The Cold Door Hero

Summary

Five days after the Jin Kingdom sent an envoy to negotiate a ceasefire with the Great Song Dynasty, emotions in the capital shifted from panic to cautious optimism due to recent military successes, particularly the defense of Taiyuan. The citizens were hopeful, especially regarding the prominent figure Li Yan Qing, who had become a symbol of resistance. However, the Jin demanded Li Yan Qing's surrender as a condition for troop withdrawal, igniting public outrage. Thousands of students protested in the streets, urging the court not to comply with the Jin's demands. Inside the imperial study, Crown Prince Zhao Huan and Prime Minister Wang Fu debated the negotiations, with Zhao Ji ultimately insisting on not surrendering Li Yan Qing while seeking a swift resolution to the conflict. Cai Jing advised against yielding to the Jin's demands, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a firm negotiating position. The chapter concludes with Zhao Ji setting a twofold bottom line for the negotiations: the withdrawal of Jin troops and the protection of Li Yan Qing.

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