Adopted Husband.

Summary

The fierce battle on the city walls of Bianliang raged on for a day, then halted on September 15. Xue Chang Gong, injured, descended from the city walls, feeling the Jurchens' assault was not as fierce as before. A flag appeared from the northwest, and everyone scrambled to their defensive positions. Li Zhuo had left Bianliang to negotiate with the Jurchens, agreeing to their terms, but the Jurchens continued their assault. A peace treaty was signed, but the Jurchens did not abandon their siege. Meanwhile, Zhong Shi Dao, the renowned old general of the Western Army, arrived at the foot of Bianliang with a million-strong army, causing the Jurchen army to retreat. The capital erupted in excitement, and Shi Shi emerged from the Alkaline Tower to watch the Zhong family troops enter the city. Zhou Zhe, the emperor, welcomed Zhong Shi Dao at the city gate, and they discussed the peace agreement. Zhou Zhe regretted signing the treaty and wanted to go back on it, but Cai Jing, the Grand Tutor, was hesitant. Zhong Shi Dao was promoted to Chief Minister and Deputy Director of the Privy Council, with all military forces under his command. The atmosphere in the capital shifted, and the Jurchens urged the Wu Dynasty to fulfill the treaty, but the Wu Dynasty delayed. Zhou Zhe felt uncomfortable, wanting a decisive victory, and welcomed Zhong Shi Dao and Yao Ping Zhong warmly. However, Zhong Shi Dao seemed overly cautious, and Yao Ping Zhong held a different view, feeling that the Wu Dynasty's delays were suspicious. Zhou Zhe agreed with Yao Ping Zhong's assessment and discussed the matter with him and Zhong Shi Dao several times.

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