Distance from the assassination on the long street that day, and the appearance of Tong Guan, another two days have passed in the blink of an eye. Search: \(Complete Book God Station\) to read fine literature for free. The atmosphere in the capital is gradually showing a tendency to warm up.

This warming up naturally does not refer to the weather.

When the Jin people move south, and external aggression strikes, it is not too difficult to arouse the people's blood and courage in the face of a devastating disaster. However, after the arousal, a large number of people died, and when the external pressure subsided, many people's families had been completely destroyed. When people reacted, the future had turned a pale color. Just like people facing a crisis arouse their potential, when the danger passes, people who are seriously overdrawn will eventually fall.

How to get people to recover after this is a big problem.

In fact, during this period after the siege warfare came to an end, a large number of deaths of family members who had not participated in the defense of the city—either from starvation or suicide—had been constantly reported. After the Right Chancellor's Office and Bamboo Sign's public opinion system were fully operational, although the number of deaths discovered was still increasing, the giant of Bianliang, who was too overdrawn, had a little color on his face.

The tragic nature of the deceased, the sacrifices of the warriors, the inheritance of will, and the warnings that the danger had not yet subsided were all fermenting and spreading within the city with the operation of the Prime Minister's Office and the Bamboo Sign. For this era, the directional spread of public opinion is actually relatively simple, because the channels for ordinary people to obtain information are really too narrow. As long as they hear something, and the government cooperates a little, it will often turn into an ironclad fact.

So, with a few days of brewing, at least in terms of the social atmosphere after the war, a certain effect has been achieved.

First of all, the government collected information on the identities and lives of those who died in battle, began to register them, and will later build a Hall of Martyrs, and also expressed that the families of the deceased will be given some explanation. Although the specific explanation is still under discussion, it has already begun to solicit opinions from social officials, gentry, and elders. Even if it is only in the stage of drawing a pie, this pie is temporarily drawn with sincerity.

Secondly, under the coordination of the government and the promotion of Bamboo Sign, officials, gentry, and wealthy households with spare capacity began to give out porridge and food, and expressed their willingness to take care of the families of those who died in the defense of the city. The emergence of this kind of thing is due to the Prime Minister's Office coming forward to appeal, Bamboo Sign publicizing those leading large households and leaving them with a reputation, and thirdly because the court is discussing that in the future, the families of the deceased, whether they are merchants, officials, or farmers, will be given a lot of convenience, just like the later generations' policy of preferential treatment for the disabled. There will naturally be a lot of benefits for employing the disabled.

Thirdly, the scholars' attention to this matter is not over. Due to Bamboo Sign's emphasis on the threat of the Jurchens, how to deal with this crisis has become the main topic of discussion among patriots and people who worry about the country and the people. These scholars either discussed preparing to give up their pens and join the army, or discussed topics such as eliminating the ills of current affairs in restaurants and teahouses. For example, some small scholar groups named "National Crisis Society" and "Plum Society" secretly established, pulling people everywhere and rendering patriotic sentiments. There were many such groups in the past, mostly poetry societies, but this time, they have more radical goals.

Of course, no matter what the goal is, the ultimate meaning of most groups is only one: If we become rich, let us not forget each other.

Fourthly, at this time, the importance of warriors and soldiers in the city has also been greatly improved. Grassroots people who were not liked in the past are now often looked up to if they talk about participating in the defense of the city or have injuries on their bodies in teahouses. The soldiers in Bianliang City were originally similar to hooligans, but at this time, with the deliberate rendering of the Prime Minister's Office and Bamboo Sign and the strengthening of people's recognition, they began to pay attention to their image whenever they appeared on various occasions.

These things influenced each other and promoted each other, making the atmosphere in the city positive and harmonious in a few days. Things of mutual care and help among people gradually increased, and heartwarming things happened from time to time in some porridge and food distribution places. Including some restaurants and teahouses under Bamboo Sign, although the food was rough, people talked about the Jurchens outside the city and the situation inside the city, expressing their willingness to work together, which was encouraging to see.

Being in it, Yue Fei also often felt warmth in his heart.

He was one of the entourage who accompanied Ning Yi into the city. During these few days, Ning Yi took him to secretly meet many generals in the capital. As a small commander of the local Xiang Army, Ning Yi specially brought him to meet these high-ranking generals in the capital, saying it was to familiarize himself with them, but his eagerness to promote and help him was self-evident. But in addition to his gratitude, what moved him the most was the heartwarming scenes he saw around him in the past few days.

Although he did not participate in the middle, he naturally understood the purpose of the actions of Bamboo Sign and the Prime Minister's Office. A seriously injured person cannot fall asleep immediately. No matter how painful it is, he has to persevere. These actions of Bamboo Sign and the Prime Minister's Office, and the storytelling every day, seem simple, but Yue Fei can still see Ning Yi's various actions in addition to meeting with generals, meeting with some high-ranking households, choosing places for porridge and food distribution, and planning storytelling propaganda and some assistance activities. These seemingly natural and spontaneous behaviors are actually carefully planned by Ning Yi and the Bamboo Sign's shopkeepers and think tank.

Treating the matter of manipulating people's hearts and inciting people's hearts as a discipline, and planning many things and steps in a interlocking manner, such things have never been heard of before, but Yue Fei does not feel hypocritical because of it. Being in it, he knew that the purpose of the Prime Minister's Office and Bamboo Sign was to give this city a new lease on life, and when a good turn appeared, he felt a vigorous vitality and heartfelt joy in it.

As long as this can be done, the world may be saved...

Over the past few days, the only thing that made him feel indignant was the assassination of Ning Yi on the long street two days ago. He had practiced martial arts with Zhou Tong since he was a child, and he was also half a Green Forest person, but he did not have deep dealings with the Green Forest, and even if he knew some people because of Zhou Tong's relationship, most of his impressions were acceptable. But this time, he really felt that these people should be killed.

Of course, fortunately, there are more powerful people around this Mr. Ning to protect him.

Most of the things around him went smoothly, which made him quite relieved about the future situation. As long as things develop like this, what does it matter if we fight to Taiyuan and win a few battles or lose a few battles. When chatting with several familiar shopkeepers in Bamboo Sign, he often said this.

"People always have to feel the pain before they can wake up. If my master is still alive, he will feel gratified when he sees the situation in the capital at this time."

When he said this, he was sitting on the second floor of a Bamboo Sign store, chatting with Cui Hao, a Bamboo Sign staff member. This person was born as a scholar. His parents died early, and he had a wife. He joined Bamboo Sign when his wife was sick, but unfortunately the woman still passed away in the end. Ning Yi summoned mostly unattached people when he left the city. Cui Hao followed him. Yue Fei saved him once on the battlefield, so they became familiar with each other.

"Everyone cherishes life, but if they can die for the right cause, there are still people who are willing to go generously." Cui Hao's personality became a little gloomy after his wife left. He was nearly killed on the battlefield before he became cheerful again. At this time, he smiled with reservation, "During this time, the government has indeed helped us with all its strength, and even those who had conflicts in the past did not cause trouble."

"With the country in such a state, there are still people who know what is important." Yue Fei laughed heartily, "What's more, Prince Guangyang has met Mr. Ning this time. I heard several generals say yesterday that the prince also praised Mr. Ning in private."

"...This matter remains to be seen." Cui Hao said in a low voice.

"Hmm?"

"It's nothing." Cui Hao tilted his head and looked out the window. This area of the city has recovered today and has become slightly lively. He paused for a moment before adding, "Our situation seems to be good, but the upper levels of the court cannot see clearly. I heard that the situation is a bit strange, and the owner seems to be having a headache. Of course, this is not something for us to consider."

He didn't say this sentence loudly. After he finished speaking, both of them fell silent. At this time, a table of people at the other end of the restaurant started talking loudly. It turned out that everyone was talking about the battle with the Jurchens, and several people were preparing to go to Taiyuan with the army. After hearing a few words, Yue Fei laughed and picked up his teacup to signal.

"With the country in trouble, His Majesty is wise, and we can achieve great things. It's a pity that there is no wine, otherwise we should learn from them and have a big drink."

"The battle of Taiyuan will not be easy. There have been internal discussions about the next thing. We may stay to help stabilize the situation in the capital. Pengju, if you go north, take care of your life. After you come back, there will be plenty of wine."

The capital is short of supplies, and everyone is back with Ning Yi to work, so they have been ordered not to drink alcohol. The two raised their teacups to replace wine. After Yue Fei drank, he smiled: "Brother Cui doesn't need to worry about this matter. The battle of Taiyuan will never be a death battle as long as we are willing to fight hard. According to our estimates, there will definitely be a head-on battle after Zongwang and Zonghan join forces, but as long as we dare to fight hard, the Jurchens will retreat under the favorable conditions of geography and people, and plan for the future. Although we have suffered a great defeat this time, as long as we learn from our pain, the future is promising."

After he finished speaking, he tilted his head and looked out the window. The snow white in the city stretched out in front of him. The Bianliang City in this winter has really suffered too many injuries, but at this time, looking at it, he vaguely felt that there was an unyielding will between heaven and earth.

After that, he thought of his master who died at the beginning of the war to assassinate Zonghan. The old man's face appeared vividly.

If I can go north and fight, what is there to fear from death!

After that, it was a simple day. After this day, it was December 26th. From yesterday to today, Ning Yi did not go to see the generals in the capital again, so Yue Fei did not follow him all the time. Near noon, he came to the courtyard where the Bamboo Sign staff members were discussing matters. A strange atmosphere lingered in it. Everyone was discussing fiercely, and some people even cursed, their tone suppressed. Yue Fei found Cui Hao and asked what had happened.

Cui Hao hesitated for a moment: "Today, in the Golden Palace, the Right Chancellor has resigned and is asking to leave."

"Wh-what?"

"The Right Chancellor has submitted a memorial, requesting to retire...to resign..."

Yue Fei was stunned for a long time. He knew that the Bamboo Sign system was the power of the Right Chancellor's Office. During this period, he had been working hard behind them. What he saw and felt after returning to the capital was that the two chancellors who presided over the defense of the capital were at their peak. He was stunned and couldn't believe that this kind of thing would happen. But he only had shallow experience in officialdom, not a fool, and then he thought of some things: "The Right Chancellor is...his功劳功劳功劳 is too high?"

"It's not a big deal." Cui Hao was still calm, "As you think, the Right Chancellor sits in the capital, General Qin is in Xia Village, the Right Chancellor's second son, and the eldest son is in Taiyuan. If I am not mistaken, the Right Chancellor sees that the negotiations are about to be settled, and he is advancing by retreating, giving up the position of Prime Minister to protect Taiyuan. Which top official of the dynasty has not risen and fallen several times? Even Grand Tutor Cai has been dismissed several times. As long as this battle can be successful, and the eldest son and second son can be preserved, the Right Chancellor will be able to rise again in the future, and even go further. Resigning now is a way to bide his time."

"Then what about His Majesty's side..."

"Rejected it." Cui Hao smiled, "This kind of thing, at this time, always has to be pushed back and forth a few times."

*****************

The war has not yet ended. The Right Chancellor resigned on the grounds of illness, which was a not small shock to the upper echelons of the court. The emperor even lost his temper and said, "Could it be that I am jealous of the virtuous and capable and do not reward meritorious service!?" He reprimanded Qin Siyuan, and then comforted him with kind words, which was regarded as a temporary end.

In fact, for the people in the center of the political situation during this period, Qin Siyuan's actions relieved them more or less. Because since the start of the negotiations, the situation in the court these days has made many people unable to understand, and even for senior officials such as Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, and Qin Siyuan, the future situation is more or less like being hidden in a fog. They can see some, but there are always parts that they cannot see.

After the war, some people went up and some went down. If a major court dispute really broke out, it was not clear who would fall, Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, or Qin Siyuan. Everyone was holding back and colluding in private, including the Taiyuan issue after the negotiations. No one had complete confidence, no one was sure.

Therefore, by the end of the negotiations, Qin Siyuan had officially made his move. His resignation relieved many people. Of course, there were still doubts. Just like in Bamboo Sign, a group of staff members would argue about it. In the Prime Minister's Office, when Ning Yi and Jueming and others met, they sighed: "Ginger is still hotter when it's old." He persuaded Qin Siyuan that night to take a step up and seize power, even if he became a powerful minister like Cai Jing, if he was going to face a long period of war and dispute, it might not all be a dead end. And Qin Siyuan's explicit move seemed more stable.

In the court, many people may have felt the same way.

That afternoon, Qin Siyuan submitted his second resignation memorial, which was rejected again.

On December 27th, he submitted his third resignation, which was rejected.

On the afternoon of December 27th, Li Zhuo and Zongwang agreed on the terms of the peace talks, including the Wu Dynasty calling the Jin State its elder brother, a million guan of annual tribute, and compensation for the Jurchens' return trip rations. That afternoon, the transfer of rations began.

On the 28th, Qin Siyuan submitted his fourth resignation, which was rejected.

On the 29th, the request of the Wu Rui Camp for Zhou Zhe to review it was approved, and the time for the review was said to be discussed at a later date.

Zhou Zhe supported Qin Siyuan so firmly that the Prime Minister's Office was somewhat relieved. They guessed more or less that the emperor was determined to use the Right Chancellor this time. And the Right Chancellor had expressed his attitude and no longer asked for it.

Another day passed, and it was New Year's Eve of Jinghan thirteen years. On this day, snowflakes began to fall again. Outside the city, a large amount of grain was being sent to the Jurchen army camp. At the same time, the Right Chancellor's Office, which was responsible for logistics, was operating at full strength, searching for every grain of food that could be collected, preparing for the army's trip north to Taiyuan - although many things above were still vague, the next preparations always had to be made.

On the first day of the first month, the Jurchen army pulled out of the camp and went north. In the camps outside the city, all the siege equipment they left behind was lit, and the fire burned, illuminating the sky north of the city. That night, Bianliang exploded with even greater celebrations. Fireworks rose into the night sky and exploded in clusters, making the strong city and snow-capped mountains extraordinarily enchanting.

On the third and fourth days of the first month, the voices requesting to send troops were louder than the last. On the fifth day of the first month, Zhou Zhe ordered Chen Yanshu of the Wusheng Army to lead 40,000 troops to go north, along with the surrounding Xiang Army, Volunteer Army, and Western Army troops, to deter Taiyuan. The Wu Rui Camp requested to fight, but was subsequently rejected.

On the sixth day of the first month, memorials strongly advocating for all-out northern expedition to save Taiyuan flew up like snowflakes, all of which were rejected. Zhou Zhe once again flew into a rage in the Golden Luan Hall: "The Jurchens are eager to leave, and we have signed an agreement for a million years of tribute, how can we make a fuss and mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops, wasting money and manpower! Can we still celebrate this year!" Qin Siyuan resigned again and was reprimanded and rejected.

This was the beginning of the fourteenth year of Jinghan. After this day, the Golden Luan Hall became chaotic. The military system brought up the issue of meritorious service and pensions for this battle. Zhou Zhe approved all requests in red, praised them greatly, and prepared to personally meet the meritorious officials and review the troops in the future. On the other hand, he insisted that troops had already been sent to Taiyuan and there was no need to make a fuss. A lot of rebound also began to appear, and memorials about the importance of Taiyuan were constantly submitted. And the Cai Jing and Tong Guan systems began to withdraw and watch.

On the ninth day of the first month, Grand Scholar Li Li strongly stated the importance of Taiyuan, the urgency of the situation, and the fact that the opportunity would not come again. He argued with Zhou Zhe in the Golden Hall. He rammed his head against the steps, and blood flowed freely. After being treated by the imperial physician, he saved his life and was subsequently imprisoned.

Time passed bit by bit. Some people thought that Li Li and others were making a fuss, and some people had a fluke mentality. Indeed, the Jurchens had decided to leave, and there was also an annual

tribute, and speaking of the siege of Taiyuan, the soldiers had already been sent out. Everything seemed unnecessary to make such a big deal. While the Jurchens were constantly moving north in this snow and wind, the discussion about Taiyuan in the capital gradually became silent. Although some people continued to request to send troops to Taiyuan and seize the last opportunity, the voice finally became less and less.

The Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month arrived.

This was the most lively festival in the fourteenth year of Jinghan. On the first day, because the city ban had not been lifted and resources were limited, it was impossible to celebrate extensively. At this time, the Jurchens were gone, and a large amount of supplies had been transported from all directions. The people who survived in the city sincerely celebrated driving away the Jurchens. Fireworks lit up the entire night sky, and the city was filled with flowing light, a night of fish and dragon dances.

In the imperial city, Zhou Zhe walked onto the city wall and quietly watched this prosperous scene. After a while, the queen came with a coat, wanting to put it on him.

"Recently, I heard that the court is too chaotic, and Your Majesty is working hard, can't you relax a little even on the festival?"

Zhou Zhe waved his hand, not wanting the clothes, his eyes still looking at the fireworks and the streets outside.

"I have wasted too much time and want to cheer up, how can I be tired..." He paused, turned his head and said, "I have been reading ancient poems recently, and I have some feelings. The one that I like the most is one, do you want to know, Queen?"

"Your Majesty is worried about the country and the people, and Bianliang has just suffered a war, I guess it is a poem that is worried about the war and the people's livelihood?"

"You guessed wrong." Zhou Zhe shook his head, and after a while, he took a deep breath, his eyes blurred and distant: "Go back! The fields are overgrown, why not go back... I have been enslaved by my own heart, why should I be sad alone... I know that the past cannot be admonished, and that the future can be pursued. I realize that I have not strayed far, and that today is right and yesterday was wrong..."

"Your Majesty..."

"Realize that today is right and yesterday was wrong!" Zhou Zhe sighed, his tone suddenly rising, "I used to think that as an emperor, the focus is on employing people and maintaining balance! These literati, even if they are despicable in their hearts, always have their own skills. I only need to sit firmly on the high platform and let them compete, let them compete, and they will always be able to do something, and there will always be people who can do something. But who knows, in maintaining balance, they have lost their blood and lost their bones! They only know how to weigh my intentions, only know how to deal with, prevaricate! Queen, I have been wrong for more than ten years..."

"Your Majesty..." The queen froze there. She never expected that Zhou Zhe would say such a thing.

Zhou Zhe smiled: "It's ridiculous to entrust state affairs to others. My Wu Dynasty has supported scholars for nearly three hundred years. These people have learned better than anyone else about intrigue and human nature. They all pretend to be loyal ministers and good generals in front of me! Conspiring against each other! Prevaricating and weighing! They have made my country riddled with holes. If it weren't for this war, I would not be able to wake up and realize that there are people with enthusiasm among the people! **************! Look at Cai Jing, humble and obedient. I have treated him well. Now that the country is in danger of ruin, he is humble and obedient and says nothing! Look at Tong Guan, Prince Guangyang, I have treated him well! When the Jurchens went south, he turned around and left when he saw that the situation was not good! Look at Qin Siyuan, his second son is in Bianliang, his eldest son is defending Taiyuan, and he is in the position of Prime Minister! What is he doing recently? He is resigning and asking to leave. What is he doing? Do you think I don't understand? He is advancing by retreating! First, he is protecting his son, and then he still has the influence to control the court, just like Cai Jing! He is trying to figure out my thoughts, he is so clever! He is...he is using me, he is manipulating me!"

"Taiyuan!" He waved his hand, "How can I not know that Taiyuan is important! How can I not know that I want to save Taiyuan! But they...what kind of battle are they fighting! They are pushing everyone to Taiyuan to protect Taiyuan, and the Qin family will be able to cover the sky with one hand! I am not afraid of him covering the sky with one hand, but what if they lose? Zongwang and Zonghan join forces, and the Jurchens make a full-scale counterattack. All of them are buried there. What can I use to defend this country! They say it lightly to bet everything on a single throw! They are using my country to gamble! If they lose, they are loyal ministers and martyrs, and if they win, they are the pillars of the sky and the purple-gold beams of the sea!"

"If they hadn't fought such a battle! If Qin Shaohe hadn't been in Taiyuan! If they hadn't forced me, how could I have come up with this strategy!"

"I have been wrong for thirteen years."

He slowly said, putting his hand on the snow accumulated on the parapet. The snow was icy cold, but it made him feel as if blood was burning.

"This country, these people...can no longer be handed over to them to be wantonly ruined..."

"My country, my people..."

"...I will guard it myself."

In a firm and decisive tone, fireworks rose, illuminating his resolute and determined face.

Thousands of miles away in the north, in Taiyuan, there were no fireworks.

Qin Shaohe, with a gaunt face, walked onto the city wall and looked at the Jurchen army camp opposite. The light of the camp stretched out in a continuous line, as if it would penetrate to the city wall. The city also seemed a little lively today, at least the fire in the barracks and other places burned brighter.

"Cough cough... Are you okay?" He patted the shoulder of a soldier on duty, "Today is the Lantern Festival, there are tangyuan below, go and eat some later."

He went all the way forward and said this to everyone.

The siege has been going on for a long time, and the food in the city is beginning to run out. Since a month ago, the food rations have been halved. Although there is still something to eat now, most people are in a state of semi-starvation. Since the objects for heating in the city have also begun to decrease, standing guard on the city head in this state will still make people shiver.

After a while, he met Li Pin who was guarding the city wall. Although he currently controls the logistics in the city, as a Confucian scholar who practices the way of the gentleman, he is also not getting enough to eat, and his face is now pale.

Qin Shaohe handed him a small food box.

"Tangyuan, I brought you a few, go to the side and eat them secretly."

Li Pin declined for a while, but finally accepted it, but did not open it. The two walked for a while, exchanging information in a low voice, and also looked far, towards the south for a while.

"It's the Lantern Festival, I wonder what the situation in the capital is, and whether the siege has been lifted."

"Looking at the appearance of the enemy troops not moving outside the city, I'm afraid there is not much progress."

"The city is starving and freezing, although there is still food, but we dare not distribute it indiscriminately, we can only tighten our belts. Many old people have frozen to death..." Qin Shaohe said in a low voice, "I wonder how long we can defend."

"We will defend as long as the Wu Dynasty defends." Li Pin smiled generously, glancing at the military camp outside the city, "How can men of our generation give up this great land."

"Cough, haha... That's right!" Qin Shaohe reached out and patted Li Pin's shoulder hard, and Li Pin staggered. After a moment, both of them laughed on the city head.

The laughter was bold and reverberated far away on the snowy city head.