The Peculiar War God of the Song Dynasty
Qin Feng arrived outside the tent and mounted a Black Warhorse, which belonged to his estate and was the same one he rode over on.
Commander of the Guard Di Wu, along with several commanding officers, Duties of the Imperial Guard Commander Liu Xian, and dozens of Imperial Guards clad in Black Armor, were also nearby, each riding their own Warhorses, all prepared for departure.
They set off, whipping their Black Warhorses, which let out a series of roaring sounds.
The Warhorses ran swiftly, almost as if they were flying, racing toward the palace.
After a while, they reached the main gate of the palace. It was already bright, though still tinged with some night shadows.
Upon arriving at the palace gate, everyone dismounted. Qin Feng and Di Wu headed forward.
The commanding officers, Duties of the Imperial Guard Commander Liu Xian and others, led their horses to where they needed to go.
The two felt somewhat bored and began discussing matters concerning the northern border of the Song State. The Jin Kingdom was truly detestable; they had mobilized a large army again.
Commander of the Guard Di Wu expressed his deep hatred and wished he could don his armor and lead an army to fight those Jin Army forces in a decisive battle, driving them into retreat and forcing them to abandon their armor and never dare to invade our Song State again.
However, the emperor had issued orders that they could only remain in the capital and could not mobilize troops without permission.
Qin Feng praised Di Wu for his heroic spirit in daring to confront the Jin Army, noting that many generals would not dare to do so.
He himself was also unafraid of those Jin soldiers; although they were an army, within our Song State territory, they burned, killed, and looted everywhere like bandits.
He longed to wield a Broadsword and behead those Jin Invaders, ensuring that none would escape and maintaining peace for our Great Song.
The two shared the same purpose and aspirations, fueled by Patriotism, and burst into hearty laughter, feeling quite pleased.
Some of the Civil Officials walking together were quite frightened, as if they had seen two madmen. Some hurried to walk faster, not wanting to be in line with the two, worried they might be mistaken for accomplices and face suppression and exclusion.
Others slowed down, trailing behind them, afraid to walk together, fearing the oppression from the Peace Faction.
Suddenly, a few Imperial Guards in Black Armor ran over, their black helmets on their heads and broadswords hanging at their waists. These were the Imperial Guards close to the Emperor.
They were stationed at the palace, responsible for protecting the Emperor's safety.
One of them said, "The one in Black Armor must be Qin Sir! Deputy Commander of the Cavalry, the Emperor has urgent matters to discuss and would like to invite you to the Imperial Garden for a meeting."
Qin Feng was somewhat surprised; it was almost time for Morning Court. Why would he be summoned to the Imperial Garden? It seemed suspicious!
Seeing these tall Imperial Guards reminded him of an incident that had happened before.
He began to feel a bit scared. Was this really the Emperor's command?
"Are you brothers from the Imperial Guards joking? It's almost time for Morning Court; how could we meet in the Imperial Garden? Is the Emperor there?"
Commander of the Guard Di Wu also looked surprised; such things were rare, although they had happened before.
One of the Imperial Guards in Black Armor smiled and said, "Actually, we don't know much either. But judging by the situation, it seems that there won't be a discussion during Morning Court today. The meeting is arranged in the Imperial Garden with some trusted ministers of the Emperor."
"There are too many Civil and Military Officials during Morning Court; it gets too noisy, just like a market filled with commoners. It's really irritating, and even the Emperor can't stand it anymore. Yesterday's noise was truly overwhelming. So fewer people are arranged to discuss state affairs there."
Listening to this, Qin Feng felt relieved; it should indeed be the Sovereign's intention. The Imperial Garden was certainly quieter and more conducive for discussions.
"Then I'll accompany you brothers from the Imperial Guards; please lead the way."
Qin Feng opened his eyes and saw that Zhongshan had indeed fallen. When he left Taiyuan, he had already been surrounded, and the city was breached in no time.
He did not expect General Liu Ding to hold out for several days with five thousand elite troops; it was truly remarkable, but they were still facing an army of tens of thousands.
However, it was still inevitable that they would perish, with all five thousand elite soldiers dying in battle. It was a tale of heroism and a rare capable general.
Just in Zhongshan alone, there were tens of thousands of Jin Army soldiers, and behind them followed even more troops, completely surrounding Taiyuan. It was truly terrifying.
Although Taiyuan had high walls and thick fortifications, the commander Wang Bin was both wise and brave, yet he might not be able to contend with several times the number of Jin Army soldiers, putting him at a disadvantage.
A deep sense of fear arose within him, feeling that the Jingkang Incident was about to happen. Soon the Jin Army would march southward, sweeping through everything in their path until they reached Tokyo City.
The Qin Emperor sighed heavily several times, seemingly lamenting his own fate. He had only been emperor for less than two months when wars broke out frequently at the borders, and now they were about to reach the capital, which filled him with dread.
He said, "Your Excellency Li Gang, have you thought of any good plans? I value you greatly and will surely make you a minister in the future. Quickly think of a way to repel the enemy! My father is incompetent, and the civil officials are foolishly seeking peace; there are hardly any people I can place my hopes on."
Tears streamed down his face continuously, dripping onto the ground as he began to wipe them away with his hands. He was truly terrified.
If the Jin Army breached the city, he would become a prisoner beneath their feet—what difference would there be between him and those criminals?
Qin Feng observed everything and noticed that the emperor had actually begun to cry. There were traces of weakness in him that evoked some sympathy.
Just over a month ago, he had been a carefree prince, surrounded by beautiful wives and concubines, living a life akin to that of an immortal.
But because the Predecessor Emperor was incompetent and only knew how to compose poetry and paint while indulging in beautiful women without caring for state affairs, he left this chaotic court to him. How could he not feel sad and weep?
Li Gang also saw the tears on his face and was moved. He believed that this young man would surely become a wise ruler who cared for the people, unlike the Predecessor Emperor who did not shed tears but only sought pleasure.
He said, "There is no need to worry; I have already devised a plan to deal with the Jin Army. We will surely be able to drive them back and ensure peace for our Great Song."
"Although the Jin Kingdom has mobilized over a hundred thousand troops and is advancing aggressively, our Great Song army is twice their number. As long as we call upon the armies from various regions and order them to rush to reinforce us, we will surely be able to halt the Jin Army's advance and even defeat them.
Especially the Western Route Army stationed near the Western Xia border, which is our Great Song's strongest force, undefeated in battle. Even the arrogant Western Xia army does not dare to deploy their troops recklessly.
With a full force of a hundred thousand soldiers, led by the renowned general Zhong Shidao, who has rarely faced defeat, we can definitely inflict heavy damage on the Jin Army and make them retreat in disarray.
The Emperor should immediately issue an edict to send the Eight Hundred Fast Riders to deliver the imperial decree to Zhong Shidao, the Old General, commanding him to bring his troops for reinforcement. We will surely defeat the Jin soldiers!
Upon hearing this brilliant strategy, the Qin Emperor felt a surge of excitement in his body, his tears ceased, and he was filled with joy.
Upon reflection, the Jin Army is not as terrifying as it seems; it is merely the exaggeration of some incompetent officials!
Our Great Song has more troops than they do, sufficient to defeat them.
Especially our Great Song's Western Route Army, which even struggles against the formidable Western Xia Cavalry; dealing with the Jin Army will be like a walk in the park. We will definitely be able to defeat them."
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