The walls of Shenzhou were sturdy, making it an important military town for the Jin Dynasty to control the south; it was no exaggeration to describe it as impregnable.

During this period, Wanyan Dan successively mobilized a million-strong army from the north.

Whether they were hunters in the jungle, weeders in the fields, fishers in the ponds, or even weavers at home, they all came.

They shouldered their pitchforks, hoes, and wooden sticks, forming a vast "army" stretching for thousands of miles, responding to Wanyan Dan's call and leaving their homes.

They had not received professional training, and no one even told them how to fight.

Some were conscripted, while others were tricked into coming south, thinking they could rob the Song people of their money.

I've also heard that the Song people are very rich; if you kill one Song person, you'll never have to worry about food or clothing for the rest of your life.

Such a good thing exists in the world! It's hard to find even with a lantern!

In August, the former territory of the Liao Dynasty was already starting to get a bit cool, but the leaves on the trees along the roadside were still lush and green.

Looking from a distance, one can see a series of rolling mountains, which are not very high and covered with trees typical of northern China.

Because of the dryness, the sky was an endless expanse of blue.

The sunlight shone down without any obstruction, illuminating the mountainside and making it appear lush and vigorous.

Along the mountain paths, the Jin army, stretching for thousands of miles, marched listlessly.

It should be said that the army was temporarily recruited, and there were not many truly regular troops. In addition, they also had to assume the responsibility of supervision.

Some people kept complaining, "If I had known we would have to travel this far, I wouldn't have come. It would be much more comfortable to go back and sleep with a woman than to be here!"

"Shh, watch your mouth. If someone hears you, you'll be dragged out and killed."

"What are you afraid of! I'm just saying what I'm going to say! I'm not involved anymore!"

This man was tall and strong, but after he had only shouted a few words, a Jin soldier in armor walked over.

Before he could make any move or react, she stabbed him in the lower abdomen with a knife, and after it went in, she twisted the knife around a few times.

The burly man froze, his face instantly stiffening, his eyes widening in shock. Then, his face contorted in agony as he let out a desperate scream.

The Jin soldier remained calm, quickly pulled out his knife, and blood gushed out.

Then he chopped at the big man's head, making a crisp sound.

The burly man's skull was split open, and he died instantly.

"Anyone who dares to gossip again will suffer this fate!"

Two Jin soldiers quickly ran over and threw the big man's body into the woods to the side.

Before long, stray dogs came over and began to eat greedily.

And so, an army of one million gathered in Fengcheng.

Upon receiving this news, Wanyan Dan was so excited that he couldn't sleep.

With a million troops gathered, what can Zhong Shidao do even if he has three heads and six arms?

Moreover, with Song's forces penetrating deep into enemy territory, the logistical pressure will inevitably increase significantly.

Wanyan Dan sat in the palace, drinking fine wine and eating delicious meat, with a beautiful woman in his arms.

With Wanyan Zongbi holding the line for the right flank, he had no worries at all.

Thirty thousand ironclad cavalry could sweep across the entire northwest of the Song Dynasty.

Zhong Shidao's army rations will last for at most three months, and he doesn't mind spending three months here with Zhong Shidao.

Even if that dog emperor of the Song Dynasty keeps supplying grain, he will eventually be unable to hold out.

Even if that dog emperor insists, the scholar-officials in the court will stand up to oppose him. When the Song Dynasty falls into chaos, and someone is sent to negotiate peace, there will surely be Song dogs willing to negotiate peace.

Peace talks? Of course not.

For Wanyan Dan, negotiating peace was merely a means to lull the Song army into a false sense of security.

The Song army was an expeditionary force, and what expeditionary forces fear most is chaos in the rear.

Wanyan Danlian had already selected the people to be sent to the Song Dynasty to negotiate peace.

Let Liu Yu go to Bianliang.

Liu Yu was formerly a minister of the Song state, and he had some connections in the Song court, which made things easier for him.

Wanyan Dan had just drunk a few cups of wine when Wanyan Zonghan stormed in from outside.

Because he had been castrated by Zhao Huan, Wanyan Zonghan's voice became high-pitched. He said, "Your Majesty, the enemy army is now at the city gates. Why are you indulging in pleasure here? We should climb the city wall and boost the morale of the army!"

Wanyan Dan's face showed a hint of disgust. If he didn't still need Wanyan Zonghan, he would have found a way to kill him long ago.

But that expression only flashed by; he desperately needed Wanyan Zonghan right now.

Shenzhou still needs him to take charge of the overall situation.

Once the war is over, he will immediately have Wanyan Zongbi replace Wanyan Zonghan.

"Why do you say that, Marshal? I was just having a couple of drinks. If you don't want me to drink, then I won't."

After saying that, he immediately ordered all the dancers and hostesses to leave.

He had to respect Wanyan Zonghan's opinion.

Wanyan Zonghan then said, "I would like to ask Your Majesty to accompany me to the city tower."

"I'm a little tired right now, let's do it tomorrow."

Wanyan Dan was in a bad mood after Wanyan Zonghan's interference.

"Your Majesty, Zhong Shidao has now amassed an army of 150,000 to besiege the city. The military situation in Shenzhou is critical..."

Wanyan Dan said impatiently, "Marshal, I now have a million troops. My army is everywhere in Shenzhou. That old thief Zhong dares to act so recklessly here with a mere 150,000 men. He must be tired of living."

"Your Majesty, the quality of an army lies not in its quantity!"

"Heh heh, my army, even if every single one of them spat, could form a mighty river and drown that old thief Zhong!"

"Your Majesty, those are all old, weak, sick, and disabled; they are of no use!"

Wanyan Dan asked sarcastically, "Then what brilliant plan does the marshal have?"

"I believe that the Prince of Yan should be recalled from the Goryeo border immediately, and I will join him in sending troops to kill the old traitor Zhong!"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!