You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

Lu Zuo pondered for a moment, then said, "Tell me in detail."

Han Shizhong took a deep breath and began to present his arguments clearly and logically, his voice steady and powerful, clearly indicating that he had given this matter considerable thought:

"Firstly, in terms of military strength, our army is not entirely without support."

"The dense network of waterways in the Yangtze and Huai River basins is unfavorable for the Jin cavalry to charge and break through. Our naval forces along the Yangtze River have been well-prepared for many years and rely on cities and passes to defend the Yangtze River. This is our geographical advantage."

"The Wu brothers of Sichuan and Shaanxi, holding their positions in the mountains, dealt a major blow to Wuzhu's army last year. The western front is temporarily safe, which is one aspect of the people's support."

"Secondly, regarding the enemy situation, the Jurchens appear strong, but there are hidden dangers."

"After conquering the Liao and attacking the Song, they suddenly gained vast territories and divided their troops to garrison them, resulting in a significant dispersion of their military strength."

"Liu Yu's usurpation of the Qi state has alienated the people, and his generals and soldiers are mostly driven by military ambitions. This is merely a minor ailment, not a serious threat."

"Within the Jin court, even among generals like Zonghan and Zongbi, there is no monolithic unity; this is an opportunity to exploit."

Thirdly, let's discuss finance and grain.

Han Shizhong frowned slightly as he said this, but his tone remained firm: "This is indeed a critical juncture at present."

"Years of war have affected the Jiangnan region as well, leaving the national treasury empty and the people exhausted. This is the truth."

"But precisely because of this, we cannot stand idly by and watch the Jurchens demand their services year after year!"

"The huge annual tribute is like cutting flesh to heal a wound; it only exhausts our strength and strengthens the enemy's power."

"If we can stop the war with war, even a small victory, we can cut off this lifeline and use the money to support our army, comfort our people, and fill our granaries!"

"Furthermore, some areas in Huainan can be recovered if the plan is properly made, and gaining their territory can also supplement military supplies."

Fourthly, the issue of public sentiment and morale is particularly crucial.

"The new dynasty has been established, and the world is watching with bated breath. If we simply kneel down and seek peace, loyal ministers and righteous men will surely lament, and the morale of the army will inevitably plummet."

"On the contrary, if the court can demonstrate its determination to resist the enemy, even if it temporarily adopts a defensive posture and actively prepares for war, it can unite the people and attract heroes from all directions to come to its side."

"Without morale, even with provisions and supplies, it's difficult to fight; with morale, even in dire straits, one can still fight!"

"Fifthly, in the long run, forgive my bluntness, but making peace with the Jin is by no means a long-term solution."

"The Jurchens' greed is insatiable. Today they cede five cities, tomorrow they demand ten more, advancing step by step until we have no land left to cede and no currency left to pay. What will we do then?"

"Only by strengthening our military and demonstrating our determination to fight can we deter the enemy and gain a real chance to regroup and develop."

"Only through war can peace be achieved; only through strength can security be attained!"

After speaking, Han Shizhong clasped his hands in a fist salute again, his gaze fixed intently on Lu Zuo on the throne: "These are my humble opinions, every word comes from the bottom of my heart!"

"Therefore, I believe that we should not only not fear or avoid war, but also actively plan and seek opportunities to act."

"Even if a northern expedition is difficult to launch for the time being, we must do our utmost to protect the Jianghuai region and seize any opportunity to counterattack. We must never allow the Jin people to take whatever they want!"

"Your subject, Han Shizhong, is willing to serve you to the death!"

Lu Zuo listened quietly to Han Shizhong's detailed and meticulous report, his fingers tapping lightly on the rosewood table.

The soft, tapping sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet imperial study, as if it were striking Han Shizhong's heart.

After a moment, Lu Zuo raised his eyes, his gaze calm yet sharp with a scrutinizing edge, and slowly said, "What Minister Han said is very much in line with my thoughts."

"The court is currently in turmoil, with calls for peace growing louder. This is nothing more than a fear of the enemy, or..."

He paused briefly: "Or short-sighted."

"Since I am determined to fight, I need a concrete strategy."

"Tell me, if you want to turn the tide, stabilize the Jianghuai region, and even gradually advance, what do you need my support for most right now?"

"Is it money and provisions, soldiers, or...?"

"What else?"

Han Shizhong was immediately invigorated; the Emperor's words were a clear statement!

He suppressed the surging excitement and hope in his heart, quickly thought it over, and knew that this was a crucial moment to win substantial support, and he had to get to the heart of the matter.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

"The most important things are centralized power and sufficient funds!"

"The various armies along the river have different orders and are under different jurisdictions, which can easily lead to obstacles in battle."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you grant me clear authority to coordinate the defense of the Jianghuai region, covering at least all land and naval forces along the Jiankang-Zhenjiang line, so as to unify command and respond to the enemy in a timely manner. This is the first point."

"Secondly, supplies must be prepared before troops can move. Currently, most of the national treasury's annual revenue is spent on maintaining the massive bureaucratic system and palace expenses, leaving insufficient and untimely allocations for the army."

"Your Majesty, I request that you establish a special position called the 'Commissioner for Military Supplies Transportation in the Jianghuai Region'."

"Under the supervision of His Majesty's trusted ministers or eunuchs, they are responsible for raising and allocating funds, provisions, and cloth to the front lines to ensure that military supplies are not interrupted."

"And it can avoid certain...unnecessary delays and exploitation."

As Han Shizhong spoke, a barely perceptible hint of gloom flashed in his eyes, clearly indicating that he had suffered a loss.

Thirdly, there is the matter of personnel.

"In the military today, there are many capable people who are not given the right positions, and those who hold high positions without merit."

"Your Majesty, I request that you grant permission to evaluate and promote generals along the Jianghuai front based on their military achievements and abilities, rather than seniority or family background. Only in this way can we motivate our soldiers to fight to the death."

"Especially for middle and lower-ranking officers, those who possess the courage and skill to fight should be promoted quickly, regardless of their background!"

Lu Zuo nodded slightly after listening.

Han Shizhong sought nothing more than "power, money, and people," all of which hit the nail on the head regarding the current problems and revealed his clear understanding of the deep-seated problems within the court and the military.

"Can."

Lu Zuo did not hesitate, his voice resolute: "I grant your three requests, and an imperial edict will be issued shortly."

"I hereby entrust you with full authority over the defense of the Jianghuai region and grant you the power to make decisions on the spot."

"Regarding the matter of money and provisions, I will assign someone to oversee it specifically, and the Imperial Treasury can also allocate a portion, ensuring that the front lines are given priority."

"As for the promotion and demotion of generals, you and the Privy Council should draft a proposal and submit it for my personal review. Only those with talent will be promoted."

Upon hearing this, Han Shizhong's eyes widened in disbelief, he could hardly believe how smoothly things had gone!

These three points, especially the first and third, were almost impossible to obtain from a suspicious and skeptical official in the past.

His heart surged with emotion, and he immediately rose from his seat, knelt down, and kowtowed heavily: "Your Majesty trusts me so much, even if I were to give my life, I could not repay even a fraction of your kindness!"

"We will certainly help Your Majesty stabilize the Jianghuai region and deliver a crushing blow to the Jin invaders!"

Get up.

Lu Zuoxu offered a slight helping hand, but then abruptly changed the subject, asking seemingly casually, "Han Qing has been in the military for a long time; have you ever heard of a man named... Yue Fei?"

Yue Fei?

Han Shizhong paused slightly as he stood up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Why would Your Majesty suddenly ask about this person?

Yue Fei is currently just a minor general with no reputation. The Emperor is deep in the palace, so how could he know about him?

He was puzzled, but dared not be negligent. After a moment's thought, he replied truthfully, "Your Majesty, I... do know this person."

"Yue Fei, courtesy name Pengju, was a native of Tangyin, Xiangzhou."

"In his early years, he served in the army under Liu Ge, the Pacification Commissioner of Zhengding. Later, he joined Zhang Suo, the Pacification Commissioner of Hebei, and served as a commander. He followed Wang Yan across the river to resist the Jin and once recovered Xinxiang."

"Later, due to disagreements with Wang Yan, he returned to the command of the old Marshal Zong Ze."

"After the passing of Marshal Zong, he should now be under the command of Du Chong."

Han Shizhong commented: "Although I have not been close to this man, I have heard that he is quite methodical in his military tactics, brave and fierce in battle, considerate of his soldiers, and always leads by example. Moreover... he has lofty ambitions and always thinks about recovering the Central Plains."

"A colleague once said that his courage, wisdom, talent and skills were unmatched even by the best generals of the past."

"only……"

He paused, his tone tinged with regret: "Because of his upright character, his lack of flattery, and his absence from a solid foundation, he has never been given a significant position and his official rank remains obscure."

Lu Zuo listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously tracing patterns on the table.

Indeed, at this time, Yue Fei was merely a hidden gem...

Han Shizhong's assessment was quite fair. It seems that although Han and Yue had some disagreements in the later years of history, at this moment Han Shizhong had no prejudice against Yue Fei's abilities and even admired him to some extent.

"I understand."

Lu Zuo's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable air: "Since this person possesses talent, he should not be overlooked."

"Han Qing, send someone to summon Yue Fei to respond immediately and meet the Emperor in the capital."

"I want to see him."

Han Shizhong's heart stirred again.

The Emperor not only knew of Yue Fei, but also wanted to summon him personally?

And instead of using a normal official document, they sent someone themselves?

He had a vague feeling that His Majesty seemed to attach extraordinary importance to this little-known Commander Yue.

Does His Majesty have another source of intelligence in secret?

He suppressed his doubts and bowed, replying, "Your subject obeys!"

Lu Zuo pondered for a moment, then seemed to think of something else and continued, "There is one more thing that needs to be handled secretly by you."

"Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

"Select an absolutely reliable, shrewd, and capable confidant to infiltrate the Licheng County area of ​​Jinan Prefecture in Shandong East Road, which is under Jin control. Update released! Readers have all gone to check it out!"

Lu Zuo's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "We are looking for a Han Chinese official named Xin Zan."

"This man was originally a subject of our Song Dynasty, but he fell into the hands of the enemy and was forced to serve the Jin Dynasty, but his heart still yearns for his homeland."

"Find him and tell him that I know he is loyal and righteous, and that I will not hold a grudge against him. Let him pack up his family and secretly return south with your men."

"Remember, you must take care of his entire family, especially his grandson, a man named... Xin Qiji."

"Get him seated back to Tian. This matter must be kept absolutely confidential, at any cost."

Xin Zan?

Xin Qiji?

Han Shizhong was completely bewildered.

He vaguely remembered Xin Zan; he seemed to be just an insignificant minor official in the occupied territories. As for his grandson…

Why does Your Majesty pay so much attention to a minor official in Shandong who has already "served in Jin" and his family?

His mind was filled with doubts, but when he looked at the young emperor's deep, calm, and unquestionable eyes on the throne, all his doubts were suppressed.

Your Majesty's move must have a deeper meaning, perhaps involving a more profound plan or intelligence.

This is not something he should ask.

"Your subject...accepts the decree."

Han Shizhong suppressed his doubts and solemnly agreed: "I will definitely select capable henchmen to handle the matter properly and bring Xin Zan's family back safely."

"Very good. Minister Han, I entrust the affairs of Jianghuai to you."

"The matter concerning Yue Fei and Xin Zan must also be dealt with as soon as possible. Go then."

"Your subject takes his leave!" Han Shizhong bowed again, leaving the imperial study with a mix of excitement, doubt, and a heavy sense of responsibility.

The Imperial Study returned to silence, with only the agarwood burning quietly.

Lu Zuo sat alone behind his desk, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Yue Fei and Xin Qiji were both promising talents for the future, but they are still lying low.

Now that he has come, he will naturally not let them suffer the same hardships as in history, where their talents are obscured or their ambitions are thwarted.

However, the most pressing matter was something else entirely: he couldn't leave any flaws in his handwriting.

"Someone come here." He summoned the old eunuch.

"This old servant is here."

"Find all my past handwritten edicts, official memorials with red ink annotations, and manuscripts from my daily calligraphy practice—anything that bears my handwriting—and bring them here. I want to see them."

Soon, several large stacks of silk and paper were carefully moved into the imperial study and placed on the long table next to it.

It contains both formal imperial edicts and casually written poems and notes.

Lu Zuo waved everyone away, picked up the topmost document, a memorial personally approved by Zhao Gou, and examined it carefully.

Zhao Gou's calligraphy was learned from Huang Tingjian and Mi Fu, and he had a solid foundation. His style was thin, hard, and slanted, with distinctive connecting strokes, but the overall charm was cautious and restrained, and slightly lacked strength.

He looked very carefully, his gaze sweeping over the beginning, turning, and ending strokes of each character, even the density of the ink and the pressure applied.

A moment later, he spread out a new sheet of paper, picked up his brush, and dipped it in ink.

The pen tip hovered over the paper, and after a moment of concentration, it fell.

At first, there were subtle differences in the first few strokes, but soon, with the strokes flowing like dragons and snakes, Zhao Gou's unique lean and firm brushstrokes, slanted posture, and careful connected strokes vividly flowed onto the paper.

Not only is the form similar, but even the unique temperament and restraint hidden behind the strokes, belonging to Zhao Gou, have been captured and simulated.

It took less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Lu Zuo put down his pen and placed the copy of the "manual edict" he had just made next to Zhao Gou's original handwriting.

Under the light, the two are exactly the same. No matter the shape, structure, brushstrokes, or even the subtle flying white and ink effects, it is difficult to tell the difference between the real and the fake!

It seems as if it was written by the same person at the same time, in the same state of mind.

Lu Zuo gently blew away the ink: "The attributes of chess, music, calligraphy, and painting are quite useful..."

……

As night fell, the Imperial Study was brightly lit.

Lu Zuo was intently reviewing the documents.

Suddenly, the heavy palace doors were gently pushed open from the outside without any announcement.

A graceful figure, accompanied by a faint fragrance of orchids, stepped gracefully in.

The newcomer was dressed in a light red palace dress, the fabric of which was extremely soft and thin, clinging to her body and outlining breathtaking curves.

Her shoulders were like those of a sculpted figure, her waist slender and graceful. As she walked, her skirt swayed like a willow in the breeze, exuding a natural and captivating charm.

Her hair was piled high, adorned with a red gold and kingfisher feather hairpin, the beads swaying gently, making her face even more beautiful and exquisite.

Her eyebrows were naturally dark without being drawn, and her lips were naturally red without being touched up. Her peach blossom eyes were sparkling with water, and in the flow of her gaze, there was both the clarity of a young girl and the charming allure that Cheng Zi possessed, which was insightful into people's hearts.

She walked straight to the imperial desk, about ten paces away, and gracefully knelt down, her voice soft and sweet: "Your Majesty, I, Su Wan, pay my respects."

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Lu Zuo paused slightly as he held the pen, then looked up.

Su Wan?

It seems she must have been one of Zhao Gou's favorite concubines, which is why she could enter the study without being announced.

At this moment, you must not show any signs of unfamiliarity or aloofness.

His mind raced, but his expression remained calm: "It's Wan'er. Get up."

"Why are you here so late?"

Su Wan got up as instructed, took light steps, and walked to Lu Zuo's side. A richer, sweet but not cloying fragrance quietly spread out.

She leaned down slightly, her voice almost touching Lu Zuo's ear, her breath sweet as orchids: "Your Majesty, I heard that you were busy with state affairs in court today, and after court you have been working hard in the Imperial Study. I am very worried about you."

"We prepared some calming and lung-nourishing soups, and fearing we might disturb His Majesty, we waited outside the palace for quite some time..."

"Seeing that His Majesty has not rested for a long time, I could not resist and dared to come in and take a look."

As she spoke, she gently placed her soft hands on Lu Zuo's shoulders, her fingertips carrying a slightly cool body temperature and a soft strength, kneading and massaging him with a skillful and experienced touch.

While massaging, she said softly, "Your Majesty, please relax a bit. Let me help you loosen up your muscles and bones."

"While national affairs are of utmost importance, Your Majesty's health is of paramount concern."

A short while later, the kneading motion gradually took on a different meaning.

Sometimes her fingertips brushed across the sensitive skin on the side of her neck, and sometimes they seemed to lightly brush behind her ear.

Accompanied by her warm breath so close to mine, and the rustling of her skirt, an invisible, ambiguous net was woven together.

"Your Majesty works so hard, it truly pains me to see you like this."

Su Wan's voice grew softer and softer, with a hooking quality: "These memorials will never be finished, why not take a break for a while?"

"Let me serve Your Majesty well."

Lu Zuo could clearly feel the woman's warm body pressing against him from behind, the soft touch and alluring fragrance penetrating every inch of him.

He sneered inwardly, thinking that Zhao Gou certainly knew how to enjoy himself, surrounded by such beauties.

Well, since I'm going to play this role, there are some scenes...

We must do our best.

He closed his eyes, seemingly enjoying it, and let out a low "hmm" from his throat as a response.

Seeing this, Su Wan was secretly delighted and became even bolder, her breath sweet as orchids as she whispered almost in his ear, "Your Majesty... it's late."

"The candlelight here is dim, which is very bad for your eyes..."

"Why don't we move to the imperial bedchamber? I've recently learned a technique to relax your muscles and tendons; it's sure to help Your Majesty... forget your worries..."

Just then, Lu Zuo suddenly opened his eyes, grabbed Su Wan's slender waist, and with a little force, pulled her light body from behind the chair to in front of him.

"ah."

Caught off guard, Su Wan let out a soft cry and fell into Lu Zuo's arms.

He was surrounded by a soft, fragrant body, and the neckline of her water-red palace dress opened slightly with the movement, revealing a section of her snow-white, delicate neck and exquisite collarbone.

She tilted her head back, her peach blossom eyes glistening with tears, a mixture of startled panic and alluring coquettishness, her cheeks flushed, adding to her beauty.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty?"

Lu Zuo looked down at her, his gaze deep, and gently lifted her chin with his fingers: "Wan'er is being so attentive today, it would seem heartless of me not to appreciate it."

"Put your hair up in a bun."

His voice was deep and carried an undeniable air of control, a stark contrast to the calm demeanor he had displayed while reviewing memorials.

Su Wan's heart pounded like a drum as she sensed a wild and aggressive aura emanating from the other person, completely different from Zhao Gou's usual gentle and weak demeanor.

It gave her an unprecedented feeling of palpitations and...

stimulate.