May the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers endure forever; may Great Ming's realm stand eternal

Wu Song held Yanjing while Lu Junyi, Lin Chong, Lu Zhishen, and Shi Wengong led three hundred thousand troops straight toward Mongolia in the north. Yue Yun, Gao Chong, Yang Zaixing, and Sun An marched west with two hundred thousand troops to crush Western Xia.

When the news reached Great Song, everyone from the common people to the imperial court was shocked.

The common people applauded the boldness of Emperor Wu of Great Ming and the formidable fighting strength of his armies.

At court, Zhao Ji grew fearful and uneasy upon hearing the news. He addressed his civil and military officials. "My ministers, the Great Ming rebels have grown powerful. I fear Mongolia and Western Xia will not hold out much longer. What are we to do?"

Cai Jing stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this is a heaven-sent opportunity. Great Ming has sent its armies out in full force, leaving the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun defenseless. Great Song should concentrate its forces and strike straight at their heart. We can destroy Great Ming and reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun in a single battle."

The others brightened at his words, finding his argument sound. Only a few commanders from the Ministry of War shook their heads inwardly. How could Great Ming's ruler and ministers possibly be so foolish?

"Excellent, excellent, excellent! A splendid plan! Issue my decree: Tong Guan shall lead the Ten Military Governors and General Han Shizhong, with five hundred thousand elite troops, against Great Ming. Destroy Great Ming for me and reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun!" Zhao Ji declared loudly.

Tong Guan stepped forward to accept the decree.

Several days later, the Ten Military Governors, headed by Wang Huan, gathered in the capital with Han Shizhong, Song Jiang, and the others to muster their troops on the