Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

Now, let's switch our perspective back to the State of Song.

Since the Jin Dynasty expressed its willingness to negotiate, the policy of unanimous resistance against the Jin Dynasty has begun to show signs of softening.

At the end of June, upon learning that the Jurchen army was plagued by disease and lacked doctors, Zhao Huan ordered Ye Fan to immediately gather doctors from major medical clinics in Bianjing to treat the Jurchens.

This move not only shocked the people of Bianjing, but also left Wanyan Zongbi completely dumbfounded.

Watching the doctors bustling about in the military camp, carefully treating the Jurchens, Wanyan Zongbi looked at Zhang Yu with a puzzled expression.

Zhang Yu, however, seemed to have anticipated this situation: "Your Highness need not be surprised. This is how the Song court and its officials are."

If you push them too hard, they'll fight to the bitter end. But if you give them even the slightest opening, they'll swarm and attack like dogs smelling shit..."

"Hmm, you're saying my Great Jin is shit?"

Wanyan Zongbi frowned, quite dissatisfied with Zhang Yu's inappropriate analogy.

Zhang Yu hurriedly said, "Your Highness, please don't dwell on these trivial details. The truth is that the Song emperor simply cannot withstand long-term pressure. As long as there is a loophole, they will definitely abandon the current policies."

Wanyan Zongbi nodded: "Indeed, the Song people understand the Song people best, sir. So, what should we do next?"

Zhang Yu replied, "Continue to make demands on the Song emperor, gradually undermining their will to resist."

"okay."

Wanyan Zongbi responded, then summoned Wulu: "Spread the word that these physicians should be treated well, with food and lodging comparable to those of the Great Jin Iron Pagoda."

If they are not used to the food of my Great Jin, we should try our best to meet any reasonable requests they make. Anyone who dares to disrespect the doctor will be dealt with according to military law.

Wulu asked in bewilderment, "Your Highness, why are you being so polite to these Song people?"

Wanyan Zongbi's eyes turned cold: "There has been a tradition of not killing doctors since ancient times. Besides, they are saving the lives of my Great Jin warriors. Are we going to poison our own saviors?"

Wulu was speechless and could only bow and reply, "This subordinate understands and will give the order immediately."

After Wulu left, Wanyan Zongbi shook his head in disappointment: "My Great Jin is just lacking in visionary people. Wulu is good at charging into battle, but to make him understand my intentions, I'm afraid even giving him three heads wouldn't be enough."

Zhang Yu replied, "Once the Great Jin Dynasty destroys the Song Dynasty and recruits all talents to serve the Great Jin Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty will surely be able to transform into a completely new state in a short time."

"Let's hope so. What should we do now?"

"Your Highness can write a letter to the Emperor of Song in his own hand, saying that the Great Jin is very grateful for the righteous act of the Song Dynasty. As long as the words are sincere and eloquent, they will surely be able to fool the foolish emperor of Song."

"Okay, I'll pick up the pen now. You tell me what to say, and I'll write it down. Hahaha."

Wanyan Zongbi patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder and entered the tent with a loud laugh.

……

Bianjing, Bianliang Palace, Imperial Study.

"This is a letter from the fourth prince of the Jin Kingdom, written in his own hand. He expresses his deep gratitude to the physician I sent, and the entire Jin camp is deeply grateful to the Emperor of the Song Dynasty for saving their lives."

"Once the epidemic is under control, we will definitely fulfill our promise and withdraw our troops northward, hahaha."

When Zhao Huan received Wanyan Zongbi's letter, he was so happy he almost danced for joy.

Ye Fan, who was standing nearby, immediately offered his flattery: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! With the Jurchens retreating this time, Your Majesty will surely become the restorer of the dynasty."

Zhao Huan waved his hand: "I no longer expect him to be a restorer of the dynasty. I only realize now that no matter what happens..."

None of these things are as important as peace. All I want now is to be emperor for a few more days in peace.

Ye Fan: "Your Majesty's adherence to the Doctrine of the Mean can also lead to the revival of the Song Dynasty. I would like to offer my congratulations to Your Majesty."

"Haha, Brother Yu, you're getting better and better at talking."

Zhao Huan was very pleased with the flattery, and the letter of thanks from Wanyan Zongbi brought him an unprecedented sense of peace, which had kept him tense for so long.

He made the right move.

The Song state has shown its sincerity, and the Jin state should reciprocate.

Withdrawing troops and redefining the borders between the two countries would be the best expression of sincerity.

"Your Majesty!"

Gao Mingli walked into the imperial study and bowed to Zhao Huan.

"Imperial Censor Zhou and Vice Minister Li requested an audience outside the palace."

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan immediately said, "Your Majesty, these two must be here to sabotage the current peace talks between Song and Jin."

Zhao Huan nodded and said to Gao Mingli, "Go back and tell them that I have already rested and will see you tomorrow."

He didn't want these pro-war factions to spoil his current mood.

Looking back now, what good did these pro-war factions do besides making themselves live in constant fear?

Every time they met, he would give the same impassioned speech, but after he finished, Bianjing was still surrounded by the Jurchens.

At this point, Zhao Huan had completely ignored the fact that his unwavering faith in the sorcerers had led to the breach of the city gates, and that it was Zhou Xianwu, Guo Huang, and others who had fought valiantly to hold the city and repel the Jin army.

In his mind now, these pro-war faction members are all obstacles preventing him from living a peaceful life, and they are utterly despicable.

"Yes, this servant will go and report back to Lord Zhou and the others."

Gao Mingli responded and left the imperial study. As he turned around, he let out a helpless sigh.

……

"Eunuch Gao, what did His Majesty say? Is he willing to see us?"

"My lords, you should go back now. His Majesty is exhausted today and has already rested. We can talk about it tomorrow."

Outside the palace gates, Gao Mingli, looking helpless, relayed Zhao Huan's message to Li Gang and Zhou Xianwu.

Zhou Xianwu looked at Li Gang with a worried expression and asked, "Lord Li, what should we do now?"

Li Gang shook his head with a grim face: "If this continues, Bianjing will surely be in danger. The Jurchens are trying to undermine His Majesty's determination to resist."

Zhou Xianwu: "His Majesty is currently being deceived by the Jurchens; we must strengthen his resolve to resist them."

Since the Right Chancellor is now close to His Majesty, I think it would be better to let him persuade His Majesty.”

"Oh, Lord Zhou, you're so confused!" Li Gang slapped his thigh and said, "It was Ye Fan who advised His Majesty to make peace with the Jin. If it weren't for him opening the door, the Jin would have already withdrawn their troops."

Zhou Xianwu shook his head: "That's true, but it was the Right Chancellor who insisted on fighting to the end. If it weren't for his strong advocacy, Bianjing would probably have fallen long ago."

I think he was just confused for a moment. He must be upset that we deliberately distanced ourselves from him some time ago. As long as we sincerely ask him to persuade His Majesty again, we can definitely win His Majesty back.”

Li Gang replied, "Lord Zhou, you've been deceived by him. I've seen through him long ago, since Ye Fan came to our Great Song Dynasty a few months ago."

Everything he did was not for the Song Dynasty, but entirely for himself. Now that the situation is hopeless, he advocates negotiating peace with the Jin to gain the Emperor's trust.

The emperor is young and easily swayed by his sweet words; you should give up on trying to beg him.

Zhou Xianwu: "No matter what, I have to give it a try. What if I can persuade them? In short, it's precisely at times like these that..."

"We must not create another political enemy to cause trouble. I will personally discuss this matter with the Right Chancellor."

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, Li Gang let him be.

Gao Mingli bowed to the two men, his voice trembling with tears, and said, "My lords, I entrust this matter to you on behalf of His Majesty. The fate of the Song Dynasty and His Majesty's safety rest entirely on your shoulders."