Destroy Jin and conquer Song, and carry the Northern Expedition through to the end

Chapter 762 Those Who Walk Different Paths Cannot Make Plans Together (Part 1)

"The decree in my hand is of immense benefit to the men of Henan."

Shi Ju crossed the pontoon bridge and arrived at Pu San Zhongyi's camp. He then proceeded unimpeded to the central command tent, where he was greeted by Pu San Zhongyi's seemingly random and incoherent words.

Shi Ju frowned slightly but remained silent. He slowly sat down in the first seat on the right, the armor plates on his body rustling, drawing the attention of the generals in the tent.

Although it was wartime and theoretically all generals were not allowed to remove their armor, most of them were only wearing iron tunics. How could they possibly participate in military discussions while wearing heavy armor?

However, Pusan ​​Zhongyi, who was sitting in the first seat, did not seem to care about these trivial matters, just as he did not care that none of the Han army generals had come. He was only very happy.

Du Wuji stood behind Shi Ju, holding his sword, and hesitated upon seeing this scene.

The first person on the left, He Shilie Liangbi, also stood up and said, "This is not only good news for the Henan men, but it can be said to be beneficial to the entire army."

Upon hearing this, not only did Shi Ju frown, but even the officers from the Jurchen, Bohai, and Khitan tribes became somewhat uneasy.

The bad things the officials mentioned probably really are bad things. As for the good things... they are very likely to be good things for the officials, but when they fall on each individual, they are very likely to be a mountain pressing down on them.

Without further ado, Pu Sanzhongyi took out a document from a wooden box beside him, unfolded it, and loudly proclaimed, "Your Excellency, I have received the mandate of Heaven..."

After reading through a string of literary terms, even Du Wuji, who had a rudimentary understanding of literature, felt dizzy and confused, completely unable to grasp what the imperial decree was trying to say.

However, looking at Shi Ju's increasingly serious face, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

A moment later, Pusan ​​Zhongyi finished reading the imperial edict but offered no explanation. Meanwhile, Heshi Lie Liangbi immediately stood up and, to the astonishment of the generals, took out a roll of yellow silk from a wooden box beside him.

"Your Excellency, I have received the favor of Heaven..."

This time, not only was Shi Ju, who could understand the imperial decree, shocked, but even the most illiterate fools from all walks of life realized that something was wrong.

Could the Emperor of Pusan ​​Zhongyi and the Emperor of Heshi Lieliangbi be the same one?

Can the decrees of two emperors be the same thing?
He Shi Lie Liangbi seemed to know that the generals might not understand, so he quickly read it once and then smiled warmly, saying, "The imperial edict I just read was issued in Yanjing, while the Grand Marshal's edict was issued in Bianliang, but the meaning is the same."

"The state intends to reward meritorious officials with the land of Henan, and to establish regional military governorships in eight prefectures: Danzhou, Suzhou, Sizhou, Shouzhou, Yingzhou, Caizhou, Tangzhou, and Dengzhou, to reward your contributions."

That's all too clear.

Du Wuji's mind was buzzing, but he immediately saw the only two Henan men in the tent, Hou Yuanliang.

Seeing that the other person also looked shocked, he finally felt a little relieved.

Not to mention the two men from Henan who lost their composure, the reactions of the others in the tent were also varied.

First, let's talk about these two imperial edicts. Wanyan Yong's meaning was that he didn't want Henan at all and wanted to give it all away. After all, even Daming Prefecture might not be able to be saved at this point, so what was the point of keeping Henan?

However, Henan was within Wanyan Liang's sphere of influence, and the capital Bianliang was located there. With a stroke of his pen, Wanyan Yong abandoned Wanyan Liang's capital. How could Pusan ​​Zhongyi agree to this?

Therefore, after Pusan ​​Zhongyi reported the current situation to Bianliang, Crown Prince Wanyan Guangying corresponded with Wanyan Liang to discuss the matter, and then decided to grant these eight prefectures as fiefdoms.

This would inevitably involve enormous risks, because if these regional military governors were to be granted fiefdoms, they might very well turn against the government immediately.

However, the situation in southern Henan is now out of control, and it can't get any worse, so we might as well try anything as a last resort.

But for those who were rewarded, things became even more outrageous.

Of these eight prefectures, Suzhou and Sizhou are in the hands of the Han army. To take them back, a major battle might be necessary.

Shouzhou was the site of the decisive battle between the Song and Jin armies, and tens of thousands of Song troops are still holding out in Xia Cai!

As for Tang and Deng prefectures, they directly face Xiangfan, the territory of the Song state. Although Cheng Min was defeated by Pu San Zhongyi, who knows if he will launch another invasion?
Especially the Meng'an Mouke households, whose tribes and families are all in Hebei or even Liaodong, have nothing better to do than settle down in Henan?
On that day, Wanyan Liang lost the hearts of the people. Even the Meng'an of Hesuguan Road, like Wanyan Fushou, did not obey orders. Wasn't it because he forcibly moved the Meng'an Mouke households south?

However, for the only two Henan men present, Du Wuji and Hou Yuanliang also felt no joy.

If this decree had been sent last year, the two might have been more overjoyed. However, now that things have escalated to this point, with neither side showing any sign of backing down, maneuvering between them has become extremely difficult.

However, both Du Wuji and Hou Yuanliang understood one principle: everyone has their own personality, and just because someone is unwilling doesn't mean that others are not ambitious.

With so many powerful families in Henan, there will always be someone who wants to take a chance and achieve upward social mobility.

The key point is that these people with unclear minds can suddenly become both nominally and officially recognized, and you will have to obey their orders.

That's utter bullshit.

Shi Ju's face was gloomy as he looked at He Shi Lie Liangbi. After a long while, he finally smiled and said, "Lord Liangbi, Grand Marshal, I wonder if there will be any reward or honor for my position as Chancellor?"

He Shi Lie Liangbi's smile remained unchanged: "If Prime Minister Shi is willing, what's wrong with bestowing upon him a royal title?" Upon hearing this, Shi Ju's smile turned cold.

To be honest, if the Jin state's central government were truly sincere, he might believe it if they were to bestow the title of Duke upon Shi Ju at this time.

King?

Are you kidding me?
"Back then, when Emperor Gaozu of Han was defeated by Xiang Yu, he once said: 'I want to abandon the land east of the pass and wait to be abandoned. Who can share the credit with me?'" Shi Ju said slowly. "Now, Your Majesty is quite generous, wanting to reward your ministers with the land of Henan. I just don't know who will be so lucky as to become a figure like Han Xin, Peng Yue, or Ying Bu."

This time, it wasn't just the two men from Henan who realized what was happening; even those Jurchen people who had read some history books and heard some folk tales were now in a state of shock.

These three unlucky fellows were eventually dealt with by the Han Dynasty court. Who can guarantee that the Jin Dynasty's established vassal states won't suffer the same fate?
As long as you take this step, it's good if you can land safely and become a wealthy man; it's also common for your whole family to die.

What, you really want to use these eight provinces to fight for the world?
Heshi Lieliangbi shook his head and replied: "Lord Shi, you are wrong. If these three had not rebelled, how could Emperor Gaozu have dealt with them so easily?"

As long as the regional military governors are loyal to the country, why would the Jin dynasty harm them?

Shi Ju, too lazy to engage in such verbal sparring, stood up, flicked his sleeve, and said, "If you two are just going to spout such nonsense, then I'm afraid I won't keep you company."

Pu Sanzhongyi finally spoke up: "Lord Shi, please wait. We haven't gotten to the main topic yet. The main reason for summoning all the generals is to discuss a joint attack on Xia Cai."

Upon hearing this, Shi Ju waved his hand immediately: "Don't even think about attacking Xia Cai."

Xiao Cai is separated from Shouchun of the Song state by the Huai River. At this time, a large number of reinforcements with food and supplies may have already gathered here. Our army has no navy on the Huai River. How can we break through Xiao Cai?

This isn't a battle against tens of thousands of Song troops; it's a war of attrition against the manpower and resources of the Huai River region and even the Jiangnan region. How can we possibly win?

The defensive system of two cities flanking a river is just that disgusting.

If the defending side can control the water, they can use their vast rear reserves to slowly wear down the attacking forces.

I sent a thousand men out of the city to meet the enemy, but we were utterly defeated. However, we have gathered ten thousand reinforcements behind the river to support us. Can you outlast me?
Pu Sanzhongyi was not annoyed, and smiled at Shi Ju, saying, "In your opinion, Master Shi, what should we do now?"

Shi Ju glanced at He Shi Lie Liangbi, then replied, "Actually, this should have been done long ago. While our army has defeated the three Song armies, we should immediately send envoys to the Song court to intimidate them and reach a peace agreement."

The autumn harvest is just around the corner. Let's not waste any more time here. Otherwise, if Yu Yunwen seizes the opportunity to launch a counterattack, even a minor defeat would be enough to throw the situation into chaos again.

Heshi Lieliangbi shook his head and replied, "Prime Minister Shi's vision is too limited. If we cannot completely subdue the Song state with military might and annihilate this elite Song force, how can our army return safely? How can these few vassal states in the Central Plains live in peace?"

Let's not even mention these few warlords, when will this ever end?
Shi Ju had a slight headache, but still replied with a smile, "Then, according to Prime Minister Liangbi's suggestion, how can we take Xia Cai? You must know that Xia Cai was previously a border city defending against the Song state, and it is exceptionally fortified. Now, it is also being held firmly by the Song state's elite army. Are we just going to send our men to their deaths like this?"

Heshi Lieliangbi laughed and said, "Of course, I'm not sending the righteous soldiers to their deaths..."

As he spoke, Heshilie Liangbi's gaze swept across the faces of the Jurchen officers, his smile widening: "Aren't there many Han men in Henan?"

Shi Ju fell silent upon hearing this.

The Jurchen officers, who were initially nervous about the impending assault on Cai, were taken aback by Heshi Lieliangbi's words and then burst into laughter.

Amid the laughter, only the two men from Henan were filled with anger and began to tremble.

Because Hou Yuanliang was located east of the Fei River, which was essentially within the main base of the Jin army, he ultimately dared not refute the statement for his own safety.

Du Wuji, however, disregarded this and directly addressed the matter, saying, "Lord Liangbi! Marshal Du! Can you really go back on your word that you would stop conscripting once the Chenzhou army arrived at Feishui to join you?"

Pu Chaping immediately stood up and scolded, "Du Wuji, you stray dog, who gave you the right to speak here?!"

Upon hearing this, Du Wuji became even more furious: "During military councils, there is no distinction between superiors and inferiors; everyone is entitled to speak. If you don't want me to speak, why are you making me participate in the military council?"
"Since the marshals and ministers have decided on this important matter, why don't you just issue the military orders? Pu Chaping, you were just spewing filth and eating pig excrement!"

Pu Chaping immediately drew his sword, and the Jurchen officers beside him also stood up to support their swords.

Facing a gleaming forest of blades, Du Wuji remained fearless, patting his chest armor and saying, "Since you've drawn your swords, then come and kill!"

"Stop!" It was Heshi Lieliangbi who spoke up: "In the commander's tent, who gave you the audacity to draw your swords against each other, especially against the future military governor of Zhenning?"

Du Wuji didn't react at first, but then, under Pu Chaping's somewhat mocking gaze, he realized that the so-called Zhenning Army Military Governor was actually himself!
Do I have to become a warlord myself?
Just as Du Wuji was about to retort, he heard He Shilie Liangbi say casually, "Prime Minister Shi, the conscription of soldiers in Henan is now a done deal. I'm just informing you."

Not only will Bianliang send troops, but we ourselves have also taken action, starting with Shouzhou.

"Du Jiedu, don't act like this. I know your troops have been wiped out. No matter how many conscripts are recruited this time, they will all be under your command in the end. You will be able to reorganize some troops."

Du Wuji trembled all over, but for a moment he didn't know what to say.

"I understand now, I finally understand." After a long silence, Shi Ju finally sighed, "So that's how it is, so that's how it is. Since Prime Minister Liangbi and the Grand Marshal have reached a conclusion, then so be it."

(End of this chapter)