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

The author's mental illness has somewhat improved, and his novel, "Wandering Among the Heavens as a Tyrant, You Don't Understand My Happiness," awaits you on Cola Novels.

A dozen days later, in the imperial study, six figures dressed in crimson and purple robes stood solemnly beneath the imperial desk. They were the six chief officials of the current Song Dynasty court.

In order: Li Wenyuan, Minister of Revenue; Shen Gai, Minister of Works; Wang Jue, Minister of War; Wang Ciweng, Minister of Personnel; Liu Guan, Minister of Rites; and Zhang Fu, Minister of Justice.

Lu Zuo threw two memorials onto the imperial desk: "Reports from Yue Fei, Commander of the New Army of the Imperial Guard in Jiangzhou, and Han Shizhong, Pacification Commissioner of Jianghuai."

"The new army has completed its training and is in high spirits. The people of the north are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the royal army."

Both men earnestly requested the court to quickly raise funds and provisions to prepare for a northern expedition and recover lost territory.

Northern Expedition!

These two words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves in the hearts of the six ministers.

Although since the emperor ascended the throne, all his efforts in strengthening the army, eliminating traitors, and even achieving the great victory in the Jianghuai region have been paving the way for this goal.

But when the report that "money and provisions must be raised quickly and the Northern Expedition is imminent" was presented so clearly, everyone's heart was still filled with turmoil.

After a brief silence, Wang Jue, the Minister of War, stepped forward first: "Your Majesty, Generals Yue and Han are commendable for their loyalty and admirable for their courage."

"However, although the Jin people suffered a setback in the Jianghuai region and Wanyan Zongbi was beheaded, their foundation was not damaged, the passes and rivers were fortified, and their cavalry was still strong."

"The Northern Expedition is a matter of national importance and cannot be accomplished overnight."

"In my opinion, we should strengthen our military, stockpile provisions and grain, and manufacture more weapons. We should wait until the country is stronger and the time is more opportune, which would be the most secure course of action."

Liu Guan, the Minister of Rites, then stepped forward, offering a different perspective: "Your Majesty, Minister Wang's words speak of experienced and wise governance."

"Moreover, Your Majesty has only recently ascended the throne, your new policies are just beginning, and domestic affairs are not yet settled."

"The aftermath of the incident at the Buddhist temples in Jiangnan has not yet subsided. Although the resettlement of displaced people has been effective, the foundation is not yet solid."

"If we launch a large-scale military campaign now, and the campaign is delayed for too long, there may be unforeseen changes in the rear."

"It would be better to first consolidate the foundation and reassure the people, and then plan the Northern Expedition once the internal affairs are thoroughly sorted out."

Minister of Justice Zhang Fu said coldly, "The Jurchens are brutal. They have occupied our land and plundered our people. This hatred must be avenged."

"However, the art of war lies in strict laws and regulations, and the certainty of rewards and punishments."

"Now that the new army is newly formed, are the officers and soldiers able to command it effectively? Are military discipline and laws strict enough?"

"During the transport of grain and fodder, will the officials along the route be able to perform their duties diligently and avoid any corruption or delays?"

"These matters all require time to investigate and verify. I second Minister Zhang's suggestion that we postpone such plans."

Wang Ciweng, the Minister of Personnel, said: "Your Majesty, the selection of people is the foundation of all things."

"The Northern Expedition requires a great general to command the troops, a capable minister to transport supplies, and an honest official to bring peace to the people."

"How many capable commanders are there in the court today? How many officials are familiar with the situation in the north and capable of pacifying the newly recovered prefectures and counties?"

"In my opinion, we should first broaden the channels for talent and build up a talent pool before we can undertake this great undertaking."

Minister of Works Shen Gai's lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but after glancing at the emperor behind the imperial desk, he held back.

His Ministry of Works was only responsible for developing machinery and constructing fortifications; he felt he had little say in major matters such as the Northern Expedition.

Minister of Revenue Li Wenyuan felt the emperor's gaze fall on him, and his heart tightened slightly, knowing that it was time for him, the "purse," to speak.

He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed: "Your Majesty, what the gentlemen have said is all reasonable."

"But ultimately, supplies must be prepared before troops can move."

"If we follow the advice of Generals Yue and Han, we will launch a major northern expedition next year. According to my rough calculation, even if we only use 200,000 troops and double that number of laborers, the amount of grain and fodder required from the summer harvest next year to autumn and winter will be an astronomical figure."

"Not to mention the costs of military pay, rewards, pensions, and the construction of weapons and ships."

"Although the national treasury has been somewhat replenished through the new policies, the resettlement of displaced people, and the confiscation of Buddhist temples, it is still insufficient to support such a large-scale and urgent Northern Expedition..."

"I fear my abilities are insufficient, and the shortfall in funds and provisions may exceed several million taels." His words were very practical; without money and provisions, everything is just empty talk.

Lu Zuo listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the imperial desk.

The opinions of the six ministers basically represented the mainstream views in the court, either advocating for stability and gradual progress or emphasizing the difficulties.

"I have heard what you, my dear ministers, have said."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Li Wenyuan: "Minister Li, in your opinion, if this is delayed for several years, the Jurchens will not recover their strength or fortify their defenses?"

"Can domestic affairs really be resolved in one fell swoop, without any further complications?"

"Can military discipline personnel just appear out of thin air? Can money and provisions... just fall from the sky?"

Li Wenyuan's forehead was slightly sweaty: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty did not mean that. It's just..."

"I just feel that we can wait a little longer, observe further, and prepare more thoroughly, right?"

Lu Zuo interrupted him: "The Jin Kingdom has just suffered a defeat, its commander-in-chief is dead, its elite troops have been decimated, and the country is divided between those advocating war and those advocating peace. This is precisely the time when morale is low and the country is at its weakest!"

"This is a golden opportunity!"

"If we wait until they lick their wounds, stabilize their internal situation, rebuild their military, and even use the power of Tantric Buddhism to train some kind of 'Vajra Warrior,' then launching another northern expedition would cost far more than ten or a hundred times the price."

He braced himself on the table with both hands, leaning slightly forward, his eyes burning: "The opportunity to win is fleeting!"

"My mind is made up; the Northern Expedition must not be delayed!"

"Next summer is the bottom line. If possible, I would love to lead my troops north as soon as spring arrives!"

"Your Majesty!" Several ministers exclaimed almost simultaneously, their faces showing urgency.

Fifty or sixty thousand?

Not only Li Wenyuan, but the other ministers were also stunned.

Fifty or sixty thousand troops on a northern expedition?

This is utterly ridiculous!

The Jurchen army in the north numbered far more than several hundred thousand troops.

Even more fortified cities and strategic passes!

The Minister of War couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, even if fifty or sixty thousand troops are elite, how can they possibly conquer cities and capture fortresses?"

"How to defend the recaptured territory?"

How to deal with the Jurchen counterattack?

"This...this is not the way to wage war!"

Looking at their bewildered and anxious expressions, Lu Zuo suddenly laughed: "My dear ministers, have you forgotten... me?"

The six ministers were momentarily stunned.

Lu Zuo continued, "The Jurchen cavalry, I can kill their commander amidst ten thousand troops; their fortified camps, I can break through single-handedly."

"Ordinary city gates, under my control, are no different from paper."

"In the heat of battle, my strength alone is worth a thousand soldiers!"

The six ministers suddenly remembered the emperor's unfathomable martial arts skills.

Yes, in terms of personal martial prowess, His Majesty is practically a god or demon walking among men!

If he personally led the charge...

"Your Majesty means..."

The Minister of Personnel was the first to realize, "The Emperor himself is leading the expedition?"

"Using His Majesty as the spearhead to tear through the enemy lines, breach their fortified city, and then have the elite troops follow up to expand the victory?"

"good!"

"I am the sharpest spearhead, and my fifty to sixty thousand elite new troops are enough to sweep down once I open a breach!"

"Wouldn't this greatly reduce the need for money, grain, laborers, and transportation?"

This idea is too bold, even a bit crazy.

To place such a crucial battle for the fate of the nation on the martial prowess of the emperor alone.

But considering Lu Zuo's inhuman record, it seems... not entirely impossible?

The Minister of Rites was the first to recover from the shock and hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty! You must not!"

"Your Majesty is of inestimable worth and of the highest rank; how can you lightly tread upon such a dangerous place?"

"On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes, and stray arrows are hard to defend against. What if something goes wrong..."

"Yes, Your Majesty! A son of a noble family should not sit under a dangerous roof!"

"For the Northern Expedition, sending a top general is sufficient. It is only right for Your Majesty to remain in the central government and strategize from behind the scenes!" the Minister of Justice echoed.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider!" The others also bowed.

Lu Zuo looked at them, knowing that this was the duty and concern of a subject.

but......

"My mind is made up; there is no need to persuade me further."

"I know my own martial arts skills."

"If we don't even dare to take this small risk, how can we talk about recovering our lost territories and unifying the world?"

"This matter need not be discussed further."

"Next, I would like to discuss with you how to prepare sufficient provisions and weapons for these 50,000 to 60,000 elite troops before next summer, and plan the supply routes and forward bases in advance."

With the emperor having said all this, the six ministers knew that further persuasion would be futile.

They exchanged glances, both seeing the complex emotions in each other's eyes—worry, shock, and perhaps a hint of...

A subtle anticipation stirred by this soaring spirit?

If His Majesty can truly do as he says...

Li Wenyuan was the first to get into character. As the Minister of Revenue, it was his responsibility to implement the allocation of funds and provisions: "Your Majesty, if it is only necessary to support 50,000 to 60,000 elite troops in battle, the pressure on provisions will indeed be greatly reduced."

"I can find a way to transfer grain from Jiangnan and the two lakes, and use cement to build new and reinforce some of the grain transport routes."

"However, the budget for military pay, rewards, and pensions still needs to be prepared in advance."

The Minister of War also perked up: "Your Majesty, these fifty to sixty thousand elite troops must be a truly ferocious army."

"The new armies under Han Shizhong and Yue Fei need to complete their final integration as soon as possible."

"The route of advance and intelligence on the passes along the way need to be investigated in detail immediately."

The Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Rites also put forward preliminary ideas on personnel allocation, military discipline supervision, and the promotion of the righteous cause of the Northern Expedition, based on their respective departmental functions.

A pragmatic discussion on the specific preparations for the Northern Expedition thus began. Although the general tone had been set, the details were numerous and complex.

By the time several key issues were initially agreed upon, the sun was already setting.

Just then, Shen Gai, the Minister of Works, after what seemed like a long hesitation, finally seized a moment during the discussion and stepped forward to report: "Your Majesty, gentlemen, in preparation for the Northern Expedition, weaponry is of paramount importance."

"Your subject... Your subject of the Ministry of Works has recently made some minor progress in glass manufacturing."

"Oh?"

Lu Zuo looked at him, intrigued: "Tell me in detail."

Shen Gai's spirits lifted: "Thanks to Your Majesty's great blessing, your subject and the chief craftsmen of the Imperial Workshop have repeatedly experimented with the 'sodium-calcium' method bestowed by Your Majesty, and have finally made progress."

"The glass produced today is not only pure and clear, but also...and its texture is exceptionally tough!"

"Even if thrown forcefully onto a stone slab, it will not easily break; at most, some edges and corners will be slightly chipped!"

"The thinnest pieces are so translucent that light passes through them as if they were nothing, while the thickest ones produce a faint sound like metal or stone!"

Approaching tempered glass?

Lu Zuo's heart stirred; this was an unexpected delight.

"Is that really so? Bring it here for me to see!"

The other five ministers were somewhat bewildered.

Glass?

Although precious, it is merely an object for appreciation; what does it have to do with the Northern Expedition or national affairs?

Why is Minister Shen bringing this up now?

Shen quickly replied, "The newly made glass samples and some finished products are currently in the Liuli Workshop, which will be under the supervision of the Ministry of Works."

"Let's go take a look."

.....

The group arrived at the workshops belonging to the Ministry of Works.

The area was heavily guarded, the furnaces were burning brightly, and the craftsmen were extremely busy.

Shen led everyone to a clean room, where dozens of glass artifacts were displayed on the table and shelves.

Most striking were several square, translucent plates, each about a foot in size and half a finger thick, crystal clear with almost no visible impurities. Lu Zuo stepped forward, picked up one, and found it slightly heavy in his hand. Holding it up to the light, he observed its extremely high transparency.

He flicked his finger, producing a clear, melodious "ding" sound, almost metallic. He then gestured for a guard to bring him an ordinary waist knife, and forcefully struck the edge of the glass plate with the back of the blade.

clang!

With a muffled thud, the glass plate remained motionless, leaving only a shallow white mark where it was struck, without shattering.

This resilience...

While it certainly can't compare to real modern tempered glass, it's already a revolutionary material in this era.

He then looked at other objects, including various blown vessels, pressed flat plates, and thin threads that he had tried to draw.

The Minister of War picked up a heavy glass cup, weighed it in his hand, and asked doubtfully, "Minister Shen, this object, though sturdy, has nothing to do with military equipment?"

"Could it be used to make armor?"

The Minister of Rites picked up a small, transparent glass plate and looked it out the window: "It is indeed crystal clear and lovely. If it were used as a window or screen, it would have a unique charm."

"But this is related to the preparations for the Northern Expedition..."

Shen Gai laughed and said, "Minister Liu only knows one aspect of it."

"This material has excellent light transmission and heat retention properties. His Majesty once mentioned the idea of ​​a greenhouse. The Ministry of Works has already used this glass to build a small greenhouse for testing. Even in late autumn, the greenhouse is as warm as spring, and vegetables grown inside grow extremely fast."

"If this practice is implemented, the northern border troops will also have access to fresh vegetables during the winter, which will greatly benefit their physical health!"

Furthermore...

Shen Gai looked at Lu Zuo and continued, "This object is pure and clear, and can be used as a lens for telescopes. It is of great use in military reconnaissance and surveillance."

"It can also be used to make all kinds of exquisite instruments."

"Furthermore, once this item is mass-produced, although its price will not be as high as gold or silver, it will far surpass that of ceramics and silk. If it can be made into exquisite objects and sold to maritime merchants, merchants from the Western Regions, and even wealthy people within the country, the profits will be immeasurable!"

"This could provide another stable source of funding for the Northern Expedition!"

That's it!

The ministers then suddenly realized: it could be used for military purposes, and even more importantly, to generate wealth!

The Ministry of Works has actually done a good job this time.

Lu Zuo nodded in satisfaction: "Minister Shen did a very good job."

"This thing has far more potential than this."

"Continue to improve the process, reduce costs, and explore more applications."

"I obey your decree!"

……

When we left Liulifang, it was almost dusk.

With the strategy for the Northern Expedition settled and new sources of funding and technological breakthroughs bringing hope, Lu Zuo was in a good mood and headed straight for Shuiyue Nunnery with his guards.

He's becoming more and more adept at and fond of this blasphemous act towards Buddhism.

Without him...

The nun's charm is truly unique.

people.

You need to change the flavors often so you don't get tired of them.