In the tenth year of Shaoxing, in Lin'an's Hall of Great Celebration, A Dou opened his eyes and gazed at the ornate beams and painted rafters.
Below the steps, someone spoke: "Your Majesty, the northern campaign has been halted. We should make peace with the Jurchens..."
The northern campaign? A Dou slapped the table and jumped to his feet. "A northern campaign? Excellent! The whole nation will support Yue Fei in continuing the fight! Yue Fei is my A Dou's adoptive father! Open Kaifeng and march on the capital..."
Qin Hui advised him to halt the campaign and execute Yue Fei? He must be a Jin spy! Evidence? "There is no need for evidence!"
Ten years later, with the capital recaptured, the realm unified, and the people living in peace, A Dou closed his eyes in satisfaction.
When he opened them again, it was the second year of Chongzhen, and he was sitting in the imperial throne hall.
Below the steps, someone spoke: "Your Majesty, Huang Taiji has reached the walls of the capital. We should make peace with the Jurchens..."
A Dou: ...
