Defeat That Caught Everyone Off Guard

Within the Imperial Garden of Song Capital, amid the winding pavilions and towers, ruler and minister strolled together.

The ruler was Song Emperor Mu Zhuozhen, and the minister was Chancellor Zi Pingxiu.

State affairs, family affairs, affairs under heaven—their conversation touched upon them all. As the topic circled around and around, Zi Pingxiu ultimately dragged it to the subject Song Emperor Mu Zhuozhen least wanted to mention lately. "Your Majesty, I am still somewhat worried about the battle between the River Defense forces and Meng Shanming."

Mu Zhuozhen frowned slightly. "When it comes to warfare, Chancellor, you should admit that you are no match for Luo Zhao."

His words were somewhat unpleasant, but he had truly grown sick of this topic lately. Once Meng Shanming breached the River Defense line, the court officials had stirred restlessly, and calls for Grand Commander Luo Zhao to withdraw and intercept Meng Shanming had gained the upper hand.

The court had argued without end over the matter. One side supported Luo Zhao's decision, believing they should seize the moment while Yan Kingdom was weak, fight swiftly, and wipe out Yan Kingdom in one stroke. The other felt Luo Zhao had been too rash and wanted to proceed steadily and surely. Both sides had their reasons, but in his heart, he leaned toward Luo Zhao. He wanted to achieve a towering feat no one before him had managed.

Yet Meng Shanming's renewed offensive had stirred up the court officials' fear of the oppressive terror Meng Shanming had once inflicted upon Song Kingdom. The moment the River Defense line fell, the calls to proceed steadily and surely immediately gained the upper hand, and Mu Zhuozhen felt a faint anger simmering within him.

The court officials' thoughts were selfish and self-serving. They feared harm to their own