69novels Chapter 144 The Emperor's Personal Expedition
Chapter 144 The Emperor's Personal Expedition
Wanyan Bi whirled around, angrily shouting, "What do you think you're doing? In times of war, envoys are not to be killed. Doesn't Your Majesty even understand this basic rule?"
"rule?"
Zhao Yu laughed, but the smile didn't reach his eyes: "During the Jingkang era, when the Jurchens breached Bianjing, captured the two emperors, and slaughtered the people, why didn't they talk to the Song Dynasty about etiquette? A barbarian nation like us dares to discuss manners with me?"
He waved his hand, his voice icy: "My army is on a northern expedition, and we happen to need an object for a flag-raising ceremony. Since you've delivered yourself to our doorstep, then keep it."
"Wang Huai'an".
"This servant is here."
"Drag him away and behead him. Hang his head on the city gate and display it to the public for three days."
"As you command!"
Wang Huai'an waved his hand, and several agents from the Eastern Depot rushed into the hall and, without saying a word, subdued Wanyan Bi and his two deputy envoys.
Wanyan Bi was both shocked and furious. He struggled desperately and cursed incessantly in Jurchen.
But his martial arts skills were mediocre, so how could he possibly outmaneuver the well-trained agents of the Eastern Depot?
The three were quickly gagged and dragged away.
The officials in the hall were terrified, their faces turning pale, and many of them had their legs go weak.
They never dreamed that the Emperor would actually dare to execute the Jin envoy, which completely severed any possibility of peace negotiations.
Not long after, Wang Huai'an hurried back, bowed, and reported: "Your Majesty, the messenger has been executed."
Zhao Yu nodded, his gaze sweeping over the officials below the steps.
The hall was completely silent; even breathing could be heard clearly. Everyone kept their heads down, not daring to meet Zhao Yu's gaze.
"Have you all heard this clearly? My mind is made up to resist the Jin. I vow to never coexist with the Jin in this life. Returning to the old capital and recovering Yan and Yun is my lifelong wish."
"The shame of Jingkang remains unavenged; the hatred of the subjects will never be extinguished. As the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty, I will never again follow the old path of kneeling and begging for peace. I also hope that all of you will join me in our efforts to overcome this national crisis."
Lei Xiaoyou sighed deeply, stepped forward, and bowed: "Your Majesty's determination to resist the Jin is well known to us. However... I believe that it was somewhat hasty to execute the envoy so rashly."
"Does Minister Lei think that the Jurchens won't move south if I don't execute the envoy?" Zhao Yu retorted. "They have already amassed troops on the border; war is only a matter of time. Yet, many in the court still harbor thoughts of seeking only temporary peace and always want to buy their way out."
"I executed the envoy to cut off all our escape routes. The path to peace negotiations is gone. If we want to survive and protect our country, we have no choice but to take up arms and fight the Jurchens. Only by uniting as one can we win this battle."
Lei Xiaoyou remained silent for a moment: "Your Majesty's foresight and strategic thinking are beyond my reach."
Zhao Yu nodded slightly, then announced loudly, "Now that provisions are in place and weapons are sufficient, I have decided to personally lead the army to the front lines in Xiangyang to fight the Jin to the death!"
"What?!"
"The emperor personally leading the expedition?"
The hall erupted in uproar once again.
While it is certainly inspiring for the emperor to personally go to the front lines, the emperor is young and has never fought a war before. If something goes wrong at the front, the Song Dynasty will be leaderless.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"Your Majesty, please prioritize the well-being of the nation and refrain from taking unnecessary risks!"
Many ministers stepped forward to offer their advice.
Zhao Yu raised his hand and pressed down, and the hall instantly fell silent.
"My mind is made up." His tone was calm but unquestionable. "The emperor's decree cannot be changed overnight. I will set off for Xiangyang soon. Ministers Lei and Qian will temporarily take over the affairs of the court. Mr. Huang, the head of the cabinet, will send all major matters directly to the front lines for decision-making."
"You gentlemen only need to stabilize the court and ensure logistics in the rear, and that will be a great achievement."
"Dismiss the court."
After saying this, Zhao Yu turned around and left Daqing Hall, leaving the court officials looking at each other in bewilderment.
After the court session ended, Zhao Yu had just returned to the side hall when Huang Yaoshi followed him in.
"Your Majesty," Huang Yaoshi said, bowing respectfully.
"Brother Huang, no need for such formalities, please have a seat," Zhao Yu said with a smile. "What, are you also trying to persuade me not to personally lead the campaign?"
Huang Yaoshi sat down and slowly shook his head: "I'm not here to advise the Emperor. In terms of martial arts, even amidst a thousand troops, the Emperor is capable of protecting himself. No one can harm you."
He paused, then frowned and said, "What I'm worried about is Lin'an. If the Emperor leaves the capital, those unsettled people in the court might take the opportunity to cause trouble. If someone were to reinstate the retired Emperor, the rear would be unstable, and the front lines would be equally uneasy."
Zhao Yu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "What I want is for them to cause trouble."
"Oh?" A knowing glint flashed in Huang Yaoshi's eyes. "The Emperor did this on purpose?"
"That's right. Those people hiding will eventually become a problem. They are usually well hidden and we can't find any fault with them. Once I leave the capital, they will feel that they have an opportunity and will naturally jump out. At that time, we can wipe them all out in one fell swoop, and save ourselves from trouble when we launch the Northern Expedition later."
He looked at Huang Yaoshi and asked with a smile, "These days, Brother Huang has been focused on handling government affairs. You haven't shown off your martial arts skills in public, have you?"
Huang Yaoshi chuckled, "I'm already overwhelmed with official documents every day, where would I find the time to fight? The entire court just thinks of me as a scholar who knows a bit about administrative affairs."
"That's good." Zhao Yu nodded. "After I leave, Lin'an City will be in your hands, Brother Huang. You will be my secret force hidden in the capital. If anyone makes any unusual moves, Brother Huang, please take action to suppress them and ensure the overall situation is stable."
Huang Yaoshi laughed and shook his head: "Alright, you've included me too."
"Brother Huang is unwilling?" Zhao Yu raised an eyebrow.
"Why wouldn't I want to?" Huang Yaoshi stood up, flicking his sleeve. "To be able to witness the Song Dynasty recover its lost territories is more than I could ask for. Your Majesty, please rest assured and head north. With me in Lin'an, there will be no trouble."
The two exchanged a smile, their unspoken understanding unspoken.
After finishing his duties in court, Zhao Yu went to see Lin Chaoying and another person.
Lin Chaoying and Lan Fenghuang were fighting in the courtyard when they both stopped when they saw him enter.
"Why the long face?" Lan Fenghuang spoke first, teasingly asking with a smile, "Did someone in court upset you?"
Zhao Yu walked to the stone table and sat down: "Today, the Jin envoy came to the court with an arrogant attitude, and I have already ordered him to be executed. Soon, I will personally lead the army to the front line in Xiangyang."
Lin Chaoying paused slightly, then looked up at him: "The front lines are dangerous, I'll go with you. Besides, I know some martial arts, I can be of help."
"No." Zhao Yu shook his head, reached out and took her hand. "You can't go. How can the Empress leave the capital so easily?"
Lin Chaoying was taken aback upon hearing this.
Zhao Yu looked into her eyes: "I plan to arrange our marriage before we go to war. I have already sent people to fetch your parents. Once they arrive in Lin'an, we will hold a grand wedding and formally establish you as Empress."
"After the wedding, I will feel at ease heading north."
Lin Chaoying suddenly covered her mouth.
A glistening tear welled up in her eyes, and she tried her best to hold it back, but one still slipped down and landed on the back of her hand, leaving a small wet patch.
Zhao Yu smiled and wiped away her tears: "Why are you crying? Sister Lin should be happy."
Lan Fenghuang sat to the side, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes before she relaxed again.
She smiled and leaned closer to tease, "Congratulations, sister! You've finally achieved your dream. Don't forget to invite me to your wedding banquet!"
Lin Chaoying blushed and, somewhat embarrassed, grasped Lan Fenghuang's hand in return.
Looking at the two of them, Zhao Yu felt a surge of tenderness in his heart.
The humiliation of Jingkang has not yet been avenged, and the country has not yet been recovered, but as long as the people around him are there, he has nothing to fear.