Zhao Huan slept very soundly, and when he woke up, the sunlight outside was dazzling.
He felt extremely relaxed, the first time he had felt so relaxed since becoming emperor.
He was in a good mood today, so he hosted a simple breakfast feast for the important officials of the two offices.
"Minister Li, let me tell you, people should eat a good and full breakfast, eat six or seven tenths full for lunch, and only four tenths full for dinner. This is the most scientific way to maintain health."
Li Gang asked, "Your Majesty, what is the meaning of science?"
"Oh, that's the most reasonable one."
At this point, Zhao Huan suddenly remembered a question and asked, "Li Qing, what do you think of Shen Kuo's 'Dream Pool Essays'?"
"Your Majesty, the Dream Pool Essays mainly records humanities and geography. It is the culmination of Shen Cunzhong's life's work. However, it cannot be applied to practical matters. It can be studied as a hobby."
Zhao Huan sighed inwardly. Even a pillar of the state like Li Gang had no interest in "Dream Pool Essays," let alone others. It seemed that the influence of Confucianism on China was truly deep-rooted.
The task of promoting the new learning system cannot be entrusted to Li Gang; someone else must be found.
While still having breakfast, Zhao Huan received exciting news: Zhong Shidao and Yao Pingzhong had arrived!
Zhao Huan hurriedly threw down his breakfast, vomited up what he had just eaten, and rushed out.
"Holy crap!" The two high-ranking officials cried out inwardly at the same time. "Emperor, could your acting be any more fake? Are you trying to imitate the Duke of Zhou spitting out his food to welcome guests?"
Despite their displeasure, the emperor had already left, so how could the ministers dare to remain seated and leisurely? They all rose and followed the emperor out.
"Prepare the carriage! Prepare the carriage! I'm going to fetch my Minister Zhong!"
The emperor summoned his attendants, and the eunuchs quickly prepared the carriage. Zhao Huan boarded the imperial carriage, and the ministers inwardly groaned. As important officials of the two ministries, it would be inappropriate for them not to go, since the emperor had personally come to greet them.
Wang Boyan asked Li Gang, "Lord Li, what about us?"
"Since His Majesty personally went to welcome Old Zhong, we should naturally go as well."
The gentlemen hurriedly ran to fetch their horses. Those who had carriages dared not ride in them, since they were accompanying the emperor to greet people, and could only ride horses.
Today, the atmosphere on the streets of Tokyo was exceptionally good. The city had successfully repelled a large wave of Jin army attacks, and the people were overjoyed. Moreover, at this critical juncture, the military and civilians of Tokyo showed unprecedented unity, which allowed the city's vitality to be fully unleashed.
Upon seeing the emperor's carriage, many people cheered along the roadside.
The emperor, accompanied by a troop of imperial guards, rushed to the city gate. Chen Keli was bragging to a new recruit about how long he had held out at Chunyue Tower the previous night when he saw the emperor's throne arrive and hurriedly greeted it.
"Your Majesty, I respectfully welcome your well-being."
"Where is the army that Zhong Shidao led to serve the king?"
Chen Keli was surprised that the emperor would come to greet him personally. The emperor was paying more and more attention to military generals, and as a military general himself, he was very excited.
"Your Majesty, Commander Zhong's troops will arrive in about an incense stick's time."
"Very well, I will wait here."
More and more people gathered around. In the past, the area would have been cordoned off, but since the new emperor took the throne, he abolished this rule. The people were happy to watch the new emperor and felt that he was very approachable.
Take yesterday, for example. After defeating the Jin invaders, the emperor sat on the high platform, not at all like an emperor, but more like a storyteller telling tales to everyone.
When the people learned that the emperor had come to the city gate to welcome the army that came to the aid of the emperor, they cheered even more. The arrival of the army undoubtedly made everyone feel safer, which meant that the probability of the Jurchens attacking Bianjing again would be smaller.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zhong Shidao and Yao Pingzhong arrived outside the city. The emperor ordered the gates to be opened to welcome them, and the soldiers on the city wall were prepared for defense. If the Jurchen invaders were to suddenly attack the city while the loyalist army was entering, there would be great trouble. Therefore, the city wall was on high alert.
"This old minister pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
An elderly man clad in armor dismounted from his horse. The man had white hair and beard and was already in his seventies, but his eyes were bright and clear. This man was none other than Zhong Shidao, a highly respected figure in the Song army!
Master Zhong is also known as "Old Zhong"!
The burly man next to Zhong Shidao is Yao Pingzhong, a famous figure in history who made great achievements in his youth, but ultimately left his mark on history as "the general who was best at escaping".
"You two gentlemen need not stand on ceremony."
Zhao Huan rushed forward and grabbed Zhong Shidao's arm with one hand, which made the ministers on the side very envious. That was the imperial body!
"Your Majesty, we are late in coming to your rescue, please forgive us!"
"I am very pleased that you have come. I have you as well as I have Wang Jian, Han Xin, and Li Shimin as I have Li Jing!"
Such high praise made Zhong Shidao immediately kneel down, but Zhao Huan pulled him back. The ministers on the side were so envious they almost drooled.
Although the emperor may have a penchant for roguish behavior, he is still the Son of Heaven. Can the Son of Heaven be touched so casually? Even a glance with your eyes open is disrespectful to the emperor, let alone touching him.
After exchanging greetings, the emperor instructed Li Gang to settle the loyalist troops in the capital, while the emperor himself returned to the palace with Zhong Shidao and Yao Pingzhong.
The news spread quickly throughout Tokyo, and people were excited to hear it.
This news quickly reached Wanyan Zongwang's ears, which troubled the Jin army commander. Moreover, according to reports from scouts, reinforcements were constantly arriving to come to the aid of the emperor.
The Jin army had been besieging Bianjing for a long time without success, and now reinforcements were arriving from all sides to help the emperor. Wanyan Zongwang felt that this situation could not continue.
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