The Cold Door Hero

Summary

In August, the Great Song Dynasty's Emperor Zhao Ji sent Defense Envoy Ma Zheng and deputy Hu Yan Qing to negotiate an alliance with the Jin Kingdom against the Liao. After discussions, Jin ruler Wanyan Aguda found the proposal acceptable, leading to further negotiations in Bianjing. Grand Minister Tong Guan reported to the emperor about his meeting with Jin envoy Li Shan Qing, revealing that the Jin was non-committal about the Song's demand for the return of Youyun's sixteen prefectures as a condition for the alliance. Tong Guan suggested a strategy to first attack Western Xia to demonstrate strength, but Zhao Ji expressed impatience, wanting results sooner than the proposed five years. After Zhao Ji left, Tong Guan received a note indicating that Cai Jing was pushing for Tan Zhen to replace him, signaling a shift in political dynamics. Meanwhile, in the Fan Building, Liang Qing and Tong You Si discussed court politics and the power struggles following recent deaths in the government, with Tong You Si seeking Liang Qing's help to pass a letter to his father from Tong Guan.

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