Chapter Eighty-One: A Storm Brews

“Your Highness may not be aware, but I never intended to blow up Aguda. His health has been deteriorating lately, and it’s unlikely he’d live much longer. I had planned to return for recuperation after this battle, yet unexpectedly, he wandered out together with Wuqimai. There was nothing I could do, so I simply sent them both on their journey to the Western Paradise.” After reporting to Zhao Yu, Gongsun Sheng added “Boundless Celestial Venerability” as a gesture of apology to Aguda.

No sooner had Yelü Min departed than Gongsun Sheng came to call. Since he had personally orchestrated and executed the matter, his account was much more detailed than Yelü Min’s.

Upon hearing it, Zhao Yu wasted no words. He rose, gave Gongsun Sheng a deep bow, and said earnestly, “Your actions, Master, have brought untold benefit to the people of the world. Please accept my reverence.”

Those versed in history know well that the Jurchens truly flourished under Wuqimai’s stewardship; his death was the real removal of a mortal threat to the Song dynasty.

Gongsun Sheng bowed in return, smiling. “Since Your Highness has entered the world, the course of Heaven has already changed. What I have done is only in accordance with fate, and I am unworthy of your thanks.”

His words made Zhao Yu’s heart skip. Instinct told him that this mysterious old Taoist had seen through him, realizing he was a usurper occupying another’s nest.

Gongsun Sheng seemed oblivious to Zhao Yu’s inner turmoil, continuing, “What plans does Your Highness have next?”

On hearing Gongsun Sheng’s question, Zhao Yu instinctively glanced around. He hadn’t let Xiao Yiyi join this meeting; no matter how close a couple may be, there are things best kept private.

“I suspect Emperor Tianzuo won’t allow me to remain in Youzhou for long, so I must act quickly to do something—truly develop the lands of Yan and Yun.”

“Your Highness’s resolve puts my mind at ease. Is there anything else you would have me do?” Gongsun Sheng asked.

“You’re not leaving, are you, Master?” Zhao Yu’s pool of capable aides was too shallow; seeing Gongsun Sheng hint at departure, his expression turned mournful.

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but as a man of the Dao, circumstances sometimes require discretion. I intend to assist you from the shadows.”

Gongsun Sheng ignored Zhao Yu’s plea, maintaining a solemn demeanor. The old Taoist was shameless—claiming that, as an ascetic, he couldn’t be seen in public, as if he hadn’t committed his share of murder and arson!

Seeing Gongsun Sheng’s determination to leave, Zhao Yu nodded, “I am about to begin recruiting soldiers and urgently need capable commanders. If you have time, Master, I hope you can help me find suitable candidates.”

At present, Lin Chong, Wu Song, and Lu Zhishen were all instructors in the Flying Bear Army, but the trio was far from enough. To truly control the troops, Zhao Yu needed many more military talents.

After Gongsun Sheng departed, Zhao Yu, accompanied by Yan Qing, arrived at the Youzhou General’s Residence. This would serve as his temporary official quarters. Artisans were mounting the plaque for the Youzhou Governor’s Office.

Compared to the title of King of Song, Zhao Yu clearly preferred the position of Youzhou Governor.

Orders summoning the local officials of each prefecture and county had already been sent; as a newly appointed official, certain matters needed swift implementation.

Due to the urgency of the northern conflict, most of Yan and Yun’s military force had been siphoned away, leaving barely over twenty thousand soldiers—and many of them were elderly or infirm.

The recruitment notices had been issued, but the results were poor: few responded, and their physical condition was lacking. They seemed more intent on filling their stomachs than fighting.

Yelü Huan was in charge of recruitment. Zhao Yu had already instructed him: better to have too few than too many. He wanted warriors, not parasites waiting for death.

Because of the sudden demise of Aguda and other high-ranking Jurchen officials, Liao was experiencing a brief revival; both officials and generals wore smiles, and everyone worked with renewed vigor.

Zhao Yu had no intention of meddling in recruitment yet; his first priority was to tally Youzhou’s remaining assets...

In the Eastern Capital Kaifeng, rebellions were erupting everywhere, casting a pall of fear over the city.

When Fang La first raised the banner of revolt, no one took it seriously, thinking it a minor disturbance that local militias could easily quell.

But to everyone’s surprise, insurrection swept through Jiangnan in no time. Not only that, but Song Jiang, who had fled to Shandong, seized Liangshan and raised the rebel banner; in Hebei, Jia Jin and Tao Jun started uprisings in Xiangzhou...

Only now did the Song sovereign and ministers realize that what they thought was peace was actually riddled with cracks.

The atmosphere in the Golden Hall was oppressive. Emperor Huizong, just now in a rage, had beheaded two censors; now everyone was fearful, none daring to utter a word.

“Why is everyone silent? Aren’t you all usually quite vocal?”

The situation was such that saying too much risked punishment; saying nothing was equally problematic.

“Crown Prince, you are the heir to the nation—speak, what should be done?”

This boy had no sense of timing; at this crucial moment, he failed to step forward!

Hearing his father’s gloomy voice, Zhao Huan shuddered, hurriedly stepped out, and bowed, “There is no wisdom greater than Father’s. Whatever ideas I may have cannot compare to Father’s insight.”

“I certainly have methods, but now I want to hear your thoughts, not your flattery.”

Emperor Huizong was truly anxious; the entire court was assembled, and he gave Zhao Huan no face at all.

Zhao Huan’s face flushed dark with embarrassment. After a brief hesitation, he replied, “When the enemy advances, we meet them with force; when the flood comes, we shore it up. Our Song has a million armored troops—these mere pests are nothing to worry about. Father need only order strict precautions everywhere, and temporarily recall Tong Guan, suspend the northern campaign…”

The latter part of Zhao Huan’s reply grew quieter. He knew well that the northern expedition was no mere battle—it involved many vested interests. The recovery of the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun was also the dream of successive emperors. Suggesting its suspension would offend many; yet he could think of no other solution.

Liang Shicheng had been the earliest advocate for the northern expedition, hoping thereby to help Zhao Huan gain military power. Yet before anything happened, Zhao Huan himself faltered.

Though Liang Shicheng was displeased, he was adept at mischief and intrigue, but when it came to matters of state, he too was at a loss.

Sure enough, as soon as Zhao Huan finished speaking, Emperor Huizong’s face darkened, but before he could rebuke his son, another voice rang out from the jade steps below.

“Your Majesty, this old minister believes the Crown Prince’s words are unwise.”

Emperor Huizong glanced over and was slightly startled to see the speaker: the Crown Prince’s teacher, Li Gang.

This elder was a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince, upright and uncompromising, always opposed to the likes of Liang Shicheng.

Emperor Huizong was of questionable character but held Li Gang in high esteem, admiring this tutor who dared to challenge even him.

Now Li Gang openly contradicted the Crown Prince in court, and all the ministers, including the emperor, couldn’t help but wonder: Had the old gentleman not yet awakened from his sleep?

“Pardon me, Your Majesty. I meant to say that the Crown Prince’s error lies in underestimating the regional bandit threat. Recalling Tong Guan’s army to suppress rebellion is imperative, but the northern expedition should not be delayed either. Therefore, I boldly suggest that the court consider an alternative approach to the northern campaign. After all, the current Governor of Youzhou is the Empress's most beloved eighth prince.”

On hearing Li Gang’s words, the hall suddenly fell into a strange silence...