The Cold Door Hero

Summary

Li Yan Qing spent ten days in Qing Zhou before returning to Jing Zhao Fu, where he received news of his wife's safe childbirth and his appointment as governor of Fu Yan Road. Although pleased to be a father, he was puzzled by the governor role. Mo Jun explained that the appointment likely indicated troop reductions at the border due to a peace agreement with Western Xia, suggesting that troops from Jing Zhao Fu would be reassigned to bolster defenses in Yan An Fu and Sui Zhou. Li Yan Qing was concerned about potential conflicts, given historical precedents, and wrote a memorial urging the court to maintain military presence at the border. Three months later, the court began troop reductions, but the Song Dynasty retained stationed troops in key areas, highlighting Li Yan Qing's strategic role. As winter approached, Li Yan Qing traveled to the capital, encountering old friends Niu Gao and Wang Gui at a tavern, where discussions hinted at troubles among their comrades.

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