If there isn’t enough money, then use women to make up the numbers—in any case, isn’t that exactly what they did throughout history!

To be honest, at this moment William Harris almost thought about giving up.

What he had received was basically a hell-level scenario!

The difficulty here wasn’t about how powerful the enemy was. Whether it was eight years or fourteen years, as long as you kept going, there would always be a day of victory.

But what was going on with the current situation?

From top to bottom, it was a bunch of spineless cowards. Charles Harris wanted to run away, the officials wanted to just muddle through, and in this vast Song dynasty, how many brave warriors were left who dared to fight?

William Harris’s heart was trembling.

The officials also sensed that something was different, and all bowed their heads in shame, especially the Minister of Revenue, Patrick Lee, who wished he could bury his head between his legs. As long as there was a shred of shame left, it was impossible not to feel embarrassed.

At that moment, Thomas Lee suddenly stepped forward and spoke urgently, “Your Majesty, I believe we must not even consider peace talks. The Jurchens are savage and greedy, coming from a bitterly cold land to invade this prosperous world. No matter how much we give them, they will never be satisfied. Only by fighting can we talk peace. Once we win a few major battles and blunt their momentum, then perhaps we can discuss peace. If we try now, I fear we’ll get nothing even if we beg for it!”

These words from Thomas Lee made William Harris nod to himself.

To be honest, when Thomas Lee had previously clamored to pursue the six traitors, William Harris had hesitated, thinking Thomas Lee didn’t understand the bigger picture and lacked the bearing of a prime minister.

But now, seeing this group, it really was hard to stay calm.

Having such a staunch advocate for war in the court was incredibly important!

“Mr. Lee! You misunderstood me. I will never negotiate peace with the Jurchens. I can give the Song’s money and provisions to the brave warriors who dare to fight, to the people of the Song, but never to the Jurchens! Not a single coin!”

William Harris turned to Patrick Lee and said, “From now on, the Ministry of Revenue will follow Mr. Lee’s orders. All funds and resources are to be used for resisting the Jurchens. Don’t even think about any damn peace talks. I would rather die in battle than beg for peace and live in disgrace!”

“Your Majesty is wise!” The one who shouted this was not one of the officials originally in the hall, but Richard Lee, who had just entered from outside, holding Charles Harris’s edict of self-blame as he quickly walked up to William Harris.

This Vice Minister Lee, in the time it took to go and return, had not only acquired an edict of self-blame, but one of his eyes was now bruised and swollen, with obvious signs of blood and even tears.

William Harris saw this and couldn’t help but ask, “Did the Retired Emperor hit you?”

“No!”

Richard Lee shook his head vigorously, raised his chin, and said excitedly, “Your Majesty, it was a student from the Imperial Academy who hit me. Not only do I not hate him, on the contrary, I am grateful to him. It was his punch that woke me up and made me see things clearly!”

William Harris took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “Get up and explain yourself!”

Richard Lee nodded forcefully, leapt to his feet, and, full of energy, addressed everyone: “I was ordered to go to Longde Palace to ask the Retired Emperor to issue an edict of self-blame. Everything went smoothly, but as I was leaving, a young man suddenly rushed out and punched me hard. Not only did he hit me, he also cursed me out! He said I was misleading the Retired Emperor and trying to run away, which was truly shameful! He wanted to root out traitors for the country and said he’d cut off my head and hang it up with Tong Guan’s!”

Richard Lee spoke at length, not the least bit angry, but instead gesticulating animatedly.

“When I say that punch woke me up, that’s what I mean. Your Majesty said the people of the world see things clearly and know what the court is up to. I didn’t believe it before, but now I’ve seen it for myself. Your Majesty is right—whoever advocates for peace, whoever fears the Jurchen bandits, is a coward and will be spat upon by the people, leaving a shameful name for all eternity!”

Richard Lee’s words left everyone dumbfounded—not because his reasoning was so flawless that everyone was convinced, but because they were shocked at how quickly this guy could change his tune!

Can you even remember what you said last December?

Richard Lee seemed not to notice, and just continued, “Your Majesty, I just heard that funds are running low. I boldly suggest we immediately confiscate Tong Guan’s mansion and turn his assets over to the state. Also, Ethan Brooks plotted against the imperial envoy, a grave crime. I think we should immediately seize the Cai family’s property to replenish the national treasury!”

At this moment, Richard Lee was so impassioned he even surpassed Thomas Lee, becoming the new standard-bearer for resisting the Jurchens.

But everyone present was a seasoned veteran. After a brief surprise, they quickly realized that Richard Lee was going all out to cozy up to the emperor, clinging to William Harris’s coattails!

After all, his nickname as the “playboy prime minister” was well known. As for face, that was long gone—might as well sell it for a good price while he could.

Do people look down on him?

They certainly do.

But from another perspective, you can’t help but admire him.

William Harris pondered for a moment, fully aware of the situation. Although Richard Lee wasn’t a good person, he did lack a vicious dog to bite others, so there was no reason to refuse.

“Mr. Lee, go announce the Retired Emperor’s edict now, then confiscate Tong Guan’s assets. As for the Cai family?”

Everyone’s hearts instantly leapt—could it be that Grand Master Brooks, who had been an official for fifty years, was about to fall? Everyone was on edge.

“First arrest Ethan Brooks, and thoroughly investigate this scoundrel.”

“Your servant obeys!”

Richard Lee gritted his teeth. He was right—His Majesty was a wise man, and a wise man wouldn’t be manipulated by the likes of Thomas Lee.

As long as he kept His Majesty satisfied, he would have the capital to remain standing in the court.