Chapter 1 July Fire

It was July, the Fire Star’s time.

South of the Yellow River, the temperature change might not yet be noticeable, but here in Yanjing, the departure of summer was already palpable.

Perhaps, this was a good thing.

For the common people of this era, the summer heat and the winter cold were matters of life and death. Of course, the moderate temperatures of spring and autumn also brought busy farming seasons… equally strenuous.

Conversely, for the true nobles and wealthy within Yanjing, the changing seasons seemed purely beneficial.

The high skies and crisp air of autumn, with its agreeable temperatures, were perfect for scholars to lament and compose poems for the young sovereign, hoping for future favor. The sons of various tribes could showcase their martial prowess in autumn hunts, impressing the Jurchen nobles… Instead of simply lounging about, fanning themselves all day.

Back to the present, early this morning, Qin Hui, dressed in riding attire, emerged from his residence. Dozens of servants, retainers, and over ten Han Chinese warriors were already waiting in the courtyard. Upon seeing their master, they split into two groups… The first, after a nod from Qin, headed north with several differently shaped carriages. The latter, clad in leather armor, followed the Prime Minister onto their horses, forming a protective escort towards the Shangshu 台 (Department of State Affairs).

Along the way, similar retinues of mounted warriors appeared. Seeing that it was Qin Hui, the current Grand Councilor, confidant of the Prince of Wei, and known for his amiable demeanor, officials and Han staff members, as well as Jurchen generals and dignitaries, politely yielded the road, some even following behind.

Qin Hui first encountered the brothers Wulinda Zanmo, Minister of Rites, and Wulinda Taiyu, Commander of Ten Thousand. Then, he met the Hanlin Academician Han Fang and his family. Finally, as expected, he ran into Hong Ya, the Chief Administrator of the Secretariat, and Zheng Xiunian, Vice Minister of Rites, who were waiting for him along the way. The gathering, ranging from the Wulinda clan with nearly a hundred armored knights to individuals like Zheng Xiunian with only seven or eight leather-clad attendants, nearly blocked the entire street.

"Minister Wulinda."

After riding a few more steps, Qin Hui, in the center, looked around and smiled. "There are too many of us. Perhaps we should spread out the formation and keep to the right to avoid blocking anyone's path?"

Before Wulinda Zanmo could respond, his brother, Commander Wulinda Taiyu, scoffed. "Prime Minister Qin is excellent in every way, but too cautious… When we travel, even the great princes would dismount to give way. Who else should we fear?"

Wulinda Taiyu’s words carried weight.

The Wulinda clan, as vassals of the Wanyan clan, had been incorporated by Wanyan Zonghan (粘罕), and thus belonged to his faction. However, they had their own tribes, and were a pillar of the Wanyan regime from the very beginning. Zonghan’s downfall did not severely impact their clan’s status.

On the contrary, after killing Zonghan's male descendants and driving out the sovereign and his sons, the three sons of Aguda (阿骨打) deliberately courted the representative Wulinda clan to maintain stability.

For example, Wulinda Zanmo, the actual leader of the Wulinda clan, whose wife was the wet nurse of Zonghan's grandson, was alarmed by the changes in the Department of State Affairs. Qin Hui suggested that the eldest son of the former Third Prince, now Prince of Jin, Wanyan Eliduo (完顏訛里朵), be betrothed to Wulinda Zanmo's daughter.

From then on, the Wulinda clan became a core pillar of Aguda’s direct line of power.

Furthermore, since they had become trusted allies, the Wulinda clan recently advanced even further… It stemmed from the changes in the Department of State Affairs. After Zonghan’s execution, Wanyan Balisu (完顏拔離速) was promoted to commander of the Western Route Army and Prefect of Taiyuan, as promised. To prevent the Yinshu Ke (銀術可) brothers from gaining too much power, and to retaliate for Yinshu Ke's hesitation in the Department of State Affairs, Yinshu Ke’s position as Prefect of Yanjing was ‘naturally’ dissolved when Yanjing became the sole capital.

Therefore, the Yanjing area only had a garrison formed from the four Hezan Meng'an (合扎猛安, military unit) of the Jin Dynasty and the former Yinshu Ke troops, without any additional forces stationed there.

However, two months ago, Wulinda Taiyu, a Commander of Ten Thousand from the Eastern Route Army stationed near Zhending Prefecture, received an imperial decree to move his ten thousand troops to the south of Yanjing, establishing a large camp. He seemed poised to replace Wanyan Yinshu Ke as the commander of the new Yanjing garrison.

Such a prominent figure theoretically feared no one.

However, despite his fearlessness, Wulinda Zanmo, the leader of the Wulinda clan, was a diplomat by trade and far more sophisticated than his brother. After a moment's thought, he interrupted his brother's complaints and personally ordered his armored soldiers to clear the way.

Interestingly, shortly after clearing the road, dozens of Jurchen armored cavalrymen sped past from behind, completely ignoring the Yanjing dignitaries and overtaking them on the road.

Everyone was initially stunned but quickly realized that it was none other than Wulinda Zanmo’s nemesis, Wendun Sizhong (温敦思忠). Given Wendun’s personality, qualifications, and status as a confidant of the Fourth Prince, it would have been unreasonable for him to not act this way upon seeing the Wulinda clan’s banner ahead.

However, unlike Wulinda Taiyu's anger and Zheng Xiunian's trepidation, the others—Qin Hui, Hong Ya, Han Fang, and Wulinda Zanmo—exchanged glances after regaining their composure.

Wendun Sizhong shouldn't be in Yanjing. He had been transferred to Hezhong Prefecture a year ago.

His return to Yanjing at this time suggested something significant was about to happen in the court!

However, in public and with differing allegiances, they couldn't discuss it openly. They suppressed their suspicions, forced smiles, and arrived at the Department of State Affairs on time.

Upon arrival, the Department of State Affairs was already teeming with people. Banners, armor, flags, and the Yanjing elite were everywhere.

Of course, Qin Hui's group didn't have to wait outside. They left their guards behind and entered the Department of State Affairs, going directly to the main hall to pay respects to the sovereign and two of the three ruling princes.

Soon, Wanyan Eliduo, Prince of Jin and Chief of the Secretariat, and Wanyan Wushu (完顏兀术), Prince of Wei and Grand Councilor, escorted the sovereign, also in military attire, out of the hall.

The three princes mounted their horses outside the hall, followed by Wanyan Xiyin (完顏希尹), Vice Chief of the Secretariat, Qin Hui, Vice Grand Councilor of the Privy Council, as well as Wanyan Yinshu Ke, Wanyan Talan (完顏撻懶), Wanyan Wuye (完顏烏野), Wanyan Pujianu (完顏蒲家奴), Wulinda Zanmo, Wulinda Taiyu, Han Fang, Hong Ya… and other Jurchen nobles, senior central officials, and even mid-level civil and military officials like Zheng Xiunian. They surrounded the three, with the sovereign slightly ahead and the two princes half a horse-length behind, and left the Department of State Affairs together.

Outside, tribal leaders, Yanjing dignitaries, and officers of all ranks drew their swords and cheered.

Eventually, led by the Imperial Guards (御前合扎猛安), they gradually formed ranks, first shouting their wishes for the sovereign to live to be one hundred and twenty years old, then wishing blessings upon Prince Jin and Prince Wei, the former never to fall ill, and the latter never to be injured.

After much commotion, two Imperial Guards cleared the way, and the various families and tribes, each with their own warriors, followed along the main roads of Yanjing, heading north and out of the city.

The logistical support teams waiting outside the city followed closely behind. At this time, Wulinda Taiyu had already left the procession, circled around the west of the city, and led five Meng'an (猛安, military unit) that had been prepared in advance to catch up with the imperial entourage, heading north together.

It turned out that the young sovereign's birthday was in early autumn, and he was now fifteen years old by the Chinese reckoning. Having reached fifteen, the emperor of the Jin Dynasty, a nation founded on military might, was expected to demonstrate some martial prowess.

Today, all this activity was to accompany the Jin Emperor on his first autumn hunt from the capital.

To ensure the success of this hunt, Wanyan Woben (完顏斡本), Prince of Liao and Grand Preceptor, who had played a part in raising the sovereign, had led the remaining two Imperial Guards out of the pass to make preparations.

Wanyan Eliduo, Prince of Jin and Chief of the Secretariat, turned back directly ten miles outside the city.

Finally, Wanyan Wushu, Prince of Wei, assisted the sovereign in leading the massive hunting party northwards. The first stop on their autumn hunt was not the old Jin capital of Huining Prefecture (會寧府) in the northeast, or Liaoyang Prefecture (遼陽府), but the old Liao capital, commonly known as Shangjing (上京), the capital of Linhuang Prefecture (臨潢府).

Which was also the hometown of Yelu Dashi (耶律大石).

In fact, this could be seen as a matter of course… In the past, the Liao emperors would constantly visit the Jurchen chieftains to maintain national stability. Today, the Jurchen emperor would naturally have to visit the Khitan chieftains for the same purpose.

Reciprocity, after all.

Especially now, considering the increasing activity and growth of the Mongols west of Linhuang Prefecture, and the Zhao Emperor's aggressive diplomatic encirclement policy in the south, going there now should greatly deter Habu (合不勒), the king of the Eastern Mongols, and the Khitan tribes of Linhuang Prefecture, as well as those fence-sitters between the Eastern Mongol alliance under Habu and Linhuang Prefecture.

The autumn sky was clear, the reputation of the Jurchen armored cavalry remained strong, and discipline was still in place. Furthermore, this was the first time the fifteen-year-old sovereign had led the army in military attire, which was of great political significance, so few dared to cause trouble on the journey north.

Thus, in just a few days, the imperial entourage safely arrived at Xinghua (興華, near present-day Chengde) a strategic location outside the pass, and camped on the banks of the Luan River (灤河).

That evening, Prince Wei, Wanyan Wushu, presided over a ‘pre-hunt military council’ to decide to abandon the route through Dading Prefecture (大定府) in the northeast and proceed directly to Linhuang Prefecture along the open area of the upper reaches of the Luan River. The reasons were threefold:

First, to avoid disturbing the populace, especially disrupting the autumn harvest, with such a large entourage entering prosperous areas.

Second, the open area of the upper reaches of the Luan River was suitable for marching and hunting.

Third, traveling west would more easily deter the Mongols, and a rapid arrival at Linhuang Prefecture would more easily deter the Khitans.

Since Prince Wei spoke so eloquently, who dared to object?

Naturally, it was unanimously approved.

It should be known that since Wanyan Wushu’s humiliating retreat from Xijing (西京) last year, many old-fashioned nobles beyond the pass had taken the opportunity to attack the Prince of Wei under the banner of tribal democracy… However, no one expected that not only the generals of the Eastern Route Army, traditionally loyal to the three Wanyan brothers, but also the generals of the Western Route Army would support Wanyan Wushu.

Led by Balisu, the generals of the Western Route Army, along with the generals of the Eastern Route Army, jointly submitted a memorial, stating that it was not Prince Wei’s fault, but that the Zhao Emperor of the Southern Song was cunning and seized the opportunity when the Jin Dynasty was preparing for a strategic retreat, taking advantage of the Jin Dynasty’s indecision to cross the river for a decisive battle, making it seem as if the Song had gained a great advantage.

In fact, those places were chicken ribs that the Jin Dynasty was prepared to abandon.

The only problem was Western Xia, which should have been given these chicken ribs to secure the flanks, but Western Xia had courted disaster itself and could not be saved.

In short, Prince Wei had not made any mistakes, the Western Route Army remained brave and fierce, it was just that the teammates were too poor and the opponents too cunning.

Even Wanyan Huonü (完顏活女), who had returned to Hedong (河東), submitted a memorial expressing his approval of Wanyan Wushu… This was not incomprehensible, as Wanyan Wushu had been sent to resolve Huonü’s secessionist problem, and he had consistently treated Huonü with leniency, almost equivalent to repeatedly pardoning Huonü’s secessionist acts.

Although Wanyan Huonü did not know what "seven captures and seven releases" meant, he was somewhat convinced and grateful.

Since the field armies of the East and West Routes had all expressed their support, those beyond the pass could only grumble without being able to do anything. Moreover, their use of tribal democracy had angered the young sovereign, the local forces of Yanyun (燕雲) who had risen to power with the new sovereign's ascension, and the surrendered officials like Qin Hui.

Therefore, contrary to what those people thought, because of the support of the army, the local forces of the Yanyun region, and the surrendered officials, and because Wanyan Eliduo, Prince of Jin among the three brothers, was increasingly devoted to Buddhism and his health was gradually deteriorating like that of Wanyan Loushi (完顏婁室) and his generation, the actual power and position of Wanyan Wushu, Prince of Wei, had risen instead of falling.

Back to that evening, the military council passed without incident, and the central officials returned to their respective camps to rest.

By this time, individuals like Hong Ya and Zheng Xiunian, unaccustomed to long-distance travel with the army, were already exhausted and collapsed.

But Qin Hui, the Vice Grand Councilor of the Privy Council, was an exception. In his youth, he had been nicknamed "Qin Long-Legs" (秦長腳), and he had later been captured by the northern barbarians, so he had long been accustomed to the hardships of riding. Therefore, after returning, he did not rest, but instead summoned his retainers and guards, and, with lanterns and torches, patrolled the camp despite the increasing autumn wind… If anyone was missing something, he would always try to help provide it; if anyone had suffered grievances on the road, he would always offer some comfort… After making his rounds, he could talk to the Jurchens, the Han Chinese of Yanyun, the Bohai people, the Xi people, and the Khitans.

However, upon completing his patrol and returning to his camp, Prime Minister Qin was surprised to find that someone had arrived early and was waiting for him, and must have been waiting for quite some time.

Indeed, the visitor was none other than one of the most powerful people in the world today—Wanyan Wushu, Prince of Wei and Grand Councilor of the Jin Dynasty.

"Prime Minister Qin, have you read those reports from the South?"

Wanyan Wushu, who was reading the reports, sat unceremoniously on Qin Hui's couch. Hearing the noise, he looked up. Under the lamplight, his pale face with a sparse beard was facing Qin Hui.

"This official has naturally read them."

Facing the increasingly imposing Wanyan Wushu, Qin Hui carefully cupped his hands and sat down on a small stool opposite his bed, appearing both calm and cautious.

"What does Prime Minister Qin think?" Wushu put down the reports and asked earnestly.

"This official believes that while the sovereign of the South is indeed a heroic ruler, he is somewhat too impatient. This time, many things have a touch of deception, not befitting a wise ruler…" Qin Hui said sincerely.

"What is deception?" Wushu continued to press.

"Deception means taking shortcuts through cunning and trickery," Qin Hui replied with the same sincerity.

"Is this deception?" Wushu pointed to the reports at the head of the bed, continuing to press.

"Of course, it is," Qin Hui asserted firmly. "Going to any lengths for thirty million strings of cash, how is that not deception?"

Wushu frowned slightly, not speaking.

Perhaps sensing Wushu’s thoughts, Prime Minister Qin took the initiative to explain, "However, these things in the reports are only considered deception for the Zhao Emperor, because he is, after all, the emperor of a great nation, ruling over hundreds of millions of subjects. It wouldn't be considered deception if anyone else did it… Even here, it would only be considered deception if the sovereign did it after coming of age."

Wushu's brow smoothed slightly, and he nodded slowly, still somewhat puzzled. "Does the emperor of a great nation have to govern with integrity, like commanding regular troops in a straightforward manner?"

"Indeed," Qin Hui replied without hesitation. "Because the most important thing for the emperor of a great nation is his identity as emperor. It is most important that everyone in the world recognizes this identity… For example, the Zhao Emperor, who was flustered and helpless during the Jingkang Incident, almost like a homeless dog, but once he took office, Li Gang (李纲), Lü Haowen (吕好问), Han Shizhong (韩世忠), and Zhang Jun (张俊) all followed him, dismissing Huang Qian-shan (黃潛善) like swatting a fly, and killing Liu Guangshi (劉光世) like killing a chicken… Why? It is simply because he is the Zhao Emperor of the Song Dynasty, the Son of Heaven! Everyone recognizes his identity!"

Wushu nodded repeatedly. "I understand Hui’s meaning… The Southern Song is too big, the scholars and commoners are too numerous, and their power is too diverse. To mobilize their strength for action, no method is as useful in the long run as his identity as the Emperor, so maintaining prestige is the most rational and appropriate method… And his actions, such as selling his private property, seizing the business of maritime merchants, and Jin Fu-shi (金富軾) of Goryeo personally coming to say that he is forcing envoys and coercing trade, although he can quickly raise some money, damage his prestige in the long run, making it a losing proposition, is that what you mean?"

"Prince Wei is insightful," Qin Hui quickly acknowledged.

"But, if he succeeds in raising these thirty million strings of cash in the short term and then launches a Northern Expedition that succeeds in the end?" Wushu suddenly frowned. "Doesn't his current imperial prestige come mostly from the battlefield? Consuming some, exchanging it for some silver, and then fighting again, if he wins again, wouldn't he not have to think about long-term prestige?"

"Prince Wei is absolutely right," Qin Hui said, seemingly anticipating this question, stroking his beard and asking, "But what if he loses? Wouldn’t he have to return everything with interest?"

"So, it still comes down to the battlefield?" Wushu frowned even more. "But I feel like Prime Minister Qin has said a lot but nothing at all?"

"Prince Wei is joking," Qin Hui quickly shook his head and smiled wryly upon hearing this. "This official's name is on the Southern Song's bounty list, sharing prosperity and ruin with the Jin, why would I play riddles with Prince Wei? In comparison, this official has a question to ask Prince Wei… Your Highness is always knowledgeable about military matters, may I ask, does Your Highness think it is better for the Song army to cross the river earlier when their combat power is weaker, or later when their combat power is stronger? Doesn't Your Highness want them to come sooner?"

Wanyan Wushu did not say a word to this seemingly simple question, and fell silent for a long time.

After a long time, the ruling Prince of Wei of the Jin Dynasty slowly spoke from the couch, "To be honest, I previously intended to reform the military system, wanting to restore the strength of the Jurchen army to its former glory, but these days, trying to do this, I realized that many other things must be done first, involving too much… And the pressure from the South has indeed made me hesitate… Tell me, if I try hard to reform, but fail, causing unrest, and the South crosses the river, wouldn't that be counterproductive? And if I don’t reform, watching the South become stronger and stronger while we become more and more of a mess, wouldn't that be sitting and waiting for death?"

"Fourth Prince, this is the situation of a great power fighting to the death, with the slightest mistake leading to eternal damnation… Please discard the past mentality of the Jin Dynasty, taking what it wants at will," Qin Hui said, changing his form of address at the appropriate time. "The South also has similar difficulties! You and Zhao Jiu (趙玖) of Cangzhou are actually facing each other fairly this time!"

Wushu was slightly stunned.

Qin Hui lowered his voice and became completely serious. "Moreover, why worry about things three years from now? The current situation is that the sovereign of the South, as always, whether by deception or by proper means, is persevering through all difficulties to accomplish things! And what will the Fourth Prince do? Will you just wait here?"

Wushu finally took a deep breath and replied with a sigh, "How could I just wait? Although I am hesitant in my heart, I am watching everything and have not stopped for a moment… If the South wants to expand its army, I will establish signed troops as reserves, and also try to recruit raw Jurchens from beyond the pass to create a new army; if the South wants alliances, I will send envoys to the Eastern Mongols and summon Goryeo envoys to counter them; if the South wants to send troops to suppress the Jiangnan Daoxue (江南道學), I will prepare this autumn hunt to suppress the rear; if the South is engaging in so many tricks to build wealth, I will grit my teeth and clean up those increasingly chaotic Meng'an and Mouke (謀克, military unit) in the two rivers… Hui, since returning from Xijing, I have not dared to hesitate for a moment, not dared to relax for a moment!"

Qin Hui nodded repeatedly. "Your Highness's hard work is seen by all of us."

Seeing this, Wanyan Wushu finally stopped lingering, and stood up directly. "Prime Minister Qin, you have worked hard, rest early… It was I who forbade bringing maids to serve, please don't take offense!"

Qin Hui stood up and immediately smiled wryly. "Even if Prince Wei allowed me to bring maids, where would I find any to bring?"

Wanyan Wushu, who had already stood up, paused slightly, remembering something, and said no more, but walked directly out, with Qin Hui following closely behind to see him off.

However, as he was about to leave the tent, Wushu suddenly turned his head and said calmly, "Prime Minister Qin, this autumn hunt must be quite strenuous for you… Now that your household is quite large, I will give you twenty armored soldiers to keep under your command."

Qin Hui paused slightly, then realized what it meant and immediately lowered his head and responded.

The autumn wind of July was rising, and the night passed peacefully.

ps: Thank you to the boss Dreamlike Hero for the reward, and also to the boss Maybe Future for the reward. Boss Maybe Future has been rewarding all along, and unknowingly has become a Silver Moe, I am extremely grateful.