On the sixth day of the eighth month, the emperor personally visited the Ministry of Works.

Yuan Mu, the Minister of Works, along with Vice Ministers Li Yude and Tang Shen, welcomed the emperor.

The group arrived at the backyard of the Ministry of Works, where a large, tall pavilion made of bright yellow brocade had already been erected. Beneath the pavilion stood a massive, pitch-black object, occupying two-thirds of the courtyard. 

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The object had a ventilation chimney on top, with supervising officials and working craftsmen standing on either side.

“Is this the so-called ‘cage box’?” Zhao Fu pointed at the cage box and asked Tang Shen.

Tang Shen replied, “Your Majesty, indeed it is. Please look here.”

Everyone followed Tang Shen as they approached the enormous, dark cage box. Tang Shen explained, “This is where coal is added to the cage box, and this is the ventilation port. Since the internal temperature of the cage box is extremely high, a cooling device has also been installed.” Tang Shen spoke at length, and although Zhao Fu didn’t fully understand, he found it intriguing. Following Tang Shen’s explanation, they reached the end.

Yuan Mu said, “This is a blacksmith’s forge.”

Ji Mengwen, standing nearby, added, “Minister Yuan daren is correct. This is indeed a common blacksmith’s forge, and this is the anvil used for forging. The function of the cage box is not visible to the naked eye, so we need to use other tools to demonstrate its purpose.”

Left Vice Minister Li Yude remarked, “I notice this forge is different from the usual ones. Look at the hammer—it seems to be connected to the cage box. If this is for forging, have we arranged for a blacksmith today? I don’t see the Director of the Metal Department.”

Tang Shen replied, “Once the cage box is activated, Left Vice Minister Li daren will understand.”

The emperor grew even more curious about the cage box.

Seeing this, Tang Shen wasted no time. He signaled to Ji Mengwen, who immediately gathered the craftsmen to start the cage box.

Several craftsmen received the order and quickly opened the coal compartment, shoveling large chunks of coal into the furnace. The temperature inside the cage box rose rapidly, and the air visibly distorted. Tang Shen led Zhao Fu to step back to the courtyard entrance, observing from a distance.

The craftsmen wiped sweat from their brows, carefully monitoring the temperature and steam inside the cage box while also controlling heat dissipation and gas containment.

Indeed, the cage box was the Song Dynasty’s version of a steam engine.

Two years ago, Tang Shen had Yao San locate large coal mines in the Liao State and bring back significant amounts of coal. The Liao State, vast and expansive, contained several famous coal mines that would later become well-known. With some raw materials secured, Tang Shen had long since begun experimenting with steam engines in the Tang Family Workshop.

In later generations, any middle school student would know that the first industrial revolution began with the invention of the Watt steam engine.

Every industrial revolution is a revolution in productivity.

The principle of the steam engine is not complicated—it uses steam to power machinery, replacing traditional human labor and even natural forces like water power. However, while it sounds simple, achieving it was as difficult as reaching the heavens.

In his previous life, Tang Shen was a proper engineering student, but that didn’t mean he could directly create a steam engine given the current level of technology and productivity. Not to mention a steam engine, he couldn’t even produce a simple steam-powered device! Therefore, before he took charge of the Ministry of Works and established the Ministry of Construction and Reform, the steam engine project in the Tang Family Workshop had already hit a bottleneck.

It wasn’t until Tang Shen was promoted to Right Vice Minister of Works, with the support of Zhao Fu and the entire Song Dynasty, and collaborating with the finest craftsmen in the land, that the current cage box was created.

Tang Shen understood the emperor well. Zhao Fu didn’t need grandiose, empty explanations. He needed a tangible example that he could see and that would make him feel this achievement would immortalize his name.

Thus, Tang Shen and Ji Mengwen went to great lengths to connect the blacksmith’s forge to the cage box.

Tang Shen’s expression was solemn as he gazed earnestly at the massive, dark machine under the sunlight.

A sharp whistling sound was heard, followed by a thunderous clanging of metal. The noise, like thunder, echoed through the courtyard, startling everyone. The chief eunuch, Ji Fu, immediately spread his arms to shield Zhao Fu: “Protect His Majesty! Protect His Majesty!”

Yuan Mu and Li Yude were also frightened.

Tang Shen bowed and said, “Your Majesty, the noise when the cage box starts is indeed loud, but the craftsmen and I have tested it many times. Its safety is guaranteed.”

Zhao Fu was no ordinary emperor. Initially startled, he now pushed aside Ji Fu, who was blocking him, and said calmly, “I see. Jing Ze, your cage box has truly surprised me.”

The cage box continued to rumble, but since Zhao Fu didn’t seem concerned, the others had no choice but to brace themselves and watch.

Five craftsmen continuously inspected each part of the cage box, occasionally adding coal. To dissipate heat, the chimney at the top released large amounts of hot air. Tang Shen sighed inwardly. These were all energy losses, but given the current circumstances, this was the best the craftsmen could do.

After about fifteen minutes, accompanied by the deafening noise of the cage box, the hammer connected to the cage box suddenly moved.

Zhao Fu had been quietly observing, but upon seeing this, he was stunned.

Yuan Mu, Li Yude, and the others also widened their eyes in shock.

The hammer moved slightly at first, then suddenly swung in a semicircular arc, striking the anvil with force and beginning to forge.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The hammer struck the anvil repeatedly, flattening the red-hot iron prepared by the craftsmen into long strips. Upon closer inspection, one could see that the hammer’s initial strikes varied in force, but gradually, it began to strike with consistent angle and strength.

The red-hot iron grew flatter and flatter. At Tang Shen’s command, the craftsmen stopped adding fuel to the cage box.

Ji Mengwen brought the flattened iron sheet to present to the emperor.

The iron sheet had already cooled, revealing a dark color. Zhao Fu reached out and touched the small piece of iron. Suddenly, he looked up, his gaze sharp as an eagle’s, and stared at Tang Shen. “This is like the legendary devices of Gongshu Ban, where pressing a single button can set off a chain reaction.”

Legend has it that Gongshu Ban, also known as Lu Ban, the ancestor of carpenters, created wooden devices where activating a single mechanism could trigger the entire system.

The Song Dynasty also had masters of mechanics, and the Ministry of Works had a few. But both they and Tang Shen knew that energy is conserved. There is no mechanism in the world that can forge iron with just a light touch.

Tang Shen said, “Gongshu Ban’s wooden devices exist only in legends, but the cage box stands before Your Majesty.”

Zhao Fu: “This cage box can forge iron, as I have seen. But it seems quite labor-intensive. What two people can do, this cage box requires five craftsmen.”

Tang Shen replied calmly, “Using the cage box to forge iron is merely to demonstrate its function to Your Majesty. The cage box is like a tireless craftsman. Forging iron is just a small application. The power of steam in the cage box can do far more than just forge iron.”

“What else can it do?” Zhao Fu’s voice suddenly became urgent.

Tang Shen looked up at him, his gaze serious. “This, even I dare not predict.”

That day, Zhao Fu summoned the four prime ministers of Qinzheng Hall and all high-ranking officials second rank and above to the Ministry of Works to inspect the cage box.

The emperor was uncertain. He vaguely sensed that this “small” cage box was not simple, like the tip of an iceberg, hiding unpredictable power. But he couldn’t see it now, and perhaps in the few years he had left, he would never see it.

Xu Bi, Wang Quan, Chen Linghai, Geng Shaoyun… all the high-ranking officials of the Song Dynasty saw the cage box.

As Tang Shen had said the previous night, Wang Zifeng would also see the cage box.

When Wang Zifeng saw the cage box, he was instantly awestruck by this massive, cumbersome iron contraption. Seeing his stunned expression, Right Prime Minister Wang Quan teased, “Zi Feng, do you understand the function of this cage box?”

Wang Zifeng’s lips moved, and after a moment, he said, “Not really.” His tone was hesitant.

Wang Quan: “Then why do you look like that?”

Wang Zifeng: “I understand Jing Ze’s intentions at this moment.”

That night, the high-ranking officials submitted memorials to Chuigong Hall, expressing their opinions on the cage box.

Xu Bi, Chen Linghai, Meng Lang, and others remained silent about the cage box. They truly didn’t understand its purpose. Wang Quan, Wang Zifeng, and others unconditionally supported Tang Shen, submitting memorials requesting the emperor’s approval for the Ministry of Construction and Reform to build more cage boxes.

Among them, Yuan Mu, the Minister of Works, wrote a ten-thousand-word memorial, which he presented at the next morning’s court session.

He had stayed up all night.

Yuan Mu was the second-place scholar in the imperial examinations during the previous emperor’s reign. In the twenty-first year of Kaiping, Zhao Fu appointed him Minister of Works.

Zhao Fu never appointed officials based on their talents. Like Tang Shen, he became Right Vice Minister of Works not because Zhao Fu recognized his aptitude for the role, but because Su Wenyun happened to be promoted to Qinzheng Hall, vacating the position of Right Vice Minister of Works. The Ministry of Works was a relatively idle department, with limited power and constrained by multiple ministries. For Tang Shen to be promoted to a third-rank official, becoming Right Vice Minister of Works was a suitable, albeit nominal, transitional position.

Yuan Mu was not a scholar of engineering, but after becoming Minister of Works, he began to study engineering texts extensively.

Thus, he remained Minister of Works for fifteen years. While other officials in the Ministry of Works came and went, Yuan Mu stayed. He was a conservative official, never proposing bold policies, and devoted himself to the Ministry of Works. But he truly became an official of the Ministry of Works.

Yuan Mu submitted a memorial requesting the emperor to build more cage boxes.

Perhaps the ten-thousand-word memorial moved the emperor, or perhaps Zhao Fu believed in the fate hinted at within it. He immediately issued an edict, ordering the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites to assist the Ministry of Works in vigorously developing the cage box.

In the Immortal Ascension Platform, Zhao Fu, dressed in Taoist robes, sat cross-legged in the center of the hall.

Before him were nine eternal lamps. The evening breeze blew into the hall, causing the white curtains to float like a fairyland.

Tang Shen, led by Ji Fu, entered the Immortal Ascension Platform.

Zhao Fu’s eyes were closed, still immersed in his cultivation. Tang Shen remained silent, waiting quietly. After about fifteen minutes, Zhao Fu opened his eyes. He slowly exhaled a turbid breath and looked up at Tang Shen. His aged, weary eyes gazed at Tang Shen for a long time. Suddenly, Zhao Fu raised his hand. Tang Shen was startled, but before he could react, Zhao Fu’s hand moved forward and then stopped.

Zhao Fu sighed leisurely, “Jing Ze, look at me. I have practiced Taoism for over twenty years, yet I cannot extinguish a lamp with a wave of my hand. But your cage box can forge iron out of thin air. After all these years of practicing Taoism, I am still inferior to you. What is the purpose of seeking immortality and the Tao? What am I truly seeking?”

Since Tang Shen became Right Vice Minister of Works, it had been a long time since Zhao Fu asked him such a life-or-death question. He lowered his head to hide his expression, pondered for a moment, and said, “Ordinary people practice Taoism to live for ten thousand years. I dare to ask Your Majesty for forgiveness before I speak freely.”

“Haha, when did you become so cautious? Speak freely!”

“Yes. I believe that Your Majesty’s practice of Taoism is not like that of ordinary people, focused solely on life and death. Your Majesty cultivates the sincerity in your heart, the fearlessness in your heart, and the reverence and solemnity toward heaven, earth, and the gods. Common people often speak of the grace of incense, offering sacrifices to gods and Buddhas, but if we speak of their true faith, when is it the untraceable gods and Buddhas instead of Your Majesty, who bestows grace upon the people and brings peace to the world!”

Zhao Fu was slightly stunned.

Tang Shen continued smoothly. “Your Majesty practices Taoism for the sake of the people, as the faith and reverence of all people. Your Majesty just said you wanted to extinguish a lamp with a wave of your hand. Extinguishing a lamp with a wave of your hand is merely a superficial representation of what Your Majesty truly desires.” Tang Shen looked up, his gaze fervent and sincere, suddenly burning Zhao Fu’s hypocritical heart.

Tang Shen spoke each word with true sincerity. “What Your Majesty desires is beyond your physical capabilities, but your heart wishes to act, to accomplish great deeds for the people and for future generations. Your desire is what we, your subjects, should strive to achieve. What you practice is not Taoism, but the great merit of eternity!”

After finishing, Tang Shen bowed deeply to the ground.

Zhao Fu stared at him blankly. After a long while, the corner of his mouth twitched, and he said calmly, “I have taken your words to heart.”

Tang Shen’s eyes flickered, but he remained bowed, saying nothing.

After leaving the Immortal Ascension Platform, Tang Shen wiped the sweat from his palms and finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, though he relaxed, his expression grew more serious.

What he had said to Zhao Fu was seventy percent false and thirty percent true.

Why did Zhao Fu practice Taoism?

Of course, it was to seek immortality.

But Zhao Fu also knew that immortality did not exist. If he truly believed in it, he wouldn’t have summoned the monk Shanting to the palace two years ago and then executed him on a whim.

Zhao Fu possessed the false facade common to all emperors, but he also had something many emperors lacked: the great determination and resolve to accomplish real deeds, driven by vanity, and he had indeed achieved real accomplishments.

After Tang Shen left, Zhao Fu did not continue his Taoist practices in the Immortal Ascension Platform. He sat cross-legged in the hall, meditating while staring blankly at the Bagua diagram on the floor.

“Is my heart truly for the people and for future generations?”

“Even I believe it now.”

In the empty hall, the emperor’s self-mocking words were as cold as the night breeze, but he fell silent again. After a long while, he smiled and said, “In the court, perhaps only this one sincere and passionate heart remains.”

The edict to expand the Ministry of Construction and Reform soon reached the Ministry of Works, and with it came news of the return of Yu Chaosheng, the Minister of Justice and Vice Commander of the Silver Pull Division.

When Yu Chaosheng left the capital, he accompanied an army of one hundred thousand, and what a grand spectacle it was. When he returned, the one hundred thousand troops remained in the Northwest, but he still attracted the attention of the entire court because he brought back four guilty officials.

Yu Chaosheng: “Wang Xiao and Mei Shengze of the Silver Pull Division, Liang Jiao and Qian Xu of the Youzhou Flying Cavalry. First, imprison these four in the Ministry of Justice’s prison. After I report to His Majesty, further arrangements will be made.”

“Yes.”

The news that Yu Chaosheng had brought back four guilty officials spread throughout the capital overnight.

That night, Yu Chaosheng visited his mentor, Xu Bi. The teacher and student talked late into the night, staying up until dawn.

The next day, Yu Chaosheng submitted a memorial. All officials’ memorials had to pass through Qinzheng Hall before reaching the emperor. Currently, the person responsible for reviewing memorials from second-rank officials was Right Vice Prime Minister Geng Shaoyun. Geng Shaoyun was not affiliated with the Xu faction or the Wang faction; he was the emperor’s confidant.

Holding Yu Chaosheng’s memorial, Vice Prime Minister Geng felt troubled and hesitated.

In the end, he still submitted the memorial to the emperor’s desk.

Zhao Fu was a diligent emperor. Every important memorial submitted by Qinzheng Hall would be reviewed by him as soon as possible. When he opened this memorial, his eyebrows twitched, and his expression became unreadable.

Yu Chaosheng’s memorial stated that Wang Xiao, Mei Shengze, and two other Youzhou officials had been acting suspiciously, suggesting covert activities.

Of course, the emperor knew what these four officials’ suspicious activities and covert actions were. These four were the spies that Su Wenyun and Tang Shen had personally planted in the Liao State and Youzhou to carry out their plans against the Liao!

Zhao Fu placed the memorial on the table, neither summoning Yu Chaosheng to explain the truth nor issuing an edict to release the four. The emperor pondered for a long time. He felt that Yu Xianzhi was not the type to make a fuss over such a small matter, arresting four court officials and imprisoning them in the Ministry of Justice’s prison.

“Is there some follow-up plan?”

Yu Chaosheng, like his mentor Xu Bi, was always meticulous in his actions, not seeking swift results but ensuring no loose ends.

He did not directly submit a memorial to the emperor stating that these four officials had close ties with Wang Zifeng, the Left Senior Grand Secretary and Commander of the Silver Pull Division, because he still needed to observe how much the emperor knew about this.

After Zhao Fu read his memorial, he did not mention a single word about it during the morning court session, as if he had never seen the memorial.

Yu Chaosheng immediately understood: The emperor was aware of this matter!

But how much did the emperor know? Could it be that Wang Zifeng’s interactions with these four officials, and his deployments in the northwest and the Liao State, were all under the emperor’s orders?

In the Left Prime Minister’s residence, Yu Chaosheng pondered deeply and said, “I believe Wang Zifeng should not be involved in this matter. His Majesty trusts Wang Zifeng greatly, but His Majesty is inherently suspicious and dislikes ministers who monopolize power. Sir, you need not say it—you have never liked to involve yourself in such matters. You have always taught me that as an official, one must act with measure. The former Left Prime Minister, Ji Wengji, held great power, but he never reached the level of Wang Zifeng’s current methods. I believe that Ji Wengji’s actions were the limit of what His Majesty could tolerate, and Wang Zifeng has now crossed that line.”

Xu Bi smiled slightly, took a sip of tea, and said, “Indeed. In that case, what do you plan to do?”

Yu Chaosheng thought for a moment. “Since we are to oppose Wang Zifeng, we must act more decisively. If we do not strike a fatal blow, when Wang Zifeng makes a comeback, it will be an endless trouble. I plan to first interrogate those four officials, ensuring that I thoroughly impeach Wang Zifeng before the emperor, leaving him no chance of recovery.”

Yu Chaosheng’s actions could deceive many, but they could not deceive Right Prime Minister Wang Quan.

After the court session, Wang Quan immediately sought out his nephew and said, “How can you still smile? Do you know that Yu Chaosheng has already submitted a memorial to Chuigong Hall for His Majesty to see! Aren’t you afraid he might fabricate something about you in the memorial?”

Wang Zifeng, fanning himself with a white silk folding fan, smiled and said, “Uncle, have you seen the memorial?”

Wang Quan, momentarily blinded by the fan, replied with slight irritation, “Of course not. Reviewing memorials is Vice Prime Minister Geng’s duty. I am not particularly close with Vice Prime Minister Geng, so how could I know what is written in the memorial?”

“Then why worry?”

“You…!”

Wang Quan was thoroughly exasperated by his nephew, but Wang Zifeng spread his fan and said, “Uncle, there is no need to worry so much. If you are already this anxious now, how will you cope in the future? His Majesty saw the memorial yesterday, but he did not reprimand me during today’s morning court session. Therefore, the memorial must not have mentioned me.”

Wang Quan thought for a moment. “What you say makes sense, but how do you know that Yu Chaosheng did not mention you yesterday and will not directly impeach you in tomorrow’s morning court session?”

Wang Zifeng laughed outright, his handsome face radiant, his eyes sparkling like stars. “Uncle, I have always believed that to succeed in any endeavor, one must know both oneself and one’s opponent. Yu Xianzhi and I passed the imperial examinations in the same year. Since we are of the same cohort, how could I not pay attention to him? Perhaps even he is unaware that I have long taken notice of him. Naturally, I have paid attention to all the jinshi who passed the examinations in the eighteenth year of Kaiping, not just Yu Xianzhi.”

Wang Quan was surprised. “You have time for such things?”

Wang Zifeng: “It’s just a pastime during my leisure hours. Uncle, have you forgotten? I have an eidetic memory.”

Wang Quan was noncommittal. Even if he had an eidetic memory, he would not spend his leisure time on such matters. His nephew was truly an eccentric.

Wang Zifeng sighed, “I have never considered Yu Xianzhi a rival.”

Wang Quan was astonished, “I did not know you held him in such high regard!”

“High regard?” Wang Zifeng seemed to have heard a great joke. His eyes widened, and he laughed for a while before saying, “Yu Xianzhi is weak, indecisive, kind, and simple-minded! If he had studied under Prime Minister Ji, I might have been wary of him. But he studied under Prime Minister Xu. Prime Minister Xu is even more hesitant and indecisive. Why should I consider such a person my rival?”

The implication: Yu Chaosheng could never defeat me in this lifetime.

Wang Quan understood his meaning. Although he did not fully grasp where his nephew’s confidence came from, he sighed. “I have never seen a villain criticize a good person for being too kind and therefore incompetent. Impressive, truly impressive. The Wang clan of Langya has prospered for hundreds of years, accumulating pearls and jade, scholarly blessings. It must have taken a century of accumulation to produce such a corrupt official like you, Wang Zifeng.”

Wang Zifeng bowed sincerely. “Uncle, you flatter me.”

Wang Quan: “…”

While Wang Zifeng had his own plans, Tang Shen encountered someone who should not have been there.

Mei Shengze’s father traveled from Northern Zhili and waited at the entrance of the Ministry of Works for an entire day before finally meeting Tang Shen.

As soon as Mei Shengze’s father saw Tang Shen, he knelt down, but Tang Shen quickly stopped him.

The elderly man, tears streaming down his face, pleaded. “Tang daren, please, I beg you to save Ling Fu, save Ling Fu!”

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AN: In truth, Old Zhao was not wrong in saying that in the entire court, our Little Tang Lang is the only one who can be considered a good person in any sense. The so-called thick-skinned and black-hearted—Little Tang Lang’s face is thick enough, but his heart is not yet black enough.

Wang Zifeng: With me being black-hearted, it is enough. My little junior brother should be as pure as possible, every part of him~ pure (white), that would be best.

Tang Shen: …@#$@#%@#%!#!!!

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

On the sixteenth day of the seventh month of the thirty-sixth year of the Kaiping era, Tang Shen, the Right Vice Minister of Works, submitted a memorial to Chuigong Hall, requesting imperial approval to construct a “cage box” through the Department of Construction and Reform.

The cage box was a peculiar iron container, resembling a carriage in shape but of immense size, large enough to hold three rooms. Emperor Zhao Fu did not fully understand what this cage box was. Tang Shen spent four hours explaining it in Chuigong Hall, but the emperor still could not grasp the concept of this novel device.

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That day, the emperor summoned Yuan Mu, the Minister of Works, Li Yude, the Left Vice Minister of Works, and Ji Mengwen, the Director of the Department of Construction and Reform. It was not until dusk that Zhao Fu finally waved his hand and said, “Since that’s the case, go ahead and complete the cage box. Bring it to me so I can see it.”

Tang Shen bowed and replied, “As Your Majesty commands.”

When they left Chuigong Hall, apart from Tang Shen and Ji Mengwen, the chief designer of the cage box, no one else understood the principles or purpose of the device.

Yuan Mu, the Minister of Works, frowned and said, “Tang daren, I have never interfered with the affairs of the Department of Construction and Reform, but this cage box has caught His Majesty’s attention. How long will it take to complete the construction? Do you have an estimate?”

Tang Shen replied, “Minister, the cage box has already been built and tested. I never go into battle unprepared.”

Yuan Mu had already guessed this answer. “If that’s the case, why didn’t you mention it in Chuigong Hall earlier? We could have gone to see the cage box today.”

Tang Shen explained, “Although the cage box is functional, it has not yet reached its full potential. What I envision is to create a better machine to complement the cage box. Once that is done, His Majesty will immediately understand its brilliance.”

The four men parted ways temporarily.

Yuan Mu sighed to his confidant Li Yude, “They say the waves of the Yangtze River push the waves ahead.”

Li Yude responded, “That cage box may not be as useful as Tang Jingze claims.”

Yuan Mu said, “But have you heard the news of the great victory in the Northwest that has reached the capital? Tang Jingze has arrived at an opportune time. Even if the cage box is not of great use, His Majesty will likely reward him anyway!”

Meanwhile, Ji Mengwen was still trembling, his spirit unsettled.

When they returned to the Department of Construction and Reform, Ji Mengwen suddenly knelt down with a thud and kowtowed to Tang Shen. Tang Shen’s expression tightened, and an official nearby immediately helped Ji Mengwen up. Tang Shen said, “Ji daren, officials of the Great Song do not perform kneeling rituals. Why are you acting this way?”

Ji Mengwen’s voice was hoarse, “This lower official is merely a small craftsman. I never imagined that one day I would have the fortune to enter the palace and meet His Majesty. Thank you, Tang daren, for elevating me. You have given me a new lease on life!”

Tang Shen said, “Have you forgotten the new regulations of the Ministry of Works?”

“Ah?”

“Whether you are an official or a craftsman, your duty is to build what needs to be built, not to kneel to others everywhere.”

Ji Mengwen was momentarily speechless. As he looked at Tang Shen’s calm and composed face, he suddenly realized that he truly was an official now.

Tang Shen asked, “How is the progress on the cage box?”

Ji Mengwen no longer had time to dwell on his earlier emotions. He immediately led Tang Shen to the Department of Construction and Reform to inspect the cage box.

Ji Mengwen said, “The cage box is ready for use at any time. However, I do not understand the meaning behind the conversation you had with the Minister earlier.”

Tang Shen said, “I recall that your ancestors were blacksmiths.”

“That is correct.”

“In that case, let us create a blacksmithing tool for the cage box!”

Throughout the seventh month, the court and the entire nation celebrated the great victory in the Northwest.

The Great Song had not achieved such a significant victory over the Liao before, let alone annihilated thirty thousand of the Black Wolf Army—the true elite force of the Liao. Emperor Zhao Fu was overjoyed and immediately rewarded the three armies. He promoted Li Jingde, the Marshal of the Western Expedition, to the first-ranked Duke Protector of the State, a hereditary title for three generations.

This battle greatly boosted the morale of the Song soldiers, while the Liao army was left in disarray.

The deputy general of the Black Wolf Army, Gunzha’er, was struck by a stray arrow and died in Zhanghu Peak. The military advisor Yelu Qin, however, managed to survive. He was shot in the right leg and, upon returning to Datong, had his entire leg amputated to save his life.

After this battle, the Song people rejoiced, while the Liao people were filled with fear.

In the capital of the Liao, Datong, the third prince Yelu Han said in disbelief, “Grand Preceptor, that was the Black Wolf Army! How could thirty thousand of our elite troops fall into a Song ambush and be annihilated? This is impossible! It must be Yelu Shege plotting behind the scenes!”

The Grand Preceptor Yelu Ding’s expression was dark and uncertain.

Yelu Han cursed Yelu Shege, who was thousands of miles away, but Yelu Ding suddenly coldly shouted, “Enough, silence!”

Yelu Han immediately closed his mouth, though his eyes still showed dissatisfaction.

Yelu Ding said, “You may leave now.”

Yelu Han gritted his teeth, bowed, and left the emperor’s bedchamber.

On the dragon bed, the Liao Emperor lay pale and emaciated, having been unconscious for many days. The emperor’s injury during a hunt was not caused by Yelu Ding or Yelu Han, but his prolonged unconsciousness was indeed Yelu Ding’s doing.

The towering and majestic Grand Preceptor stood by the emperor’s bed, looking down at the dying monarch. After a long while, he extended his hand and said, “Bring the medicine bowl.”

A palace maid carefully handed a bowl of brown medicinal soup to Yelu Ding.

Yelu Ding looked at the dark brown liquid, sat by the bed, and ordered the palace maids and eunuchs in the room, “All of you, leave now.”

Though he was only the Grand Preceptor, his command was obeyed without question, and all the palace maids left the bedchamber.

In the vast bedchamber of the Liao Emperor, only Yelu Ding and the unconscious emperor remained.

Yelu Ding spooned the medicine slowly, his voice deep and calm. “Your Majesty, how you were injured, I still do not know. That day, apart from the second prince’s men, only my people had the opportunity to harm you. In this world, the person who most desires your death is me. But this time… it was not me. Which could only mean it was Yelu Shege.”

“Your Majesty, you have been mighty and heroic all your life, but who would have thought that your most beloved son would want you dead?”

“Yelu Shege is cunning and treacherous. I cannot understand why he would do such a thing, but he did it nonetheless. Thirty thousand of the Black Wolf Army were also annihilated by him. I have never thought of usurping the throne or killing the monarch. I have never thought of poisoning you. This medicine only keeps you unconscious, but I truly never intended for you to die!”

His voice suddenly stopped, and the emperor’s bedchamber fell into dead silence.

“Back then, you galloped across the battlefield, leading the expedition yourself. We, your subjects, were united, and the iron cavalry of the Liao swept across the grasslands.”

“You were the eagle of the grasslands, the roaring wolf of the Liao.”

“I have never forgotten!”

His voice, like a scream torn from his throat, echoed through the bedchamber.

Then, there was another long silence.

Suddenly, with a “clink,” the white porcelain bowl was placed on the table beside the bed. The aged but still powerful Grand Preceptor walked back to the emperor’s bed, looked down at the monarch, and calmly reached out to cover the emperor’s mouth and nose. His movements were natural, as simple as breathing.

Half an hour later, the Grand Preceptor left the emperor’s bedchamber and went to the third prince’s palace.

Yelu Han hurried over and said, “Greetings, Grand Preceptor.”

Yelu Ding dismissed the attendants and looked at Yelu Han, saying indifferently, “His Majesty has passed away.”

Yelu Han was thunderstruck. He staggered back a step, and even though he was not the brightest, he instantly understood Yelu Ding’s meaning. He looked up at the Grand Preceptor in disbelief.

Yelu Ding coldly said, “Do not announce this for now. Since the second prince wishes to accompany the Black Wolf Army to Datong, let him go. Naturally, there is no need for him to return.”

At this moment, only the palace maids and eunuchs in the emperor’s bedchamber knew of the emperor’s death. Apart from them, only the Grand Preceptor Yelu Ding and the third prince Yelu Han were aware.

In the Great Song, the entire nation was celebrating the great victory in the northwest.

Grand Preceptor Zhou and Li Jingde were stationed in Youzhou and could not leave, so the emperor summoned Cavalry General Wei Lü and Imperial Inspector Yu Chaosheng back to the capital.

Though the winter in Youzhou in the Northwest was harsh, with heavy snow sealing the city and unbearable cold, by the eighth month, it was scorching heat with sandstorms raging. When Yu Chaosheng left his residence, he wore a headscarf to shield himself from the sand. He had received the imperial decree to return to the capital and was now on his way to the Northwest camp to report.

After meeting with Grand Preceptor Zhou, Yu Chaosheng returned to Youzhou city at night.

The night was silent, but a group of officials quickly rushed into various parts of the city and arrested several officials who were still asleep.

This operation was carried out swiftly and secretly, and almost no one reacted that night. The next day, Yu Chaosheng brought the arrested officials back to the capital in a grand procession.

Cavalry General Wei Lü was surprised to see that Yu Chaosheng had also arrested people. He asked, “Inspector Yu, who are these people?”

Yu Chaosheng replied, “General, they are all guilty officials.”

Wei Lü, a military man who had risen through the ranks via the military exams, could not fathom the half-spoken, half-concealed thoughts of civil officials.

If they were in chains, they couldn’t be meritorious officials, could they?

Wei Lü scratched his head and said bluntly, “Well, I know they’re guilty officials, but what crimes have they committed? We’ve been in Youzhou for so long, and nothing has happened. Why did you arrest so many people without a word before leaving?”

Yu Chaosheng smiled and said, “Most of them are officials from the Silver Pull Division.”

Wei Lü was stunned. He didn’t quite understand. Yu Chaosheng was one of the leaders of the Silver Pull Division, so why was he so happy when his own people were arrested?

Yu Chaosheng’s sudden arrest of a group of guilty officials was not reported to the court by special messengers. According to his plan, he intended to personally report the matter to the emperor after returning to the capital. However, in Youzhou city, Su Wenyun learned of the incident and investigated the identities of the arrested officials. His expression changed immediately.

Su Wenyun wrote a secret letter overnight and sent it to the capital by fast horse.

“You, Wang Zifeng, are not to be pitied if you die, but you must not ruin my plans!”

Yu Chaosheng’s carriage moved slowly, and by the fourth day, Su Wenyun’s secret letter had already reached the capital, while they were only halfway there.

The letter was delivered to Right Prime  Minister Wang Quan. After reading it, Wang Quan’s eyes showed sorrow. He pondered in his study for an afternoon, then summoned his confidant. The next day, Sun Shangde, a key figure in the Xingzhou case, committed suicide in his cell, unable to endure the torture and taking his own life.

This incident was reported to the emperor by the Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review during the morning court session the following day.

Due to the great victory in the Northwest, Zhao Fu had not been paying much attention to the Xingzhou case recently. Upon hearing this news, he paused, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the officials in the hall, as if trying to discern their true intentions.

The person who most desired Sun Shangde’s death was undoubtedly the officials involved in the Xingzhou case.

Zhao Fu remained silent for a long time before softly asking, “What does the Left Prime Minister think?”

Left Prime Minister Xu Bi stepped forward and bowed, “The guilty official Sun Shangde committed suicide out of fear. I believe that although the mastermind has been executed, the case must continue to be investigated.”

Zhao Fu stared at him for a moment, then asked, “What does the Right Prime Minister think?”

Right Prime Minister Wang Quan stepped forward and said, “This case is being jointly investigated by the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice. I believe the two ministries will have their own conclusions.”

Zhao Fu said nothing more.

After the court session, Xu Bi and Wang Quan walked together. The two most powerful officials of the court, each holding their jade tablets, walked slowly and steadily toward the Xuanwu Gate.

Xu Bi sighed, “The torture in the Court of Judicial Review’s prison is indeed unbearable for ordinary people. Who would have thought that Sun Shangde, after enduring three months, could not hold on any longer?”

Wang Quan also sighed with him, “Although I have never been to the Court of Judicial Review’s prison, I have heard that anyone who enters there will be stripped of a layer of skin before coming out. More often than not, they never see the light of day again.”

Xu Bi smiled slightly and saluted.

Wang Quan immediately returned the salute.

Xu Bi asked, “Where is the Right Prime Minister headed?”

“To Qinzheng Hall.”

“Then we are not going the same way. Farewell here.”

“Left Prime Minister, take care.”

“Right Prime Minister, stay well.”

After exchanging pleasantries, the two went their separate ways.

When Wang Quan arrived at Qinzheng Hall, he had just entered the courtyard of his Right Prime Minister’s office when he saw a tall, straight figure standing in the yard, bending over to admire a rose in bloom. The deep red official robe, which looked ordinary on other officials, appeared particularly elegant and dignified on Wang Zifeng.

However, his nephew was naturally handsome, and no matter what he wore, he always looked refined.

Wang Quan asked, “Why are you here?”

Wang Zifeng turned and saluted, “This lower official greets the Right Prime Minister.”

Wang Quan laughed, “What are you doing? You and I are both first-rank officials. If you bow to me today, should I return the bow?”

Wang Zifeng said seriously, “Today, it is the Minister of Revenue Wang Zifeng bowing to the Right Prime Minister.”

Wang Quan raised an eyebrow, “Oh? What matter does the Minister of Revenue have to discuss with me?”

Wang Zifeng frowned, genuinely puzzled, “This lower official does have a matter that I cannot understand, no matter how much I think about it. I have no choice but to seek the Right Prime Minister’s guidance.”

“What is it?”

“Why did Sun Shangde die?”

Wang Quan’s footsteps halted. He looked up at his nephew, “The person who most desires his disappearance in this world is Left Prime Minister Xu.”

Wang Zifeng smiled, “The Right Prime Minister has not yet answered my question. Why did Sun Shangde die?”

Wang Quan looked at him quietly and said, “Could it not be Prime Minister Xu silencing him?”

Wang Zifeng sighed deeply, “Why would Uncle want Sun Shangde’s life?”

Wang Quan knew he could no longer hide the truth from his shrewd and perceptive nephew. He sighed helplessly, “Let’s go inside and talk.”

Once inside, Wang Quan handed Su Wenyun’s secret letter to Wang Zifeng. After reading it, Wang Zifeng was also stunned for a moment. He sighed, “So this is what happened. I understand Uncle’s actions, but Uncle must realize that even so, it is of no use. Even if Sun Shangde is dead, what does it matter? If the Court of Judicial Review loses an important witness and wants to close the case, there are only two outcomes: either the case is hastily concluded due to lack of evidence, or the case remains unresolved due to lack of evidence!”

Wang Quan said, “Sun Shangde is dead. Isn’t that enough?”

Wang Zifeng replied, “For ordinary people, that would be enough. It would show our sincerity. But for Prime Minister Xu, it is far from enough! How can Prime Minister Xu believe that Sun Shangde’s death will lead to a hasty conclusion or an unresolved case?”

Wang Quan was well aware of this, but he had no other choice. He could only use this method to save Wang Zifeng.

But Wang Zifeng said, “Moreover, I never intended to hastily conclude the case.” He smiled elegantly, “His death is actually a good thing. From now on, there will be no way to justify themselves, and no evidence to prove otherwise. The dead can’t testify after all.”

Wang Quan was stunned, “You…”

Meanwhile, Tang Shen had just finished testing the new use of the cage box. After a busy day, he hurried back to his residence from the Ministry of Works. As soon as he arrived at the Vice Minister Residence, Feng Bi handed him a letter. “It arrived this afternoon, from Youzhou.”

Tang Shen was surprised, “Youzhou?”

Immediately, Tang Shen thought of Wang Xiao.

Since Tang Shen had stepped down as the Right Vice Censor of the Silver Pull Division, Wang Xiao and Mei Shengze occasionally sent him secret letters about the movements of the Liao. Tang Shen opened the letter and was shocked—

The letter was actually from Li Jingde!

As Tang Shen read the letter, his heart grew heavier.

After finishing the letter, he sat in his room for a long time, then held a corner of the letter to a candle, watching it turn to ash.

Tang Shen quickly changed into casual clothes and went to the Minister Residence.

Wang Zifeng had not yet returned.

It was not until past mao shi (7-9pm) that Wang Zifeng returned from outside. The steward informed him that Tang Shen had come, and he was slightly surprised. He smiled and entered the flower hall, asking, “Why had he come so suddenly? Didn’t he say the Ministry of Works was busy recently and he wouldn’t be coming for a while? Has he eaten dinner?”

The steward replied, “Gongzi arrived two hours ago.”

Wang Zifeng frowned, “Then he hasn’t eaten. How have you been serving him? Why haven’t you served the food?”

The steward: “This humble servant is at fault.”

Wang Zifeng: “Add a West Lake vinegar fish and vegetarian meatballs.” Both were Tang Shen’s favorite dishes.

Wang Zifeng took Tang Shen’s hand, and the two sat together at the table.

Tang Shen looked at him, his mind in turmoil. He didn’t know if Wang Zifeng was aware of what had happened. If he knew, Tang Shen would have to explain himself. If he didn’t know, Tang Shen would have to explain differently.

After some thought, Tang Shen asked, “Where did you go, Senior Brother? Why are you only returning now?”

Wang Zifeng glanced at him and poured him tea, “I returned from Uncle’s residence. How is the Ministry of Works these days?”

Tang Shen replied casually, “The cage box is ready. It can be presented to His Majesty tomorrow. You’ll see it too.”

Soon, a table of dishes was served.

Wang Zifeng picked up some fish meat for Tang Shen. “You’ve lost weight these past few days.”

Tang Shen ate the fish, then propped his chin on his hand, waiting for Wang Zifeng to serve him. At first, Wang Zifeng didn’t notice anything unusual, but after serving him several times, he put down his chopsticks and turned to Tang Shen. His eyes were smiling, his elegant and serene face appearing even more graceful and gentle in the candlelight.

“Are you waiting for me to serve you?”

Tang Shen said matter-of-factly, “A guest should be taken care of, shouldn’t they?”

Wang Zifeng laughed, “Of course, absolutely.” He turned to the steward and ordered, “Tang gongzi is a guest. Since he doesn’t want to use his chopsticks, it must be because the kitchen’s dishes are not good enough. Who cooked today? Fire them. The Right Prime Minister’s chef is from the imperial kitchen. Go and invite him to prepare another table of dishes for Tang gongzi.”

The steward wiped the sweat from his forehead but before he could speak, Tang Shen said, “You won’t even serve some food for me?”

Wang Zifeng: “For my wife… ahem, for my husband, I would be happy to serve. But for a guest, I, Wang Zifeng, cannot do that.”

Tang Shen retracted his cold gaze and said, “Then keep serving.”

Wang Zifeng answered gently, “En, serving you for the rest of my life is of no consequence.”

Tang Shen said casually, “It’s hard enough to meet, let alone a lifetime.”

Wang Zifeng’s expression suddenly changed. He was silent for a moment, then said seriously, “I promise you my lifetime.”

Tang Shen knew he had misspoken. His emotional intelligence had mostly been honed by Wang Zifeng and Zhao Fu, but it was still not as good as theirs. Occasionally, he would say the wrong thing unintentionally, especially with Wang Zifeng, because he was too relaxed and more easily blurted things out.

Tang Shen pulled at Wang Zifeng’s sleeve. “Don’t be angry, senior brother.”

Wang Zifeng calmly ate a bite of food, “I’m not angry, just heartbroken. My old heartache is acting up again.”

Tang Shen: “…”

You sound like I always make you angry!

Tang Shen hardened his heart and decided to be shameless. He rested his chin on Wang Zifeng’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, “You’re always heartbroken, and it hurts me too. Don’t be angry. I’ll do whatever you want.”

Wang Zifeng’s eyes flickered, but his expression remained indifferent. He casually said, “Don’t say such things in the future. Little Junior Brother and I have a long life ahead of us. How do you know we won’t meet often?”

Tang Shen’s expression changed. After a moment, he didn’t respond, but he quickly reacted, “Alright, I’ll think twice before speaking from now on.”

Wang Zifeng was momentarily surprised, noticing Tang Shen’s brief shock.

The two looked at each other for a moment, then Wang Zifeng asked, “You know?”

Tang Shen: “…”

Wang Zifeng: “Since when are you so close with Su Wenyun?”

Tang Shen was surprised. “Su Wenyun? What does he have to do with this?”

“Then who told you?”

Tang Shen knew he couldn’t hide it from Wang Zifeng, so he honestly replied. “Li Jingde sent someone to tell me. Li Jingde said that although I am no longer the Right Vice Censor of the Silver Pull Division and have stepped down from these duties, he knows I contributed greatly and nearly lost my life. So he feels he owes me a favor.”

Wang Zifeng said self-deprecatingly, “Su Wenyun wrote to Uncle, and Li Jingde wrote to you. Why didn’t anyone write to me, the person involved? It seems my connections in the court are really that poor.”

Tang Shen replied speechlessly, “We’re talking about serious matters. Ai, what do you plan to do, Senior Brother? Did you have something to do with Sun Shangde’s death?”

Wang Zifeng spoke righteously, “In your heart, am I such a treacherous official?”

Tang Shen nodded vigorously. “Yes.”

Wang Zifeng laughed and hugged him. “In this world, only you can scold me, and I will still say, ‘You’re right, well said.'”

Tang Shen had no mind for other topics. He asked again, “What do you plan to do, Senior Brother?”

“Things may not be as bad as you and Uncle think.”

“En?”

“If I didn’t know about this before you came today, what would you have done?”

Tang Shen didn’t expect him to ask this. He was silent for a moment, then said, “Nothing.”

Wang Zifeng: “Now that I think about it, every time I lie, I have to kiss you first. But when you lie, you don’t have to do anything. It seems you always benefit, and I always lose out. From now on, if Jing Ze plans to deceive me, you should kiss me first, alright?”

Tang Shen rolled his eyes internally: Do I even need to kiss you? You, Wang Zifeng, are so perceptive. I only said three words, and you knew I was lying. Do I really need to kiss you?!

Wang Zifeng explained, “If you truly intended to do nothing, you wouldn’t have probed me so much today. Instead, you would have told me from the start and worked with me to find a solution. But you didn’t say anything and probed whether I knew, because if I didn’t know, you planned to handle it yourself. How would you handle it?” Wang Zifeng paused, then suddenly widened his eyes and looked down at Tang Shen in surprise. “You were going to take the blame for me and accept the punishment?”

Tang Shen muttered, “The cage box is ready, and the Department of Construction  and  Reform is on track. What I can do is limited. Whether I stay in the Ministry of Works or not doesn’t really matter. But you, Senior Brother, are different. The Silver Pull Division’s work has just begun. The Silver Pull Division cannot do without you.”

Wang Zifeng’s heart trembled. He was speechless for a long time. Finally, he hugged Tang Shen tightly and said, “But I cannot do without you either!”

Tang Shen looked up at him.

Wang Zifeng smiled bitterly, “This happened because I was too greedy for power, overreaching and meddling in matters I shouldn’t have. His Majesty is overly suspicious, unlike ordinary emperors. When Yu Chaosheng brings those people back to the capital, I don’t know what will happen.” As he spoke, Wang Zifeng kissed Tang Shen’s brow. “These are troubled times, and I haven’t found a solution yet. But with your heart, I, Wang Zifeng, have no regrets in this life.”

“Jing Ze, I promise you my lifetime. Even if it’s through thorns and knives, I don’t need you to stand in front of me.”

“Remember, do not act rashly.”

Under the candlelight and moonlight, Wang Zifeng’s expression was unusually solemn. He rarely showed such seriousness, and his words came from the heart. Tang Shen was deeply moved, but he also calculated that if it came to that, he would definitely take the blame for Wang Zifeng. The Ministry of Works’ affairs did not necessarily require him, and besides, he had already set things in motion. How things developed depended not just on him, but on the countless craftsmen of this era.

Yu Chaosheng wanted to accuse Wang Zifeng of meddling in the Liao affair, placing his own people within the Liao.

This matter could be big or small, because the Liao affair was originally ordered by Zhao Fu, who sent Tang Shen and Su Wenyun to carry it out, with Zhao Fu’s approval. But now, Zhao Fu was getting older and more suspicious. This emperor loved to balance the court and could not tolerate one faction dominating. Wang Zifeng’s involvement, on the surface, was because he was the commander of the Silver Pull Division. Tang Shen and Su Wenyun had used the Silver Pull Division’s personnel and operated under its name, making it difficult to hide from Wang Zifeng.

But if the emperor didn’t order you to get involved, you shouldn’t have.

This was ultimately a sign of Wang Zifeng’s grasp on power.

He not only got involved in matters he shouldn’t have, but also did so much.

How Zhao Fu would react was unknown. But without a doubt, this would have a significant impact on Wang Zifeng.

Tang Shen thought of taking the blame himself. Wang Xiao and Mei Shengze had been arrested by Yu Chaosheng and sent to the capital. Why couldn’t it be that after Tang Shen stepped down, he secretly sent his confidants to stir the pot?

This might not result in severe punishment, but who would take the blame was a significant matter.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

At this moment, Tang Shen was preoccupied and didn’t notice that Wang Zifeng had kissed him halfway through his speech. The action was so natural, as if driven by emotion, but later Tang Shen would realize—

You really can’t believe even a single punctuation mark from Wang Zifeng’s mouth!

AN: Tang Shen: Back then, I believed Wang Zifeng’s words, and then I… Don’t ask, just regret, regret so much that my intestines are green.

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The hundred thousand strong Black Wolf Army marched day and night, reaching Datong Prefecture in just three days. For an ordinary army, not only would a surprise attack be out of the question, but they would also have to guard against Song army offensives. However, the Black Wolf Army not only did not rest and recuperate but instead took the initiative to attack. The Song army, having received intelligence in advance, retreated immediately, leaving the Black Wolf Army aiming at nothing. But in the military tent, the military officers were embroiled in heated debate.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“The arrival of the Black Wolf Army has greatly boosted the morale of the Liao soldiers! I told you earlier, we should have taken Jiaozhou before the Black Wolf Army arrived. Now that reinforcements are here, how are we supposed to fight?”

“That was the Grand Marshal’s order. If you have any objections, go and tell him yourself.”

“Hey, you pig-eyed, rat-nosed…”

Most of the generals in the Northwest Army came from humble backgrounds, having earned their positions through sheer combat prowess. In the military tent, as long as Grand Preceptor Zhou was not present, whoever spoke the loudest was listened to. Among them, Li Jingde, being the youngest, had the loudest voice. “What are you all arguing about? Are you trying to make us a laughing stock? The Grand Marshal naturally has his reasons, which you all can’t possibly understand.”

“Then do you understand?”

Li Jingde glared  “I do, of course I do!”

“If you understand, then speak up.”

Li Jingde rolled up his sleeves and said, “I may not understand, but my fists do.”

As the two sides were about to come to blows, Yu Chaosheng, the imperial military inspector, immediately interjected, “The Black Wolf Army is indeed a formidable force. From Shangjing to Datong Prefecture, it normally takes six days of marching, and even with fast horses, it would take two days. The Black Wolf Army arrived in two days and still had the strength to launch a surprise attack. They are truly not to be underestimated.”

As the only civil official in the tent spoke, the military officers all turned to look at him, making Yu Chaosheng’s scalp tingle.

Li Jingde, who had been dealing with civil officials frequently in recent years, asked, “What is the Inspector’s insight?”

Yu Chaosheng: “Previously, when the Liao reinforcements had not yet arrived, it was the perfect opportunity for us to attack Datong Prefecture, but the Grand Preceptor held back. In my humble opinion, perhaps the Grand Preceptor was waiting for the Liao reinforcements to arrive. Since the 27th year of Kaiping, our Great Song has been building official roads and establishing the Silver Pull Division, all in preparation for this great war. If our goal was merely to capture Datong Prefecture, the gains would be too small. What the Grand Preceptor aims for is the three states lost by our Great Song a hundred years ago, and to instill fear in the Liao so they dare not invade for another hundred years!”

Hearing his words, the previously loud and crude military officers suddenly fell silent, finally understanding the Grand Preceptor’s intentions.

Li Jingde, however, thought to himself that Yu Chaosheng had just spouted a bunch of nonsense. He already knew all this; why did Yu Chaosheng need to say it? But then he realized that although Yu Chaosheng was ostensibly one of the leaders of the Silver Pull Division, he had not actually been involved in the department’s plans against the Liao. He had deduced all this purely based on his own understanding of the situation.

For a moment, Li Jingde felt a bit of admiration for him.

These civil officials’ brains were indeed not just for show.

Both the Cavalry General Wei Lü and Imperial Inspector Yu Chaosheng had arrived in Youzhou, and naturally, the Fourth Prince Zhao Jing and the Fifth Prince Zhao Ji had also arrived.

The two princes had just arrived in Youzhou and immediately rushed to the Northwest Camp to meet Grand Preceptor Zhou.

Zhao Jing, three years older than Zhao Ji, was somewhat portly in his middle age. As soon as he saw Grand Preceptor Zhou, his eyes reddened, and he said, “Upon hearing of the battle between the two armies, I was filled with anxiety, regretting that I was in Shengjing and unable to participate in the war. Today, with the grace of my Imperial Father, I have come to Youzhou to join the battle, and I will not disappoint my Imperial Father or the Grand Preceptor.”

Zhao Ji, not wanting to be outdone, immediately said, “Zhao Ji also requests to join the battle. Imperial Father is getting old and can no longer personally lead the campaign as he did twenty-seven years ago. As his son and a prince, I will lead by example and shed the blood of our enemies.”

In the military tent, the candlelight flickered, and Grand Preceptor Zhou looked at the two princes without any change in expression. He said, “With the three princes united, I believe this battle will surely be victorious.”

Zhao Jing and Zhao Ji, hearing this, both slightly twisted their expressions in displeasure but quickly said, “This battle will surely be victorious!”

On the fifth day of the fifth month, the Black Wolf Army and the Song army clashed fiercely more than twenty miles outside Datong Prefecture, fighting until the heavens and earth turned dark.

Two days earlier, the Fourth and Fifth Princes had just arrived in Youzhou and immediately requested to join the battle from the Grand Preceptor. After they left, the Second Prince Zhao Shang also arrived, wanting to personally join the fight, using similar words to the previous two princes. “Imperial Father is getting old, and as his son, I will fight in his stead to boost the morale of our army.”

However, when the real battle was imminent, all three princes showed signs of fear.

They paced back and forth in their military tents, terrified. They knew that this battle in the Northwest could very well determine the future struggle for the throne. But on the battlefield, swords and arrows have no eyes; even brave and skilled generals could die on the battlefield, let alone princes like them!

However, Grand Preceptor Zhou did not let these princes join the battle at all, nor did he even allow them to participate in the military meetings, directly sending them back to Youzhou City.

On the fifth day of the fifth month, the two armies engaged in a tentative skirmish, which ended in a draw, allowing both sides to gain a preliminary understanding of each other’s strength. After this battle, Yu Chaosheng, as the Imperial Inspector, returned to Youzhou. As soon as he arrived at his residence, he received an invitation from the Second Prince Zhao Shang. Shortly after, invitations from the Fourth and Fifth Princes also arrived one after another.

If Wang Zhen and Su Wenyun were here, they probably would not have accepted these invitations, finding excuses to decline.

But Yu Chaosheng looked at the three invitations and remembered what his mentor had told him before he left.

“Xian Zhi, this is your only chance to save yourself!”

Yes, in the face of the difficulties of the Xingzhou case, no one else could save him. The only thing he could do was to save himself!

Yu Chaosheng ordered, “Tomorrow, we will host a banquet to entertain the three princes.”

“Yes.”

Fifteen miles outside Datong Prefecture, there was a steep and rugged hill called Zhanghu Peak.

Legend has it that during the previous dynasty, a fierce tiger often roamed the Northwest, feeding on human flesh. A merchant caravan passing through Youzhou encountered the tiger in the wilderness at night. The tiger was ferocious, devouring three caravan guards before the caravan retreated to Zhanghu Peak. The tiger was blocked by the mountain and never appeared again.

On the 19th day of the sixth month of the 36th year of Kaiping, the Liao’s Black Wolf Army, known for their bravery and skill in battle, possessed the best iron cavalry in the world. They advanced swiftly, their iron hooves trampling the chests of countless Song soldiers, crushing them into pulp.

Li Jingde led the Flying Dragon Army in retreat to Zhanghu Peak.

The Liao general leading the troops was named Gunzha’er, a deputy general who had not yet been granted a surname. Gunzha’er had already routed the Flying Dragon Army and naturally sought to press the advantage.

Unexpectedly, Yelü Qin, a close aide of the Second Prince Yelü Shege, urgently rode to the front of the army and anxiously said, “General, we must not advance. This mountain is called Zhanghu Peak by the Song people. It is steep, and every morning and evening, mountain fog rolls in. We should not press the advantage but should retreat!”

Hearing this, Gunzha’er also began to consider retreating. “Are you sure about this?”

Yelü Qin: “Of course I am. If we fall into a Song ambush, it will be a disaster.”

Gunzha’er: “Retreat!”

Li Jingde, hiding in Zhanghu Peak, saw the Liao troops retreating and breathed a sigh of relief. But he remembered this incident.

That night, the Liao general Xiao Han heard about Gunzha’er’s retreat and was furious. “Zhanghu Peak is indeed a dangerous place, but it was noon, with no mountain fog to block us. Our Black Wolf Army was in high spirits, why didn’t you press the advantage? The scouts reported that Li Jingde had no ambush prepared. If you had pursued, his twenty thousand Flying Dragon Army would have been our prisoners by tonight! You fool, take three military canes!”

Gunzha’er, holding back his anger, was punished with three military canes.

The next day, Gunzha’er secretly had someone replace the milk sent to Yelü Qin with unprocessed goat milk. The strong smell of the goat milk made Yelü Qin vomit on the spot. He knew it was Gunzha’er’s revenge and that he should apologize with gifts to resolve the enmity. But Yelü Qin did not do so; instead, he poured out the bowl of goat milk.

When Gunzha’er learned of this, he was even more furious.

Yelü Qin went to see the Second Prince Yelü Shege, who had already heard about the incident. He asked with concern, “I heard that Yelü daren vomited. Are you feeling better now?”

Yelü Qin bowed and said, “I am fine. But from now on, Gunzha’er will surely hold even more resentment towards me.”

Yelü Shege sighed, “If we want to annihilate the hundred thousand strong Black Wolf Army, relying on those incompetent Song people is useless. It’s been a month, and the Black Wolf Army has only suffered six thousand casualties. That’s far from enough.”

Yelü Qin: “That’s why I deliberately provoked Gunzha’er, to set a trap for the hundred thousand Black Wolf Army.”

“Indeed, Yelü daren never does anything without reason, and you never disappoint me. How do you plan to proceed?”

“Zhanghu Peak will be the grave I have prepared for Gunzha’er and forty thousand Black Wolf Army! Moreover, I will accompany the army in this ambush. Even if the Grand Preceptor suspects something later, Your Highness need not worry.”

Yelü Shege was shocked. “Yelü daren, are you willing to risk your life?”

Yelü Qin gritted his teeth, knelt, and bowed, his voice sincere, “Your Highness is the true wise ruler of our Great Liao, the only true master of the Southern officials! Even if I die in Zhanghu Peak, I will die without regret.”

Yelü Shege immediately stepped forward and helped him up. “Shege will not let you down.”

At the same time, in the Northwest Camp, Li Jingde also immediately requested an audience with the Grand Marshal and reported everything that had happened that day.

“That Gunzha’er is just a brute with strength but no understanding of military strategy. Today, I truly retreated to Zhanghu Peak, but he withdrew, wasting a perfect opportunity. When this news spreads in the Liao army, the Liao generals will surely punish Gunzha’er. In that case, I will do it a few more times! Next time, I will retreat to Zhanghu Peak again. After a few times, Gunzha’er will surely lose his patience and charge into Zhanghu Peak with his troops. Then, his thirty thousand Black Wolf Army will be completely annihilated.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou pondered for a moment. “It is indeed a clever plan. But how do you know that next time Gunzha’er won’t just press the advantage instead of waiting for you to prepare an ambush?”

Li Jingde was momentarily speechless, but then he laughed heartily. “The Black Wolf Army is the most formidable force in the world. To defeat them, we must be willing to sacrifice! If I, Li Jingde, am wrong, I will only lose my life and a few defeated soldiers. But if we win, our Great Song will truly no longer fear this greedy tiger lurking in the Northwest!”

Li Jingde did not yet know that his thoughts coincided with Yelü Qin’s.

Three days later, Qiao Jiu managed to send the news to the Northwest camp. Grand Preceptor Zhou was overjoyed and called for Li Jingde. He looked him up and down and, for once, showed a smile, “If there is a way to both save your Flying Dragon Army and truly annihilate Gunzha’er and his thirty thousand Black Wolf Army, would you like to hear it?”

Li Jingde’s eyes lit up, “Grand Marshal, please speak!”

Grand Preceptor Zhou: “This matter is related to the Silver Pull Division.”

Li Jingde was no fool and immediately thought, “Could it be that the spies within the Liao also want to target Gunzha’er?”

“I can tell you, but you must first agree to one thing.”

“What is it? I, Li Jingde, am not afraid of anything, even if it means climbing mountains of swords or descending into seas of fire!”

“Shave off your beard.”

“…What?!”

Grand Preceptor Zhou said calmly, “Shave off your beard.”

Li Jingde: “…”

“Grand Marshal, what does this have to do with my beard?”

Grand Preceptor Zhou stroked his own elegant beard and smiled, “I heard that a few years ago, you ambushed someone in the camp and put a sack over their head?”

“…”

“I told you before, don’t offend those civil officials for no reason. Even I, back in the day, wouldn’t quarrel with people like Zhong Taisheng. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and today, someone has come to seek revenge with merit. If you want the information, you, Li Jingde, must shave off your beard.”

Li Jingde was utterly humiliated. “Grand Marshal, how can you let such petty people turn matters of state into a joke?!”

Grand Preceptor Zhou’s voice was majestic, “Of course not. But I also want to see what you look like without your beard.”

“…”

On the fourth day of the seventh month of the 36th year of Kaiping, Tang Shen left the Ministry of Works in a hurry, holding a memorial, and anxiously went to the palace to see the emperor.

Outside Chuigong Hall, the chief eunuch Ji Fu saw that it was Tang Shen and quickly walked over, his wrinkled face breaking into a smile, “Tang daren, what brings you here today?”

Tang Shen could not hide his joy and took a deep breath, “Please inform His Majesty that lower official Tang Shen requests an audience.”

Ji Fu’s eyes flickered, “Is there good news?”

Tang Shen smiled.

Ji Fu immediately went in to report, and soon came out to escort Tang Shen into the hall.

Tang Shen entered Chuigong Hall and saw Zhao Fu sitting on a luohan bed, eating melon. Two eunuchs carefully picked out the melon flesh and seeds, leaving only the crystal-clear fruit.

Zhao Fu saw Tang Shen and said kindly, “Jing Ze, I heard you have good news to tell me?”

Tang Shen held up the memorial in his hands and was about to speak when a young eunuch hurriedly ran in.

Ji Fu scolded, “You ignorant thing, who let you in?”

The young eunuch immediately whispered something into Ji Fu’s ear. Ji Fu’s expression changed, and he quickly said, “Your Majesty, it’s a military report from the Northwest.”

Zhao Fu put down the slice of melon. “Summon him in!”

The scout officer strode into Chuigong Hall, and Ji Fu quickly took the wooden tube from his hands, presenting it to Zhao Fu with both hands. Zhao Fu opened the tube and read the military report. Suddenly, his gaze paused. The next moment, he burst into laughter, walked up to Tang Shen, and patted him heavily on the shoulder.

Seeing Zhao Fu’s expression, Tang Shen already guessed that there must have been a great victory in the Northwest.

Zhao Fu said, “Jing Ze, you are truly my lucky star. As soon as you entered the palace, the Grand Preceptor’s military report arrived. Li Jingde annihilated thirty thousand Black Wolf Army at Zhanghu Peak, and the Liao army was defeated! You and Jing De have not disappointed me. This is double happiness!”

Annihilating thirty thousand Black Wolf Army!

Hearing this short sentence, Tang Shen felt his heart race and his blood boil.

Tang Shen respectfully said, “I congratulate Your Majesty, and I congratulate our Great Song!”

Zhao Fu was overjoyed, his laughter echoing throughout Chuigong Hall.

Ji Fu, standing to the side, quietly observed Tang Shen, thinking to himself: This Tang Jingze is really lucky. Look, he hasn’t even said a word, and the emperor has already called it “double happiness.” Even if he came to report some trivial matter today, his future merits would not be small. It seems that Tang daren‘s promotion is not far off!

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AN: Ji Fu: Tsk, so lucky, I’m envious!

Tang Shen: ??? Who said I’m lucky? What I have to say is a big deal, a huge deal, but Li Jingde had to butt in!

Li Jingde: My chin feels so cold…

Su Wenyun: Trying to ship me with someone? The person worthy of me, Su Feiran, hasn’t even been born yet!

Next-door old Wang: … [Those who didn’t appear today have no right to speak!]

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Outside Youzhou City, Northwestern Military Camp.

Zhao Shang was not exceptionally intelligent, but he was not entirely foolish either. When he received the imperial decree from Grand Preceptor Zhou, he immediately understood that this was orchestrated by Zhao Fu. As his advisor had analyzed, his father intended to make him the crown prince—only such an important task would be entrusted to him!

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But then, his advisor suddenly gasped in horror, “Disaster! That secret letter!”

Zhao Shang was momentarily confused. “Secret letter?”

The next moment, his face turned ashen. “The secret letter! What should we do? We must retrieve it immediately!”

His advisor dared not delay and rushed to Youzhou City to intercept the letter that had been secretly sent out. However, by nightfall, the Grand Preceptor ordered that no one was to leave the military camp without permission. Zhao Shang and his advisor were in a panic, but no one dared to openly state that they needed to leave the camp to retrieve the letter. By the time the Second Prince’s advisor finally returned to Youzhou City the next day, they discovered that the scout carrying the letter had already left overnight!

Grand Preceptor Zhou had sealed the city but had never restricted Zhao Shang’s movements. After all, he was a prince—no one would dare to stop him from doing as he pleased.

The advisor set out again to chase after the letter, but it was already too late. That plea for help, written in Zhao Shang’s own hand, had made its way to Shengjing. At this point, there was no turning back. Zhao Shang and his advisor had no countermeasures left and could only pray that the emperor would not take that foolish letter to heart.

But seven days later, news arrived from Shengjing—Fourth Prince Zhao Jing and Fifth Prince Zhao Ji had both left for Youzhou.

Zhao Shang collapsed onto his chair in bewilderment and turned to his advisor. “Mister, what… what is happening?”

The advisor already understood that the crown prince position, which had seemed within reach, was now completely lost. But he gritted his teeth and said, “Your Highness, we may still have a chance. It seems that the letter did indeed reach His Majesty, but he has not issued a decree to punish you. The arrival of the fourth and fifth princes in Youzhou does not necessarily mean your defeat. As long as Your Highness can achieve great military merit in this war, everything may yet turn around.”

Meanwhile, the deployment of both Fourth Prince Zhao Jing and Fifth Prince Zhao Ji to Youzhou stirred controversy within the court.

The emperor had only three sons, and now all of them had been sent to Youzhou. What exactly was he planning?

Tang Shen was baffled. Even officials like Wang Zhen and Xu Bi could not decipher the emperor’s intentions. It was only when Ji Fu mentioned that Second Prince Zhao Shang had written a letter home from Youzhou that Wang Zhen sighed heavily, “Fate plays cruel tricks.”

There was no doubt—Zhao Shang must have done something to disappoint the emperor, leading to this outcome.

For a full month, the war between Song and Liao had been deadlocked outside Jiaozhou City.

In Shengjing, military reports arrived every five days. Most contained neither good news nor catastrophic losses. The Liao people were fierce warriors, and Jiaozhou was a naturally defensible position. Even a legendary war god could not conquer it in a short time. The emperor placed great trust in Grand Preceptor Zhou, ensuring a continuous supply of provisions and pay from Youzhou along the official roads.

Yet, despite this, criticism in court increased.

Every day that Jiaozhou remained untaken was another day of enormous financial strain!

Moreover, internal strife had erupted within Liao, and reinforcements from Dading Prefecture had yet to arrive. The Liao forces inside Jiaozhou were virtually unsupported. They were like cornered beasts, yet Grand Preceptor Zhou still hesitated to attack. If they continued to delay and Dading’s reinforcements finally arrived, the tide of war could turn against them.

But Zhao Fu still did not waver in his trust. During a morning court session, he harshly reprimanded an official who questioned Grand Preceptor Zhou’s decisions. The official was dragged out by guards, crying out in protest.

In truth, he was indeed innocent—he had not even been impeaching Grand Preceptor Zhou, merely urging a swift offensive to capture Jiaozhou.

Tang Shen sighed inwardly.

This was a clear example of using one person as an example to silence the others. After this incident, no one in court dared to voice objections against the Grand Preceptor again.

Meanwhile, in Liao territory, Datong Prefecture was under siege by Song forces, causing further internal discord. Though the second and third Liao princes were fiercely competing for the throne, they dared not entirely neglect their defenses.

Half a month later, Liao reinforcements were dispatched to aid Datong.

Inside the Liao imperial tent, Prince Yelü Shege furiously rebuked Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding for his inaction. Under normal circumstances, he would never have dared to challenge Yelü Ding. But now, with the Song army at their gates and Datong nearly falling overnight, even the tribal chieftains were beginning to question Yelü Ding’s leadership.

Yelü Shege cried out, “Datong Prefecture is under Grand Preceptor’s command, and its governor, Xiao Han, is one of your former subordinates. Everyone knows Datong is our northern stronghold! How did the Song manage to cut off our supply lines and suddenly launch an attack? There must be a traitor within Datong!”

His face was pale from exhaustion—he had been attending to the comatose Liao Emperor daily.

With a heavy heart, he turned to Yelü Ding, his voice choked with emotion. “Grand Preceptor, the Song army is no longer the same as it was thirty years ago! We must not underestimate them! I beg you, dispatch reinforcements to Datong immediately and root out the traitor before the Song forces grow even more arrogant!”

Saying this, Yelü Shege moved as if to kneel.

The tribal chieftains were stunned and hurriedly stopped him. “Your Highness, you mustn’t!”

Determination flashed across Yelü Shege’s delicate yet resolute features. “I am only a prince, unable to fight on the battlefield. I only wish for the Grand Preceptor to act swiftly! I will do anything required of me!”

The chieftains were moved. “What are mere Song soldiers? If no one else sends troops, I will!”

“I will send troops as well!”

“As will I!”

Yelü Ding’s gaze darkened as he observed the tearful Yelü Shege and the impassioned chieftains.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. “The Song have dared to invade our Liao lands—I will not stand idly by. However, the commanders of the Black Wolf Army are stationed across the empire. Though I hold their military seal, I lack capable generals, which is why I have delayed sending reinforcements.”

Yelü Shege’s heart sank.

Yelü Ding then knelt slightly and saluted him. “Your Highness’s dedication moves me. Therefore, I will entrust the entire Black Wolf Army—100,000 strong—to Your Highness. Lead them south and annihilate the Song forces!”

Yelü Shege opened his mouth, but Yelü Ding interrupted, “The duty of caring for the Emperor will now fall to the Third Prince. He is dull-witted, whereas Your Highness is the general we need!”

Thus, Yelü Shege led the Black Wolf Army south toward Datong.

On the march, Yelü Qin voiced concern. “We intended to use the Song threat to lure Yelü Ding’s Black Wolf Army away. Who would have thought he would send you along with them?”

Yelü Shege smirked. “That may not be a bad thing. In the end, isn’t his most trusted army now under my command?”

Yelü Qin: “Your Highness means…?”

“A lone wolf without a pack is nothing more than prey waiting to be slaughtered. The Grand Preceptor believes he is playing along, but am I not also going with the flow?”

Yelü Shege, clad in armor and gripping his sword, declared loudly, “In this battle, I will make Datong Prefecture the graveyard of the Black Wolf Army!”

Yelü Qin looked at Yelü Shege approvingly, while Xiao Zhen, standing beside them, was sweating profusely.

Xiao Zhen had originally been just a minor adjutant in Xijin Prefecture, never expecting to rise to become one of Yelü Shege’s trusted aides due to a twist of fate. He was a greedy fool, and Yelü Shege saw through his every ambition, which was why he used him with complete confidence.

Leaving the command tent, Xiao Zhen was still shaken when Qiao Jiu approached him.

Xiao Zhen trusted Qiao Jiu completely and relayed everything he had heard in the tent.

Qiao Jiu said, “His Highness the Second Prince wants to use this opportunity to wipe out the Black Wolf Army. Why not lend him a hand? If things go well, when he ascends to the throne, your future will be boundless.”

Hearing this, Xiao Zhen suddenly realized something. He lifted his head and stared at Qiao Jiu intensely, as if trying to see through him.

“I always thought you were one of the Third Prince’s men, that your Song identity was just a disguise. But now… Have I been wrong all along? Could it be that you really are a Song spy?!”

Qiao Jiu was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected this fool, Xiao Zhen, to have always thought he was working for Yelü Ding. But his suspicion wasn’t entirely unreasonable—after all, Xijin Prefecture was deep within Liao territory. How could he have guessed that Tang Shen and Su Wenyun had managed to reach so far, stirring up chaos even here?

Even after his identity was exposed, Qiao Jiu remained unfazed. He smiled and said, “Since you haven’t called for anyone to seize me, it seems you don’t plan to expose this. There’s no need to look at me like that, daren. I’m merely a businessman. Have our years of cooperation not been profitable for you? You know well enough that the Song army may take Datong Prefecture, but conquering all of Liao? Impossible. The Song people have only ever wanted the three prefectures lost a hundred years ago. As for the Second Prince, all he wants is to eliminate the Black Wolf Army.”

Xiao Zhen: “You mean…?”

“How does one eradicate the Black Wolf Army? Have them die by the blades of the Song soldiers—it only takes a few words from you, daren. How effortless. If you accomplish this for the Second Prince, you will truly become his confidant. Why hesitate?”

Xiao Zhen tried to feign righteousness. “I am a Liao official, and you are a Song spy. How can I send Liao’s soldiers to their deaths?!”

Qiao Jiu gave him an easy way out. “You are not the one who wants to destroy the Black Wolf Army—His Highness the Second Prince does!”

Xiao Zhen was never a man of principles; otherwise, he wouldn’t have secretly worked with Qiao Jiu for so many years. After hearing this, he saw a clear path to success stretching before him.

Xiao Zhen was about to rise to prominence!

On the second day of the fifth month in the thirty-sixth year of Kaiping, the renowned Black Wolf Army arrived at Datong Prefecture in great numbers. They had come swiftly, led by their commander Yelü Qi, a trusted confidant of Yelü Ding. Though Yelü Ding had verbally agreed to let Yelü Shege lead the Black Wolf Army, he would never truly hand over his elite troops to him.

Yelü Qi acted decisively. Upon reaching Datong Prefecture, he immediately led his forces outside the city to counterattack the Song army.

“The Song army will assume that we need time to rest after just arriving. We shall catch them off guard and wipe them out in one strike!”

However, when the Black Wolf Army charged towards the Song camp outside Jiaozhou, they found that the Song forces had already retreated at an alarming speed, leaving them striking at nothing but air.

That night, a lean young man in a black cloak entered the grand marshal’s tent. As he lifted his hood, a handsome face with rosy lips and white teeth was revealed.

Grand Preceptor Zhou was sitting upright. Looking up at him, he greeted with a voice as deep as a bell. “Su daren.”

Su Wenyun smiled slightly, saluted, and greeted, “This lower official, Su Wenyun, pays respects to the Grand Marshal.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou, “You have been in Youzhou for two years, yet this is my first time meeting you. I must thank you for today’s early retreat.”

“I am merely serving His Majesty, just as you are, Grand Marshal.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou nodded in appreciation. “Jing De told me you received intelligence that the Liao Second Prince plans to trap and massacre the Black Wolf Army in Datong Prefecture?”

“It is true.”

“Can this be confirmed?”

Su Wenyun narrowed his eyes slightly. “Tonight, the Black Wolf Army launched a surprise attack, yet our Song forces suffered no losses. That is proof enough.”

In the command tent, Su Wenyun and Grand Preceptor Zhou continued their discussion for a while. When Su Wenyun finally donned his cloak again and left, he had barely walked into a dimly lit, secluded area when he suddenly sensed something amiss.

He quickly said, “Li Jingde, if you dare to sack me with a burlap bag again, I swear I will kill you for revenge!”

General Li stood frozen in place.

Su Wenyun turned around, only to see that Li Jingde was empty-handed—no burlap bag in sight.

Li Jingde rubbed his nose. “You scholars are always slandering loyal men. Fine, fine, I won’t argue with you.”

Su Wenyun scoffed and turned to leave, uninterested in continuing the exchange.

“Hey, I came to thank you.”

Su Wenyun paused and glanced sideways at him.

General Li swaggered out from the shadows and nonchalantly tossed out a few words. “For the early retreat—thanks.”

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By all rights, Su Wenyun should have seized this opportunity to mock him. But when his gaze fell upon the black cloth tied around Li Jingde’s left arm, the sharp words he had intended to say were swallowed back.

“Slandering loyal men? Tch, only a treacherous villain like Wang Zifeng would do such a thing.” With that, he flicked his sleeve and walked away.

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In the Liao State, at the capital city of Dading Prefecture.

The military report from Datong Prefecture was delivered to the palace at top speed.

The Liao Emperor had been injured during a hunt and was now unconscious. All state affairs were being handled by the Second Prince, Yelü Shege, and the Grand Preceptor, Yelü Ding. The urgent military report quickly fell into Yelü Shege’s hands. As soon as he opened it, he was furious, “The Song people dare to tear up the peace treaty! Do they think our Great Liao has no one left? Look at this report!”

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Yelü Qin’s expression changed. He took the report, read it, and then angrily said, “Our Great Liao hasn’t even started the war, and that insignificant Song dares to cross the line! Your Highness, rest assured. Once our Liao cavalry marches south, we will teach those foolish Song people a painful lesson.”

Yelü Shege pondered for a moment, then raised his hand, “No, perhaps this is a good opportunity.”

Yelü Qin was stunned, “Your Highness?”

Yelü Shege’s handsome face showed a flicker of uncertainty. He spoke quickly, “My imperial father has always favored me. While he is unconscious, the power of the court should naturally fall to me, and I should act as regent. But the Grand Preceptor’s influence is too great. Dealing with him is like trying to skin a tiger. Now that the Song army dares to invade, this might be our chance. Every day Imperial Father remains unconscious, our situation becomes more dangerous.”

Yelü Qin’s eyes lit up as he understood. He cupped his hands and said, “This official will immediately send someone to deliver the urgent military report to the Grand Preceptor’s residence.”

Yelü Shege smiled faintly and nodded slightly.

At the same time, in the Great Song, at the capital city of Shengjing.

A scout rode a fast horse, holding a military report high, and was granted special permission to gallop through the official roads straight into the palace.

In Chuigong Hall, the emperor was drinking ginseng soup.

Zhao Fu picked up a black pill and placed it in his mouth. He swallowed the pill with the ginseng soup. At that moment, the chief eunuch Ji Fu hurried in and bowed, “Your Majesty, a military report from the Northwest.”

Military reports took precedence over all else. Without waiting for Zhao Fu to summon him, the scout delivering the report had already knelt in Chuigong Hall. He held a small wooden tube high above his head, waiting for the emperor to open it.

Zhao Fu’s eyes gradually widened. He sat on the throne, unable to regain his composure for a long time.

As if summoning all his strength, he pushed himself up from the armrests and stood, his body swaying slightly. Ji Fu, sharp-eyed as ever, quickly rushed forward to support the emperor’s right arm. Zhao Fu stood in Chuigong Hall, only two feet away from the small wooden tube, but he didn’t dare to take that step.

In Chuigong Hall, the attending eunuchs and maids didn’t understand what was happening.

The chamberlains on duty today didn’t understand what was happening.

Ji Fu, who was supporting Zhao Fu, didn’t know what was wrong with the emperor.

Even the scout delivering the report didn’t understand that what he held in his hands wasn’t just a military report—it was the vast, boundless territory of the Great Song’s three provinces!

Zhao Fu suddenly stepped forward. He moved so quickly that Ji Fu couldn’t keep up. He grabbed the military report, opened it, and read it. Panic, worry, anxiety, and wild joy flashed through his cloudy, aged eyes. In the next moment, he suddenly calmed down. He placed the report on the desk and ordered Ji Fu, “Summon Xu Bi, Wang Quan, Chen Linghai… Zhou Fang, Wang Zhen.”

Ji Fu’s heart skipped a beat. He knew something major had happened. He secretly glanced at Zhao Fu and saw the emperor calmly looking ahead, his expression indifferent, as still as an ancient well.

An hour later, all the first-rank officials of the court had entered Chuigong Hall.

Two hours later, they began to leave one by one.

The expressions of these first-rank officials were varied and colorful. The last to leave Chuigong Hall was the current Left Prime Minister, Xu Bi. Now nearly seventy years old, his sparse, graying hair and gaunt frame made his official robe seem too large. As Xu Bi walked out of Chuigong Hall, the sun was setting. He stopped in the square in front of the hall and stood still for a moment.

After a while, he sighed and continued on his way.

In Chuigong Hall, Zhao Fu paced back and forth dozens of times. He hadn’t had this much energy in a long time. After discussing the Northwest military situation with his first-rank officials, he immediately began strategizing and making deployments with his ministers. Though he should have been exhausted, he was instead incredibly excited.

After another round of pacing, Zhao Fu suddenly turned around, “Ji Fu.”

The emperor had been wandering around the hall, and though Ji Fu didn’t understand why, he had to follow him around several times. Now that the emperor had stopped, Ji Fu quickly responded, “Your servant is here.”

Zhao Fu, “What do you think of the portrait they painted of me last year?”

Every year on Zhao Fu’s birthday, palace artists would paint a portrait of the emperor. Ji Fu smiled, “Your Majesty’s majestic appearance, with your prominent nose like a mountain peak, was captured vividly.”

Zhao Fu, “I think it wasn’t good enough.”

Ji Fu was stunned.

“Summon the palace artists! Have them paint another portrait of me!”

The emperor’s casual whim immediately set the palace into a flurry of activity. Ji Fu, seeing the emperor’s joy, couldn’t help but feel genuinely happy as well.

The next morning, news of the Northwest war spread throughout the court.

The officials were shocked.

Tang Shen, as the third-rank Right Vice Minister of Works, had known that war in the Northwest was inevitable, but he hadn’t expected Su Wenyun and Li Jingde to act so quickly! Why had they suddenly taken action? Even Grand Preceptor Zhou wouldn’t dare to start a war lightly. This was a major conflict between two nations, and it required the emperor’s seal of approval.

Tang Shen pondered this matter with his head lowered. In Zichen Hall, the officials were already in an uproar. However, since the war had already begun, after the officials finished arguing, Zhao Fu waved his hand, and the hall immediately fell silent. His voice was steady and resonant, “The Liao people have bullied the Song for too long. Those three provinces of divine land are all territory of the Great Song. Every time I think of this, my heart aches, and I cannot sleep at night!”

The officials immediately responded in unison, “We are willing to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”

Zhao Fu’s gaze swept over the faces of these officials. In the next moment, his tone was decisive, “I have decided to send an additional one hundred thousand troops to the Northwest!”

Even the pro-peace faction among the officials could only grit their teeth and respond loudly, “We obey Your Majesty’s command!”

In Shengjing, news of the war between the two nations spread throughout the city in an instant.

The officials were all busy. War was no easy matter. Provisions had to be prepared before the troops moved. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works immediately began transporting military funds and provisions to Youzhou. The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel were also busy. The emperor wanted to send an additional one hundred thousand troops, but where to mobilize these soldiers was a difficult problem.

In the Left Prime Minister’s residence, the core members of the Xu faction were also in heated debate.

“The Song and Liao have coexisted peacefully for twenty-six years. Now, suddenly, we are starting a war, and it is being led by the Great Song. This is utterly absurd!”

“Although we signed a peace treaty, the Liao people have been encroaching on our borders every year. Now we are simply repaying them in kind.”

“That’s easy for you to say, Liu daren. That’s the Liao State, with thirty thousand iron cavalry! How can we defeat the Liao? This is like smashing an egg against a rock, courting destruction.”

“You…!”

“Clink—”

The crisp sound of a teacup being placed on the table rang out. The officials who had been arguing immediately fell silent and turned to look at Xu Bi, who was seated at the head of the table.

Half of Prime Minister Xu’s face was in shadow, making it hard to see his expression clearly. His voice was drawn out, “Whether we are willing or not, this war has already begun. Arguing about it now is meaningless. This may not be a disaster. As the saying goes, misfortune may be a blessing in disguise!” Xu Bi turned to his student and smiled, “Xian Zhi, your opportunity has finally come.”

Three days later, the court mobilized one hundred thousand troops, with General Wei Lü as the commander and Minister of Justice Yu Chaosheng as the supervising envoy. They marched west toward Youzhou.

When Tang Shen heard that Yu Chaosheng had gone to the Northwest, he was extremely surprised. That evening, after returning to the Minister Residence, he asked Wang Zhen, “You actually let Yu Chaosheng leave Shengjing?”

Wang Zhen was sipping tea. Hearing this, he turned to look at Tang Shen, “You already know?”

Tang Shen, “How could I not know? By this afternoon, the entire court knew!”

Wang Zhen smiled, “The emperor appointed him as the supervising envoy of the three armies and ordered him to go to the Northwest. What does that have to do with me?”

Tang Shen: “…”

“The Xingzhou case is still being investigated by the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice. Now that Yu Chaosheng is gone, which good and loyal official do you plan to harm next, Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen suddenly laughed, “In your heart, is Yu Chaosheng a good and loyal official?”

Tang Shen countered, “Isn’t he?”

“Not necessarily.” Wang Zhen said lightly. Suddenly, he became interested and turned to look at Tang Shen, asking, “In little Junior Brother’s heart, am I also a good and loyal official?”

Tang Shen: “…”

Tang Shen silently stood up, kissed Wang Zhen on the cheek, and then said, “In my heart, Senior Brother naturally is.”

Wang Zhen laughed heartily.

The Northwest war had become the major event that everyone in Shengjing was paying attention to.

Three days later, the artist finally finished painting Zhao Fu’s portrait. Zhao Fu was extremely satisfied and couldn’t put it down, admiring it all day. He hung the portrait in Chuigong Hall, where he could see it every time he looked up.

The emperor was in high spirits, and the eunuchs and maids also benefited from this.

Ji Fu had been living very comfortably these days. He wasn’t worried about the situation in the Northwest—that was something for the officials to worry about. All he knew was that since the emperor was so happy, everything must be fine.

Outside Chuigong Hall, Ji Fu sighed to his godson, “Life is getting more and more comfortable!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Fu had just finished instructing his godson, Xie Bao, when he saw a scout quickly walking in from the palace gates. Ji Fu’s eyes immediately lit up. The last time a military report came from the Northwest, the emperor had been happy for ten days after reading it. Now that another report had arrived, it must surely be good news.

Ji Fu eagerly brought the scout into Chuigong Hall.

Zhao Fu, “Is this a military report from the Northwest camp?”

The scout knelt on the ground, holding a secret letter high, “Reporting to Your Majesty, this is not a military report. This humble servant has received a secret letter from the residence of the Second Prince.”

Zhao Fu was slightly surprised. He ordered Ji Fu to bring the letter to him. As he read the letter, Zhao Fu’s expression quickly darkened. He clenched the letter tightly, the force so great that it almost tore the thin paper.

“Useless!”

Zhao Fu suddenly shouted, startling everyone in the hall.

In the next moment, Zhao Fu’s eyes closed, and he fell backward. Ji Fu, terrified, rushed forward and used his body as a cushion, preventing the emperor from hitting the ground. He groaned in pain, then looked up and shouted, “Quick, summon the imperial physician! Summon the imperial physician!”

Fortunately, this wasn’t a recurrence of his headache. Zhao Fu had simply been overwhelmed by anger and fainted due to a sudden lack of breath. By nightfall, he had woken up. This unpredictable emperor stared coldly at all the eunuchs and maids in Funing Palace. The servants were all terrified, not daring to breathe loudly.

After a quarter of an hour, Zhao Fu withdrew his icy gaze. He stood up, and Ji Fu quickly draped a robe over him.

“Your Majesty.”

Zhao Fu didn’t respond. He walked silently to the desk, picked up a brush, and wrote an imperial decree, stamping it with the imperial seal.

Zhao Fu said indifferently, “Tomorrow, you will go and announce this decree.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Ji Fu, taken aback, carefully accepted the decree and said cautiously, “Yes, your servant obeys the order.”

Zhao Fu, “First, go to the Fourth Prince’s residence, then to the Fifth Prince’s.”

Ji Fu was both shocked and puzzled, “…Yes.”

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The case of Sun Shangde implicated many people, and Zhao Fu personally ordered the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review to jointly investigate the case.

However, to everyone’s surprise, Yu Chaosheng, the Minister of Justice, was excluded from the investigation and was not allowed to participate in the trial of the accused officials. After some thought, people quickly realized why: in the nineteenth year of Kaiping, Yu Chaosheng had been serving in Xingzhou!

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The Xingzhou case was an old case from seventeen years ago, involving many people. Resolving it thoroughly would not be easy. Two months passed quickly, and before the Xingzhou case could be concluded, trouble broke out in the Northwest.

On the sixth day of the third month of the thirty-sixth year of Kaiping, a small force of thirty-eight soldiers from the Northwest camp launched a surprise attack on Liao territory, capturing nearly a hundred Liao soldiers and ambushing a supply route used by the Liao army. Under the cover of night, while the Liao soldiers were still asleep, Grand Marshal Zhou dispatched thirty thousand troops to charge into enemy territory.

That night, the clash of weapons and the thunder of hooves shook the earth.

The Liao soldiers were still deep in their dreams when the sentries on the city walls sounded the alarm. The Liao soldiers scrambled to put on their armor and grab their weapons. By the time they rushed to the city gates, the Song army had already breached most of the defenses.

Speed is crucial in warfare. The sudden arrival of thirty thousand troops at the city gates caught the Liao army off guard. Despite their reputation for bravery and skill, they were utterly defeated.

However, this city on the border between Song and Liao, which had been Song territory decades ago and was named Jiaozhou, had been renamed Datong Prefecture by the Liao. Datong Prefecture was surrounded by mountains on three sides, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Even though the Song army had nearly taken the city gates, the Liao soldiers quickly rallied and held their ground.

The Liao general defending the city, Xiao Han, was furious. He sent a messenger back to Dading Prefecture: “Go quickly and inform Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding that the Song army has invaded! They dare to wage war against us! This is the perfect opportunity to retake their territories like Youzhou and teach these Song people a lesson.”

“Yes.”

The Liao soldiers held the city gates, while the Song soldiers prepared for battle.

The two sides were locked in a stalemate at Datong Prefecture for three days. Xiao Han, the defending general, was not worried. Although he was not a famous general, defending Datong Prefecture was well within his capabilities. But on the fourth day, the expected shipment of military provisions did not arrive through the secret supply route. Only then did Xiao Han realize something was wrong.

“Damn it, has something happened to the supply route?”

On the other side, Li Jingde, carrying a heavy helmet under his arm, strode into the marshal’s tent. It was March, and the Northwest was still bitterly cold, but Li Jingde was drenched in sweat. He wiped the sweat from his brow and then saluted with a military bow, “Li Jingde reporting to the Grand Marshal. Following the location revealed by the Liao soldier, I led troops and captured two more Liao supply convoys.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou’s stern face broke into a rare smile. He shouted, “Well done! Was it you who made the Liao soldier talk?”

Li Jingde scratched his nose. He was an honest man and wouldn’t take credit for something he didn’t do, “It wasn’t me. It was… Minister Su Wenyun from Qinzheng Hall. That guy used to be the Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. He’s really good at making people talk.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou glanced at him, “I was just starting to think you were shaping up. That’s Su daren, not ‘that guy.'”

Li Jingde chuckled.

A military advisor nearby sighed, “Four years ago, we discovered the Liao army’s secret supply route but kept it hidden, waiting for the right moment. Finally, the time has come. Marshal, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

Soon, several other generals from the Northwest entered the marshal’s tent to discuss strategy.

Meanwhile, in Youzhou City, the Second Prince, Zhao Shang, had been in a daze for days, unsure of what to do!

Grand Preceptor Zhou’s surprise attack on Datong Prefecture had been kept completely secret from Zhao Shang. It wasn’t until the next morning, when his advisor burst into his room in a panic, that Zhao Shang was jolted awake from his sleep. His eyes still heavy with sleep, he opened the door to find his trusted advisor looking terrified, “It’s rebellion, rebellion! Your Highness, the Grand Preceptor has attacked Liao, torn up the peace treaty, and started a war!”

Zhao Shang felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He was wide awake now.

With the war in the Northwest, Youzhou City was immediately placed under lockdown, enforced by Li Jingde himself.

Hearing that Li Jingde had returned to the city, Zhao Shang immediately went to find him, but he was too late. Li Jingde had already left.

From then on, Zhao Shang spent four days in a daze within the city. Neither he nor his advisor could understand where Grand Preceptor Zhou had found the courage to launch a surprise attack on the Liao army! Even if he managed to take Datong Prefecture, once the Liao army regrouped and counterattacked, the Song army would surely be the ones to suffer a crushing defeat.

The peace treaty signed between the two nations in the tenth year of Kaiping had been hard-won by Grand Preceptor Zhou after ten years of bloody warfare!

How could he now tear up that precious treaty with his own hands?

Zhao Shang was utterly baffled, and even his advisor couldn’t provide an answer. On the fifth day, Zhao Shang’s eyes were glazed over. He even began to think that his trip to Youzhou might end in his death. But then, unexpectedly, someone from the Northwest camp arrived at his residence. Zhao Shang’s eyes lit up, “Quick, let them in!”

A young general in silver armor saluted him with a fist-and-palm bow, “This humble soldier greets Your Highness. I have been sent by the Grand Preceptor to escort you to the camp.”

Zhao Shang was overjoyed. Had Grand Preceptor Zhou finally remembered his existence?

But before he could speak, his advisor pulled him aside and said with deep concern, “Your Highness, the Grand Preceptor’s actions are unpredictable. The Northwest camp might be a trap. Your life could be in danger if you go.”

Zhao Shang was jolted back to reality. “You’re right. Grand Preceptor Zhou suddenly attacking Liao—could he be planning a rebellion? But what can I do? He’s sent someone to fetch me. Who in Youzhou City dares to disobey the Grand Preceptor’s orders?”

The advisor was about to suggest, “Why don’t you go, and I’ll stay behind to support you,” but before he could speak, he saw the intense look in Zhao Shang’s eyes. He sighed inwardly, knowing that no matter what, he couldn’t escape. Zhao Shang would never allow him to leave alone. If he suggested it, it would only damage their relationship and lead to certain death. If he didn’t, it would still lead to certain death.

After a long moment of thought, the advisor said, “Your Highness, please write a letter immediately. I will arrange for someone to try to sneak it out of Youzhou City.”

Zhao Shang’s eyes reddened, “Is that the only option?”

The advisor gritted his teeth, “It’s the only option.”

Zhao Shang, “Then I can only trouble you, to accompany me on this journey.”

The advisor’s eyes filled with tears as he clasped Zhao Shang’s hands.

The two were escorted by four soldiers to the Northwest camp. By the time Zhao Shang met Grand Preceptor Zhou that evening, he was so weak with fear that he couldn’t utter a single word.

“Your Highness,” Grand Preceptor Zhou saluted briskly.

Zhao Shang, “Grand… Grand Preceptor.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou silently studied him for a long time. Though his expression was unreadable, Zhao Shang inexplicably felt that the Grand Preceptor was deeply disappointed in him. Before Zhao Shang could figure it out, Grand Preceptor Zhou said, “The decision to go to war is not mine alone. Here is an imperial decree, and you, Your Highness, are the one to announce it.” With that, he handed the decree to Zhao Shang. “The declaration of war between Song and Liao will be made by Your Highness.”

Zhao Shang’s legs trembled, and he was on the verge of tears, too afraid to take the “fake decree.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou let out a heavy sigh, no longer hiding his disdain and disappointment, “This is a genuine decree, stamped with the imperial seal by His Majesty himself before I left the capital last year!”

Zhao Shang: “Huh?”

Zhao Shang was utterly shocked. He had never imagined that when Zhao Fu sent him to Youzhou a year ago, it was for this very moment—the war between Song and Liao!

The situation on the battlefield changed rapidly. The clash between the two nations unfolded in just a few short days.

Winning against Liao was no easy task for the Great Song. They had to seize the critical moment. The Northwest had been preparing for years for this opportunity. But if they had to send someone to Shengjing to request the emperor’s decree, it would take at least six days for a round trip. Those six days could very well lead to a devastating defeat for the Song army. Therefore, Zhao Fu had written the decree a year ago and entrusted it to Grand Marshal Zhou, authorizing him to start the war at any time.

But a decree alone was not enough. Having a prince personally announce the decree would make it more official and silence the critics.

When Grand Preceptor Zhou asked the emperor for this person, Zhao Fu was still bedridden with illness. Leaning against a large, soft pillow, he gazed calmly at the golden silk quilt. After a while, he asked, “Grand Preceptor, which of my three sons do you think has the potential to be the crown prince?”

The Grand Preceptor’s voice was firm, “The matter of the throne is for Your Majesty to decide.”

Zhao Fu said, “Between teacher and student, there should be no distance. Grand Preceptor, please speak frankly. I am sincerely asking for your opinion.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou looked down at the aging emperor for a long time. Finally, he sighed and said, “This old subject will follow Your Majesty’s decision.”

Zhao Fu smiled and said, “Indeed, my three sons are all mediocre, none of them capable.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou did not respond.

Zhao Fu also fell silent.

The prolonged silence was an unspoken understanding between the emperor and his subject.

In the stillness, Zhao Fu murmured, “Zhao Shang, he is my eldest son.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Now, as Zhao Shang held the decree, he felt a sense of unreality. This trip to the Northwest camp was not at all what he had expected. When he returned to his tent in a daze, his advisor, who had been waiting anxiously, listened to his account of what had happened. The advisor’s eyes widened in shock, and then he exclaimed with joy, “Congratulations, Your Highness! Regardless of the outcome of this war, you are now the leading candidate for the crown prince!”

Only then did Zhao Shang snap out of his stupor. He laughed heartily, feeling as if he had finally emerged from hardship into sweet reward.

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