Traveling back to the Northern Song Dynasty: Picking up a princess as my wife

Unbeknownst to Li Zhen, a momentous event was unfolding in the Jin capital, Shangjing: Wanyan Liang, the Prince of Zhennan, had personally executed Emperor Xizong of Jin, Wanyan Dan.

This was one of the subtle opportunities that allowed Li Zhen and his group to pass through unimpeded. If the situation had not changed suddenly, would the Jin Yuwei, with their ruthless and iron-fisted style, have easily let go of any suspicious person?

They should have relentlessly pursued like hounds, laying an inescapable net. However, in the Jin Kingdom at this moment, the situation was turbulent. The collapse of supreme power was like a boulder thrown into a still lake, stirring up waves of turmoil. In that overwhelming torrent, even the Jinyu Guard, a powerful national weapon, had to temporarily lay down its weapons of pursuit and turn its attention to the more pressing issues of imperial succession and political turmoil.

This time, Prince Zhennan, Wanyan Liang, brought his wife to the palace to visit his mother. Wanyan Liang was invited to a banquet at his home by several close ministers. However, Wanyan Liang's wife encountered the drunken Emperor Xizong of Jin, Wanyan Dan, in the palace.

Although Lady Wanyan Liang had given birth to three children, she maintained a very good figure and appearance. Upon seeing her, Wanyan Dan was immediately aroused by lust. He raised his sword and killed the guards who tried to stop him, then defiled his sister-in-law on the spot.

Wanyan Liang was enjoying a drink and conversation at a minister's residence when a shocking piece of news shattered his smile. A surge of rage welled up within him; he abruptly threw down his wine cup, the spilled liquid reflecting the burning flames of revenge in his eyes.

Without a moment's hesitation, Wanyan Liang raised his arm and gave a shout, and his elite personal guards responded and moved like ghosts in the dark, silently traversing the streets and alleys, heading straight for the depths of the imperial city.

Wanyan Liang personally led the way, passing through numerous palace gates until they reached the magnificent golden bedchamber. The door opened slightly, and a rich aroma of wine mingled with the stuffy air. Before them lay Emperor Xizong of Jin, Wanyan Dan, reclining on his dragon bed, completely oblivious to the impending calamity.

There was no hesitation in Wanyan Liang's eyes, only a cold, resolute determination. He slowly drew the gleaming blade from his waist, each step heavy with determination—a settlement of past grievances, and a thirst for the pinnacle of power. Finally, in that silent moment where only his heartbeat could be heard, he thrust forward, the blade piercing Wanyan Dan's chest with unerring accuracy, reaching his heart.

Blood gushed forth, staining the dragon robe crimson and also the cold, stern face of Wanyan Liang. Emperor Xizong of Jin, Wanyan Dan, this once powerful and arrogant ruler, ended his life in his sleep; all his glory and sins vanished with the wind.

The news spread like wildfire within the Jin royal family, causing an unprecedented upheaval.

After deliberation among the Jin royal family and ministers, it was decided to support Wanyan Liang as the new emperor of the Jin Dynasty. The reason was simple: during Wanyan Dan's reign, apart from Wanyan Liang, he had killed almost all of his brothers. The remaining few were neither as capable nor as decisive as Wanyan Liang, who held considerable military power, so they had no choice but to support him.

Li Zhen didn't care about any of that; all he wanted was to get back to Tangyin County as quickly as possible. Aside from eating and sleeping, Li Zhen and Yue Peng drove the truck non-stop towards Tangyin, only finally breathing a sigh of relief after entering Shanhaiguan.

Just as they were about to enter Daxing Prefecture, a large tree that had been cut down appeared in the middle of the official road. Upon seeing this, Li Zhen knew that he had encountered a highway robber.

Li Zhen shouted into the walkie-talkie to Yue Peng behind him, "Yue Peng, Yue Peng, tell the brothers in the car to be careful, we think we've encountered a robber."

Yue Peng's voice came from the walkie-talkie: "Big Boss, you be careful too. If things get really bad, we'll find another way."

Li Zhen skillfully pulled back the bolt of his semi-automatic rifle, watching the forests on both sides with great vigilance.

Several soldiers jumped down from the back of the carriage, armed with crossbows and spread out to keep watch. Some of them went straight forward and began to move the large tree blocking their way with great effort.

"Whoosh!"

An arrow struck the tree with pinpoint accuracy, prompting several soldiers to quickly drop their weapons and prepare to retaliate.

In an instant, a whirlwind of activity swept along both sides of the official road, like a tide surging from the depths of the mountains and forests, as hundreds of bandits silently filled both sides. The leader, a burly man over ten feet tall, stood on a high ground, gripping a powerful bow tightly in his hand. His eyes were sharp as a hawk's, and he exuded an aura that could not be underestimated. He was clearly the undisputed leader of this group of bandits.

"You passersby, listen to me!"

His voice was deep and powerful, penetrating the noise and echoing on the empty official road, carrying an air of irresistible authority.

"We are the anti-Jin righteous army of Shuangniu Mountain. We fight not for personal gain, but for justice for all people. Today is not the time to make enemies. If you are generous enough to leave your belongings, we will show leniency and let you leave safely and save your lives."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding mountain winds seemed to freeze. Every word was resounding, revealing both the bandits' domineering nature and a hint of the chivalrous spirit of江湖儿女 (jianghu children, meaning people of the martial arts world).

Li Zhen quietly waved in Yue Peng's direction, signaling him not to make any rash moves.

He shouted loudly to the bandit leader, "We are merchants from Tangyin. This cart has some furs and grains that we traded from the north. We'll leave them all here for you. We hope you can spare our lives."

Yue Peng called out anxiously, "Chief, actually we can..."

Li Zhen: "Shut up! Have you forgotten what our main mission is this time?"

After saying this, Li Zhen ordered his men to move all the valuables and grain to both sides of the road. He then ordered his soldiers to move the large trees blocking the road. Throughout this process, he kept his hands tightly gripping his semi-automatic rifle, ready to fire first if the other side did anything unusual.

Seeing that Li Zhen was so cooperative, the bandit leader didn't make things too difficult for them. After giving a whistle, all the ambushers in the bushes ahead withdrew back into the forest.

Li Zhen opened the car door and entered the driver's seat. At that moment, he saw Zhao Ji trembling with fear. Little did he know that these so-called bandits were once the people under his rule. It was only because of the fall of the Northern Song Dynasty that they had become homeless and started this business in the mountains.

After watching the two trucks drive away, the bandit leader led his men to the roadside.

"Boss, these are all top-quality furs. We've struck it rich!"

"Hey, this grain is actually high-quality rice. Boss, those people from earlier must be extraordinary."

The bandit leader shouted, "Hurry up and take these things back; your families are waiting for rice and flour to cook!"

While transporting the grain, they noticed the three large characters "COFCO Oils" written on it. These three characters would later become entangled with these mountain bandits.