Chapter 900 - 89: Wanyan Liang’s Decision, Jin Retreats North

Time continued to flow ceaselessly.

Wanyan Digü ultimately managed to control his anger, not venting it on others once more, but instead stayed alone deep within the palace, with countless thoughts flashing through his mind.

He walked to the large map, his gaze sweeping over the war-torn Jiangnan, sweeping over the critically endangered Huai River defense line, and finally lingering for a long time on the great river winding northward to his homeland.

"Gu Hui... what a prudent and steady tactician," he murmured to himself, his voice devoid of emotion, "He intends to slowly exhaust me to the bone in this gentle land of Jiangnan."

He understood that Gu Hui’s "slowness" was the most terrifying.

Not giving him the chance for a decisive battle, not giving him an excuse for a desperate fight, but rather squeezing with the tide and eroding with people’s hearts bit by bit.

If this drags on, forget about counterattacking, even the last tens of thousands of truly capable warriors in his hands may have all their edge dulled through endless suppression, stifling, and expenditure, eventually buried in this foreign land.

"I can’t wait any longer..." The last glimmer of luck in his eyes extinguished, replaced by a nearly ruthless decision. "I can lose, I can retreat to White Mountain Black Water, but the roots of Da Jin must not be severed by my hand!"

As he spoke, he involuntarily touched the emperor’s ceremonial robe on his body.

Even his gaze inevitably revealed struggle, and even his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

This was an extremely difficult decision.

Throughout history, there may have been very few who could make such a decision.

Withdrawing from the Central Plains... was equivalent to relinquishing the throne.

Even if he did not abdicate, it would be impossible to maintain his current influence.

But what else could he do?

Perhaps Wanyan Digü’s greatest strength was his clarity.

The fact that he could choose to rebel first proves this point.

And now he’s just making a decision that benefits himself most and benefits the entire Jurchen tribe the most.

No matter what... he had to leave a retreat for the Jurchen.

And between White Clouds and Black Water was the best choice.

The next day, inside the Chuigong Hall.

Wanyan Digü summoned his ministers, regaining his usual, undeniable authority and toughness on his face.

"The troublemakers in Jiangnan are nothing to fear," his voice boomed like a bell as he heavily slapped his hand on the map at Yingtian’s location, "If Gu Hui wants Jiangnan, he’ll have to pay with his life!"

"Issue my decree: Han Chang’s forces, hold fast the line from Huaidong to Yangzhou, not an inch is to be ceded!"

"Reinforce all fortresses and strongholds along the way!"

"Conscript all able-bodied men, draft them as Auxiliary Soldiers!"

"Tell the soldiers, hold firm here, I will stand with them in Yingtian and engage in a life-and-death battle!"

He posed as if he was ready to fight Gu Hui to the death in Jiangnan, swearing to coexist with the territory.

Command after command was issued.

Wanyan Digü continuously mobilized resources, repaired city defenses, punished inept military leaders, rewarded brave warriors, and even publicly executed several officers spreading pessimistic sentiments.

The entirety of Yingtian and even the surrounding Jin Army-controlled areas were instantly enveloped in a tense atmosphere of impending battle, as if the emperor truly intended to stage one last, desperate stand here.

However, in the dead of night, unbeknownst to anyone, Wanyan Digü secretly summoned his eldest son, Wanyan Guangying, and two absolutely loyal, trusted elder ministers who managed the Jurchen elite troops and royal treasures.

Candlelight flickered, reflecting on three extremely solemn faces.

"Guangying, listen," Wanyan Digü’s voice was pressed to a low pitch, devoid of the daytime’s enthusiasm, carrying only a weighty entrustment, "I stay in Yingtian to buy you time. I will attract Gu Hui’s and the world’s attention here, posing for a decisive battle."

He looked at the two elder ministers, "The two of you, assist Guangying, under the pretext of transporting important items to Kaifeng and recruiting support troops and grain to the north, start preparing immediately."

"Secretly smuggle the most precious gold, jade, manuscripts, craftsman rosters, maps of the former Liaodong troops, and those skilled in city-building, ironworks, literacy, those Han craftsman families, batch by batch out of Yingtian, through Kaifeng, retreat to Donglai."

"Wait for an opportunity to return to the Northern Border!"

"Remember, actions must be secret, but the route must be secure."

"The escorts along the way must be our own Jurchen old tribes. Not a single Han official is to handle core matters!"

"Guangying," he gripped his eldest son’s hand firmly, his gaze intense, "Your task is not to fight, but to safely take these seeds back to the Northern Border!"

"After returning, don’t rush for power, first stabilize the old land, contact the tribes, resume production, and drill the troops."

"The prosperity of the Central Plains is tempting, but never forget, our roots are in the grasslands and forest seas!"

"No matter how strong Gu Hui is, his methods may not suit the cold northern country."

"As long as the seeds are there, the roots are still there, and there’s still a chance to rise again!"

His expression was extremely serious.

Though a hint of struggle remained in his eyes, his determination was exceptionally firm!

"Father Emperor..." Wanyan Guangying’s body trembled uncontrollably, earnestly looking at Wanyan Digü, "Is it really necessary to do this?"

"We still have forces!"

"We still have Jiangnan to contend for!"

His voice paused slightly, trembling as he said, "Why go this far?"

Why go this far!

This was Wanyan Guangying’s truest thought!

Returning to the Northern Border, the cost for all of them was too immense!

Perhaps because of his youth, although Wanyan Guangying understood the dire situation facing them, he was still reluctant to take this step.