The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

"Your Majesty, the two elders are doing very well." Zhao Zongshi knew that the matter of the two elders could not be hidden from Emperor Renzong, so he hurriedly kowtowed and apologized, answering truthfully, "Lin Shan took the two elders to live in their old residence in Dali. The old residence is nestled against the mountains and by the water, quiet and peaceful. The two elders spend their days planting flowers and vegetables, chatting with neighbors, brewing tea and playing chess, far away from strife and carefree. Your son has already sent people to take care of them secretly. They have no worries about food and clothing, and their minds are at peace, enjoying the idyllic old age in the countryside."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Renzong was greatly relieved and slowly nodded: "It is rare for you to be so loyal and righteous, to forget the kindness shown to you when you were a commoner even in your wealth and status. An emperor should first secure the well-being of his relatives and friends before bringing peace to the people. My son has done exceptionally well, exceptionally well! I am deeply gratified, I am deeply gratified!"

As the sun set and twilight deepened, the afterglow bathed the golden ginkgo leaves in the courtyard in a radiant glow, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Empress Cao gently helped Emperor Renzong to his feet, preparing them to return to the palace to rest.

Emperor Renzong took two steps, then suddenly stopped and turned back to look at the tender little ginkgo tree in the courtyard. He sighed softly to Empress Cao, "I used to think that since I had no legitimate son, I had to raise Zhao Zongyuan in the deep palace, binding him with etiquette and teaching him political skills, so that he could shoulder the responsibility of the crown prince and protect the Song Dynasty. Now I realize that compared to my son Zongshi, the two of them are a vivid example of 'born in hardship, die in comfort'."

Empress Cao walked slowly beside him, the evening breeze ruffling her white hair at her temples. Her voice was gentle and clear: "The rules of propriety cultivate the demeanor of the crown prince, while the warmth of everyday life nurtures the heart of a child. Your Majesty, my son Zongshi has experienced the hardships of the common people, understands their difficulties, and cherishes the friendship of old friends. Only in this way can he truly empathize with the people and have the world in his heart."

With a single, casual remark, he revealed the bond between ruler and subject for half a lifetime, and father and son for a lifetime.

Emperor Renzong remained silent for a long time, then slowly nodded, his eyes filled with relief and contentment. He had ruled the country for half his life, seeking a prosperous era, stability, and peace for the nation. He had exhausted all court intrigues and institutional systems, only to finally realize that a prosperous era was not built upon cold laws and imposing imperial power, but rather on the peaceful lives of ordinary families, the gentle warmth of grandparents and grandchildren chatting, and the year after year when the people were well-fed.

"Well said," he sighed softly. "Only when people's hearts are at peace can the country be stable."

Without another word, the two supported each other and slowly departed. Their figures, one gentle and the other steady, passed through layers of corridors and gradually disappeared into the twilight palace walls, shedding any imperial majesty and revealing only the tranquil peace of an ordinary old married couple.

The courtyard fell completely silent.

A gentle autumn breeze stirs, and ginkgo leaves flutter down, carpeting the bluestone ground like a thin, golden blanket. The laughter of children, the chatter of elders, and the soft whispers of women have all faded into stillness, leaving only a lingering, gentle charm that lingers among the trees and plants in the courtyard.

Zhao Zongshi stood alone under the tree, watching the emperor and empress depart into the distance, his heart clear and at peace.

Before, Huiming returned from across the sea, having weathered 30,000 miles of storms and waves to understand the true meaning of life, and nourished the people with the seeds of the four seasons, teaching him what it means to die without perishing and to save the world and live a long life; now, his family sits leisurely, enjoying the perfect harmony of family life, with grandparents and grandchildren by his side, living peacefully year after year, allowing him to understand what it means to experience the joys of life and the true heart of a prosperous age.

His life was a mix of the hardships of ordinary life and the burdens of court politics. He held military power and shouldered the responsibility of governing the country. He was constantly thinking about the Northern Expedition to reclaim lost territories and to secure peace for the nation. He was always on edge and dared not slacken his efforts. But today, this half-day of leisure and family time made him realize that all his battles, reforms, and arduous journeys were not for the sake of lasting fame or imperial ambitions.

All for the sake of peace and stability in this land, the perpetual illumination of every household, the carefree laughter of children, the peaceful enjoyment of old age by the elderly, the well-being of the common people, and the tranquility of the world.

This is the immortality that Huiming sought, and also the prosperous age that he pursued throughout his life.

Zhao Zongshi slowly returned to his desk, spread out the Xuan paper again, and began to write the postscript to "The Returned Overseas Scholar's Last Words." His brushstrokes were gentle yet firm: "The mountains and rivers are magnificent, and the achievements last for a thousand autumns, but in the end, they cannot withstand the hustle and bustle of the human world. The so-called Great Way is not found in the mountains and seas or in the immortals, nor in the power of the court, but in cultivating the five grains, protecting one's family, and bringing peace to all people. As long as there is peace and stability in the world, the Great Way will endure."

The ink has run dry, and dusk is falling.

In the distance, wisps of smoke rise from the streets and alleys of Bianjing, as countless lights illuminate the city one by one, their warmth and brilliance spreading across the entire urban landscape. The old ginkgo tree at Jingxin Temple, the new seedlings in the backyard of the Eastern Palace, the fields in the mountains of Dali, and the smoke from the old homes of Chenzhou all blend into this boundless twilight.

The seeds have fallen to the ground, and the great path has been passed down, but is the world truly at peace?

As the autumn night deepened, the lights in the backyard of the Eastern Palace were as soft as beans.

Zhao Zongshi stood alone at his desk, his wolf-hair brush still in his hand, when suddenly hurried footsteps echoed in the courtyard, heavy and swift, a stark contrast to the previous tranquility. Liu Xinyi, carrying a freshly brewed cup of hot tea, walked from the corridor. Hearing the sound, she paused slightly and stepped aside to make way.

Han Nian'an, covered in dust and still in his armor, his boots stained with mud from the post road outside the city, hurried to the ginkgo tree and knelt on one knee: "Your Highness, an urgent report from the Northern Commander! Three thousand of the Pishi Army under the command of Xiao Guangzuo, the Southern King of Liao, crossed the border at dawn today, raiding three towns north of Xiong Prefecture, capturing over two hundred border residents, thousands of cattle and sheep, and burning three granaries!"

Zhao Zongshi's hand, holding the brush, landed steadily on the Xuan paper. After writing the last few characters, he put down the brush and turned around.

What should be done with Yang Wenguang?

"Without waiting for imperial orders, Commander Yang has already led his 5,000 iron cavalry out of Xiong Prefecture to meet the enemy!" Zhao Shun spoke rapidly, each word ringing with conviction. "Two hours ago, the latest battle report arrived: Commander Yang intercepted the Liao army at the Juma River, defeating them in one fell swoop, beheading 800, capturing over 100 alive, and the rest scattered and fled north. Commander Yang has not yet withdrawn his troops but has already led his forces in pursuit, penetrating thirty miles into Liao territory!"

A glint flashed in Zhao Zongshi's eyes, but he didn't press for an answer on "why not wait for the court's order." He knew better than anyone that border wars were ever-changing, and waiting for the court to decide before sending troops would mean missing the crucial opportunity. Yang Wenguang was brave, capable, and outstanding in battle; this was the iron-blooded border general Zhao Zongshi had painstakingly trained.

"What about Zhekexing?"

"Upon receiving General Yang's urgent report, Commander Zhe has led the elite troops of the Northeast General Garrison out of Gubeikou, pressing towards the Liao Kingdom's Western Capital Road from the flank. His aim is to tie down Xiao Guangzuo's rear and prevent him from reinforcing his troops southward. They have already penetrated over sixty li into Liao territory, and although they have not yet engaged the enemy, they have already completed a pincer movement on the flank!"

Zhao Zongshi slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, his eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight, his calm demeanor concealing a sharp edge capable of breaking through the impasse. He glanced sideways at the postscript to his half-finished "Returnee's Last Testament," the ink on the line "Planting the five grains, protecting loved ones, and bringing peace to all people" not yet completely dry.

Hidden close to his sleeve was a slightly yellowed, worn-out handwritten note. The paper had endured three years of sea voyages and the passage of time, and the edges were already soft—it was the only handwriting left by Master Huiming before his death.

As the autumn wind blew, the pages of the paper fluttered slightly. The peaceful family scene under the ginkgo tree made him understand even more the peace and tranquility that the people on the border year after year longed for.

"Someone, help me change my clothes." Zhao Zongshi's voice suddenly turned cold, the gentle and leisurely tone of dusk replaced by the cold and decisive tone of a crown prince. "Prepare the carriage, we're going to the palace."

The lights in the Chuigong Hall were bright and burned all night long.

Emperor Renzong of Song had already retired for the night, but upon receiving an urgent report from the Crown Prince, he immediately rose. His crown and robes were not yet properly adjusted; he wore only a black outer robe, and silver strands of his hair fell loose over his shoulders. He sat upright behind his desk, his brows revealing a cautiousness honed over the years. Empress Cao stood to one side, holding a lamp, her face calm, but her eyes betraying her deep worry.

Han Qi, Bao Zheng, Ouyang Xiu, Wen Yanbo, and other high-ranking officials all entered the palace that very night. They stood solemnly in the hall, no one uttering a word. The only sound in the entire hall was the crackling of the candlelight, adding to the oppressive atmosphere of an impending storm.

Zhao Zongshi stood below the imperial steps, his posture upright like a pine tree. His voice was steady and clear as he recounted in detail the battle situation: the Liao army's invasion of the border, the two commanders Yang and Zhe's campaign to defeat the enemy, the Liao army's main force not yet retreating, and the unresolved border threats. His account was clear and logical, and every word was true. After finishing his report, he bowed slightly, looked up at the gray-haired Emperor Renzong, and said in a deep voice, "Father, Yang Wenguang has already fought, and Zhe Kexing has already made his move. This battle, your son, is unwilling to end here."

Emperor Renzong lightly tapped his fingertips on the imperial desk, his brows slightly furrowed. Throughout his life, he upheld benevolent governance and valued peace and tranquility. After the Treaty of Chanyuan, the Song Dynasty enjoyed a century of peace. Although there were frictions with the Liao Dynasty, the primary focus was on harmony, and there was never a major initiative to launch a northern expedition or recover the Yan and Yun regions. The Crown Prince's words were by no means limited to border counterattacks, but rather aimed at ending the century-long north-south confrontation and recovering the lost territories of the Han people.

"Zongshi," Emperor Renzong's voice was hoarse and slow, "have you thought this through? Although the Liao Kingdom is gradually falling into internal strife and its military is exhausted, it is still a formidable enemy that has existed for a century. Once a full-scale war breaks out, millions of soldiers and civilians in the north and south will be drawn into the flames of war. If the war drags on and the borders are devastated, can you bear the consequences?"

The high-ranking officials in the hall displayed varying expressions, and none dared to speak rashly. Han Qi lowered his eyes in deep thought, Ouyang Xiu gazed at Zhao Zongshi's retreating figure, and Bao Zheng's lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to speak but hesitated. Zhao Zongshi, however, stepped forward half a step, calmly raised his hand, and unfurled a meticulously marked map of the entire Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, which he had personally revised over several years—mountains and passes, city defenses and granaries, military strongholds, waterways and local customs, all were included without omission.

"Father, I have been planning for three years, laying a solid foundation step by step, and have never dared to speak of war on impulse." He raised his eyes to meet Emperor Renzong's gaze, his clear, autumn-pool-like eyes revealing a confident determination. "In the Jingdong Circuit, land was surveyed and cleared, and the land was returned to the people. No powerful families hid their land, and no displaced people were left homeless. In many places in Huaibei, the trial planting of sweet potatoes and cotton was successful, and even barren land could yield a bumper harvest. New and improved plowshares were distributed to the six northern prefectures, doubling the efficiency of farming. The entire army underwent a reorganization and grand review, the new army's training was in place, and the firearms battalion was fully equipped. Its combat power is now vastly different from what it used to be."

He paused, his tone deepening, each word ringing with conviction, revealing Master Huiming's initial aspiration to cross the sea in search of seeds and to improve the lives of the people, transforming it into the confidence for the nation's northern expedition: "Furthermore, Master Huiming traveled 30,000 li westward across the sea, enduring countless hardships, and brought back various superior seeds such as corn, peanuts, and new peppers. Years of trial planting and simulations by the Shenji Pavilion's Agricultural Department have confirmed that these seeds, when planted in the barren soil of the north, can increase yields by 30% per mu, making barren fields arable and thin land abundant! Sufficient food ensures peace for the people, and peace for the people ensures a strong army. People say that Master Huiming traveled far across the sea in search of the path to immortality, but little do they know that while he failed to find immortality, he found 'longevity food' for the people of the Song Dynasty—food to fill their stomachs and ensure their well-being. This enduring prosperity, the people's sustenance, and the perpetuation of our land—that is true immortality!"

The words were spoken, and the entire hall fell silent.

No one spoke of the perilous nature of war or the unsustainable plight of the people anymore. A single seed could save ten thousand lives; the peace and stability of the people could secure the nation. This was no longer a power struggle within the court or a display of military might by generals, but a war of certain victory to bring peace to the people and ensure a lasting foundation for future generations. These heartfelt words quietly took root in the hearts of everyone in the palace, and would later spread throughout the army and among the people, becoming a resounding motto that united the court and inspired the soldiers.

"The Ministry of Revenue's autumn grain reserves this year have increased by 17% compared to last year, and the Taicang granary is overflowing with grain, enough to support the three armies' campaigns for half a year," Zhao Zongshi continued, his voice full of confidence. "In the past, the Song Dynasty's northern expeditions were merely empty slogans, lacking a solid foundation. They were nothing more than empty boasts and empty rhetoric. Now, we have a guaranteed supply of grain from newly planted crops, abundant surplus grain in the granaries, a reformed and powerful army equipped with firearms and sharp blades, and loyal and brave generals with battle-hardened troops. We have the right timing, the right place, and the right people—everything is in place. I am entering the palace today not out of a sense of impulsiveness, but to act in accordance with the times and to fight for the people!"

After a moment of silence, Han Qi stepped forward first, bowed, and said in a deep, resonant voice, "Your Majesty, this old minister seconds your motion!"

This seasoned minister, who had served four emperors, was known for his composure, moderation, and lifelong caution in warfare. Today, his eyes brimmed with decades of suppressed melancholy and fervent passion: "In the second year of the Qingli reign, the envoys of Western Xia insulted our Great Song Dynasty and forced us to cede territory. I was in Yanzhou, and I personally witnessed this humiliation. I presented them with a letter seeking peace, the shame etched into my bones, a humiliation I have never forgotten day or night. Later, the Crown Prince personally led an expedition to the western frontier, pacifying Western Xia and stabilizing the Western Regions. I sat alone in my study, unable to sleep all night. My only wish in this life is to see the iron cavalry of the Great Song Dynasty once again trample across the northern frontier and recover our lost lands!"

He straightened his back slightly, and his aged voice suddenly rose, booming out: "Your Majesty! Western Xia is now pacified, the Western Regions are at peace, and the Liao emperor is indulging in hunting, his administration corrupt and decadent. This is the golden opportunity that Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong have dreamed of for a thousand years! If we do not seize Yan and Yun now, a hundred years from now, history will condemn us, either writing of Your Majesty's benevolent rule and love for the people, or writing of our Great Song destroying its own Great Wall and missing a golden opportunity!"

Ouyang Xiu followed closely behind, his expression solemn: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Han's words are all to the point. The Liao army invades our borders year after year, plundering the people and burning down granaries, treating the territory of the Great Song as nothing and the people of the Central Plains as mere weeds. If we remain patient and cease hostilities after this great victory, foreign nations will all say that the Great Song is weak and easily bullied, and the border troubles will never end! I request permission to fight, to seize the opportunity to launch a northern expedition, to recover Yan and Yun in one fell swoop, and to forever eliminate the northern threat!"

Bao Zheng stepped forward, cupped his hands, and spoke in a clear, resounding voice that echoed throughout the hall: "Your Majesty! I am in charge of criminal justice, and though I am not skilled in warfare, I understand the will of the people and the principles of justice! The people on the border pay taxes and perform military service every year, guarding the territory of the Great Song Dynasty and ensuring the safety of the ancestral temples in Bianjing. The Liao people slaughter the border people and plunder their livelihoods; old grievances have not been resolved, and new hatreds have arisen. Now, the Crown Prince has devoted himself to farming for several years, training troops, storing grain, and introducing crops to enrich the people, giving the Great Song Dynasty the strength to seek justice for its people! I implore Your Majesty to grant permission for a northern expedition and restore peace to the people on the border!"

One after another, high-ranking civil and military officials stepped forward to second the motion; no one flinched or hesitated. The entire hall was filled with a sincere heart devoted to serving the country and a determination to recover lost territory.

Emperor Renzong gazed at the group of ministers he had personally promoted and who had served him for decades, and at the long-lost fervor and unwavering confidence in their eyes. The forbearance, concessions, and cautious approach to peace that had gripped his heart for half his life began to soften. He turned to look at Empress Cao, who nodded slightly, her silence conveying a confidence that spoke volumes.

After a long while, Emperor Renzong took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and pondered. When he opened his eyes again, all the hesitation and timidity he had carried for half his life had faded away, replaced by the sharp and resolute look of an emperor determined to defend the land, protect the people, and expand the territory.

"Zhao Zongshi, heed the imperial decree!"