Regarding this, those who were originally attached under Chu Ge’s subordinates, though also sowhat dissatisfied, ultimately the right to explain the matter rested with Chu Ge, and they dared not inquire further.
Soon, everything was arranged properly.
Chu Ge began to implent his original plan, creating an appearance of a relaxed northern defense line, ready to collapse at the slightest touch, while continuously sending letters to the Jin people, urging them to head south quickly.
He leaked so not-so-important intelligence to show his allegiance as an executive of the Qi Dynasty with them.
All this was done very smoothly without any suspicion from the Jin people.
After all, this Li Hao had even wrongly killed General Han Fuyue, what was so strange about selling out the entire Qi Dynasty?
...
"Minister Li, please hurry! His Majesty is anxiously waiting!"
The eunuch’s face showed urgency as he hurriedly ushered in Li Hao, played by Chu Ge, into the Xuande Hall.
This scene was sowhat familiar to Chu Ge.
Ten years ago, he had also entered the Xuande Hall in the sa manner.
Originally, he wanted to speak well of General Han Fuyue to see if he could persuade Emperor Gaozong to let General Han Fuyue not retreat. However, Emperor Gaozong did not give him the chance and insisted on the troops’ retreat and on killing General Han Fuyue.
From that mont, Chu Ge had devised a ten-year plan.
And now, the ten years had finally co.
"Minister Li!
"What exactly is going on with this latest military report!"
Emperor Gaozong’s expression could no longer be described as panicked.
It was clearly a terror that had crushed his spirit.
The ruler of Jin, Wanyan Hailing, had mobilized a large army, attacking from four directions, aiming to wipe out Qi. His main forces were headed straight for West Huai. The Qi Army in the region heard the news and fled, running all the way to the southern bank of the Yangtze River.
At this ti, the Jin soldiers had already arrived at the northern bank of the Yangtze River, building warships, ready to cross the river.
The previously carefree Emperor Gaozong in the capital found out that within a blink, his own life was in imminent peril.
"Minister Li!
"Why have the Jin people torn up the peace treaty and invaded our dynasty!
"How dare they tear up the peace treaty... this treaty, this treaty..."
Emperor Gaozong was in disarray, his earlier imperial deanor when he had ordered the execution of General Han Fuyue completely absent.
The fear of the Jin people was deeply ingrained in his bones.
Whether it was the Jingping Incident or the subsequent extensive searches, this Emperor Gaozong had spent his life being chased like a drowned rat by the Jin.
He thought that after killing General Han Fuyue, although so renowned generals were not aggressive enough, their defensive capabilities were sufficient to keep him safe. Yet, rely ten years later, the Jin forces had already besieged them.
His previous impressions of the invincible Qi Army during General Han Fuyue’s era shattered instantaneously.
The nurous victories led by General Han Fuyue ten years ago seed like a re dream; upon waking, everything returned to its old state.
Chu Ge sneered internally. For this emperor, he had completely lost his patience.
Was Qin Huizhi despicable?
Certainly.
But if it were not for this spineless emperor, how could Qin Huizhi have the capability and power to dominate the court and countryside?
Yet, the act must still be fully perford.
"Your Majesty, the situation is critical; in my view, there’s only one way forward now."
Emperor Gaozong imdiately grasped at this like a lifeline: "Minister Li! I knew you must have a solution! You can negotiate peace with the Jin, can’t you?
"Minister Li, please quickly find a way to negotiate peace. North of the Yangtze River, I am willing to cede. We can increase the tribute of silver and silk as long as you can achieve a peace treaty. Everything is negotiable!
"Otherwise, otherwise, I, I just..."
What he ant to say was, "I would have dismissed you from your position as chief minister."
This thought was normal; in Emperor Gaozong’s view, the reason he had kept Li Hao as chief minister over the years, even often tolerating Li Hao’s clear overstepping, was ultimately because of the treaty between the two countries.
But now, with the Jin unhesitatingly tearing up the peace treaty, why should his side still adhere to the rule of "not using the cri of non-performance to remove a pri minister"?
However, after stamring for a while, he still couldn’t bring himself to say it.
Because tis had changed. What applied then did not apply now.
Ten years ago, although Li Hao was the chief minister, he did not have much power in court and was still a minister whom Emperor Gaozong could manipulate at will.
He was continuously employed because he was really useful in negotiating, fitting to take the bla for him.
However, over these ten years, Li Hao, with the backing of the Jin, had gradually destroyed the political rules of the court, turning more than half of the influential officials into his followers, effectively sidelining Emperor Gaozong.
In such a critical mont, did Emperor Gaozong think of dismissing Li Hao?
It was rely a thought.
He neither could nor dared.
Chu Ge bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, the current spokesperson for Jin is Wanyan Hailing, not Wanyan Sheng anymore!
"Wanyan Hailing is cruel, loves killing, and is utterly treacherous. I had never imagined he could be so shaless.
"I have already sent envoys to seek peace, but in such haste, the peace negotiation might be difficult."
Upon hearing that envoys had been sent for peace negotiations, Emperor Gaozong initially brightened, but hearing the latter part, his spirits dimd again: "What should we do?"
Chu Ge sincerely said, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I have already arranged an escape route for you, ensuring your safety.
"Please abdicate to the Crown Prince, and thereafter, I will personally protect you and take you out to sea using warships to temporarily avoid the Jin’s assault."
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