Control your ancestors and create an immortal family starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty

Chapter 242 The Song Army's Northern Expedition: An Unprecedented Chaotic Era (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
—The Northern Expedition!
In any era, these two words have always carried extraordinary weight for the Chinese people.

Even though history had long since deviated from its original course, Gu Yi immediately noticed this development, and his heart was filled with turmoil.

It should be noted that in the original history, Zhao Kuangyin died on several expeditions to the north.

This also made him one of the most controversial emperors in later generations.

As one of the most frequently mentioned emperors in modern times, compared to other monarchs who unified the world, his failure to achieve complete unification is indeed an unavoidable regret in his imperial career.

But Gu Yi knew that Zhao Kuangyin's true achievements were not solely in his military exploits of expanding territory.

For a ruler, civil administration is also an important measure of his greatness.

If we're talking about an "Emperor of All Time," how can we determine that solely based on territorial expansion and military prowess?

If we judge heroes solely by their territory, then the Yuan Dynasty is undoubtedly the one that stands out in the vast annals of history.

Zhao Kuangyin's true greatness lies in his restoration of etiquette and order across the land.

In that era of darkness and turmoil, he turned the tide and prevented China from going astray, instead infusing it with the cultural heritage and institutional framework for revival.

This is his most profound legacy.

And now, he has gone even further down this path.

Although all of this was built on the foundation laid by the Gu family, Zhao Kuangyin's contribution is undeniable.

He didn't know whether this Northern Expedition would succeed.

But from any perspective, this matter is extremely crucial for the entire Kyushu region.

As the Song Dynasty prepared its troops, news of its impending attack on the Northern Han Dynasty spread like wildfire.

In these chaotic times, such military intelligence is simply impossible to conceal.

From both the north and south, spies and agents are ever-present, making complete eradication impossible.

The Northern Han court learned of the news almost immediately.

It is worth mentioning that——

Gu Jin and Zhao Kuangyin both considered a northern expedition at this time, not only out of vigilance against the threat posed by the Liao Kingdom.

The more direct reason was that turmoil was taking place within the Northern Han court.

The chaotic reforms have had a wide range of impacts.

The struggle for the throne among the imperial family of Northern Han sparked internal strife within the court, and academic disputes further plunged the entire Northern Han into chaos.

How could the two of them let this opportunity slip by?
only--

Under the current circumstances, no matter how turbulent the Northern Han is internally, it is by no means easy to take it over.

Shangjing Linhuang Prefecture.

This place was the capital of the Liao Dynasty.

The northern frontier of today has changed dramatically from its original historical state. The prevalence of the Nine Provinces culture and the attempts by the Gu family to annex the region in recent years have brought about significant changes.

In essence, everything the Gu family did was a success.

Among the various tribes in the northern frontier.

Countless people have long identified themselves as citizens of Kyushu, whether in terms of ideology or other aspects. This land has indeed been integrated into Kyushu.

However, this cannot affect the overall situation.

After all, there were quite a few turmoil originating from within Kyushu itself.

The Liao Dynasty is indeed extremely powerful now. Although its ruler Yelü Xian is not as capable as Zhao Kuangyin, compared to Yelü Jing, the Liao ruler who was just assassinated, Yelü Xian can already be called a benevolent ruler.

The key is--

He seems to have learned from Zhao Kuangyin's experience, and compared to the original historical account, he paid more attention to talent.

Take, for example, Wang Yingchen, the current prime minister of the Liao Dynasty!
He was born in the Jurchen lands, which is now Heilongjiang Province.

Indeed, the emergence of the Gu family has had a profound impact on many things. Even this remote place is no longer comparable to its original historical state.

During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, it launched several campaigns into Liaodong.

The subsequent development of Kyushu commerce and the shipbuilding industry brought about by maritime trade also contributed to all of this invisibly.

Of course, even so, people like Wang Yingchen are still a very small minority.

His family were originally merchants from the Hu region, and they traded their goods in various places by relying on their familiarity with the climate and terrain of the northern frontier.

This also created many opportunities for Wang Yingchen, allowing him to enter the Gu Family Academy in Liaodong. He then demonstrated his exceptional talent and went on to study at the Gu Family Academy in Julu.

This allowed him to grow significantly.

Moreover, as a foreigner, he had an all-too-distant understanding of what the Liao Kingdom truly needed at that time.

This is also why Wang Yingchen wanted to go to the Liao Kingdom.

Not only because he was a foreigner, but also because he wanted to realize his own ambitions.

For most scholars, following the Gu family might have been a good choice.

But this was not the case for Wang Yingchen.

It is worth mentioning that--

The reforms implemented by Wang Yingchen in the Liao Kingdom were not simply the Legalist policies of the past.

The system it currently operates under is, in short, a completely new system centered on Legalism and incorporating the essence of Confucianism.

And the results achieved are equally remarkable.

In just over a year, the entire Liao Kingdom had become infinitely better off than before, thanks to Yelü Jingshi.

Whether in terms of overall national strength or the training of the domestic military, there has been a significant increase.

At this time, in the Liao Dynasty's imperial palace.

“Your Majesty,” Wang Yingchen stood before the assembled officials, his expression solemn, and bowed to Yelü Xian, saying, “The Northern Han court is currently in turmoil. If the Song army were to take advantage of this and break through the Northern Han, our Great Liao would be directly facing the Song army’s advance.”

"Until then—"

"Whether it's plotting in the Western Regions or managing Liaodong, it will all be impossible now!"

"Your Majesty, I implore you to send troops immediately!"

"We must not allow the Song army to break through the Northern Han!"

His expression was extremely serious, and coupled with the fact that he and the Legalists were already infamous for their ruthlessness, the atmosphere in the hall became even more solemn when he spoke of the war.

Upon hearing this, Yelü Xian immediately frowned.

He was naturally able to discern the relative importance of the matter.

However, he was naturally somewhat reluctant to provide full support to foreign countries. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Prime Minister."

"If we were to send troops to aid the Han—"

"Then what should be done about our Great Liao's attack on Liaodong in the Western Regions?"

He didn't want to miss this golden opportunity to develop the country's strength.

Yelü Xian's posthumous title in the original history was Jingzong, and he was hailed as the restorer of the Liao Dynasty. Even during his re-ascension to the throne, he maintained a period of peace with the Northern Song Dynasty.

This alone is enough to explain Yelü Xian's character.

He is good at utilizing talent.

Compared to foreign wars, he actually preferred to continuously develop the national strength of the Liao Kingdom.

"Your Majesty, don't worry."

Without the slightest hesitation, Wang Yingchen, as if he had already thought everything through, immediately said, "Although the Song army is strong, the terrain of Northern Han is inherently easy to defend and difficult to attack."

"In my opinion, the key to this battle lies in Taiyuan."

"If the Song army wants to defeat the Northern Han, the only way is to break through Taiyuan."

"Our army only needs to pose a threat to the Song army at key points or cut off their supply lines!"

As he spoke, he even had someone bring out a geomantic map and began to explain it earnestly in front of everyone.

"As for the matter of expanding territory."

Wang Yingchen paused for a moment before speaking again: "The matter of the Western Regions can perhaps be put on hold for now. Our army can take the lead in attacking Liaodong."

He had planned everything all along.

He served as the prime minister of the Liao Dynasty.

Wang Yingchen, having already reached the pinnacle of his military and political power, would naturally have considered all of this carefully.

However, Yelü Xian still did not make a direct decision.

He slowly looked at everyone present and asked the ministers to express their opinions.

After a long while, he finally made up his mind and slowly nodded: "In that case, let's leave this matter to the Prime Minister."
In the third month of the third year of the Kaibao era, turmoil once again swept across the land.

The Song army officially set off.

Zhao Kuangyin personally led an army of 200,000 men, divided into five routes, northward to launch a major attack on the Northern Han.

One route leads out of Luzhou, another to Fenzhou, another to Xinzhou, another to Daizhou, and the third straight to the perilous passes north of Taiyuan.

This strategy of advance was precisely the one repeatedly discussed and agreed upon by the court officials. Just as Wang Yingchen had predicted, the key to this battle still lay in encircling Taiyuan—due to the terrain, the Northern Han had nowhere to hide.

It is worth mentioning that neither Zhao Kuangyin nor Gu Jin intended to use the traditional strategy of sowing discord among ethnic groups on this trip.

This is the result of their unspoken agreement.

Zhao Kuangyin's ambition far surpassed that of all the emperors of his time. He wanted to expand the territory to an unprecedented extent and turn all these people into subjects of the Nine Provinces.

Of course, I wouldn't use such a tactic.

As for the Gu family, there's even less to say.

The Gu family has been practicing the system of ethnic integration for so many years, and now it is time for it to bear fruit. Gu Jin would never want to turn back the clock of history.

Like Zhao Kuangyin, he possessed a vast and boundless world within his heart.

We must seize this momentous opportunity and work together to create an unprecedented great undertaking.

This era of great strife presents him with his opportunity.

—The army sets off!
The war that had just ended was reignited on this day.

Both Gu Jin and Zhao Kuangyin were stationed in the central army, commanding with composure.

The Song army was far superior to the Northern Han army, with elite soldiers and overwhelming morale.

What the two were truly concerned about was the strategic location of Taiyuan—the gateway to the Northern Han Dynasty. If it could not be breached, all strategies would be futile, so there was no need for them to personally oversee every detail.

And the war progressed exactly as they had predicted.

The Song army won one victory after another, advancing with unstoppable momentum and pressing into the heart of the Northern Han territory.

The strength of the Northern Han Dynasty was simply incomparable to that of the Song Dynasty.

Including military strength.

It was precisely because of this that the morale of the entire Song army became increasingly frightening, and they completely regarded the entire Northern Han as their prey.

Gu Yi had been silently observing all of this.

He didn't know whether the Song Dynasty could win this battle or defeat the Northern Han.

But what he was certain of was that the battle between the Song Dynasty and the Liao Dynasty was several times stronger than the original historical battle.

History has been completely changed.

All sorts of ideas are now taking shape in this era of great contention, and the resulting impact is by no means easily smoothed over.

He could only silently observe everything, constantly on guard against things spiraling out of control.

Time flies by.

The Song army's continuous northward offensive did indeed put immense pressure on the Northern Han, but it also unexpectedly brought an end to the long-standing internal strife within the Northern Han.

Facing an existential crisis.

These members of the Northern Han imperial family still retained a sliver of clarity and had no choice but to elect one of them to take charge of the overall situation and do everything in their power to resist the Song army.

Their decision was largely based on the support of the Liao Dynasty.

This is the confidence that the Liao Dynasty gave them.

—That's right, the Liao Kingdom has already mobilized its troops.

The Liao army had already split into two routes and headed south. One route went straight for the northern fortress of Shiling Pass, while the other route advanced into the Dingzhou area, intending to cut off the Song army's supply lines.

This coordination was orchestrated by Wang Yingchen.

While he may not be considered a military genius, his insight was extremely sharp.

Both of these actions directly address the key aspects of this battle.

Most importantly, Wang Yingchen wasn't trying to save the Northern Han; he wanted to keep the Song army tied up here.

He himself led his troops and personally marched towards Liaodong in a short period of time.

This is a strategy that kills two birds with one stone.

It can hold back the Song army's offensive, and at the same time, it will enhance its own strength.

With the support of the Liao Dynasty, even if the members of the Northern Han royal family were foolish, they would not easily give up everything they controlled.

Countless people gathered towards Taiyuan.

This included various supplies, and during this period, the five armies of the Song army also successively attacked.

Taiyuan.

This city, standing on the west bank of the Fen River, is situated in a rugged terrain surrounded by mountains and rivers. It has long been known as "controlling the mountains and rivers, occupying the shoulders and back of the world" and "a strategic location for attack and defense."

It is bordered by the Fen River to the east, the Lüliang and Xizhou Mountains to the west and north, and the Taihang and Queshu Valleys to the south.

In addition, the Northern Han had painstakingly built and fortified its city defenses over many years.

This makes the entire city of Taiyuan seem almost impregnable.

This was also the case in the original history, where Zhao Kuangyin's several northern expeditions were all blocked at the gates of Taiyuan.

Not just him—

In the original history, even the Yuan generals who had conquered countless countries and tribes were blocked in front of this city for several years.

This alone is enough to demonstrate just how impenetrable Taiyuan's city defenses are.

To put it bluntly, Taiyuan is like a safety gate for the entire Hedong region.

Its importance needs no further explanation.

The key is who controls the key.

Unfortunately, at least for now, this key is not yet in the hands of the Song Dynasty.

In the military camp.

Having just finished surveying the terrain, Gu Jin had no time to rest before he began inspecting the various camps once again.

The Song army's current situation is not very good.

The continuous heavy rain greatly hampered the Song army's offensive.

In addition, there was the threat from the Liao Kingdom.

The battle situation changed abruptly in a short period of time. Although the Song army was not in dire straits, it had to drag the great battle into a longer and more protracted war.

"Remember, you must drink boiled water."

"Anyone with fever or typhoid fever must be reported immediately; no one may conceal it!"

Between the tents, Gu Jin's voice rang out again and again, piercing through the rain, clear and firm.

He traveled tirelessly in the rain for a long time, and only after he had finished all the inspections and instructions did he turn around and head towards the central command tent.

Zhao Kuangyin looked up and saw Gu Jin step into the tent. His raincoat was still dripping with water, and his hair was already soaked. He couldn't help but frown: "Why must Huaiyu go through all this trouble?"

"If you fall ill, it will be a loss for our Great Song Dynasty."

As he spoke, he let out a soft sigh.

Zhao Kuangyin had tried to dissuade him several times, but Gu Jin insisted on doing it personally, citing the need to "stabilize the morale of the army and not slacken."

"Your Majesty need not worry." Upon hearing this, Gu Jin simply smiled calmly, then his gaze fell upon the pile of memorials on the imperial desk, and he asked softly, "Are the ministers again advising us to withdraw the troops?"

"Not bad." Zhao Kuangyin snorted coldly, "Today, even some of the military generals have echoed this sentiment."

His expression suddenly turned cold as he said this.

Such is human nature: victory breeds arrogance, and adversity breeds cowardice.

Many officials believed that the Song Dynasty had won several battles in a row, and although it had not yet achieved complete victory, it would be better to retreat for the time being since the advance was difficult.

In fact, Zhao Kuangyin was not without his doubts.

This year's unusual weather, with its incessant rain, made marching difficult and added to the obstacles.

Temporarily withdrawing the troops is clearly a good option.

However, Gu Jin decisively dispelled his idea, and only said to him seriously: "If we retreat now, I'm afraid we will never be able to destroy the Northern Han again in this lifetime."

In fact, Zhao Kuangyin in the original history was just like that.

Three Northern Expeditions.

Almost every time, there was an opportunity to visit Taiyuan, but it always fell short by just one step.

And he truly never set foot in Taiyuan in his entire life.

However, Gu Jin is not worried about Zhao Kuangyin now; he is mainly afraid that the soldiers will get used to this way of handling things.

Taiyuan, such a strategically important place, could only be conquered through bloodshed.

If we withdraw this time...

What should we do if we encounter another important place in the future?
And the Liao Kingdom will not stop its advance.

Gu Jin had already concluded that after this battle, the Northern Han would become a puppet of the Liao Kingdom. If the Liao Kingdom were allowed to continue developing in this way, it would be even more difficult for the Song Dynasty to launch a northern expedition in the future.

We must not let this opportunity slip by, no matter what!
(P.S.: I'm begging for monthly votes to help me climb the rankings! I'd be incredibly grateful for your support.)
(End of this chapter)