Victorious Army, used to hardship, had no supplies and could only dig out large and small holes in the riverbed and snow.

The soldiers huddled inside, enduring the cold nights, and many froze to death.

Fortunately, Yang Keshi knew how formidable the defense of Jizhou was, and that he might have to rely on these ever-victorious soldiers from Liaodong, and he was also afraid that they might surrender to the Jin.

So they often brought hot water to scald the wounds, and most of the frostbite cases were treated. So even though it was very tough, they could barely manage to get through it.

The Ever Victorious Army originated from refugees from Liaodong, and most of its members were originally people from the Pinglu area.

Zhang Jue's affair had a great impact on them, and people often spat and cursed at the garrison of the Great Song Victory Army.

Compared to the victorious army, they were used to hardship and had suffered losses under the Jurchen Tartars. Therefore, although they harbored resentment towards the Song Dynasty, they remained quite calm and did not show any signs of aggression.

Yang Keshi, however, dared not be negligent and kept a close watch on them, fearing that Guo Yaoshi might surrender.

Guo Yaoshi was a man who had served three masters. He was first organized into the Eight Camps of Resentful Army by Yelü Chun, who was his first master.
As a result, the Eighth Battalion of the Resentful Army rebelled as soon as they set out, and he followed Dong Xiaochou and became Dong Xiaochou's deputy general.

Later, he betrayed Dong Xiaochou, killed Dong Xiaochou with his own hands, and surrendered to the Liao Dynasty again.
When Tong Guan attacked Liao, Guo Yaoshi betrayed Liao again, surrendering Yizhou and Zhuozhou and becoming a subject of Song.

Such a person would be far more likely to surrender when faced with the Jurchen cavalry.

From the time Tong Guan began his campaign against the Liao Dynasty until now, it hasn't been many years.

However, in recent years, things have gotten worse year by year, especially for the victorious army, whose morale has plummeted to rock bottom.

Just then, Wanyan Zongwang arrived victorious, a situation that filled one with despair.

All the forces in Yanshan Prefecture saw no hope of victory and everyone hoped that the imperial court and Commander Xuan could resolve the war through diplomacy.

While important figures can still strive, ordinary soldiers can only endure their days here in misery.

When the sound of galloping horses came from the east, the Victorious Army soldiers who were warming themselves by the fire all turned their heads, their eyes filled with anticipation. Could it be that the main force from the rear had finally arrived?

Have our Western Army returned to provide support?

For them, the ones who could truly save everyone were the soldiers in the Northwest.
-
Shangjing, Huining Prefecture.

A group of men charged straight into the Emperor's Stronghold.

At this time, Huining Prefecture was also called Huhanzhan. It was based on nomadic traditions, had no city walls, and its palaces were a hybrid of "felt tents and wooden structures".

Looking at the emperor's felt tent, Yin Shuke was overjoyed, feeling that he had finally regained his status.

This time, he single-handedly defeated the last remaining force that Yelü Yanxi had organized.

From then on, Yelü Yanxi posed no further threat, and he had no choice but to flee.

If we send any general to hunt him down, it would probably take less than a month to kill or capture him.

As a result, Yin Shuke was summoned back to Huining Prefecture by Emperor Wanyan Wuqimai, who wanted to see him in person.

Inside the Aodong Palace, Wanyan Wuqimai sat at the head of the table, one hand supporting his chin and the other gently tapping the hilt of the sword at his waist, waiting quietly.

Several Jurchen guards stood with their hands on their swords, each with a stern face.

Footsteps sounded outside, and a guard on duty lifted the curtain and announced in a stern voice, "Has Wanyan Yinshu arrived?"

The Jurchen people had only recently established their state and did not yet have formal etiquette, even within the emperor's tent.

Today, the most disciplined and civilized person in the entire Jin Dynasty is probably not Wanyan Xiyin, who is well-versed in Central Plains culture, but rather Wanyan Balisu.

While the Jurchen emperors were still racking their brains, Wanyan Balisu had already been decades ahead of them, entering a stage of corruption, decadence, and extravagance ahead of time.

Yin Shuke knelt on one knee, his left fist touching his right chest, and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Emperor!"

Wanyan Wuqimai nodded, gesturing for him to stand up.

“You fought well, annihilating the last of the Khitan dogs. I have already gone to my brother’s grave and told him about it.”

Upon hearing this, Yin Shuke was immediately excited. He knelt down, crawled to Wanyan Wuqimai's side, and bent down to touch the tip of Emperor Taizong's boot with his forehead.

This was the highest form of respect in the Jurchen tradition, demonstrating Yinshuke's gratitude. (According to the "History of Jin - Records of Ceremonial Guards": In the seventh year of the Dading era of Emperor Shizong (1167), the "close-up touching of boots" ceremony was banned, and violators were whipped.)
He was not grateful for the current emperor's reward and recognition, but rather for the fact that the old emperor had cleared his name at the tomb of the former emperor.

Wanyan Aguda was called the Old Emperor by the various Jurchen tribes, and in their hearts he was a god-like figure.

Wanyan Wuqimai looked at Yinshuke and granted him permission to sit on the edge of the kang (heated brick bed), next to him, on a side seat lower than the dragon bed.

After he sat down, Wanyan Wuqimai said, "Now Yelü Yanxi is a crippled prey, so we don't need to expend too many people to hunt him down. I will remember your contribution. The reason I transferred you back from the front line this time is not to take away your opportunity to kill Yelü Yanxi, but because there is something more important for you to do."

"Your Majesty, please give your orders!"

“You also experienced the humiliation of us Jurchens by the Khitan dogs, living like pigs and dogs. It was my royal brother who led everyone to rise up in rebellion, and in seven or eight years, he overthrew the empire established by the Khitans.”

"Now is the time for our Jurchens to rise to power. Although my brother has passed away, his spirit will never be forgotten. The Song people's acceptance of Zhang Jue is the perfect opportunity. I am about to raise an army and march south, just as I conquered the Khitans, turning the land of the Southern Dynasty into mountains of corpses and seas of blood! Let those southerners be the servants of the Jurchens forever!"

Wanyan Wuqimai picked up a command arrow from his side and said, "Go to Datong Prefecture and lead your troops south to Yingzhou. It is still occupied by Han people in Liao territory. Take it over and use it as the vanguard of our Jin Kingdom to prepare to attack Hedong of the Song Dynasty."

Yin Shuke reached out and took the command arrow, stood up, raised the arrow above his head, and shouted:
"Agan!" "Agan!" "Agan!"

In the Jurchen tribes, shouting "Agan" three times was tantamount to issuing a military order to the emperor.

They swore that even if it meant death, they would carry out the emperor's orders!

As Yin Shuke emerged from Aodong Palace, he glanced back, his heart brimming with pride.

The frustration he had suffered in the Western Route Army vanished at this moment. He was now the vanguard in the southward attack on the Song Dynasty, and there were still many merits waiting for him to reap in the future.

At that moment, he was unaware that in the Northwest, a group of people had also set their sights on the seat of Yingzhou.
-
January of the sixth year of Xuanhe.

While all sides are gearing up and actively preparing for the upcoming battle.

At this very moment, Emperor Huizong of Song was not in the Forbidden City, but was keeping watch in the Shangqing Baolu Palace in the northeast corner of the Imperial City.

Fang Teng, sent by Tong Guan, was pacing anxiously outside. He had important matters to report, but he couldn't get a chance to see the emperor.

At the gate of the Taoist temple, the Taoist priests stood ready, not allowing him to get any closer, and refusing to listen to anything he said.

This Shangqing Baolu Palace was built in the Forbidden City by the late "Master of Tongzhen Daling Yuanmiao" - Lin Lingsu. It took five or six years to build, with tens of thousands of workers and more than seven million strings of cash!
The building has nine courtyards, with the main hall enshrining the Three Pure Ones and many other statues of deities.

The palace is magnificent, with its eaves, pillars, braces, brackets, beams and rafters all decorated with fans, fish, daffodils, bats and white deer.

The eaves are decorated with pine and cypress trees, lingzhi mushrooms, bamboo, lions, unicorns, dragons and phoenixes in various poses.

The palaces are nestled amidst lush forests, majestic rocks, and picturesque waters, resembling another grotto-heaven beyond the thirty-six grotto-heavens.

What does seven million strings of cash mean?
If given the task to Chen Shao, he could have used Wanyan Balisu like a donkey to capture Mongols for him on the grasslands.
If it were given to Gao Qiu, he could embezzle half of it first, and then use the rest to recruit and train a new army of 30,000 to 50,000 men in the Beijing Garrison, which would still have a certain fighting capacity.
If Cai Jing were given the money, he could embezzle most of it first, and use the rest to revitalize the distribution of the paper money for several years, thus preventing the Song Dynasty's finances from going bankrupt.

If it were given to Tong Guan, he could first embezzle 70%, and then use the rest to buy one or two empty cities!

Therefore, the problem of the Song Dynasty was never a lack of money, but rather a lack of capable people. The common people of the Song Dynasty worked very hard, diligently serving the officials and the emperor like slaves. Their productivity was unparalleled in the world, creating immeasurable wealth, but it was all embezzled by the top echelons for their own enjoyment, and no one could do anything about it.

When Lin Lingsu was alive, he served as the Palace Envoy of the Shangqing Baolu Palace. After Lin Lingsu left, the position was not vacant, and Emperor Huizong personally supervised the Zhongtaiyi Palace to arrange personnel.

Because the salary in this celestial palace is extremely high, the palace attendant's monthly salary is two thousand strings of cash, which far exceeds that of the prime minister.

Such a lucrative post could only be obtained by the most powerful person and the person closest to the emperor.

Therefore, Liang Shicheng, the hidden prime minister of Shenxiao Palace, also gained another title: the palace envoy of Shangqing Baolu Palace.

Emperor Huizong's cultivation practice site was originally located in Taiyi Palace, but after Shenxiao Palace was gradually completed, because it was located near Genyue, Emperor Huizong would come here from time to time to pray for blessings and maintain tranquility.

Some time ago, due to the war against Liao and the floods, Emperor Huizong of Song was unusually low-key and diligent for a few days. However, as soon as the Spring Festival was over, his addiction to cultivating immortality came back.

Arriving at the Shangqing Baolu Palace, which had not been visited for a long time, they entered the meditation room under the protection of Liang Shicheng. The palace servants and Taoist priests, who had been receiving high salaries but had nothing to do all day, were immediately busy cleaning, burning incense and bowing, and preparing ritual implements to welcome the Taoist Emperor.

Sitting in the quiet chamber of the inner palace, the forty-one-year-old emperor of the Song Dynasty, dressed in a Taoist robe and feathered crown, closed his eyes to meditate.

Liang Shicheng, Zhao Ji's most trusted eunuch, was also dressed in a Taoist robe, holding a chime and standing quietly by his side, listening to Zhao Ji's slow breathing.

Inside the quiet room, the air was filled with the fragrance of incense, and everything was utterly silent. If an ordinary person were to witness such a scene, there's a good chance they would think the emperor possessed some kind of otherworldly aura.

Putting everything else aside, Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji), this incompetent ruler, did indeed have a handsome appearance; he looked every bit the wise and enlightened emperor.

Zhao Liangsi fell for it, and so did Li Anbi. They both took it seriously.

Liang Shicheng was in his fifties, with a fair complexion and no beard. He was not the kind of effeminate, sinister man, but rather had a gentle and scholarly air about him.

It was difficult for someone who wasn't good-looking to stand out in the presence of this self-admiring and philandering emperor, Zhao, as he was a quintessential looks-obsessed person.

Liang Shicheng not only paid great attention to his appearance, but also liked to embellish himself. He claimed to be a descendant of Su Shi and put a lot of effort into poetry, calligraphy, and painting.

Liang Shicheng's calligraphy was excellent, even Zhao Ji praised it. When the emperor and his minister were together, they often exchanged poems and calligraphy, and they got along very well.

Therefore, as soon as Zhao Ji ascended the throne, he put Liang Shicheng in charge of the forbidden writings and imperial edicts, and many of them were issued through his hands.

The imperial edicts he drafted within the palace were often said to reflect Zhao Ji's heart, and over time he became the person most indispensable to the emperor.

He was a man of deep cunning and rarely spoke, but he was extremely adept at understanding Zhao Ji's intentions and always pleased him, which gradually led to his favor.

During his time in the palace, whenever Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) desired something, Liang Shicheng did everything in his power to collude with officials both inside and outside the palace, ultimately fulfilling Zhao Ji's wishes.

This hit Zhao Ji's weak spot; this was the kind of subject he liked best.

Later on, Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) became inseparable from Liang Shicheng, and at the same time granted him enormous power. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was the most powerful eunuch in the Song Dynasty.

At this time, Liang Shicheng already held the titles of Military Governor of Hedong, Grand Master of the Three Offices, and Grand Tutor.

In comparison, although Chen Shao destroyed Western Xia, he only obtained the title of Military Governor of Dingnan Army, and his rank was three to five levels lower than that of the other party.

Liang Shicheng also took advantage of this favor to control Zhao Ji's inner circle, and eventually Wang Fu, Cai You, and others joined his ranks before he was able to defeat Cai Jing and take charge of the Council of State Affairs.

Although Cai Jing wielded immense power both inside and outside the court, Liang Shicheng was the only person he could fear and who could be his equal.

Snowflakes were falling outside, but inside the quiet room, Zhao Ji had been waiting in silence for an unknown amount of time.

Liang Shicheng gently tapped the bronze chime in his hand. As the chime rang out, Zhao Ji exhaled a breath of stale air and slowly opened his eyes.

Liang Shicheng bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, have you seen any improvement from taking the Baoqing Pill recently?"

Zhao Ji looked dejected and slowly shook his head: "My mind cannot be focused. When I sit in meditation, I often experience tinnitus and a burning sensation in my abdomen. How can I make any progress? If the Golden Elixir Path could be achieved in this way, everyone could become an immortal... It's still too early, still too early!"

The two fellow Daoists exchanged a few words, and it was getting late, so Liang Shicheng was really getting tired of standing.

He smiled and helped Zhao Ji to his feet: "Your Majesty, now that Western Xia has been destroyed, Yanjing has been recovered, and the rivers and seas are peaceful, what else could Your Majesty possibly worry about? Such achievements surpass those of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, and few in the next three generations can match Your Majesty."

"Mundane affairs are easily handled by the official; he is currently seeking the elixir of immortality and the Great Dao, following the Three Pure Ones to wander among the pine and crane grottoes. What could possibly stir the official's Daoist heart?"

Zhao Ji smiled, his mood instantly improving. He was, after all, a romantic emperor, often uninhibited with those close to him. He wasn't a good emperor, but he was more like a good friend.

He reached out and lightly patted Liang Shicheng, saying, "You old servant, you're good with words, but you know your own business. The Golden Elixir Path can't be mastered without twenty years of practice. It's not that easy."

How could I not keep the legacy left by my ancestors in mind?

Is the Yan-Yun affair over? I would be so glad if the Yan-Yun affair were truly over. That place caused me to change prime ministers twice and commanders three times. The most capable Western Army suffered tens of thousands of casualties, and I spent endless amounts of money just to barely achieve the current situation.

The peace lasted less than six months before, because of Zhang Jue, everything was in turmoil again. How could I possibly feel at ease?

These days, Emperor Huizong has even reduced his outings, spending most of his time in the palace. He is indeed preoccupied, but he doesn't say much to those around him.

The key issue is that even while he was in confinement, he wasn't thinking of solutions; instead, he spent his days sighing and lamenting before continuing to indulge in pleasure.

It may seem like he's worried about the country, but in reality, he is worried!

Liang Shicheng was practically a mind reader for Emperor Huizong; how could he not know these things?
Including the recent promotion of Li Gang by the Emperor, does he really like Li Gang? Liang Shicheng knows best that the Emperor's most hated person is Li Gang.

As a result, he came to dislike all the noble and old-fashioned scholars and officials behind him.

However, he still heavily relied on Li Gang because in Zhao Ji's eyes, they were all just pawns in his game.

Those who are like Emperor Huizong, with their exceptional intelligence, are more likely to believe in their own brilliance and that they can always control the situation.

Cai Jing held a high position and wielded great power, with disciples and former officials all over the country, but so what? I removed him from his position with a single word, but I wouldn't neglect him, because he was also a pawn.

Let him sit out for a while, and when the time is right, or when Wang Fu and his team make a mistake in managing their finances, a single sentence can be used to reuse him.

In this way, Cai Jing's overbearing arrogance was somewhat curbed, letting the ministers know that no matter how powerful he was, they could replace him at any time.

After ascending the throne and assuming personal rule, Zhao Ji had always felt good about himself, believing that the world was in his hands and could be easily controlled.

Who would have thought that everything would change once Tong Guan's campaign against Liaodong began?

The Yan-Yun War, which Wang Fu and Tong Guan had tried their best to lead, ended up in such a state that not only did they suffer heavy losses, but they also exposed the weakness of the Song soldiers to the Jin people.

The troops at the front were gradually losing control, and the Western Army even withdrew to their hometowns on their own, which was tantamount to rebellion, but the court was unable to punish them.

In the end, they had to ask Cai Jing to come out and sort out the finances. It was only with great difficulty that they managed to settle everything. In the end, despite the many ups and downs, they finally achieved a superficial success.

But this had already severely damaged Zhao Ji's self-esteem, and his strategy of maintaining balance had completely failed, leaving him no choice but to employ Li Gang, a member of the old faction.

The political situation was indeed no longer as stable as before, and it was uncertain whether Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) could still enjoy leisurely pleasures.

It's only natural that Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was unhappy about this.

As for the civil officials, he could no longer control Cai Jing; as for the military officials, Chen Shao had emerged.

From the time Emperor Taizu released his generals from their military power over a cup of wine, the Song Dynasty's inherited skill was to suppress regional military governors and weaken military figures.

The Western Army gradually grew stronger several decades ago, while the Imperial Guards of the Capital Garrison had declined terribly and were completely incapable of fighting.

Controlling the Western Army became a top priority for the officials of the Song Dynasty. Everyone relied on their own abilities and devoted endless efforts, ultimately leading to the current situation of the Western Army.

Decades ago, famous officials in the court risked their lives to travel to Shaanxi and other regions, hoping to gain real power. They all had to go through the territory of the Western Army.

Only by truly engaging with the Western Army and understanding them can we find a way to counterbalance them when we return to the court.

After suppressing the powerful Western Army for decades, by the time of Emperor Huizong of Tang, there were few, or even none, outstanding ministers left.

So he simply sent his servants, Li Yan and Tong Guan, who proved to be quite capable, suppressing the Western Army for so many years without any incident.

The idea behind using this opportunity to send them out to attack Liao was to gradually weaken and divide them.

Unexpectedly, this blunder caused the Western Army's fighting strength to suddenly decrease by half, and then the Khitans turned on them in their dying moments.

At this point, how to further suppress these military officials became a major concern for Emperor Huizong.

Zhao Ji was somewhat shrewd, after all, he had been emperor for so many years.

He knew that no matter what he said, his subordinates would interpret it and act accordingly, and he could easily cause a big problem.

If you don't want something to mature, it's best not to let the news get out. After all these days of fussing and being cooped up in the palace, he still couldn't come up with any good solutions, and he couldn't even manage to cultivate immortality and guard his mind.

Today, during his meditation, he was unable to concentrate at all, his mind filled with matters of the court, which greatly displeased Zhao Ji, who felt that his path to immortality was being hindered.

He finally let slip some information to his trusted servant Liang Shicheng, hoping to see if this confidant could come up with any solutions.

Clearly, he overestimated this old servant. Liang Shicheng was a master of intrigue and a seasoned expert in political maneuvering.

He's not cut out for any good policies on governing the country.

They immediately knelt down and said, "We are guilty of a capital offense. We have failed to share the burdens of our sovereign and father, and have been holding positions without performing our duties. We beg Your Majesty to punish us."

Zhao Ji was disappointed and waved his hand listlessly: "The person in charge cannot shirk his responsibility. You are someone close to me and have little experience in external affairs, so it is not your fault. Get up."

The two finally emerged from the celestial palace and heard from their subordinates that Tong Guan's men had come to report on matters. Zhao Ji then ordered someone to bring them in.

Upon meeting the emperor, Fang Teng bowed and, without waiting for the emperor to ask any questions, clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened. The Jin Kingdom has reinforced its troops on three fronts: Gubeikou, Pinglu, and Datong Prefecture."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Wu Min, the Privy Councilor, rushed over to meet the Emperor with an official document in hand.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji became even more worried. Why were the Jurchen Tartars so determined to invade?

We all agreed to form an alliance to attack Liao.

"Have Tong Guan send many people to inquire what the gold master is asking for. Our Great Song Dynasty can grant him all his wishes."
-
Before Ma Kuo and Xin Xingzong even reached Huining Prefecture, they encountered the Jin envoy on the way.

Upon learning that they were on their way to Huining Prefecture, the Jin envoys made a sarcastic remark before parting ways and continuing on their respective journeys.

Ma Kuo's expression grew increasingly grim.

This time, the Jin Dynasty's attitude was even more arrogant and rude than before.

It seems they really intend to invade from the south.

Knowing his own situation best, Ma Kuo, as the second-in-command of Hedong, was well aware of how weak the defenses of Hedong were.

Once the Jurchens march south, how can they be stopped unless divine soldiers descend from the heavens?

If Hedong were lost, the Central Plains would be exposed to the Jurchen's iron hooves, which would undoubtedly be a huge catastrophe.

I wonder how many cities will be razed to the ground, and how many people will suffer such a terrible fate.

The Western Army is still resting and recuperating; it will take at least three to five years for them to recover. Looking across the entire Song Dynasty, where are there any troops left to resist the overwhelming force of the Jurchen cavalry?

Only after paying a heavy price, and hoping that some heroes of the Han people would emerge from the resistance forces rising from the people.

Seeing his gloomy face, Xin Xingzong comforted him, "Ma Xuanzan, there's no need to be like this. The Tartars are greedy by nature. Once you meet the Jin emperor, explain the advantages and disadvantages, and promise them benefits, they will withdraw their troops."

Ma Kuo chuckled. He traveled between the Liao, Song, and Jin dynasties and had a good understanding of the Jurchen people's character.

This time, they're probably serious.

The Jin envoy did not go to Bianliang, but went to Taiyuan first.

Tong Guan ordered that the guests be treated well and that the best food and wine in Taiyuan be served.

Because Shanxi cuisine was considered low-class, he specially selected some chefs from among his own servants to serve him.

In his most luxurious villa, Tong Guan entertained the Jin envoys, even setting out a table of food and wine for the accompanying grooms.

Even after they had eaten and drunk their fill, the Jin envoy remained arrogant. He was only somewhat polite to Tong Guan, while he treated everyone else with contempt, frequently insulting and berating them.

Everyone could only swallow their anger.

At this point, no one dared to offend him, lest they be pushed out as scapegoats to start a war.

Tong Guan walked down with a smile and asked, "What brings you to Bianliang this time, Your Excellency?"

The Jin envoy presented a declaration of war, saying, "Your Great Song Dynasty has broken its promise, harboring Zhang Jue and instigating his rebellion. Our emperor is furious and has specially sent me to deliver this declaration of war, inviting you to choose a date for battle!"

Tong Guan's thoughts were in turmoil, and his face was also very pale. The old marshal, who had been governing the border for twenty years, couldn't muster any spirit at this moment.

"Why didn't you tell me about such a big event beforehand?" Tong Guan spread his hands and said, "I have always been on good terms with you Jurchens. You even sent me a million shi of grain before. We should be friends."

The Jin envoy was indeed served very well, so he said in a kind voice, "You are indeed a friend of our Jurchens, but in your Great Song Dynasty, there are very few good people like you, and many bad people!"

"If you want to avoid war, you must quickly cede Hedong and Hebei to our Great Jin. Perhaps that will quell our emperor's wrath and save the Jin and Song from war, allowing them to maintain peace."

He recalled that not long ago, the court had urged him to quickly go and ask the Jin Kingdom for Weizhou and Yingzhou, because these were territories that the Song Dynasty agreed to belong to after the Liao Dynasty was destroyed, as stipulated in the maritime alliance.

Now things are even worse; forget about Weizhou and Yingzhou, the Jurchens are directly demanding the cession of Hedong and Hebei.
The Jin envoy looked at Tong Guan's pathetic appearance and secretly despised him, realizing that his emperor was right.

The Song Dynasty was not even as good as the Khitan; there was no danger at all if they marched south.

The fertile lands to the south, with their countless slaves, will soon belong to us Jurchens.

These are all gifts from heaven to the Jurchens.

He grinned sinisterly and whispered to Tong Guan beside him, "Our emperor said that after we take the city, we will leave no one alive!"

You'd better make plans soon!

After the Jurchens left, Tong Guan was in a daze and almost fell several times.

As the commander-in-chief of the three armies, his behavior inevitably cast a shadow over the hearts of his generals and civil and military officers.

Three days later, people were horrified to find that Tong Guan's men were packing up.

He's leaving Taiyuan!

Panic gripped Taiyuan, and the commander-in-chief fled without a fight—what an irony!

Since the founding of the Song Dynasty, such a thing has never been heard of.

Early in the morning, Tong Guan was anxiously waiting at his residence.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. A group of Taiyuan soldiers, surrounding the garrison commander Zhang Xiaochun, forced their way in, pushing against Tong Guan's personal guards.

"The Prince of Guangyang!"

"What is it?" Tong Guan glanced at him coldly, took a deep breath, and said.

Zhang Xiaochun nearly roared, his veins bulging, and asked loudly, "The Jin people have broken their alliance. Your Highness should have ordered all the troops in the land to resist them with all your might. Now you're abandoning Taiyuan. Are you trying to hand over Hedong to the enemy?"

"If Hedong falls into enemy hands, what will happen to Hebei? What will happen to the Central Plains!"

"I know what I'm doing. These are important matters that a low-ranking officer like you wouldn't know."

Zhang Xiaochun scoffed, "Isn't it just that he's afraid of death? Everyone knows that!"

Tong Guan was furious that his secret had been exposed, and his voice became hoarse and shrill, extremely unpleasant: "I was ordered to pacify the region, not to defend it! The best general in Hedong is Wang Bing. If you want me to defend the city, what use is Wang Zhengchen!"

Zhang Xiaochun was so shocked by these shameless words that he was speechless. After a long silence, he clapped his hands and sighed, "The Prince of Guangyang has pacified the border for twenty years, laying the foundation for the destruction of Xia. He has a very high reputation throughout his life. Today, he cowers in fear and runs away like a rat. How will he ever have the face to see the Emperor again in the future!"

In the past, Tong Guan would have ordered him to be taken out and dealt with according to military law, but at this moment he had no other thoughts at all.

My mind was filled with one word: escape!
He knew Emperor Huizong well; no matter how despicable he was, the emperor would remember their past relationship and at least wouldn't kill him.

But if I stay here, it's really hard to save my life.

Having commanded troops for many years, once the situation of the two armies was clear in his mind, the outcome was already a foregone conclusion.

The brutality of the Jurchens that he had witnessed and heard about now transformed into boundless fear, fueling his cowardice.

Just like in history, Tong Guan absurdly fled Taiyuan City.

This action casts another shadow over the impending great battle. (End of Chapter)