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

Chapter 823 Who knows the truth of a life?
The outcome of the Central Plains War was relayed to all directions by military envoys.

Unlike the general anxiety and fear among the Song army commanders at the front, the rear immediately became a sea of ​​jubilation. Not only did the officials in the court congratulate each other, but the common people also spontaneously celebrated.

The happiest of them all was Zhao Shen, the newly appointed emperor of the Song Dynasty.

This Longxing Northern Expedition was initiated by Zhao Shen based on his personal prestige. To put it more clearly, the commanders and generals at the front received an imperial edict from Zhao Shen that was not countersigned by the prime minister, which was an illegal edict. The various pacification commissioners and military commissioners could have easily rejected it.

Firstly, this was a long-awaited opportunity for a northern expedition; secondly, Zhao Shen had just ascended the throne and needed prestige. Rejecting the imperial edict at this time would only cause Zhao Shen's prestige to plummet. Therefore, the generals and commanders strictly obeyed orders and went to fight desperately.

Although the Song court fully mobilized to support the Northern Expedition after the de facto situation was established, it cannot be denied that this large-scale military operation was a standard solo military campaign, only initiated by the emperor.

If he fails, Zhao Shen will not necessarily abdicate, but he will not be able to build his own political team for the next few years, nor will he be able to escape the shadow of Zhao Gou.

However, this resounding victory was not without its flaws.

Long Dayuan, the Director of the Imperial City Administration, was reporting to Zhao Shen in a low voice: "...Therefore, the deaths of Zhang Jun and Liu Bao are probably not without hidden reasons."

In front of his trusted confidants, Zhao Shen did not hide anything and said directly, "I am already aware of this matter. Prime Minister Yu has sent me a document in private."

Liu Bao was killed by Liu Dalang himself to avenge Wei Sheng; while Zhang Xiangong died from a sudden surge of anger and frustration during the conflict in the command tent that day.

This is something that's obvious to everyone and can't be hidden.

"Yes." Long Dayuan had only seen Yu Yunwen's official memorials, not the private letters, so he was unaware that this Prime Minister Yu was so thorough.

While publicly confirming that Liu Bao had died in the line of duty due to a relapse of an old injury, Yu Yunwen secretly reported the truth to Zhao Shen. As a result, Zhao Shen, somewhat prejudiced at the time, did not perceive anything amiss.

However, remembering Shi Hao's instructions, Long Dayuan gritted his teeth and said, "When Liu Dalang led his army to Xia Cai and attacked and killed Liu Bao, it was truly a heinous crime. Even if we don't rebel, it's still considered a rebellion."

Zhao Shen looked at Long Dayuan, who was bowing respectfully, for a moment before sighing and saying, "Alas... there's nothing we can do about it."

For Liu Bao's crime of obstructing military intelligence on the battlefield, which led to Wei Sheng's death, I will punish him even after we return to Lin'an.

To appease the generals of Shandong, Prime Minister Yu allowed Liu Dalang to personally execute him on the battlefield. Ultimately, this was a timely act of saving the day and he shouldn't be criticized.

Thinking of this, Zhao Shen became somewhat annoyed.

He wasn't angry that Liu Huai had killed a high-ranking general, but rather he genuinely resented the already deceased Liu Bao.

Yu Yunwen's private letter was delivered by fast horse, earlier than the intelligence obtained by the Imperial City Guard. Therefore, Zhao Shen, with his preconceived notions, felt that Liu Bao was utterly despicable.

If Liu Dalang hadn't realized something was wrong and rushed his troops south to rescue them, the Jin army would have annihilated the Loyal Army and then, riding the wave of their victory, pushed all the Song troops in Huaibei into the river. Who knows what the situation would be like now!

It must be understood that this Northern Expedition was initiated by Zhao Shen, who staked all his political prestige and even overdrawn much of his political future, in a willful and headstrong effort.

If we fail, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Liu Bao wasn't just trying to harm Wei Sheng; he was clearly trying to harm Emperor Zhao!
In actual history, after the failure of the Longxing Northern Expedition, Li Xianzong, who had made no mistakes from beginning to end, was directly demoted to the position of Deputy Military Commissioner of Guozhou. As for the main culprit, Shao Hongyuan, who was a high-ranking Grand Commandant, he disappeared without a trace, which is enough to show Zhao Shen's resentment at the time.

If Liu Bao were in front of him, Zhao Shen might have immediately ordered him to be skinned alive!
Long Dayuan's lips moved a few times before he finally looked up and said, "What about Liu Dalang... what should we do with him..."

Zhao Shen snorted coldly: "How do you want to deal with them? What did the Shandong troops do to offend the Song Dynasty in this battle?"
Liu Dalang annihilated the main force of the Jin invaders in Hebei, while Wei Sheng held back more than 10,000 Jin invaders in Suzhou before ultimately dying in battle.

Now, Prime Minister Yu has said that he will send Prime Minister Lu to Hebei as the military commissioner, and has also requested that officials be sent to Hebei to take charge of the local area. His attitude is extremely respectful to the court.

You want to deal with them? What reason do you want to use?
Was it because Liu Bao was killed, or because he insulted Minister Zhang? Or was it because Liu Dalang felt that the Song army was struggling in Huaibei and had made a ten-day, thousand-mile raid to reinforce them?

Long Dayuan forced a smile and said, "The Jingnan Army and the Loyal Righteous Army are independent forces, and Liu Dalang is isolated far from home. Sooner or later, he will develop ambitions..."

Zhao Shen finally had no choice but to look at Long Dayuan as if he were a piece of rotten wood that could not be carved: "According to you, should Cheng Min and Wu Gong be dealt with?"
What about the Wu family of Xichuan? Wu Lin has now conquered Guanzhong, and his son is quite capable. Could they eventually seize Guanzhong, Hanzhong, and Bashu, creating an even larger territory than Liu Bei?
"If all these people are dealt with, who will lead the northern expedition in my stead? Are you, Long Dayuan, up to the task? Or do you intend for me to personally lead the expedition?"

Long Dayuan could only bow his head and say he dared not.

Zhao Shen looked at Long Dayuan's cautious manner. After all, he was an old retainer from the Prince's residence. Although incompetent, he was still loyal, so he couldn't be too harsh on him. To put it bluntly, it was the duty of the Imperial City Guard to suspect officials outside the capital. If the Emperor's secret service only spoke well of officials outside the capital, that would be a terrible thing.

Zhao Shen sighed: "You made many contributions to this Northern Expedition. Since Prime Minister Shi Hao has already arranged an official title for you, just continue down this path."

Sanlang, just as Lord Yu said, the Northern Expedition is a good opportunity for us, and also the foundation for many people's livelihood.

If we fail, I will simply be able to seize power a few years later; but you may be exiled to the remote borderlands, where your fate is uncertain.

Long Dayuan knew that these were the Emperor's heartfelt words, and that even a single word of them could cause controversy throughout the court. Therefore, he could only nod and agree for the time being.

After leaving the palace, Long Dayuan went straight to the Hall of State Affairs to find Shi Hao.

At this time, although Shi Hao was the Right Chancellor, he shouldered most of the political affairs because the Left Chancellor Chen Kangbo was old and sick.

In other words, Shi Hao had effectively become the sole prime minister during this period and had tasted the power of absolute authority.

Long Dayuan quickly approached Shi Hao, straightened his clothes, bowed, and said, "Lord Shi, I have important matters to report to you, which need to be discussed in private."

Shi Hao nodded, then waved for the officials in the room to leave before personally pouring Long Dayuan a cup of tea: "What did His Majesty say?"

Long Dayuan took the teacup, sighed, and said, "What else can I say? The Emperor is far too trusting of Minister Yu and that Liu Dalang. Even though they have done such an overstepping act, the Emperor only considers it a timely measure and nothing serious."

Shi Hao carefully concealed the disappointment in his eyes and slowly nodded, saying, "It's not surprising. His Majesty is a man of great loyalty and righteousness. Otherwise, with our talents and experience, how could we have become key officials and the prime minister of the country so early?"

Long Dayuan could only nod in agreement, but he was somewhat unwilling: "If you ask me, Prime Minister Shi's concerns are reasonable. Although they are all commanders of the same army, how can Liu Dalang compare with Cheng Min, Wu Gong, Wu Lin and others?"

They are all loyal subjects of the Song Dynasty with clear and reliable backgrounds, while Liu Dalang is a general who suddenly appeared from outside the capital. His connections in Chuzhou are also uncertain, so it is indeed something to be wary of.

Shi Hao shook his head and sighed: "Everyone understands these principles, but ultimately, the Battle of Chaoxian is the foundation, which makes people like Minister Yu and Liu Dalang popular in the Emperor's heart."

It must be understood that this was not merely a rescue measure, but rather a preservation of the Song Dynasty's rule; no amount of praise is too much. It should also silence any doubters.

Long Dayuan glanced at Shi Hao and asked hesitantly, "Lord Shi, you asked me to speak to the Emperor about this matter. Could it be that you already anticipated this outcome and specifically sent me to suffer the consequences?"

Shi Hao pursed his lips and gently spat out a tea leaf from his mouth: "Sigh... Old Long, it's been so long, how come you haven't made any progress at all?"

"A place like the Imperial City Guard requires you to tell the emperor the absolute truth, to voice all your speculations and thoughts, without fear of offending anyone. Otherwise, what use are you?"

Long Dayuan shrank back, but still said somewhat defiantly, "Then why didn't Minister Shi go and say it?"

Shi Hao pointed to himself, sighed, and said, "I am no longer the instructor of the Prince's Palace, but the Right Chancellor of the current court."

My words no longer represent only myself, but the will of the Song Dynasty. Do you understand?

"If I were to advise His Majesty, it would mean that a considerable number of officials in the court believe that Liu Dalang is about to rebel, and we must respond quickly."

The government cannot afford to be careless; if things continue this way, Liu Dalang will have no choice but to rebel.

Moreover, Liu Dalang is a trusted lieutenant of Prime Minister Yu, and the Emperor might suspect me of neglecting the Northern Expedition and instigating political strife. Prime Minister Yu would also clash with me, and things would spiral out of control. The affairs of the realm would be thus wasted, and who could bear that responsibility?

Despite being slapped with such a serious accusation, Long Dayuan continued drinking his tea until he finished the cup. Only then did he sneer, "Prime Minister Shi, you speak so eloquently, but in the end, you're just afraid that after Prime Minister Yu's triumphant return, he'll be able to rightfully surpass you and become the Left Prime Minister, aren't you?!"

Shi Hao said frankly, "I am in charge of all national affairs. If I say I have no desire for power, I doubt you, Lao Long, would believe me."

However, the Shandong rebels have already invaded Hebei. Shouldn't we be more cautious? And how can their benefactor, Minister Yu, remain uninvolved?

Long Dayuan chuckled again, then, too lazy to say anything more, got up and left.

(End of this chapter)