Of course, this was only a last resort to be implemented if all else failed. After all, the Southern Song was now regarded by Han Chinese across the realm as the legitimate dynasty. If they attacked rashly, they would likely be condemned by Han Chinese everywhere.
However, as the leader of the Golden Snake Camp with ambitions of ruling the realm, Song Qingshu had no choice but to prepare for every contingency. The key to this plan was speed, so before launching an attack, he had to ensure that Shaoxing City was firmly under his control.
Shaoxing, formerly Shanyin, was the Lu family's stronghold. They had operated there for nearly a century, and their family influence had seeped into every field within Shaoxing City. Controlling the Lu family was equivalent to controlling Shaoxing City.
That was the fundamental reason Song Qingshu had spent so much time and effort on Lu Guanying and his wife!
Song Qingshu gathered his thoughts and consoled Lu Guanying. "Why should Young Master Lu belittle yourself and call yourself useless? Back then, Sima Qian suffered a great calamity, yet he ultimately completed the Li Sao of historians. Cai Lun lived within the palace, yet invented papermaking and was remembered for all eternity. Zheng He sailed to the Western Seas seven times and spread the might of China... Every one of them suffered more than you did, Young Master Lu, yet they were still able to achieve immortality through their deeds. Why lose heart over such a minor setback before your eyes?"
Lu Guanying sighed. "I understand the reasoning, but as a man, this sort of thing... How can you expect me to take it lightly?"
Seeing that his eyes remained lifeless, Song Qingshu knew his consolation had done little good. Cheng Yaojia beside him also looked