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

Jinling, the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

The hall was spacious and bright, and on the huge rosewood imperial desk, memorials were neatly arranged and categorized.

Sunlight streamed through the exquisite window frames, casting dappled shadows on the polished gold-brick floor.

Lu Zuo sat behind his desk, dressed in casual clothes, his expression calm, his gaze fixed on a report in front of him about the completion of the new lock for the Jianghuai canal.

Behind him, Li Qingzhao, dressed in a moon-white official robe, gently massaged his shoulders and neck.

Her movements were skillful and natural, her fingertips applying just the right amount of pressure, enough to relax his muscles and bones without disturbing his reading.

"His Majesty."

Li Qingzhao's soft voice rang out in the quiet hall, like a clear spring babbling: "From Marshal Yue's side, a military report was just presented to the Privy Council this morning."

"More than three months have passed since the 'Divine Machine Technique' was distributed."

"The 20,000 soldiers of the 'Shenji Battalion' under the personal supervision of Marshal Yue have been training tirelessly. It is reported that more than 90% of them can skillfully load and fire, with a hit rate of over 70% on targets at 50 paces. Their 100-pace volley fire is quite impressive."

"Marshal Han also has 15,000 elite troops who have mastered musket tactics, and their formations and movements are already well-organized."

She paused, then continued, "Furthermore, the Ministry of Works' Institute of Crafts secretly reported that the prototype of the 'Rotating Divine Machine' was completed ten days ago."

"Although there are still some minor drawbacks such as difficulty in breathing, the idea of ​​continuous firing has been proven to be feasible. Mo Heng is leading the craftsmen to make improvements, and we expect that a more perfect prototype will be presented in less than two months."

Lu Zuo nodded slightly without saying a word, indicating that he was listening.

Knowing his intentions, Li Qingzhao then reported on other important matters: "The collection and summary of the spring tax revenue from the Ministry of Revenue and the transport commissioners in various regions have been completed."

"Thanks to His Majesty's implementation of the 'ammonia fertilizer' method last year, the grain production in the north and south has increased significantly this spring."

"With this divine object, the people eagerly began to cultivate the wasteland, and the summer harvest is in sight. The people no longer worry about famine and praise Your Majesty's virtuous rule."

"The chicken essence and MSG produced by 'Xianweifang' are sold all over the world. As a result, the government-run workshop tax and commercial tax have increased significantly, the national treasury is quite full, and the silver and rice in the Taicang granary are enough to support the army for several years."

"In addition, there are iron warships built by Longjiang Shipyard in accordance with His Majesty's new methods of 'watertight compartments' and 'pointed keel'."

"The first ship was launched and tested last month. Its load capacity, stability and speed are far superior to the old ship. The Ministry of Works has requested permission to allocate more funds to expand the shipyard in preparation for future maritime transport needs."

She reported the important matters concerning military affairs, politics, finance, and industry over the past few months in a clear, concise, and organized manner.

She had already thoroughly organized most of these matters and had a clear understanding of them.

Lu Zuo leaned back slightly in his chair, closed his eyes, as if processing the information or weighing something.

Li Qingzhao's massage continued, and for a moment, only the faint chirping of cicadas and the sound of wind could be heard outside the window.

After a long while, Lu Zuo slowly opened his eyes, a deep flame flickering in them before settling into a deep, resolute expression.

He gazed at the jade seal, a symbol of supreme authority, at one end of the imperial desk, and spoke slowly. His voice was not loud, yet it carried a power that could establish the very foundation of the empire, echoing clearly in the spacious imperial study:

"Supplies are plentiful, weapons are sharpened, soldiers are trained, and the people's hearts are at ease..."

"It's time."

He paused, then turned to the eunuch who was standing by and recording the imperial decree, and instructed him: "Issue the decree that the grand court assembly will be held tomorrow."

……

The next day, at dawn.

The sky was still dark, and the stars were still out.

But the outline of the Nanjing Imperial City had already revealed its majestic silhouette in the fading night.

Outside the Meridian Gate, civil and military officials, dressed in court robes, stood solemnly in order of rank, utterly silent, save for the occasional soft clinking of armor plates from palace guards and the suppressed breathing of the officials.

A solemn and dignified atmosphere filled the air; everyone knew that today's grand court session must be about important matters.

"Thump—thump—thump—thump—thump—"

The fifth watch drum sounded, its sound reverberating throughout the palace.

"All officials enter the court—!"

As the Grand Eunuch announced his orders in a long, sharp voice, the heavy vermilion gate of the Meridian Gate slowly opened in the morning light.

Civil and military officials filed in, passed through the vast Five Dragons Square, stepped onto the high white marble steps, and entered the Fengtian Hall.

Inside the hall, enormous golden pillars with coiled dragons stood tall, and the throne was high above. Wisps of incense rose from the censer.

Lu Zuo was already seated on the throne, wearing a black robe with twelve imperial symbols and a crown with twelve tassels. His face was hidden behind the hanging beads and could not be clearly seen. Only an aura of imperial majesty enveloped the entire hall.

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

Amidst shouts of encouragement, all the officials knelt down and kowtowed in respect.

Among the crowd, Yue Fei and Han Shizhong, dressed in military uniforms, stood out conspicuously.

"All of you, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

All the officials rose and stood with their hands at their sides.

The hall was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was waiting.

Lu Zuo's gaze slowly swept over the assembled officials, lingering briefly on Yue Fei and Han Shizhong, before he spoke:

"Since the founding of our Great Song Dynasty, the Liao and Jin dynasties have ravaged the north, the Xia and Qiang dynasties have coveted the west, the southern border has been unstable, and the four barbarian tribes have not yet submitted."

"However, the way of Heaven is cyclical, and the fate of a nation is constant."

"Last year, thanks to the bravery of my soldiers and the loyalty of the people, I finally defeated the Jin invaders, wiped away the humiliation of Jingkang, and restored the old territory of the Han dynasty."

His voice was calm, yet carried immense power, echoing throughout the magnificent palace.

"However, with the world still unsettled, how can I think of a home?"

"The descendants of Yuanhao of Western Xia have seized Lingxia, repeatedly causing trouble on the borders, plundering our people, and defying the Celestial Dynasty. Their crimes deserve to be punished!"

"The various Tibetan tribes, scattered across the plateau, sometimes rebel and sometimes submit, are not accustomed to the king's rule, obstruct trade routes, and disrupt our western borders; they too should be punished!"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense.

Many ministers had a vague idea of ​​today's topic, and their hearts couldn't help but race.

Lu Zuo paused, then his voice suddenly turned sharp, like a drawn sword:

"Now, the time is ripe, the people are united, our weapons are sharpened, and our provisions are plentiful!"

"I have resolved to dispatch heavenly troops to carry out a divine punitive expedition, to uphold the legitimacy of the Chinese calendar, and to establish peace and prosperity throughout the land!"

His gaze, sharp as lightning, swept across the ranks of military officers:

"Yue Fei, Han Shizhong!"

"Your subject is here!" The two men strode out of the ranks, their armor gleaming, clasped their hands and bowed, their voices booming like bells.

Lu Zuo said in a deep voice, "I hereby appoint the two of you to command the army separately, each as the commander-in-chief of one route!"

"Yue Fei!"

"I hereby appoint you as the Grand General Who Conquers the West, commanding all troops in Shaanxi and Hedong, with an army of 200,000, using the 'Divine Machine Battalion' as the vanguard, to march out of Xiaoguan and strike directly at Xingqing!"

"We must thoroughly eradicate them, capture their false ruler, destroy their ancestral temples, and bring all the former territories of Western Xia into the territory of our Great Song Dynasty!"

"Han Shizhong!"

"I hereby appoint you as the Grand General of Anxi, commanding all troops from Qinfeng and Lizhou, as well as the elite forces from Jiannan and Qianzhong. With 150,000 troops, and the newly trained firearms battalion as the core, you will march out of Songzhou to subdue the rebellious Tibetan tribes!"

"Using appeasement and pacification as supplementary measures, and thunderous deterrence as the primary means, we must ensure that all the tribal leaders in the region come to pay homage, so that the border troubles of the highlands will be eradicated forever!"

"Your subject, Yue Fei, obeys the imperial decree!"

"We will not fail Your Majesty's trust; we will not return to the capital until Western Xia is destroyed!"

"Your subject, Han Shizhong, obeys the imperial decree!"

"We will certainly expand Your Majesty's territory, display our might in the western frontier, and ensure that the lands of Tibet forever submit to the legitimate reign of the Song Dynasty!"

"Good!" Lu Zuo nodded, then gave a slight nod to the eunuch standing beside the imperial desk.

The eunuch stepped forward, unfurled the bright yellow silk imperial edict that had been prepared beforehand, and read it aloud in a shrill voice:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: General Yue Fei, the Grand General Who Conquers the West, and General Han Shizhong, the Grand General Who Pacifies the West, are hereby appointed to command the Pixiu (a mythical beast) and to lead the campaign on behalf of Heaven."

"All departments and authorities must work together fully to ensure that provisions and military equipment are not compromised."

"Proclamation shall be made to the whole world, so that all may know."

"So be it!"

After the imperial edict was read aloud, its echoes still lingered in the palace beams.

After a brief silence—

"Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The civil and military officials, led by the Minister of War and the Privy Councilor, knelt down once again and cheered deafeningly!

Many people were so excited that their faces flushed and their beards trembled. The glorious victory of the Northern Expedition against the Jin Dynasty was still fresh in their minds, and now His Majesty was going to wage war against the Western Xia and the Tibetan Empire. This was clearly an attempt to wipe out all the powerful enemies in the surrounding area in one fell swoop and truly realize the grand plan of unifying the world!

How could this not get people's blood pumping!

"Our Emperor is divinely mighty! The heavenly army will surely sweep all before it!"

"Sweep away the Western Xia and subdue the Tibetans, and from now on, the western frontier will be safe!"

"The unification of the land is just around the corner! Your Majesty's achievements will surely surpass those of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors!"

Excited discussions spread uncontrollably among the kneeling officials.

Civil officials dreamed of expanding territory and making a name for themselves in history, while military generals hoped to achieve merit on the battlefield and be ennobled and appointed as generals.

Even the most prudent and experienced ministers, seeing that His Majesty was so well-prepared, with plenty of troops and supplies, and aided by "divine weapons," were filled with confidence of certain victory.

"Dismiss the court!" the eunuch in charge of ceremonies announced.

Lu Zuo rose and, amidst another round of shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" from the officials, left the throne and went into the rear hall.

……

After the court session, the officials filed out of the Fengtian Hall and onto the vast Danbi Square in front of the hall.

By this time, the sky was already bright, and the rising sun illuminated the palace's glazed tiles, making them appear golden and magnificent.

The pent-up emotions that had been suppressed inside the hall could finally be released.

"Incredible, absolutely incredible!"

An elderly scholar with white hair and beard, pounded his cane on the ground with excitement, and said to his colleague beside him, "His Majesty intends to achieve victory in one fell swoop!"

"The Northern Expedition has just ended, and now the Western Expedition has begun! Such spirit is unprecedented!"

A doctor from the Ministry of War chimed in, his eyes gleaming: "Exactly!"

"Marshals Yue and Han are both renowned generals who have fought countless battles. Now, with the addition of such a powerful weapon as the 'Divine Machine Battalion,' what are the Western Xia and Tibetans worth mentioning!"

"I've seen the secret files at the Ministry of War; the power of those muskets... tsk tsk, they're simply beyond human capability to withstand!"

"Our army will surely win this battle!"

"A victory is more than just a win!" A middle-aged imperial censor clapped his hands and laughed. "In my opinion, this is about to completely rewrite the map!"

"The Lingxia, Hehuang, and even the Tibetan Plateau, before long, will likely all change their surname to Zhao and adopt the clothing, customs, and music of the Han people!"

"The true unification of the world begins today!"

Several of the younger officials huddled together excitedly, whispering among themselves:

"Brother Wang, do you think this western expedition will be as successful as the northern expedition, with news of victory arriving within a year?"

"Very likely! His Majesty has planned this carefully and made such thorough preparations, and with the addition of new firearms, how could those barbarian tribes like the Western Xia and Tibet possibly withstand him?"

"Perhaps by the end of the year, we'll hear news of Xingqing Prefecture's liberation!"

"If we can truly pacify the Western Xia and subdue the Tibetans in one fell swoop, then the vastness of our Song Dynasty's territory and the strength of our nation will probably rival that of the Han and Tang Dynasties!"

"Your Majesty possesses great talent and strategic vision, and has implemented many new and effective policies; this lays the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity!"

The discussions were filled with boundless anticipation for victory, beautiful dreams for the future of the empire, and heartfelt pride in being a part of this golden age.

Yue Fei and Han Shizhong strode towards the palace gates.

The two men had resolute expressions, and their eyes met, revealing the sharpness and tacit understanding of those about to fight.