As the sun was about to set, the town of Duxi on the north bank of the Yangtze River lit up with fires. The originally quaint stone houses were now adorned with banners, and Jurchen generals and the elite Iron Pagodas moved in and out of the town. On the outskirts of the town, the sprawling military camps extended into the mountains to the north and the banks of the Yangtze River to the south.

The leadership of the Jurchen Eastern Route Army, returning in triumph from the north, was now stationed in this area north of the river, waiting amidst daily celebrations and clamor for the complete crossing of the Yangtze by the million Han slaves captured during this southern expedition. Only in recent days had the festive atmosphere cooled down somewhat.

Intelligence from the southwest, which Zongfu and Zongbi and other high-ranking generals were constantly reviewing and deducing, led to adjustments in their understanding as the information became more complete. Separated by more than three thousand miles, these messages once made the triumphant Eastern Route Army generals feel incomprehensible.

Although the eastern and western armies, the eastern and western "courts," had always been in direct or indirect conflict, the sudden news of the massive setbacks suffered by Zonghan and others in the southwest inevitably evoked a sense of shared fate among the Eastern Route Army generals. Even stronger than this feeling was the confusion and unease caused by the incomprehensible things appearing in the southwest, things they couldn't grasp.

Even in a state of opposition, occasionally engaging in minor skirmishes and exchanging sarcastic remarks, the Eastern Route Army generals believed they had a good understanding of the strength of Zonghan, Xiyin, and others. Even Wushu, who was arrogant in nature but always appeared outwardly strong but inwardly weak when facing Xiyin, had always acknowledged the abilities of Zonghan, Xiyin, and others, at most considering himself no less capable.

Wanyan Xiebao's army of 30,000 was defeated by Ning Yi's 7,000, with the entire army captured and Xiebao beheaded in front of Zonghan. The victors three thousand miles away could hardly imagine the sorcery used by Ning Yi. Although the intelligence reports would elaborate on the Hua Xia Army's new firearms, Zongfu, Zongbi, and others refused to believe that invincible firearms existed.

Of course, new firearms might exist. At the same time, Wanyan Xiebao's improper response and Ning Yi's cunning schemes led to the shameful defeat of the entire army of 30,000. This must also be attributed to Zonghan and Xiyin's improper command—such an analysis was the most reasonable thought.

With Zonghan and Xiyin in command, the Jurchen Western Route Army was, of course, the foundation that had once swept across the world. But in the east, besides Zongfu and Zongbi, who commanded the army as princes and whose qualifications were not as high as those of veteran generals like Zonghan and Xiyin, most of those under their command were old generals who had followed Wanyan Zongwang, the Jurchen god of war, in his campaigns. While they affirmed and respected Zonghan and Xiyin in the past, if the latter were defeated, the people here, imagining themselves in the same situation, did not believe they would necessarily fail if faced with the same battle.

"...The total annihilation at Wangyuan Bridge was more due to the recklessness of Baoshan Da Wang!"

Over the past few days, there had been many analyses of the battle situation thousands of miles away, and many people had sharp and insightful eyes.

"...Operating as a guest army, facing the cunning and treacherous Demon of the Heart who was famous throughout the world, Wanyan Xiebao chose to advance with his entire army. Ignoring the favorable terrain, the 30,000 men crossed the river. Knowing that Ning Yi was slowly deploying his troops to lure him, he relied on his superior forces and directly engaged. He arrogantly chose a battlefield carefully selected by Ning Yi, thinking that numbers would prevail. Did he think Ning Yi was a fool...?"

"...Speaking of dealing with firearms, there had been many previous experiences, such as choosing to advance on rainy days or using light cavalry to bypass and break through the formations. I did not see Baoshan Da Wang make such arrangements. This defeat was his own fault..."

"...The defeat of 30,000 men before Ning Yi is indeed a major event that shakes the morale of the army. But does that mean we cannot fight? Look at what is written on this report! Boasting! I only say one thing—if the firearms in Ning Yi's hands really have the power to destroy the heavens and the earth, the mountain roads after Jiange are winding. He could just guard the mountain pass and kill people. If I had such firearms in my hands, what would the Jin Kingdom be? We would attack Yunzhongfu next year—"

"I think... the second half of this year would be enough to pacify Yunzhong..."

"The journey is long, and there is fatigue from travel. If I had such a weapon to destroy the heavens and the earth, I would still travel so far to conquer, I would have to see more scenery along the way... Or next year, maybe before people arrive, we will surrender..."

The generals were either ridiculing or angry about the intelligence from the southwest, but the things that were gradually brewing behind this news were hidden beneath the public discourse.

Undercurrents were brewing beneath the seemingly ordinary surface of the water.

Through the windows of the waterside pavilion, Wanyan Zongbi was gazing at the increasingly dim surface of the Yangtze River. Huge ships were still traveling on the river not far away. The Wu women, scantily clad and forced to sing and dance, had been sent away. His elder brother, Zongfu, was silent at the dining table.

"...The news that has come in these past two days... I still find it somewhat... hard to believe. Baoshan was killed in battle, and Marshal Zonghan... actually began to turn around and flee. Fourth Brother, this is not his nature. When have you ever seen such a Nianhan? He is... a hero like Big Brother."

Zongbi looked outside: "...He is old."

"...I did not notice these things when I saw him before. I originally thought that in the battle of the southwest, he had the determination to fight to the death..."

"He is old." Zongbi repeated, "He is old, so he seeks stability. If it were just a small setback, I think he would forge ahead bravely, but he encountered an evenly matched opponent. Ning Yi defeated Baoshan and killed him to his face. After his son died, Zonghan instead felt that... our Jurchen have encountered a truly great enemy. He thought he was cutting off his own arm, wanting to preserve his strength and return north... Imperial Brother, this is what it means to be old."

"That's true." Zongfu thought for a moment and nodded, "When Father Emperor started his uprising, no matter how powerful the enemy was, he just rushed up. And Big Brother... In their early years, how could they have encountered a situation where victory was guaranteed? Nianhan has been fighting all his life, and it is possible that he would think this way when he gets old... Alas, I originally thought that Gushen would persuade him, but this time, how could..."

"What about Gushen!" Zongbi turned his head, his eyes resentful, "I gave him 30,000 cavalry. If he doesn't bring them back to me, see how I deal with him!"

In Zongfu's heart, Zonghan and Xiyin still had residual power, so he did not continue the conversation about "dealing with" them. Zongbi thought for a moment and said, "Imperial Brother, there have been more civil officials in the imperial court in recent years. There have been some noises. I wonder if you have heard them."

"Aren't the civil officials mostly on good terms with Gushen and Old Master Shi..."

"Xiyin admires Han learning, but Han learning may not like him." Zongbi sneered, "Our Great Jin obtained the world on horseback, but we may not be able to govern the world on horseback. If we want to govern the world, we need to cultivate the merits of civil governance. In the past, it was said that Xiyin was proficient in Han learning, but that was only because he had read a few more books among a group of brothers and uncles. But since our Great Jin obtained the world, subjects from all directions have come to surrender. Xiyin... hum, he is just the most capable fighter among those who understand Han learning!"

"..." Zongfu listened and nodded.

"What does it mean to say that we can obtain the world on horseback but cannot govern the world on horseback? Our Great Jin, the old ways, are slowly becoming outdated. Nianhan, Xiyin, including you and I... In these years of conquest and fighting, although our military strength is increasing and our weapons are getting better and better, we have been dragging on against a mere Wu Dynasty for longer than even the Liao Dynasty. Why?" He paused, "Nianhan and Xiyin's methods are slowly becoming outdated..."

Zongbi frowned.

"In the past, my advisors once told me about this matter. Why should we care about the Western Court? Old things will eventually melt away like accumulated snow. Even during this southern expedition, when Zonghan and Xiyin made that fierce posture, you and I should have noticed that what they said was to conquer the world in one battle, but in fact, they were aware that this world is too big, and relying solely on force, fighting all the way, will slowly become impassable. Zonghan and Xiyin, they are afraid."

Zongfu also frowned, "But conquest and fighting still require courage."

"Courage is needed, but it is very different from before." Zongbi said, "When you and I were young, we were still playing in the snow in the mountains. Those around us were Jurchen men who had nothing at home and had to endure hunger and cold in the winter. At that time, with a wave of our hand, we would go out and fight. That is why our Jurchen earned the reputation of being invincible with ten thousand men. But after fighting for these decades, the Liao Kingdom has been conquered, and everyone has their own families and concerns. When it comes to fighting again, with a wave of our arms, there are naturally fewer people who are willing to risk their lives."

Zongbi sneered, "Zonghan, Xiyin, and others regard this as a catastrophe for our Jurchen people, thinking that if we lose this courage, the rivers and mountains of our Great Jin will be in danger. But these things are all human nature. When we reach this step, that is how it is, how can we violate it! They think that without the desperateness brought about by having nothing, we have nothing left. But I don't see it that way. The Liao Kingdom lasted for hundreds of years, and the Wu Dynasty lasted for hundreds of years. How did they survive?"

"We can obtain the world on horseback, but we cannot govern the world on horseback. That is the principle! Our Jin people are not as desperate as they were twenty years ago, but can courage on the battlefield really only come from those who are desperate? There is military law, incentives, and training on the battlefield. When the country is large, there is also that... the merit of education. The warriors who are willing to charge for our Great Jin are looking at how we can find a way to train them."

"Zonghan and Xiyin only know how to move forward. They are old and cannot bear to encounter great enemies in their hearts, thinking that they have encountered the heart of the problem in the Jin Kingdom. But what the outside world has been saying these days is right. If Baoshan was not so brave and reckless, and had to give Ning Yi the advantage of the weather and terrain, how could Ning Yi have fought so smoothly! If he had just changed the location slightly, without backing against an isolated bridge, 30,000 people would have been able to escape!"

"...Imperial Brother, I have only just figured out these principles now. In the past, when I thought about it, I was unwilling to admit it." Zongbi said, "But look at the results of these years, Imperial Brother. Lou Shi was defeated by the Black Flag, Ci Busi was defeated by the Black Flag, Yin Shuke was defeated by the Black Flag, and Zonghan suffered a disastrous defeat in the southwest, and even his son was killed... These great generals, in the past, were all more powerful than the last under Zonghan's command. But the more powerful they are, the more they believe that their previous tactics are not wrong."

"Relying on a burst of courage to move forward bravely, being extremely fierce, they certainly defeated the Liao people and also defeated the Wu Dynasty, but when facing an opponent like Ning Yi who combines strength and flexibility, they ultimately suffered defeat one after another. In fact, I think that in the end, the world is changing. They are unwilling to change, and slowly, they will reach the end of the road. Twenty years ago, they waved their hands and said, 'Charge!' and everyone went up to fight desperately. Twenty years later, they still wave their hands and say 'Charge!' but there are fewer people who are willing to risk their lives, and there is no way to change that."

He was arrogant in nature in the past, but after saying these things, he put his hands behind his back, and his tone seemed calm. The room was slightly lonely. Both brothers were silent. After a while, Zongfu sighed, "These past few days, I have also heard others talking about it in private, and it seems that there is some truth to it... However, Fourth Brother, after all, we are separated by more than three thousand miles, and it is not easy to be so sure about the situation inside."

"I am just speculating in my heart." Zongbi smiled, "Perhaps there are other reasons, that is also possible. Alas, we are too far away, and the southwest has suffered a setback. Anyway, we are beyond our reach, and many matters can only be discussed after we return. In any case, our route has not failed to live up to our mission. When the time comes, we will have to see how Zonghan and Xiyin explain this matter to us and to His Majesty."

When he said this, Zongfu could not help but smile, and then shook his head with a chuckle: "Let's eat."

In fact, when talking about Zonghan's affairs, although Zongfu and Zongbi appeared anxious on the surface, and the high-ranking generals were discussing and deducing the battle situation, and the celebrations for the triumphant return had been suspended, the mood of celebration among the people in private had not stopped. They just called the women into their rooms to engage in lewd pleasures and did not gather for celebrations in public places.

The two brothers exchanged ideas and sat down to drink and have fun. It was now the night of the fourteenth of March. The night swallowed the light of day. In the distance, the lights on the Yangtze River stretched out, and every ship was carrying the fruits of their triumphant return. But in the deep night, a small messenger boat sailed quickly towards Duxi, and someone woke Zongbi from his sleep.

Something went wrong south of the Yangtze River.

A righteous army bearing the name Black Flag infiltrated the Han army camp on the outskirts of Zhenjiang, killed a Han general named Niu Tu Song, and caused chaos. The gates of the artisan camp near by which held nearly 20,000 prisoners, were opened, and the Han slaves took advantage of the darkness to flee in all directions.

"Black Flag?" Hearing this name, Zongbi was still slightly stunned.

After the Jurchens ravaged Jiangnan, many righteous armies emerged, bearing the banner of resistance against the Jin, but very few dared to take action against the Jin people and succeed because of organized methods. For a month, someone had been gathering refugees in Jiangnan under the name of the Black Flag. Zongbi certainly knew about this, but today, the other party actually came to rescue people and caused chaos...

...Could this Black Flag be real?

After a moment, he was ashamed and angry at his moment of hesitation: "Order the assembly! Since there are still people who are not afraid of death, I will grant their wish—"

By dawn, the order to annihilate this bandit army and the fugitives had been transmitted south of the Yangtze River, and the Jin army that had not yet crossed the river was moving again on the land south of Zhenjiang.

In mid-to-late March, the news that the Hua Xia righteous army led by He Wen had broken into the Jurchen camp and rescued nearly eight thousand captured Han people spread throughout Jiangnan. The Jurchens therefore launched a new round of massacres. And the name of the Fair Party, accompanied by the rampant soldiers and blood, entered people's view shortly after.

At the same time, a truly bloody and tragic feast was blooming in the mountains of the southwest. Just as our eyes are cast in all directions of the world, the fierce fighting and collision have never stopped for a moment on this hundred-mile-long mountain road.

In order to seize the national fortune of the Jin's rise and eliminate the last hidden dangers of the Jin Kingdom, the army led by Wanyan Zonghan had bravely entered these mountains in the past few months. At this moment, they were fighting for the same thing, to kill their way back along this narrow and winding mountain road. When they entered, they were fierce and impassioned, and when they retreated, they were still like beasts, but with more blood, and a tragic atmosphere that would even be moving in some aspects.

Regardless of the frivolous evaluations given by people thousands of miles away, what was happening in the mountains of the southwest at this moment was indeed worthy of being called the struggle of the strongest of this era.

"...Meow meow meow."

At the moment of receiving the article from Lin'an, the firelight of "Dijiang"划过夜空，身边的红提扭过头来，望着举起信纸、发出了奇怪声音的宁毅。

"Ga?" she asked, "What's wrong?"

"Just kidding... ferocious, cunning, crazy, tyrannical... I'm not like that at all?"

Not far away, flames exploded and burned wildly on the mountain road under the night.

"...Bastard, slandering me..."