The winter wind in Yanjing is biting and the snowflakes are flying. Wanyan Sheng stood in front of the palace window, staring at the silver-covered world outside, but his heart was full of mixed emotions. He originally thought that the Daxia Congress was considering joining forces with the Jin Kingdom to put pressure on the Song Dynasty, but he never expected that the news he was waiting for was that the Daxia Kingdom had sent envoys to the Song Dynasty to repair relations. "Your Majesty, the envoy from Daxia Kingdom has already set off." A guard reported in a low voice, with a hint of helplessness in his voice. When Wanyan Sheng heard this, he clenched his fists and a trace of anger flashed in his eyes. He knew that Daxia's move was undoubtedly a betrayal of the Jin Kingdom. But what can they do now? The Song Dynasty has already made its attitude clear. If they insist on not canceling the Sui coins, the Song Dynasty will inevitably launch troops to attack the north. And their alliance with Daxia has also cracked, and it is almost impossible to find other allies. "Send the order and summon Yan Zongyi back to Yanjing." Wanyan Sheng took a deep breath and made a decision.
He knew that the only thing he could do now was to discuss countermeasures with Wanyan Zongyi as soon as possible. A few days later, Wanyan Zongyi received Wanyan Sheng's call and rushed back to Yanjing without stopping. He also knew in his heart what Daxia's actions meant to the Jin Kingdom. He knew that when he returned to Beijing this time, the burden on his shoulders would be even heavier. When Wanyan Zongyi stepped into the palace hall, Wanyan Sheng had been waiting there for a long time. The atmosphere in the hall was extremely solemn, and there seemed to be a depressing atmosphere in the air. "Zong Yi, you are back." When Wan Yan Sheng saw Wan Yan Zong Yi, a tired smile appeared on his face, "Daxia Kingdom has betrayed us, what do you think now?" "Your Majesty, our only way out now is to agree to the Song Dynasty's request." Wanyan Zongyi said solemnly, "Although canceling the Sui coins will put some pressure on our treasury, it is still much better than going to war with the Song Dynasty." "you're right." Wanyan Sheng nodded, "We really have no better choice now. Today's Song Dynasty is no longer what it used to be. Go to Song Dynasty immediately and tell Princess Zhao Yingluo of our agreement to cancel the annual coins, and tell her at the same time , the Kingdom of Jin agreed to cancel the annual currency not because of fear of the Song Dynasty, but for the sake of the people of the two countries." On New Year's Eve, the DPRK meeting was held as scheduled. Wanyan Zongyi presented the letter of credence agreeing to cancel the annual coins to Zhao Yingluo, who was sitting on the dragon chair. Zhao Yingluo took the credentials and browsed them carefully, with a satisfied smile on her face. "Envoy Wanyan, your Kingdom of Jin has finally made a wise choice." Zhao Yingluo's clear and sweet voice echoed in the hall, "I hope you can keep your promise and stop provoking war between the two countries." "Don't worry, Your Highness, we in the Kingdom of Jin will definitely keep our promise." …… "Your Highness Princess." Wanyan Zongyi paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and spoke slowly, "Our Kingdom of Jin has agreed to cancel the annual coins. This is our sincerity to the Song Dynasty. But I think that the cooperation between our two countries It shouldn’t stop at that.” Zhao Yingluo raised her eyebrows slightly when she heard this, seeming to be interested in Wanyan Zongyi's words. She motioned for Wanyan Zongyi to continue. "Your Highness, when I was in the Kingdom of Jin, I discovered that the wheat we planted grew completely different from the wheat grown in Kaifeng." Wanyan Zongyi continued, "I think this must be a problem with our planting technology. So, I think I request Her Majesty the Princess to send some planting experts to the Kingdom of Jin for guidance." Zhao Yingluo raised her eyebrows slightly, with a hint of playfulness in her words, "I can agree to your request. But I have a condition, that is, a war horse in exchange for A master grower.” Wanyan Zongyi was stunned for a moment when he heard this, and then smiled cheerfully, "Don't worry, Your Highness, the Kingdom of Jin has agreed to this condition."
"In that case, I wish us a happy cooperation." Zhao Yingluo said with a smile, "I will arrange for planting experts to go to the Kingdom of Jin for guidance as soon as possible." Seeing that she agreed so happily, Wanyan Zongyi felt that he had jumped into her carefully designed trap again, but even if it was a trap, he had to jump in helplessly. This feeling was very unpleasant. 【After New Year's Day】 In the imperial palace in Kaifeng City, Zhao Yingluo was sitting in the imperial study, holding a writing brush in her hand, but she didn't put it down for a long time. The wave of reform was surging in her heart, and she was determined to carry out a thorough reform of the military system of the Song Dynasty. The reason why the Song Dynasty repeatedly failed in foreign wars was largely due to the national policy of emphasizing culture over military affairs. Civilians are in power and military generals are under pressure, which has led to an increasing decline in the military's combat effectiveness. In particular, the combat effectiveness of the Imperial Army, which was the main force of the Song Dynasty, was even more worrying. Zhao Yingluo's eyes flashed with determination, and she knew that reforming the military system was imperative. The first step in reform is to start from the Imperial City Division. As the intelligence agency of the Song Dynasty, the Imperial City Division has always held great power. However, not long ago, Zhao Yingluo successfully pulled Lan Gui, who had a close relationship with Qin Hui, from the position of leader of the Imperial City Division. Now that this position is vacant, it is a good time for her to install someone of her own. She thought of Wen Boyuan, a young but brave and resourceful general. He has performed well in previous battles. He is not only brave and good at fighting, but also quite strategic. If he takes over the position of leader of the Imperial City Department, he will definitely be able to manage things in an orderly manner. After making up her mind, Zhao Yingluo summoned Wen Boyuan. When Wen Boyuan walked into the imperial study, Zhao Yingluo was teaching the little emperor how to read. Seeing him coming, Zhao Yingluo ordered the palace people to take the little emperor out to play, while she motioned for Wen Boyuan to come closer. "General Wen Boyuan, please see Her Royal Highness the Princess." Wen Boyuan knelt on one knee and saluted respectfully. "Wen Boyuan, do you know why I summoned you today?" There was a hint of expectation in Zhao Yingluo's voice. Wen Boyuan raised his head slightly and felt a shiver in his heart when he saw the spring-filled expression on Zhao Yingluo's face. He thought for a moment and then replied: "The general is too stupid to speculate on Her Highness the Princess's mind. However, according to the orders of Her Highness the Princess, the General will not hesitate to die." When Zhao Yingluo heard this, a satisfied smile appeared on her face. She knew that Wen Boyuan was a smart man who knew everything he knew. So she stopped beating around the bush and said directly: "I plan to appoint you as the leader of the Imperial City Department to take over Lan Gui's position." Wen Boyuan was stunned for a moment when he heard this, and then his face showed a look of ecstasy. He did not expect that Zhao Yingluo would value him so much and actually entrust him with such an important position. He knew that this was Zhao Yingluo's trust and importance in him, and it was also a great opportunity for him to display his talents. "Thank you so much for your love, Your Highness!" Wen Boyuan knelt down and knelt down excitedly, "General, I will do my best to serve Your Highness the Princess!" Zhao Yingluo couldn't help feeling a little emotional when she saw Wen Boyuan's excited look. Reforming the military system is a difficult road, but as long as there are talents like Wen Boyuan to help, she believes that she will be able to succeed. Once Wen Boyuan completely controls the Imperial City Division, it will not be difficult to control the ministers and generals of the government and the public. And Wen Boyuan did not disappoint Zhao Yingluo's expectations. He completed the rectification and cleanup of the Imperial City Division in just ten days after taking office. He eliminated the cronies and remnants of Lan Gui's party and replaced them with people he could trust.