The sky was getting dark, and the lights in the Jin Kingdom's palace gradually turned on. Wanyan Zonghan stood alone in the imperial garden, looking at the southern skyline, his heart filled with endless ambition and worry. Ever since he usurped the throne and became the emperor of the Jin Kingdom, he had been thinking day and night about how to expand the territory of the Jin Kingdom and make the Song Dynasty within his grasp.
A gust of cold wind blew, bringing his thoughts back to reality. He turned around and walked back to the main hall, summoning Wanyan Loushi and Wanyan Zongfu to discuss the plan to attack the Song Dynasty. In the main hall, the candlelight flickered, and the shadows of the three people flickered on the wall, as complex as their moods at the moment.
"Wanyan Loushi, how is the progress of the artillery casting?" Wanyan Zonghan asked in a deep voice.
"Back to the Emperor, the casting of the artillery is nearing completion, and it is expected to be completed next spring." Wanyan Loushi replied respectfully.
"Okay! With these artillery pieces, we can break through the Song Army's defense line." Wanyan Zonghan's eyes flashed with a fierce look, "Wanyan Zongfu, how is the recruitment process going?"
"Back to the Emperor, the recruitment work has been basically completed. It's just..." Wanyan Zongfu said hesitantly, "It's just that the common people are quite critical of this. After all, the people's livelihood has been ruined by the continuous war."
"Hmph! What do the people know? Only by expanding the territory can the Kingdom of Jin become stronger!" Wanyan Zonghan waved his hand impatiently, "Okay, there is no need to mention this matter again. What we need to discuss now is how to attack the Song Dynasty. "
At this moment, a guard hurriedly walked in and knelt in front of Wanyan Zonghan: "To report to the emperor, Yue Fei, the famous general of the Song Dynasty, sent an envoy to ask me if the army of the Kingdom of Jin will be the enemy of the Song Dynasty."
"Enemies? This time I will bury the Song Dynasty royal family~" Wanyan Zonghan sneered, "Are they afraid now? Unfortunately, I no longer have the patience to waste time with them. Tell the envoy that there is no need to mention the peace talks anymore, we are on the battlefield See you, Majaki!"
The guards were ordered to retreat, and Wanyan Zonghan turned to Wanyan Loushi and Wanyan Zongfu: "Pass this order, as soon as spring comes next year, we will immediately send troops to attack the Song Dynasty! The west and east roads are mainly defensive to contain the Song army's strength; the middle road is to contain the Song army's strength; The main attack is on Kaifeng, we must win it in one fell swoop!”
The two of them followed the order and left, and Wanyan Zonghan fell into deep thought again. He knew that this war was of vital importance to the Kingdom of Jin, and if it failed, his throne would be in jeopardy. But he also firmly believed that as long as Kaifeng could be captured, the Song Dynasty would collapse.
However, what he did not expect was that the Song Dynasty's army was fully prepared under the leadership of Yue Fei. Yue Fei knew that the ambition and strength of the Jin Kingdom should not be underestimated, so he began to deploy defenses, train troops, and reserve food and grass early. He believed that as long as the people supported their will, the soldiers served their lives, and the command was proper, they would be able to resist the invasion of the Jin Kingdom.
As time goes by, spring is getting closer and closer. The war between the Jin Kingdom and the Song Dynasty was also about to break out. Wanyan Zonghan stood on the tower of the Jin Palace and looked at the Song Dynasty in the south, his heart full of expectation and tension. He knew that a war concerning the fate of the Kingdom of Jin was about to begin. And he is already ready to compete in this war. No matter what the outcome, he will never regret the decision he made and the effort he put in.
The Jin Kingdom's army was preparing for war, with iron hooves like thunder and war drums shaking the sky. As the supervisor of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Yingluo did not devote much energy to paying attention. She sat firmly in Kaifeng City, her bright eyes as deep as the sea, as if she could see through everything in the world. In her view, the actions of the Kingdom of Jin were just a farce like a clown. In terms of military strength, resources, and people's hearts, what was the point of the Song Dynasty that was beyond the reach of the Kingdom of Jin?
In the city of Kaifeng, the elite soldiers led by Yue Fei were standing ready. They trained day and night, with high morale, like an unsheathed sword, ready to face the invading enemy at any time. The artillery foundry in the city was at full fire, with blazing fires and clanking hammers. Brand-new artillery pieces were rolling off the assembly line one after another. They would become the most sharp weapons of the Song Dynasty, frightening the enemies.
However, just when Zhao Yingluo dismissed the threat from the Kingdom of Jin, an urgent report made her frown. It turned out that the cotton grown around Kaifeng suffered from large-scale insect infestation. Countless cotton bolls were eaten by insects and were riddled with holes. It was terrible to see.
Zhao Yingluo hurriedly summoned agricultural officials and think tanks to discuss countermeasures. She knew well the importance of cotton to the Song Dynasty. It was not only an important economic crop, but also a key raw material for making gunpowder. If cotton production is reduced significantly, it will not only affect farmers' income and national tax revenue, but also weaken the military strength of the Song Dynasty. Agricultural officer Jiang Laosi reported the insect pest situation to Zhao Yingluo with a sad look on his face: "Master Supervisor, this pest infestation is so severe that many cotton fields have suffered serious losses. Those cotton bolls eaten by the insects cannot be saved. We what to do?"
Zhao Yingluo pondered for a moment, and a trace of determination flashed in her eyes: "Jiang Laosi, immediately mobilize farmers to search for cotton bollworms plant by plant, and be sure to catch them all!" Her words revealed unquestionable majesty and determination.
Although Jiang Laosi felt uncertain, he was also infected by Zhao Yingluo's aura. He straightened his back and loudly responded: "Yes! Lord Supervisor!" Then he turned and left, urgently arranging the pest control mission.
Zhao Yingluo stood on the tower, looking at the cotton fields infested by insects, her heart full of worry. She knew that this pest infestation was a severe test for the Song Dynasty, but she also firmly believed that as long as the people were united and united, there would be no obstacles that they could not overcome.
Just then, the sound of rapid footsteps interrupted her thoughts. A guard ran over panting and reported: "Master Supervisor, General Yue Fei wants to see you!"
Zhao Yingluo was stunned for a moment, then smiled happily: "Please come quickly!" She knew that Yue Fei must have something important to discuss here.
A moment later, Yue Fei strode into the tower. His armor was stained with dust and sweat from training, but his eyes were bright: "Master Jianguo, there seems to be movement over there in the Kingdom of Jin."
Zhao Yingluo raised her eyebrows: "Oh? Are they finally going to take action?"
"Yes." Yue Fei nodded, "According to our spies' reports, the Jin Kingdom has completed the casting of artillery and the recruitment of troops, and is now secretly mobilizing troops to prepare to attack us."
Zhao Yingluo sneered: "Huh! Wanyan Zonghan really thinks that he can compete with us with artillery and troops? He is wrong! Our army and people of the Song Dynasty will not succumb to his ambition!" She paused. Then he asked, "General Yue Fei, how are our defense preparations now?"
"Please rest assured, Lord Supervisor!" Yue Fei said with his head held high, "Our army is fully prepared to fight and can attack the invading enemy at any time. Moreover, the quantity and quality of our artillery far exceed those of the Jin Kingdom. If they dare to attack, they will never come back!"
Listening to Yue Fei's sonorous and powerful words and looking at his firm and fearless eyes, Zhao Yingluo felt extremely relieved and relieved. She knew that with generals like Yue Fei guarding the territory and people of the Song Dynasty, she could handle other affairs with peace of mind.
"Okay! I feel relieved when General Yue Fei is here." Zhao Yingluo patted Yue Fei on the shoulder, "You continue to pay attention to the movements of the Kingdom of Jin and report to me immediately if there is any trouble."
"Yes!" Yue Fei responded and turned around to leave.
