[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-shao-song":3,"chapter-shao-song-shao-song-chapter-465":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Shao Song",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1558631,2024,"Chapter 465: Fanfiction 16: Book of Song, Imperial Annals 24 — Prairie Fire","shao-song-chapter-465",465,"\u003Cp>Fanfiction 16: Book of Song, Imperial Annals 24 — Prairie Fire\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fanfiction 16: Book of Song, Imperial Annals 24 — Prairie Fire\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The World-ancestor Glorious Martial Emperor, taboo name Jiu, styled Deji, was the ninth son of Emperor Huizong. His mother was Empress Xianren of the Wei clan. In the fifth month of the first year of the Daguan era, on the day Yisi, he was born in the Great Inner Palace of the Eastern Capital; a red light filled the chamber. In the eighth month, on the day Dingchou, he was given his name and appointed Military Governor of Dingwu Army, Chief Censor, and enfeoffed as Duke of Shu. In the second year, on the first month, day Gengshen, he was enfeoffed as Commandery Prince of Guangping. In the twelfth month of the third year of the Xuanhe era, on the day Renzi, he was advanced to Prince of Kang. His nature was bright and perceptive; he was broadly learned and had a strong memory. In his studies he recited over a thousand words daily, and could draw a bow of one dan and five dou. In the fourth year of Xuanhe, he came of age and moved to his outer residence. ... In the fifth month, on the day Gengyin (the first day of the month), the Emperor ascended the altar to receive the mandate. After the ceremony he wept bitterly, facing afar to thank the Two Emperors, and ascended the throne in the prefectural office. (All from the original Annals of Emperor Gaozong of Song.) He changed the reign era to Jianyan. In the seventh month, while at the temporary palace in Mingdao Palace, he fell into a well for three days and then awoke; again a red light shot up to the sky. He issued an edict recalling Li Gang to take charge of government. Because Liu Yan and others had come a thousand li from Liaodong to answer the call of duty, he ordered the formation of the Red Heart Guard for palace defense. At that time, Kang Lu, relying on his merits, cut off communication between inside and outside; he was executed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the tenth month, they camped at Jiegou. Han Shizhong's troops mutinied and killed the Censor Niu Gao. Those around him urged the Emperor to cross the river to take refuge. The Emperor said sternly: \"The world's chaos is like the end of the Han dynasty. I could be Emperor Xian of Han, but you, my ministers, should think of Marquis Wu, and not imitate Dong Cheng.\" At that time, Li Gang was at his side and said urgently: \"Even so, the realm can be without me, but it cannot be without you, Your Majesty. Even Zhaolie faced the danger of Changban Slope.\" The Emperor laughed loudly: \"How could Zhaolie have avoided Marquis Huan's affair?\" He then led a few riders through the night into the camp, shouting: \"Liangchen! Han Shizhong has rebelled. I have nowhere to flee, so I have come to seek refuge with you.\" At the time, Shizhong was sound asleep and had not risen. Upon hearing the report, he came out naked to pay homage, trembling and not daring to respond. The Emperor laughed and stopped him. He ordered him to quell the rebellion, while he himself ate in the camp with Yang Yizhong and others. Soon, Shizhong returned with the head of the rebel general, bowed to report. The Emperor saw his extraordinary stature and ordered him to stand at attention before the army. He personally untied his jade belt and fastened it on Shizhong, encouraging him: \"A stalwart warrior must not bend his waist. The realm is collapsing; it relies solely on you, General, to brace your waist and be my backbone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the eleventh month, Ding Jin rebelled, blocking the roads. The temporary court moved to Shunchang. News came that Shandong East Circuit was in chaos; Liu Yu of Jinan killed the defending general Guan Sheng and rebelled; Zhao Mingcheng of Zizhou broke through the siege and fled; Liu Hongdao of Qingzhou was defeated and fled. At that time, Shizhong was camped at the Yingshui River. The Emperor visited him by starlight. Taking his hand, he asked: \"Speak frankly, my lord. Can the Jin be fought?\" Shizhong was silent for a long time, then replied: \"The Central Plains are open fields, where cavalry can be used. Peace has lasted long; it is hard to fight in haste. Truly, we cannot contend with them now.\" The Emperor sighed: \"I know this too. Only, the common people — what crime have they committed?\" He returned to the temporary court and ordered Han Shizhong, Zhang Jun, Liu Guangshi, and others to station their troops separately at the Huai and Si Rivers. He moved the temporary court to Shouzhou to prepare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the army reached Shouzhou, Zhang Jun came out to greet him at the Eastern Pavilion and remonstrated: \"Your Majesty bears the hopes of the realm. How can you dwell beneath a perilous wall? Please temporarily visit Yangzhou. I will guard this place. If it is a partial force of thirty thousand, I beg to defeat them for Your Majesty. If the entire nation's army comes south, I will fight to the death to hold them off.\" The Emperor said: \"You are a loyal minister. But the Laozi says: 'To bear the nation's disgrace is to be the lord of the altars of grain; to bear the nation's misfortune is to be the king of the world.' I cannot yield this duty!\" He added: \"You followed me from the defeated army north of the Yellow River. Now you will receive your charge in a time of crisis. Let me make a pact with you: if you do not betray me, I will not betray you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the twelfth month, the Fourth Prince of Jin, Wushu, entered Jizhou. Liu Guangshi was greatly terrified. He falsely claimed that the Jin army had arrived in full force, let his mutinous troops loose, abandoned six prefectures, burned the ferry to cut off Xia Cai, and falsely claimed he was protecting the Emperor, intending to force the temporary court to take refuge south of the Yangtze. At that time, the Emperor was stationed at the place where Xie Xuan had broken the barbarians. He first received Shizhong's military report, then heard that Guangshi had arrived. Some of those around him feared the mutinous troops, others were his former subordinates; all urged him to pacify Guangshi. The Emperor said nothing. When Guangshi arrived, he suddenly drew his sword and went out, cutting him down amidst the mutinous troops as easily as slaughtering a chicken. After executing Guangshi, the remaining troops were panicked. He then summoned those above the rank of squad leader and questioned them. Some were homesick, some sought rewards, some had grievances. He rewarded and punished according to their words, settling matters in an instant. The people's hearts were somewhat calmed. He then went out of the tent, donned his armor, and led his personal guard to execute all those who feared battle and wished to flee south. He sent their heads around with the message: \"Merit, fame, profit, rank, longing for home, worrying about family — these are human nature. Now I make a pact with you: rewards and punishments are decided by me. Those who fear battle will not be pardoned.\" The three armies were awed. Zhang Yongzhen and others said one after another: \"The Emperor is not afraid of battle; why should we begrudge our lives?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, the Jin army reached the Huai River. Several hundred fierce soldiers crossed first. The Emperor saw them from afar, patted Wang De on the back, and said: \"The Jin army is arrogant and overbearing. I wonder if the 'Yaksha' is afraid?\" Wang De glared and said: \"Your Majesty, just watch.\" He led a dozen or so riders from his command in a headlong charge, cutting down the fierce general Dou Bi. The Jin army did not dare cross for several days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 28th, the Emperor feasted with his many ministers at Bagong Mountain. Chancellor Lü Haowen was slightly drunk. The Emperor took his arm and led him back to the tent. At that time, as battle was imminent, most were dressed in military attire. Haowen, feigning drunkenness, remonstrated: \"Why does Your Majesty wear narrow sleeves without ornament, and clothes that do not fit?\" The Emperor laughed: \"The Chancellor is drunk. This is precisely what suits military matters.\" Haowen also laughed: \"If so, I am like Grand Academician Su, with a belly full of things out of season.\" After the feast, thinking that Xia Cai was cut off, the Emperor wished to go there personally to pacify it. Zhang Jun asked to go in his stead. The Emperor replied: \"I understand your intent. But the realm is overturned. If one seeks complete safety, then the Hegemon-King smashing the cauldrons and sinking the boats, Guangwu breaking the siege at Kunyang, Zhaolie crossing the river with his people, Marquis Wu's six expeditions from Qishan, Zhang Xun's solitary defense of Suiyang, and at the time of Jingkang, if I had died falling into the enemy camp — were all these merely acts of willfulness? A great man does some things and does not do others! Now, if I do not go personally, there is no way to calm the people's hearts. You, my lord, stay and stabilize the camp.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then went with Yang Yizhong through wind and snow, crossing alone by boat at night into Xia Cai. He gave Zhang Jun the duck from the feast, Liu Guangshi's head, and a glass bead. Shaking his hand in farewell, he said: \"Fight, defend, surrender, or flee — you decide for yourself. Only, if you remember the pact at the Eastern Pavilion, send me a letter first.\" Zhang Jun clasped his hands but said nothing. Returning, he said to his son-in-law Tian Shizhong and others: \"Guangwu, face to face, treats others with sincerity. He treats me as a national scholar. I will serve him until death. What else is there to say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 29th, Wushu sent the former Western Army general Zhao Qiu to urge surrender. Zhang Jun temporized, deceiving him: \"I wish to seek a thousand in gold and ten thousand in silver before I can surrender the city.\" Zhang Jun's greed was known to all under heaven; the Jin had no suspicions. When the gold and silver arrived, Zhang Jun summoned all his generals, beheaded Zhao Qiu, hung up Liu Guangshi's head, distributed all his family wealth to the soldiers, and the entire army was astonished. Zhang Jun said with deep emotion: \"People say that a greedy man must also be a gambler. I am also a common man. Now I stake my life, stake my family, and gamble everything with you, my lords, for ten thousand generations of wealth and honor, defending this solitary city.\" All were moved by his heroic spirit and answered the call. Zhang Jun alone returned inside and wept before the glass bead. On the 30th, Wushu heard of the Emperor's night journey to Xia Cai. He ordered a letter to be written, speaking of the Two Sages and the imperial clan, insulting them greatly. The Emperor looked at it and was silent for a long time. At dusk, he showed it to his ministers and said: \"To write to beasts — how is that different from being one myself?!\" He then ordered a white edict to be prepared, personally wrote \"Zhao Jiu of Cangzhou, Hebei,\" stamped it with the imperial seal, spat on it, and threw it back at the Jin envoy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On New Year's Day of the second year, at Bagong Mountain, he issued a clear edict to all under heaven: First, Song and Jin cannot both stand. If one considers oneself Song, then regardless of north or south, old or young, all have the duty to defend the land and resist the Jin. Second, until the two rivers' old territory is recovered and the Two Sages are welcomed back, those who speak of peace will not be pardoned. Third, the realm's affairs take resisting Jin as the foremost priority. Brave men who dare to fight in the two rivers are permitted to temporarily occupy military prefectures and manage their own military and civil affairs. Fourth, let Li Gang be the Duke-Premier, overseeing all matters south of the Yangtze. The temporary court will stop north of the Yangtze. If we do not succeed, we die! Fifth, if something untoward happens, let heroes rise up, recover the mountains and rivers, save the millions of people, and become the lords of all under heaven. Having spoken, he drew his sword, rose, and cut the table, swearing: \"Song may perish, but all under heaven shall not perish!\" After the edict was issued, he further granted a general amnesty, saying: \"The Jin bandits are powerful. Those who fought hard and then surrendered, those who were unarmed, and those who were coerced into following the bandits, if they can return to the right, their past crimes will not be investigated, and they will be rewarded according to regulations. Only those who framed friendly forces, feared battle and fled like Liu Guangshi; those who acted as tigers' lackeys, entrapping and killing soldiers and people like Liu Yu; and those who plotted and schemed, acting in collusion like Shi Wenbin — these will not be pardoned even in ten thousand deaths.\" Wushu, upon receiving the proclamation, was greatly terrified and killed all the surrendered officials in his camp. Only Wenbin was spared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 6th, the Jin army built a large pontoon bridge. The Emperor ordered Wang De and others to resist them, while he himself led the hundred officials to watch the battle from Bagong Mountain. At that time, the military council had long been decided, but when the many ministers saw the Jin army's great strength, there was much discussion before the imperial carriage. Some said to order the forward army to guard the riverbank; others requested that the imperial carriage beat the war drums to boost morale. The Emperor was initially expressionless, then became greatly angered. Pointing his halberd, he said: \"I sit here motionless. This will be one of two keys to victory in this battle. First, it can boost the morale of the three armies. Second, it can especially trap a bunch of Zhao Kuos!\" The ministers fell silent and withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From dawn to noon, the fierce battle continued without cease. Thanks to the death-defying fight of Zhang Yongzhen and others (see the Biographies of the Revitalizing Generals) and the arrival of Shizhong's troops, they inflicted a great defeat on the enemy. Zhang Yongzhen was severely wounded and could not speak. Seeing the Emperor, he shouted \"Home!\" three times and died. The Emperor's grief was as if he had lost his own liver and gall; the three armies wept. At that time, Liu Hongdao and others arrived. The Emperor immediately ordered them to command the Jiangnan West Circuit's royal rescue troops. Those around him did not understand. The Emperor said: \"Through the ages, the hardest thing is to die. The Two Sages were taken north; now they have also gone south. Hongdao and others have been repeatedly defeated but have fought on. How can we demand perfection from them? Only in the past, Li Ruoshui and Zhang Shuye were loyal without regard for themselves; now Zhang Yongzhen was righteous and did not flee from death. The Hermit of Yi'an used the lines 'Live as a hero among men, die as a ghost among heroes. To this day we think of Xiang Yu, who refused to cross the Yangtze' to satirize people like us. Should we not feel ashamed? I wish to encourage you all together!\" Judging that the Jin would cross at night, he secretly ordered Shizhong to set up an empty camp to lure them, then inflicted a great defeat, destroying three Meng'an.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 7th, Ma Shen of Hubei came for an audience. Hearing of the ambush, he impeached Shizhong, saying that as a military man, he had planned military strategy without going through the two government offices, violating the system. Zhang Jun and Lin Jing argued in silence that resisting Jin required prioritizing military knowledge, defending Shizhong. The dispute was deadlocked. The Emperor alone laughed loudly and said: \"Excellent! The state has long heard of factional disputes. Today, I see again the contention of gentlemen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the second month, Yang Weizhong, Yue Fei, Fu Xuan, Zhang Rong, and others recovered Jizhou, killing the Jin imperial clansman Saili and others. The temporary court discussed their merits. All received generous rewards, but the first merit was undecided. All despised Rong's origin as a grass-bandit. Only Jing said: \"Weizhong planned the strategy; Fei and Xuan were brave in battle. But without Zhang Rong's proposal of the ambush and the death-defying fight of the righteous volunteers, how could this victory have been achieved? Therefore, Rong should be the first in merit.\" The Emperor accepted his words and promoted Rong to Pacification Commissioner of Yunzhou, praising him: \"A good fellow of Liangshan, obeying heaven and serving the country.\" He also personally transcribed the \"Song of the Good Fellows\" and bestowed it upon him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jizhou having been recovered, high and low all believed the Jin would retreat. Shizhong and Zhang Jun thought that Wushu's retreat route had not been cut off, and that there might still be battle. The Emperor agreed. Vice Censor-in-Chief Zhang Jun said: \"Although Wushu is noble, a deputy has never achieved merit by acting alone.\" The next day, the Jin indeed retreated. Hu Yin and Lin Jing then impeached Shizhong and Zhang Jun for being jealous of the great victory at Jizhou. The Emperor pondered and could not sleep. He said to Yizhong: \"I have little experience in battle, but how can I, based on conjecture, trap a great general?\" He then led Zhang Jun, Yin, and Jing by night to see Shizhong. Taking his hand, he said: \"My waist and backbone, dispel the many doubts.\" Shizhong said: \"Since I am the waist and backbone, why should I care about honor or disgrace?\" He then straightened his waist and faced the impeachment, his expression unchanged. Zhang Jun, Yin, Jing, and others all submitted. Shizhong judged that the Jin army would attack Guangzhou and feared it might be lost. He wanted to speak but stopped. The Emperor understood his meaning and said: \"To save Guangzhou, we need to besiege Wei to rescue Zhao. Tomorrow, screen the Huai River and secretly cross with daring soldiers. I will watch you, my lords, break the enemy at Xia Cai.\" The next day, facing the battle, he clearly ordered the three armies: \"Each has his specialty. The sovereign's command may not be accepted. In this battle, before the formation is Han Liangchen; behind the formation is Zhang Boying. Those who disobey will be beheaded.\" During the battle, Zhang Jun deployed the various troops in a continuous stream, with perfect order. Shizhong's troops broke through the Jin palisades at the first drum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By noon, Shizhong wanted to throw the Jin formation into chaos. He thrice requested reinforcements from the rear. Zhang Jun, concerned for the safety of the temporary court, hesitated and could not decide. The Emperor took his hand and encouraged him: \"Today's victory or defeat, safety or danger, all depend on you. Act freely.\" Zhang Jun replied with deep emotion: \"As long as I am here, this place is as stable as Mount Tai.\" He dispatched the imperial guards under Yang Yizhong and Liu Bao to Shizhong. The Emperor, fearing that the generals would be constrained by the shortage of troops and the urgency of the situation, further ordered those around him: \"Military intelligence is like fire; military orders are like a mountain. If any official on the city wall recklessly discusses military strategy, even if he is the Censor-in-Chief or an Academician of the Jade Hall, he will not be pardoned.\" He ordered Zhang Jun and Wang Yuan to go down from the city to guard and prepare, and not to ask again. Yang Yizhong led his personal guard and arrived first. Shizhong said: \"The enemy abandoned their camp and did not defend it. They must have prepared. I will lure them. You observe the formation. If the enemy comes out, raise the blue flag; if they come out of the camp, raise the yellow flag; if they reach the dike, raise the red flag.\" Yizhong agreed. Shizhong then led his personal guard to lie in ambush. Liu Bao led his troops in a feigned retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jin army indeed moved. Wang Sheng fled north. Wushu's deputy general, Puluhun, then sent out all his cavalry. When they reached the dike, Yizhong raised the three flags as agreed. Xie Yuan led a force to break their momentum. Shizhong, taking advantage of the chaos, burst out and, amidst the myriad troops, stabbed Puluhun from his horse. He then led the army to attack the camp. The cheers were like thunder; their momentum was like splitting bamboo. Wushu was greatly defeated and fled. In the chaos, he was wounded in the backside and barely escaped with his life. Shi Wenbin died in the melee. The Emperor, on the city wall, seeing the great victory from afar, threw his cap onto his seat and shouted \"Ten thousand victories!\" repeatedly. The Emperor had made a pact with the armies: \"When we break the Jin camp, I will drink deeply with you all again.\" That night, he personally drank until dawn with over a hundred soldiers who had been the first to scale the walls in this battle. Those who had not taken three heads were too ashamed to face him. He then established the Loyal Martyr's Tomb at Bagong Mountain and sacrificed to the loyal souls of Zhang Yongzhen and others. From then on, the people's hearts were set on battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, believing that the Western Army's strength still existed and that Nanyang was at the center of the realm, left Li Gang to support the Empress Dowager and the imperial heir in guarding Yangzhou. He made Han Shizhong the Military Governor of Huaixi and charged him with protecting the temporary court. He enfeoffed Prince Xin as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Realm's Armies and added Ma Kuo as the General Commander of the Northern Circuit, commanding the Hebei righteous armies. Zhang Suo was made the Commissioner of the Jingdong Two Circuits, and Zhang Jun was made the Military Governor of Huaidong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 25th of the second month, they camped at the mouth of the Nanfei River. A commoner presented oranges. The Emperor gave them all to the many. Suddenly struck by a feeling, he took a leftover candle, stuck it into an orange to make a lantern, and set it adrift on the Huai River, saying: \"A tiny flicker of light, to feast the heroic souls.\" High and low, all solemnly imitated him. The Huai River was momentarily brilliant with flowing light, as in the heyday of the Eastern Capital. Many were moved to tears by the times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the third month, they camped at Ruyang. He sent envoys to comfort the various counties and ordered Lin Yutang to take Wuguan. Suddenly, news came that Yinshu Ke had arrived and Wuguan was already lost. The surrendered Liao general Yelu Ma Wu led his troops to attack. Yinshu Ke was the one who had captured the Tianzuo Emperor and the Xi King and had broken Taiyuan. At that time, the Emperor was playing Go with Liu Ziyu. All in the hall were alarmed, but the Emperor alone sat calmly as before. He shouted: \"A strong city can be relied upon; a strong army is outside. I am not a barbarian king. Do not imitate the ministers of the Jingkang era and interfere in military affairs. What is there to fear?\" Thus, all were calmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Chong of Xiping and Yan Xiaozhong led their troops to the royal rescue, but they were hesitant and undecided. Those around him blamed them. The Emperor alone said: \"The state is in chaos and turmoil. How can we demand perfection from righteous men?\" He then had his carriage driven directly into their camp, directing them as easily as moving his arm, and defeated Ma Wu before returning. Yinshu Ke, frightened, retreated. Nanyang was thus pacified. Without regard for other matters, he first ordered the court ministers to discuss five issues: land registration, Fan Qiong, Sun Mo, Guanxi, and military marriages. Each was dealt with, and the people's hearts were somewhat calmed. Fan Qiong, the defender of the four walls of the Eastern Capital, had, during the Jingkang era, forced the sovereign to surrender the city, then fled in defeat to Xiangyang and set up a separate regime. Those around him were worried. The Emperor alone said: \"A skeleton in a tomb.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 18th of the fourth month, the Xiangyang army mutinied. Qiong, terrified, killed his wife and daughters. His subordinates Han Li, Wang Jun, and others, afraid, bound him and surrendered. The Emperor ordered Qiong to be buried together with his wife and daughters. He summoned all the generals to observe, saying: \"In chaotic times, heavy punishments are used. This man's crime deserved this. You, my lords, should also act accordingly.\" Military discipline was thus purified. The Emperor, believing the south was settled, then set about cleansing the abuses of the Jingkang era. He forbade empty talk and emphasized practical affairs. All ministers received half their salaries. The Duke-Premier each led their own memorials, dividing labor and cooperating, managing the general strategy. In a few months, high and low were orderly, and he ruled by non-action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor felt that since the Xining era, factional strife had been fierce. The Old Party, Sima Guang and others, had harmed the state through their willfulness. Although the New Party, Cai Jing and Wang Fu, had used public office for private gain, Wang Jinggong's policies truly hit the ills of the time and could not be changed. He then feasted at the Baihe Dike and established the \"Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song.\" Because the Academician Dongpo of this dynasty was outstanding in literary fame and surpassed all, he ordered his grandson, Dan, to present a memorial. Dan presented Su Shi's personally written \"Former Ode on the Red Cliff.\" The Emperor was overjoyed, showed it to all the ministers, bestowed a fine posthumous name on Shi, ordered Ma Xingzu to paint the \"Picture of the Outing at Baihe,\" personally wrote the \"Later Ode on the Red Cliff\" on it, and bestowed it upon Dan. He then discussed the merits and faults of the Old and New Parties with the many. He inscribed \"Record of a Journey to Mount Baochan\" after the \"Former Ode on the Red Cliff,\" saying: \"Former Su and later Wang each led their era. Although they are both gone, how much better are they than those who 'return the Western Xia lands, slave of Wei Qing'? From now on, we should judge by deeds, not by party.\" He then completely abolished the ban on the Yuanyou partisans and adopted the governance of the New Party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fifth month, he reorganized the Imperial Camp. He ordered the establishment of defenses in Henan and allocated Nanyang's military supplies to support Li Yanxian. The Jin ruler, Wu Maigai, held a great military review. Some feared there might be rebellion in Henan and proposed sending an army supervisor. The Emperor rejected this, saying: \"The great waves sift the sand; the fierce fire tests the gold. In times of crisis, there are indeed those who are greedy for life and afraid of death, but there must also be those who can command and win the loyalty of scholars like Li Boji, and those who, with white hair, can stabilize the army like Zong Rulin. You, my lords, sit quietly in the rear and await the victory bulletin. Why show suspicion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the eighth month, Kong Yanzhou rebelled, and the Yellow River defenses were thrown wide open. The Jin disguised themselves as refugees and secretly crossed the river. They defeated Zhang Rong, captured the Southern Capital. Zhang Suo, the Commissioner of the Jingdong Circuit, burned the palace and died. The Huai region was shaken. Hearing of Suo's death for the state, the Emperor was silent for a long time. Those around him were worried. Someone asked him why. The Emperor said: \"My acquaintance with Suo was brief. I find it hard to recall his face and voice. Therefore, I am deeply ashamed.\" He then heard that Wushu was leading his troops to attack the Eastern Capital. At that time, the garrison commander Zong Ze was gravely ill and unable to rise. Shizhong rushed to the rescue but was ambushed and trapped at Changshe. The court discussed replacing Zong Ze with Du Chong to command the Henan military. On the 9th, he took Lady Wu to climb high on the Double Ninth Festival. He ordered the many to select poems to match the occasion. Hu Hongxiu used the line \"On the border, fortunately nothing happens; drunk, I dance, relying on my lord,\" while Moqi Xie used the line \"One person is missing from the dogwood sprigs\" to satirize him. The Emperor understood their intent and replied with \"From afar I pity the chrysanthemums of the old garden; they should be blooming beside the battlefield.\" He said: \"I am unworthy, but I have the intent of 'drunk, I trim the lamp and gaze at my sword.' You, my lords, just watch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the tenth month, Du Chong secretly communicated with the Jin. Wushu left Talan to besiege Changshe and personally led fifty thousand troops to besiege Nanyang. He sent a letter saying: \"Since our parting at Xia Cai, I have long thought of your face. Now I bring a hundred thousand iron cavalry to welcome you. Do not let your father and elder brother wait long at Wuguocheng.\" The Emperor replied: \"It is only three li away. Come!\" He appointed Chen Gui as the overall commander of the city's defenses. From the Vice-Premier down, all went up onto the city walls. The Jin army attacked several times but could not advance, suffering heavy casualties. They killed Gou Ying, the legitimate son of Yinshu Ke. In the eleventh month, they used artillery to kill the Jin Wanhu Chizhan Hui and several dozen Meng'an and Mouke officers below him. Morale was greatly damaged. Wushu lamented: \"A distance of three li — how is it different from the ends of the earth?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 8th, Du Chong's son, Song, fled to report the matter at Yanyang. Qi Hao offered a plan: \"Does Your Majesty not recall Guangwu's old affair at Kunyang?\" The Emperor judged that Wushu was powerless. Taking advantage of the Jin's unpreparedness, he personally led three hundred of the Red Heart Guard, burst out of the city, and went straight to Yanyang. He first sought out Yue Fei, then summoned Li Qiong. The two generals answered the call and went straight into the city. They summoned all the generals, captured Du Chong, and, holding a jade axe, enumerated his crimes and executed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first month of the third year, with Yue Fei as the vanguard, the Emperor personally led the three armies to attack Talan. The battle was unfavorable. Controller-General Xu Qing and others died in battle. The Emperor then took the lead in crossing the river, ordering Moqi Xie to raise the dragon banner and follow him. The three armies advanced with vigor. Shizhong, seeing the dragon banner, also came out. The banners of Han and Yue flew side by side. In one battle, they broke the enemy, killing Talan's son-in-law, Hubalu. On the 11th, Jing remonstrated: \"At this time, returning to the old capital can pacify the realm.\" The Emperor agreed. He ordered Han and Yue to attack Wushu, while he himself led three thousand troops back to the old capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 15th of the first month, he returned to the Eastern Capital. He saw Zong Ze and asked about state affairs. Pointing to heaven, he swore before the many: \"If in this life I do not restore the two rivers, annihilate the Jin state, plow their courts and sweep their dens, and unite the realm under one rule, then may I have nothing to live for and die without a whole corpse.\" He then comforted Zong Ze with the lines from \"Green Jade Cup\": \"In the crowd I sought her a thousand times. Suddenly, turning back, there she was, where the lantern lights were dim.\" On his deathbed, Zong Ze left a poem, \"Showing to My Son,\" and shouted \"Cross the river!\" three times before dying. The Emperor wept: \"You held back the collapsing heaven, stopped the raging waves, and worked to the point of exhaustion. You, my lord, did not let Marquis Wu monopolize the glory.\" He posthumously bestowed upon him the title of Loyal and Martial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the second month, Han and Yue attacked Wushu. Li Yanxian and Zhang Jun also led their troops to arrive. They inflicted a great defeat on him, and the siege of Nanyang was thus lifted. On the 25th, the Emperor gathered his generals at Heyin. Because the practice of sworn brotherhood among comrades in the army was prevalent, but their intent was to serve the state above and pacify the people below, there was no need for secrecy. Therefore, imitating the ancient customs of Qin and Han, he set aside private affiliations and promoted the oath of the Peach Garden. He ordered thirty-six Controller-Generals to swear brotherhood before the palace, with seven marshals supervising. He also established the system of secret memorials from Controller-Generals, so that military intelligence could reach him directly. From then on, communication between high and low was smooth, and the abuses of the Five Dynasties were reformed. He promoted Han Shizhong to Junior Guardian and added two circuits to his military governorship. Because Li Yanxian had rendered great service and endured much hardship since the Jingkang era, he was truly a \"pillar in the midstream.\" The Emperor bestowed a banner to encourage him. He made Zhang Jun the Transport Commissioner for Sichuan and Shu, made Chen Gui the Minister of War, abolished the auxiliary capital at Nanyang, and returned the capital to the Eastern Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the third month, the Jiangnan army mutinied. He ordered Yue Fei to pacify it. In the fourth month, the imperial heir died. He dismissed Li Gang and promoted Lü Yihao to the post of Southeast garrison commander. The Jin made Liu Yu of the puppet Qi their emperor. They sent envoys to propose peace, offering to cede the two rivers and return the Two Emperors. The Emperor did not permit it. He issued an edict blaming himself. He further decreed that, in order not to compromise the scholar-officials' spirit, those wearing purple robes need not kneel when seeing the sovereign. Empress Xing died. The Jin returned the two princesses, Shenyou and Foyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fifth month, he established the fixed quotas for the Imperial Camp's troops. He made Hu Yin the Commissioner of Guanxi. Qu Duan made the remark, \"Instead of establishing a career in Guanzhong, you come to the lake to fish in a boat.\" He was stripped of his post and transferred to be the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Camp. The Emperor visited Shaolin Temple. Because it had helped the army, he bestowed a plaque reading \"Fists Come from Shaolin.\" He met with Lü Haowen and revived the original learning. The Emperor himself was frugal, raising fish and planting mulberries in the rear palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sixth month, the puppet Qi's Marshal Li Cheng invaded Yanggu. Yang Yizhong crossed the Ji River and defeated him, recovering Yanggu. Yue Fei captured and beheaded the puppet Qi's Marshal Kong Yanzhou and recovered Yanzhou. Zhang Rong captured the puppet Qi's Crown Prince Liu Lin and sent him in bonds to the Eastern Capital. The Emperor visited the Daxiangguo Temple. He discussed the matter of the Water Marshes, praised Rong's loyalty, bravery, and love for the people, and promoted him to Military Governor. In the seventh month, he opened a special imperial examination. He specially permitted Yue Fei and Qu Duan to take the palace examination. Duan passed, and Fei was granted the status of a presented scholar. In the eleventh month, the many requested that an empress be established. The Emperor, thinking of Empress Xing, did not permit it. Censor Li Guang, on the grounds of interfering in the imperial family's affairs, requested that Yang Yizhong be beheaded. On the 20th of the eleventh month, he inspected the Yellow River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first day of the twelfth month, he sent Yu Yunwen to spy on the strength of the Jin's naval forces on the north bank. He ordered Zhang Rong to lead the Liangshan naval forces from the Bian River into the Yellow River. Rong's entire band traveled day and night without rest, singing as they fought. They sang: \"Grandpa was born on Liangshan; his nature from birth was to kill. He has killed unrighteous men after the merger, and killed the Jin general Bird. A hero does not read poetry or books; he only lives in the Liangshan marshes. Once he enters the Yellow River, he will run rampant between heaven and earth.\" They completely burned the Jin's naval forces. The Emperor sighed: \"The Daoist Lord was frivolous, actually making heroes into bandits.\" He bestowed upon Rong a banner reading \"Act on Behalf of Heaven.\" On the 26th, he questioned the government at the Imperial Academy, expounding on the great cause of resisting Jin and the principle of forbearance for the sake of the state. He appointed Hu Quan as a Supervising Secretary to compile the official gazette and issued national bonds to raise military funds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first day of the first month of the fourth year, the Jin's Western Route Army under Loushi broke through Tong Pass. Li Yanxian defeated his subordinate Wanyan Saba at Pinglu. On the 5th, with Lü Haowen as garrison commander, the Emperor led his personal guard out of the capital. On the 7th, he met with the Imperial Camp's central army. On the 10th, he entered Luoyang. He ordered Li Qiong to lead twenty thousand troops to reinforce Shanzhou. On the 22nd, he ordered Shizhong to garrison Chang'an. In the second month, Loushi retreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the third month, he returned to the capital. The Jin returned Empress Xuanhe and the various princesses. On the 21st, Zhong Xiang of Taihu rebelled. On the 25th, Loushi came again, broke Danzhou. Wu Jie retreated to defend Fuzhou. The Emperor then went out to garrison Luoyang. He ordered the presented scholars to accompany the army and proclaim the official gazette. He entrusted Gaozong to Lü Haowen's care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fourth month, Han Shizhong was appointed to defend Tongzhou, Hu Yin was placed in overall command of the military and civil affairs of the three prefectures in northern Shaanxi, Wu Jie was made Grand Coordinator of the Jingyuan Circuit, Wu Lin became the Military Supervisor of the Yanfu Circuit, and Qu Duan was transferred to be Grand Coordinator of the Huanqing Circuit. On the fifth day, Wang Boyan was ordered to raise the imperial dragon banner and remain behind to guard Luoyang. On the eighteenth, the Emperor secretly led the central army to Chang'an, secretly transferring Yue Fei's and Zhang Jun's units, including the personal guards Zhang Xian and Tian Shizhong. He summoned the generals of the Western Army, appointing Liu Xi as the Overall Commander of the three western circuits, Liu Qi as the Grand Coordinator of the Lizhou Circuit, and Zhao Zhe as the Grand Coordinator of the Qinfeng Circuit. Wushu captured Fuzhou, and Wu Jie withdrew to Fangzhou. On the twenty-second, Wu Jie defeated Wushu's vanguard commander Tuhesu at Xiaoqiao Mountain, then, after feeling his helmet to gauge the temperature, launched a white-blade assault that broke the Golden Tablet Prince Salaihe. When the Emperor heard of this, he showed the battle report to all the generals and praised him, saying: \"Since the Jingkang era, who has defeated the Jin with fewer troops than Wu Jinqing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fifth month, Zhang Xian and Tian Shizhong arrived with their troops. The Tangut Li Yongqi, long mindful of the imperial favor, led four thousand barbarian cavalry with his son Li Master to return to the country and aid in the war. The Emperor commended their loyalty. On the fifth day, the Jin army broke through Changquan. The battle report arrived just as a military council was in session. The Emperor was greatly startled. His attendants asked the reason, and he feigned anger, saying: \"Pinglu has already fallen!\" Only then did the assembly calm down. That night, he summoned Yuwen Xuzhong, Zhang Jun, Liu Ziyu, Lin Jingmo, Zhang Xian, and others to discuss the matter. Some advocated rescuing Luoyang, others a decisive battle at Baishui. At the time, the Emperor calculated that Yue Fei had already crossed north of the Yellow River, dividing the Jin forces. He then said decisively: \"The rise and fall of the Imperial Song, the national shame and personal vendetta, all rest on this one move. I would rather die and be called Zhaolie than sit back and enjoy the title of Gaozong. Now, with one hundred thousand against forty thousand, the advantage is mine! We will march out today for a decisive battle!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the twelfth day of the fifth month, they arrived at Fuping. The Emperor sent Qu Duan to summon Wu Jie. When Wu Jie arrived, the Emperor was practicing archery. He laughed and said: \"The nation is engaged in a great war west of the Pass. Han Liangchen has other uses. Now I entrust one hundred thousand troops to you to swallow and destroy Wushu. Can you do it?\" Wu Jie said with deep emotion: \"I dare not refuse. I will only fight to the death!\" The next day, imitating the story of Han Gaozu's appointment of a general, the Emperor personally gathered the troops to wait for him. He led Wu Jie to the seat of honor, sat beside him, and appointed Wu Jie as the Overall Commander of the six western circuits, Deputy Overall Commander of the Imperial Camp, Grand Commandant, and Military Governor of the Zhenxi Army, overseeing Han Shizhong, Li Yanxian, and all military and civil affairs west of the Pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the twenty-first, Wu Jie arrayed his forces at Yaoshan to face Wushu. The Emperor stationed himself on the mountain to observe the formation. Jin Wushu captured Luoyang, and Wang Boyan died a martyr's death. He was posthumously awarded the title of Zhongmu. On the twenty-seventh, the Emperor heard that Yue Fei had led forty thousand troops into Hebei. The Jin's Third Prince, Eliduo, urgently dispatched forty thousand troops to rescue him. Jin Wushu and Han Chang abandoned their baggage and crossed the Longmen to reinforce Wushu. On the twenty-eighth, Eliduo attacked Pinglu. Li Yanxian held him off. Han Shizhong left his main force to guard the Pujin Ferry and personally led three thousand personal guards in a rapid march to Yaoshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the twenty-ninth, Wushu first sent Wanyan Shensi to attack Gold Millet Mountain. Qiao Ze of the Qinfeng Circuit could not withstand the assault and withdrew. Wushu's Zhehe force attacked the north of the camp, and Wu Jie sent Liu Qi to oppose him. Next, the deputy commander Balisu led Yelu Ma Wu's unit and the Han'er Army to attack the Dongpo Plateau. At the time, Wang Yan and Li Qiong were defending the plateau. Wu Jie sent Wang De, Zhang Jing, Qiao Zhongfu, and Xin Qizong to reinforce them. By noon, the Jin were gradually unable to hold on. Jin Wushu suddenly arrived with his troops. The Emperor's attendants were greatly alarmed and urged him to retreat. The Emperor raised the imperial dragon banner in response. All the generals were roused to action and fought to the death. When Wushu saw the dragon banner, he personally led seven thousand Iron Pagodas to charge the formation. None who stood in their way could withstand them. Li Yongqi, Li Yanqi, Murong Wei, Qiao Ze, and Jiao Wentong all died in battle. Wu Jie beheaded the fleeing general Zhao Zhe and was himself wounded by Wushu. When the Emperor saw that Wushu was about to arrive, he personally led the palace guards down the mountain. Han Shizhong and Qu Duan also arrived. But Wushu was unstoppably brave, wounding Yang Yizhong and others in succession. When he reached the imperial presence, the Emperor drew his bow but missed. Han Shizhong then shot and wounded Wushu in his left arm. Wushu fell from his horse. Squad Leader Hou Dan, fighting desperately, beheaded him. All his attendant cavalry died. The Jin were utterly defeated and fled north. At the time, the Jin army frequently used gyrfalcons to spy on the army. The Emperor then ordered all the generals to shoot down the falcons on the plateau as a celebration. The army sang: \"The Emperor's single arrow settled Yaoshan; the soldiers' long song recovers the Han Pass.\" On the thirtieth, Han Chang and other generals were captured and killed. Jin Wushu escaped with his life by floating across the river on a log. From then on, the strategic balance between Song and Jin was reversed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sixth month, merits were discussed. The Emperor wrote \"I dare not forget\" and bestowed it upon Han Shizhong, adding the title of Junior Preceptor, making him the Military Governor of three commanderies, enfeoffing him as the Prince of Yan'an Commandery, and giving him the title \"Peerless Under Heaven,\" boasting of his achievements to the army. Li Yongqi was posthumously made the Duke of Nanyang Commandery, and his son Li Master inherited his title. The Tang system was restored, and land was granted to those who had rendered meritorious service in this battle. Yue Fei returned from Hebei and submitted the \"Plan for Pacifying the Jin,\" which said: \"To pacify the Jin, one must first pacify the south to stabilize the interior, recover Shaanxi and Jingdong to control the Great River, rest and recuperate for three years, then take Hedong and Taiyuan to sweep Hebei, restrain the Mongols and divide Goryeo to constrict their power. Then the Han dynasty will rise, and the Yellow Dragon can be reached.\" The Emperor praised and approved it, ordering him to move his army to pacify Zhong Xiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the tenth month, Lü Haoqiu, citing his advanced age and a desire to seek truth in original learning, requested to retire. The Emperor did not permit it, instead adding the title of Grand Councilor for Military and State Affairs to serve as a consultant, and appointed Zhao Ding as his successor. Goryeo and Japan came to court, and the Emperor ordered the opening of ports for trade. Zheng Yinian returned south. The Emperor suspected he was a spy and wanted to charge him with the crime of \"what might be.\" Imperial Censor Mo Qixie removed his cap and remonstrated, saying: \"How can 'what might be' convince the world? How can 'what might be' govern the world?\" The Emperor apologized, saying: \"If not for you, I would have wronged myself.\" On the twenty-second, because of the great victory at Yaoshan, Consort Pan gave birth to a daughter. All those who were not serving the Jin as Song traitors were pardoned. On New Year's Day of the fourth year of the Jianyan era, the Emperor ordered Lü Haoqiu and his son Lü Benzhong to proclaim \"Original Learning\" to the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the second month, the Huguang region impeached Yue Fei for playing with the bandits to enhance his own importance. The Emperor received a secret memorial and understood Yue Fei's intentions. He kept it in his palace and did not issue it, instead ordering Zhang Jun to go and supervise the army. Before long, Yue Fei pacified Zhong Xiang and Yang Yao in seven days, pacified their people, and they did not rebel again. Everyone then became convinced. On the twenty-first, Ma Shen remonstrated that the secret memorial system had the flaw of isolating civil and military officials from each other and requested that Yang Yizhong be beheaded. The Emperor laughed but did not reply. On the twenty-third, the iron ball experiment was conducted in the capital, proving the deficiencies of Dao Learning. The Emperor then established Original Learning as the official state doctrine, and Original Learning flourished greatly. Prince Wang Shu was reinstated among the Confucian sacrifices, and both the old and new faction partisans were pardoned. Entry into officialdom and examinations continued as before. The whole realm was shaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the third month, the ball market was opened. The Emperor summoned Zhang Jun and Wu Jie for an audience and opened the military academy. On the eighth day, he watched a variety show at the Jingfu Palace with the Imperial Consort and the Duke. A performer satirized him with a play about the \"Two Sages Returning.\" The Emperor said nothing. On the tenth day, he ordered a review of the old affairs of the Jingkang era, granting commendations and posthumous titles to those officials who had rendered meritorious service and died for their principles, restoring half of the salaries that had been unpaid since the Jianyan era, and stripping away excessive favors and hereditary privileges. On the eighteenth, the Jin ruler Wuqimai suffered a stroke. The chief minister Zhanhan sent an envoy to sue for peace. The Emperor said: \"Take the Yanshan range as the border. Kill the seven chief culprits of the Jingkang disaster, Zhanhan, Jin Wushu, and the others, and then I will permit peace.\" The Jin envoy accused the Song of breaking the treaty first. The Emperor said: \"When our strength was weak, we broke the treaty and brought shame upon ourselves. What I hold to now is that rivers of blood have flowed, and the enmity is hard to resolve.\" The Jin envoy left in great anger. The Emperor asked his ministers, but none dared to speak. The Emperor, imitating the story of the feast where the hat-tassel was cut, ordered the doors closed and the lamps extinguished so that no one could see. He then said: \"What does the Jingkang disaster have to do with you? It was all the folly of the Two Sages and the treachery of the Six Traitors. Now, those who want peace, move to the left; those who want war, move to the right.\" Only one person moved to the right. The Emperor ordered the lamps relit and said: \"In that case, those who want peace on condition of returning the two river lands, move to the left.\" There were four or five. He did this three times. When he reached \"Return the Two Sages, the three prefectures of Jingdong, northern Shaanxi, and He Wai, and bind Liu Yu and Zhe Keqiu before I will permit peace,\" the numbers on the left and right were about equal. The Emperor then said: \"I understand. You may all return to your places.\" When the lamps were lit, the Emperor had already returned to the inner palace. Everyone was stunned. Only Hu Quan shouted angrily: \"Those who stood on the left are traitors to the nation! Heaven will punish them!\" On the twenty-sixth, the brothers Jin Wushu killed Zhanhan, installed Aguda's eldest grandson Hela as ruler, and the three princes took charge of the government. Wuqimai abdicated and became the Retired Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fourth month, the Emperor ordered Qu Duan to write \"The Emperor's Discourse on the Nature of the Jin Bandits' Coup.\" He established the Office of Herd Management to oversee horse administration and discussed taking Xia. The Central Secretariat thought that the country was dangerous and its people loyal, and that since the Taizong Emperor had campaigned against it for many years, it would be difficult to take quickly. The Emperor said: \"A narrow territory with a sparse population. With a hundred years of time, a million troops, and billions in military funds, we attacked several times without success. Was Di Wuxiang a mere wine sack and rice bag? Are all the histories written by the descendants of Di Wuxiang?\" Everyone just murmured in assent. Only Qu Duan said: \"The histories are all written by the descendants of Han and Fan. If Di Wuxiang had used military force, how could Xia have survived?!\" The Emperor sighed and said: \"First, the Yan-Yun region; second, Xia; third, Nanyue; fourth, Dali. They have left a curse for a hundred years, a disgrace and an eyesore!\" No one dared to respond. On the eighth day, a Jin envoy arrived again, returning the Jingkang nobles to show their sincerity. They said that if a peace treaty could be concluded, they could depose Liu Yu, return the Two Sages, follow the precedent of the Liao, agree to be brotherly states, and never invade each other again. Many ministers urged the Emperor to agree. The Emperor then summoned Lü Haoqiu, Zhao Ding, Zhang Jun, Liu Ji, Chen Gui, and Li Guang, seven men, and asked them: \"Resisting the Jin cannot be changed. If the people's hearts are not with me, I will go back up Mount Bagong. Will you follow me?\" Lü Haoqiu and the others all pointed to heaven and swore to follow him. The Emperor then said: \"I understand. From now on, the Song may negotiate peace, but I swear I will not negotiate peace!\" He then ordered them to deceive the Jin by saying that the return of the Two Sages across the river was the deadline, and that the return of five commanderies of the puppet Qi was the condition for peace. He also ordered Yue Fei to quickly pacify Miao and then attack Qi. The matter was secret. When the Imperial University students heard of it, they thought it was a repeat of the Jingkang story and besieged the Central Secretariat and the Censorate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fifth month, the Emperor viewed the \"Yu Ji Tu\" and the \"Hua Yi Tu.\" Finding them inaccurate, he ordered the relevant authorities to redraw them. Empress Wei returned, and the Emperor held a banquet to please her. The Empress saw that the banquet was simple, with only a few candles and only chicken and fish for meat. She sighed and said: \"Ninth Brother has worked hard and suffered. In the old days, the imperial family was honored and esteemed. One banquet would use a hundred sheep and be as bright as day.\" The Emperor mocked her, saying: \"If it weren't for nights as bright as day and banquets with a hundred sheep, how could we have ended up at Wuguocheng?\" Empress Zheng tried to smooth things over, saying: \"Only Ninth Brother's frugality can accomplish great things.\" The Emperor said solemnly with a long sigh: \"Zhaolie said that doing the opposite of Cao Cao in everything is how things can be accomplished. This strikes a chord in my heart.\" Everyone was greatly frightened. Empress Wei was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sixth month, the Emperor summoned Han Shizhong and Wu Jie. Yue Fei returned his army to Jingdong and attacked the puppet Qi's Marshal Li Cheng. On the twenty-sixth, the Jin occupied Jinan and returned the Two Sages and the imperial clan members at Baima. The Emperor went to meet them and performed the rites. He said: \"I originally acted as regent for my father. Now that my father and elder brother have returned, it is right for me to step down and yield to the worthy.\" He then drew his knife, cut his robe, and threw it to the ground. Dressed in plain clothes, he mounted his horse and prepared to leave. The palace guards pulled up the banner and followed him. The Central Secretariat was greatly alarmed and urgently ordered Han Shizhong and others to seize the horse and stop him. The Emperor said calmly: \"Han and the bandits cannot coexist. A great state cannot be content with partial peace. Today, those who want to fight can follow me to Nanjing and take Jingdong. Those who want peace can follow the Two Sages and go make a brotherly pact with the Jin. There is no middle ground between these two.\" Lü Haoqiu said: \"How could the mere Two Sages cause the nation to split?\" Zhang Jun said: \"Your Majesty wants war, but why go this far?\" The Emperor replied from horseback: \"It is not for the Two Sages, but for you, my ministers.\" Minister of Personnel Liu Dazhong protested: \"The realm and the family are one and the same principle.\" The Emperor, citing Fang La's rebellion in Jiangnan and the manifesto of the Six Traitors that denounced them, asked: \"With a father and elder brother like this, is it acceptable?\" Liu Dazhong could not answer. The Emperor said: \"The overturned cart ahead is a warning. Therefore, the old Song cannot be restored. 'Abundant prosperity and great ease' cannot be sought. We must shed our old skin and bones, then guide things forward, and continue the strength of Han and Tang. No peace treaties, no tribute of princesses. The Son of Heaven guards the nation's gates and dies for the altars of state. If we can do this, is 'Continuing Song' acceptable?\" Liu Dazhong, Zhu Shengfei, and others were greatly enlightened and requested to resign. On that day, seventy-four officials left their posts, and none followed the Two Sages. Following the precedent of Han Gaozu's white horse oath, Baima was renamed Shaoxing. The Retired Emperor was moved to Shaolin Temple, the Abdicated Emperor to Dongxiao Temple, and the various Jingkang princes were settled in Jiangnan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the seventh month, Yue Fei beheaded Li Cheng at Longshui and recovered the four commanderies of Jingdong. The Emperor, for Yue Fei's merit, bestowed upon him the title \"Utmost Loyalty in Service to the Country\" and had him parade his achievements on horseback before the Xuande Tower. He made Yue Fei's son, Yue Yun, a Buddhist protector. He said to Yue Fei: \"Han Liangchen is peerless under heaven, the support of my back and guts. Li Shaoyan, who separates east and west, is extraordinary and outstanding. But among all the generals, who shares my aspirations if not Pengju? Now I entrust the lands of Qing and Yan entirely to you. In the future, you will drive straight to the Yellow Dragon.\" Yue Fei bowed his head and replied: \"I will die ten thousand deaths without refusing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the eighth month, the Emperor decreed that all Buddhist and Daoist temples throughout the realm should hold grand water-and-land assemblies, and at the Yue Altar, they should offer sacrifices to those who had died since the Jingkang disaster. Those with virtue were to enter the Duke's Pavilion for consultation. On the fifteenth, sacrifices were made at the Yue Altar. An unnamed spirit tablet was placed first, followed by sacrifices to the nameless heroic martyrs and famous ministers and righteous men who had died. The Emperor published an essay in the official gazette, saying: \"In the war between Song and Jin, we Song people protect the country and pacify the people. This is righteous, not biased; it is just, not violent! From the seventh year of the Xuanhe era to the present Jin, seven years have passed. Although the Song has suffered countless casualties and lost a thousand li of territory, righteousness lies with us. Therefore, Song will triumph and Jin will be defeated; we will survive and they will perish! Through a thousand difficulties and ten thousand obstacles, this heart will not change. I will not rest until I have driven straight to the Yellow Dragon. Let the whole realm be encouraged!\" On the sixteenth, Lü Haoqiu was specially enfeoffed as the Prince of Shen, given the title of Grand Preceptor, and continued to lead the Duke's Pavilion as before. On the twenty-first, for their contributions in aiding the army, various True Men and Arhats were granted amnesty and titles. The \"Green Sprout Loan\" was implemented in all temples and monasteries throughout the realm, with the imperial government acting as guarantor. The interest on loans could not exceed ten percent per month, twenty percent per quarter, or fifty percent per year. The Emperor said: \"I am a true man. I do not make hypocritical statements. Both Dao and Buddha are compassionate. How could they do evil deeds? They must be regulated.\" The whole realm praised this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the second day of the tenth month, Yelu Yudu rebelled against the Jin and reported on the matter of Yelu Dashi of the Western Liao. The Emperor sent Hu Hongxiu as an envoy to ally with Dashi to attack Xia. The Emperor wrote to Dashi: \"In the old days, a fierce tiger came out of Liaodong, and we were all like stray dogs and fish that had slipped the net. Now the eastern dog has returned home. Does the western dog long for its homeland?\" He also ordered: \"Ask Dashi: Does he wish to see the reeds of Linhuang in this lifetime?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sixth year, the Emperor personally led an expedition against Xia. On the fifteenth day of the first month, he stationed himself at Chang'an and received the Xia envoy. Using Original Learning, he accused Xia of losing virtue, which caused the waters of the Yellow River to be inconsistently clear and muddy. On the sixteenth, he led the generals to view the Changling Mausoleum. Suddenly, he asked Hu Yin: \"Do I have a mausoleum?\" Hu Yin said: \"The nation is in turmoil. There is none.\" The Emperor laughed heartily: \"Good! In life, one should strive for progress. After death, let one's descendants judge. What use is a mountain mausoleum? In the past, the Lingyan Pavilion turned to ashes, but who has forgotten the twenty-four ministers of Taizong? The Yuntai Terrace no longer exists, but the twenty-eight generals of Guangwu are still remembered. The Three Heroes cannot be found, but their robes and caps fill the realm. If I can restore the achievements of Han Gaozu and Tang Taizong, why worry about being nameless in history?\" At the time, Han Shizhong was contending for the command. The Emperor used historical precedents to encourage him to cultivate virtue. Hu Yin, knowing the Emperor's intent, also directly criticized Shizhong for relying on imperial favor to become arrogant and for being arrogant enough to offend his superiors. Shizhong had always respected Hu Yin. He was greatly ashamed and withdrew, no longer contending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the second month, the Emperor moved his temporary headquarters to Fangzhou and besieged Yan'an. He ordered Wu Jie to attack Bao'an. The Jin sent Jin Wushu to attack Pujin to rescue Xia. The Emperor then personally stationed himself at Tongzhou with false banners to deal with Jin Wushu. He made Yue Fei the commander-in-chief, granting him full authority, and sent him with Qu Duan and others to directly take Lanzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the third month, Hongxiu entered Yue Fei's camp and informed him that Dashi had allied with the Mongols and arrived. Xia was outwardly strong but inwardly weak. Yue Fei then quickly turned to attack Pingxia, crossed the Helan Mountains, followed the Hulu River, and directly took Xingqing. He broke the army and killed its generals. The puppet emperor Qianshun abandoned the capital and fled. Xingqing was thus secured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the twenty-second day of the fourth month, Weiming Chage heard the news, abandoned his city, and fled. Wu Jie recovered the Hengshan range. Yue Fei attacked and destroyed Chage's forces at the Helan Mountains while they were crossing a river. Ling and Xia were thus secured. At the time, Dashi, along with the Mongols, arrived at the Houtao region and confronted Jin Wushu. The Emperor led his army to meet them, and Jin Wushu then withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the sixth day of the sixth month, the Emperor presided over an alliance. They agreed to jointly attack the Jin. The Emperor crowned Dashi as the Western Regions Liao Emperor and enfeoffed the Mongol leaders as the Eastern and Western Khans. Before long, Jin Wushu withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the seventh month, the Emperor sent Dashi to his fief. Zhe Keqiu obtained the head of the Xia puppet emperor Qianshun and his son. He rebelled and returned with the cities of the He Wai region. The Emperor, mindful of the Jingkang affair, pardoned his clan, bestowed a sword upon him, and ordered him to pay homage at the Yue Altar. On the way, he was surrounded and stared at by the common people. Unable to bear the shame, he committed suicide by cutting his own throat at the Xuande Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commentator says: In the past, the Han dynasty was passed down for eleven generations when Wang Mang usurped the throne. Guangwu restored it and revived the Han. The Tang dynasty was passed down for six generations when the An-Shi Rebellion occurred, and Suzong ascended the throne at Lingwu. The Song dynasty was passed down for nine generations when Huizong and Qinzong were captured by the Jin. Shizu succeeded to the throne at Nanjing. These three rulers are all called restorers in history. When they first ascended the throne, treacherous eunuchs caused confusion within, and the Jin army pressed from without. The times were dangerous, the situation urgent, the troops weak, and the treasury empty. The world thought that the disaster of the Yongjia era was unavoidable. But they rose from a fallen well. With the endowment of intelligence and martial prowess, and with the ambition to save the age and pacify the people, they cleansed the palace, gathered the loyalist armies to form the Imperial Camp, endured for the sake of the nation, entrusted the realm to Zong Ze and Li Gang, beheaded Liu Guangshi on the Huai River, killed Du Chong at Yanling, returned to the old capital, assembled the generals at Heyin, and finally restored half of the rivers and mountains. No one surpassed them in setting things right. When the realm was slightly at peace, the court and the countryside thought that \"abundant prosperity and great ease\" were within reach. But the Emperor alone stopped at two consorts within the palace and established the various pavilions outside. He made his intentions clear with mulberry trees and fish ponds, raised funds and contracted debts to support the army, promoted Original Learning, and taught mathematics and science. Then the realm knew that his ambition to unify the whole land was immovable, and that the way of victory and defeat lay only in virtue and material principles. After ten years of accumulation, he ended the factional strife between the old and new parties, made the white horse oath at Shaoxing, entrusted his orphan to Lü Haoqiu, and used Lü Yihao, Zhao Ding, Zhang Jun, Yuwen Xuzhong, Lin Jingmo, and others to reform politics, regulate internal and external affairs, and eliminate the evils of the Jingkang era. This led to the discussions at Wulin, which won the hearts of the realm. After ten years of instruction, there was Han Liangchen, peerless under heaven; Yue Pengju, utterly loyal in service to the country; Li Shaoyan, a pillar in the turbulent stream; Wu Jinqing, commanding with composure; Zhang Boying, roaming the four seas; he promoted Zhang Rong from the water marshes to act on behalf of Heaven's way; he trusted Ma Kuo to spread sparks that set the Taihang Mountains ablaze. Finally, there was the shooting of the falcon at Yaoshan, which reversed the strategic balance. He destroyed Ling and Xia, made the Liao and Mongols his subjects, captured the deer on the Two Rivers, drove straight to the Yellow Dragon, avenged the shame of Jingkang, and continued the foundations of Han and Tang. His achievements were magnificent! Guangwu restored the Han, but the powerful clans and aristocratic families were difficult to control. Suzong revived the Tang, but the treacherous eunuchs and military governors were not pacified. Why? Because they both inherited the old evils and could not continue and surpass them. Shizu used martial force to quell chaos and used civil governance to achieve peace. He continued the Song for three hundred years. His merit was immense! However, he was fond of fierce and wolf-like phrases, coarse and vulgar behavior, forgot his ancestors and traditions, imprisoned his two fathers, and ultimately could not escape the ridicule of later generations. What a pity!\u003C\u002Fp>",11434,"2026-06-06T07:46:32.508Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","bd0e27558b2b718c8398415dd2b92e0316bd2073a31487d36074717f53942dc9","shao-song-chapter-466","shao-song-chapter-464",489,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshao-song-cover.jpg"]