After coming down from the city wall, Zhao Huan immediately summoned all his ministers to the Chuigong Hall to hold a mobilization meeting to resist the Jin army. Except for a few civil and military officials who were deployed on the front line, all were present.
Since the Chinese New Year, officials have been working overtime every day and it has become a habit. It’s just a meeting together in the evening, no big deal.
Zhao Huan stood in front of the podium, wearing a safety helmet on his head and holding a large loudspeaker in his hand. He did not look like a king, but rather like a contractor on a construction site.
After three whip blasts and the civil and military ministers paid their respects to the emperor, Zhao Huan began to speak with a loud speaker.
"Right now, the battle for the defense of Bianliang between the Jin Kingdom and the Great Song Dynasty is truly a battle for the fate of our Great Song Dynasty. If we win, the emperor will be the emperor, and the ministers will be the ministers. It will be a happy time for everyone."
Zhao Huan changed the subject, his voice rising an octave: "If Bianliang City is conquered by the Jin soldiers, then naturally, everyone is doomed. Don't think that anyone can survive alone. You all heard what Wanyan Zongwang said today. He wants to slaughter the entire Bianliang City, leaving no one alive."
Zhao Huan looked at the courtiers in the hall, a confident expression on his face. "This is a national war. The emperor, his ministers, the people, the generals, and the soldiers of the Song Dynasty must all be united. This war is for survival. Even if there are temporary sacrifices, the ultimate victory will definitely belong to the Song Dynasty."
“It is said that for a country to prosper, its civil officials must not be greedy for money, and its military officers must not fear death.”
"This battle for the nation's destiny must be personally led by me, so that the soldiers and the people of Bianliang know that I am with them. This is my stance. If Bianliang falls, I will be the first to die."
Zhao Huan bowed to the officials below and said, "For those willing to personally serve on the front lines, I will record their contributions in my book of merit. As long as you don't rebel, I will ensure that you will bring honor to our family and live a worry-free life. For those who don't want to serve on the front lines, as long as you do your job well and ensure that the soldiers on the front lines have enough food, clothing, and weapons to defend the city, you will also be doing a great service."
Having said that, no one else had any different opinions. They all knelt on the ground and said, "We are willing to die for the Song Dynasty. We will cooperate with the civil and military forces to fight against the Jin Dynasty."
"Okay! From today on, I will move to the top of the city wall. I will eat, wear, and spend the same as the soldiers. I will fight at the front and will never retreat."
That night, Zhao Huan took Li Gang, Li Zhongxiao, Wang Zongchu, Sun Taiyi and others to inspect the city walls. The rumbling sound of horse hooves came from outside the city of Bianliang, and the sound echoed endlessly in the empty and deserted night.
Zhao Huan's expression changed drastically. He and Li Gang exchanged a glance, realizing that both of their eyes were filled with fear. "In the middle of the night, the Jin army is actually preparing to attack the city!"
"Inform all commanders to form pairs and face the enemy from the north!" Li Zhongxiao shouted.
In fact, Li Zhongxiao's orders were unnecessary. The commanders on the city wall responded quickly the moment they heard the sound of horse hooves. Five thousand soldiers on the north side had assembled in a few breaths. Countless stones, kerosene, and the latest weapons, Hiroshima Mon Amour and Nagasaki Light, were continuously delivered to the city wall. The artillery began to be calibrated, the archers took their positions, and the officials performed their duties.
At the foot of the city, Wanyan Zongwang's eyes were filled with murderous intent. He looked towards the direction of Bianliang City. The scars on his face became even more red, and his hideous appearance was shocking. From his throat, a roar rang out: "Attack! Take Bianliang!"
The Jin soldiers...began to attack.
The roar of artillery was deafening and shocking. The cavalry, like a tide, rushed towards the city of Bianliang like crazy.
The Jin Kingdom also began to launch artillery and siege vehicles, and began throwing huge stones at the walls of Bianliang.
Zhao Huan rubbed his eyes and asked Li Gang beside him: "A bunch of barbarians from the Jin Kingdom also have this?"
Li Gang nodded bitterly and explained to Zhao Huan bit by bit: "Originally, there was none. The Jin Kingdom had these equipment from two sources."
"One was captured when the Jin conquered the Liao. The Liao had abundant iron resources, and after 209 years of existence, they engaged in long-term trade with the Song Dynasty. They were no longer a mere nomadic people. The Liao fell too quickly, and their military weapons and equipment were taken away by the Jin before they could even be used. Furthermore, the Liao also had a large number of skilled craftsmen, all of whom were taken by the Jin."
"Secondly, it's a bit embarrassing to say, but it was captured from the hands of our Song Dynasty. Yanjing Prefecture is a key military defense city, equipped with a large number of city defense equipment. This is why Guo Yaoshi and Wanyan Zongwang were able to have a slight victory. Later, Guo Yaoshi rebelled, and this large amount of military equipment was taken away by the Jin Kingdom. It's said that Guo Yaoshi brought in funds, not just 100,000 soldiers and horses, but also this huge amount of military equipment. In addition, the imperial court in the eastern part of Hebei also set up a lot of military defenses, and I think they were all captured by the Jin army."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Huge stones hit the city wall, and screams of the Song army were heard from time to time. When one person fell down, a rescue team member in white clothes would soon send them to the city for rescue, and then other reserve soldiers would come forward to fill the gaps in defense.
As soon as the war started, Fang showed his cruel side.
Zhao Huan was a little timid in his heart. He had never experienced war, and never had he been so close to death.
Zhao Huan stood still, afraid that if he took a step forward, his legs would weaken, and he would appear timid. But he had to suppress his fear and remain calm. No matter what the situation, his face could not show any panic.
"If your heart is as clear as ice, even the sky will not fall, even the myriad changes will remain calm, your spirit will be at peace...even if there is no breeze, there will be no waves." Zhao Huan silently chanted the Heart-Clearing Mantra over and over again until a quarter of an hour later, when he finally stepped forward. He stood tall and proud. The soldiers guarding the city walls felt reassured when they saw His Majesty patrolling the city walls with a firm step. If His Majesty is not afraid, what should we be afraid of? Could our lives be more precious than His Majesty's?
Because of the heavy snow a few days ago, although it was the middle of the night, it was not pitch black.
Wanyan Zongmou looked towards the city of Bianliang with a monocular telescope in his hand and saw Zhao Huan walking with firm steps and greeting the soldiers defending the city. Wherever he went, the morale was high.
The Song Dynasty craftsmen were truly amazing. By placing two small glass lenses in a bamboo tube and moving them back and forth, they could actually see things so clearly from a distance. Thinking of this, Wanyan Zongwang patted Pharmacist Guo on the shoulder and said, "You are truly my lucky star!"
Pharmacist Guo smiled obediently: "A wise bird chooses a tree to roost in, and a wise minister chooses a master to serve."
"Hahahaha! You're still sensible. Once Bianliang City is taken, I'll let you be the emperor for a few years."
Pharmacist Guo smiled awkwardly and thanked the Grand Marshal, but he secretly murmured, "You're playing tricks on me. I'll stab you in the back sooner or later!"
Wanyan Zongmou called over his general, Nari Zahan, and handed him a telescope. "That little emperor of Song is quite courageous. He even dared to wander on the city wall under fire. You take two thousand archers and charge forward. Shoot at him. Even if you can't hurt him, at least give him a scare."
"Yes, Grand Marshal!"
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