Chapter 234

Zhang Xian and Tian Shizhong each led the Beiwei Army detachments of Yue Fei and Zhang Jun along the small path from the Southern Luo River, truly shaking the entirety of Chang'an.

The troops were not many—combined, the two forces amounted to no more than six or seven thousand—and they could not be too many, otherwise the eastern front would risk being crippled, and it would be hard to avoid drawing the attention of the Jin army facing them across the river, let alone the fact that Yue Fei was also preparing to cross the river directly to Xiangzhou in the coming days.

But regardless, the significance of these two units appearing in Chang'an was self-evident.

First, at this sensitive moment, when everyone was settling accounts for the "showdown," every increase or decrease in troops on either side would tilt the strategic balance, and these six or seven thousand men were already enough to make many people mentally add weight to a certain trend.

Second, the name "Beiwei Army" itself originated from the Western Xia, was widespread among the Western Army, and was only popularized in the Central Plains by Han Shizhong during the reorganization of the Imperial Guard forces. So here in Guanxi, almost everyone understood the combat capability and political implications of these two units, as well as the political declaration their presence represented—this was the absolute obedience and support of two Military Governors, Yue Fei and Zhang Jun, to His Majesty.

And finally, everyone had to reassess and speculate about the young His Majesty holed up in the Chancellery Mansion.

After all, for most of the Western Army commanders, before this meeting in Chang'an, His Majesty Zhao had always been a political symbol existing in legend, and the true attitude of these people toward His Majesty could be glimpsed from Qu Duan's earlier behavior. Now, His Majesty had demonstrated his authority in a straightforward manner.

At the same time, although His Majesty Zhao had responded strategically by entrusting his heir and traveling incognito to Chang'an, he had maintained a strange balance regarding Guanxi—whether to defend passively or attack actively. When everyone said to defend, he asked if they could attack and how many troops an attack would need. When most tried to attack, he began suppressing the voices for battle.

But compared to his statements, one had to look at what His Majesty had actually done. With the increasing troops within Chang'an and the arrival of the two Beiwei Army units today, there was no doubt that everyone had a new assessment of His Majesty's resolve in this campaign.

In early May, the summer heat grew daily, and within Chang'an, a similar restlessness arose with the lingering heat, because after the Dragon Boat Festival, military intelligence came thick and fast, and people's hearts could not remain steady.

"According to the reports from Qu Duan and Wu Lin, Wu Lin found four to five thousand men in the Huan and Qing prefectures, and Qu Duan found ten thousand men in the Jingyuan Circuit... but where did so many troops come from?" On the evening of the seventh day of the fifth month, Zhao Jiu looked at the urgent report delivered to him and frowned in question. "The three circuits of northern Shaanxi are so poor, with such a small population, having lost so many battles and so many people—how can they still scrape together troops? And if they were recruited temporarily, how can they be combat-ready?"

"Your subject ventures to guess that if it's four to five thousand, they are undoubtedly fortress garrison troops."

Liu Xi, the recently much more active Commander-in-Chief of the Three Western Circuits, quickly rose to answer earnestly. "Since the rise of the Western Xia, our dynasty, because the Western Xia is separated by the great desert and raids without restraint, has built many fortresses along the border as a strategy for advance and defense. Among these, the Huanqing Circuit and Jingyuan Circuit have the most military stockades and fortress cities... As far as Your subject knows, when Qu Duan went to face the enemy in the Yanfu Circuit, he left Zhang Zhongfu in charge of the Jingyuan Circuit stockades and Zhang Zhongyan in charge of the Huanqing Circuit border stockades. These should be those troops. In fact, even after the rebel Wang Xie was executed, Chancellor Yuwen also transferred many city and stockade lords to fill officer positions, such as the Qin-Feng Circuit Military Supervisor Murong Wei, the Xingyuan Prefecture Military Supervisor Zhang Zhong, Your subject's subordinate Military Supervisor Li Yanqi, the general Qiao Ze, and the Imperial Guard Central Army Commanders Qiao Zhongfu and Zhang Jing—all of them were originally from these two circuits' border cities."

Zhao Jiu had already realized the truth halfway through the speech... Historically, the fortresses on the Song-Western Xia border were quite famous, mainly because most of the wars between Song and Western Xia occurred during the reigns of Emperor Renzong and Emperor Shenzong, and there were no shortage of famous historical figures from those two eras. But setting that aside, Liu Xi's rambling made the point clear: Qu Duan and Wu Lin had stripped the border defenses bare.

This was certainly a very feasible approach. Not to mention that the Western Xia, if they had any sense, wouldn't help the stronger Jurchens at this time; even if they did, there was no way to worry about everything.

The priorities were too obvious.

"What is the relationship between Qiao Ze and Qiao Zhongfu?" Zhao Jiu asked a strange question casually as he listened.

"They are uncle and nephew from the same clan," Liu Xi quickly replied.

"You said the four to five thousand are probably fortress garrison troops. Where did Qu Duan's ten thousand come from?" Zhao Jiu pressed on without pause.

"Your subject ventures again—the remaining few thousand are probably tribal troops," Liu Xi said. As a scion of a Western Army military family, he knew the military affairs of Guanxi like the back of his hand.

"Tribal troops?" Zhao Jiu mused. "Tibetans or Tanguts?"

"If it were Your subject's stationed Xihe Circuit, there would naturally be more Tibetans, but in the Huanqing and Jingyuan circuits, it's naturally Tanguts." Saying this, Liu Xi glanced at his direct superior Zhang Jun, who had remained silent, and carefully chose his words before continuing. "To be honest with Your Majesty, the Tibetans are wild and hard to tame, and the Qingtang region to the west is vast and sparsely populated, making them difficult to control. So trade is easy, but recruitment is hard. As for the northern parts of the Huanqing, Yanfu, and Jingyuan circuits, because of the long war with the Western Xia, Tangut tribes live among them, some belonging to the Western Xia, some to our Great Song, making it hard for them to waver. Therefore, the tribal troops there mostly admire our civilizing influence. And Grand Coordinator Qu has managed that area for twenty years, gaining considerable prestige. It's normal for him to go to the Hengshan range and find some tribal groups to settle... This is a very good thing, truly a wise decision by Your Majesty earlier."

Zhao Jiu nodded... not in agreement with the "wise decision," but in recognition of the explanation about the tribal troops. He had just remembered that the current commander of the Imperial Guard Rear Army, the old Senior General Yang Weizhong, who was rushing north, was said to be of tribal origin from the Huanqing Circuit border, having only changed to a Han name.

How to put it? From this perspective, the Great Song still had war potential, provided you did your utmost to squeeze out these last reserves.

"Your Majesty," seeing Zhao Jiu only asking about trivial details, Zhang Jun couldn't hold back. "Your Majesty has been gathering elite troops from various units along the way, combining them. Together with the Imperial Guard, you have already assembled six thousand. Now, with the arrival of the two Beiwei Army units, the elite within Chang'an has reached twelve thousand—troops comparable to the Jurchens. Add Qu Duan's ten thousand, and you can also have Wu Lin replace Wu Jie to defend Fangzhou, letting Wu Jie come south—that's another four to five thousand. Here in Guanxi, a hundred thousand men far exceeds the enemy!"

"So we should go out and fight in the field?" Zhao Jiu looked at Zhang Jun, his expression still unreadable.

"Yes!" Under the lamplight, Zhang Jun stood up and spoke earnestly. "Your subject believes we can fight, and we should fight. Moreover, as the Transport Commissioner of the Bashu Five Circuits, I must remind Your Majesty that gathering troops takes time, logistical transfers take time, and the opportunity for battle is fleeting... Qu Duan and Wu Lin's report now is not only a routine daily report after contact but also a request for instructions. If Your Majesty wants them to gather the army southward, you must decide quickly."

"Your subject agrees with Transport Commissioner Zhang's analysis," Liu Ziyu also stood up resolutely before Zhao Jiu could speak. "Qu Duan and Wu Lin's move is precisely to ask Your Majesty how to deploy troops, and Your Majesty should decide quickly. But Your subject believes that Your Majesty should issue an edict for them to follow the Northern Luo River east from Bao'an Army (modern Zhidan County), exit through the Diaoyin Mountain Pass, and aim to harass the rear of Wanyan Loushi's army!"

The two had clear positions, and Zhao Jiu did not immediately respond.

"Your Majesty," at this moment, Imperial Guard Commander-in-Chief Wang Yuan also took the opportunity to speak. "Your subject believes that now is the time to strike. Yesterday, Deputy Commander Wang reported that Wanyan Loushi led his main army across the Baishui River on the Dragon Boat Festival but stopped to camp by a lake between Pucheng and Meiyuan, apparently fearing the heat and seeking lakeside shelter from the summer. If we catch the enemy off guard, while they are separated from the Hounü division, and quickly surround them, we can bottle up the Jin army by the lake!"

"I only think the Jin army isn't just avoiding the heat; it seems more like they are luring us," Liu Ziyu repeated his stance from the previous day without hesitation.

"So what if they are luring us?" Wang Yuan immediately retorted. "How could the Jin army have calculated that we have so many troops? They have only thirty thousand men, with only twenty thousand true barbarians. We can combine a hundred thousand and break them in one battle. As for harassing Wanyan Loushi's rear, it's already useless. Danzhou has been taken by Hounü, and Longmen Ferry, isolated north of Liangshan, is like the already fallen Baishui City—actually very hard to defend. If the Northern Luo River route is cut off, Wanyan Loushi can easily take the Longmen Ferry further upstream as a supply route. Besides, given Wanyan Loushi's talent, harassing his rear might not succeed."

Liu Ziyu did not hesitate and immediately refuted: "If harassing the rear won't work, will swallowing the vanguard work?"

At this point, Liu Ziyu again clasped his hands to His Majesty Zhao: "Your Majesty, do not forget what Qu Duan said before he left. Sending him north at that time was precisely to have him harass Wanyan Loushi's rear."

"At that time, who could have imagined Wu Jie would be so useful?" Wang Yuan was also blunt. "Staff Officer Liu, the situation changes by the day. We must adapt. Stubbornly clinging to old plans may not be safe! We truly have the strength to fight now!"

Liu Ziyu was silent for a moment but soon shook his head: "The Jin army has come from afar and cannot hold out long. After the summer heat, with the autumn rains, they will surely retreat."

"How do you know they will surely retreat?" Wang Yuan, a veteran general with seniority, pressed hard. "What if they rest through this heat, then unhurriedly force back Han Liangchen from Tongzhou, gather the Hedong Jin army to break through the Wei River, then learn that Your Majesty is in Chang'an, and sacrifice a hundred thousand Jin lives to take Chang'an, cutting off the Great Song's future?! How do you know Wanyan Loushi is luring us? Do you know the Jin army cannot hold out? You say we are gambling. Is your stubborn defense, sitting by while the Jin army moves freely, not also gambling?"

Liu Ziyu's expression shifted slightly, but he still slowly shook his head: "The true situation of the Jin army and Wanyan Loushi's intentions—neither you nor I truly know. We are all just guessing... Arguing on this basis, I cannot convince Commander Wang, nor can Commander Wang convince me."

"So, regardless, you still disagree with going out to fight?" Wang Yuan asked coldly.

"Indeed," Liu Ziyu shook his head, his previously tense body seeming to relax suddenly. Then he raised his head again, turned to survey the powerful civil and military officials of Chang'an who had come to hear the daily report, and finally turned back to Zhao Jiu. He clasped his hands in salute and spoke solemnly: "Your Majesty, as the Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs' Office of Operations and in charge of the Topography Bureau, entrusted with advising Your Majesty on military matters, I must do my utmost. What I think is simply the four words: hold fast and do not sally forth. Your Majesty commands the hundred officials and the myriad people, and you may have your own decision. But regardless, I must honestly present my opinion—that is all!"

Zhao Jiu nodded slightly and was about to speak.

At this moment, Liu Qi, who had rarely spoken for a long time because his brother was also seated, suddenly stood up: "Your Majesty, I have a word that might resolve the current dilemma."

"Speak," Zhao Jiu raised his hand toward him.

"Let Grand Coordinator Qu and Military Supervisor Wu (Wu Lin) temporarily gather at Ningzhou, then cross the Ziwu Mountains, pass through the Jushui River, exit at Fangzhou, and join forces with Grand Coordinator Wu (Wu Jie). This way, if Your Majesty ever decides to send the main army to fight in the field by the Baihe River, they can support from the south of Fangzhou. If Your Majesty wants to harass the enemy's rear, they can also combine forces and attack the Jin army's main camp at the mouth of the Northern Luo River... Even Hounü's hold on Danzhou will become precarious, and Wanyan Loushi will have to retreat," Liu Qi spoke slowly, offering a seemingly decent purely military opinion. "And Your Majesty can also take this opportunity to issue an edict asking Grand Coordinator Qu and Grand Coordinator Wu about the matter of fighting or defending."

Now, Zhao Jiu and everyone in the hall heard clearly and naturally understood the true intent of Liu Qi's strategy... to continue muddling through by delaying the order to Qu Duan.

Of course, for the politically astute animals in the hall, Liu Qi's muddling might also involve a layer of consideration regarding the command position.

Whether it was the rumor that His Majesty Zhao would personally go to the front once he decided to fight, or that Yuwen Xuzhong would be the commander-in-chief, regardless, just as at Yanyang where Yue Fei had to act as the de facto commander, the front always needed a military commander to actually take charge. The importance of this command position needed no elaboration; a single successful battle could earn someone the title of Military Governor.

So, with Han Shizhong unable to easily leave Tongzhou, Liu Qi's elder brother Liu Xi, Qu Duan, and Wang Yuan were the three theoretical candidates for actual commander... Today, Wang Yuan had performed prominently, almost overwhelming the sole opposition Liu Ziyu. As Liu Xi's younger brother, sending Qu Duan south at this moment naturally invited speculation.

However, such unseemly matters, apart from Liu Ziyu who would usually not mince words, no one would directly point out. Moreover, a muddling tactic was indeed needed at this time. And Liu Qi's idea was, from a military perspective, a good one. So even Liu Ziyu unexpectedly said nothing, and Zhao Jiu immediately followed the advice, having Academician Xiao write several "Chancellery Orders" on the spot for Qu Duan and the Wu brothers.

Just as Academician Xiao was writing nonstop and the "Daily Report Military Council" continued, a sudden commotion arose outside the hall.

No one paid much attention, apparently already used to it.

After all, it was quite late. With troops gathered inside and outside Chang'an and tight security, a curfew was in place at night. A commotion at this time could only mean urgent military intelligence had arrived. In fact, similar situations had occurred many times before, such as after the Dragon Boat Festival when the main Jin army left Baishui City and crossed the Lesser Baishui River southward, prompting front-line officers to rush in with messages.

Therefore, everyone fell silent. Except for Academician Xiao, who continued writing, they all waited for Yang Yizhong to go out and personally handle the documents.

Moments later, Yang Yizhong hurried back, indeed carrying a document. Zhao Jiu took it, opened it, and upon reading, his heart stirred, but he then laughed out loud and spoke directly:

"Does anyone here know Li Yongqi?"

Many in the hall exchanged glances, and then almost everyone with a Western Army background—from the Liu Xi and Liu Qi brothers, to Tian Shizhong sitting by the door, to Yang Yizhong standing beside Zhao Jiu—almost simultaneously clasped their hands and spoke up.

Even Yuwen Xuzhong stroked his beard and responded: "Your subject also knows this man. He is from the Suide Army, a local Tangut chieftain. When Wanyan Loushi occupied Yan'an last time, his entire clan was cut off behind enemy lines, so he led his followers to defect to the Western Xia. Because he was from a famous Tangut clan, he was heavily favored. Wanyan Loushi, due to the ambiguous relationship between Wanyan Zonghan and the Western Xia, did not pursue the matter. However, shortly after, Li Yongqi sent someone with a wax-sealed silk message to Your subject, saying he still cared for the state, but fearing that because His Majesty had issued an edict forbidding surrender to the Jin, he would be unable to meet with you in the future, so he imitated Huang Quan's surrender to Wei... Your subject previously tried to get the Western Xia to send troops through him, but the Western Xia did not agree."

Zhao Jiu nodded slightly, had Yang Yizhong pass the document to Yuwen Xuzhong, who sat in the first seat on the left, and then spoke with emotion:

"The Western Xia didn't agree, so he took it upon himself to agree. Hu Yin's urgent report is here, saying that when Li Yongqi saw the Western Xia had no intention of attacking the Jin, he simply forged an order from the Western Xia ruler, took over four thousand warhorses from the area, led his own two thousand followers, and then went west along the Hengshan range, circling south. Along the way, they spent all their family wealth, recruiting Hengshan tribal troops while fending off pursuers. By the time they reached Qingzhou and were taken in by Wu Lin's unit, their force had grown to a full four thousand, all cavalry... What do you all think? Can this man be trusted?"

The entire hall fell silent.

On one hand, shock; on the other, suspicion.

The shock was understandable—this kind of story of a circuitous return to one's homeland was almost a trope from the history books, and happening to someone you knew felt absurd and hard to believe. The suspicion was also understandable—a Tangut man who had surrendered to Western Xia and once owed his life to Loushi's mercy, suddenly turning back at such a critical juncture—what if he was a spy? Who would bear the responsibility?

In fact, Li Yanxian had done something similar back in Shanzhou. When Loushi was sweeping through Shanzhou, he had some Song troops who were preparing to join him in mountain guerrilla warfare pretend to surrender to the Jin. Those men then became part of the Shanzhou garrison. The result was that as soon as Loushi turned toward Guanxi, Li Yanxian took the city with the help of his inside agents.

So if this Li Yongqi was a spy planted by Loushi, who would be responsible?

But if not, then the math problem of the decisive battle between Song and Jin in Guanxi could be recalculated.

"Your servant believes he can be trusted," Liu Ziyu said after a long moment, being the first to vouch for him. "And at a time like this, when we need men, we should reward him generously and use him boldly, to show that we value talent."

"Why are you so certain, Yanxiu?" Zhang Jun asked his close friend seriously.

"Two reasons," Liu Ziyu replied gravely. "First, back then, when the Jin army subdued Zhe Keqiu, they intended to set up a vassal state in Guanxi. That was why Zhe Keqiu was allowed to keep his military authority over three prefectures. It was only later, after the Battle of Yanling, when Talan fled north, that they established the puppet Qi instead... Let me ask you: given the situation at that time, if Li Yongqi truly intended to surrender to the Jin, the Jin could have given him the entire Suide Army without any trouble. Why would he take his whole family north into Western Xia? And was Loushi a prophet? Could he have foreseen the defeat at Yanling and the failure of the last major invasion back then?"

This analysis was logical and convincing. In fact, from a rational standpoint, Zhao Jiu and many others present were already convinced.

But Liu Ziyu did not stop because the others nodded in agreement. Instead, he continued, speaking with some difficulty: "Second, the Li father and son's actions may seem shocking, but is the world truly without loyal ministers and good generals who wish to serve their country? Consider Ma Kuo—his father and he were imprisoned, but the Jin released him, and he was on good terms with Jin nobles. He could have enjoyed wealth and honor and lived in peace, yet he abandoned his family and took to Mount Wuma to resist the Jin. For five or six years, his loyalty never wavered... Compared to him, isn't what the Li father and son did quite ordinary? Besides, from ancient times, the hardest thing has been to face death. Compared to those who died for their country at Jingkang, those who died in the battle of Taiyuan, those who died on the Huai River, those who died at Baihe in Nanyang, and those who died beneath the walls of Yanling, what is there to be shocked or doubtful about in the Li father and son's actions?"

Zhang Jun seemed about to speak but stopped. Many of the civil and military officials in the hall who had experienced those events also looked solemn. Even the Guanxi generals fell silent.

Even Zhao Jiu, staring at Liu Ziyu, nodded slowly and said:

"Then let it be so. Have Li Yongqi move with Wu Lin. Lin Qing, add an edict: promote Li Yongqi three grades from his current military rank, appoint him as a Commander, and make him the Prefect of Bao'an Army."

Naturally, no one objected, and Academician Lin continued writing without pause... To minimize the risk of exposing the fact that the Emperor had come to Chang'an in person, no court diarist attended meetings of this level, so Academician Lin had to handle everything himself.

Still, hard work aside, after Wu Jie's great victory, the news from all sides had been mostly good. The intense sense of tragic heroism that had gripped everyone at the start—born from the Emperor's entrustment of his orphan—and the fear caused by the Jin army's overwhelming pressure, had gradually faded.

In short, no matter what, compared to the original pessimistic outlook, the situation was improving. Otherwise, most people wouldn't have gradually leaned toward sending out troops, leaving only Liu Ziyu, a key minister, still insisting on a conservative strategy.

And in this atmosphere, everyone gradually realized that the Emperor's attitude would be the final decision. A few even came to understand that the Emperor had already made up his mind and was only waiting for something beyond the two Beiwei Armies.

And before that, getting the Emperor to state his final position seemed very difficult.

Of course, a few people in the hall that day understood what the Emperor was waiting for. Yang Yizhong and Zhang Xian, who had just arrived, both knew that the Emperor was waiting for the results of Yue Fei's river crossing. Zhang Xian even knew that his elder brother had planned to cross the river in these few days.

"What is it today?" Just as everyone was about to end this unremarkable "daily military council," another commotion arose from the viceroy's residence. Yang Yizhong went out again to handle it. Seeing this, Minister Yuwen smiled first. "Could it be that a few thousand more troops have appeared somewhere?"

Before the others could force a smile, they saw Yang Yizhong hurry back with a sweat-stained document, and they all fell silent in anticipation.

This time, under everyone's gaze, Zhao Jiu took the letter, opened it, and his expression changed after just one look. By the time his face returned to normal and he tried to adjust his posture to read more carefully under the lamp, the letter slipped from his hand and fell to the floor.

The thin sheet of paper fluttered slightly in midair, drifting to one side. Zhang Jun, quicker than Yang Yizhong, picked it up, glanced at it, and his face also changed color instantly.

The assembled civil and military officials, already unsettled by the Emperor's barely concealed reaction, grew even more panicked at Zhang Jun's loss of composure.

"I lost my composure," Zhao Jiu said with a sigh, beating Zhang Jun to speak. "I should have expected it... To be honest with you all, this is an urgent report from Li Yanxian. Pinglu fell today."

The officials in the hall sighed in unison but also felt a sense of release:

The fall of Pinglu meant that the Song army's last major stronghold north of the Yellow River was gone. It also meant that the main Jin force of over a hundred thousand men in Hedong had completely cleared the path behind them and could soon advance westward. Since ancient times, advancing from Hedong into Guanzhong had been unstoppable; Han Shizhong could only delay them for a while.

Still, the fall of Pinglu had been expected. The only surprise was that the Hedong side, which had been holding back, suddenly struck and broke through in one battle, forcing everyone to take the Third Prince, Wolibu, seriously.

Yang Yizhong took the letter from the silent Zhang Jun and carefully returned it to the Emperor, whose breathing had gradually steadied. The latter took the letter, crumpled it casually without looking again, and simply shook his head repeatedly, clearly unwilling to accept it:

"I thought Pinglu could hold out a few more days... Now that Pinglu has fallen, the Hedong army can cross the river in force at any time. We have to make plans early... And Loushi, looking at it now, seems to be waiting for reinforcements. If we delay any longer, things will indeed change."

Everyone's hearts stirred. Many wanted to take the opportunity to speak, and Liu Ziyu was about to say something, but as if by some strange impulse, he first looked at Zhang Jun. Zhang Deyuan, however, just sat back in his seat in a daze. This made Liu Yanxiu freeze for a moment, then fall into thought.

"Enough!" At that moment, the Emperor, clearly losing patience, raised his hand and waved for everyone to disperse. "That's all for today... Lin Qing, bring the edict for me to see! Zhengfu (Yang Yizhong), go find the messenger and have him rest well. Don't let news of the defeat at the front spread."

The defeat at the front had put the Emperor in a bad mood. The officials had no choice but to take their leave, and Yang Yizhong went out early to find the messenger.

However, after everyone had dispersed and Academician Lin approached with the edict, Zhao Jiu's expression unchanged, he said something startling: "Lin Qing, tear up that edict and write several new ones. Order Hu Yantong, stationed at Wei Bridge, to march south to Lantian overnight! Also, send an edict to Li Yanxian, telling him I know Pinglu has fallen and to handle things himself, but from now on, he must be more careful in his reports to Guanxi!"

Lin Jing said nothing, tore up the paper on the spot, and sat back down to write the new edicts. Meanwhile, Yang Yizhong returned quickly.

"Wait a quarter of an hour, then summon Minister Yuwen and Zhang Xian back. If anyone who left earlier comes back, let them in directly without making a fuss. Also, send a reliable officer to Lantian to find Hu Yantong, have him take over all documents from Guandong there, and forward them here." Zhao Jiu's blunt orders startled Yang Yizhong so much that he didn't dare respond and simply turned and left.

And so, Zhao Jiu sat in silence for a while. Sure enough, someone hurried back—it was Zhang Jun, the Transport Commissioner of the Five Circuits of Bashu, who had inadvertently glimpsed the letter's contents earlier.

"Your Majesty, what is to be done?" Zhang Jun asked, still flustered, as he re-entered the hall.

"This demeanor of yours will only invite ridicule," Zhao Jiu said sternly. "Old Su said, 'When Mount Tai collapses before you, your color does not change; when an elk appears beside you, your eyes do not blink.' Almost no one can achieve this, but as a minister of state, a moment of panic upon first hearing the news is forgivable. But now that the deed is done, why are you still flustered? If the officers below see you like this, they will be even more at a loss."

Zhang Jun's face flushed red. He forced himself to compose himself, took several deep breaths, and then bowed in the now-empty hall: "Your Majesty, may I ask how we should respond? Your servant will not shrink from a thousand deaths!"

"I don't need you to not shrink from a thousand deaths," Zhao Jiu shook his head. "As for how to respond, I need to confirm one more thing before I can tell you."

Zhang Jun was momentarily taken aback and puzzled. Just as he was about to ask further, he heard a slight commotion behind him. Turning around, he saw Yang Yizhong leading his friend Liu Ziyu back.

"Your Majesty!" Liu Ziyu bowed as soon as he entered. "Your servant and Deyuan have long been friends. I saw him lose his composure earlier and have some guesses. I beg Your Majesty to tell me directly—what is the military situation?"

"Wait for Minister Yuwen and Zhang Xian," Zhao Jiu shook his head again.

Liu Ziyu had no choice but to exchange glances with Zhang Jun and force himself to wait.

But just as the two were about to sit down, Yang Yizhong led a third person in—someone who truly surprised Zhao Jiu.

"Your Majesty!"

Liu Qi, the Grand Coordinator of Lizhou Circuit, knelt on one knee in the hall and performed a grand salute. "Your servant presumes... but if the situation is in any way unfavorable, as a military official, I am willing to die for the state and for Your Majesty!"

Having said this, without waiting for Zhao Jiu to respond, he rose, stepped back, and walked straight out of the hall... Clearly, he knew he had no need or qualification to participate in the final decision.

Seeing this, Zhao Jiu let out a rare sigh.

After waiting a little longer, Yang Yizhong finally brought back Yuwen Xuzhong and Zhang Xian.

"Zhang Xian," Zhao Jiu said bluntly. "I only ask you one thing, and answer as best you can. Do you think Yue Pengju has already crossed the river by now?"

At these words, everyone except Yang Yizhong, Academician Lin, and Zhang Xian himself changed color.

"To inform Your Majesty..." Zhang Xian took a deep breath and replied with some difficulty, clearly caught off guard by the abrupt question. "Your servant roughly estimates that he should have already crossed!"

"What makes you say that?" Zhao Jiu pressed.

"Your servant does not know the exact details, but before he set out, he mentioned that he planned to cross the river in early May..."

"In the memorial he sent me, he said the first ten days of May."

"That means he intended to fully cross the river and reach Xiangzhou within the first ten days of this month, and be ready to launch an attack," Zhang Xian said, suddenly brightening. "Because my elder brother... because Marshal Yue never wastes time, never does redundant things, and never speaks vaguely when it comes to military operations."

"But today is the seventh of May..." Zhao Jiu said, rubbing his forehead. "Tomorrow morning will only be the eighth."

"If I must say, he probably crossed on the fifth, the Dragon Boat Festival," Zhang Xian said helplessly. "But since Your Majesty is asking seriously, I can only offer a rough guess."

"Go now!" Zhao Jiu raised a hand in response. "Don't speak of today's matters to anyone else, and keep a low profile on the way back to camp."

Zhang Xian immediately understood and took his leave.

"Your Majesty!" Liu Ziyu said with extreme seriousness. "What exactly has happened? And what is this about Yue Fei's troops crossing the river?"

Zhao Jiu, who had not received a definite answer, held his forehead and remained motionless, not uttering a word.

Zhang Jun, who had gradually calmed down, rose helplessly and spoke a sentence to the bewildered Yuwen Xuzhong and the stern-faced Liu Ziyu:

"The Jin army did not capture Pinglu; they successfully made a stealth crossing at Changquan!"

"Where is Changquan?" Liu Ziyu didn't react for a moment.

"Northwest of Luoyang, south of Mount Wangwu, a ferry on the Yellow River." Yuwen Xuzhong, who had spent decades drifting between the two capitals, turned pale and blurted out. "Luoyang is in danger!"

Liu Ziyu's figure swayed, and he too became pallid. It was a long while before he spoke in a lost voice: "No wonder over a hundred thousand troops were massed in Hedong, yet they couldn't take Pinglu in one go, nor did they send a large force across Longmen. They must have been lurking at the foot of Mount Wangwu all along..."

"They saw the dragon banner and thought I was there." Zhao Jiu, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke with his eyes still closed. "Everyone in the realm also thought I was there!"

"The key is, what should we do in response?" Yuwen Xuzhong forcibly suppressed his inner panic and replied seriously.

"There are only two paths." Liu Ziyu also calmed down. "One is to dispatch a large army to rescue Luoyang; the other is to pretend not to know and seek a decisive battle at Baishui... Your Majesty!"

"What do you think should be done?" Zhao Jiu responded directly.

"In truth, the Jin army may not have been able to ferry many troops across." Liu Ziyu thought for a moment, then advised again. "Because they lack boats! It would be better to send troops to rescue them! But Yue Pengju..."

"If the enemy force is small, the Zhai brothers can handle it themselves. If the enemy force is large, the Mianchi passage is narrow, and once the Jin army blocks it, we won't be able to dispatch troops from Shanzhou in time. So we can only roughly hope for the troops around Dongjing to go to the rescue via Sishui Pass." Zhao Jiu looked up and responded. "But the problem is, has Yue Pengju actually crossed over by now? How many troops does he have left?"

"If he has crossed over, then we haven't lost!" Zhang Jun said through gritted teeth. "Most of the Eastern Route Army comes from Hebei. Knowing that Hebei was suddenly attacked, their panic is probably no less than ours..."

"No." Yuwen Xuzhong shook his head repeatedly. "If Yue Fei crosses the river, Dongjing will become empty instead."

"Your Majesty, what exactly is going on with Yue Pengju crossing the river?" Liu Ziyu also thought of the key point.

"It wasn't a hasty impulse on his part to dispatch troops without authorization. Last time, after Zhang Rong burned Xiaowusao, before Wanyan Loushi marched south, I had some discussions with him about taking the initiative to cross the river." Zhao Jiu confessed frankly. "Before this campaign, I was determined to hold Guansi to the death, and I spoke with him. At that time, I thought that if he succeeded in entering Hebei, he could, together with Han Shizhong, Li Yanxian, and Ma Kuo, pin down the Hedong Jin army from three sides. And if I could gather strong troops in Guansi, we could simply win a decisive battle. Even if we couldn't fight here in Guansi, his entry into Hebei would be enough to shake the Jin army and force the Hedong Jin army to split their forces to deal with him... Just like with the Beiwei Army, I never told anyone else about this. The few times he mentioned it in the daily reports, I kept them private."

Liu Ziyu didn't know what to say for a moment... Because while this plan certainly didn't align with his own defensive mindset, and it was dissatisfying that His Majesty had concealed so many things from his subordinates, he had to admit it was a good plan. Once successful, it would indeed relieve pressure on Guansi and make the best use of Zhang Rong's naval advantage.

"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold," at that moment, the young Academician Lin, who had been bowing his head writing the imperial edict, suddenly stood up. "I believe Grand Defender Yue has likely already crossed the river."

Zhao Jiu and the others all looked at him in astonishment:

"How do you know?"

"Your Majesty, I venture a guess." Young Academician Lin cupped his hands. "After Xiaowusao, the Jin army lacked boats. And Changquan Ferry is the westernmost of the Western Capital, right on the patrol edge of the Imperial River Navy. That they could make a stealth crossing now is probably because Grand Defender Yue was using Grand Defender Zhang's boats to cross."

The group fell silent for a moment, but no one could refute it.

Zhao Jiu felt a sense of absurdity. The enemy's plan succeeded because their own plan succeeded. What was this, mutually sabotaging each other?

And both had struck a vital point.

The group gradually calmed down, and their gazes converged on His Majesty Zhao.

"So, if that's the case, this matter isn't about gain or loss, but simply because the battle is intensifying and is no longer under human control?" Zhao Jiu thought for a long time, then could only stand up from his seat and sigh slightly. He then clasped his hands behind his back and walked out of the hall.

The several ministers who could be called the true decision-makers of Guansi quickly followed.

Now, Zhao Jiu walked out of the hall with his hands behind his back, stepped into the courtyard, and looked up. Under the night sky, the Milky Way stretched across, dotted with countless stars. The summer evening breeze was pleasant, much more refreshing than indoors... He was momentarily captivated, staring blankly.

After blowing in the wind for a while and gazing at the Milky Way for a long time, the Emperor finally looked up at the sky and sighed: "This is Chang'an, this is Guanzhong. Since ancient times, whoever controls Guanzhong controls the Central Plains, and then the world! So Guanzhong cannot be lost. That's why, after I arrived in Chang'an, although I secretly moved troops and deployed generals, as if planning something big, it was only preparation for when it became necessary. Deep down, I truly harbored the same thoughts as Yanxiu, ready to drag things out and wear down the Jin army, to see who could hold out longer..."

"Your Majesty." Upon hearing this, Liu Ziyu was not pleased but alarmed.

"But today's events have made me realize that this is a national war, a national war where both sides have already committed their full strength. Although neither side has fully engaged yet, and both are being extremely cautious, any slight move is bound to entangle with the other, leading to a tangled mess..." Zhao Jiu continued, looking at the sky. "My lords, some things have their patterns, just like fruit falling to the ground or the sun and moon alternating. We cannot avoid them!"

"Your Majesty."

Liu Ziyu's expression grew even more severe. Meanwhile, Yuwen Xuzhong, Zhang Jun, Lin Jingmo, and Yang Yizhong all remained silent, simply watching the young Emperor's back intently as he spoke.

"I have said more than once before that to defeat the Jin, one must have the mindset for a protracted war." Zhao Jiu ignored Liu Ziyu and finally turned back to face his key ministers. "I still hold that view today. But the problem is, time and again, when the Jin army comes directly at us, which time could we have worn them down by just dragging things out? Dragging things out is a national-level strategy, not a choice to be made during battle... Now that the war has progressed to this point, we have some foundation, we have some troops that dare to fight. Why do we instead think we should just rely on holding our positions and waiting?"

Liu Ziyu said nothing more; he had already said all he could. The others had long since worn serious expressions, leaving only Zhao Jiu to talk on and on:

"The current situation is that Luoyang, as the middle section of our defense line, has likely been breached by the Jin army, and the area east of the Pass will surely be shaken. But Yue Pengju has also likely successfully crossed the river into Hebei, forming a strategic pincer on the main Jin forces in Hedong. And here in Guansi, we temporarily have a numerical advantage... So, if the local battlefield is favorable, why should we instead drag things out and wait passively? Wait for what? Wait for Wanyan Loushi to take the initiative to attack the city after the situation deteriorates, or wait for Wanyan Loushi to suddenly die like Zhuge Liang?"

Having said this, Zhao Jiu laughed himself, but the laughter stopped immediately:

"Not to mention Wang Yuan's single-minded desire to be a Field Marshal, but his words actually had some truth. Yanxiu's words also had truth. Everyone is just guessing, none of us knows what the other can truly accomplish. So, as Yanxiu has repeatedly said, a field battle is a gamble with the nation's fate. I think that's absolutely right. It is a gamble, a gamble with the nation's fate and our own lives! But the question is, can we not afford to gamble? Or do we not dare to gamble? Should we not gamble? What happens if we lose? Death?"

"I don't know about others, but this time, I truly am not afraid of death, nor am I afraid to gamble!"

"You all are calculating accounts for me, each with your own method. But are we the only ones who deserve to have an account in our hearts? These past days, we've always talked about strategy and troop numbers, but have we ever asked the common people of Guansi? Have we asked the Guansi sons among those troops? Have we asked the Hebei refugees among those troops? Have we asked the wronged ghosts of the entire cities massacred in the Central Plains? Are they still willing to wait? Do they want to see us gamble?!"

"You always want to know how the account in my heart is calculated, and you always think that the account in my heart should hold the people of the realm, that it should be so exquisite, so righteous, so considerate of the overall situation..."

"There's not that much to it! I already calculated this account clearly back in Dongjing, and I stated it clearly... For me, one single person, it's simply this: what kind of Great Song do I want to leave for those who come after? And what kind of image should I leave for my own descendants? That's all!"

"I'll say it straight: my heart today is no different from that day on the road of escape... I would rather die and be called Zhaolie than sit back and enjoy the title of Gaozong... And I hope you will be the same as you were that day."

Hearing this, Liu Ziyu, Yuwen Xuzhong, Zhang Jun, Lin Jingmo, and Yang Yizhong all wanted to speak.

But Zhao Jiu, without a moment's pause, continued in a stern voice:

"My mind is made up. We will march out and begin the battle immediately!"

Having said this, he turned around directly, passed through his silent trusted ministers, and tried to go back into the rear hall.

But just then, a summer breeze blew. The Emperor, who had already talked himself into a daze, sobered up slightly. As if suddenly thinking of something, he let out a snicker, turned back to the ministers, and added a sentence: "Regardless, in this battle, our army has over a hundred thousand men, while the Jin army, even with Huonu's unit, is only forty thousand. The advantage is ours!"

PS: First, thanks to the 80th Patron, classmate Astonishing Local Official, and then thanks to the 81st Patron, classmate Linghu Yizhong. Thank you for the support, big shots.

Also, I'm sorry for the past few days. Mainly, the day before yesterday, I got sick from the air conditioner, with a headache and stuffy nose for two or three days. It's that kind of uncomfortable feeling that won't get better but won't get worse either, making it hard to maintain that drowsy state. Let me explain to everyone.

Finally, let me add a patch. Reminded by book friend classmate Xiangwang, in the late Northern Song, the Xiaxi Circuit was split. Xingyuan Prefecture, which is Hanzhong, should have belonged to the Lizhou Circuit at this time. So, Liu Qi should be the Grand Coordinator of the Lizhou Circuit. I've already corrected it. I'll pay attention in the future. Welcome everyone to continue pointing out my mistakes.

I actually forgot to wish everyone a peaceful Dragon Boat Festival!