Reborn in Liangshan: I built the strongest lineup

Gao Kan suggested yesterday that Tong Guan take the initiative to take responsibility.

Gao Kan knew that Zhao Ji actually hoped that he would have someone under his command who was willing to take responsibility.

Although, according to Tong Guan's original statement, Zhao Ji would definitely forgive him.

But if he did that, Tong Guan would definitely lose points in Zhao Ji's eyes.

Therefore, in order to save Tong Guan, Gao Kan suggested that Tong Guan apologize by carrying thorns on his back and take responsibility.

After thinking about it, Tong Guan agreed.

After all, Gao Kan is now a favorite of Emperor Huizong, and Tong Guan believes that Gao Kan knows Emperor Huizong's preferences better than he does.

"Come here, put a coat on Tong Qing!"

At this moment, Zhao Ji looked at Tong Guan with a very gentle gaze.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Tong Guan also noticed the wink Gao Kan gave him, and he immediately snapped back to reality and threw himself back into the performance.

Emotions must be stirred up; they cannot be disordered.

At this moment, Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was sitting on the dragon throne, speaking eloquently:

"I am very pleased with what Minister Tong just said. Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. Minister Tong is a veteran of the battlefield, and he must understand this principle!"

"One defeat means nothing! There are no generals who are always victorious! But this attitude is very important!"

Emperor Huizong pointed at Tong Guan, looked around at the civil and military officials in the hall, and said with great satisfaction:

“Among you, there are many who have led troops and fought battles, but have any of you ever been like Tong Qingjia, who, after a defeat, still took the initiative to shoulder the responsibility for the loss?”

"Moreover, the defeat of Minister Tong was also due to unfavorable timing and location. What could be done when a plague suddenly broke out in the army?"

"Think about it, if you were in this situation, could you have avoided defeat? If you had lost, could you have taken responsibility like Tong Qingjia did?"

"Minister Tong! The Great Song Dynasty needs you! One failure is no big deal!"

Tong Guanren was almost dumbfounded. He really didn't expect that Gao Kan's move would be so effective.

It seems that he not only didn't lose points in Zhao Ji's heart, but might even have gained points!

Wow, that was the right move!

However, the sob story must continue!

"Pfft!"

Tong Guan knelt down before Zhao Ji again, kowtowing repeatedly!

"Your Majesty! I am but a defeated general, yet you have shown me such favor! I am truly humbled!"

"Minister Tong, there's no need to panic. Although I'm not very knowledgeable about military affairs, I'm not an incompetent fool. Although you've lost this time, you've clearly learned a lot of lessons!"

"If you are good at summarizing, one day you will become a grandmaster. Minister Tong, this defeat may not be a bad thing for your future military campaigns! If this defeat can produce a living military sage for our Great Song Dynasty, then this defeat will be worthwhile!"

Look at the heights that Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) placed on Tong Guan!

This is divine favor!

"But Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, have lost over 100,000 men! I am guilty, I am guilty!"

"It's nothing! It's just a mere 100,000 people!"

Emperor Huizong waved his hand with great nonchalance.

"What is 100,000 troops compared to the 400 military prefectures and counties of my Great Song Dynasty? Don't worry, Minister Tong, if you need them in the future, I can give you another 100,000 at any time!"

Hearing Zhao Ji's ambitious words, Tong Guan was a little confused.

No, Your Majesty, are you not going to punish me?

Am I really that great just because I take the initiative to admit my mistake?

"His Majesty is right! Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war! A hero should not be judged by a single moment's success or failure! Privy Councilor Tong, His Majesty has shown you immense kindness; you must not let His Majesty down!"

At this moment, Gao Kan stepped out from the crowd, holding Zhao Ji's words.

"Your Majesty is wise. It is my honor to serve you, and it is also the honor of the millions of people of the Great Song Dynasty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Song Dynasty!"

As Gao Kan spoke, he bowed down.

"Long live the Emperor!"

With him taking the lead, what could the others do? Although they couldn't be as shameless as Gao Kan and bow directly, they could only follow suit and pay their respects.

"All of you, rise! Rise!"

Zhao Ji was very happy. He felt a great sense of accomplishment today. From his perspective, he had once again won the heartfelt support and respect of his ministers!

"Whoo~"

Tong Guan breathed a sigh of relief. Now it seemed that he had made the right decision to listen to Gao Kan this time.

Gao Kan also breathed a sigh of relief. Now that the atmosphere had reached this point, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Tong Guan should be fine.

But generally speaking, if nothing unexpected happens, something unexpected is bound to happen.

"Your Majesty, this old minister has something to report!"

Sure enough, an unexpected event occurred.

Cai Jing, that old geezer, he really can't stand being alone!

"Oh? What brings you here, Grand Tutor?"

Emperor Huizong was somewhat surprised. What was Cai Jing up to at this time?

"Your Majesty, I have some thoughts on Privy Councilor Tong's defeat this time."

Cai Jing looked at Zhao Ji, then at Tong Guan, and then spoke.

"Ok?"

Emperor Huizong frowned slightly; clearly, he was somewhat displeased with Cai Jing for saying this at this time.

I just said so many nice things to Tong Guan, intending to lift him up high and then gently put him down. What do you mean by saying this now?

"Privy Councilor Tong, were you the only one who returned to the capital this time?"

Cai Jing's opening remarks went straight to the heart of the matter.

"I don't know about that, but I myself fought my way out of the encirclement and returned to the capital alone."

Tong Guan looked at Cai Jing, inwardly cursing the old man.

Old man, you really were trying to mess with me!

"Is that so? You broke through the encirclement, Privy Councilor Tong, but this time you suffered a crushing defeat. More than 100,000 elite soldiers were lost at the marsh! Not even the Imperial General returned!"

"Then tell me, Tong Shumi, how did you break through the encirclement and escape Liangshan's pursuit?"

Cai Jing's question was very direct, addressing the core issue.

"Hmph, is that even a question? Grand Tutor Cai really doesn't understand military affairs!"

Just as Tong Guan was pondering how to retaliate against Cai Jing, another voice suddenly rang out, blocking Cai Jing's attack for him.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Zhang Kegong walk out from the Imperial Censorate, bow to Zhao Ji, and then stand next to Tong Guan.

Oh, Zhang Kegong? That's not surprising. In the entire court, he was the only one who dared to openly challenge Cai Jing in court.

"The Liangshan bandits are fierce. The fact that Tong Shumi was able to escape alive must be due not only to his own bravery, but also to the fact that the other Imperial Guards risked their lives to create the opportunity for him!"

"Grand Tutor Cai, do you really think that all the Imperial Guards of the Great Song Dynasty are cowards and dare not fight a bloody path for their superiors?"

"Moreover, Privy Councilor Tong has real experience in the Western Army. He knows how to use troops. Do you, Grand Tutor Cai, know that? If you don't, don't speak carelessly. Doing so will only damage your reputation."

Look, he truly lives up to his title as an imperial censor; he immediately throws down a serious accusation, and it's spot on perfectly!

Tong Guan looked at Zhang Kegong standing beside him, and for a moment he was not quite there to react.

No, Zhang Kegong is also one of our people?

Tong Guan looked at Gao Kan with a questioning gaze.

But this time, he found that Gao Kan was also confused.

No, Imperial Censor Zhang, we haven't even started yet, why are you attracting hatred?