Chao Jing's Fury

Chen Shaotong's entire army had been wiped out, and the impact on the Song Kingdom was enormous.

More precisely, the shadow Meng Shanming had once cast over the Song Kingdom—a shadow the kingdom had gradually forgotten—now loomed over it once more.

The entire Song Kingdom turned pale at the mention of it. When the common people talked among themselves, they could not help bringing up the humiliation Meng Shanming had inflicted upon Song back then; only this time, it was even more agonizing!

In war, defeat could not be blamed on the enemy for being too strong—especially when the enemy was not strong at all. What was more, Song had started this war and had been the first to invade Yan. It could only be said that Song's own strategy had gone wrong, and Luo Zhao, as Grand Commander, could not escape blame.

For a time, waves of denunciation against Luo Zhao surged through the Imperial Court. They accused him of underestimating the enemy and advancing rashly, claiming they had long said Meng Shanming could not be taken lightly. Some even said Meng Shanming's killing spree had been provoked by Luo Zhao, condemning Luo Zhao's "white horse bearing mourning gifts" as an irresponsible provocation fit for a three-year-old child.

The Song Emperor was under immense pressure. He had pushed aside all opposition to support Luo Zhao's strategic advance, and now he felt the backlash more keenly than anyone.

Though everyone had discerned Meng Shanming's strategic intent, and it might not necessarily lead to Song's destruction, who could guarantee there would be no unforeseen mishaps?

Song's three great sects had likewise fallen into tremendous unease...

"What do you all think of this matter?" Xi Haitang stood at the central seat of honor in the hall and looked around.

Yue Yuan had