With the fall of Dengzhou, the rain returned intermittently.

There was no help for it; this was typical weather for the Jianghan region at this time of year. However, attempting to cross the Han River under such conditions and then face Xiangyang City alone seemed somewhat arduous.

Fortunately, despite the several displeased expressions on Zhao Guan's face during this campaign, which had kept the generals of the Imperial Guards on tenterhooks, he hadn't issued any rash orders demanding that the troops force a battle.

Even so, with the main force of the imperial army swiftly capturing Dengzhou City and the imposing dragon banner appearing on the north bank of the Han River, Xiangyang City on the south bank was plunged into a state of high alert and apprehension… because, above all else, it was the Guan-jia himself.

The term 'Guan-jia' was used by everyone, from the Chancellor and Empress Dowager to ordinary citizens. Its widespread use seemed to represent a certain relaxed political atmosphere in the Song Dynasty and demonstrated the vitality of urban culture in the face of a population explosion.

However, this was still the year 1128 AD, the second year of the Jianyan era of the Great Song, nearly eight centuries away from the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the New Culture Movement… Without a doubt, this era was still an era of familial rule. The so-called 'Guan-jia' of this era was still a despotic emperor, inheriting the legacy of the Han and Tang dynasties and foreshadowing the Ming and Qing.

The Confucian officials still regarded this individual as their sovereign and father, and the common people still saw him as the legitimate owner of the entire Song Dynasty.

Therefore, those two words and that dragon banner were enough to shake people's hearts.

Especially now, after the Jurchens had just retreated and the Guan-jia had demonstrated a certain level of competence through a series of victories in defending against the Jurchens and actively purging internal elements, he had shown the world that he was at least a Guan-jia capable of securing half the country, not a useless one… At least, he seemed a little stronger than the previous two.

And before, it seemed Great Song was about to fall, but now it seemed to only be a facade.

Of course, after the Jingkang Incident, there were those who harbored ambitions of usurpation and those who began to doubt the legitimacy of the Zhao Song Guan-jia. But at the very least, it wasn't the people within Xiangyang City, nor was it those in Dengzhou City.

This was why the rebel forces in Xiangzhou, though numerous, became demoralized and trapped with a single edict from Zhao Guan. From Nanyang to passersby, even they themselves felt that they had no way out.

After Dengzhou, Zhao Jiu even had the absurd idea of lamenting their misfortune and being angry at their unwillingness to fight… It was indeed absurd. After all, those people were traitors who had surrendered to the Jurchens. At most, their leaders could be considered responsible. To respect them for that would be to disregard the efforts of Yan Xiaozhong and Liu Ji, who had risen up in resistance.

However, as soon as he thought about how the nation and the family were inseparable at this time and how the vast majority of people saw the Zhao family as the embodiment of the country and the nation, he couldn't bring himself to be angry.

And this, too, showed that some people had a long and lonely road ahead of them.

"Scholar Lin, how long is the Guan-jia planning to wait?" Inside Xiangyang City, separated by the river, in the backyard of a certain residence, under the gloomy weather, Wang Jun, the Right Army Commander under Fan Qiong, paced back and forth restlessly. "Could it be that the Guan-jia still doubts us? Even if he doubts me, he wouldn't doubt Scholar Lin, would he?"

"Doubt you and me for what?"

Scholar Lin, who had come out to bask in the sun but failed, sat on a grand armchair in the courtyard, gazing at the gloomy clouds overhead, seeming somewhat annoyed as well. But hearing this, he dismissed it with disdain. "The Guan-jia was once able to cross the Huai River alone to meet Grand Commandant Zhang in Xi Cai, and was able to go out of Ruyang to meet Commander Zhai. Now he's only sending an army across the river to attack… Why should there be any doubt? You, me, and Fan Qiong bundled together, are we even worthy of his doubt?"

"Then…"

"The Guan-jia must have other arrangements." Scholar Lin took a few deep breaths and then opened the book he had almost memorized. "And that arrangement isn't on the Han River front."

"That's what I think too."

Before Scholar Lin could open the book, Wang Jun hurriedly came before him, his face filled with anxiety. "Scholar Lin, have you thought about it? Ever since the Guan-jia's dragon banner arrived on the riverbank, that bandit Fan Qiong has gradually become distraught, only killing people and drinking every day… The city is already in turmoil. The smart ones who have a way out are probably not just you and me, right?"

"I haven't heard of any other high officials coming to Xiangzhou." Scholar Lin frowned slightly. "But Xiangzhou is too close to Nanyang. It's normal for someone to seize the opportunity quickly… But so what?"

"It's not 'so what,' I'm just afraid someone will get there first, right?" Wang Jun couldn't hide his worry, his protruding teeth showing.

"So what if someone gets there first?" Scholar Lin continued to frown and ask. "Do you think I can't keep my promise to protect your life?"

"Of course, I trust Scholar Lin." Wang Jun said, forcing a smile with his bucktoothed lips. "But as the saying goes, 'Heaven and earth will punish those who aren't for themselves'... Since I hold one-third of the troops in the city, why would I really only want to save my life? I also want to perform a service for the Guan-jia!"

Lin Jingmo felt that this person was becoming more and more sinister and wanted to ignore him more and more. He simply gave him a cold look and opened his book directly.

Seeing this, Wang Jun was completely dejected.

However, just as Scholar Lin picked up the book, with a soft rumble of thunder overhead, he sighed again.

Scholar Lin felt a great deal of emotion this time.

Looking back on his career, not to mention the prosperous era, even during the Jingkang Incident, he was far away in Shouzhou, a comfortable nest, avoiding the mountains of corpses and seas of blood. As soon as there was any movement in Shouzhou, he became the Guan-jia's closest and most esteemed attendant, a scholar of the Jade Hall, a so-called sinecure.

This position was always very easy, even when following the court in its turbulent wanderings, because there was no real responsibility or pressure.

Until recently, even when he decided to do something because of some ideas, he thought that as long as he acted like those famous officials in ancient texts, mustered his courage, thought things through, and said a few words under the Guan-jia's banner, he could survive and establish himself in this chaotic world.

However, the two previous failures and this success gradually made the scholar of the Jade Hall realize his naivety. Especially this success, which made him completely understand the difficulty of the word 'responsibility'.

Ever since the Guan-jia's dragon banner appeared on the north bank of the Han River, Xiangyang City had been unstable, and dark currents had gradually surged. Two days ago, Fan Qiong had ventured out of the city to see the dragon banner with his own eyes. After confirming that the Guan-jia was leading the expedition in person, he basically lost his spirit and mobility, hiding in his residence all day long. This further fueled the chaos in the city.

Otherwise, Scholar Lin would not have been qualified to come out to 'bask in the sun'.

So now, facing such a chaotic situation, as a close and important official sent by the Guan-jia to Xiangzhou, should he just let it go? What if it caused trouble, a city-wide brawl, causing countless casualties, and even implicating innocent people around him? How could he, Lin Jingmo, bear it?

Besides, wasn't it necessary to restrain such a base 'teammate' by his side? But could he be restrained?

Once he couldn't be restrained and this warlord acted recklessly, Lin Jingmo would not only have to bear the moral burden, but also take responsibility together?

A mere city was so difficult, how difficult must it be for the Guan-jia to face the entire world, which was in a state of chaos?

"Come here."

Thinking of this, Scholar Lin suppressed his emotions and admiration for the Guan-jia and decided to take responsibility. "If you were to do it, how would you do it?"

Wang Jun had originally intended to stomp his feet and leave, but hearing this, he was overjoyed. He turned around and explained his plan.

After listening, Scholar Lin was puzzled, but he didn't try to hide it. Instead, he simply imitated the Guan-jia's tone and said a few words: "I don't understand military matters, nor do I intend to interfere, but you must agree to two things before you can do it!"

"I am willing to listen to your instructions, Scholar!" Wang Jun was so delighted that he kowtowed directly in the courtyard, despite the wet ground.

"First, you are only allowed to succeed, not to fail. The plan must be truly sound before you can do it." Scholar Lin said solemnly. "Otherwise, it will only delay the overall situation!"

"That's natural."

"Second, I know you want to perform a service for the Guan-jia, but if so, I must solemnly remind you that the Guan-jia has always emphasized military discipline. He is on the north bank of the river. Once things are done, the Imperial Guards will naturally suddenly arrive at the city. You must strictly enforce military discipline, control the city's defenses, and prevent chaos in the city after the event… Otherwise, you will be punished, not rewarded!"

"I understand the consequences! Even when I was a thief, I couldn't steal from the government. Xiangyang City is so close to Nanyang, how would I dare let my men act recklessly? If Scholar Lin doesn't believe me, I'll make an oath right now…" Wang Jun was about to swear, but seeing Scholar Lin pick up his book and leave after speaking, he was helpless.

But regardless, having obtained permission, Wang Jun, who had been holding back for so long, acted immediately without delay. That evening, having prepared everything, he took the initiative to visit the Xiangyang City Government Office, which many people avoided, and requested to see his benefactor, Fan Qiong.

As a general in the city who controlled military power and had been promoted by him, Fan Qiong had no reason not to see him, no matter how muddled he was.

Therefore, a moment later, Commander Wang, dressed in silk clothes, came to the back hall empty-handed.

However, to his surprise, Wang Jun didn't see a disheveled drunkard or a scene of chaos in the back hall. Whether it was an illusion or not, Commander Wang even felt that the 'Grand Commandant Fan' had less of the smell of alcohol on him… This startled him so much that he quickly kowtowed on the ground upon entering.

Of course, after kneeling and kowtowing in the hall, he rose and sat down, meeting Fan Qiong's almost bloodshot eyes, Wang Jun felt slightly more at ease.

"Why is 'Spared Tooth' here instead of guarding the city?" Fan Qiong, his armor gleaming and posture upright, spoke with a slightly hoarse voice.

"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, I'm here for the city's defense." Wang Jun, who had seen many big scenes, knew that the so-called strategy was to go straight to the point, never seeking perfection, so he simply spoke according to his original plan. "Grand Commandant, to be honest, the city is about to become unstable. If things continue like this, I don't know what will happen to Old Han, and my Western City definitely won't be able to hold out!"

Fan Qiong was silent for a moment, then slowly replied: "It's rare that you still know to tell me."

"My wealth and glory were all given by the Grand Commandant. Even if others don't come, I have to come." Wang Jun, wrapping his silk robe around himself, said solemnly. "But this time I'm not just here about the city's affairs, which the Grand Commandant must already know. I heard that the Grand Commandant's personal guards at the ferry are also becoming unstable… Grand Commandant, I'm not here to be a petty person. Logically speaking, personal guards are absolutely reliable, but they have three shortcomings at the ferry. One is that they can't enter the city, so their hearts are naturally wild. Another is that they don't have a great general leading them; the few guard generals are fighting each other, and if one breaks, the entire river defense is broken. And another is that they have to see the Guan-jia's dragon banner every day, and after seeing it for a few days, they basically lose their will to fight! In my opinion, I'm afraid that once the water recedes in a few days, the Guan-jia crosses the river, and those bastards will surrender directly."

"What you said is very right, and I believe it."

After listening, Fan Qiong sighed and leaned on the table with his elbow, supporting his chin, seeming thoughtful, while secretly holding the hilt of his knife under the table with his other hand. "But if so, what do you think should be done to deal with the current predicament?"

"The Guan-jia is unwilling to pardon the Grand Commandant, so surrendering is impossible." Wang Jun sat behind the table on the side, his hands exposed on the table, answering freely, seemingly unaware of the other party's actions. "But does the Grand Commandant think we can leave? Abandon Xiangyang and most of the soldiers, and let us confidants protect the Grand Commandant and his family to join Zhong Xiang in Jinghu? He's ambitious, both equalizing wealth and wanting to be called King of Chu."

"We can't go." Fan Qiong put down the hilt of his knife, sighing even more. "I've thought about this too. Not to mention that we're nothing without the city and soldiers, and not to mention that Ma Shen is blocking the way, even if we can really get to Jinghu, there's no way out!"

"Why do you say that?"

"Don't forget, besides Zhong Xiang, there's also Li Xiaoyi, who has a vendetta against us for killing his brother. And Zhong Xiang, as you said, 'Spared Tooth', is ambitious and wants to be king… I ask you, Li Xiaoyi still has five or six thousand people. If we escape with a few hundred or even dozens of people, if you were Zhong Xiang, would you keep us to fight Li Xiaoyi to the death, or would you use us to ingratiate yourself with Li Xiaoyi and see if you can win over Li Xiaoyi's troops?"

"What the Grand Commandant said is right, that's the way it is." Wang Jun also sighed. "But if so, we can only survive one day at a time… Grand Commandant, it's naturally unstable to put the personal guards outside the city without a great general leading them, and it's also unstable inside the city. In my opinion, why not transfer them back? If you keep them by your side, you can control them and stabilize the city's defenses!"

"The logic is correct, but what about the Han River?" Fan Qiong still shook his head. "If Zhao Guan crosses the river for nothing, I'm afraid it will be even more unstable."

"I have received great grace from the Grand Commandant and am willing to go out to guard the Han River for the Grand Commandant, risking my life to stop Zhao Guan for the Grand Commandant!" Wang Jun took the opportunity to kneel, his true intentions revealed.

Fan Qiong was slightly startled and touched the hilt of his knife under the table again.

"In the current situation, if the Grand Commandant doesn't trust me, I have nothing to say, but I am absolutely sincere." Wang Jun lay on the ground, but raised his head and continued to speak without hesitation. "At worst, I'll send my family to the city government… As long as I can protect the Grand Commandant, everything is worth it!"

Fan Qiong smiled slightly and raised his hand in response: "It's not that I don't trust you, 'Spared Tooth', but now, I don't know if this will work… Go back and let me think about it."

Wang Jun said no more, kowtowed three times directly on the hard stone slab in the hall, and left.

Coming out of the door, this man returned to his residence non-stop. Without going to the backyard to see Scholar Lin, he put on his armor in the front yard and sat in the drizzling rain, waiting for the opportunity.

In the afternoon, a person turned into Wang Jun's residence, and it was the guard general who had flayed the skin that day. This person bowed as soon as he saw Wang Jun.

"How is it?" Wang Jun turned his head and asked, his tooth gap was really eye-catching.

"The Grand Commandant passed down an order, letting Commander Han lead his troops out of the city to replace the guard generals!" This person replied while kowtowing.

"As expected, he still suspects me." Wang Jun sighed quietly. "I've been trying my best to serve him these past few years, but he still doesn't trust me."

The surrounding soldiers were speechless.

"By the way, let me ask you one more thing." Wang Jun asked curiously again. "Yesterday you said that the Grand Commandant was no longer human in the residence, why is he so neat today? Could it be that he deliberately deceived you to get us to jump out together?"

The guard general shook his head repeatedly: "Commander, you're thinking too much… It was Miss Xiu who finally persuaded the Grand Commandant today and cleaned him up."

Wang Jun was stunned for a moment, then greatly moved, but nodded repeatedly: "In any case, since this bastard has fallen into the trap, the credit for Xiangyang is in our hands. You don't have to panic that there will be no result after the city is broken… Everyone, eat your fill, follow me and Old Han out of the city. No need to wait until dark!"

Hearing this, both the guard general and Wang Jun's subordinates were relieved, and a weight was lifted off their shoulders.

The rain gradually increased and the sky darkened. In the afternoon, Han Li, the Commander of the Left Army in the city, led three thousand soldiers out of the city to replace the soldiers guarding the river.

However, as soon as they left the city, they heard a commotion in the city, and the drawbridge was hurriedly raised.

The surrounding Left Army soldiers were panicked and naturally looked at Commander Han Li.

Han Li, riding his horse and standing in the rain, also sighed and looked around at his trusted generals: "I knew today was Wang 'Spared Tooth's' doing, and I should have stayed in the city and dealt with it carefully, having received great grace from the Grand Commandant… But the situation has reached this point, and the Grand Commandant shouldn't take all the children of the city to their deaths together. Listen to my orders, you people still go to the riverbank to replace the guard generals, and then surrender directly! You have low ranks, and the Guan-jia won't blame you."

Perhaps Han Li usually had a lot of support in the army. While many officers were relieved, they still remembered him. Someone asked at the time: "But what about the Commander? If the Guan-jia blames you, can you be exonerated?"

"I don't know, so I have some plans." Han Li sighed. "Today, you go to the river, and after surrendering, plead for my family who are still in the city. And I will flee from now on, becoming a mountain hermit and never appearing again."

Saying that, this person directly reined his horse to the west and galloped away without looking back.

The surrounding soldiers looked at each other, but followed the last order of this mountain hermit, ignoring the commotion in the city and heading directly towards the Han River.

Not to mention that Commander Han understood the world and became Hermit Han, on the other side, when the commotion in the city started, Fan Qiong suddenly realized that he had fallen for Wang Jun's shallow ruse of luring the tiger away from the mountain.

However, since he had fallen for the trick, and no one responded when he called out to the guard generals and personal guards around the government office, he was completely awake, he was at the end of the road, and he became even more desperate.

However, in his despair, knowing that he could not escape, he suddenly remembered something, got up again, picked up his knife and ran to the backyard, which was also in a mess.

"Father!"

Fan Xiuniang, who was only sixteen years old, was tearful, her face full of rain or tears. Seeing her father coming, she also greeted him in a panic. "Has the city fallen? Madam Zhang just ran out of the back door with jewelry with a guard soldier…"

Before she could finish her words, Fan Baozhen's expression was distorted, and he gritted his teeth and slashed forward with a knife, but he staggered and failed to hit her.

How could Fan Xiuniang endure this? She fled in fright, but didn't know where she could escape to away from her father. She could only hide behind the well platform in the courtyard, crying and begging for mercy in fear: "Father, why do you want to kill me? Has your daughter done anything wrong!"

"It is a mistake for you to be my daughter!" In the drizzle, Fan Qiong was also furious and out of control. "Wang Jun, I know how he will do it with my eyes closed… He will definitely seize my concubines, and if you don't fall into his hands, he will offer you to Zhao Guan as a stepping stone to advance! A 'Spared Tooth', a dog-like thing, how can I let him succeed, even if there is only a slight chance?!"

Fan Xiuniang was stunned for a moment, but Fan Qiong had already caught up with her. She was first cut on the shoulder with a knife, and then stabbed in the abdomen with another knife. The pain was unbearable, and she no longer had her usual graceful appearance, but she was still crying and begging for mercy while hugging her father in pain: "Father, it hurts so much, your daughter just wants to live!"

Hearing this, Fan Qiong's heart softened, but he had already made a fatal cut, so what could he do? It was too late to regret it, so he struck again, killing his daughter in the courtyard to save her from suffering.

Then, this man pushed away his daughter, disheveled, his face distorted, like a madman, staggered into the backyard, killing anyone he met.

After a series of random cuts, he didn't know how many people he killed or how many people ran away. However, after only a moment, he heard the clatter of armor all around, as if countless armored soldiers had surrounded him.

Knowing that he would soon see Wang Jun's battlefield appearance with a cowhide face guard, Fan Qiong lost control and collapsed on the steps, preparing to commit suicide among the corpses of his concubines in the backyard.

However, this man who claimed that he did not want his wives and daughters to be humiliated and killed wantonly, was so afraid of death that he could not bring himself to do it at this time… Not only that, in a daze, he suddenly remembered what the old thing he had been repeating in his dreams these days but could never remember was.

That was when the Jurchens left Tokyo, Zhang Bangchang claimed the throne, and Sheren Wu Ge was unwilling to kneel and serve foreigners, so he contacted more than a hundred people to prepare to revolt. In order to prevent leakage, he even did something extreme, killing all his wives and daughters.

And Fan Qiong pretended to be in communication, but captured these people in one fell swoop before they killed their wives and daughters and prepared to revolt, and then killed them all. Afterwards, he mocked these people for not knowing the destiny and vainly giving up their lives and the lives of their wives and daughters.

Vaguely, that was a whole year ago.

ps: Fan Qiong did peel people's skin alive at the last moment to show the court officials in history… He is a real scum, and his daughter was snatched away by rebel soldiers in history.