In the twenty-fifth year of the Shaoxing era, Zhao Bozong awoke from a nightmare. He had become a seventh-generation descendant of Emperor Taizu of Song and the future Emperor Xiaozong of Song, the ruler whose northern campaign failed due to interference from all sides and who died in despair. It was eight years earlier than in the history books, and he was only twenty. Qin Hui was still alive, Wanyan Liang was sharpening his blades in the north, and Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou, said to him, “I’m tired.” A soul from a later generation, trained at a military academy, would have to build a truly battle-ready army in this half of a shattered realm. This time, the northern campaign would not fail!
