The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

Di Qing then pointed southwest:

"The Dali Kingdom in the southwest appears submissive, but in reality, it is two-faced. The various Tibetan tribes are constantly fighting amongst themselves, but there are also those who covet the Hexi Corridor."

He withdrew his gaze and looked at Wang Zhonghua, his tone even more somber:

"And in the court... alas."

This sigh was extremely long and deep.

"The overemphasis on civil officials and suppression of military officials has become a deeply entrenched problem. Border troops are frequently shortchanged on their provisions and pay, and generals are constantly in danger of being punished, living on thin ice. Capable and pragmatic officials like Fan Zhongyan, Yang Yanzhao, and Yao Ye are relegated to remote prefectures and counties because they refuse to compromise their integrity, and some even die of depression. If this continues, it will not be a blessing for the country."

Wang Zhonghua remained silent.

As a time traveler, he knew that what Di Qing said was true. The "emphasizing civil affairs and suppressing military affairs" national policy established at the beginning of the Song Dynasty had become deeply entrenched and difficult to reverse by the time of Emperor Renzong. The greater the military achievements of a general, the deeper the suspicion in the court became. The tattoo on Di Qing's face, originally a military insignia, became a handle for the civil officials in the court to attack him—"The general with the tattoo on his face, his heart is despicable."

ridiculous.

sad.

It is truly lamentable.

Di Qing suddenly stopped, leaning against the wall, and looked towards the vast northern horizon. The wind and snow had stopped, and a sliver of dawn was visible on the horizon, but the light shining on his face revealed an indescribable desolation.

He slowly began to speak, reciting the lines of a poem that were widely circulated among the border soldiers:

"The scenery beyond the Great Wall is unique in autumn."

The wild geese fly south from Hengyang without a backward glance.

The sounds of war horns rose from all sides.

Amidst a thousand peaks,

Long trails of smoke rise as the sun sets, and the lonely city is closed.

A cup of turbid wine, ten thousand miles from home.

There is no plan to return home before the Yanran Mountains are inscribed.

The mournful sound of the Qiang flute drifts across the frosty ground.

Sleepless nights, the general's white hair, the soldier's tears...

He paused, his voice becoming slightly hoarse:

"Alas, Fan Zhongyan's poem perfectly captures the bitterness of countless soldiers guarding the frontiers of our Great Song Dynasty!"

Looking at the general with the masked face who was decisive on the battlefield and terrified the enemy, Wang Zhonghua now revealed a deep sense of loneliness and helplessness.

Di Qing turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Wang Zhonghua. His eyes, weathered by life's hardships, held both expectation and weariness.

"Brother Wang, do you know that I have 30,000 elite troops under my command, yet even the winter clothing and provisions for these tens of thousands of men have to be raised by me selling my property and scrambling around? Those scholars of the Hanlin Academy can argue for three days and three nights, spending thousands of gold coins, over a beautifully written congratulatory memorial. Military officers bleed on the front lines, while civil officials suffer on the inside... Obstruction, exclusion, impeachment, and malicious slander—all sorts of tricks are more chilling than the clash of swords on the battlefield."

His voice gradually lowered, finally turning into a long sigh:

"I am not a power-hungry man; I only wish to guard this gate for the country and protect the people of this region. But in the eyes of those learned officials, this armor and these honors are nothing more than 'reckless courage' and 'seeking credit and rewards.' Ha..."

This sigh fully expressed all the frustration and resentment of military officers under the rule of civil officials.

Wang Zhonghua listened quietly, gaining a deeper understanding of this era. He could sense the sincerity and anguish in Di Qing's words. This was a general who truly cared for his country and people, yet he was bound by the shackles of this era, which was the Song Dynasty but not the true Song Dynasty in history, a time that was neither fully Ming nor fully Ming.

Di Qing composed himself and looked at Wang Zhonghua again, his eyes burning with even more fervor: "Brother Wang, you possess extraordinary talent, a meticulous mind, and, more importantly, a strong sense of responsibility and quick wit. Whether it's the 'Drunken Eight Immortals,' the 'Hidden Arrow,' or the three strategies you proposed to Yao Ye, you are no ordinary person. Now that the nation is in dire need of capable individuals, would you be willing to come with me to Zhanghua Terrace? Serving as my advisor and advising on military affairs, you might one day achieve a high position, secure a good reputation for your family, and leave your mark on history!"

This was a direct recruitment, reflecting Di Qing's great appreciation and expectations, and could even be described as a heartfelt entrustment.

Wang Zhonghua was startled. Di Qing's invitation was a shortcut to power and a larger stage. But countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant: court infighting, the risks of being a border general, the threat of one's own merit to the emperor... Di Qing himself was a living example. More importantly, his modern soul instinctively distanced itself from and was wary of "imperial power" and "loyalty."

He took a deep breath, bowed deeply to Di Qing, and said respectfully and sincerely, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, General! I admire your determination to protect the borders and the people. However, I come from humble origins and am not yet twenty years old. I have no experience in matters of state and military affairs, and I am afraid I am not up to the task. Moreover, my parents are still alive and my family is newly settled, so it is difficult for me to leave home."

He raised his head, his eyes clear and resolute: "However, I will keep in mind what you said about the state of the world. Although I dare not presume to give orders to the court, if the country is ever in trouble and you summon me, I will certainly not refuse. I will devote all my wealth and do everything in my power to help you and protect this land!"

This was his bottom line after careful consideration—to serve, not to obey orders. His first priority was protecting the people he cared about, the "little family" he had just built up. Patriotism requires time and experience to cultivate; it cannot be achieved overnight.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Di Qing's eyes, but seeing Wang Zhonghua's honest and resolute gaze, he knew he wasn't making empty excuses, but rather had his own principles and concerns. He sighed, not pressing the matter further, and patted Wang Zhonghua's shoulder with his large hand: "Everyone has their own ambitions, and I cannot force anyone. Since you have this intention, I am also gratified. However..."

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze sharp as a knife: "Your 'serving without expecting service' theory is quite interesting. I'd like to see what kind of success your Three Righteous Men's Stronghold can achieve in this chaotic world. Boy, don't disappoint me!"

Wang Zhonghua felt the strength from the large hand on his shoulder, knowing that Di Qing had genuinely accepted his choice. He felt a sense of relief and smiled, "General, rest assured. Though I am not talented, I dare to say 'Try it if you don't believe me.' Three years! Within three years, I will make Chenzhou the strongest bulwark for the border army, ensuring your safety and security!"

"Good!" Di Qing laughed loudly, his voice echoing through the walls. "I love your wild spirit! With that kind of drive, what can't we accomplish?"

Wang Zhonghua then changed the subject solemnly, saying, "General, although I am of limited talent and learning and unlikely to join your staff, I would like to recommend someone to you. This person is brave, loyal, and upright, a natural-born general. If he can receive your guidance, given time, he will surely become a pillar of the nation!"

"Oh? Who is it?" Di Qing's interest was piqued, and he raised a thick eyebrow.

"That's Qin Tiedan!" Wang Zhonghua pointed to the burly figure below, still exuding a murderous aura, who was helping to move the bandit corpses. "Brother Tiedan is born with superhuman strength and unparalleled bravery. What's even more precious is his pure heart and simple passion for protecting his country. General, you must have witnessed his bravery on the battlefield today. I believe that letting him follow the General and train in the army will allow him to better utilize his talents and realize his value than staying cooped up in this small Sanyi Village! Let him use his strength in real national warfare, not in rural brawls. This is the true meaning of 'to truly understand something, one must practice it'—good steel should be used on the blade!"

Di Qing's gaze fell on Qin Tiedan, recalling his ferocious display of power today, moving through the enemy ranks as if they were nothing. The massive iron cudgel he wielded was like a demon descending to earth, unstoppable. A glint flashed in his eyes; this was indeed an unpolished gem, a treasure capable of unleashing bloodshed on the battlefield and striking fear into the hearts of the enemy!

The slight disappointment he felt at Wang Zhonghua's rejection was instantly washed away by the joy of gaining a valiant general. Di Qing clapped his hands and laughed loudly, "Excellent! This lad is indeed a promising talent! I've been lacking a vanguard capable of charging into battle and slaying enemy generals! I'll remember Brother Wang's recommendation! But remember this: 'Beware of Chen Shimei!'"

Wang Zhonghua bowed deeply, a great weight lifted from his heart: "Thank you for your guidance, General! It is Tie Dan's good fortune to follow you, and also the boy's own selfish desire." He knew that Qin Tie Dan's path lay on the battlefield, and following Di Qing, though risky, was the most suitable and fastest path for him to grow. This was not only for Tie Dan's future, but also to ensure that he himself would have more solid support in the future.

Wang Zhonghua pointed to the busy crowd below the wall, to the village militia bandaging their wounds, to Qin Tiedan eating meat with gusto, and to Qin Tiehua gripping "Jinghong" tightly once more.

"These people survived today because the general has arrived."

Di Qing remained silent.

"But their survival tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and every day thereafter, cannot depend solely on the general," Wang Zhonghua continued. "It depends on themselves."

A glint of light flashed in Di Qing's eyes: "What do you mean?"