In the evening, Zhao Jiu saw the head of Pucha Hubalu in Changshe City. His first reaction was naturally one of surprise, because the Zhao Emperor couldn't understand why it was Talan who had escaped and this person who was dead.

But soon, after learning that Da 㚖 had also been seen escaping alive, Zhao Jiu didn't have any extra thoughts. Because this way, he, the engineering dog, felt it made sense, and when it made sense, he naturally felt better - according to Zhao Jiu's rationalization, the fate of these three Jin army commanders fully illustrated that in times of adversity, it is often the weak who survive, and those with courage who die.

In fact, it can't be said that Zhao Jiu's theory was nonsense, because in the previous few years, especially during the Jingkang years, this principle had been verified countless times by the Song army and the top echelons of the Great Song... People like Han Shizhong, who forcibly survived based on their skills, could only be said to be truly courageous.

How to say it? Having seen the head, confirming the merits of Li Kui and Niu Gao, although somewhat disappointed at not being able to capture Wanyan Talan... After all, according to Wanyan Talan's performance today, capturing him would likely mean capturing him alive, which would leave so much room for manipulation, and the significance would be extraordinary... But regardless, with this great victory and such gains, from the highest-ranking officers to the number of Jin army main forces, and the successful strategic relief, the results of this battle were undeniable.

And logically speaking, at this time, Zhao Jiu should have sat down and communicated his feelings with these famous 'generals,' discussed the significance of this battle, rewarded merits and bestowed titles, and promised promotions, and then take a wave of loyalty. Perhaps he could even recite a 'poem by Yi'an Layman' to enhance the elegant mood.

But in fact, Zhao Jiu didn't have time to do these things and was caught up in a new dilemma - the war was still going on, and he had to use the political influence and military advantage gained from this successful risky attack to further expand the results.

And this inevitably involved the question of strategic choice.

Looking back now, Zhao Jiu clearly lacked strategic decision-making at the beginning of this Song-Jin war, and his performance was extremely passive. In contrast, it was Wanyan Wushu who had successfully ambushed Han Shizhong at Zhujiaqu Town and then quickly moved south, besieging the cities of Wuhe and blocking Nanyang, forcing Zhao Jiu to risk his life to fight for the fate of the country... No matter how strong Nanyang City was, or how frustrated the Fourth Prince was under the city, strategically speaking, Wushu had no problems.

So, back to the present, the problem Zhao Jiu must face now is actually very simple: where should the troops go next?

Back to the front, Zhao Jiu had Niu Gao, Li Kui, and several other officers who had performed well today for a meal in the hall, and then let them go back to appease their troops, heal their wounds, and rest, but left Hu Yin, Lin Jingmo, Wan Qixie, and Liu Yan, who had come with the army this time, as well as the three generals Han Shizhong, Yue Fei, and Wang Yan. Everyone understood that this was to discuss important matters.

In fact, Liu Yan and Wan Qixie had already taken the initiative to get up and leave their seats... They stayed here because they had followed the Emperor all the way from Nanyang, but they were not qualified to participate in strategic decisions, especially since this decision needed to be made quickly and there was no time for detailed discussion. This was not a time for so-called widespread consultation.

"This matter is simple!" As soon as Liu Yan and Wan Qixie got up, Han Shizhong, without yielding to anyone, directly supported his jade belt, raised his head, and spoke boldly behind the table. "Nanyang is not to be gone..."

"Why can't Nanyang be gone?" Unexpectedly, Han Shizhong was interrupted as soon as he opened his mouth. Everyone looked around and saw that it was Hu Yin, the Censor-in-Chief.

Speaking of which, Han Shizhong vented three months of pent-up resentment today, and the key was seeing Zhao Jiu personally come to the rescue, knowing that the Emperor truly regarded him as his confidant and backbone. So, since seeing Zhao Jiu in person, that Shaanxi-flavored rascal chivalry surged up, and he had long been excited beyond words.

After the Emperor entered the city, he even specially put on that jade belt, and his tone was as if he had the 'first under heaven' attitude. Before, when dealing with Yue Fei, Wang Yan, and the officers of the Tokyo Garrison Command, he simply adopted the attitude of a superior when disposing of and dividing military affairs... This was actually no problem. He was the only general with imperial credentials here, and his status, seniority, official position, and even the real imperial favor, far exceeded Wang Yan and Yue Fei, and was even vaguely recognized by both countries as the Great Song's number one general... Before, when he was not here, Yue Fei's overall arrangement and Wang Yan's subordinates had dissatisfaction, but now that Han Liangchen had come out, who would he not deal with if not him?

It could only be said that it was only because the Emperor himself was sitting here that he was a bit too much of a rascal... But considering that he had been besieged for two or three months, and had escaped from the cage, no one cared.

However, even Han Shizhong felt a little numb in the face of Hu Yin, because these two had a story.

After a moment of silence, this Grand Commandant Han honestly made an explanation: "Brother Hu doesn't know, today we five fought one and it wasn't stable, and Wanyan Wushu has 30,000 cavalry there, and today's double-digit *meng'an*, all led by famous Jin generals such as Bali Su and Han Chang, how can we go to Nanyang? Moreover, after this great battle, there have been many casualties among the soldiers."

Hu Yin was slightly stunned, still not quite understanding... Wasn't this a victory that boosted morale?

"Not only that." Wang Yan also showed considerable respect for Hu Yin, the only purple-robed civil official in the seat. "To inform the Censor-in-Chief, although we have gained spoils, our army's troops are slightly larger, but the food and grass are still somewhat insufficient. And at present, Yancheng, Fangcheng, Xiangcheng, and Xiping have not yet been relieved... Therefore, if we forcibly go to support Nanyang City, we can only seek a quick victory, and if we fail, we will be completely defeated by the Jin army on the road."

Since Wang Yan spoke, Yue Fei naturally hesitated for a moment... This was the first time he had come into contact with a meeting at this level. The day before, Zhao Jiu had decided everything with one word, allowing him to do as he pleased, which was certainly pleasant. But today, after calming down and looking around carefully, he realized that he was the lowest-ranking, least experienced, and youngest official here. Even with Han Shizhong here, he might not even dare to boast about his military skills, so it seemed that saying anything was not very meaningful.

However, on the other hand, when Zhao Jiu directly entered the camp yesterday, found him, and entrusted the fate of the country to him, although it had the suspicion of being at the end of his rope, it also showed his trust in him.

So, after thinking for a while, Yue Pengju still cautiously reminded this benefactor, who was known as a half-Prime Minister and had recommended him to serve as a Pacification Commissioner on that day:

"Censor-in-Chief, forgive my directness, today's victory cannot be easily repeated... Today's events were caused by our army being burdened by Du Chong, losing all opportunities for battle, having no certainty, and seeing that the overall situation was about to turn bad, so the Emperor came here alone and made a desperate move..."

"Alright!"

Hu Yin had tolerated Han Shizhong, and then Wang Yan, but now that he saw that it was Yue Fei, whom he had recommended in the past, he finally didn't have to endure any longer and immediately interrupted him. "I know that Nanyang cannot be fought!"

This temper was inexplicable, and only the silent Scholar Lin and Wan Qixie standing there could guess a little of the reason. They roughly understood that Hu Mingzhong had had enough of the 'ignorant of military affairs' label and was intent on correcting it. However, the attitude of the three generals confirmed his reputation for 'misleading the country and the army,' so he rarely lost his composure.

However, these two civil service elites understood this kind of thinking, but Han Shizhong and Wang Yan didn't understand, and Yue Fei, who was in contact with such a high level for the first time, understood even less. He thought he had violated some taboo and offended his benefactor!

Only this benefactor was high in position and power, and was the only purple-robed civil official in the seat. If he really wanted to make a decision, according to past knowledge, he was even more useful than Han Shizhong. So, even if Yue Fei felt angry, or even a little wronged, for the sake of the overall situation, he could only try his best to lower his voice and cautiously persuade him again:

"Censor-in-Chief, in fact, there is another reason why Nanyang cannot be gone... Now that Wanyan Talan has retreated north, he has ten *meng'an* in his hands, which, after gathering with Yelu Mawu, becomes seventeen or eighteen *meng'an*, which is still a strong force. There are enemies in both the north and the south, so we must divide our troops to block the other side to prevent the two from merging... And once we divide our troops, how can we face the strong enemy in Nanyang?"

What kind of person was Hu Yin? When military affairs were not involved, this person was definitely one of the top figures in front of Zhao Jiu. Now, seeing Yue Fei's expression and tone, how could he not understand what the other person was thinking? However, he couldn't flare up again and cause misunderstandings, so he could only watch the other person carefully 'explain' to him, as if he could really interfere in military affairs in front of the Emperor.

But secretly, he was already so angry that his whole body was ice-cold, and his hands were shaking under the table.

After Yue Fei carefully finished speaking and looked at Hu Yin again, he saw that the other person was no longer speaking, and he felt relieved. He didn't know that his benefactor was already furious.

However, fortunately, Han Shizhong couldn't bear it anymore and took advantage of Yue Fei's words to continue: "In fact, General Yue and General Wang have already made very insightful remarks..."

Yue Fei was stunned for a moment and didn't dare to interrupt.

"That is, although this battle was won, firstly, our troops were damaged and supplies were limited; secondly, this place connects the north and south, and a part of the troops must be separated to act as a barrier to prevent the Jin army from merging in the north and south." Han Shizhong raised his head and chest and finally continued his speech in the seat. "If so, we must be careful when sending troops again... Going to Nanyang is absolutely impossible. Although we won today, I still have to say that Nanyang is really difficult to win; but going east, west, or north are all feasible."

When everyone heard the word "臣 (*chen*, I, your servant)", they all looked at Zhao Jiu in the main seat, but unexpectedly, they saw Zhao Jiu looking up at the skylight above his head in a daze. However, this did not prevent him from calmly lowering his head at this time and facing them with a slightly serious expression:

"Liangchen, please speak!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Han Shizhong quickly supported his belt and continued, "Going north, naturally, is to pursue Wanyan Talan. Talan has lost his courage after this defeat, and Pucha Hubalu is dead. Although they have seventeen or eighteen *meng'an*, they may not be unable to take advantage of the situation to pursue... This strategy is the most urgent and the riskiest, but once it succeeds, it can completely end the Jin people's southward advance this time."

"Pucha Hubalu is dead, that's true, but what about Yelu Mawu?" After thinking for a moment, Zhao Jiu couldn't help but seriously ask.

"Yelu Mawu is not impossible." Han Shizhong smiled in response. "But his troops are the Khitan surrendered soldiers in Yelu Yudu's hands, and I previously advised Your Majesty to be careful of Pucha Hubalu, not only because this person still has the courage to fight, but also because this person is Talan's son-in-law. At a critical time, Talan can let go and entrust things to his own son-in-law to do. But what about now? Talan was defeated and only has ten *meng'an* in his hands, and Yelu Mawu still has seven or eight *meng'an*... Therefore, if our army quickly advances tomorrow to force him, he may not trust the surname Yelu!"

Zhao Jiu suddenly understood, and Yue Fei and Wang Yan, as well as Hu Yin and Wan Qixie, all nodded at this time... It was very obvious that even if Yue Fei was sitting here, considering the age issue, Han Shizhong was still the 'first under heaven' in military strategy, and this analysis was enough to convince everyone.

"As for going east... it means taking food from Huaixi, joining forces with Grand Commandant Zhang, and besieging Nanjing." Han Shizhong continued. "Nanjing has the fewest Jin troops, and by joining forces with Grand Commandant Zhang and taking the military grain from the Huai River, we can naturally gather a large army back to the land of Wuhe to confront the enemy and find an opportunity to fight again... This is the most stable, but it will miss the opportunity, and delays will lead to changes."

Zhao Jiu nodded again: "What about going west?"

"Going west is not actually going west, but the army sweeping through Wuhe, relieving the siege of the cities, and then holding this place." Han Shizhong became slightly serious. "But it must go west, deploying troops in the Ruzhou area to completely cut off all the enemy's escape routes in Nanyang... This is actually reviving the old strategy of the Privy Council, the so-called closing the door to cut off the rear!"

Zhao Jiu understood in his heart, but then smiled again: "Which one do you think is better, Liangchen?"

"My private heart, of course, wants to go north and fight to my heart's content!" Han Shizhong sighed slightly. "But from the overall situation, it is better to go west, that is, to re-deploy troops between Wuhe, forcing Wanyan Wushu in Nanyang to withdraw... Of course, the three strategies are only urgent, slow, stable, and risky. Your Majesty can decide for yourself."

"Peng... Zicai, what about you?" Zhao Jiu instinctively wanted to ask Yue Fei again, but seeing the seating order of the military officers on his right, he first asked Wang Yan.

"My opinion is the same as Grand Commandant Han. My subordinates all came from Taihang, and my private heart also wants to go north!" Wang Yan immediately got up, bowed his hands in salute, which made Han Shizhong slightly awake and somewhat embarrassed. "But from the point of view of national security, it is still best to go west, forcing the Jin army in Nanyang to withdraw."

"Pengju."

"My private heart is towards the east, but I suggest going north." Yue Fei immediately got up and cupped his hands.

"Why?" Zhao Jiu was slightly stunned. "Why go north?"

"I have fought with the Jin army for the longest time today, and I have also fought with Yelu Mawu for a long time. I really feel that Talan has lost his courage, and I really know that Yelu Mawu has been abandoned and squeezed out by Talan... Therefore, I believe that we can pursue and fight them!" Faced with this Zhao Emperor, who seemed to be very good at listening to opinions, Yue Fei spoke his mind.

"What do you think... not in terms of military affairs, but only from the overall situation, east, west, or north?" Zhao Jiu looked at Hu Yin and the others again.

"West!" Hu Yin simply cupped his hands in reply. "Your Majesty came in a hurry, even if this battle is won, messengers have already been sent to Nanyang and Xiangyang to inform them, but we must still prevent the instability of the people in the two places." At this point, Hu Mingzhong paused slightly before continuing, "This great victory, Nanyang may not dare to believe, Your Majesty must be especially careful."

Zhao Jiu nodded heavily, but then looked at the last person, who was also his most trusted inner administrator, the Little Scholar Lin.

However, the Little Scholar Lin, upon hearing the inquiry, did not speak for a long time, but sat there motionless.

To this, Zhao Jiu did not urge him, but waited quietly. The others had no choice but to remain silent.

And after waiting for an unknown amount of time, the Little Scholar Lin stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I believe we should go north!"

"Why?" Zhao Jiu stared with interest at this confidant inner administrator of his, who was gradually gaining the same close position as Yang Yizhong.

"Only by going north can Your Majesty return the imperial carriage to the old capital with ease!" The Little Scholar Lin replied calmly.

"Well said."

Zhao Jiu, who had not taken off his armor, seemed to have expected such a reply, and in the dazed gazes of the several important ministers in the hall, he supported his sword and stood up, calmly responding. "My mind is made up. Yue Fei will stay with his troops to station in Changshe, taking overall charge of the Wuhe battle, relieving the siege of the cities, and blocking and delaying Wanyan Wushu. And early tomorrow morning, Han Shizhong will be the commander and Wang Yan will be the deputy, immediately leading troops north, joining with Ma Gao's troops in Changge to attack Zhongmu and pursue Talan. And I will take the road through Yanling to return to Tokyo!"

The people in the hall, whether sitting or standing, were still dumbfounded at this time, not knowing how to react.

The atmosphere was not right, and Zhao Jiu was slightly embarrassed, so he seriously said again: "I want to spend the Lantern Festival in Tokyo!"

Upon hearing these words, it was Hu Yin who suddenly burst into tears.

ps: Book recommendation, *Cyber Heroic Legend*... a very amazing story! The new book by a science fiction master!