On the eve of the official competition, in a secluded room, the flickering candlelight illuminated his sinister face.

"This operation must succeed; failure is not an option," Jiaogen Jingchun said in a low voice to his trusted confidants.

"Sir, what are the specific arrangements?" one of them asked.

With a ruthless glint in her eyes, Jiao He Jing Chun said, “Gao Yanei has been released. We’ll send someone to lure him and persuade him to convince Gao Qiu to present Emperor Huizong with a treasure containing a hidden mechanism after the competition, claiming that this treasure can bring Gao Qiu great success. I have already prepared the treasure.”

The confidants nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with malice.

On the day of the match, the stadium in the capital was bustling with activity. Emperor Huizong of Song was present to watch the game, while Gao Qiu stood by, extremely nervous.

The Song Dynasty team and the Japanese team engaged in a fierce battle, with both sides giving their all in a thrilling match. Ultimately, the Song Dynasty team emerged victorious thanks to their outstanding performance.

Emperor Huizong was overjoyed and decided to hold a banquet in the palace to reward him.

After Gao Qiu returned to his residence, Gao Yanei rushed over.

"Father, I have something important to tell you," Gao Yanei said anxiously.

Gao Qiu looked at him suspiciously, "What is it?"

Gao Yanei then told Gao Qiu what others had said, "Father, this is a rare opportunity to make you even more favored by the Emperor."

Although Gao Qiu had his doubts, he was tempted by the power and decided to give it a try.

The day after the competition, Gao Qiu brought the treasure with its hidden mechanism to the palace to meet the emperor.

Emperor Huizong of Song was handling state affairs in his study when Gao Qiu respectfully presented him with a precious object.

Emperor Huizong of Song was watching with great interest when, just as he touched the treasure, the mechanism was activated, and a plume of poisonous smoke was emitted.

"Assassins! Protect the Emperor!" the guards shouted.

It turned out that Jingchun had already arranged for many assassins to hide in the corners of the palace. As soon as the poisonous smoke was released, the assassins appeared and rushed towards Emperor Huizong.

At this critical moment, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Song, Shi Qian, Shi Xiu, Dai Zong, Lu Zhishen, Zhao Tianming, Yang Xiong and others received the news and rushed over.

Lu Zhishen brandished his monk's staff and roared, "You dog, don't even think about harming my Emperor!"

Wu Song moved with lightning speed, instantly knocking down several assassins.

Shi Qian used his agility to weave among the assassins and disrupt their actions.

Shi Xiu was brave and fearless, and fought the assassin head-on.

Dai Zong used his lightness skill to quickly relay messages and organize the defense.

Song Jiang and Lu Junyi calmly directed the crowd to form a tight protective circle, shielding Emperor Huizong in the center.

Yang Xiong, wielding a large sword, exuded a powerful aura, and with flashes of light, he forced the assassins back.

Zhao Tianming used his hidden weapon skills to accurately strike the assassins and slow down their offensive.

Seeing that they were unlikely to succeed, the assassins tried to retreat.

Seeing that things were not going well, Jingchun took advantage of the chaos to disguise herself and quietly escape from the palace.

After a fierce battle, all the assassins were subdued.

Emperor Huizong of Song was safe and sound under the protection of others.

"Who on earth is so audacious as to attempt to assassinate me!" Emperor Huizong was furious.

Song Jiang and the others knelt down and begged for forgiveness: "Your Majesty was frightened. We arrived late to rescue you. We hope Your Majesty will forgive us."

Emperor Huizong waved his hand, "My dear ministers have rendered meritorious service in protecting me, what crime have they committed? Quickly find out who is behind this."

After interrogation, it was discovered that Jiao He Jingchun had escaped.

Gao Qiu and his son were punished by Emperor Huizong of Song for being manipulated.

"Thanks to all of you ministers, I was able to escape danger this time. I will reward you handsomely in the future," Emperor Huizong said with emotion.

Song Jiang and the others said in unison, "We are willing to die ten thousand deaths to serve His Majesty!"

Afterwards, the imperial court ordered a full-scale manhunt for Jiao He Jing Chun, but he seemed to have vanished into thin air and was nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, the Song Dynasty imperial palace strengthened its defenses, and the heroic deeds of the Liangshan heroes were widely circulated among the people.

However, Jingchun did not give up. He fled to a remote place, secretly accumulating strength and waiting for an opportunity to stir up trouble again.

One day, Jiaogen Jingchun was plotting with a few remaining confidants in a dilapidated house.

"Although we failed this time, as long as we live, we have a chance to make a comeback," Jiaogen Jingchun said through gritted teeth.

His confidants echoed his sentiments, expressing their willingness to follow him to the end.

Meanwhile, in the capital, Song Jiang and his men remained vigilant to prevent the return of the "Jiaogen Jingchun" (a derogatory term for a male prostitute).

The day after the assassination attempt, Emperor Huizong of Song held court early and sat on the Golden Palace, his face as gloomy as a storm cloud about to erupt.

Below the imperial court, the officials were silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to utter a sound.

Emperor Huizong slammed his hand on the armrest of his dragon throne and roared, "You audacious Japanese devils, how dare you attempt to assassinate me!" This roar echoed in the empty Golden Palace, making the hearts of the assembled officials tremble.

"I have always governed the country with benevolence and virtue, and maintained friendly relations with neighboring countries. I never imagined that Japan would have such wolfish ambitions!" Emperor Huizong of Song glared angrily, his eyes seemingly spitting fire.

He stood up and paced in front of the dragon throne. "I held a banquet in the palace to reward my meritorious officials and celebrate our victory, but I have been met with such a cruel fate! If it weren't for the desperate protection of my beloved ministers, I would probably be dead by now!"

The courtiers all knelt down and cried out, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger and take care of your health!"

Emperor Huizong stopped in his tracks, his gaze sweeping over his assembled officials. "How can I quell my anger? These Japanese scoundrels are so arrogant; they simply don't respect my Great Song Dynasty!"

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "Gao Qiu, as a high-ranking official in the court, you were actually used by the Japanese and almost caused a great disaster. What is your punishment?"

Gao Qiu trembled all over and prostrated himself to beg for forgiveness: "Your Majesty, I deserve to die ten thousand times. I was deceived by the treacherous scheme of those Japanese and almost harmed Your Majesty. I am willing to accept all punishments."

Emperor Huizong snorted coldly: "I will deal with your crimes myself. But this assassination attempt must be thoroughly investigated, and no one involved will be let off the hook!"

"Where is the Minister of Justice?" Emperor Huizong shouted.

The Minister of Justice stepped forward tremblingly: "Your subject is here."

"I order you to immediately mobilize your forces and investigate this matter with all your might. You must bring down the mastermind and all the Japanese who participated in the assassination! If there is the slightest negligence, you will be brought to justice!" Emperor Huizong's voice was cold and resolute.

The Minister of Justice quickly replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost to fulfill my mission."

Emperor Huizong sat back on his dragon throne, his eyes still blazing with anger. "Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Zhao Tianming, and others who rendered meritorious service in protecting me this time shall be richly rewarded. I want the world to know that those who are loyal to the emperor and love their country will surely be blessed!"

"Zhao Tianming, with his extraordinary courage, made great contributions to protecting the Emperor. I will always remember his bravery and fearlessness." Emperor Huizong of Song specifically mentioned Zhao Tianming's achievements.

The courtiers shouted again, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Emperor Huizong waved his hand, "All of you, step back. I need to be alone for a while."

The courtiers slowly withdrew from the Golden Palace, leaving Emperor Huizong alone on the dragon throne, his face still grim. He secretly vowed to make the Japanese pay a heavy price for this assassination attempt.

After successfully thwarting the Japanese assassination plot, the capital gradually returned to its former tranquility. Meanwhile, Zhao Tianming's restaurant has been exceptionally bustling these past few days.

On this day, Eunuch Chen, acting on the orders of Emperor Huizong of Song, arrived at Zhao Tianming's restaurant.

Inside the restaurant, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, Lu Zhishen, Wu Song, Shi Qian, Shi Xiu, Dai Zong, Yang Xiong, and others were already waiting.

As Eunuch Chen entered the restaurant, everyone rose to greet him.

Eunuch Chen smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Heroes and valiant men, there's no need for such formalities. I've come today on His Majesty's orders to reward those who have rendered meritorious service in protecting the Emperor."

Zhao Tianming quickly stepped forward, "Please take a seat, Father-in-law."

After sitting down, Eunuch Chen cleared his throat. "That day in the palace, if it weren't for your heroic protection, His Majesty would likely have been in grave danger. His Majesty greatly admires your bravery and has specially ordered me to bring you rewards."

As he spoke, the eunuchs behind Eunuch Chen carried in boxes of gold, silver, jewels, and silks.

"Song Jiang, you have commanded effectively and responded calmly. You are hereby awarded one hundred taels of gold and ten bolts of silk."

Song Jiang stepped forward to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."

"Lu Junyi, you are highly skilled in martial arts and brave in battle. You are hereby awarded ten pearls and a brocade robe."

Lu Junyi respectfully said, "Thank you for your reward, Your Majesty."

When it was Zhao Tianming's turn, Eunuch Chen said, "Zhao Tianming, you are clever and brave, and you handled the situation well. You are hereby awarded five hundred taels of silver and a fine horse."

Zhao Tianming knelt down excitedly to express his gratitude: "This humble subject thanks Your Majesty and Your Excellency."

Next, Eunuch Chen bestowed gifts upon Wu Yong, Lu Zhishen, Wu Song, and others in turn, and everyone was deeply grateful.

After bestowing the rewards, Eunuch Chen said, "His Majesty places high hopes on you all, expecting you to continue to serve the Song Dynasty and protect the country in the future."

The crowd responded in unison, "We will certainly live up to His Majesty's expectations!"

Eunuch Chen nodded in satisfaction, "Now that we're back, we can report back to His Majesty."

Zhao Tianming said, "You must be tired from your journey, sir. Why don't you have a meal here before you go?"

Eunuch Chen waved his hand, "No, I still need to return to the palace to report to His Majesty. Farewell."

The crowd saw Eunuch Chen off from the restaurant.

After Eunuch Chen left, everyone returned to the restaurant.

Lu Zhishen laughed loudly, "We have rendered a great service to the Song Dynasty this time. His Majesty is wise and has bestowed generous rewards upon us!"

Wu Song also said, "This time, I can say that I have done justice to my martial arts skills."

Wu Yong said thoughtfully, "Although we have received the Emperor's reward, we must not be complacent about the Japanese people's plot. We must be extra careful in the future."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the restaurant.

Shi Qian flashed out to investigate.

A short while later, Shi Qian returned and reported: "It's a group of thugs causing trouble."

Song Jiang frowned. "We have just received a reward from the Emperor. We cannot easily get into conflict with others. Let's go and see what's going on first."

When the group arrived outside the restaurant, they saw several thugs bullying an old man who sold vegetables.

Zhao Tianming stepped forward and shouted, "How dare you cause trouble here in broad daylight!"

When the thugs saw Zhao Tianming and his group come out, they were not afraid at all; on the contrary, they became even more arrogant.

"Who do you think you are, daring to meddle in my business!"

Yang Xiong was furious, "You ignorant fools, I'll teach you a lesson!"

Having said that, Yang Xiong was about to make a move.

Song Jiang quickly stopped him, saying, "Don't be impulsive, let's find out the reason first."

After some questioning, it turned out that these local thugs had bought the old man's vegetables but refused to pay.

Song Jiang said, "Quickly pay the old man the money, and this matter will be settled."

The thugs refused and even hurled insults at them.

At this point, everyone could no longer hold back. Lu Zhishen knocked down a thug with one punch, and the others followed suit.

Seeing that things were going badly, the thugs fled in panic.

The old man was moved to tears, saying, "Thank you so much for your help, heroes."

The group returned to the restaurant and continued their celebration.

Because of the presence of this group of heroes, Zhao Tianming's restaurant became a legendary place that people in the capital talked about with great interest.

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