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

These words startled everyone in the tent.

Xin Zan was startled and quickly whispered a rebuke: "Qi Ji!"

"Do not speak nonsense before His Majesty!"

"What do children know?"

Lu Zuo raised his hand to stop Xin Zan, looking at the young man who would make his mark on history with great interest: "Oh?"

"Young master, please share your insights."

"If the Jin dynasty is not a cause for concern, then what is?"

Xin Qiji took a deep breath, trying to appear more composed: "Your Majesty."

"In my humble opinion, the greater calamity may not lie with the Jin Kingdom to the south, but rather in the depths of the endless grasslands further north..."

He paused, as if organizing his thoughts, and then continued:

"Firstly, as my grandfather just said, the Jin dynasty nobles have gradually become decadent."

"When I was in Jinan, I saw some nobles and generals of the Jin Dynasty. They lived in large mansions that they had looted, wore fine silks and satins, and drank, made merry, hunted and played."

"Their descendants, I've heard, are no longer as capable of riding horses, shooting arrows, or enduring hardship as their ancestors."

"Such soldiers and generals may be fine in battles with an easy advantage, but if they encounter real hard-fought or tough battles, I'm afraid... they are unreliable."

"The Jin Dynasty may look powerful now, but it's like a tree infested with worms; it looks good on the outside, but it's hollow inside."

"Secondly, although I have not been deep into the grasslands, I have seen some Mongolians from the grasslands in Jinan. Some were slaves who were captured, and some were there to do business."

"They look quite different from us and the Jin people; their skin is darker and redder, and their eyes are very bright."

"They lived a hard life, eating the simplest food and wearing the tattered furs, but they were all very strong and powerful; one person could tame the wildest horse."

"More importantly, they seem to be born warriors. Even very young children can ride ponies across the grasslands and shoot rabbits with tiny bows and arrows."

"I heard an old merchant say that the Mongols on the grasslands are as fierce as wolves when they fight. They are not afraid of death, they come and go like the wind, and their arrows are accurate and far-reaching."

"But these incredibly capable people always end up fighting themselves."

"The grasslands are vast, and there are many tribes, such as the Tatars, the Kereits, the Merkits... and many other tribes whose names I can't quite make out."

"They fought each other for pastures, for cattle and sheep, and for hatred; they robbed each other, and no one would submit to the other."

"The old merchant sighed and said that the Mongols were like a handful of scattered pearls, each one very hard, but unfortunately the thread had broken."

"Your Majesty, this humble subject wishes to..."

"If the great tree of the Jin Dynasty rots from within, it will fall."

"And what if those scattered pearls on the grassland..."

"What if one day, an extraordinary hero appears, like the strongest thread, able to string them all together and twist them into a rope?"

"What will happen then?"

"A grassland where no one fears hardship or death, where everyone is as fierce as a wolf, and which has finally united..."

"Wouldn't it be far more terrifying than the Jin Dynasty, which has begun to indulge in pleasure and is rife with internal strife?"

"The Jin dynasty defeated the Liao dynasty and us by surprise and valor."

"If a more valiant person, someone who knows how to lead them, were to appear on the grasslands..."

"When they look south, Kim Jong-un will be the first to block their way."

"Once the Jin Dynasty can no longer hold them off, then..."

"Isn't that us?"

The tent was completely silent.

Xin Zan was completely stunned. He had never imagined that his clever but young grandson, who usually enjoyed listening to stories from the frontier and asking about the experiences of merchants, could deduce such a thing from them...

Such an astonishing, even somewhat horrifying, deduction!

This far exceeds the perspective of a ten-year-old child, and even surpasses the considerations of many high-ranking officials in the court!

Lu Zuo looked at the clear eyes before him. This was not just strategic intuition; it was almost a prophetic outline of a terrible possibility for the future evolution of the situation in the north, based on keen observation and simple logic, even in the absence of systematic intelligence!

A united grassland is more terrifying than a corrupt Jin dynasty.

This truth, which was later proven by history, was brought up by a child in a naive yet incredibly sharp way.

Lu Zuo remained silent for a long time, his gaze lingering on Xin Qiji's youthful yet already angular face. Finally, he spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but carrying an unprecedented solemnity:

"Scattered pearls... extraordinary heroes... united as one..."

"Be prepared for danger in times of peace, and keep your eyes on the north."

"Xin Qiji, your words are priceless."

He paused, then looked at Han Shizhong and Xin Zan, who were still in shock, and said in a meaningful tone:

"Han Qing, Xin Zan."

"What we say today is only for our own ears and not for outsiders to hear."

"However, the troubles in the northern frontier are not limited to the Jin dynasty. In the next ten years, what our Great Song Dynasty seeks is not only peace in the Jianghuai region, but also national strength."

"So strong..."

"Sufficient to handle any storms from the north, whether they have already moved south or may move south."

Then, Lu Zuo's gaze lingered on Xin Qiji's face for a moment before he said, "Han Qing."

Han Shizhong immediately bowed and said, "Your subject is here."

"Xin Zan has a deep understanding of the northern lands and is familiar with the local customs; he is a rare talent."

"Effective immediately, I hereby appoint Xin Zan as a counselor of the Huainan East Circuit Pacification Commissioner's Office, in charge of assisting in the allocation of military supplies and the resettlement of the people in the Huai River region, as well as consulting on the situation in the north."

"Using their strengths, we will help you stabilize the Jianghuai region and accumulate national power."

"Xin Zan, your return to the south was not easy. I hope you will use your useful body to serve your homeland."

Upon hearing this, Xin Zan immediately pulled his grandson down to kneel again: "Your Majesty, this sinful subject... this subject Xin Zan kowtows to thank you for your divine grace!"

"I will do my utmost to repay Your Majesty's kindness in recognizing and nurturing me!"

Lu Zuo nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Xin Qiji, his tone shifting to one of deep expectation: "As for you, though you are young, your insight is remarkable. You shall remain in Marshal Han's army."

"Marshal Han is a pillar of the nation, a military genius. Follow him, observe, learn, and ask questions. You must read military books and experience the battlefield firsthand."

"Martial arts skills... should not be neglected either."

He paused briefly and said, "I observe that your physique is still good, your heart is sincere, and you have great ambitions to serve your country."

"As it happens, I have a set of palm techniques here called the 'Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms,' which is unparalleled in its power and righteous in its intent, and is most suitable for those who want to fight on the battlefield and protect the country and its people."

Upon hearing this, not only was Xin Qiji stunned, but Han Shizhong and Xin Zan, who were standing nearby, were also greatly shocked.

His Majesty is actually going to personally teach martial arts?

Or is it a palm technique whose extraordinary nature can be discerned from its name?

Immediately, Lu Zuo took out several books from his personal space and handed them to Han Shizhong.

Han Shizhong subconsciously reached out and took the few books that looked ordinary but were made of rather sturdy paper.

By the bright candlelight inside the tent, he could make out the words on the cover.

One book is "The Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms", another is "The Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill", and the third is "Free and Easy Wandering".

Even with Han Shizhong's strong will, he couldn't help but feel a jolt in his heart and his breath caught in his throat.

Although he was not a martial artist, he had personally witnessed Hong Qigong's Dragon Subduing Palm technique, heard about His Majesty's extraordinary strength as a dragon and elephant, and seen Huang Yaoshi and others' elusive, ghostly movements.

Now, these almost mythical martial arts manuals have been handed to me so casually.

Lu Zuo's voice rang out at the right moment, calm yet containing an undeniable power: "Han Qing, these three manuals are no ordinary ones."

"The Dragon Elephant Prajna Kung Fu strengthens the muscles, bones, qi, and blood, gradually increasing the strength and endurance of soldiers."

"Moreover, the qualification requirements are relatively broad, making it an excellent method for training elite infantry and consolidating the foundation of the army."

"The body movement techniques and footwork in 'Free and Easy Wandering' are beneficial for lightly armed scouts and agile warriors to practice, as they can enhance their ability to dodge, maneuver, and infiltrate."

"Its basic internal energy cultivation can strengthen the body and nourish the vital energy, which is very beneficial for long battles and recovery from injuries."

"These two can be selectively promoted in the military as appropriate. Reliable officers should first learn and master them before gradually teaching them to soldiers. It is essential to focus on the foundation and avoid being greedy for quick results."

He paused, then looked at the book "Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms": "As for this palm technique, it is extremely fierce and powerful, but it has very high requirements for the practitioner's temperament, physical constitution, and internal strength."

"A very small number of loyal, brave, and highly qualified individuals can be carefully selected from the military and cultivated."

"This may cultivate a few sharp generals for the future who can slay enemy generals and seize flags amidst a vast army."

Holding these three seemingly thin but actually heavy books, Han Shizhong felt a surge of heat rush from the bottom of his heart to the top of his head, and even his fingers trembled slightly.

With these, if they are properly trained, in time, the individual combat strength and overall quality of my men will undergo a complete transformation!

They no longer relied solely on their courage and discipline to fight against the Jin cavalry's heavy armor, but truly possessed a martial foundation that transcended the ordinary!

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his surging emotions, and solemnly hugged the book to his chest. He took a step back, knelt on one knee, and said in a deep voice, "Your subject, Han Shizhong, kowtows to thank Your Majesty for bestowing upon me this divine martial arts manual!"

"This is the foundation of a strong army and the key to defeating the enemy!"

"Your Majesty, I will be extremely cautious and follow Your Majesty's decree, selecting the right people to teach and progressing step by step. I will ensure that the brave soldiers of Jianghuai are transformed as soon as possible and become an invincible sword in Your Majesty's hands!"

"Get up." Lu Zuo raised his hand, then looked at Xin Qiji beside him: "Give this boy the Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms first."

"Since he has already obtained my permission, let him first memorize the diagrams and mental techniques to lay a solid foundation."

"You can copy it later."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Han Shizhong stood up, carefully pulled out the top book, "The Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms," and turned to hand it to Xin Qiji.

Xin Qiji quickly took the book with both hands. As he held it, he felt a slight weight in the book, and an indescribable sense of solemnity welled up in his heart.

He clutched the manual tightly, knelt down again, and kowtowed to Lu Zuo: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for this merit!"

"Xin Qiji, I will certainly cultivate diligently day and night, to live up to my divine achievements, to His Majesty, and to my country!"

Lu Zuo nodded, his gaze returning to Han Shizhong: "Han Qing, you were entrusted with this critical mission and defended the line to the death; your merit is truly outstanding."

"I hereby appoint you as Junior Guardian of the Imperial Guard and Military Governor of Zhenjiang Prefecture, increase your fief by 1,500 households, and grant you a certificate of merit, which shall be hereditary."

Han Shizhong was shocked. The titles of Junior Guardian and Military Governor were already great honors, but the imperial edict and hereditary succession were the highest honors a subject could receive!

"Lady Liang beat the drum to encourage the troops, demonstrating unparalleled loyalty and bravery. By special decree, I hereby bestow upon Liang Hongyu the title of 'Protector of the Nation Lady,' a first-rank imperial consort, entitled to double salary, and bestow upon her a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, granting her the authority to participate in military affairs."

"Lady Liang beat the drum to encourage the troops, demonstrating unparalleled loyalty and bravery. By special decree, I hereby bestow upon Liang Hongyu the title of 'Protector of the Nation Lady,' a first-rank imperial consort, entitled to double salary, and bestow upon her a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, granting her the authority to participate in military affairs."

"Furthermore, all soldiers who participated in this battle, whether on land or sea, whether officers or soldiers, should be rewarded according to their merits and given generous compensation."

"Those who die in battle will receive generous compensation to their families; the wounded will receive the best possible medical treatment; and those who survive will be promoted and rewarded according to their merits."

"Please draft a detailed proposal, and I will approve it all."

"You are in full charge of this matter. You must act fairly and swiftly to reassure the troops and demonstrate the nation's benevolence."

Han Shizhong was now filled with excitement and his blood was boiling.

His Majesty not only bestowed upon them divine martial arts manuals to strengthen the army, but also so generously rewarded and honored the meritorious officials!

After this battle, morale will surely reach its peak!

The Jianghuai defense line will surely be impregnable!

"Your subject, Han Shizhong, receives the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"

"Your Majesty's grace is boundless, and your rewards and punishments are fair and just. Your subject and your soldiers dare not fail to repay this kindness with their lives!"

"We must draft a list of those who have rendered meritorious service and arrange for their compensation as soon as possible, so that the Emperor's grace may be delivered swiftly and the entire army may be greatly encouraged!"

"On behalf of my wife Hongyu and all the soldiers of the Jianghuai army, I thank Your Majesty once again!"

……

Several days later, in Yingtian Prefecture, the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

Li Qingzhao, dressed in a simple pale yellow palace gown, sat serenely behind a large rosewood desk.

The mountain of memorials and documents on the desk had been neatly categorized and organized.

After Lu Zuo personally led the expedition to Jianghuai, she took on the important task of handling some confidential documents and initially screening memorials under the title of "Assistant in the Administration of Documents".

Just then, a series of hurried but deliberately light footsteps came from outside the Imperial Study, followed by the eunuch on duty asking in a low voice and the visitor's urgent report.

Li Qingzhao frowned slightly, put down her pen, and looked up at the doorway.

Unless it is something extremely urgent, no one would dare to disturb her like this while she is handling government affairs.

Squeak.....

The study door was gently pushed open, and a eunuch dressed in scarlet official robes, with a pale face and no beard, but with fine beads of sweat on his forehead, almost stumbled in.

He disregarded his usual strict etiquette and knelt down with a thud, holding aloft a military report with three red feathers inserted and an urgent sealing wax stamp on the seal:

"Jianghuai..."

"Urgent news of victory over the Jianghuai region! It's from Marshal Han Shizhong!"

"A great victory!"

"An unprecedented victory!"

Li Qingzhao quickly walked around the desk, took the good news, and then, with a slight pressure from her fingernails, peeled off the sealing wax and pulled out a thick stack of letters inside.

"Thanks to His Majesty's divine might and martial prowess, who personally led righteous men, at noon on the 27th day of the first month, we launched a surprise attack on the Jin army's camp at Laoguanzui, and amidst ten thousand troops, we killed the Jin army's Grand Marshal and Fourth Prince, Wanyan Zongbi!"

"The Jin army suffered a crushing defeat, with countless beheadings, many drowning or being captured, and mountains of abandoned baggage and armor..."

"This is truly an unprecedented victory since the Jingkang Incident, enough to terrify the enemy and secure ten years of peace in the Jianghuai region!"

He killed Wanyan Zongbi in battle?!

Li Qingzhao even felt a slight dizziness.

That name was a nightmare, a humiliation, and an inescapable shadow for all the people of the Song Dynasty!

Now, it has been...

He was personally beheaded on the battlefield?