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

Chapter 265 An Unparalleled Achievement, Laying the Foundation for Unification (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Gu Jin was unconscious for nearly two days.

Fortunately, he had already settled everything, allowing the entire Song army to carry out his strategy in an orderly manner.

He was really exhausted.

The energy and mental strain involved is something that ordinary people simply cannot withstand.

The only reason he was able to persevere was because of his unparalleled willpower.

And until this moment—

News from Gubeikou and Juyongguan gradually spread.

The Liao Kingdom, with the Liao army as the main force.

Wang Yingchen's face was ashen, his fingers gripping the urgent military report that had just been delivered, tinged with the scent of war, his knuckles turning white from the force.

Gubeikou has fallen! Juyongguan has been breached!
This was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue for him.

The tent was deathly silent. All the generals and staff held their breath, not daring to look at the prime minister's terrifying expression.

An atmosphere of oppression and panic filled the air.

"Bang!" Wang Yingchen slammed his fist heavily on the table, causing the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to jump.

His chest heaved violently, a mixture of anger and frustration swirling within him.

He had accurately calculated Gu Jin's supplies, the Song army's exhaustion, and the natural defenses of Juyong Pass, but he hadn't calculated that Gu Jin would dare to risk his life to such an extent, personally leading his army through the perilous terrain, and then, without hesitation, heading straight for Juyong Pass after succeeding!
Even now, Wang Yingchen doesn't think there's anything wrong with his ideas.

Defend Juyong Pass to the death—

It dragged down the Song army.

By gradually closing the gap in national strength between the Liao and Song dynasties, the Liao dynasty could finally launch a full-scale attack.

Even though he lost, he still felt that Gu Jin was indeed superior to ordinary people.

—Actually, that statement is also correct.

Overall, the strategy devised by Wang Yingchen was absolutely the most suitable for the Liao Kingdom.

Looking at the somber mood of everyone in the tent, Wang Yingchen remained silent for a long time before quickly suppressing his emotions with his strong rationality.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and glanced at the anxious crowd inside the tent.

"What's the panic!" he shouted in a low voice, his tone carrying an undeniable authority. "The situation has changed, but we're not at our wits' end yet!"

He strode to the huge map of Yan and Yun, pointed heavily at the already lost Juyong Pass, and said in a sorrowful but clear voice: "Juyong Pass has fallen, the gates of Youzhou are wide open, and Yan and Yun may be difficult to protect."

Upon hearing this, a collective gasp filled the tent, but no one dared to utter a word of rebuttal.

After being hit repeatedly, they were also well aware of what this meant.

That is the significance of attacking Juyong Pass.

This would cut off the entire Liao Kingdom's supply routes, making it difficult for them to maneuver further.

In addition, there were losses incurred during this major battle.

Wang Yingchen had to make a decision.

"However, if we save the land but lose the people, we lose both; if we save the people but lose the land, we save both!" Wang Yingchen's tone shifted, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. "The most urgent task is not to dwell on the gains and losses of a single city or place, but to preserve the vitality of our Great Liao as much as possible, slow down the Song army's advance, and leave a spark for future counterattacks!"

Without further hesitation, he swiftly issued a series of orders, demonstrating a clear mind and exceptional strategic acumen: "Order Yelü Xiuge, the garrison commander of Youzhou, not to defend the isolated city to the death!"

"Use the city's defenses to wear down and delay the Song army as much as possible, but be sure to preserve your own strength."

"Wait for the main force to pick us up, then abandon Youzhou when the opportunity arises, and retreat in stages towards Tanzhou and Jizhou. Relying on the remaining mountains of Yanshan, we will build a second line of defense and resist step by step!"

"Order Yelü Xiezhen, the governor of Xijing Circuit, to abandon his entanglement with the Western Xia!"

"Immediately lead your troops eastward to join the retreating forces from Youzhou! Tell Yelü Xiezhen that the lost cities will be retaken in the future!"

"Now, I want his troops to come back alive!"

"In addition, organize an evacuation immediately!"

"Prioritize the transfer of government funds, grain, artisans, and scholars and commoners willing to follow, moving them north to Zhongjing and Shangjing Roads! We must not allow these to aid the enemy!"

"Execute the scorched earth policy and leave Gu Jin with nothing but scorched earth!"

The atmosphere inside the tent grew increasingly cold with each word Wang Yingchen spoke.

In fact, his actions alone are enough to demonstrate just how decisive Wang Yingchen is.

—A scorched earth policy was implemented, and people were relocated at all costs.

The chaos this could cause is equally unimaginable.

But Wang Yingchen was determined to do it!

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, but in the end they all nodded.

After hesitating for a long time, one of the advisors in the Prime Minister's office finally couldn't help but remind him, "Prime Minister, should we contact Western Xia?"

—The Western Xia has already agreed to join forces with the Liao Dynasty.

At least for now.

Now that this has happened, they naturally think of the Western Xia.

But Wang Yingchen shook his head and smiled disdainfully: "Do you really think that Western Xia would still join forces with my Liao Kingdom at this time?"

He was well aware of Li Deming's mindset and saw no need to waste time on it.

What Wang Yingchen needs to do now is to slow down the Song army's advance as much as possible and reduce the Liao's losses.

And things unfolded exactly as he predicted.

Xijing Road, the central military tent of the Western Xia.

When the earth-shattering news of the fall of Gubeikou and the breach of Juyongguan arrived, the relaxed and opportunistic atmosphere in the tent instantly froze.

The silver wine cup in Li Deming's hand fell onto the blanket with a "clatter," spilling milk wine all over the floor, but he was completely unaware.

Li Yuanhao suddenly stood up from his seat, his young face filled with disbelief.

"What? Juyong Pass has fallen? Gu Jin, how could he possibly..." Li Yuanhao's voice trembled slightly, a tremor he himself was unaware of.

He was confident in his bravery, but he was also well aware of the dangers of Juyong Pass. The Song army had been attacking it head-on for months without success, and he even secretly agreed with Wang Yingchen's judgment that the Song army was at its last gasp.

But Gu Jin's earth-shattering blow completely overturned his understanding.

Li Deming took several deep breaths before he could barely suppress the turmoil in his heart.

He waved for the scout who had brought the news to leave, leaving only himself, the Crown Prince, and his core confidants such as Zhang Pu and Yeli Renrong inside the tent.

"Father, this...this Gu Jin is truly a divine being!" Li Yuanhao came to his senses, his tone filled with complex emotions—shock, apprehension, and even a hint of barely perceptible admiration. "He actually accomplished this impossible feat!"

"You should be called Duke!" This time, Li Deming did not scold his most beloved crown prince as he had done before.

The saying "Barbarians fear power but do not cherish virtue" is indeed true.

This can be seen at least in Li Deming's case.

Of course, although he was scolding him, Li Deming didn't say much more. His fingers tapped the table unconsciously, and his eyes flickered.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke: "Wang Yingchen has lost."

Li Deming slowly uttered these words with a hint of certainty, "The gates of Youzhou have been opened, and the Liao Kingdom cannot hold onto the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun."

At this moment, Wang Yingchen was not thinking about counterattacking, but about how to escape north with as many troops and belongings as possible.

The strategist Zhang Pu immediately chimed in, his eyes gleaming: "Your Majesty is wise!"

"The Liao Kingdom is doomed, and the military strength of the Western Capital Circuit must be depleted!"

"If Yelü Xiezhen wants to retreat eastward and join up with Wang Yingchen, he will never dare to entangle with our army again. This is a golden opportunity that our Great Baigao Kingdom will never see again!"

Norihiro clapped his hands and said, "Exactly! I was waiting for a better price before, but now the price has changed!"

"The Liao Kingdom's ship is sinking; how can we continue to be bound to it?"

"The most urgent task is to immediately repair relations with the Song Dynasty, stabilize Gu Jin, and at the same time, swallow the lucrative Xijing Road as quickly as possible!"

Li Yuanhao finally understood, and a burning ambition rekindled in his eyes: "That's right! What Wang Yingchen promised us was nothing but empty words!"

"But now, we can take them ourselves!"

"While Yelü Xiezhen is in a hurry to retreat eastward, let us launch a full-scale attack and take as much territory as we can!"

"Then immediately send someone to ingratiate themselves with Gu Jin, reaffirm the alliance, and even help him restrain Yelü Xiezhen, preventing him from returning east smoothly!"

Li Deming looked at his ministers and son, who had instantly reached an agreement, and a satisfied expression appeared on his face. This was exactly what he wanted: assessing the situation and prioritizing self-interest.

"Yuanhao, Zhang Pu's words perfectly align with my thoughts!" Li Deming abruptly stood up, his decision made, and there was no more hesitation. "Issue my decree—"

"Immediately assemble all forces, hold back all strength, and launch a full-scale attack on the prefectures and counties of the Western Capital Circuit of the Liao Kingdom!"

"Especially Datong Prefecture, take advantage of its weakened military strength and conquer it for me at any cost!"

"What we want is not plunder, but actual occupation!"

"In addition, select an eloquent envoy, carrying generous gifts, to go immediately to the Song army camp to meet Lord Gu."

"Tell them that our Western Xia has always upheld the alliance, and upon hearing of the Grand Tutor's great victory, we have come to offer our congratulations!"

"It also indicates that our army will launch a full-scale attack on the western front to contain Yelü Xiezhen and help the Song Dynasty recover Yan and Yun!"

At this point, Li Deming paused.

He sighed deeply.

Then, to everyone's astonishment, he took out paper and pen.

"His Majesty?!"

One of the ministers immediately exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing?"

Even Li Yuanhao looked astonished.

Li Deming, however, remained solemn, not even glancing at them, and said in a deep voice, "Given Lord Gu's character, I'm afraid he won't forgive us easily."

"If Lord Gu does not agree, this letter may be given to him."

"Our Great Bai Gao Kingdom is willing to become a vassal state of the Great Song Dynasty."

"I only ask that Lord Gu be kind and benevolent."

"Father!!!" Li Yuanhao shouted almost uncontrollably, "How could it have come to this?!"

"Our troops have not yet taken action."

He thought that Gu Jin might not have realized what they were planning, and besides, the war in Western Xia had not affected the bloody battle at Juyong Pass.

However, Li Deming's eyes remained resolute.

He stared intently at Li Yuanhao: "What good will it do to become a vassal?"

"As long as there's a glimmer of hope—"

"We'll take it back another day!"

"Never forget the past, your father once submitted to the Liao Kingdom!"

As he finished speaking, a deep expectation flickered in his eyes as he looked at Li Yuanhao.

Seeing this, Li Yuanhao finally fell silent, looked at his father, and nodded seriously: "Your subject understands!"

The Liao army moved extremely quickly.

Wang Yingchen clearly risked his life this time, even rushing to the front lines to use his prestige in Liao to stabilize the morale of the collapsing army.

The Song army has already made a full-scale attack!
Gu Jin had already made detailed plans, ordering his troops to launch continuous attacks in all directions, with Juyong Pass as the center.

The strategic advantage gained from conquering Juyong Pass was instantly amplified. Using Juyong Pass as a new fulcrum and springboard, the Song army split into several routes, like several unsheathed swords, and swiftly penetrated into the heart of Yanyun.

Led by veteran generals such as Cao Bin, the main force of the Song army marched eastward without hesitation after leaving Juyong Pass, its advance aimed directly at Youzhou, the core of the Liao Kingdom's Nanjing Circuit.

This was the primary objective of the entire campaign, aimed at destroying the Liao state's command center in Yanyun and capturing the main force of the Liao army.

In addition, an elite force marched north from Gubeikou and Juyongguan, rapidly sweeping westward along the Yanshan Mountains and guarding various passes, such as Ruzhou and Guizhou.

The aim was to completely sever the connection between the Yan-Yun region and the Liao Dynasty's Zhongjing and Shangjing directions.

To prevent the Liao army from reinforcing, and to close the gates and trap the Liao army in Youzhou, thus preventing them from fleeing north.

Another army advanced southeastward from the Gubeikou and Juyongguan line, with its target being Shunzhou.

The encirclement was thus formed.

Unfortunately, Wang Yingchen still possessed some ability.

At least in the face of the current situation, he did not panic too much, but instead went directly to the front line to stop the Song army's offensive and buy time for the scorched-earth policy.

And this was a very successful strategy.

Unfortunately, this still couldn't stop the Song army's advance into Yan and Yun!
Juyong Pass.

A series of suppressed coughs echoed intermittently in the tent. Gu Jin covered his lips with his fist, his face pale, and his brows furrowed with exhaustion, yet he still forced himself to listen to his subordinates' reports on military situations in various regions.

"Intensify the offensive," he said, his voice slightly hoarse but with an undeniable determination. "We must not allow the Liao army to move all the people away so easily."

After a brief pause, he looked at Gu Ming beside him and instructed, "Brother Ming—release the message in the name of the family."

“They are all citizens of our land, and the Gu family will never show favoritism to any of them.”

Gu Ming immediately understood and nodded solemnly.

He understood his brother's intention. Wang Yingchen wanted to leave a desolate Yanyun region for the Song Dynasty, so they had to make arrangements in advance to give the people a reason to stay.

As long as someone can use this opportunity to avoid this forced conscription, Yan Yun can still retain some of its strength. Even if it cannot preserve everything, it is far better than watching everything be emptied out.

However, when his gaze fell on Gu Jin's bloodless face, Gu Ming's throat bobbed, and after hesitating for a long time, he finally couldn't help but advise, "Brother, you should go back to Kaifeng to recuperate first."

This wasn't the first time he'd said these words recently. Not only him, but Zhao Guangyi, the generals in the army, and even the emperor in Kaifeng had all repeatedly offered their advice.

“My brother’s life is tied to the safety of the nation; we must not allow any mishaps.”

"Now that the situation in Yanyun is settled, why bother with this?"

As soon as he spoke, everyone in the hall immediately knelt down and earnestly began to persuade Gu Jin.

But Gu Jin still shook her head.

He can't go back.

Even if a person can return to Kaifeng, their heart will definitely remain on the battlefield.

Of course, Gu Jin also understood her own importance.

This is why he no longer handles everything personally, but he also needs to boost morale on the front lines.

Seeing this, no one could say anything more and could only silently retreat.
------

During the reign of Emperor Tongyuan, Grand Tutor Gu Jin took charge of the government, reformed corrupt practices, improved the grain transport system, promoted maritime transport, and accumulated grain as high as mountains.

Ten years later, the Song Dynasty's national strength was unprecedented. Jin then strengthened his army and prepared for war, plotting to restore Youyun.

In June of the eleventh year, Jin set off from Kaifeng, with Prince Guangyi of Jin personally driving the carriage.

Wang Yingchen, the chancellor of Liao at the time, was also a ruthless and ambitious man. He gathered troops in Youyan and defended the strategic passes.

Jin ordered Yang Ye's troops to feign an attack on Yanmen Pass, and also sent envoys to make alliances with Western Xia, ordering Li Yuanhao to deploy troops along the Xijing Road.

The Liao army was constrained in both the east and west, and was constantly on the move.

Jin personally led an army of 200,000 out of Xiongzhou and launched a rapid attack on Juyong Pass day and night.

Liao general Yelü Xiuge withdrew his troops and fortified the city, intending to wear down the Song army's morale with the strong defenses.

Jin then feigned an attack on the plank road while secretly advancing on the Chencang pass. He personally led 30,000 elite troops, crossed the Feihu Pass, traversed precipitous ravines, and climbed bird-like paths. His soldiers fell into the ravines and died one after another.

On the first day of the seventh month, they arrived at Gubeikou, launched a surprise attack while the fog was still thick, and captured it in one fell swoop.

At that time, the Battle of Juyong Pass was raging.

Despite the devastation, Jin forged a Liao banner and returned to his capital under cover of night.

The gatekeeper, unaware of the danger, opened the key and let him in.

Jin then set fire to the pass, launching a pincer attack from both inside and outside. Once the pass was breached, the Yan and Yun regions were thrown into turmoil.

Although Wang Yingchen managed to gather his remaining troops and hold off the enemy in Tanji, the situation was already hopeless.

Upon hearing this, Li Deming of Western Xia hastily submitted a memorial acknowledging his submission and expressing his willingness to become a vassal state.

Jin then divided the provinces, and the elders of You and Ji brought wine and food to welcome him, crowding the roads.

More than sixty years have passed since the Jin dynasty ceded territory, and the Yan and Yun regions have finally been recovered.

—From the Biography of Gu Jin in the History of Song Dynasty

(End of this chapter)