I am Emperor Shizu of Song

Chapter 137 Three Cunning Rabbit Cave
After figuring out the overall plan for the next two to three years, Zhao Zicheng put the plan to tinker with several divine weapons regardless of cost and to improve his personal combat power as much as possible on the highest priority.

Regardless of how the negotiations with the Jin Dynasty to redeem Yanjing ultimately turn out, spending a few years honing martial arts skills and figuring out how to manufacture pistols is definitely not a bad thing.

Furthermore, if we can produce high-quality pistols at extremely high costs, then we can certainly also manufacture cheap, mass-produced early firearms. Technically, many of the results of farming can be applied to these technologies.

Since conquering Goryeo, Zhao Zicheng has had a private plot of land for scientific research and farming that is completely free from outside interference and the court's surveillance. He can do whatever he wants in Goryeo.

Zhao Zicheng decided to expand the research base and the workshops under his direct control in Goryeo this year, and then accelerate the improvement of gunpowder formula and find a way to forge rolled and reinforced gun barrels.

If it cannot be manufactured in the short term, the effect of the new gunpowder can be tested using thick-walled hard bamboo tubes, making it similar to the fire lance of the late Southern Song Dynasty in history.

Hydraulic forging technology can be further improved, as can steel smelting. For example, we can build taller blast furnaces and improve the efficiency of the steelmaking process. There are so many things that can be improved step by step, and we can put them all in Korea to cover our tracks.

In addition, to support these construction projects, it would certainly be necessary to use personnel who are completely loyal to Zhao Zicheng, from craftsmen to managers to ordinary laborers. Zhao Zicheng did not intend to let local Koreans participate in these technically demanding or confidential tasks.

He only needs to borrow Goryeo's land and minerals, not its people. The Goryeo civilians under his control will only be able to engage in peripheral agricultural production and engineering labor in the future, and will not be able to access technology.

He was about to go to Tong Guan's army to assist Tong Guan's men in negotiating the redemption of Yanjing with the Jin Dynasty. Taking advantage of this trip to Hebei, and considering that last year during the Song-Liao war, many famine victims in Hebei had fled in droves, he could help Tong Guan solve some of the refugee problems and send some of the landless people to Goryeo by sea.

Then these Han Chinese, whom he knew well and who were grateful to Zhao Zicheng, could be used to carry out the tasks of scientific farming and expanding production. In the future, the strongest men could even be selected from them for military training to make full preparations for war with the Jin Dynasty.

With so many things to do, Zhao Zicheng soon realized that he also lacked a trusted high-ranking official in Goryeo who was absolutely loyal to him to help coordinate the overall situation.

Currently, the only civil official subordinates he can use for overseas affairs are Hu Yanqing, the commander of the Pinghai Army whom he previously subdued; the others he has sent are all military officers.

With no other option, Zhao Zicheng had to try to give each person multiple tasks. On the one hand, he continued to give Hu Yanqing more responsibilities, and on the other hand, he had his trusted business associates, such as Wang Chengxun, take on more government work.

Of course, in order to feel more confident in giving Wang Chengxun a more important role, Zhao Zicheng also had to hint and promise him that he would take Wang Chengxun's sister as his wife this year.

Finally, the goal is to gradually cultivate the quick-witted, military-trained early confidants into individuals who are proficient in both civil and military affairs. Examples include Yue Fei and Li Jun.

As for Song Jiang's men, they need time to be tested. Moreover, only Song Jiang himself and Wu Jialiang understand civil administration and politics; the rest are just brutes.

Prior to this, Zhao Zicheng, based on his historical knowledge from his previous life, always looked down on those foolish rulers who heavily relied on their maternal relatives.

But after he personally orchestrated this tightrope-walking, clandestine expansion of territory, he realized why ancient tyrannical rulers so favored using maternal relatives.

Separated by the sea, he himself cannot be stationed permanently in Goryeo. Who knows what is happening on the other side of the sea at any given moment? Without absolutely loyal trusted civil officials, who can he trust?

After several days of deliberation, Zhao Zicheng finally made up his mind to send more trusted confidants overseas.

……

This was around mid-March, about three or four days after Zhao Zicheng received the imperial decree to be promoted.

After another night of blissful intimacy, Zhao Zicheng embraced Murong Qiu and discussed something with her.

“I might be used as a pawn by the government in the future. As the conflict between the Song and Jin dynasties worsens, I will be forced to go on missions to argue my case, which will be even more dangerous. So in the next two years, I plan to spend more time practicing martial arts in my spare time, but all of this must be done in secret. I must never let the Jin people know my secrets.”

Upon hearing this, Murong Qiu's eyes first showed a hint of concern, then a touch of helplessness. She certainly supported her husband, but she also knew that she was not good at martial arts.

"My husband's thoughts are surely well-thought-out, so please do as you please. It's a pity that I can only accompany you in your martial arts practice, as I am not skilled in martial arts..."

Zhao Zicheng tightened his grip to help his wife relax, then frankly admitted, "Of course I don't need my wife to practice martial arts with me anymore. I was just thinking that I've been practicing martial arts for four years now, and I've already mastered the basics. I've also basically grasped the essence of my mother-in-law's annotated 'Wanshou Daozang Xinde'."

I just don't know if your family's martial arts collection still has anything I can use to fill in the gaps and improve my skills. Moreover, I need to start planning now. When I go on a mission to the Jin camp in the future, I may not be the only one to go. I need to start preparing in advance and find one or two of my most talented and absolutely loyal subordinates to teach them some martial arts techniques that cannot be passed on to outsiders before. Perhaps by sparring with each other, they can make further progress.

Furthermore, Yan'er should also diligently learn more advanced martial arts these past few years. I won't take her out, but in the event of urgent military chaos in the future, if I'm in the Jin camp and unable to take care of the family, having her around will make it easier to protect you and prevent accidents.”

Zhao Zicheng didn't want to be too explicit, but he had already thought about it. If his prestige grew higher and higher in the future, and even if the Jingkang Incident really happened, and Zhao Ji wanted to grant him a title of king and force him to go to the Jin camp to negotiate and die in place of Zhao Gou, was it possible that Zhao Ji would also leave his family in Bianjing as hostages?

For a member of the imperial family who was about to rise to the position of a high-ranking official, it was quite possible to be suspected by the emperor in this way. Therefore, it was advisable to have someone in the family or among the women who was skilled in martial arts, so that they could at least escape unexpectedly if necessary.

Murong Yan was fifteen when she met him, seventeen when they married, and nineteen now. If the Jingkang Incident doesn't happen at the same time, Murong Yan will be twenty-two then. Her martial arts skills from her youth are still not enough; she should work harder.

Murong Qiu couldn't fathom the terrifying prospect of "Bianjing City possibly falling in the future, and the royal family and hostages possibly being wiped out." However, she agreed with her husband's wish for her to practice martial arts diligently and work hard to ensure the "safety of the hostages."

Anyway, it's not like she's the one practicing martial arts and suffering; it's the younger sister who goes to practice. Why should the older sister not support her?

After clarifying this point, Zhao Zicheng continued to discuss with his wife: "Since my wife agrees, I have some other thoughts. I won't hide it from you now, my wife. I've long seen through it all. The reason your father went mad back then was because he harbored rebellious intentions."

But so many years have passed, my father-in-law is now in his sixties, and my mother-in-law is nearly fifty. They have no children, only you two daughters, and you've both married me. What reason do I have to doubt them? Let's be frank today, so that from now on, we can be of one mind as husband and wife, and your whole family can contribute to my great cause.

I'd like my parents-in-law to live in Goryeo for a couple of years. My father-in-law is a highly skilled martial artist, unmatched by anyone in either the Song or Jin dynasties. Once in Goryeo, we won't need to be as wary as we are in the Central Plains. Even if he occasionally oversteps his bounds, he won't be caught. My mother-in-law is intelligent and insightful; she can secretly keep an eye on Goryeo's civil and military officials.

If it's inconvenient for the female relatives to show themselves, I can also have you and Yan'er take turns going to Goryeo, and leave one of you by my side at all times.

After all, Yan'er's male identity hadn't been exposed or disproven yet. You don't need to meet with many outsiders; just receive the council members from a distance, and you won't be exposed. When you stay by my side, appear as my wife; when you go to Korea, claim to be my brother-in-law. You sisters look alike, so that's perfect."

Zhao Zicheng had been married to the Murong sisters for two years, and this was the first time he had spoken so frankly and openly. Even though he had guessed it before, he hadn't pointed out that he "could see that Murong Qiu's father had once harbored ambitions."

Now it has evolved to the point of "I saw it coming a long time ago, but I don't care".

What's there to worry about in a mad old man who's already sixty, in his twilight years, with no son and unable to father one? He just wants to have some fun, to indulge himself in some undiscovered place overseas, so let's accept that. Besides, to be fair, the Murong sisters' father, by chance, helped Zhao Zicheng kill Zhu Mian, which can be considered a great favor.

Of course, in return, the Murong family would have to be even more loyal to Zhao Zicheng and do more for him. Murong Qiu was indeed very moved after hearing this. She knew that her father had been hiding in Suzhou all these years, and her mother, fearing he would cause trouble, often wouldn't even let him leave the house, only talking nonsense in their own manor. If she could go to Goryeo for two years, it would indeed be less oppressive, and it would be an immense favor.

Although Zhao Zicheng did not conquer Goryeo for the sake of his wives and concubines, the Murong sisters were still very grateful to him and were deeply moved beyond words.

Murong Qiu couldn't help but sob, "My husband has been so...so..."

Murong Qiu was already sobbing uncontrollably before she could finish speaking.

"Alright, but since I've done so much for you, you must cooperate with my grand plan. Previously, your family's secret martial arts techniques were not to be passed on to outsiders. After we go to Goryeo, I hope you can help me train one or two people."

My current favorite is my esteemed brother Pengju. He's the same age as me, only a few months younger, but he's truly gifted, possessing superhuman strength. My previous sparring with him on the most basic aspects of the Mani Teleportation Technique allowed him to improve rapidly, elevating his martial arts to a new level.

If, in the future, a bloody war truly breaks out with the Jin Dynasty, and Emperor Huizong sends me on a mission to argue my case, even if I can only bring one guard officer, I will certainly take him. Therefore, I hope my mother-in-law will break the family tradition of keeping secrets, make an exception, and at least teach him the *Wanshou Daozang Xinde* (a Daoist text on longevity), the art of using their own methods against them, and even the remaining Manichaean teleportation techniques, according to his aptitude. If an unforeseen event occurs in the future, I will rely on him to protect me and help me fight my way out of the Jin camp.

At this point, this is the only exception I can think of. Whether there will be other candidates in the future depends on how things develop. In any case, I hope you will meet my requirements without reservation.

Murong Qiu thought for a moment. Since there were no male brothers left in her family, only women, her husband should have the final say on whether or not to pass on her martial arts skills. If her husband wanted to make an exception once or twice for extraordinary circumstances, then she would let her mother cooperate with him.

“Alright, I will speak to my mother about this myself. I will not let my husband down. My husband has done so much for the Murong family. In any case, these family martial arts will all belong to my husband in the future. You can do whatever you want with them.”

After the couple reached a consensus, Zhao Zicheng tried his best to comfort his wife one more time, and Murong Qiu finally surrendered completely, both mentally and physically.

……

Half a month later, Murong Qiu's letter arrived in Suzhou.

Two years had passed since her two daughters got married. Apart from the occasional opportunities her sons-in-law created for them to visit, Duan Yuyan spent the rest of her time alone with her insane husband and a few maids. She felt quite lonely, so when she heard her daughters' letter saying that the family could go to Goryeo (Korea) to stay for a few years, Duan Yuyan felt a sense of relief.

Over the years in the Central Plains, she had lived in constant fear, always worried that her husband might suddenly run off and cause trouble.

Once you arrive in Goryeo, you can even take over the royal palace left behind by the Goryeo king, and you don't have to worry about being discovered if you overstep the bounds of etiquette or spout crazy nonsense. Where else can you find such a good deal?
Duan Yuyan was extremely grateful that her son-in-law was so filial; she felt it was a brilliant decision to send both her daughters there. As for her son-in-law's wish to lift the restriction on teaching martial arts to outsiders, she would grant his request, since the Murong family had no male heirs left anyway.

When the time comes, I'll give that guy named Yue Fei some pointers and see how far his extraordinary talent and innate strength can be developed.

All related discussions were finally settled in April of that year. The Murong family then packed up their assets and valuables, leaving their estate in Gusu to be managed by their steward Deng Yue. They also allocated a portion of the estate to the Zhao family in Xiuzhou, instructing Zhao Zicheng to find his most reliable and loyal nephews to manage it.

After settling down the family property, it was almost May when the older generation of the Murong family, along with Murong Yan, who had disguised herself as a man and resumed her identity as "Zhao Zicheng's brother-in-law," boarded the fleet of the maritime merchant Wang Chengxun and headed to Goryeo.

They finally settled down in the former Goryeo royal palace in Kaesong at the end of May.

As for the former King Kai of Goryeo, he was naturally isolated by Zhao Zicheng in a corner of the former royal palace on Songak Mountain, with two side halls left for him to live in, while the rest were given to the Zhao family and the Murong family.

The Murong family members not only had to keep an eye on Zhao Zicheng's civil and military officials on the Goryeo side, but also had to keep an eye on the puppet king, Wang Kai.

When the fleet arrived in Goryeo, they also brought Zhao Zicheng several appointment documents and Privy Council documents, including the one that had been used to officially promote Yue Fei.

With Tong Guan's tacit approval, the imperial court has officially promoted Yue Fei's military rank to the 40th level, the Senior Colonel of the Righteousness. However, because of the sea separating them, Zhao Zicheng hadn't specifically sent the official document before; this time, he sent it along with the other documents.

After receiving his appointment, Yue Fei naturally wanted to learn about the process.

It is said that this was Zhao Fujun who fought for him. It is also said that in order to temporarily cover up the military achievements of the Goryeo side and make it seem like "the Goryeo people were convinced and softened their stance", Zhao Fujun was valued by the emperor and thought to have diplomatic talent. He was appointed to participate in the negotiations with the Jin people. Yue Fei was grateful to the point of tears, but also felt a little guilty.

Although he knew that Zhao Zicheng hadn't been targeted by the emperor to claim credit for him personally, he had at least benefited from it as well.

Just when Yue Fei was at a loss for how to express his gratitude, Murong Yan summoned him once in his male form, appearing as Zhao Zicheng's brother-in-law, and encouraged him to study martial arts diligently in the future.

Because Lord Zhao knew that war between the Song and Jin dynasties was inevitable and that the Jin dynasty's wolfish ambitions would never be curbed, it was best for the ministers tasked with negotiations to possess some martial skills, or to be accompanied by one or two guards or military officers for protection, in order to break through the encirclement by force if necessary.

Upon hearing this reason, Yue Fei finally had a direction to express his gratitude and more motivation to work hard. He expressed his gratitude with tears in his eyes and said that he would definitely practice diligently in the future, studying military strategy and accumulating practical experience in Goryeo, while also practicing his personal martial arts, so that he could serve as a bodyguard for Lord Zhao when he went on a mission to the Jin camp.

After they had a completely open conversation, both sides were frank and open with each other. Duan Yuyan stopped hiding anything and spent a month or two thoroughly researching Yue Fei's background, learning about his martial arts routines, strengths, and characteristics.

Then, combining the "Wanshou Daozang Xinde" (a book on Taoist teachings), the principle of "using the enemy's methods against them," and the Mani teleportation technique, I extracted the essence and discarded the dross, selecting those suitable for Yue Fei's style and imparting them to him as much as possible.

As a rare master of martial arts theory in this era, Duan Yuyan's understanding of martial arts has naturally become superb over the years, and few in the world can match her.

Yue Fei, on the other hand, was exceptionally gifted and possessed superhuman strength. He had already acquired a solid foundation by learning spear and staff techniques from Chen Guang and archery and physical training from Zhou Tongxi.

However, Yue Fei's original training consisted purely of external martial arts, relying solely on physical strength, with almost no foundation in breathing and breath control. Duan Yuyan helped him build a solid foundation from the ground up, comprehensively outlining a teaching plan. Yue Fei practiced diligently whenever he had free time, and given time, he would surely be able to cultivate both internal and external strength.

In the future, when Zhao Zicheng has time, he will make one or two trips to Goryeo every year. Each trip will last about one or two months. If he encounters any bottlenecks or difficulties in his martial arts practice, he can ask his mother-in-law for advice when he comes to Gaeseong, or ask his wives and concubines to help him pass on messages and exchange ideas through letters.

……

On the other hand, after Zhao Zicheng temporarily settled the Murong family in Goryeo, he himself should also head to Hebei to assist Tong Guan in negotiating with the Jin dynasty and striving to redeem Yanjing at the lowest possible cost.

Considering that he had never participated in this kind of diplomatic work before, and not knowing how long the trip would take, Zhao Zicheng specially prepared several light and sturdy carriages with good shock absorption before leaving, and also took his wife Murong Qiu with him.

In addition, they brought Huyan Qing, who had dealt with the Jurchens, and the group arrived at the Hebei front in early May and quickly began their work.

(End of this chapter)