Water Margin: The opening scene involves assassinating Emperor Huizong of Song and forcibly taking L

He also submitted a memorial urging the emperor to pay attention to the problems of internal and external troubles.

At that time, Zhao Ji believed that the world was as prosperous and thriving as Cai Jing had described.

Upon seeing Li Gang's memorial,

He then felt that Li Gang was exaggerating.

So he was demoted to Nan Jian Prefecture.

These days, Zhao Ji is rectifying the court affairs.

Su Yuanjing and other upright officials seized the opportunity to petition Emperor Huizong to recall Li Gang.

Emperor Huizong recalled Li Gang's merits.

So they also summoned Li Gang back.

He was appointed as the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Upon hearing Li Gang's words, Zhang Bangchang retorted,

"Now the Liangshan bandits are threatening the capital region,"

"If they attack the capital, it could endanger the Emperor's safety."

"The rebel leader Fang La swept across the southeast,"

"It's just a temporary problem."

Do you know which is more important?

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji's heart tightened.

Li Gang laughed and said, "The Liangshan bandits have divided their forces to attack Shanzhou and Puzhou."

"It's obvious they want to steal the entire JD.com."

"If the Liangshan bandits hadn't completely captured the surrounding prefectures,"

"To then attack Tokyo would undoubtedly be to penetrate deep into enemy territory alone,"

"At that time, we will be besieged by troops from all over the country who come to the aid of the emperor."

"Even the Liangshan bandits might not have had that kind of courage,"

"It was just a feint by the bandits,"

"They really dare to attack Tokyo."

"The defenses of Tokyo could withstand the Liao army's attack,"

"I doubt that the mere Liangshan bandits could even breach the outer city."

Zhang Bangchang, however, was terrified of losing his life.

His eyes darted around, and he bowed to Li Gang, saying, "I also admire Lord Li's integrity."

"Tell me, what is the fighting strength of the Imperial Guards of Tokyo?"

When Gao Kan was alive,

Zhang Bangchang naturally dared not mention the Imperial Guards.

However, Gao Kan has now passed away.

He naturally had no more scruples.

Although Li Gang knew Zhang Bangchang's intentions

But still, he said the truth.

"When Gao Qiu and his son Gao Kan were in charge of the Imperial Guards, discipline was extremely poor,"

“He recruited many artisans from the Imperial Guards to serve as his private servants.”

"Those who pay for their own training can be exempted from physical abuse,"

"Therefore, many Imperial Guard soldiers took on other jobs to earn money for Gao Qiu."

“There are indeed not many capable fighters among the Imperial Guards.”

What Li Gang said was known to all the officials.

Even Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) knew some of it.

He simply believed that the world was at peace.

Since the Imperial Guards could generate some tax revenue through their work, the government allowed them to do as they pleased.

At this point, Li Gang spoke ill of Gao Qiu and Gao Kan, saying they were utterly worthless.

He also felt that it had nothing to do with saving face.

After all, both father and son were his favorites.

Zhang Bangchang asked in a serious tone,

"Could such an imperial guard defend Tokyo?"

Li Gang frowned, thought for a moment,

"The Imperial Guards' combat effectiveness is not high,"

"But thanks to Tokyo's formidable walls,"

"Only a few able-bodied men will be sent to guard the city,"

"It would be extremely difficult for the Liangshan bandits to break through."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Bangchang sneered.

"Only able-bodied men are needed to defend the city?"

"Lord Li is treating matters of national importance like a child's game,"

"Are you going to disregard the Emperor's safety?"

Li Gang hurriedly turned to Zhao Ji and said,

"Your Majesty, I simply believe that the current situation in Jiangnan is rare and should not be abandoned halfway."

"Although the Liangshan bandits are closer to the capital,"

"But the threat is indeed not great, Your Majesty is wise."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji

He couldn't help but hesitate.

When Tong Guan's army first arrived in Jiangnan,

Indeed, they fought a fierce and evenly matched battle with the rebel Fang La.

Emperor Huizong of Song had no choice but to disband the troops stationed in the northwest.

Inspire the Western Army

The matters concerning the Flower and Stone Tribute were also cancelled.

Reduce the number of people in Jiangnan who joined the bandits.

Tong Guan's army finally gained the upper hand.

However, the situation in Tokyo also makes one uneasy.

If it really were the Liangshan bandits attacking,

If we can't hold them off...

Then the capital city, which had been in operation for over a hundred years, fell into the hands of thieves.

Even if we can take it back,

His many palaces and gardens, which he had painstakingly built, would likely be destroyed by bandits.

With this in mind, Zhao Ji, a man with a strong scholarly temperament, immediately made up his mind.

He could not tolerate the destruction of the palace and gardens he had painstakingly designed.

Even if some parts are destroyed,

For him, the aesthetic sense of art would also be completely lost.

"Issue an imperial edict to summon Tong Guan's army back to annihilate the Liangshan bandits."

Su Yuanjing stepped forward and addressed the audience.

"It will take at least half a month for Tong Guan's army to return."

"And if the Liangshan bandits came from the Guangji Army,"

"It will only take three to five days."

"Your Majesty, I believe it would be better to issue an imperial edict to grant amnesty to the Liangshan bandits,"

"Pacify them, lest they invade Tokyo before the main army returns."

Zhao Ji frowned and said, "Before Cai You sent out his troops earlier,"

"I remember your suggestion to grant amnesty to the Liangshan bandits."

"This time, it's probably not a delaying tactic either,"

"Or do they really want to recruit the Liangshan bandits?"

Chapter 1676 The Imperial Edict Grants Amnesty to Liangshan

Hanlin Academician Li Bangyan saw that Emperor Huizong was displeased.

He came out immediately.

"The Liangshan bandits plundered the prefecture and killed government officials and soldiers,"

"They even dared to kill Gao Taiwei, a high-ranking official of the imperial court."

"It is clear that they are utterly depraved and despise the imperial court."

"How can we issue an imperial edict to grant amnesty to such heinous bandits?"

Zhang Bangchang also said, "Even if the Emperor himself has issued an edict to offer amnesty,"

"I'm afraid even the Liangshan bandits wouldn't accept it,"

"They will most likely also allow the bandits to slander the imperial court,"

"I believe it is absolutely unacceptable to issue an edict."

Upon hearing this, Su Yuanjing

They had no choice but to resort to their trump card.

"Although I previously intended to offer amnesty to the Liangshan bandits,"

"But now we are worried that they will invade the capital."

"The Liangshan bandits were mostly unruly individuals,"

"And is adept at bewitching people,"

"After defeating Grand Commandant Gao's army previously,"

"They then claimed to have 100,000 troops to attack Jeju,"

"Now they have defeated an army of 100,000,"

"I'm afraid there are even more troops."

"It's hard to guarantee that they won't develop designs on the capital."

When Zhang Bangchang heard Su Yuanjing say this,

They were so frightened that they dared not utter a sound.

Emperor Huizong was also somewhat undecided.

Seeing that Wang Fu was trying to sneak in from outside the palace,