Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 308 It really is the sheep who's leading the way, and the sheep is in charge!
Inside the imperial city, everyone waited, including the emperor, all for the envoy to return and explain the situation…

Everyone was overjoyed, and even the emperor showed a happy expression. Why was that?

What's good is that it seems like we can actually negotiate with the Jurchens!

Then the question arose: the emperor asked, “My dear ministers, this is the time to serve the country, but I wonder who is willing to go?”

Upon hearing this, everyone looked around. Apart from Cai Jing, the only people in the court who could be called prime ministers were Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan, and Zhang Bangchang. How could these three not be prime ministers?

The three men held proper official titles. Bai Shizhong was the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the Vice Minister of the Secretariat.

Li Bangyan was originally the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and had just been promoted to Left Vice Minister.

Zhang Bangchang had previously served as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and had just been transferred to the position of Vice Minister of the Secretariat.

Among the officials of the Secretariat, there are now three who are considered the most powerful. If we were to rank them carefully, Bai Shizhong would be number one, as he holds the power of the Secretariat.

Next is Li Bangyan, who is considered a "new" elite, while Zhang Bangchang ranks third.

As for why the title of Shangshu Pushe suddenly appeared in official positions, it was because Emperor Huizong of Song changed it himself. In the Song Dynasty, the title was originally Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, Canzhi Zhengshi, etc., but it was changed back to the old title from the Tang Dynasty...

According to the Tang dynasty's system, the Shangshu Pushe was equivalent to the prime minister, and the Zuo Pushe was the "chief prime minister." However, in Emperor Huizong's (Zhao Ji's) administration, these two positions became less important...

Of course, it can also be said that most of the time, the prime minister is not an individual, but a small group...

The Jurchens wanted a prince and a prime minister.

There are only three prime ministers in front of us, which one should we choose?

Everyone in the room was thinking about this question, but it seemed that no one considered that they couldn't agree to the Jurchens' conditions, not even the emperor.

The best outcome would be if negotiations could be reached, and once an agreement was reached, the Jurchen army would withdraw.

Regardless of the circumstances, as long as the Jurchen army can retreat, Zhao Huan's throne will be secure.

Who would be willing to go? Everyone was looking at the three prime ministers, and the three prime ministers were also looking at each other, and also looking at the emperor. Bai Shizhong seemed to want to say something, but after looking at the emperor several times, he swallowed his words.

Why?

What can be said at this moment? We can't very well say that he's unwilling to sacrifice himself for his country and its people, can we?
Moreover, it's not really about sacrificing oneself; it's probably just about going out of the city to discuss some business. The Jurchens are obviously willing to talk, as long as the terms are agreed upon.

It's not that there's no risk involved, but rather that the risk doesn't seem significant at the moment.

Given the current situation, it seems that whatever conditions the Jurchens offer, the people of Bianjing can agree to them, which makes the risks even smaller.

A new emperor brings a new court; now that a new ruler has ascended the throne, to win his favor... perhaps one must do something...

But then Bai Shizhong thought again, what if... after all, the Jurchens were barbarians, what if they didn't value martial virtue? It seemed that this matter carried a somewhat inexplicable risk...

As the eldest son at the time, Bai Shizhong also went to see Li Bangyan and Zhang Bangchang.

The two of them were also pondering this matter, and were inevitably torn between their options, feeling both like it was a good idea and also a little afraid...

The emperor looked on with hope, and was also looking at the three people. Who should go?
The emperor is waiting...

The situation couldn't be too awkward, so someone had to speak up. Bai Shizhong said, "Hey... it seems that Minister Zhang once served as an envoy to Goryeo?"

Zhang Bangchang's expression turned troubled for a moment, but the trouble was quickly forgotten, and he immediately became serious and solemn: "Reporting to Prime Minister Bai, there is indeed such a thing. In the fourth year of the Daguan era, he was sent as an envoy to Goryeo!"

The fourth year of the Daguan era, the tenth year of Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji's reign, was more than ten years ago.

Having said that, there was no need for Bai Shizhong to speak again. Zhang Bangchang continued, "Your Majesty, I have dealt with foreign countries before, but most of my colleagues have not. So... I will go. With the nation and its people at stake, it is my duty to do so!"

To be honest, Zhang Bangchang was actually an honest man, at least compared to most people in the court. He was honest because he had always been a subordinate to Cai Jing, and now he was also a subordinate to Bai Shizhong. The two had a relationship of mutual patronage...

It's not that honest people get bullied. Nowadays, in the court, Bai Shizhong and Zhang Bangchang are the most powerful. If the Jurchens want a prime minister, it's Zhang Bangchang who will become prime minister...

Moreover, after Bai Shizhong's words, how could Zhang Bangchang refuse? Could he argue or debate in front of the emperor? What would the emperor think? How could he then win the emperor's favor?
On the bright side, this trip out of the city to discuss business might actually be a good opportunity. The risks shouldn't be too great, and upon our return, the Emperor might be impressed and perhaps even promote us. Wouldn't that be wonderful...?

Zhang Bangchang has clearly made his decision.

The Emperor was overjoyed: "Excellent! Minister Zhang is a loyal and righteous minister. Once this matter is settled, I will reward him handsomely upon his return!"

Zhang Bangchang had been waiting for these words. With his mind made up, he bowed deeply and said, "Your subject has no choice but to accept this responsibility!"

The emperor then asked, "Which prince should be sent to accompany them?"

Emperor Huizong, Zhao Ji, had six empresses, dozens of imperial concubines, and many more, including various ranks such as Jieyu, Cairen, and Meiren...

At this moment, he already has more than thirty sons, and his daughters are too numerous to count...

Of his sons, there are about ten who have reached the rank of prince at this time, though some have died young.

Who is going?

Everyone was calculating in their hearts, but how?

The eldest son is Crown Prince Zhao Huan, who has now ascended the throne. The second son died young. The third son is Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, who was once Emperor Huizong's favorite prince, a prince who also passed the imperial examination with top honors, and Zhao Huan's biggest rival in the past.

So, the third one?

Obviously not. Why? The third son is not the kind of person to do this. Although the emperor may have personal grudges, the third son is a refined person. To put it bluntly, he is very similar to the retired emperor. The retired emperor is a pure and kind person, and he cannot talk about "business".

This person was sent to "negotiate business," but I'm afraid he'll do more harm than good.

Now, with the lives and fortunes of many people at stake, and the fate of the nation and its people all involved, the third brother cannot leave.

The fourth brother also died young.

The fifth prince, Prince Su, Zhao Shu, is alright... but he's not up to much responsibility; he's the kind of person who hasn't seen much of the world...

The sixth prince, Jingwang, the seventh prince, Jiwang, and the eighth prince, Yiwang, were all unfit for high office and lived excessively pampered lives.

This is not something that can be discussed openly. The reason is simple: this trip is to negotiate with a major enemy. It requires a certain level of both soft and hard tactics, a certain level of mental fortitude, and a certain level of national magnanimity. These people are not quite suitable.

Let me think of another one: Zhao Gou, the ninth prince.

Zhao Gou... was actually not bad. He was different from the others mentioned above, who were all born to empresses or imperial concubines, so they lived a life of luxury.

Only Zhao Gou, whose mother was of low social status, was fortunate enough to be favored by Zhao Ji. Even for the merit of getting pregnant and giving birth, he was only given the title of Wanrong.

Therefore, Zhao Gou did not receive good treatment from a young age. So he worked hard, studied diligently, and even practiced some martial arts. Originally, his father was not close to him, but through his own efforts, Zhao Gou became good at music, chess, calligraphy and painting. His father gradually noticed him, and rewards came one by one: military governor, grand commander, duke, and after his coming-of-age ceremony, he was granted the title of prince.

At this moment, everyone was considering their options. Those who came after them were too young and wouldn't be able to handle things. They might even be looked down upon by the Jurchens. It would be perfect to go to Zhao Gou.

Bai Shizhong spoke up: "Your Majesty, Prince Kang is capable of shouldering this important responsibility!"

In truth, the emperor had been pondering this matter, and he had also thought of Zhao Gou. He knew perfectly well what was going on with his many brothers, and among the short ones, he had to choose the tallest; after all that, it was Zhao Gou.

It wasn't that Zhao Gou was truly that powerful; it was entirely due to the contrast provided by his brothers!
The Emperor nodded: "Then let Prince Kang be the chief envoy and Minister Zhang the deputy envoy. Let them quickly go out of the city to negotiate and see what conditions the Jurchens want before they are willing to withdraw their troops!"

The question was whether Zhao Gou was willing to go.

Does he even need to ask? Is it something he can simply choose not to go if he doesn't want to?

Once the imperial edict arrived, whether Zhao Gou was willing or not, he had to hurry up, change into his dragon and python robes, and go on the mission with Zhang Bangchang.

Li Gang was slow to realize what was happening, but he did not stop it. Why?
Negotiation, in any case, is a reasonable and appropriate means...

Even a slight delay is a good thing; every extra day of delay brings the northwestern armies one step closer to the capital…

The ambassador and deputy ambassador, walking on the road and sitting in the car, Zhang Bangchang still reassured Zhao Gou: "Your Highness, rest assured, this mission is nothing serious, we can talk..."

There's a reason why they're so easy to negotiate; even within the imperial court, they're willing to agree to any conditions, so naturally, they're easy to negotiate with.

Zhao Gou nodded in agreement: "Yes, that's good..."

Zhao Gou tried to calm his mind. It would be a lie to say that he was not worried or afraid. He was just sitting at home when this assignment came up. What could he do?

He never thought he had anything left to fight for or gain; he couldn't even be a carefree prince.

Zhang Bangchang then went to advise, "Your Highness, at that time, you should not show your emotions..."

Zhang Bangchang was still worried, after all, Zhao Gou was still young, and he was afraid that Zhao Gou would make mistakes.

Zhao Gou nodded: "It is indeed you who have spoken too much, Prime Minister. I sit here upright, not smiling, and will say less..."

He understood that he was only the nominal envoy, and that Zhang Bangchang was the one who should handle the matters.

Zhang Bangchang was very pleased: "Your Highness is truly talented!"

Upon hearing the praise, Zhao Gou felt a strange sense of joy. In the past, he had never heard the prime minister praise him; his ministers would never even glance at him...

The two left the city, and as soon as they were outside, Zhao Gou lifted the carriage curtain and looked at them; his face turned pale.

Why?

Zhao Gou had never seen such a scene before. The endless military tents, countless warhorses, and armored cavalry patrolling back and forth, their roaring engines right beside him...

Furthermore, a cavalry unit, upon seeing people emerging from the city, immediately spurred their horses forward, their charging momentum truly awe-inspiring.

Zhang Bangchang was also watching, and he was speechless and stunned for a moment. How could he not be afraid?
You gentlemen have spent your whole lives studying, learning, and becoming officials; where have you ever seen such a scene?
Fortunately, the two of them didn't need to negotiate with those barbarians; someone ahead of them would handle the negotiations, and after a few rounds, the carriage would continue its journey.

Not long after we set off, we began to enter the camp.

Along the way, Jurchen soldiers and men were everywhere, all staring at the carriage with eyes full of ferocity and terror...

It seemed as if someone nearby was also being killed, their cries of agony filling the air, and their pleas for mercy echoing everywhere. On the right, someone was being whipped, their screams of agony echoing throughout the room…

The carriage curtain was no longer lifted for a further look.

Zhang Bangchang continued to reassure them, "It's nothing, it's nothing. This is just a show of force. We are envoys from a superior country, and we will not flinch in the face of such a display!"

Zhao Gou simply nodded: "What you say is true, my lord..."

As soon as the carriage stopped, the Jurchens began shouting in their own language that it was time to get off, as they had arrived at the main tent.

He didn't even look left or right after getting out of the car, maintaining his imposing presence!
As soon as he entered the large tent, a strong, fishy smell, along with the stench of sweat, hit him. Zhao Gou frowned slightly upon smelling it, but dared not show any real emotion.

Just look around, and you'll see a field full of soldiers, each one burly and fierce like a wolf or tiger.

The man sitting at the front was also a soldier, with eyes like a hawk, and he was also sizing them up.

Zhao Gou quickly averted his gaze, looking down at his nose, then his mouth, and finally his heart...

He could also hear the Jurchen people coming and going, laughing heartily, but he couldn't understand a word they said...

What is Wanyan Zongwang saying?
"Gentlemen, I never imagined that in the capital of the Great Song Dynasty, the sheep would actually be in charge, and the sheep would be making the decisions!"

How could everyone not laugh?

Wanyan Zongwang added, "Since it's up to the sheep to decide, then things are much easier. This trip wasn't in vain. Just tell us how much you all think is appropriate."

How many?

The crowd was still unsure, but Wanyan Zonghan said, "The Song people are the richest in the world, far richer than the Liao people. We've seen it all along the way. The wealth in the cities, treasuries, and homes of all the high-ranking families is beyond our imagination. I imagine that Bianjing is even richer than Hebei, far richer. We can't ask for too low a price!"

The crowd paid little attention to Zhao Gou and Zhang Bangchang, for there were no interpreters among the Song people who could understand the Jurchen language.

With no one to translate, Zhao Gou and Zhang Bangchang could only stand there dumbfounded, feeling somewhat at a loss for what to do.

Those inside the tent were already discussing what price they wanted.

Everyone opened their imaginations, wondering just how much money there must be in this city.

Wanyan Zongwang spoke first, but instead of bringing up money, he said, "The first thing is to cede territory. The Yan-Yun region goes without saying, but we also want Song territory, so we need Taiyuan Prefecture, Zhongshan Prefecture, and Hejian Prefecture!"

Wanyan Zonghan immediately nodded: "Good. Taiyuan Prefecture is the gateway to Hedong. With Taiyuan, we can easily attack other prefectures in Hedong in the future. Zhongshan Prefecture and Hejian Prefecture are the gateways to Hebei. In this way, if we want to go south in the future, we can just ride our horses there!"

Zhongshan Prefecture, also known as Dingzhou, was upgraded to a prefecture by Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji a few years ago, and its geographical location is self-evident.

"Would the Song people give it to us?" someone asked.

Wanyan Zongwang laughed heartily: "The prince and the prime minister have both been sent. The Song people... are easy to get along with, very friendly, and easy to talk to. Just ask for it and we'll make a contract. When Su Wu returns in the future, he won't have anything to say. It's because the emperor has approved it. Su Wu is just a third-rank official, what can he do?"

Wanyan Zongwang was thinking about these things. He knew that the Song army actually had the strength to fight, and now that the emperor was in his hands, with the decree signed in black and white, any future conflicts would be the fault of the Song people, inevitably leading to accusations of Song betrayal. More importantly, the imperial edict had legal and ethical significance, and it could also appease the people, implying that the Song emperor had abandoned them, that their parents had abandoned them, and that they would only be able to side with their stepfather and stepmother from now on.

Put yourself in their shoes. People from Taiyuan, Zhongshan, and Hejian, what could they do after they learned of and saw this imperial edict and contract? How could they not hate the Song Dynasty?
How could Wanyan Zongwang be an easy person?

Everyone nodded, and then they started thinking about how much money they would need, letting their imaginations run wild and thinking as high as they could.

Wanyan Zonghan had almost finished thinking it over and was the first to speak: "Brother, how about five million taels of gold, fifty million taels of silver, and one million bolts of silk...?"

Everyone present gasped in shock. The number was truly staggering; many people had never even imagined it would go this far.

In China during this era, gold and silver were actually scarce and not abundant. Even in the late Qing Dynasty, after the accumulation of silver during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and the large-scale import of silver during the Age of Exploration, the largest loss in the late Qing Dynasty, which could use silver as a circulating currency, was still 300 million taels of silver.

It is evident that 50 million taels of silver was an enormous sum during the Song Dynasty.

For example, the annual tribute paid by the Song Dynasty to the Liao Dynasty consisted of only 100,000 taels of silver. This sum of 50 million taels could have been used to pay tribute to the Liao Dynasty for 500 years.

Not to mention the five million taels of gold, a million taels of silk, and the Jurchens' plundering of Hebei, which made them extremely wealthy.

Historically, the collapse of the Jin Dynasty was largely due to the collapse of its financial system. In the mid-to-late period of the Jin Dynasty, it took a cart to deliver the wages of a single soldier. Of course, the Jin Dynasty's rampant issuance of paper money was also a contributing factor.

Ultimately, it was the Jurchens who plundered too many precious metals and commodities that could be used as currency from the Song Dynasty, but the Jin Dynasty's domestic production could not match such a large amount of currency, resulting in severe inflation.

At this moment, the Jurchens made an exorbitant demand for the first time. After they finished, everyone was still a little nervous and looked at each other.

Wanyan Zongwang was also frowning, wondering if the price was appropriate.

After thinking it over, he decided to just take it and see what happens, and said, "I also need livestock, cattle and horses!"

Wanyan Zonghan nodded: "Yes...we need livestock, but...it seems the Song people don't have many cattle or horses on our journey south..."

"Ten thousand heads!" Wanyan Zongwang waved his hand. He seemed to subconsciously understand that gold, silver, and silk were becoming more and more common and less important. On the contrary, means of production, such as cattle and horses, were actually very important.

"it is good!"

After much discussion, everyone reached a decision.

The interpreter told Zhao Gou and Zhang Bangchang: "My prince said that you Song people must offer five million taels of gold, fifty million taels of silver, one million bolts of silk (not ordinary cloth), and ten thousand cattle and horses. If so, my Jin army will retreat. Otherwise, my prince said you should go and take it yourselves!"

Zhao Gou and Zhang Bangchang were both stunned and speechless on the spot.

This number is something no one could even dream of...

How could the Jurchens have opened it?
After a moment of stunned silence, Wanyan Zongwang grumbled angrily, and the interpreter said indignantly, "My prince is asking you whether you came without sincerity, whether you came to deceive us, or whether this is a delaying tactic?"

Zhang Bangchang quickly interjected, "No, no, it's just that this number is so large that even selling Bianjing City wouldn't be enough to raise it!"

Zhang Bangchang was right. The emperor and the court truly couldn't raise that number. Historically, even when the Jurchens retreated, they hadn't managed to gather enough...

Historically, the Jurchens couldn't wait any longer and turned back before they had received enough money.

However, Zhang Bangchang's words were also false. He claimed that the Jurchens had indeed looted Bianjing during their second invasion of the Song Dynasty, and that the amount of gold and silver they plundered from Bianjing far exceeded this figure.

There were about 30 million taels of gold, 54 million bolts of silk, and 15 million bolts of satin. The silver, on the other hand, was not much left. After the first 50 million taels, there was not much left, probably around 10 million taels.

It is evident that the high-ranking officials and noble families in Bianjing were truly people who valued money over their lives.

Zhang Bangchang, too, didn't really know how much money could be raised in Bianjing, nor did he know the true wealth of those hereditary nobles...

But Zhang Bangchang instinctively felt that this number couldn't be found in Bianjing City, so he bowed respectfully and said, "This number is no different from the stars in the sky, how could it possibly be gathered together..."

As soon as the translator relayed the message, Wanyan Zongwang roared in fury: "How dare you deceive and cheat us! It seems you really want us to take it ourselves. Then let's start the war!"

When these words reached him, Zhang Bangchang turned pale, and Zhao Gou, standing beside him, lowered his head and dared not look up.

Perhaps it was because Wanyan Zongwang and Wanyan Zonghan had a better understanding of the powerful families of the Song Dynasty, since they had indeed plundered many cities. Those cities served as a reference, so they felt that the price they offered was reasonable.

Zhang Bangchang felt this was unreasonable, believing that so much money couldn't be raised in Bianjing (Kaifeng).

Those coming from over there were Wanyan Zongwang and his group, who still lacked imagination about the wealth and power of Bianjing City.

Zhang Bangchang, pale-faced, was also helpless. He looked at Zhao Gou and realized that there was not much room for negotiation. It was not that he was incompetent, but that the situation was beyond his control. When you are under someone else's roof, what can you talk about?

What cannot be defended on the battlefield, how can it possibly be defended at the negotiating table?
Zhang Bangchang dared not reply. He could only say, "Well then...we will go back and discuss this with the Emperor and the officials of the court, and then give you an answer!"

When these words reached Wanyan Zongwang, his brows furrowed in anger, and he said, "Go back? You two will never go back. You Song people dare to try and trick me? You are truly audacious. You two are hostages. If you do not see these things and agree not to cede territory, you two will never be able to go back. Just watch how I take it from you! When war breaks out, I will kill you two as a sacrifice to my flag, to intimidate the people in the city!"

We just need to wait for these words to be spread...

Just look at Zhao Gou, his legs swayed, he looked up, and how could he not be filled with fear in his eyes?

Zhang Bangchang suddenly felt weak all over and was about to lie down, but fortunately, he managed to stand up. Swaying unsteadily, he asked, "Where is the matter of the two countries negotiating the detention of envoys..."

Wanyan Zongwang raised his hand and pointed: "Stop trying to fool us! Men, take them away and send the rest of the entourage back to deliver our message. This is our condition. If they don't agree within three days, then we'll go to war! Order the entire army to prepare to attack the city!"

Wanyan Zongwang had completely under his control. The once mighty nation was now like a newborn chick, held and manipulated by Wanyan Zongwang.

The interpreter was speaking when the armored soldiers entered. They didn't care if you were a prince or a prime minister; they just drove, kicked, and dragged you around...

Zhao Gou was already out of his mind, like a walking corpse. He was pushed out and taken to be imprisoned. For a moment, he was even a little dazed, wondering what was going on.

How did it turn out like this?
Zhang Bangchang, standing to the side, was already weeping, his face streaked with tears: "How can this be considered the behavior of a great nation? This is the act of barbarians, this...this..."

"What is this?" A soldier slapped him hard, and silence fell.

Those who accompanied them were summoned into the main tent with trepidation. After several reprimands, they were told to get lost. They were all relieved and ran away as fast as they could, fearing that the Jurchens would change their minds and detain them.

Hurry back to the city, and you'll naturally cry whenever you see an official. The first official you'll see is Li Gang.

All that could be heard was weeping: "The barbarians are rampaging... His Highness Prince Kang and Minister Zhang have both been detained, and they're demanding exorbitant prices... They say if we don't agree, they'll kill someone to sacrifice to their flag, and we'll have to take it from them... They said..."

Hearing the sobs and pleas, Li Gang frowned deeply: "Quickly come with me to see His Majesty!"

Everyone rushed towards the Chuigong Hall.

As soon as the news arrived, the imperial court was in an uproar.

The emperor sat high on his throne and began to curse: "Barbarians! Barbarians! They are savages who eat raw meat and drink blood, and they know nothing of etiquette. One day I will avenge this humiliation! Just like the Tang Dynasty, just like Emperor Taizong of Tang, one day I will make that Jurchen bandit leader dance in my palace!"

What to do after you've finished yelling?

Five million taels of gold, fifty million taels of silver, one million taels of silk...

Imagine if those who eat raw meat and drink blood got their hands on this silk, wouldn't they immediately make a fine garment for everyone, like monkeys wearing hats, and thus become human!
The crowd was talking all at once, creating a buzzing atmosphere. No one spoke to the emperor directly; they all spoke in hushed tones, talking to those around them.

The emperor retorted angrily, "What? What can't I hear? I am the emperor, speak to me what you have to say!"

In an instant, the entire place fell silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Why?

Who doesn't know that the national treasury is empty? The emperor... even the emperor can't come up with much money.

If we really agree, who will pay for it?

Who among them can come forward and answer?
If they don't give it to you, and you take it yourself... that's still terrifying...

Li Gang frowned deeply. Should he give it to them? If he did, what if the Jurchens went back on their word?
Refuse to give it? Gold and silver are external things, they can't fill an empty stomach. Using gold and silver to exchange for the retreat of troops is not actually a bad deal.

In the end, I still think, what a heroic figure Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was! When the country was first established, the Turkic army swept to the outskirts of Chang'an, didn't Li Shimin also give away a large sum of money? He even gave away many women and servants...

He endured hardship and worked diligently to improve his situation. When it came time to take revenge, he didn't need to feel any sense of satisfaction.

Ultimately, the main reason is that Li Gang has been thinking about this matter since this incident happened before.

This story is like a revenge thriller, so captivating and mesmerizing that it keeps you engrossed...

It always allows people to immerse themselves in the situation, making the present moment feel almost exactly the same as that moment.

No one spoke, but the Emperor said, "Then give it to them. One day, our Great Song army will be strong enough to wipe out the Jurchens. Whatever we give away, we will surely take back! Gentlemen, gentlemen..."

The Emperor is calling out, everyone look up...

The Emperor continued, “Every household in Bianjing must contribute money. You are to handle this matter. Everyone has a responsibility to protect the nation and its people in times of crisis. The amount each household contributes must be recorded. I will review it in the future. Anyone who dares to shirk their duty will be imprisoned!”

Zhao Huan, the pinnacle of his life is today, and he displays the full majesty of an emperor!

Who among the crowd dared to utter a word?

The Emperor issued a solemn decree: "This matter shall be led by the Three Departments, with the Ministry of Revenue handling the work, and the Kaifeng Prefecture sending personnel to assist. They shall go to each household, and every house with a gate shall contribute money!"

Li Gang bowed and said, "As you command!"

Bai Shizhong was a beat slower, and he also bowed respectfully: "How can we sit idly by when the country is in danger? Every household should contribute money and effort!"

"Go and do it, go and do it quickly!" The emperor waved his hand and left. He was really tired. He wasn't sure if he could raise the money. But one doesn't hit a smiling face. If he had the money, it would be easier to talk to him.

Let's gather the supplies first, appease the Jurchens outside the city, and deal with the rest later...

The emperor was exhausted and had already gotten up...

With the court in disarray and life hanging in the balance, the people, showing some initiative, quickly got to work.

As the emperor was heading to the inner palace, he happened to pass by Genyue and saw many eunuchs and palace attendants busy at work.

What are you busy doing?

They were busy carrying a large tree, a living tree, with a large soil ball attached to its roots, clearly indicating that it was going to be planted!

Enraged, Zhao Huan raised his hand and beckoned, "Come here, all of you!"

Numerous eunuchs and palace attendants immediately stepped forward and knelt on the ground.

"What happened?" Zhao Huan asked.

Someone answered: "Your Majesty, this tree in Genyue is a lychee tree from Lingnan. The Emperor Emeritus loved lychee trees the most. Last year, he transplanted one and even painted a masterpiece on it. Unexpectedly, it died today, so I ordered another one to be planted. This tree has been here for several days, and the old one was dug up and planted today!"

Zhao Huan looked up and saw that it really was a lychee tree. He suddenly remembered that his father had painted a lychee painting last year, entitled "Sketch of Feathers".

The main subject is birds, but the lychees are also depicted with great life, even becoming a prominent feature of the painting.

To say that Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was particularly fond of lychees wouldn't be entirely true. What precious plants and trees didn't exist in the Genyue Garden? Lychees were just one of them…

Zhao Huan was even more furious. How could such a good country have come to this? Was his father the culprit? Should he blame his father?

Even at this time, there are still people busy with these things; these eunuchs are truly dedicated to their duties...

"Don't plant it! Burn it! From now on, this Genyue is off-limits! Otherwise, I'll skin you alive!" Zhao Huan was furious. He was angry in court and angry when he got back. He was in a state of utter chaos and felt like he was walking on thin ice. How could he not vent his anger?

The people knelt on the ground, trembling with fear. Zhao Huan had already left in a huff, probably cursing his own father in his heart.

Everyone stood up. The father wanted to plant, but the son wouldn't let him. What should they do?

The people were smart enough to listen to their son while he was around, and they would decide what to do when their father returned...

Meanwhile, in Yanjing, Wanyan Xie also received the battle report: Datong City had fallen, and Su Wu was riding eastward at full speed!

Military intelligence also needed to be sent north to the Jin court, and south to the front-line troops, and Wanyan Zongwang and Wanyan Zonghan needed to be brought back as soon as possible...

Given the current situation, Wanyan Xieye still needs to find a way to stop it.

In Yanjing city, there were not many Jurchens, totaling no more than a thousand...

But there are quite a few soldiers and officers. Not to mention the many slave soldiers, there is also Guo Yaoshi, whose resentful army already numbers in the tens of thousands.

He immediately dispatched Guo Yaoshi to the west to provide reinforcements and guard the vital passage to Weizhou. He feared that it would be too late for Hongzhou, and that Hongzhou would surely be captured by Su Wu.

Guo Yaoshi is a fickle person who must be deeply hated by the Song people. He should know this and should fight to the death, otherwise, if he falls into the hands of the Song people, how can he survive?
Wanyan Xieye had met Su Wu. In that icy and snowy land, Su Wu crossed the sea and the first person he met in the Great Jin Dynasty was Wanyan Xieye. They even spent some time together. It was Wanyan Xieye who led Su Wu to meet Wanyan Aguda.

Wanyan Xie also clearly knew that Su Wu was a brave and valiant man!
Guo Yaoshi also knew that Su Wu was a brave and valiant man, and would not tolerate such a fickle and treacherous person as him.

With Pharmacist Guo gone, we will defend Weizhou to the death!
(Brothers, 8,000 today...)
(End of this chapter)