During Emperor Zhezong's reign, he had launched two campaigns against Western Xia, beating them into begging for peace.
He was one of the few Song Dynasty emperors who did not fear war.
But it was useless for the emperor alone not to fear it. Great Liao's national strength was entirely different from Western Xia's!
Just as he was agonizing over how to handle the situation, the Liao-Jin Alliance's envoy secretly arrived in Bianjing!
The arrival of the Coalition Forces' envoy was undoubtedly a shot of adrenaline for those despairing ministers.
They had sent an envoy?
They wanted peace talks! There was definitely still room to negotiate!
No matter what demands they made, they had to be met!
For a time, even the previously heavy atmosphere eased considerably. Within the residences of princes and nobles, singing and dancing resumed, along with their lavish luxuries.
"So you are the Great Song Dynasty's emperor?"
A brawny man with a braid stared at Emperor Zhezong upon the throne, his face full of arrogance.
Yet even after Emperor Zhezong suffered such humiliation, the court ministers chose to play deaf and dumb. Instead, they were concerned about what terms the other side intended to demand.
"This envoy has come this time to give Song a chance, so that the people may be spared from devastation."
"Special personnel will discuss the annual tribute payments with you. This envoy has come to discuss another matter that you must fulfill."
"I hear that Song has established some so-called Dragon Guard Manor, and even made its master the Imperial Prince? Gathering so many martial artists—are you trying to threaten us?!"
Every word from the burly man rang like thunder, echoing through the great hall.
The Liao-Jin armies were now ready at any moment to sweep southward. Through spies and infiltrators