Chapter 862 - 71: Yue Fei Breaks Through the Northern Border, Orders Arrive!

"Draft the decree—"

"Summon Gu Yi, General-in-Chief of the Northern Border Army, to return to the court at once!"

—The situation has been decided!

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Qin Hui, Wan Qixie, and others shouted in unison, their faces barely concealing their delight. On the other hand, officials in favor of continuing the battle such as Wang Shu looked ashen; some still wanted to advise against it, but their colleagues subtly held them back—since the imperial will was decided, any further argument was futile.

Gu Yi was also observing this scene, and after seeing Zhao Gou make the decision, his gaze naturally fell once again on the Northern Border.

Could this be fate?

At this moment, the wind and snow in the Northern Border seemed to grow even fiercer.

And so Yue Fei and others pushed deeper into the Northern Border amidst the storm, engaging in their final battle!

....

Time fleetingly passed.

Holy Mountain Royal Court.

At this moment, the wind and snow had briefly subsided, and the setting sun bled across the land, casting a layer of somber gold and red upon the snow.

The royal standard, symbolizing Wanyan Digü’s core of power, slowly toppled amid the towering flames, eventually reduced to ashes on the ground.

The surviving guards abandoned their helmets and armor, kneeling in the snow, shivering.

"We won! We won!" The cries of ecstasy erupted among the Song Army soldiers, echoing in all directions.

Countless soldiers who had endured bloody battles with tears in their eyes waved their weapons.

Years of warfare, countless sacrifices.

They had finally, at this moment, broken through the enemy’s last stronghold!

Yue Fei stood by his sword before the ruins of the royal court, blood and frost congealed on his cold armor.

He gazed at the cheering soldiers and the conquered land, yet his long-furrowed brow remained unrelaxed.

Indeed, he had learned of Wanyan Digü’s plan.

However, it did not originate from the Central Plains.

Rather, it came from the mouths of captives.

His connection with the Central Plains was too weak, especially under the circumstance where the court deliberately blocked information, he was unaware of all this, and the consequence could only be one that left him powerless.

He could only do his utmost to swiftly capture the Northern Border, forcing Wanyan Digü and his troops to return.

—He did not believe these people would abandon the Northern Border.

After all, from the perspective of the Central Plains’ defense, they could not settle there quietly, once the court was free to act, they would have to return to the Northern Border.

Yet he had already prepared a plan in mind.

Since he had captured the royal court.

All that remained was forcing these people back, and he could cooperate from inside and out to completely annihilate these Jurchen rebel forces here, eradicating all threats.

"Quickly report to the court with expedited dispatch, detailing that our army has captured the royal court, and the grand situation of the Northern Border is settled."

"Request the court to exert pressure on the Central Plains, driving the remnants of the enemy back north."

He issued his orders sternly.

After speaking, he immediately instructed the soldiers to rest on the spot, ready to march towards Liaodong Port at any moment.

Afterwards, he immediately sent a message to Gu Hui, informing him of all his actions.

This, in his view.

Ensured there would be absolutely no accidents, considering the Ryukyu Navy was present, the only retreat for these people was Liaodong!

But... even before the army set off for Liaodong Port.

The imperial edict was delivered under such circumstances.

"The imperial edict has arrived—"

"Gu Yi, General-in-Chief of the Northern Border Army, receive the edict—!"

"The edict says— Gu Yi, General-in-Chief of the Northern Border Army, has ventured into desolate land, repeatedly repelling the enemy, laboring diligently with great merit, and I am very gratified."

"However, now the Central Plains is full of troubles, with harrying raids and the state is precarious."

"For the sake of the overall situation, to cease warfare and pacify the people, order Gu Yi to immediately hand over military authority over the Northern Border and return to the court for reassignment."

"Henceforth, the old land of the Northern Border shall be loosely governed without the stationing of large armies, to prevent the drain of national resources."

"This is commanded—"

When the eunuch’s voice echoed through the area, even the wind and snow seemed to pause in that moment.

At that instant—

Yue Fei’s mind had not the slightest thought of questioning why nor any anger, only memories of the various trials over the years, the hardships along the path, and the soldiers who had fallen on this journey.

And in the end, all that remained in his mind were the words Gu Hui once spoke to him.

....

(Ps: Kneeling in plea for monthly tickets, begging the brothers for more support, Yu is immensely grateful.)