Water Margin: The opening scene involves assassinating Emperor Huizong of Song and forcibly taking L

He then led his troops south.

To the south, there were Jurchen tribes such as the Changbai Mountain tribe, the Yalu River tribe, and the Helandian tribe, which could provide them with refuge.

Although the Donghai Jurchens covered a larger area,

But for them,

The Donghai Jurchens were also a savage population.

Unless absolutely necessary

They also did not want to associate with savages.

.....

Zhao Yuan's troops also discovered the Jin army marching south.

However, Zhao Yuan's army was still smaller than the Jin army's.

Their field combat capabilities were also weaker than those of the Jin army.

Therefore, they did not intercept the Jin army.

Until they joined forces with Hua Rong's troops,

Cai sent Hua Rong to lead the vassal army to continue pursuing the Jin army.

With Wanyan Zongwang and others intentionally backing down

The Liang army quickly captured most of the prefectures and cities in the Tokyo Circuit.

Wanyan Zongwang and others led the Jurchen troops to retreat into the Changbai Mountain region.

Changbai Mountain is dark and deep.

It's difficult to hunt down the Jurchens once they hide inside.

Zhao Yuan had no choice but to halt his garrison.

After more than a month of manhunt,

After all this yielded no results,

They had no choice but to return to the capital.

.....

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is divided into several areas.

Zhao Yuan did not go to the inner palace.

Instead, he lived in the Imperial City office area.

This area originally belonged to the Central Secretariat.

However, Emperor Huizong of Song demolished the Zhongshu Sheng (Secretariat) office.

Instead, they built a magnificent and imposing Mingtang.

Moreover, the entire area surrounding the main hall is a garden.

There are also pavilions, towers, and sleeping quarters for living.

They were too busy with all the official duties.

Who has time to wander around the harem?

Even Zhao Huan, who was captured,

Zhao Yuan didn't even have time to summon him.

By evening,

The work day is over.

Zhu Dunru rode his horse to the imperial city.

I strongly recommend Zhao Dinghe and Fu Zhirou.

I request that the two of them be given a formal position.

Zhao Ding's original official position was Clerk of Kaifeng Prefecture.

In charge of document entry and exit,

He was in charge of the affairs of the counties under his jurisdiction.

Each season, they take turns working with the other five departments to record matters, serve as military advisors, and manage lawsuits.

When I read history books before,

The civil officials under Zhao Gou,

Zhao Yuan's favorite was Zhao Ding.

Talent, integrity, and magnanimity are all of the highest caliber.

It is no exaggeration to say that he was the most virtuous prime minister in the early Southern Song Dynasty.

Unfortunately, he was dismissed from office due to Qin Hui's machinations.

He finally died of starvation.

Although Lü Yihao is also exceptionally capable,

But they are unscrupulous in their methods.

Eliminating dissidents and appointing relatives and friends

Their eating manners were truly appalling.

"Your career path has truly been wasted,"

"A Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) from nineteen years ago,"

"But he's still just a junior clerk,"

Zhao Yuan couldn't help but sigh.

“Even this clerk of the Kaifeng Prefecture,”

"Also after Zhao Huan ascended the throne,"

"Wu Min recommended him at the last minute."

Zhao Ding was already used to it, and said,

"From Zhang Dun to Cai You,"

"I am never favored by powerful officials."

Zhao Yuan said, "You'll be the Vice Prefect of Kaifeng for now."

"Once things stabilize in Bianliang City,"

"Go outside the city to resettle displaced people and reclaim wasteland, and restore production in the counties under the jurisdiction of the prefecture."

"Once Kaifeng Prefecture is properly governed,"

"He will be given another important role."

"Your subject is very grateful for your patronage, Your Excellency,"

Zhao Ding formally acknowledged his master.

And I couldn't help but say,

"I've heard that Your Excellency has not yet entered the city,"

"Wu Min was arrested and imprisoned."

"The old Song Dynasty court was full of treacherous and wicked people,"

"Compared to others, Wu Min is quite upright,"

Why is Your Excellency making things difficult for him alone?

Zhao Yuan smiled and said, "I know Wu Min is your mentor."

"So you're already eager to plead for him?"

"I wouldn't dare," Zhao Ding said, bowing his head.

Zhao Yuan said, "Don't worry, his crime doesn't warrant death."

"He might be demoted to the rank of county magistrate."

"Thank you for your kindness, Ming Gong!"

Zhao Ding felt more confident.

Zhao Yuan then asked, "How many children do you have?"

"Are you in Bianliang right now?"

Zhao Ding replied, "I have four sons and one daughter."

"They are all in Wenxi County, Jie Prefecture,"

"Then we'll bring your family here," Zhao Yuan said.

Chapter 1621 Luoyang Can Be the Capital

"Thank you for your concern, sir."

"Your Majesty, I am filled with fear and trepidation,"

Zhao Ding was deeply moved.

Then they helped analyze the situation.

"Now, in Shaanxi, on both routes,"

"Half of them are still in the hands of former officials of the Song Dynasty,"

"Based on your virtuous reputation, Your Excellency."

"It can be settled by issuing a proclamation."

"The best course of action for the bandits in Shandong should also be to offer them amnesty,"

"People's livelihoods must be restored as soon as possible,"

"Use Shandong's money and grain as the foundation for the Northern Expedition."

"The tyrannical Emperor Zhao Ji fled to the southeast,"

"And the people's hearts in the southeast have long since scattered,"

"Zhao Ji also lacked a strong army,"

"We can take it down with tens of thousands of troops next year."

"If we take over Jiangxi and Pingjinghu, Fujian and Guangnan will be a piece of cake."

"Once the South is unified, a Northern Expedition can be launched."

Zhao Yuan laughed and said, "You certainly think long-term."

"I'll make you a sub-prefect,"

"But you are thinking about what the prime minister is thinking about."

"The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen."

"Isn't this exactly what you were saying, sir?"

Zhao Ding is not only extremely capable,

Moreover, he's a master of flattery.

However, he generally doesn't use flattery.

Zhao Yuan asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to say?"

"Just say it all at once."