Reborn in Liangshan: I built the strongest lineup

"Otomo, how much longer until we arrive?"

On the official road leading from Bianjing (Kaifeng) in the Song Dynasty to the border, a large-scale procession was slowly making its way forward.

This army was Zhao Ji's northern tour army, and Zhao Ji, as the emperor, was naturally in the central position.

For the first day or two after leaving Beijing, he was very excited, after all, he had never been out with so many people before.

But after the initial excitement wore off, he started to get annoyed.

In the central army, marching day and night, there's no time for writing or painting; it's utterly meaningless!

If he had known it would be this boring, he wouldn't have come in person.

"Your Majesty, we are not far from the border of Liao. We will arrive in about a day."

"Your Majesty, please be patient and wait. Once we reach the border, our Song army will launch an attack on the Liao Kingdom immediately!"

Yang Jian smiled and coaxed Zhao Ji.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, after we reach the border this time, we will directly attack Nanjing of the Liao Kingdom. Nanjing does not have many troops at present, and they are definitely no match for us."

"That's wonderful, Otoko!"

Upon hearing Yang Jian say that he could easily take Nanjing from the Liao Kingdom, Zhao Ji immediately became interested.

"So, does that mean I can now reclaim Yan and Yun?"

Zhao Ji thought to himself, "What if I manage to take back Yan and Yun? My achievements are just too great! It's not that I'm being unfilial, it's just that I'm too outstanding!"

"If we follow what Ma Zhi and His Majesty said before, there shouldn't be any problem. As long as Ma Zhi continues to cooperate, everything will proceed as planned."

Yang Jian knew what his master liked to hear, so he said whatever he wanted to hear.

"My lord, do you think I should personally lead the army into battle? Otherwise, wouldn't it seem like I lack courage? If I personally lead the army into Nanjing, the capital of Liao, will I be recorded in history books in great detail?"

But Emperor Huizong believed it without realizing that it was a compliment.

He was even thinking about how he would get into Nanjing, the capital of the Liao Dynasty!

"Your Majesty is wise! This old servant congratulates Your Majesty in advance!"

Although Yang Jian had some opinions, he wouldn't say anything at this moment.

"Daban, urge the group on again and make them walk faster."

"Especially remind Tong Qing to be more careful and not mess things up."

"Yes."

Yang Jian accepted the order and then prepared to inform Tong Guan. Although Zhao Ji personally led the army this time, he still consciously let Tong Guan command the military affairs.

However, just as Yang Jian was about to get out of the central war chariot specially built for Zhao Ji, the voice of the eunuch suddenly rang out from outside.

"Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Cai requests an audience."

Upon hearing that Cai Jing had arrived, Emperor Huizong's face lit up with joy.

"Oh? The Grand Tutor has arrived? Very well, I was just looking for someone to talk to."

"Your Majesty, this old servant takes his leave."

Yang Jian then wisely indicated that he would retreat first.

"Yes, yes, Master, go ahead and get busy. Let me see what the Grand Tutor wants to say."

Emperor Huizong gestured for Yang Jian to leave first. Yang Jian bowed, turned around, lifted the curtain of the chariot, and then got off.

As he went down, he happened to run into Cai Jing.

However, from Yang Jian's perspective, Cai Jing's demeanor today seems a bit off.

He looks like he's seriously ill?

"Grand Tutor, are you unwell?"

Yang Jian asked tentatively.

"Cough, cough, thank you for your concern, Lord Yang. It's just a little cold."

Cai Jing looked at Yang Jian and nodded slightly in response.

"Grand Tutor, His Majesty's health is of utmost importance. You must take heed."

Yang Jian made a comment.

"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Yang."

Cai Jing stated that he was aware of the situation.

"Grand Tutor, have you arrived? Come in."

At this moment, Zhao Ji's voice came from inside the car, and he gestured for Cai Jing to get in.

Cai Jing nodded to Yang Jian again, then got up, lifted the curtain, and got into the car.

"Grand Tutor, what's wrong with you?"

Emperor Huizong was comfortably nestled in his car when he saw Cai Jing arrive. He was about to get up to greet him.

However, seeing Cai Jing's appearance, Zhao Ji suddenly felt a little confused.

"Cough, cough, Your Majesty, this old minister is incompetent and has caught a cold, cough, cough."

Cai Jing covered his mouth while coughing.

"A cold? Someone, the imperial physician! Where is the imperial physician?"

When Zhao Ji heard that Cai Jing had caught a cold, he was somewhat surprised.

"Your Majesty, no, that's not necessary."

Cai Jing stopped Zhao Ji's actions, and then, seeing Zhao Ji's somewhat puzzled look, said:

"This old minister has come today to ask His Majesty for a decree, hoping to return to the capital to recuperate."

"Ah? Grand Tutor, you're not accompanying me on the northern tour?"

Zhao Ji was somewhat surprised. This time, he brought Cai Jing and others along, intending to intimidate them.

He was well aware of Cai Jing's immense power, so this time he wanted to personally lead troops to intimidate him and make Cai Jing restrain himself.

The Song Dynasty, in the end, belonged to the Zhao family.

But before we've even successfully intimidated them, Cai Jing has already fallen ill. What does that mean?

"Grand Tutor, it's just a cold, Grand Tutor, you..."

"Your Majesty, this old minister is getting old."

Cai Jing kowtowed to Zhao Ji.

"This old minister also wished to accompany Your Majesty and witness Your Majesty's immortal achievements, but one must accept old age. This long journey, coupled with the cold, has taken its toll on my body."

Cai Jing now gives the impression of being like a candle flickering in the wind.

"Is it so serious?"

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) had intended to get closer to Cai Jing for a better look, but seeing Cai Jing's condition, he decided against it for the sake of his health.

"Your Majesty, I fear this time I am not fit to die, but I do not wish to die far from home. Therefore, Your Majesty, I humbly request permission to return to the capital to recuperate. When Your Majesty returns in triumph, I will certainly be there to welcome you!"

Cai Jing, lying in the car, told Zhao Ji his demands.

"Grand Tutor has indeed made great contributions; this time, it was my oversight."

Looking at Cai Jing's weak appearance, Emperor Huizong felt it didn't seem fake.

"Your Majesty, after returning this time, this old minister will retire and return to his hometown. It is an honor for this old minister to witness Your Majesty's recapture of Yan and Yun before returning home!"

"This old minister congratulates His Majesty! Congratulations to the Great Song Dynasty!"

As Zhao Ji looked at Cai Jing, who was lying prostrate in front of him, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.

"Grand Tutor, you can return to the capital to recuperate. As for retiring to your hometown, you are a pillar of our Song Dynasty and cannot leave lightly."

"Your Majesty, this old minister..."

"Grand Tutor, there's no need to say more."

Emperor Huizong waved his hand, signaling Cai Jing not to say anything more. Then he lifted the curtain of the chariot and signaled one of the guards outside to come over.

"Guards! Gather three thousand men and escort the Grand Tutor back to the capital!"

"Grand Tutor, you should return to the capital first. Don't worry, as long as we capture Nanjing of the Liao Kingdom this time, you will also get a share of the credit!"

Seeing Zhao Ji's appearance, Cai Jing continued to prostrate himself on the ground and said loudly:

"This old minister congratulates His Majesty! Congratulations to the Great Song Dynasty!"

……