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

March, Jiangzhou, the new army camp.

The spring chill was still in the air, but it couldn't stop the rushing water vapor from the Yangtze River and the soaring heat from the camp.

On the training ground, the sounds of battle roared like thunder, and dust blotted out the sky.

Thirty thousand new soldiers drilled shirtless, their fists whistling and their palms powerful, practicing the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms and the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill with remarkable skill.

Although they are far from being masters, their vigorous blood and energy, strong muscles and bones, and high morale are far beyond what ordinary imperial guards can match.

Inside the central command tent, Yue Fei, dressed in military attire, was studying a map with his brows furrowed and his gaze sharp as he repeatedly surveyed the Jianghuai, Xiangfan, and Central Plains regions.

Suddenly, a guard outside the tent shouted, "Marshal!"

"Urgent dispatch!"

Yue Fei abruptly stood up: "Please come in quickly!"

A weary messenger from the Imperial City Guard strode in, knelt on one knee, and held aloft a sealed letter bearing a fire seal: "His Majesty commands that this letter be opened personally by Marshal Yue!"

Yue Fei took it, verified that the seal was correct, and quickly opened it.

His gaze swept over the familiar, bold, and powerful handwriting on the paper. His hand holding the letter trembled almost imperceptibly, then clenched tightly, revealing the veins on the back of his hand.

Those eyes, usually calm as a deep pool, suddenly burst forth with a scorching light as intense as the sun and a sharp light as eagle's!

"Good! Good! Good!"

He said "good" three times in succession, carefully put away the secret letter, and placed it close to his body. Then he turned around abruptly and shouted sharply at the outside of the tent, "Pass on the order!"

"Beat the drums! Gather the troops!"

......

"Waaaaah—waaaah—"

The deep and powerful sound of the horn instantly resounded throughout the camp, drowning out all the sounds of drills.

Immediately afterwards, the earth-shaking drums of the rallying ceremony resounded, one after another, like spring thunder rolling across the banks of the Yangtze River.

The battalion commanders, deputy commanders, and generals, no matter where they were, moved at the sound of the drum, shooting towards the central command tent like arrows.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the tent was already packed with people, their armor clanging, and everyone's faces solemn, knowing that something big must be about to happen.

Yue Fei was already fully armed and stood behind the command desk with his hand on his sword. His eyes were like lightning as he swept over every face under the tent that was tense with excitement or nervousness.

He held up the secret letter directly, his voice booming: "His Majesty has given an order!"

"With the Northern Expedition imminent, I hereby order the entire Jiangzhou New Army to set off and arrive at the Jianghuai Grand Camp within a specified timeframe to join Marshal Han's forces and await unified command, working together to achieve the great cause of recovery!"

"It's finally here!"

"Long live Your Majesty!"

There was a moment of silence inside the tent, followed by an outburst of suppressed, low cheers and roars.

Countless eyes instantly turned bloodshot, filled with the excitement of finally being able to vent the long-suppressed hatred between the nation and the family!

It is the burning desire of men to achieve great deeds and recover lost territory!

Yue Fei raised his hand, suppressing his voice: "This battle concerns the fate of the nation, whether our Great Song Dynasty can wipe away its shame and recover its lost lands!"

"An army is raised for a thousand days, but used for only one!"

"We, the newly formed army of Jiangzhou, have been bestowed with divine power by His Majesty's grace. We train diligently day and night. What is the purpose of this training?"

"This is all for today!"

"Issue my order: The entire army shall immediately pack its belongings, inspect its weapons, and make proper arrangements for those remaining behind."

"Tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), we will muster our troops at the drill ground, consecrate the flag, and set off for the expedition! We will march towards the Jianghuai region!"

"I will obey your orders!"

The generals responded with a resounding roar, then clasped their fists in a fist salute, turned and rushed out of the tent, each running back to their camp.

The entire camp erupted into a frenzy, as if a giant rock had been thrown into a deep pool!

Yue Fei walked alone to the tent entrance, lifted the curtain, and looked out at the military camp that was rapidly taking action, like a huge war machine starting to run. His heart was filled with a surge of heroic spirit and a heavy sense of responsibility.

at last……

it has started.

Since the Jingkang Incident, the two emperors were taken captive to the north, the country was shattered, the Central Plains were in turmoil, and the people were displaced.

This humiliation, this national hatred, gnawed at the heart of every patriotic Song person day and night, like a venomous snake.

He, Yue Fei, was a commoner who was selected by His Majesty from the ranks, entrusted with important responsibilities, and given the methods to strengthen the army. What was the purpose of this?

Isn't it all so that one day we can command a mighty army, cross the Yellow River to the north, strike at the heart of the enemy, and reclaim our lost territory?

He had waited for this day for too long, and dreamed of it for too long.

Now, it's right before our eyes.

Now, it's finally time to bare its sharp fangs.

"You Jurchen traitors, behold how my spear and my men will reclaim our Han homeland!"

.....

On the same day, in Lin'an, at the New Army camp.

A similar scene was unfolding. Guo Xiaotian and Yang Tiexin received secret orders to mobilize troops almost simultaneously.

After reading it, the two looked at each other and saw unbelievable joy in each other's eyes. Then they hugged each other tightly and patted each other's backs. The eyes of these seven-foot-tall men were even a little red.

"Brother! His Majesty has given the order! We must also go to Jianghuai!" Yang Tiexin's voice trembled.

"Finally! Finally!" Guo Xiaotian gasped for breath, as if trying to release years of pent-up frustration. "Let's go! Quickly, go tell Brother Ke and the others!"

The two disregarded military decorum and practically ran out of the new army camp, heading straight for a secluded courtyard rented by the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan in the west of the city.

"Brother Ke! Second Brother Zhu..."

"Come out quickly! This is fantastic news!"

Guo Xiaotian's voice arrived before he did, startling the crows on the old trees in the courtyard into taking flight.

The door to the main room was pushed open with a bang, and Ke Zhen'e stepped out first, leaning on his iron cane, still looking impatient: "What are you howling about?"

"Did the sky fall or the earth collapse?"

Zhu Cong followed, fanning himself with a fan. Han Baoju, Nan Xiren, Quan Jinfa, Zhang Asheng, and Han Xiaoying also followed behind, curiously watching the two who were blushing with excitement.

Guo Xiaotian took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but his voice still trembled: "Your Majesty...His Majesty has issued a decree!"

"The Northern Expeditionary Army is about to set off!"

"I hereby order my newly formed army in Lin'an to prepare immediately and march to the Jianghuai region in a few days to join Marshal Han and General Yue!"

"We...we're going to fight too!"

"What? The Northern Expedition?"

"real?"

The Seven Heroes of Jiangnan were taken aback at first, then they all became excited.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Ke Zhen'e slammed his iron staff down hard, his eyes wide open, and his voice boomed like thunder: "I've been waiting for this day!"

Zhu Cong swiftly closed his folding fan, his usual smile replaced by an unusual seriousness: "We've finally waited for this."

"Brother Guo, Brother Yang, although we Seven Freaks may not have any great skills, we're definitely capable of charging into battle and killing a few Golden Hounds!"

A blush crept onto Han Xiaoying's spirited face as she gripped the longsword at her waist: "Finally, we can really fight the Jurchens!"

"So that people in the martial arts world won't always say that we Seven Freaks only know how to fight amongst ourselves."

Han Baoju rubbed his hands together excitedly: "Damn it, I can finally use my horsemanship on the battlefield!"

"Brother Guo, Brother Yang, when shall we set off?"

Guo Xiaotian clasped his hands and said, "His Majesty's decree has been issued, and we must return to camp immediately to prepare."

"Before I leave, I'll definitely have a big drink with all of you brothers and sisters!"

"On this journey north, we will surely kill many Jin traitors to repay the nation's kindness!"

.....

On the same day, in the morning, at Shen Gai's residence in the capital.

Today, a palace carriage is parked in front of the gate of the Minister's mansion, which had been silent for more than a month since its owner was dismissed.

Inside the mansion, Shen Gai, dressed in slightly worn casual clothes, sat in his study, seemingly calmly flipping through a volume of "Yingzao Fashi" (Building Standards). However, his slightly trembling fingers and the occasional glances out the window betrayed his inner turmoil.

Finally, the old steward practically ran in, his voice trembling with suppressed excitement: "Master! The eunuchs from the palace have arrived!"

Shen Gai suddenly stood up, took a deep breath, straightened his robes, and strode towards the front hall.

When Gao Qian, the chief eunuch of the Inner Palace, saw him come out, he put down his teacup and quickly took out a scroll of bright yellow imperial edict from the brocade box held by the little eunuch beside him.

"Shen should accept the imperial decree."

Shen Gai lifted his robe and knelt down, and everyone in the mansion also knelt down.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

"Shen Gai, the former Minister of Works, had minor flaws, but he was well-versed in construction, knowledgeable about the affairs of the Ministry of Works, and had outstanding talent."

"At this critical juncture for the court, with numerous matters such as the Northern Expedition and the New Policies at hand, the Ministry of Works cannot remain inactive for long."

"He shall be immediately reinstated to his original post, retaining the position of Minister of Works, in charge of all affairs of the Ministry of Works, to atone for his crimes through meritorious service, and to observe his future performance."

"So be it."

"Your subject, Shen Gai, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Shen accepted the imperial edict with both hands, and the huge weight in his heart finally lifted.

Although he had expected it, the moment the decree was issued, he felt the weight of that power again and his heart was still stirred.

Gao Qian smiled and offered a helping hand: "Minister Shen, please rise quickly."

"His Majesty often praises your talent. The Ministry of Works has a lot of affairs to handle, and His Majesty is not at ease without you in charge."

"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Gao."

"Your Majesty's kindness is something I could never repay even with my life."

Shen Gai stood up and gestured for the steward to present a brocade pouch containing silver ingots that had been prepared beforehand. He then asked in a low voice, "Sir, what about the matter of the Glass Bureau's investment in private companies..."

Gao Qian accepted the brocade pouch: "Your Majesty knew you'd be thinking about this."

"I specifically asked my family to tell you that you can rest assured."

"Currently, nearly ten thousand households in Yingtian Prefecture are registered and receive dividends from glass sales!"

"These two waves of support before and after the Lunar New Year have truly benefited tens of thousands of ordinary families, and the people are full of praise for them."

"Of the new factories you've been planning in the local areas, the ones in Luoyang and Jiangning are progressing the fastest. The bricks and tiles are already in place, and the craftsmen have begun to be recruited and trained."

"The sites in Wuchang and Chengdu are also being selected."

"His Majesty said that this is all thanks to you, and it is also the foundation of the 'benefiting the people' policy."

Shen Gai felt relieved upon hearing this, and a relieved smile appeared on his face. This made him even happier than if he had been reinstated.

"His Majesty also gave instructions."

Gao Qian continued, "Now that you have returned to your ministry, you should work closely with Minister Li of the Ministry of Revenue to draft a plan for the gradual promotion of greenhouse cultivation in suitable prefectures across the country."

"Now that glass production has increased, we can't just focus on the area around Yingtianfu. We need to make sure that people in more places can also eat fresh vegetables in winter."

Shen was greatly encouraged and immediately accepted the order.

Promoting greenhouses is a practical undertaking that benefits both the present and future generations, and it can further expand the uses of glass, creating a virtuous cycle.

.....

After seeing Gao Qian off, Shen Gai stood in the front courtyard of the Minister's Mansion, which was now his own again. Looking at the clear early spring sky, he felt a sense of liberation, and the pent-up frustration of the past few days vanished.

He turned to the old butler and ordered, "Tell the kitchen to prepare a good meal!"

"Warm up two jugs of good wine! I, sir, want to have a few good drinks!"

"Yes, sir!"

......

In the afternoon, at the entrance of a quiet alley in Beijing.

The early spring sunshine brought warmth, but it couldn't penetrate the coldness and darkness in Wang Dafu's heart.

He wore a wrinkled, dusty old cloth robe, his hair was disheveled, and his face was haggard and old. He was completely different from the wealthy and lavish Wang Da Dongjia who had been talking eloquently in Shuyuxuan just a month ago.

After his home was ransacked, he was penniless. Former relatives and friends avoided him like the plague. He lived in fear in prison for more than a month. Today, he was finally released, but he is now homeless and can only wander the streets.

After his home was ransacked, he was penniless. Former relatives and friends avoided him like the plague. He lived in fear in prison for more than a month. Today, he was finally released, but he is now homeless and can only wander the streets.

His stomach was growling with hunger, and he huddled in a corner, staring blankly at the passersby on the street.

Just then, a familiar figure walked past carrying a load. It was a former shop assistant in his silk shop, surnamed Li, an honest man who had been publicly reprimanded by him for once miscalculating the accounts.

"Li...Li Si?" Wang Dafu called out in a hoarse voice, as if grasping at a straw.

The man carrying the load stopped and turned around. When he saw it was Wang Dafu, he was stunned for a moment. His face showed no surprise, only complexity, and even a hint of... pleasure.

"It's Master Wang," Li Si said calmly, putting down his load.

"Li Si, it's me...it's me!"

Wang Dafu struggled to his feet and tried to tug at his sleeve, "Look at me now... I'm down on my luck. Do you have any leftovers?"

"Give me a bite to eat, and I... I will definitely repay you in the future!"

Li Si took a step back, avoiding his filthy hands, and looking at his disheveled appearance, suddenly sneered: "Repayment?"

"Master Wang, are you still dreaming?"

"You didn't know that, did you?"

"Know...know what?" Wang Dafu asked blankly.

"Your beautiful wife, Madam Wang, is no longer in the manor."

Li Si spoke slowly and deliberately, his eyes filled with undisguised sarcasm: "Before the house was searched, she ran away with her personal maid."

"I heard she went to Shuiyue Nunnery, hooked up with that Abbess Jingchen, and then... hehe, somehow, she ended up hooking up with our Emperor!"

"Right now, she's probably enjoying herself in some luxurious paradise!"

"Who even recognizes your ex-husband anymore?"

"What...what did you say?!"

Wang Dafu felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His blood seemed to freeze instantly, then rush to his head, causing his vision to go black and his ears to ring.

lady?

Has she gotten close to the emperor?

That beautiful bride he spent a fortune to marry and doted on?

When he was in prison and his family was ruined, she actually...

She actually used her beauty to climb the social ladder?!

"No...impossible! You're talking nonsense! You bastard! You bastard!" Wang Dafu roared furiously, his eyes bloodshot, as if he had gone mad.

"Am I talking nonsense?"

Li Si sneered: "Believe it or not."

"Anyway, you're truly all alone now, a homeless dog!"

"Oh, and let me tell you something else. Xiao Cui, the maid you took a fancy to and tried to force herself on, whose arm you had broken when she resisted—her brother is going to the Jingzhao Prefecture to report you!"

"I'm accusing you of forcibly taking a woman and committing assault!"

"You've just been released from jail, and I'm afraid you'll be going back in!"

"That's called karma!"

After Li Si finished speaking, he stopped looking at him, picked up his load again, turned and walked away. After a few steps, he turned back and spat, the sound clearly rang out: "Serves you right!"

"puff!"

Wang Dafu felt a sweet taste in his throat and then spat out a mouthful of blood.

His vision went completely black, the world spun around him, and he fell straight backward, his head hitting the cold bluestone slab with a dull thud. He then lost consciousness...