Chapter 7: Strategy for Defeating the Enemy

When Yue Fei saw the solemn expression on Zhao Huan’s face, he immediately knelt to the ground and said earnestly, “Your Majesty, please give your commands. I, Yue Fei, will sacrifice everything, even my life, to repay the nation’s grace!”

Zhao Huan walked over, reached out to help Yue Fei up, and said, “Rise, there’s no need to be so hasty in accepting. The matter I wish to entrust to you is fraught with peril—almost certain death. Think carefully before you answer me.”

Yue Fei did not speak. Instead, he suddenly undid his upper garment, turned around, and bared his back to Zhao Huan. “Your Majesty, please look. Since childhood, my mother taught me that I must serve my country. Now that the nation is in grave danger, if I do not step forward, when will I ever?”

Children in later generations would all know the tale of Yue Fei’s mother tattooing those four characters on his back. Back then, few grasped the full meaning, but now, those four bold characters appeared strikingly before Zhao Huan’s eyes—truth be told, it was deeply moving.

Zhao Huan nodded and said to Yue Fei, “Your loyalty, I am well aware. But this mission is dangerous. I need you to promise me you will return alive.”

Sensing Zhao Huan’s genuine concern, Yue Fei knelt once more and vowed, “I will not fail in my duty!”

Zhao Huan nodded and said, “Come here and take a look.”

Yue Fei stepped beside him, and Zhao Huan unrolled a painting from the wall. Only then did Yue Fei realize that it was not a painting, but an accurate map of the surroundings of Kaifeng Prefecture.

“Is this a military map?” Yue Fei asked in astonishment. “Who drew this map?”

“Why? Is there something wrong with it?” In his previous life, Zhao Huan had been outstanding in geography, even placing first in the whole school. Drawing such rough maps was child’s play for him. “I drew this sketch last night. There may be some inaccuracies, but let’s make do for now.”

“You drew this yourself, Your Majesty?” Yue Fei’s mouth hung open in surprise. He had never imagined that the young emperor before him possessed such skill. He’d thought Zhao Huan was utterly ignorant of military affairs, but now it seemed the emperor not only understood, but excelled at them.

Yue Fei’s astonished expression did not escape Zhao Huan’s notice. Zhao Huan couldn’t help feeling somewhat proud—after all, to earn the admiration of Yue Fei, wasn’t that the dream of every man?

“With over a thousand years of accumulated wisdom from the future, how could I not impress you?” Zhao Huan mused in his heart.

“Is there an issue?” Zhao Huan asked, unable to hide his satisfaction.

“This is superbly done—everything is clear at a glance. These triangle symbols must represent mountains, these are rivers, these are city walls, and this…” Yue Fei’s eyes brimmed with admiration as he examined the map. People of this era had not yet mastered such cartographic techniques.

“If you think this method is effective, we’ll spread it across the entire army in the future,” Zhao Huan said, holding nothing back.

“Really?” Yue Fei asked excitedly.

“Of course. Our Song Dynasty has suffered humiliation for too long. I must change this. When we have driven off the Jin army, I will institute comprehensive military reforms. The Song army must be ready to answer the call, able to fight, and sure to win!” Zhao Huan quoted the twelve-character strategy of building a strong army from future generations, leaving Yue Fei awestruck.

Stirred with fervor, Yue Fei seemed to see the Song army sweeping all before it in the future. As a passionate general, he was already thoroughly won over by Zhao Huan.

“Your humble servant is willing to follow Your Majesty to the death!” Yue Fei knelt and pledged.

“Enough, don’t always talk about dying. Only the living can accomplish their goals—once dead, there’s no chance for anything.” Having already died once, Zhao Huan couldn’t help feeling a little melancholy.

Yue Fei heard the sadness in Zhao Huan’s words and, thinking he was troubled by the current siege of Bianjing, quickly said, “Your Majesty, if you have a strategy to defeat the enemy, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!”

Only then did Zhao Huan realize his own sadness, and he shook his head, regaining his confidence. “My plan is simple: send an elite squad to raid the enemy’s supply train. The Jin army is weary from their long march—if their supplies are burned, they will surely retreat.”

Hearing this, Yue Fei couldn’t help clicking his tongue. The plan was sound, though nothing new. The problem was, it was nearly impossible to reach the Jin army’s supply lines—Kaifeng was completely surrounded. Sneaking out one or two people might be possible, but an entire squad? With a hundred thousand Jin soldiers on alert, it seemed impossible.

“Your Majesty, the plan is good, but its execution will be difficult,” Yue Fei said, tactfully rejecting Zhao Huan’s proposal without criticizing his command.

“You’re worried about getting out of the city, aren’t you? No need to worry about that—I have a way to get you out. I’ll give you a squad of three hundred men. Can you complete the mission?” Zhao Huan asked.

Yue Fei did not know what method Zhao Huan had in mind, but seeing his confidence, he thought for a moment and replied, “The Jin army is focused on attacking the city. They won’t expect us to strike at their supplies. If we take them by surprise, three hundred men will be enough!”

Zhao Huan nodded and laid out his requirements: “First, this mission must be absolutely secret. Otherwise, it will fail, and your lives will be at risk. Second, you will choose your own three hundred men—they must be trustworthy.” He paused, then continued, “The last point, and the most important: after you complete the mission, you must all return alive. I will host a celebration here in your honor!”

The first two points were instructions, but the last touched Yue Fei deeply. The emperor’s concern for his soldiers would inspire them to give their all—such was the nature of the people of the Celestial Empire.

“Your Majesty!” Yue Fei knelt, tears brimming in his eyes.

“Enough, no need for such sentiment. Save your words for when you return victorious. Now, let me tell you how you’ll leave the city,” Zhao Huan said to Yue Fei.