"I agree, but Jin Kingdom must return Meng Pass; only then can it demonstrate its sincerity. Even if Jin Kingdom regrets it later, we can still hold the strategic advantage of Meng Pass to defend against Jin Kingdom," a high-ranking official stepped forward and glanced at the cold-faced Zhao Ling, speaking slowly.
"We also agree."
In an instant, all the civil and military officials bowed and spoke in unison.
After that, the eyes of all the officials gathered on Zhao Kuangyin.
"Now that the army of Jin Kingdom has arrived, we cannot delay. The matter of marriage should be discussed after we repel the army of Jin Kingdom," Zhao Kuangyin pondered for a moment, his gaze flickering, then waved his hand.
"Your Majesty." The civil and military officials bowed again and said in unison, "Please prioritize the welfare of the millions of citizens of Song Dynasty."
Standing beside Wang Yi, Zhao Ruixue watched this scene and glanced at Wang Yi. A hint of affection appeared in her beautiful eyes as she then looked at the ethereal Zhao Ling, unable to help but sigh. She thought back to how she had been forced by the Zhao Family to marry Zhou Yu. As a woman herself, she understood well the pain of marrying a man she did not love.
"You all..." Zhao Kuangyin's gaze turned sharp, his expression darkened as he pointed at the civil and military officials and asked sternly, "Are you trying to pressure me?"
"We would not dare, but we ask Your Majesty to prioritize the state of Song Dynasty and the welfare of its countless citizens," the officials bowed again.
"Father, Jin Kingdom has long coveted our Song Dynasty, with wolfish ambitions. We cannot trust their words. Moreover, with their three hundred thousand troops already approaching Fengdu, do you all know what Jin Kingdom is planning? Do you really think that if the Grand Princess marries into Jin Kingdom, they will withdraw their troops?" Zhao Xuan stepped forward, bowing respectfully before fixing his gaze on the civil and military officials, declaring loudly, "I know that all of you are thinking of Song Dynasty, but this is a time of national crisis; we must defeat the enemy first before discussing anything else."
"Your Highness, we are indeed thinking of Song Dynasty, which is why we propose this marriage alliance," a tall official stepped forward and said. "Furthermore, such an alliance would benefit the stability of our nation and spare our people from war. Why not pursue it?"
"We also agree." The civil and military officials stepped forward once more and bowed in unison.
At this moment, Wang Yi truly understood the power of these scholarly officials; they were untouchable and could neither be killed nor scolded.
"Ah."
Just as Zhao Kuangyin's expression changed unpredictably and Zhao Ling's face grew colder, a light sigh suddenly echoed around them. Then everyone saw Wang Yi step forward and say, "Zhao Huang, I believe all the Ministers are reasonable. The matter of the marriage alliance is indeed beneficial for both countries and a good way to avoid war."
"Lord Wang is absolutely right; Your Majesty must not hesitate!" The civil and military officials did not expect Wang Yi to support them in this way, and they were overjoyed, quickly bowing in unison.
"Wait, dear Ministers, do not rush." To everyone's surprise, Wang Yi smiled, glanced around at the civil and military officials, and asked, "But at this moment, with Jin Kingdom mobilizing three million troops, can you assure me that they will withdraw their forces simply because Zhao Huang agrees to the marriage alliance?" After a pause, Wang Yi continued, "If it were you, would you withdraw your troops after going to such great lengths?"
"This..." The civil and military officials hesitated.
"Lord Wang is correct, but with a million troops from Jin Kingdom as the vanguard and two million more on their way, aside from the marriage alliance, may I ask what other methods we have to avoid conflict?" An older Minister with a significant position stepped forward and asked loudly.
"Indeed, what methods does Lord Wang propose?" the crowd inquired.
"Negotiate through warfare," Wang Yi declared with a sweeping gesture of his sleeve.
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a brief silence in the air as everyone's gaze converged on this tall figure.
Zhao Kuangyin showed a look of confusion as he looked at Wang Yi, feeling somewhat astonished that a twenty-year-old youth could make such a statement; it was truly incredible.
Zhao Xuan's face revealed a hint of excitement. He was already aware of Wang Yi's understanding of military affairs from previous encounters and was eager to hear what Wang Yi would say next.
Zhao Ling stood gracefully, her clear eyes staring blankly at Wang Yi. Her heart was filled with complex emotions. At just twenty years old and at the Transcendence Realm Fifth Layer, he was an extraordinary talent unseen in the Song Dynasty for ages. Not only did he surpass his peers in cultivation, but he also possessed such military knowledge; he truly was an enigmatic figure.
Zhao Ruixue looked at the gradually speaking Wang Yi with eyes full of affection; her choice had indeed been correct.
“Lord Wang, what does this mean?” a Minister asked.
“The Jin Army is advancing aggressively, their forces are pressing in, and they will not back down easily. Therefore, I believe we should teach the Jin Army a lesson, extinguish their arrogance, and let them know that our Song Kingdom cannot be trifled with. Then we can gather all the Loyalty Army and advance towards Meng Pass, using our might to instill fear in the Jin Kingdom,” Wang Yi said solemnly.
“Clap, clap…” A Minister with a smile applauded as he stepped forward and asked, “Lord Wang, your reasoning is sound, but how do you propose to quell the Jin Army's arrogance?” He continued, “Currently, the Fengdu Army has only six hundred thousand troops, while the enemy's vanguard has a million, and their main force could reach two million. May I ask how Lord Wang intends to resist them?”
“I am not talented, but I am willing to go to the front lines and bring back the head of Wanyan Kang,” Wang Yi said with his hands behind his back, speaking calmly.
“Gasp!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the air was filled with gasps of surprise from the civil and military officials. Some looked puzzled, some shocked, and some incredulous as they stared at Wang Yi. After a long pause, one person stepped forward and asked, “May I ask Lord Wang, is this a plan to behead him?”
“Indeed,” Wang Yi replied.
“Lord Wang, this plan is excellent. If Wanyan Kang dies, the Jin Army will have no general. How can they continue to fight?”
“I believe that is not feasible. Wanyan Kang is the general of the Jin Kingdom, heavily guarded with many experts around him. Even if one wanted to infiltrate, it would be extremely difficult; how could one talk about killing him?”
“That’s true; while it sounds good to take the enemy general's head amidst a million troops, achieving it is practically impossible.”
The civil and military officials began to discuss among themselves, some agreeing, some hesitating, and others opposing.
“Brother Wang, Wanyan Kang is the top general of the Jin Kingdom, a Triumphant Expert of the Creation Realm. Not to mention anything else, there are countless strong protectors around him. It would be harder to see him than to climb to the sky,” Zhao Kuangyin said with a bitter smile.
“Father is correct. Brother Wang, capturing Wanyan Kang's head is indeed extremely difficult,” Zhao Xuan added.
"Since none of you can do it, I, Wang Yi, will give it a try and see if Wanyan Kang's head is as hard as a turtle shell." Wang Yi stood with his hands behind his back, a faint aura emanating from him, and said softly, "I am also a person of the Song Dynasty. At this time when the country is on the verge of collapse, I should fight for my nation. If I unfortunately die, then I will die with honor."
"Wang Yi." Zhao Ruixue's face was filled with concern upon hearing this.
"Don't worry, I'm fine." Wang Yi held the fair lady's jade hand and smiled.
"Your Majesty, since Lord Wang is willing to go, please agree to Lord Wang's request!" A noble stepped forward and said loudly, "Lord Wang is the strongest in the Song Dynasty's Cultivation World. If even he cannot carry out this beheading plan, then I believe no one can."
"We support this." The civil and military officials all bowed in unison.
"Alright, Brother Wang, I entrust this matter to you." Zhao Kuangyin clasped his hands and gritted his teeth.
"Brother Wang, we await your good news here." Zhao Xuan said.
"I will go with you." Zhao Ling said softly, biting her silver teeth.
"Grand Princess's kindness is appreciated; I can go alone." Wang Yi shook his head.
After glancing affectionately at Zhao Ruixue, he cupped his hands towards Zhao Kuangyin and said, "Beloved Wife will have to trouble Zhao Huang to take care of her."
"Brother Wang, please rest assured. When you return after beheading, I, Zhao Kuangyin, will certainly return her intact." Zhao Kuangyin said seriously.
"I leave the mistress in your care." Wang Yi said to Lian Bi.
"Young Master need not worry; as long as I am here, the mistress will be safe." Lian Bi bowed.
"Wang Yi." Zhao Ruixue stepped forward, tightly embracing Wang Yi and softly calling out.
"Wait for me." Wang Yi kissed Zhao Ruixue on her smooth forehead, then turned and transformed into a streak of light, disappearing in the Azure Sky in the blink of an eye...
Border City, standing ten zhang high and ten wide, is a large military fortress, the last barrier of the Song Dynasty. The citizens within the city had already been dispersed by Zhao Hong'an, and three hundred thousand troops were stationed there.
On the city walls, the soldiers of the three armies fixed their gazes ahead.
Zhao Hong looked outside the city, where there was no sign of life, only rising smoke signals. He sighed lightly, then a determined expression appeared on his face.
"Reporting to General Zhao, everything is settled within the city. You should go down and rest; I will guard it," Zhao Bin stepped forward and said respectfully.
"No, spies report that Wanyan Kang's vanguard army of one hundred thousand has already reached the vicinity of Shishan. I must stay here," Zhao Hong replied firmly.
"Father..." Zhao Bing said softly.
"Silence! There are no father-son distinctions on the battlefield, only respect between superiors and subordinates," Zhao Hong said sternly.
"Yes, General," Zhao Bin responded with a solemn expression.
"Woo woo..."
At that moment, a long horn sounded from afar, resonant and deep. A surge of high-spirited battle intent spread from the distance, chilling the air. Then the sound of drums thundered loudly, booming like raindrops, shaking the atmosphere.
"They're coming." Upon hearing the horn and drumbeats, Zhao Hong's expression became serious. A brilliant light burst from his eyes as he tightly grasped his sword at his waist and said to Zhao Bin: "Prepare the troops for battle."
"Yes!" Zhao Bin commanded sternly, immediately ordering the three armies to prepare.
At this moment, the soldiers on the city wall bent their bows and nocked arrows, their eyes fixed intently on the horizon ahead.
Thud thud thud...
Suddenly, the ground began to tremble, dust rising and smoke billowing. Then, long spears appeared like a forest on the horizon, accompanied by countless figures, stretching endlessly as if there were no end in sight.
The army of Jin Kingdom formed a sea of people before the three armies of Song Dynasty. Each person held either a spear, a sword, or a crossbow, their faces filled with ferocity and an overwhelming aura of killing intent. In front of the army were several mounted warriors, among them a general clad in golden armor. He had a robust build, thick black eyebrows, and bright eyes that sparkled like jewels. A faint sinister smile played at the corners of his mouth, making him appear even more menacing as he carried a curved dagger at his waist. He was none other than Wanyan Kang, the foremost general of Jin Kingdom.
On his left and right flanks stood two armored generals and two Gray-Robed Elders, all exuding an extremely dangerous aura.
"General, as long as you capture this Border City, you will be credited with the first achievement. It won't be difficult for you to be granted a title or even become a king!" General Naikel of Jin Kingdom said with a smile.
"General Naikel is absolutely right. Border City is the last line of defense for Song Dynasty. Once we take it down, the entire Song Kingdom will be exposed under the iron hooves of our Jin Kingdom army. At that time, capturing a few princesses from Song Kingdom will also be an easy task," General Lunan of Jin Kingdom laughed heartily.
"Mm." Wanyan Kang nodded and said, "I have received news that the Emperor of Song has released Zhao Hong to defend this Border City. I imagine that Zhao Hong is currently standing on the city wall watching us!"
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