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

Inside the Imperial Study, Lu Zuo frowned deeply.

On the map before him, the Jianghuai region was heavily marked with cinnabar.

"Reinforcements...reinforcements..."

Lu Zuo's fingers unconsciously traced across the map.

The Wu brothers in Sichuan were unable to move due to their need to guard against the Tibetans and Western Xia; the troops in the Jingxiang area had to both pacify the local area and guard against the former troops of Zhong Xiang and Yang Yao in Dongting Lake.

As for the Huaixi Army, which was originally supposed to protect the imperial capital, most of them were avoiding battle and observing the situation, obeying orders but not proclamations.

What remains are the Imperial Guards of the Palace Guard, which have just undergone a purge and are in dire need of reorganization, and Yang Tiexin's newly formed army, which is still in its infancy.

"Strapped for cash, truly strapped for cash!"

A familiar pressure, a mixture of anxiety and coldness, gripped his heart.

This feeling was just like when I first arrived here, facing Li Chengan and Shi Wenqing, feeling isolated and helpless.

This time, however, the enemy is an army of hundreds of thousands of fierce warriors, and his time may be even less than expected.

"We can't spare any troops, we simply can't spare any organized units."

"Even if we manage to gather a few thousand people, it's a drop in the ocean and might create loopholes in other areas."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When conventional paths are blocked, the only option is to find unconventional solutions.

"Since we lack sufficient regular troops, we must resort to unconventional tactics."

He turned and walked to his desk, and in a deep voice instructed Li Qingzhao, who was standing beside him, "Change your clothes."

"I need to leave the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

About an incense stick later, Lu Zuo, dressed in an ordinary brocade robe and looking like a wealthy young master, quietly left through the side gate of the palace with only four sharp-eyed and reserved bodyguards, heading straight for a secluded courtyard near the imperial city.

.....

Hong Qigong's residence.

The courtyard was quiet, contrasting with the distant, bustling sounds of people.

Inside the courtyard, Hong Qigong sat on a stone bench, holding a bowl of medicine. Although his face was still pale from the initial recovery of his injuries, his spirits were already strong.

Huang Yaoshi stood with his hands behind his back under an old locust tree, gazing at the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, seemingly lost in thought.

Lu Mang, meanwhile, whispered to Hong Qigong the latest situation at the execution ground, which had just been brought by a Beggars' Sect disciple on horseback.

"Qin Hui has been brought to justice, and the people are all delighted..." The reckless voice carried a hint of satisfaction.

Just then, the courtyard gate was gently pushed open, and Lu Zuo's figure appeared at the door.

When Hong Qigong, Huang Yaoshi, and Lu Mang saw that Lu Zuo had arrived in disguise, they were all taken aback and immediately stood up.

"Your Majesty!" Hong Qigong and Lu Mang immediately bowed in respect.

Lu Zuoxu offered a slight gesture of support: "Gentlemen, there's no need for such formalities."

His gaze swept over the three men, finally settling on Hong Qigong: "Chief Hong, are you fully recovered from your injuries?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I've taken some medicine prepared by the old beggar himself, and with the help of the apothecary brother's internal energy, I'm fine now. I might still be a little lacking in fighting skills, but running, jumping, and relaying messages are no problem!"

Lu Mang asked in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, is there an urgent military situation in the north?"

Although the net of heaven and earth was just being set up, he already vaguely sensed that the Jin army in Jiangbei was making frequent unusual movements and that the pressure was immense.

Lu Zuo nodded and walked straight into the house, gesturing for everyone to sit down.

He didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "General Han Shizhong's secret letter states that the main force of the Jin army has gathered north of the Yangtze River, with a strength far exceeding that of the past, and they are likely to launch a major invasion soon."

"The Jianghuai defense line is severely outnumbered and the situation is critical."

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned somber. Hong Qigong and Lu Mang's expressions turned extremely grim; both were people who cared deeply for their country and knew what this meant.

Huang Yaoshi's eyes flickered slightly, as if he was calculating something, but he still did not speak.

"really……"

Hong Qigong sighed inwardly: "An unavoidable battle."

"Han Shizhong is a hero, but even a skilled cook can't cook without rice."

Lu Mang clenched his fists and shouted, "Damn it!"

"If all the brothers in the gang could go into battle and fight the enemy..."

That being said, he also knew that those who lacked organization and discipline were of limited use on the front lines.

Lu Zuo said in a deep voice, "The various troops of the imperial court all have important tasks, and it is difficult to dispatch a large army to provide assistance in a short time."

Huang Yaoshi finally spoke calmly, succinctly revealing the crux of the matter: "Does Your Majesty intend to use the ways of the martial world to resolve the predicament on the battlefield?"

"Gathering top experts as a surprise force to carry out assassinations, disrupt supply lines, and launch raids..."

"This method is dangerous, but if used properly, it can be as effective as a thousand troops."

"Exactly."

Lu Zuo looked at Huang Yaoshi, his eyes filled with scrutiny and expectation: "What does Mr. Huang think?"

Huang Yaoshi pondered for a moment: "It's feasible, but not easy."

"People in the martial arts world are unruly and each has their own faction. If they cannot unite as one, chaos is likely to ensue."

"Furthermore, venturing deep behind enemy lines is extremely dangerous and can only be accomplished by top-notch experts and valiant warriors."

His words were objective, yet they also contained a subtle reminder.

It seems that His Majesty the Emperor is truly going to take a gamble.

If this move succeeds, it may turn the tide. If it fails, all the elite troops will be wiped out, and the martial arts world will be shaken.

"What Master Huang said is absolutely right."

Lu Mang echoed in a muffled voice, his brow furrowed: "Our Beggars' Sect may have some experts, but to deal with such a major event, I'm afraid..."

Bang~!

Hong Qigong slammed his hand on the table: "What's there to be afraid of!"

"Your Majesty, since you think so highly of us roughnecks, this old beggar will go all out!"

"I still have some standing in the martial arts world, so I'll send a message to a few old buddies, as well as some renowned and reasonably skilled martial artists from various sects, explaining the situation and asking them to join me in this national crisis!"

"Defending our territory and resisting the enemy is our duty!"

"His Majesty has entrusted us with this important task despite our humble origins; this is the time for men of the martial world to make a name for themselves and serve their country!"

……

In the Jianghuai region, on the north bank of the Yangtze River, the Jin army's camp stretched for dozens of miles, with banners waving, horses neighing, and a chilling atmosphere soaring to the heavens.

On the south bank, the Song army's naval camp was built along the river, with numerous warships and battle vessels, but compared to other camps, it appeared rather weak in terms of imposing presence.

Inside the central command tent, Han Shizhong, dressed in military uniform, sat behind his desk, his brows furrowed, deep in thought as he gazed at a map of the river defenses.

On the map, the red markers representing the Jin army's strength are densely packed, like dark clouds pressing down, making it hard to breathe.

Several days have passed since the minor victory at the Battle of Huangtiandang.

Although the Jin army temporarily retreated, they did not flee far away. Instead, they continued to reinforce their troops and frequently sent out small boats to probe the waterways, their intentions being self-evident.

"Report!"

A bodyguard rushed into the tent, knelt on one knee, and said urgently, "Reporting to the Commander! Urgent report from the frontline scouts!"

Han Shizhong abruptly looked up, his gaze sharp: "Speak!"

"Scouts have discovered that the Jin army on the north bank has been cutting down trees on a large scale for days, and has built dozens of arrow emplacements and workshops along the river for dozens of miles, working day and night to produce eagle-feathered arrows!"

"The scale...it's enormous, with an estimated daily production of no less than a thousand arrows!"

Han Shizhong's hand gripping the teacup tightened suddenly, his knuckles turning slightly white.

He slowly set down his teacup and waved his hand: "Explore again!"

"We must find out exactly where their arrows are stockpiled and how their main archers are deployed!"

"Understood!" The guards received the order and hurriedly left.

Silence returned to the tent, with only Han Shizhong's heavy breathing remaining.

He slowly stood up, walked to the tent entrance, and looked towards the desolate sky to the north.

Wanyan Zongbi...

It truly lives up to its reputation.

Han Shizhong sighed inwardly, feeling a heavy pressure pressing down on him like a mountain.

In the Battle of Huangtiandang, he suffered a loss due to his unfamiliarity with naval warfare.

It's only been a few days?

They were able to pinpoint the key point immediately!

In naval warfare, bows and arrows are the best weapon!

Especially before close-quarters combat, a dense barrage of arrows is a decisive force.

The Jin army was already skilled in mounted archery, and their foot archery was also quite good. If they were given enough arrows and a sufficient number of powerful bows and crossbows...

At that time, countless arrows will rain down like locusts, and our warships will likely suffer heavy losses before they even get close.

He intends to use his absolute long-range advantage to compensate for his lack of naval warfare skills, forcefully suppress our army, and create an opportunity for infantry to board ships and seize the beach.

What follows is likely to be a tough, bloody battle...

His Majesty……

He couldn't help but turn his gaze southward, towards Lin'an.

You should have already received my letter requesting assistance.

But the court is in dire need of rebuilding, and you…

Can reinforcements be summoned for Jianghuai?

The thought, once it arose, carried with it a bittersweet mix of emotions, both joy and anticipation.

He knew the court's difficulties, but the soldiers on the front lines were almost out of blood.

.....

Ten days later, in Yingtian Prefecture, at Hong Qigong's residence.

The once quiet courtyard now appears somewhat crowded.

Inside the courtyard, some sitting and some standing, were twenty or thirty men of different appearances, all exuding a restrained and powerful aura.

There was a beggars' elder with piercing eyes.

There were Taoist priests carrying long swords, their expressions cold and aloof. There were also several martial arts heroes dressed in tight-fitting clothes, their temples bulging.

People such as Shen Qinggang, the "Flying Fish of Jiujiang", Lu Guanying, the "Dragon of Taihu Lake", Liu Feng, the leader of the "Hengyang School", and Zhao Hesheng, the "Escort of Sanxiang", were all well-known martial arts masters in the Jianghu who rushed to the scene after hearing the news.

They received a joint message from the Beggars' Sect's leader, Hong, and the island master, Huang, stating that the country was in peril and His Majesty intended to gather righteous men to fight against the Jin invaders. They immediately put aside their affairs and rushed over day and night.

Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi stood in the courtyard and briefly explained the current crisis in the Jianghuai region, the strength of the Jin army, the insufficiency of the imperial forces, and His Majesty's plan to gather martial arts experts to penetrate deep behind enemy lines and assist Han Shizhong.

That's the situation.

Hong Qigong spoke in a loud voice, looking around at everyone: "This journey is extremely dangerous, with a nine-out-of-ten chance of death. It is by no means an ordinary grudge between martial arts practitioners."

"Those who wish to leave, stay and let's discuss important matters. Those who have family ties or do not wish to take risks may depart now. This old beggar will have no objections and will remain grateful for your kindness!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than the burly man retorted, "I, Liu, am but a mere warrior, yet I know the meaning of loyalty and righteousness!"

"We are ready to obey Your Majesty's, Chief Hong's, and Island Master Huang's commands!"

"I, Lu, have fought against the Jin Gou Water Bandits many times in Taihu Lake, and I have long wanted to meet their main force!" Lu Ying was young and ambitious, eager to try.

Everyone expressed their support, and not a single person backed down. A sense of shared hatred for the enemy and a willingness to sacrifice one's life for righteousness permeated the courtyard.

Squeak!

Just then, the courtyard gate was pushed open.

A handsome young man dressed in a black brocade robe, with a calm and composed demeanor, walked in slowly, accompanied by a plain-looking guard in plain clothes with sharp, eagle-like eyes.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Hong Qigong, Huang Yaoshi, and Lu Mang immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

His Majesty?

The group of martial arts heroes in the courtyard were first stunned, then erupted in uproar!

Is this young man before me the current emperor?

He actually came in person?

After the initial shock, everyone reacted quickly, bowing and clasping their hands in unison, shouting, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Is this young man before me the current emperor?

He actually came in person?

After the initial shock, everyone reacted quickly, bowing and clasping their hands in unison, shouting, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Lu Zuo calmly swept his gaze over the crowd: "No need for such formalities, valiant warriors."

"With the nation in peril, those who answered the call to come are all loyal and righteous men, which greatly comforts me."

He walked into the courtyard and stood with Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi, his gaze sweeping over the assembled heroes once more: "The situation in Jianghuai is urgent."

"General Han Shizhong's forces are weak and he urgently needs a surprise force."

"Therefore, I will go with you all."

These people in front of me are top-notch martial arts masters, capable of fighting one-on-one, or even ten or dozens of people at once.

But the battlefield is a meat grinder for thousands of troops.

Individual bravery has limited effectiveness in the face of well-organized military formations and dense hail of arrows and swords.

Without a sharp blade to tear through the enemy lines and create an opening, these people who rashly infiltrate will likely not even be able to reach Wanyan Zongbi's central camp and will perish amidst layers of defenses.

Unfortunately……

In this low-level martial arts world, I can at most fight against seven or eight hundred Jin soldiers, and I can't fight against tens of thousands of troops like I did in the Tang Dynasty world.

Otherwise, what is there to fear about Wanyan Zongbi?

but……

With my current strength, I am capable of tearing apart battle formations and allowing the martial artists to unleash their full potential!

After Lu Zuo finished speaking, a brief silence fell over the courtyard.

The magnanimous expressions on the faces of those who had been so passionate instantly froze.

Instead, a look of astonishment, confusion, and even a touch of strangeness appeared on his face.

A series of gazes unconsciously swept over Lu Zuo's seemingly not-so-robust, even somewhat scholarly-looking, slender figure, before exchanging incredulous looks.

Shen Qinggang, the Flying Fish of Jiujiang, frowned almost imperceptibly, thinking to himself: Does His Majesty want to go with us?

Wouldn't that just cause more trouble?

On the battlefield, where swords have no eyes, what could an emperor, a man of immense wealth and living deep within the palace, possibly do?

Do you expect us to be distracted and protect them?

Liu Chengfeng, the leader of the Hengyang Sect, stroked his beard and pondered, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

He felt that His Majesty's actions were really inappropriate. Even in the battles of the martial arts world, there are casualties, let alone in the battle of thousands of troops.

Your Majesty's safety is a matter of national importance. If anything happens to you, these people will be condemned to death.

The young Taihu Jiao Lu Guanying almost blurted it out, but he managed to hold back, muttering to himself: Good heavens!

This official is quite bold!

The front line is a place where you risk your life. Did he think he was going to inspect the camp and reward the troops?

Even the seasoned and prudent Zhao Hesheng, the head of the Hunan镖头 (bodyguards), secretly pondered: His Majesty might be concerned about the war and want to boost morale.

However, this method is far too dangerous. Marshal Han is likely to have a headache and will have to specially dispatch a large force to protect the emperor.

The other wealthy guests shared similar thoughts, believing that the emperor was either unaware of the dangers of war or simply too young to appreciate it, and that this was no laughing matter.

However, although these thoughts churned in everyone's minds, no one uttered them aloud.

After a brief silence and exchanged bewildered glances, the group quickly came up with a seemingly reasonable explanation:

His Majesty will surely be at the front lines, overseeing the main camp, inspiring the soldiers with the dignity of the Son of Heaven!

Although it was still dangerous, it was understandable if it was just in the rear camp, with Marshal Han and many soldiers protecting them.

Upon realizing this, the strange expressions on everyone's faces gradually faded, and even a hint of admiration arose.

Putting aside other things.

Just based on this courage to personally go to the front lines, this young emperor is far superior to those incompetent rulers who only know how to hide in the deep palace and indulge in a life of debauchery!