Northern Song Dynasty: Counterattack and became emperor after the Jingkang Revolution

Afterwards, Zhao Yingluo discussed with the generals and decided that Hu Zhongda would temporarily take command of the surrendered soldiers to strictly enforce military discipline and calm people's hearts.

Zhao Zhen, on the other hand, took several soldiers and went to various places in the city to look for talents.

On this day, Zhao Zhen came to a manor in the south of Luoyang City.

The manor here is quite impressive. There are two stone lions standing in front of the door, and a plaque hanging on the lintel reads "Cui Mansion".

"I heard that Cui Hao, the owner of Cui Mansion, was a famous talent in the Song Dynasty. He was once the top scholar in high school and became famous all over the world for his talent. However, he was aloof and informal, so he was never reused." A soldier told Zhao Hazel introduced.

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly, "In that case, let's go visit Mr. Cui and see if he is willing to serve me, Da Song."

With that said, Zhao Zhen stepped forward and knocked on the door. Soon a servant came to open the door.

After Zhao Zhen expressed his intention to come, the servant introduced him into the mansion.

In the living room of the mansion, Zhao Zhen met Cui Hao. Cui Hao is about forty years old, with a thin face and bright eyes. He was wearing a white robe and looked elegant.

"Is this Mr. Cui?" Zhao Zhen clasped his fists and saluted, "My wife, Zhao Zhen, is here to visit you."

Cui Hao looked at Zhao Zhen and said, "You are..."

"I am the general of Princess Zhao Yingluo of the Song Dynasty." Zhao Zhen replied briefly.

Cui Hao frowned slightly, "It turns out he is a subordinate of Her Royal Highness the Princess. I wonder what you are here for?"

Zhao Zhen said bluntly: "I came here this time to invite you to join our princess and serve the Song Dynasty together."

Cui Hao sneered when he heard this, "Serving the Song Dynasty? Now the Song Dynasty court is corrupt and treacherous ministers are in power. Why should I sacrifice my life for a country that is about to perish?"

Zhao Zhen had expected that he would say this, and replied calmly: "Sir, what you said is wrong. Although our Song Dynasty has suffered a temporary setback, our country is prosperous and will never perish easily. And Her Royal Highness the Princess is even more wise and powerful. She wants to revive the glory of the Song Dynasty and let the people live and work in peace and contentment. If you, sir, can assist Her Royal Highness, you will surely realize your ambition."

Cui Hao was silent for a moment, "What you said makes some sense. But I, Cui Hao, am a man of idle clouds and wild cranes. I am used to a free life and do not want to get involved in disputes."

Zhao Zhen's heart sank, but she still did not give up, "I understand your concerns, sir. But now Luoyang City has been occupied by the army of my princess. If you can surrender, sir, you will definitely be reused. Moreover, our princess, we are looking for talents." Thirst will definitely provide a stage for Mr. Xie to display his talents.”

Cui Hao thought for a moment and said: "What you said makes sense. Let's go back first and I will give you a reply after I think about it."

"Then thank you sir." Zhao Zhen cupped her fists and saluted.

Back in the city, Zhao Zhen told Zhao Yingluo about the conversation with Cui Hao. Zhao Yingluo nodded slightly after hearing this, "Cui Hao is indeed a rare talent, but he has an arrogant personality and needs to be treated with sincerity."

"Yes, my brother understands." Zhao Zhen said, "However, if you want to recruit more talents, you must stabilize the situation as soon as possible and let the people live and work in peace and contentment, so that more talents can be attracted to join us."

"Of course, I will deal with this as soon as possible." Zhao Yingluo said, "By the way, you can find some literati and have them write some articles to promote the achievements of our army and publish them everywhere to inspire people." Brother, let’s do it right now.” Zhao Zhen responded with clasped fists.

At the same time, in another manor in Luoyang City.

The manor here is quite elegant, surrounded by bamboo trees and gurgling water. The owner of the manor is a scholar named Xie An. He was extremely intelligent since he was a child. He was well-read in poetry and books, and his talent and beauty were praised for a while. However, because of his withdrawn personality and lack of sociability, he was never reused by the court.

On this day, Xie An was studying in his study when he suddenly heard an announcement from his servant that Zhao Zhen, a subordinate of the Princess of the Song Dynasty, was visiting. Xie An frowned slightly, feeling a little unhappy. But then I thought about it, I have never been able to serve the country, and now the princess is recruiting talents, which may be an opportunity. So he tidied up his clothes and went out to greet her.

In the study, Zhao Zhen explained the reason for her visit to Xie An. Xie An pondered for a moment after hearing this, "Although I have some talents, I have no experience in leading troops in combat. Moreover, I am indifferent to fame and fortune by nature, and I do not want to get involved in court disputes."

Zhao Zhen's heart sank, but she still advised: "Sir, there is no need to be humble. Leading an army in battle requires more than just force, it also requires strategy and wisdom. It is precisely because of your talent and knowledge that Her Royal Highness came to invite you. Mr. If I can assist Her Royal Highness, I will surely realize my ambition."

After thinking for a moment, Xie An said: "What you said makes sense. Let's go back first, and I will give you a reply after I think about it."

"Then thank you sir." Zhao Zhen cupped her fists and saluted.

Back in the city, Zhao Zhen told Zhao Yingluo about the conversation with Xie An. Zhao Yingluo smiled faintly after hearing this, "Although Xie An is indifferent to fame and wealth, his talent and knowledge are exactly what I need. I will send someone a letter to explain to him my philosophy of governing the country and my view of talents. I hope that he can Impress him."

"Yes, I understand." Zhao Zhen said, "In addition, I also heard that there are many secluded wise men in Luoyang City. Maybe we can visit them one by one."

"Very good, just go and do it." Zhao Yingluo nodded.

Not long after, Zhao Zhen stepped into the elegant manor in Luoyang City again. He brought a letter written by Zhao Yingluo, which elaborated on Zhao Yingluo's philosophy of governing the country and his views on talents. After Xie An read the letter, he thought for a long time. He understood that this princess of the Song Dynasty was truly thirsty for talents and had lofty ambitions, and was not a powerful official usurping the throne.

"I admire the princess's mind and talent." Xie An said to Zhao Zhen, "I will consider going out to help the princess."

Zhao Zhen was overjoyed when she heard this, "It's the princess's fortune that your husband has come out of the mountain. I will go back and inform the princess right away."

In the study room of the manor, Xie An continued to immerse himself in Zhao Yingluo's letters. He pondered over and over the idea of ​​the princess and felt that the future she described was full of hope. Just as he was deep in thought, the servant came in and reported that there was a group of people outside the manor, claiming to be the messenger sent by the princess.

Xie An smiled slightly, knowing that this should be the person sent by the princess to pick him up and go to Kaifeng. He straightened his clothes and walked out of the manor. He saw a gorgeous carriage parked outside the manor, surrounded by dozens of knights, all of them heroic.

"Mr. Xie, Her Royal Highness the Princess has specially ordered me to come and greet you." The leading cavalryman saluted with clasped fists.

Xie An nodded, "Excuse me, please lead the way."

After Zhao Zhen left, Cui Hao meditated alone in the study. He was well aware of the corruption of the Song Dynasty court, but at the same time he also saw the suffering of the people. Perhaps, this Song Dynasty princess can bring a glimmer of hope to the people.

After Xie An met Zhao Zhen and his party outside the manor, they set off for Kaifeng together. On the carriage, he had a lively conversation with Zhao Zhen. The two shared the same goals and were full of expectations for the future of the Song Dynasty.

Soon, the group arrived outside Kaifeng City. Zhao Yingluo had already heard the news and personally led a team of soldiers to greet him. She was dressed in military uniform, with a heroic appearance and a firm gaze.