Zhao Huan said, "It is also thanks to Sima Junru for providing the Jin spies with embellished information. Otherwise, why would Wanyan Zonghan have been so eager to fight me to the death before the supplies and reinforcements arrived!"

"It is my honor to share Your Majesty's burdens!"

Zhao Huan's smile vanished: "Don't be too happy yet. This is a war we must win, and it will determine the balance of power between the Song and Jin dynasties!"

"When the Holy Emperor's divine might prevails, all things are reduced to dust!"

"Liu Yanzong, I hope it's as you say! If I lose, I'll be the first to behead you to vent my anger!"

"Damn it!" Liu Yanzong cursed inwardly. "Your Majesty, don't scare me. This war isn't my business as a civil official. Damn it, you have so many fierce generals. If you lose, go and chop them down! What does it have to do with me?"

Looking at the bewildered Liu Yanzong, Zhao Huan suddenly laughed and said, "Minister Liu, I was just joking with you. You are my trusted minister, how could I bear to behead you!"

"Your Majesty's kindness is beyond repayment; even if I were to be shattered to pieces, I could not ever repay it!"

Liu Yanzong broke out in a cold sweat. Damn, this emperor is so unpredictable! These days are going to be tough!

Zhao Huan thought to himself, "Liu Yanzong, you bastard! If I don't intimidate you, how will you behave and serve me obediently from now on? Remember, I can kill you at any time, so you better behave yourself!"

After Zhao Huan gave Liu Yanzong another "intimidation," he left the camp. He instructed Sima Junru to send Han Chenchen back to Liaozhou Prefecture to settle her in, while he himself went with Zhong Shidao to participate in the troop inspection. Just like last time, Han Shizhong was still guarding his side, never leaving him for a moment.

Wanyan Zonghan was unaware that a few days earlier, another Song army had received orders from Zhao Huan to march north quickly. This army was the new army led by Zong Ze!