Wanyan Sheng decided not to fight Zhao Huan, but instead planned to stabilize the situation and attack Goryeo.

But this was not Zhao Huan's intention. After the Jin state voluntarily stopped most of its trade, Zhao Huan and his ministers sat in the Chuigong Hall, thinking every day about how to fight the Jin state.

In short, now we have a pretext to send troops.

However, Zhao Huan did not want to fight a war of attrition. He wanted to defeat the Jin Kingdom in one fell swoop. Even if he could not destroy it, he wanted to make it kneel down and call him "grandpa".

Therefore, the ministers of the prime minister's office began to devise strategies based on the intelligence about the Jin state that the emperor had gathered at the front lines.

The ministers of the prime minister's office debated this matter for a full two weeks.

The Central Prefecture and the Western Prefecture advocated attacking the grasslands first, subjugating the tribes there, and then launching a pincer attack on the Jin Dynasty from the west and south. They would utilize the Song Dynasty's military strength to extend the battle lines and advance steadily through resource warfare.

The Eastern Prefecture, however, believed that the first priority should be to control Goryeo and Balhae, which were the eastern front of the Song Dynasty.

The reason is that the Liaodong Peninsula has a downward-sloping topography, and Suzhou (later Dalian) at the southernmost point is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is far from the rear of the Jin Dynasty. In the event of a war, it would be easy for the navy to land. Moreover, if the Jin Dynasty were to fight the Song army in that place, it would be far from the rear to supply the army, which would greatly increase the difficulty of supplying the army.

Once Suzhou is captured, the Song army can form a three-front war with the Yan-Yun front and the Goryeo front to attack the Jin state.

Both sides stuck to their own versions of events and argued endlessly.

According to the Eastern Prefecture's strategy, the first step is to assimilate Goryeo.

According to the strategy of the Military Governor's Office and the Privy Council, they can now hunt down the grassland tribes.

Just a few months ago, Yelü Dashi attacked the northwest of the Song Dynasty, giving the Song Dynasty a reason to send troops.

A few days later, Zhao Huan planned to adopt the strategy of the Military Governor's Office and the Privy Council and send troops to the grasslands.

During the council meeting that day, the emperor made a startling statement: "I want to personally lead the expedition!"

"Your Majesty, the grasslands are in danger!"

"My beloved ministers, there is no need to persuade us any further. Those barbarians from the grasslands who dare to invade my Heavenly Song Dynasty, I will surely punish them!"

The ministers were greatly annoyed; why did the emperor like to personally lead troops into battle so much?

In the past, emperors would stay obediently in the palace and would never go to the front lines.

This emperor is a bit wild!

Upon hearing that Zhao Huan was going to war again, memorials flooded into the palace like snowflakes within a few days.

"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and your safety is at stake. You cannot risk your life for him."

"Your Majesty, those barbarians of the grasslands are nothing but chickens and dogs. Why should the Emperor trouble himself to launch a distant expedition? The Emperor should prioritize the well-being of all people under Heaven, and govern from the highest palace!"

"Your Majesty, I dare to say that if enemy troops besiege the capital of our Great Song Dynasty and the Great Song is in imminent danger, Your Majesty may personally lead the army and fight alongside the people. However, the Great Song now has a million soldiers. Why should Your Majesty personally lead the army? Your Majesty should take the responsibility of the country and the people as your own!"

"..."

Zhao Huan was looking at strategic maps in his study when Shao Chengzhang and Wang Kuian brought in piles of memorials from outside.

"Your Majesty..."

"Throw them all into the Hall of State Affairs. Don't leave them here to obstruct my attention. Let Xu Churen handle them."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Wang Kui'an hesitated for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, my elder brother is outside requesting an audience."

Zhao Huan looked up, puzzled, and asked, "Why is he here? Wasn't he learning the new teachings with Shi Ziming?"

"I do not know."

"Let him in."

Zhao Chen entered: "Your son greets Father."

"Chen'er, what is it you want?"

"I have heard that Father is going to personally lead an expedition against the barbarians."

"I am the Son of Heaven and the Supreme Commander of the Song Dynasty army. I shall lead millions of soldiers to eliminate threats to the borders of the Song Dynasty."

"Father, I also wish to go to war with you. Please grant my request."

Zhao Huan was slightly taken aback, looking at Zhao Chen with some surprise: "Everyone else is avoiding this, why do you want to go on the expedition with me?"

Zhao Chen suddenly knelt down: "Father, I was wrong last time. Please don't blame me. Father is busy with countless affairs for the country and the people. I just wanted to share your burdens!"

Zhao Huan walked over and poured two cups of tea.

"Get up first."

"Father..."

“I am already very touched by your kind intentions, but the front line is dangerous and you are too young. Let’s talk about it in a few years.”

"Father..."

"Have some tea."

Zhao Chen obediently began to drink his tea.

"Chen'er, follow Scholar Shi and learn the new things well."

"Yes, Chen'er knows."

"So now you still think there's anything wrong with what I did?"

"I believe that Father's actions are for the future of the Song Dynasty and are a great achievement that will benefit generations to come."

"Yes, I'm glad you understand."

"I also hope to learn from Scholar Shi as soon as possible and help my father."

Zhao Huan chuckled twice: "Alright, go out and experience the hardships of ordinary people more often."

"Yes, and I go out often."

After Zhao Chen left, Zhao Huan's smile faded.

Zhao Chen's behavior was somewhat unusual.

The feedback from below is completely different from what it used to be.

He became too close to Prince Zhao Kai of Yun.

Zhao Kai's wife is Zhu Lian's younger sister, which clearly indicates that there is a force secretly supporting Zhao Chen.

No problem, the entire city of Tokyo is under my Imperial Guard.

Not only are there Imperial Guards, but also my Qilin Guards.

I know exactly what tricks they're up to.

Let's see who's about to lose their temper and reveal their true colors.

Since Consort Han gave birth to a son, the situation in the capital city of Tokyo has undergone some subtle changes.

Some ministers advised Zhao Huan to establish a crown prince as soon as possible in order to stabilize the foundation of the country.

If there are ministers, a new system will be established, and the crown prince must fully accept the new policies.

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