In late May of the third year of Jianyan, the palace outside Hangzhou was heavily guarded, contrary to the usual.

Inside the hall, however, it was a comical scene.

Five men, the ruler and his officials, sat on the ground, drawing and discussing strategies on the sand table in front of them.

Among them was a general dressed in prisoner's clothing, covered in dirt and disorder, holding a bowl of noodles in his hand while talking.

It can be said that this scene completely overturned the impressions many people had of the imperial court.

This included Chen Gonggong, who had served three generations of emperors in the Great Song Dynasty.

Soon, some courtiers heard the news that the emperor was sending several armies north, but no one knew what they were going to do.

They also heard that the emperor had recalled Du Chong, who was suppressing bandits in Kaifeng.

Some people said, "The emperor is completely giving up the north. He even recalled Du Chong!"

Others said, "The emperor is gathering forces for a big battle!"

Only Qin Hui was dumbfounded because he saw Han Shizhong, who was wearing prisoner's clothing, being brought from the prison to the imperial palace to participate in an important military discussion.

Damn it, even this imprisoned loser can make a comeback...