I Can Control My Ancestors

He stood up and walked out of the tent, the night wind stirring his already graying hair.

"I understand everything you’ve said." He gazed into the deep night, his voice carrying an almost weighty calmness, "But I... have no time left."

The generals fell silent, all bowing their heads.

"Youyun remains unrestored, Yan Yun remains unrecovered... The division of the land pains me deeply." He turned abruptly, as if flames burned in his eyes, his voice suddenly rising, "I dare not seek to unify the world in this lifetime!"

"But in this lifetime, at least I must unite the lands of the Central Plains into one great expanse!"

He stepped forward, pressing his sword, standing tall and upright in the lamplight like a pine.

"Given the current situation, the only thing the Liao Army relies on is the high cities and deep moats — but they all fear me." Zhao Kuangyin sneered, "Then I shall offer them an opportunity... An opportunity seemingly able to decide victory or defeat, the chance to capture and kill me."

"Your Majesty!" An elderly general fell to his knees, his voice choked with emotion.

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head, his tone resolute, "No need to dissuade me! If I can exchange my life for the unification of the Central Plains, thirty years of peace at the borders, it is worth it."

He looked at the assembly, his gaze as if burning, wanting to etch each face into his heart.

"This battle, my decision is made."

The tent fell into silence.

Despite sensing the Emperor’s resolve, the generals still showed signs of struggle, their eyes involuntarily turning to the ever-silent Gu Jin.

Gu Jin was staring intently at Zhao Kuangyin, as if trying to read the final answer from his eyes.

After a long time, he finally closed his eyes, and upon reopening them, they were tranquil.

In the next moment, he solemnly bowed with great respect:

"My Lord... I accept the order."

This statement fell like stone on metal, breaking the silence in the tent. The generals stared in astonishment at Gu Jin, then looked at Zhao Kuangyin, who wore a smile.

In the end, they no longer hesitated, bowing in unison and cupping their hands, their voices shaking the tent:

"Yes!!!"

....

From that day onwards, the entire Song Army seemed to come alive suddenly.

Long plagued not by lack of manpower or low morale, but by the Liao Army’s continuous avoidance of battle and stubborn defense of the cities.

Wang Yingchen was indeed an extraordinary figure.

Under his decisive and rigorous leadership, the Liao Army obeyed orders strictly, and none dared to disobey the military orders and attack on their own.

Even though the Song Army had been fighting for years, their combat strength was powerful, their reputation widespread, they couldn’t find an opportunity for decisive battle.

The Liao Army, relying on geographical advantages, held strong defensive positions, and if forced to attack, the casualties would be beyond what the Great Song could currently bear.

Because of this, Zhao Kuangyin resolved to use himself as bait to expose the enemy’s weaknesses.

According to Gu Jin’s judgment.

Even if the Liao forces wouldn’t be influenced, Liu Jiyuan would certainly be affected.

He was inherently a very tyrannical person.

It’s impossible for him to stand idly by watching Liu Jiwen, the false emperor, live on in the world.

Time passed quietly, in the standoff between the two armies, any subtle changes couldn’t be hidden from each other’s eyes.

The frequent maneuvers of the Song Army quickly drew Wang Yingchen’s attention.

In Shangjing’s Linhuang Mansion, the Chancellor’s office.

"Could it be that the Song Army plans to retreat?"

Several strategists gathered around the massive map, brows furrowed, debating fervently.

Wang Yingchen remained silent, his gaze never leaving the marker of the Song Army’s central camp on the map.

In recent days, the Song Army’s movements had been centered around the main camp, appearing to consolidate but hiding deeper intentions.

He squinted slightly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table edge.

"That’s not right." He suddenly spoke, his voice low but clear, "Zhao Kuangyin is not retreating."

He raised his eyes, scanning the room, continuing, "He’s deliberately showing weakness, trying to lure us out of the city."

As his words fell, the tent became silent.

The strategists exchanged glances, each showing realization.

"The Chancellor’s insight is clear." Immediately someone bowed in agreement.

Yet at that moment, another person pondered aloud, "But... what if Zhao Kuangyin is indeed gravely ill?"

This question instantly drew Wang Yingchen’s attention.

In fact, they had long received various rumors regarding Zhao Kuangyin’s health.

Even though Gu Jin acted swiftly, Zhao Kuangyin was advanced in age, and his recent actions differed greatly from before, all these clues enough to arouse suspicion.

Wang Yingchen had been investigating this matter secretly, and upon hearing this, he couldn’t help but feel moved.

"There might indeed be such a possibility." He mumbled, his eyes fixed tightly on the map, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

"The Song Crown Prince is young, unfit for great responsibilities."

"A few days ago, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly summoned his brother, King Jin, soon afterwards several ministers in Kaifeng City died in succession..."

He habitually sorted recent clues in a low voice, his gaze growing ever deeper.

The strategists in the tent were all silently contemplating, tension permeating the air.

After a moment, one stepped forward cautiously and spoke, "Chancellor, why not send someone to test the waters?"

"Given the current situation—if the Song Monarch is truly gravely ill, this might be the perfect opportunity for our forces to strike."

Upon hearing this, there were immediate nods of agreement.

These individuals were inherently ambitious young scholars.

They were unwilling to abandon any opportunity.

Furthermore, do not forget—

Liao is currently implementing Legalist policies, and the rewards and titles that military achievements can earn are truly tempting.

However, Wang Yingchen decisively shook his head, "No!"

"Our soldiers are already eager for battle, and if we rashly start a war now, it could lead to uncontrollable consequences!"

His expression was stern, and after pondering for a moment, he issued another solemn command, "First dispatch spies into the Song camp to ascertain the truth!"

"Without my orders—"

"No one is to initiate an attack on their own!"

His gaze swept across the room like a blade, and the previously restless strategists and generals immediately calmed down, lowering their heads in compliance.

—The tension in the battlefield seemed to tighten suddenly at this moment.

Though the flames of war within Northern Han temporarily subsided, the clandestine probing and confrontations became more frequent and alarming.

As for the probing from Liao.

Zhao Kuangyin and Gu Jin were not influenced in the slightest.

They proceeded along their predetermined plan as if completely unaware of the spies dispatched by Liao.

And the course of events unfolded exactly as they anticipated.

Wang Yingchen was indeed a wise man.

This kind of individual would never abandon any opportunity.

Upon noticing the increasingly frequent movements of the Song Army and Zhao Kuangyin’s prolonged absence, he immediately sent several people to spread rumors within the Song Army.

They began declaring that Zhao Kuangyin had passed away.

The death of an Emperor always has significant impacts, regardless of the era.

Especially during a tense military standoff like this.

A sudden sense of panic instantly enveloped the entire Song Army.

This was not an act.

From the beginning, Zhao Kuangyin was gambling everything he had, so he couldn’t possibly share such a plan with the rank-and-file soldiers.

This panic was merely an instinctive reaction from the soldiers.

Rumors grew more rampant within the Song Army, visibly unsettling the troops.

Yet Gu Jin did not hesitate.

As the current Grand Tutor, he promptly stepped forward to quell the disturbances, not only vehemently refuting the rumors but also personally donning armor, mounting his horse, and leading a team of elite soldiers to launch a surprise attack on a small Liao outpost, returning with dozens of enemy heads.

With thunderous methods, he silenced all rumors immediately.

But Zhao Kuangyin remained unseen from beginning to end.

Moreover—

The most crucial aspect was that Liao spies had clearly discovered that right near Zhao Kuangyin’s main tent, a large quantity of very pungent salted fish had recently appeared.

Though consumed daily.

Appearing as normal food, this still uncontrollably fuelled speculation.

Night.

The moonlight washed over like a cleansing flood, stars sparkling brightly.

Song Camp.

"Cough cough cough..."

Stifling his violent coughs, Zhao Kuangyin, with a ghastly pale complexion, involuntarily looked at Gu Jin, "Huaiyu, does this strategy have a chance of succeeding?"

"Uncertain."

Gu Jin shook his head, gazing at Zhao Kuangyin with a complex expression, "Do your utmost, Your Majesty need not worry." he spoke, referring, of course, to the Liao army.

Concerning Liu Jiyuan and the remaining Northern Han forces, he was not particularly concerned.

Liu Jiyuan is bound to take the bait!

This was inevitable.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin’s expression also became increasingly complex. ....

.....

(Ps: Pleading for monthly votes, imploring for more support from brothers, a fish is infinitely grateful.)

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