Chapter 31: The Army at the Gates

Zhao Huan’s thinking was so remarkably modern that the two ministers before him found it difficult to accept. Fortunately, Zhao Huan was the emperor, the absolute authority of his era; when the monarch commands, his subjects must obey—even if it’s merely to place an advertisement.

Thus, the next day, the “Great Song Daily” featured a conspicuous advertisement for the Prosperity Tavern. Truth be told, Prosperity Tavern wasn’t particularly well-known in Kaifeng Prefecture, especially when compared to several establishments with official backing. So when Li Guang, the Grand Herald, arrived to discuss advertising fees with Li Prosperity, the tavern’s owner, Li Prosperity assumed Li Guang was simply seeking a bribe in disguise.

Nonetheless, adhering to the principle that civilians should not contend with officials, Li Prosperity obediently handed over the money. As for this so-called advertisement, he hardly gave it a second thought.

That evening, however, an unusual number of patrons arrived at Prosperity Tavern. Many held freshly printed copies of the “Great Song Daily,” asking if the tavern featured in the paper was indeed this one.

Stunned by their inquiries, Li Prosperity took a moment to compose himself before hurriedly confirming that it was.

“The newspaper says your roast squab is the finest in Kaifeng—bring each of us a bird, quickly!” demanded a well-dressed young man.

Recognizing a valuable customer, Li Prosperity dared not neglect them. He warmly led the group upstairs to a private room and urged the kitchen to prepare the squab at once.

This was only the beginning. Soon, more customers arrived, all drawn by the acclaim in the “Great Song Daily” for the tavern’s roast squab. Word had spread, and people flocked to taste it for themselves.

Delighted, Li Prosperity urged his kitchen to prepare more birds, but was told the supply was insufficient.

Seeing his tavern filled to capacity, Li Prosperity rushed out to buy more squab. By day’s end, his earnings had surpassed a month’s usual takings.

At last, Li Prosperity realized the immense power of advertising. No longer did Li Guang need to seek him out; Li Prosperity now approached Li Guang himself, eager to place another ad for his tavern. However, he was told that all advertising slots for the next three days were already booked.

He quickly reserved a spot for the fourth day, even though the price had doubled since the first ad.

After a month of trial operation, the “Great Song Daily” successfully turned a profit and began expanding across the realm. It was at this moment that unfortunate news arrived.

The Eastern and Western armies of Jin had united under Wanyan Zonghan, advancing from the Yan-Yun region, bearing down upon Bianjing.

This time, the Jin army claimed to number half a million strong.

Despite Zhao Huan’s decree for total resistance, several cities in the north fell instantly to the Jin, whose vanguard now threatened Kaifeng Prefecture.

Zhao Huan gathered his civil and military officials for a council.

Again, the court divided into factions: those advocating peace and those urging war. Unlike history, however, the pro-war faction now dominated.

“This time, the Jin army comes with covetous eyes, leading five hundred thousand troops. Your Majesty, I believe we must make early preparations,” said Huang Qianshan, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

“Huang, what do you mean by that?” Li Gang responded, visibly displeased.

“What else would I mean? The Jin army is pressing fiercely; I simply urge His Majesty to prepare ahead,” Huang replied hastily.

“Prepare? Prepare for what? To abandon the city and flee?” Li Gang retorted coldly.

“Please, Li Gang, don’t get excited. I speak only for the sake of the royal family’s safety. We truly ought to prepare for both possibilities,” Huang said, though clearly lacking confidence, knowing Zhao Huan favored resistance.

Sitting atop the Dragon Throne, Zhao Huan’s thoughts were troubled. According to historical records, the Jin should not return in force until August, yet now, in the warmth of April, their cavalry had already arrived.

Listening to the heated debate between the factions below, Zhao Huan remained silent. If it were August, perhaps the Ordnance Department could have developed more powerful weapons. But now, the Taoist Wang Yuqing and his team, working tirelessly, had managed to produce only enough Jingkang Thunder for the Feathered Cavalry. These were consumables—each use diminished their supply, and they had to be rationed.

Moreover, the military reforms were not yet complete. Even though the Western and Northern Military Districts had progressed swiftly, their reorganization had only just finished, and the fighting strength of the troops remained uncertain.

For many reasons, Zhao Huan did not wish to wage war at this moment.

But the enemy was here; to refuse battle was impossible. Zhao Huan could not simply abandon the city and flee—the tragedy of Nanjing was seared into memory. Yet how to fight this battle next required careful consideration.

“Report! Urgent news from the front!” At that moment, the voice of a messenger echoed from outside.

“Your Majesty, urgent reports from the front…”

“Speak quickly!” Zhao Huan urged.

“Your Majesty, word has arrived: Daming City has fallen. The Jin vanguard, one hundred thousand strong led by Wanyan Zongbi, will reach Bianjing in days!” The messenger, breathless from his haste, coughed violently after delivering his report.

Li Gang quickly ordered someone to bring him a cup of water.

The court exploded into chaos. The peace faction, already on the back foot, grew even more pessimistic, subtly suggesting envoys be sent to Jin to negotiate. Over the years, Song had ceded territory and paid indemnities often enough; they were accustomed to it.

“What of the ten thousand defenders of Daming City?” Zhao Huan asked, his brow furrowed.

“The Jin army beat war drums outside Daming City all night. The ten thousand defenders were terrified; the commander Miao Fu killed the city’s governor and led his men to surrender to Jin,” the messenger replied.

“Miao Fu, villain!” At these words, Zhao Huan slammed the table before him, his eyes blazing with fury.

His outburst silenced the bustling hall instantly. All officials knelt in fear, not daring to breathe, lest they provoke the emperor’s wrath.

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Huan forced down his anger and said, “Speak your thoughts—let the peace faction speak first.”

Hearing Zhao Huan invite the peace faction to speak, Huang Qianshan was delighted, thinking the emperor might seek peace after Miao Fu’s surrender. He eagerly declared, “Your Majesty, Jin is determined to enter the Central Plains. In my opinion, it would be best to send envoys and seek peace, sparing the people further suffering.”