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

The Jin and Western Xia dynasties will definitely be at war.

The Western Regions are very likely also on His Majesty's radar.

Now the emperor says he wants to attack the Dali Kingdom again.

If we're not careful, it could turn into a war of militarism!

Xiao Chu, however, showed a look of joy.

He supports "unification".

Not only should Dali be recovered, but Jiaozhi should also be taken back.

Zhao Yuan added, "Based on the battle reports from the front lines, the Privy Council and the Ministry of War have established a system for awarding rewards and providing pensions."

"The Ministry of Rites is discussing the matter of bestowing titles upon them,"

"His merits in Western Xia, Southeast Asia, and Hunan,"

"This time, the titles will be bestowed upon all those who have accumulated them."

Meng Zhao asked, "What is the highest title you could receive?"

Zhao Yuan said, "The highest honor could be a Duke."

"Bai Qi is already the Duke of Shu,"

"Although we destroyed Zhong Xiang this time,"

"But there's no need to elevate the title any further for the time being,"

"Give them some other official titles or rewards."

"There will be plenty of battles to fight in the future."

"There are probably more than one or two people who have been granted the title of Prince of a County."

"Yes!"

Meng Zhao now had a better understanding of the situation.

The imperial council adjourned.

Zhang Gen walked away from the council hall.

The north wind blew in, carrying snowflakes.

Zhang Gen couldn't help but shudder.

He is almost seventy years old.

His historical exile to Hunan left him with chronic health problems.

He should have died of illness several years ago.

Now, he has lived several more years.

But his health deteriorated.

Walking up to Zhai Ruwen, Zhang Gen whispered:

"Gong Xun, if I were to resign and return to my hometown,"

"You should offer more advice to the Emperor and His Highness."

"Expanding territory is a natural course of action,"

"But we must never engage in reckless military campaigns."

"After the Jin dynasty is destroyed, we should allow the people to recuperate for a few years,"

"We must not launch a campaign against the Western Xia without stopping."

Zhai Ruwen asked in surprise, "Master Zhang is in good health, why is he thinking of resigning from his post?"

Zhang Gen said, "I know my own body."

"For the past six months, I've always felt a lack of energy,"

"I'm afraid he won't live for more than a few years."

"Now that we have recovered the two routes in Hebei,"

"There are no more regrets,"

"I should retire gracefully after achieving my goal."

Zhang Gen always felt that the emperor was wary of him.

After all, his faction of civil officials wielded too much power.

He arranged for his son-in-law, Li Gang, to become a political advisor in Hebei.

My younger brother is also serving as the Provincial Treasurer in Zhejiang.

He also has a daughter who is His Majesty's consort.

Zhang Gen believes it's time to resign.

He really wanted to go back to his hometown.

It's been almost twenty years since I last went back to my hometown.

“Remember to advise His Majesty!” Zhang Gen said.

Zhai Ruwen is not in Zhang Gen's faction.

But if Zhang Gen resigns,

Zhai Ruwen will surely become the Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhai Ruwen cupped his hands and said, "This is the proper thing to do, please rest assured, Lord Zhang!"

Yan'an Prefecture.

Liu Guangguo rushed to the back house.

He said to Liu Yanqing, who was getting ready to go to sleep:

"Father, the Ming army in Hebei has won!"

"Really won?"

Liu Yanqing was instantly wide awake.

Liu Guangguo said, "Absolutely true! My messenger left in Tokyo,"

"The news arrived on horseback."

"The snow was too deep for horses to travel along the way,"

"He walked back day and night,"

"The Ming army has recovered the entire territory of Hebei in both routes."

Liu Yanqing immediately retorted angrily, "What Ming army? That's the royal army!"

Chapter 3008 Warlord Ideology

"Yes, yes, it is the royal army."

Liu Guangguo quickly replied.

Liu Yanqing pondered for a moment and said:

"My son and I will go to Tokyo after the snow melts in the spring."

"Leave your brother here to continue leading the troops."

"If the imperial court transfers your brothers away as well,"

"Our Liu family has no choice but to accept it."

Liu Guangguo was startled: "Father, what are you going to do..."

Liu Yanqing sighed and said, "Alas, the Miao and Liu people next door have already submitted to the imperial court."

"The Zhe family has a daughter who married His Majesty; they will likely submit to him as well."

"Our Liu family is alone and can't hold on. How can we not hand over military power?"

Miao Fu and Liu Zhengyan,

Because Wang Yuan wrote a letter of advice...

He gave up being a warlord more than half a year ago.

They requested the imperial court to send civil officials.

They were also willing to accept the imperial court's orders.

Even before Zhong Xiang was destroyed,

The imperial court had already dispatched officials to take over the territory.

Miao Fu and Liu Zhengyan were then allowed to continue commanding the troops.

Only military judges and supply officers were sent to supervise.

They were ordered to reduce their troops to six thousand.

This action startled Liu Yanqing, Liu Guangguo, and Liu Guangshi, father and son.

They were afraid of being attacked by the imperial court.

They were unwilling to relinquish their military power.

To be honest, the Liu family is almost at its breaking point.

The main problem is a lack of money and food!

Their territory was in the Yan'an and Suide area.

It was originally a barren land.

They were even plundered by the Western Xia.

Previously, the Song Dynasty government allocated funds and provisions to support the army.

Now the Ming Dynasty court is letting them fend for themselves.

How could the Liu family afford to support an army if they relied solely on local taxes?

Mizhi Village, Kaiguang Fort, Kerong Village, Linxia City, and other places.

Even the population was captured by the Western Xia.

With the various resources at Liu Yanqing's disposal,

They couldn't even relocate people to farm there.

The only option is to send troops to guard the various fortified villages.

All military rations had to be transported from Suide and Yan'an.

The garrison received no local supplies.

The soldiers under his command,

Because of the lack of clothing and food

They gradually dispersed.

Such a predicament,

The imperial court once again inflicted a major defeat on the Jin army.

How could Liu Yanqing dare to continue being a warlord?

On the Winter Solstice, Liu Yanqing submitted a memorial to the imperial court.

He requested to bring his son back to Tokyo for a work report.

As long as the imperial court approves

They set off immediately.