Eleven years into the Wujian Shuo era, the first day of the first month of the lunar year.

The sounds of firecrackers amplified the joyous atmosphere over the Chengdu Plain. Zhang Village, a place mainly inhabited by soldiers and their families, welcomed the New Year in a lively yet orderly manner. After the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, there was a bustling late-night feast, and on the first day of the New Year, people visited each other to exchange New Year's greetings. Red "Fu" characters were pasted on every household's door, and children went around asking for lucky money, with the sounds of firecrackers and laughter lasting continuously.

Carrying large and small packages, Zhuo Yongqing took the He Ying and He Xiu sisters to visit from morning till night. In the evening, Qu Qing, Mao Yishan, Hou Wu, and others brought their families over. This was the first meal of the New Year, agreed upon to be held at Zhuo Yongqing's home—he had married in October of the previous year, marrying not only the younger sister but also the elder sister, He Ying, and the younger sister, He Xiu, into his household. Ning Yi officiated the wedding for them, and everyone laughed at the guy for enjoying such fortune.

What kind of sad or joyful stories Zhuo Yongqing and the headstrong elder sister He Ying had in the past year, there's no need to talk about it at this moment. War would disrupt many things. Even in this area where the Huaxia Army gathered, the styles of a group of soldiers varied. There were those like Xue Changgong, who felt that their lives were precarious in the war and were unwilling to marry. There were also those who took care of the women around them, unconsciously forming family after family.

Zhuo Yongqing's life was smooth and happy. The disabled girl He Xiu was in poor health and had a weak temperament, unable to support half of the family during complex times. The elder sister He Ying had a strong personality and could be considered an excellent mistress of the house. She used to have a bad attitude towards Zhuo Yongqing, ordering him around, but after marriage, she naturally didn't do that anymore. Zhuo Yongqing had no family, and after marriage, he lived with He Ying and He Xiu's weak-natured mother, taking care of them nearby. When the New Year arrived, he saved the trouble of running around to both sides. On this day, he invited a group of brothers and family members to celebrate together, making it very lively.

After the lively feast ended, the women cleared the dishes, and the men moved the tables and chairs. Mao Yishan's children ran out to find other playmates. Zhuo Yongqing, Qu Qing, Hou Wu, Mao Yishan, Hou Yuang, and others sat in the courtyard drinking and chatting, dispersing only when it was late at night.

Qu Qing was the last to leave. When he left, he looked at him meaningfully. Zhuo Yongqing smiled and nodded at him.

After seeing them off, Zhuo Yongqing returned to the courtyard, moved the tables and chairs into the room, and He Ying and He Xiu also came to help. After these things were done, Zhuo Yongqing sat down on the stool in the room. He sat upright, his hands clasped together, pondering something. The innocent He Xiu walked in, still talking, and was a little confused when she saw his expression. Then He Ying came in. She looked at Zhuo Yongqing, wiped the water droplets on her hands, and sat down beside him with her sister.

"Wh-what's wrong?"

"I have something I want to tell you," Zhuo Yongqing looked at them. "I'm going on an expedition."

The women were suddenly stunned. He Ying swallowed, her throat suddenly dry and unable to speak.

Recently, the external situation had been tense. The tasks of the Huaxia Army's central authorities in Zhang Village had increased, and the atmosphere had changed. The families living here mostly felt something was up. During the New Year, the story of Zhou Yong was treated as a joke among the families, in the army, and even in the central departments of the Huaxia Army, but the development of the whole situation was becoming more and more tense and imminent.

But no one expected that they were going on an expedition right now...

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

For the central departments of the Huaxia Army, the sudden tension of the whole situation, and then the high-speed operation of various departments, started on December 28th.

The high-level meeting hosted by Ning Yi determined several important policies, followed by meetings and discussions in various departments. On the night of the 28th, the entire Zhang Village was almost operating all night. Even people who had not entered the decision-making level could more or less understand that something was about to happen.

In the past two years, the Huaxia Army had been making waves in the southwest, doing all kinds of things colorfully, getting rid of the困困 of the previous years. The atmosphere in the entire army was mostly optimistic. The feeling of the arrow on the string was tense and exciting. Some people could even vaguely guess some clues. Due to strict confidentiality regulations, everyone could not discuss this, but even a smile when meeting on the street seemed to contain a breath of the mountain rain coming.

Obviously, the top level of the Huaxia Army, led by Ning Yi, had decided to do something.

Time went back to the morning of New Year's Eve. Zhuo Yongqing sat down outside the courtyard that was already familiar to him. He sat upright, his hands clenched into fists. Someone was already waiting on the chair next to him. This person was thin but looked resolute. He was Qian Zhiqiang, the deputy minister of the Huaxia Army in charge of trade with the Wu Dynasty. The two had already greeted each other, so they didn't speak at this time.

Soon, someone came out from inside. It was a round-bodied fat monk with a smiling face. He glanced at the two of them, smiled, and went out. This monk didn't show up much in Zhang Village, and many people might not know him, but Zhuo Yongqing knew his identity. The monk should be considered Qian Zhiqiang's subordinate. He traveled outside for a long time, connecting with the Wu Dynasty for the Huaxia Army's trade activities. Feng Zhen, known in the Jianghu as "Honest Monk," was considered a free broker who traveled between the white and black paths but didn't belong to either side. Since he hadn't died for so many years, it could be seen that his martial arts were also quite good.

After the monk left, Qian Zhiqiang went in. Not long after, he came out and smiled at Zhuo Yongqing. Only then did Zhuo Yongqing enter the courtyard. At this time, it was still morning. Ning Yi was busy in the study. When Zhuo Yongqing came in, he put down his work and poured him a cup of tea. Then he looked serious and got straight to the point.

"We can't sit idly by regarding the situation in the Wu Dynasty recently. We've made some decisions in the past two days, and we're going to take action, but of course, it hasn't been announced yet," he said. "There's something about you, and I think I should talk to you about it in advance. You can refuse."

Zhuo Yongqing stood up: "I am willing to obey all the arrangements of the organization."

"Sit down." Ning Yi waved his hand, "The entire task will be announced gradually on the first and second days of the New Year. Since it's a task, it's not allowed to shirk it easily, but if there are reasons and difficulties, others can of course also submit applications. The fact that I let you know in advance means that the situation you face is different."

Zhuo Yongqing sat down, and Ning Yi continued.

"After the Xiaocang River battle, we transferred to the southwest, and last year we occupied the Chengdu Plain. You know the whole situation, so I don't need to go into details. The Jin Dynasty's southward invasion will inevitably lead to a major battle. Now it seems that the Wu Dynasty is struggling quite a bit. The Jurchens are more determined and have more methods than we thought. If we sit idly by and watch the Wu Dynasty collapse early, we will fall into great passivity next. Therefore, we must do our best to help."

"First of all, sending troops directly is not a viable option. We have only just captured the Chengdu Plain. From last year to this year, we have expanded our army by nearly 20,000, but not many can be sent out. The troops in Miaojiang and Da Yang are even fewer. If we forcibly send troops, we will face the danger of the rear collapsing, and the families of the soldiers will die here. On the other hand, we previously issued a declaration, voluntarily giving up the confrontation with the Wu Dynasty and pushing the army east and north. The first thing we will face is the Wu Dynasty's counterattack. At this time, fighting is meaningless. Even if people are willing to lend us the road, pushing our mere tens of thousands of people a thousand miles into their millions of troops, I estimate that the Jurchens and the Wu Dynasty will choose to eat us at the first time."

"Without a large-scale army, there is only another choice. We have decided to send a certain number of people, supplemented by special operations and decapitation operations, to enter the Wu Dynasty first to confront in advance those Han traitors who are preparing to collude with the Jurchens, have dealings with them, and betray them. Anyone who surrenders to the Jurchens will be killed."

Ning Yi's words were simple and calm, but Zhuo Yongqing's heart was shocked. This was the information that Mr. Ning sent out from the southwest. It was conceivable what kind of shock it would cause to the world.

"Zhou Yong has made several bad moves. We can't take his words. We can't let the people of the Wu Dynasty really think that Zhou Yong has reconciled with us, otherwise, I'm afraid the Wu Dynasty will collapse even faster. We can only choose to send out our own voice in the most efficient way. Even if our Huaxia Army will forgive its enemies, it will never let go of the Han traitors who defect at this time. We hope that in this way, we can stabilize the situation and seize a glimmer of hope for the Wu Dynasty's crown prince faction, which is still resisting."

"This matter is quite dangerous. It may make some wavering people change their minds, and it will also make those forces that have already defected do even more. Even some of the Jurchens' manpower that had been placed in the Wu Dynasty before will also move and launch an attack on you." Ning Yi waved his hand and said, "Of course, that's the best. Then let's fight and clean them up."

"...The teams that are currently planned to go on the expedition have both overt and covert teams. The reason why you are being considered is because of your special identity. You killed Wanyan Loushi and are a hero in the fight against the Jurchens. We... plan to put your team on the bright side and say what we want to say in a dignified manner, but at the same time, they will stare at you like flies. So you are also the most dangerous... Considering that you only got married two months ago and are going to take on such a dangerous task, I allow you to refuse."

Zhuo Yongqing stood up subconsciously. Ning Yi waved his hand, not looking at him: "Don't be impulsive. Don't answer for the time being. Think about it seriously after you go back. Go."

"...Yes." Zhuo Yongqing saluted and left. When he left the room, he looked back. Mr. Ning was sitting on the stool without seeing him off. He raised his hand to drink tea, and his eyes didn't look this way either. This was different from the Ning Yi he usually saw, but Zhuo Yongqing understood in his heart that Mr. Ning probably thought it was not a good thing to send him alone to the most dangerous position, and he was not feeling well in his heart.

Thinking like this, he saluted again outside the door. After leaving that courtyard and walking to the street corner, Qu Qing came over from the side, greeted him, and walked with him for a while. Qu Qing, who was now working in the high-level of the General Staff, also looked a little wrong at this time. Zhuo Yongqing waited for him to speak.

"It was my suggestion to add you to the team that went out," Qu Qing said.

Zhuo Yongqing nodded: "With bait, we can fish. Brother Qu's suggestion is very good."

"You only got married two months ago..."

"Even if we get married for a day, we still have to go on an expedition when it's time to go on an expedition. Isn't that what we soldiers have to do?" Zhuo Yongqing smiled at Qu Qing.

"But this matter is different from going on an expedition. In an expedition, everyone takes the same risks. In this matter, once you go out, you will become the biggest target. Although we have many plans, it is still difficult to guarantee that there will be no accidents."

The two walked forward. Zhuo Yongqing just smiled and didn't speak. When they reached the crossroads near the General Staff, Qu Qing stopped and then said: "I have already proposed to Mr. Ning that I will be responsible for a team going out this time. If you decide to accept the task, I will go with you."

He smiled, turned around and went to work. After taking a few steps, Zhuo Yongqing opened his mouth from behind: "Brother Qu."

"Hmm?"

Zhuo Yongqing walked over and walked to the side of the road with him: "You know, over the years, there has always been something that I have been brooding about."

"...What?"

"When I killed Wanyan Loushi, you and I both knew that it was just a fluke. At that time, I was just a recruit, the kind who couldn't even swing a knife smoothly on the battlefield. I killed Loushi because I fell and the knife slipped out of my hand... In that battle, so many brothers were killed, and in the end, only you, Brother Hou Wu, Brother Mao, and Brother Luo Ye were left. To be honest, you are all much better than me, but the credit for killing Loushi fell on my head."

He looked at Qu Qing: "In the past few years, because of this inexplicable credit, the troops promoted me, Mr. Ning recognized me, and many people also recognized me, saying that Zhuo Yongqing is so powerful. What's so powerful about it? I can't rush to the front on the battlefield—of course, I don't want to die, but many times I feel that I am not a warrior worthy of the title of Huaxia Army. I was just pushed out to be a signboard."

He smiled: "If I were in the Wu Dynasty, it would be fine to be a signboard and get benefits, but because I am in the Huaxia Army, seeing so many heroic figures, seeing Brother Mao, seeing Brother Luo Ye, seeing you and Brother Hou, and looking at Mr. Ning, I also want to become that kind of person... When Mr. Ning told me, I was a little scared, but now I understand that this is what I have been waiting for."

Zhuo Yongqing paused, and then smiled narrowly and brightly: "Looking at you, except for Luo, that madman, you all look like crooked melons and cracked dates. Representing the Huaxia Army to kill out and speak to the whole world, of course, it is a task that someone as handsome and beautiful as me can undertake.

"...So, I plan to go."

……

"...So, I'm going on an expedition."

The same words, spoken to different people, have different feelings. For some people, Zhuo Yongqing felt that even if he came back countless times, he probably wouldn't be able to find a matching, just-right tone.

On this night of confessing to his wife, the family hugged each other and said many things. Some cried, of course, there were also smiles. In the next day or two, the same scene would probably be repeated many times in the homes of Huaxia Army soldiers. The words could not be finished. Before the expedition, they each left the things they wanted to say the most, in the form of a will, and let the troops keep it.

Ning Yi, Qin Shaoqian, and others took turns meeting with the leaders of different teams and the participating members. They had different destinations and different tasks.

"Du Sha, Fang Shuchang... lead the team to Xiangfan, persuade He Jiayou to revolt, and purge the Jurchen spies who have now been found..."

"Ren Suli... lead the team to the Changsha area, cooperate with the eyeliner Chen Fan has placed, and take the opportunity to assassinate the thirteen people on this list. If confirmed, the latter part of the list can be dealt with at your discretion..."

"Ji Yuanjing... two hundred people go to Jiange, negotiate with the garrison commander Si Zhongxian to borrow the road. In addition, talk to the Chen family in detail before and after in the local area, in my name..."

"Feng Zhen and Luo Xiguang lead the team to coordinate with Zhuo Yongqing's team's actions, lurk themselves, pay close attention to all clues from the outside world, and at the same time, for the three clans on the list, the marked 118 males can be killed..."

"Ling Zhiguang lead the team to Lin'an..."

"Xiao Hei, Yuwen Feidu, you are going to contact an old man who shouldn't be contacted again..."

"Ying Hou..."

"Luo Zifu..."

"...To let those who have already been caught in the war know that there are people in this world standing with them..."

"...To mobilize the Green Forest, to mobilize the Jianghu, to mobilize all the people who cannot avoid this war, to mobilize all the forces that can be mobilized..."

"...To block the retreat of those who are wavering, to analyze the pros and cons with them, to talk to them..."

"...To let those who have already taken the road of cooperation with the Jurchens know! Even if one day, the Wu Dynasty perishes, someone remembers him, we will not forgive him! From the south to the north, for ten or twenty years, we will make him suffer both life and death!"

Across the distant distance, the giant beast in the southwest turned its body. The Spring Festival had just passed, and team after team of people left the Chengdu Plain in different directions, about to set off a bloody storm. This time, before the people arrived, the dangerous signal had already expanded in all directions.

On the seventh day of the first month, under the gloomy sky, an army was heading east. Wanyan Xiyin was riding on a horse, reading the urgent intelligence sent by the spy, and then laughed loudly. He handed the intelligence to Yin Shuke next to him. After Yin Shuke finished reading it, he passed it to the side. Not long after, Wanyan Qingjue was called over. After reading the news, his face was uncertain: "Teacher..."

"Qingjue, you were in the southwest and fought with that Ning Ren Tu. What do you think of his move?"

"Qingjue is dull, but now he feels... this is a good thing." A smile appeared on Wanyan Qingjue's face, "Ning Liheng's move is intended to respond to the battle in Jiangnan and share some pressure for that little apprentice of the Crown Prince. However, once the Black Flag Army starts killing in the Wu Dynasty, although it can deter a group of hesitant Xiaoxiao, those who have contacted and interacted with our side before can only stand on the side of our Great Jin without hesitation... Among these people in the Wu Dynasty, anyone who the teacher holds the handle of can be persuaded one by one without any obstacles."

Xiyin nodded. After Wanyan Qingjue finished speaking, he frowned slightly: "It's just that Ning Ren Tu wouldn't have thought of such a thing. Since he took this action, I'm afraid there are still many backup plans, and it is not yet known. The disciple feels that it should not be prevented."

After he said these worries, Wanyan Xiyin laughed: "Qingjue, you underestimate that Ning Ren Tu too much. I have observed this person for several years. He is good at using strategies and even better at managing. If he is given another ten years, the momentum of the Black Flag will have been established, and it will probably be difficult for anyone in this world to stop him. After all, these ten years are when my Jurchens have the upper hand, so he has to rush to meet the enemy and even send out his own elite to sacrifice on the battlefield for the resisters of the Wu Dynasty..."

"Then... why did the disciple underestimate him..." Wanyan Qingjue frowned in confusion.

Xiyin seemed to be in a very good mood: "Only because, in addition to this strategy, this person also has a characteristic that is the most terrible... When we meet on a narrow road, he must be the bravest of the brave. Anyone in the world who is famous for his wit and strategy, if things cannot be done, will inevitably think of various detours to seek a chance of victory, but this Ning Ren Tu can unhesitatingly risk his own life at the most critical time to find the truly greatest winning opportunity."

"...Wisdom plus courage, this is the characteristic of a true hero, so he was able to kill the emperor, rebel against the Wu Dynasty, and face my Great Jin's destiny. He was desperate, but he still refused to retreat, and although he was an enemy of the world, he still managed to carve out a piece of the world." Xiyin rode on his horse, smiling on his face, "I think, it was precisely because he calculated that it would make some people go crazy that Ning Liheng sent people out so unswervingly, haha - it's just right to wipe them all out!"

The war horse moved forward, and Wanyan Qingjue quickly followed. He only heard Xiyin say: "It's time. In two days, Qingjue, you will personally go south to be responsible for persuading all parties and mobilizing everyone to block the Black Flag. Heroes compete, the world is vast, and this world is the most ruthless. Let those timid people who are harboring ghosts, wavering, and dirty, all go to see Yama! They are still asleep in their dreams and haven't woken up yet. This world..."

Xiyin smiled: "Is at war -" That laughter was heroic, as if burning the entire river and mountains in front of him.

This world is at war. There is no place for cowards to survive. Lin'an City is turbulent and burning, Jiangning is turbulent and burning, and then the entire land of Southern Wu will burn. On the eighth day of the first month, Liu Chengzong's troops, which had been scurrying in the southeast direction of Bianliang, suddenly turned around and slanted back towards Xuzhou City, which they had voluntarily given up last year, to cut off the retreat of the Jurchen's Eastern Route Army again while the Jurchens were focusing on Jiangnan.

At the same time, Wushu's forces arrived at the capital of the Wu Dynasty, the prosperous city of Lin'an, where more than 1.5 million people had gathered at this time.

In the wind, there seemed to be singing...