Chapter 23: That Is the Voice of the People, a United Front Across the City

The civil and military officials were all gathered at the palace gates to pay their respects. Only those qualified to attend court were present, and nearly all the high-ranking ministers from the various departments and offices were in attendance. When they saw the Emperor dressed in full military armor, they were shocked.

"Mei Zhili."

The Minister of Revenue, Mei Zhili, stepped forward: "I am here, Your Majesty."

"How is the procurement of grain proceeding?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, within three days, the Ministry of Revenue has procured 50,000 shi (6 million jin) of grain within the city. Everything was handed over to Minister Zhang Shuye early this morning."

"Good. You have done well. Now that we are at war, I have already ordered the palace to reduce all daily expenditures by two-thirds."

"Your Majesty is truly wise."

"I hope that you all will also exercise self-discipline and help us weather this crisis together. As for your salaries, I have instructed the Ministry of Revenue to record them; once the Jin forces retreat and taxes are collected from the provinces, they will be paid in full."

The officials replied in unison: "We shall strictly heed the Emperor’s holy instruction."

"Good! Everyone, follow me to the South City Gate. The Jin forces are attacking today; let us go and boost the morale of our soldiers."

As soon as the Emperor spoke, many of the officials present turned pale. What? Your Majesty, are you dreaming?

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Chen Jieran, immediately stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I have recently caught a cold and am feeling unwell. I ask for your permission to return home to recuperate."

Following his lead, several other ministers began to fidget, clearly unwilling to go to the city walls. What a joke! We are scholars and officials; how can we go to such a dangerous place? If you want to go, Your Majesty, go yourself, but don't drag us into it.

Zhao Ning spoke: "Imperial Physician Hu, go and take Minister Chen's pulse."

Physician Hu responded and walked over. Chen Jieran had not expected that the Emperor would have an imperial physician ready to go. As the physician grabbed his wrist, Chen felt as if he had been burned and immediately pulled his hand back: "Your Majesty, I suddenly feel much better."

Seeing that the Emperor even had a physician prepared, the others quickly shrank back.

"Since there is no problem, then let us go." Zhao Ning did not dwell on the matter; the priority was the defense of the city.

The Emperor led the entourage out of the city, heading toward the south. Along the way, the common people of Dongjing could be seen everywhere.

Some were shouting loudly: "The Jin thieves are here! Let’s go near the city walls and see if the defenders need any help!"

"Hey, I’ve carried out half the grain from my home; I’m taking it to the South City Gate right now!"

"I’ve brought mine out too, and I intend to help defend the city!"

"Not a single Jin thief shall enter today!"

The enthusiasm of the people was high. Even neighbors who usually bickered stopped arguing, swapping supplies and joining the large crowd in groups of twos and threes. In some areas, local organizations were distributing weapons—swords, axes, wooden clubs, and even hoes. At a time like this, the court no longer prohibited the carrying of weapons.

In the East City, people were even lining up to receive weapons. Since the publication of the "Dongjing Daily," the entire city seemed to have been ignited overnight. The courage and the desire to protect their homes were drowning out the panic and confusion within the city walls.

"The Emperor is passing! Make way!"

Suddenly, a voice rang out as armored soldiers of the Palace Guard cleared a path for the Emperor's procession. The Emperor led the ministers onward as the streets of Dongjing teemed with people.

Suddenly, someone shouted: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Great Song!"

This cry completely ignited the crowd.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Great Song!"

The sound, like a tidal wave, swept across the Imperial Street, rolling in waves from the front of the palace to the South Gate of the inner city. The first stage of the united front had been achieved.

Surrounded by his guards, Zhao Ning looked at the sea of people. He saw women carrying baskets, handing eggs to the passing guards, and others offering their own steamed buns. Their eyes were filled with a longing for the peace and safety of their homes. When war comes, the individual is as insignificant as an ant.

A month ago, when the Jin army arrived at the city walls, an immense iron curtain had shrouded the city. The entire city had been suppressed for too long. Countless people had been stifled for too long. The Emperor's previous policy of non-resistance had left many who wanted to defend their country feeling deeply depressed.

Yet, in these last few days, the Vice Governor of Kaifeng had been beheaded, imperial officers had been beheaded, and a Ministry of Military Affairs official had been beheaded! It allowed everyone to see the Emperor's brand-new attitude. When people still harbored doubts—wondering if the Emperor would suddenly change his mind as he had so often over the past year—the "Dongjing Daily" was published.

This was the first time the Emperor had engaged with the citizens of the entire city at such close range. The sentiment for war had been fermenting, and today, it finally erupted.

Zhao Ning wanted to say to his ministers: "Look, this is the voice of the people! No one can stop this voice! Those who comply shall prosper; those who resist shall perish."

Zhao Ning waved to the people around him. He wondered if anyone might attempt an assassination, but it was highly unlikely. Although the Song Emperors had been somewhat weak, their nature had always been gentle. They even opened parts of the imperial gardens to the public. Otherwise, even after the humiliation of the Jingkang Incident, the people across the land would not have continued to bargain with the Jin in hopes of supporting the Song Emperor again.

The cheers continued to spread. Even the courtesans from outside the Donghua Gate had rushed over. Even the guards on the city walls could hear them.

Snow was drifting in the sky, but today, Dongjing was more vibrant than it had ever been.

Outside the city, the Jin army, currently forming their ranks, also heard the calls from within. Wanyan Zongwang, stationed to the west, glanced at Liu Yanzong: "What is happening?"

"It should be the Song Emperor making an appearance."

Wanyan Zongwang said in a deep voice: "Does he dare to ascend the city walls at a time like this?"

No one answered his question, for the roar from within Bianliang seemed as if it would pierce the clouds. For the first time, the Jin felt the spirit of the Song people.

Wanyan Zongwang ordered: "Shemu! I give you 2,000 men; you shall lead the vanguard!"

"As you command!"

To the south, the commander-in-chief, Wanyan Zonghan, looked grim. He ordered: "Yinshuke!"

Wanyan Yinshuke, known as the "Little War God" of the Jurchen, stepped forward: "I am here!"

"I give you 3,000 men; you shall lead the vanguard to attack the city!"

"As you command!"

Zhao Ning soon arrived at the South Gate, while Zhang Shuye went to the West Gate. The road from the inner city to the outer city had been cleared to make room for supply transport, and the citizens were very disciplined, causing no chaos. A great disaster, combined with the Emperor's series of actions, had finally brought unprecedented unity to Dongjing.

"We can win. As long as we hold firm, we can protect our homes!"

The first thing the Emperor said upon arriving was a heartening declaration. He held a rolled-up piece of paper, acting like a megaphone. His voice echoed near the city walls, filled with strength. Countless eyes watched him, and as the snow fell upon everyone, it made a soft, pattering sound.

Standing on the city wall, the Emperor shouted: "Next, the Jin thieves will launch countless cruel attacks against us!"

"It doesn't matter! Let them come!"

"However long they attack, we shall hold for that long!"

"If the city falls, I shall take up the sword myself and fight the enemy alongside you!"

"Since ancient times, who has not faced death? Let my loyal heart shine in the annals of history!"

Zhao Ning’s final words completely dispelled the last shred of fear. When individuals are alone, they are clear-headed and particularly sensitive to fear and the unknown. But once an individual enters a group—and once that group takes the same action and shouts the same slogans—it quickly replaces the individual's unique thinking, causing them to merge into the collective. Once the individual is integrated, it becomes difficult to think independently.

Zhao Ning did not need them to think independently; he needed them to reach a united front.

After speaking, the Emperor ascended the city wall, and the ministers were forced to follow. The outer wall of Dongjing was 13 meters high—a full four stories tall—and built of brick. In the age of cold weapons, such a wall was almost impossible to breach unless bombarded by heavy artillery. Moreover, there was a barbican, making the defense even more formidable.