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

Chapter 281 Every Strike is Deadly, His Name Inspires Fear (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
August of the twelfth year of the Longhe era.

—Just when the world's attention was focused on the Western Xia and Liao dynasties, the Song Dynasty finally made its move!

Their target was the Western Xia.

Gu Rui had already made thorough arrangements, including provisions and marching routes.

The marching route will not be mentioned.

The most critical issue of food supplies was quite natural under the cover of the military farming system.

In Shaanxi, the main force of the Song army was dispatched in three routes, like three bolts of lightning, straight into the heart of Western Xia!
The first route, led by the renowned general Zhong E, set out from Huanqing Road, marching day and night, and swiftly attacked Xia Prefecture, the southeastern gateway of Western Xia!
The second route, led by Yao Si, will head north from Fuyan Road, with its target Shizhou!
The third route was a truly devastating blow. Led by the veteran general Liu Changzuo, the troops quietly assembled at Xihe Road, crossed Huangyangping, and launched a surprise attack on Liangzhou, a key southwestern town of Western Xia!
All three armies were headed for the strategically important Western Xia territory!
Xia Prefecture served as the southeastern shield of Xingqing Prefecture, the capital of Western Xia.

Shizhou is the key to remotely controlling the Hetao region.

As for Liangzhou, it was a key location for the Western Xia to connect with the Western Regions and collect taxes.

In fact, this alone is enough to explain Gu Rui's idea for this battle: to retain the feasibility of attacking the capital of Western Xia, and at the same time to take back the entire Western Regions from Western Xia!
The Western Regions are indeed crucial.

In fact, the Gu family could have used their accumulated foundation in the Western Regions over the years to resist the Western Xia.

But neither Gu Rui nor Gu Jun, nor any of their generations, did do that.

Even Gu Yi was the same.

The reason for this is also quite simple.

That is, this move could lead to the renewed division of the Western Regions.

After hundreds of years of accumulation and management by the Gu family, the Western Regions have long been integrated into the Nine Provinces. If a division were to occur again, the impact would be enormous!
They could never make such a decision.

In addition to these overt measures, Gu Rui also has a hidden move.

Dong Zhan, the leader of the Qingtang Qiang tribe who had long been recognized and secretly supported by the Song Dynasty, saw that the imperial army of the Celestial Empire had moved and immediately led tens of thousands of Qiang soldiers to rise up and launch a fierce attack on the Xiping Military Command of Western Xia from the direction of Qinghai Lake.

Gu Rui had already taken almost everything into account.

His move was clearly intended to secure victory in one fell swoop, and he didn't want any unexpected events to occur.

—A great war broke out suddenly.

Faced with the Song army's sudden attack, the Western Xia had absolutely no power to resist.

There was nothing they could do; they never imagined things would turn out this way.

This was not based on absolute trust in the Gu family.

They simply felt that dividing up the Liao Kingdom would be of obvious benefit to both countries, and that the Song Dynasty should not make such a choice no matter what.

But this was completely unexpected for all of them.

As the Song army spread out.

The Western Xia army had no ability to stop them at all, and cities were almost all destroyed!

Internal strife has reignited.

Don't forget, the Western Xia Dynasty itself was already plagued by natural disasters.

The Western Xia's attack on the Liao Dynasty was actually an attempt to divert attention from internal conflicts.

While this method, commonly used by rulers, is effective, it often has a fatal flaw!

That means the situation in China cannot get any worse!

But now, everything is over.

The Liao Kingdom's desperate resistance, coupled with the Song army's sudden entry, caused the entire territory of Western Xia to develop in an uncontrollable direction!

The entire world situation also changed drastically at this time!

Within a short period of just over a month, all of the Western Xia's defenses were breached.

The unprepared defenders had no chance of stopping the Song army, and the elite Western Xia troops, who were being held back by the Liao army, were also unable to retreat.

Faced with this situation.

The Western Xia could only exert pressure on the Song Dynasty by constantly recruiting manpower internally and through diplomatic channels.

Their primary target is naturally the Gu family!
The method used is also very simple.

—So, is questioning Gu Rui about ruining the Gu family's reputation built up over a thousand years?

That's right, even now, these people still misjudged the Gu family.

Gu was never a saint who repaid evil with good.

All kindness and trust are reserved only for the common people.

Kaifeng, Chuigong Hall.

Faced with the Western Xia envoy's desperate questioning in the Chui Gong Hall, all the high-ranking officials in the hall lowered their heads and held their breath, with only the candlelight crackling in the silence.

The envoy's eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at Gu Rui beside the imperial steps, his voice trembling with excitement: "Lord Gu! You are the head of the Gu family, and you have sworn a blood oath with my Great Xia!"

"Now that you've broken your promise, aren't you afraid of being ridiculed by the world, and of disgracing the Gu family name?!"

These words resonated powerfully in the empty hall. Many court officials were secretly alarmed and couldn't help but steal glances at Gu Rui.

But Gu Rui slowly raised his eyes, his gaze as calm as a deep pool.

He wasn't angry; instead, a faint, cold smile appeared on his lips.

"What the envoy said reminds me of some old stories." His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. "During the Tongyuan era, Xia ruler Li Deming once submitted a memorial to submit to the Song Dynasty, willingly becoming a vassal of our Great Song."

"However, before the oath was dry, his son Li Yuanhao broke his promise."

"Later, they even attacked our border towns and slaughtered our people."

"Is this the letter from Western Xia?"

His voice grew increasingly low: "Since the founding of the Western Xia Dynasty, they have invaded the borders of our Great Song Dynasty forty-seven times, destroying villages and burning down our settlements, capturing our people as slaves, and plundering our wealth to fund their military."

"How many orphans and widows weep in the middle of the night on Huanqing Road?"

Along Jingyuan Road, how many new and old graves remain unattended?

"The Gu family has stood for a thousand years, and the trust it has upheld is for the people of the nine provinces and for all living beings under heaven!"

"Not to you fickle, treacherous nations!"

Gu Rui was naturally adept at handling matters like the Western Xia raising their banners.

However, what he said at this moment was not a grand gesture.

It has only one meaning.

—Why should the Gu family show mercy to foreign enemies?
Throughout the past thousand years, has the Gu family ever been merciful to foreign enemies?
In fact, everyone has misunderstood the current situation in the world.

The idea of ​​unifying the nine provinces still exists.

However, the Song, Liao, and Western Xia were purely external enemies.

There is only one legitimate lineage.

The Western Xia was fighting, the Liao Dynasty was fighting, and the Song Dynasty was also fighting.

What else could this be but an external enemy?!
Upon hearing this, the Western Xia envoy fell silent. He wanted to refute something, but he didn't know how, so he could only turn away in a huff.

Gu Rui did not stop him from doing so.

Of course, this storm targeting the Gu family will not stop so easily.

While resisting the Song army, the Western Xia were also inciting unrest among the people.

The intention was to make the Gu family hesitant to act against them.

But they ultimately underestimated Gu Rui.

Gu Rui didn't even need to do anything; a great Confucian scholar would naturally come to debate the classics for the Gu family!

Including the common people of the Song Dynasty.

Today, the Gu family wields an extremely high level of influence throughout the Song Dynasty.

This detachment from reality stems from one's position.

Since the death of Emperor Taizu Zhao Kuangyin, the power of the entire Song Dynasty has been almost entirely in the hands of the Gu family, and the current prosperity of the Song Dynasty was created by the Gu family.

How could the people not be inclined to side with the Gu family?
The same applies to the people of Western Xia.

In the past, they might have even insulted the Gu family.

But things are completely different now.

Gu Rui issued an order this time, strictly forbidding his soldiers from harming civilians, which fundamentally guaranteed the stability of the Song Dynasty.

In addition, the people of Western Xia were already living worse than those of the Song Dynasty, and now they have also suffered natural disasters.

All of these factors pushed the entire Western Xia Dynasty into an uncontrollable situation.

It was the end of September in the twelfth year of the Longhe era.

—Youzhou is in grave danger!
After resting for three days, Zhong E's army, riding the wave of victory in Xia Prefecture, marched north along the Wuding River and besieged You Prefecture. Although the defending troops here were more numerous than those in Xia Prefecture, their morale was already low.

Faced with the Song army, which was as fierce as a tiger and carried an overwhelming momentum, the defending troops could not muster the slightest will to fight.

In just two days, the defending troops collapsed.

With the fall of Youzhou, the last barrier in the southeast of Xingqing Prefecture was completely breached, and the vanguard of the Song cavalry could now see the Yellow River, exposing the capital of Western Xia to the full force of the army.

Almost simultaneously, after capturing Shizhou, Yao Si's forces did not rush westward, but instead quickly divided their troops and headed north, making a move to directly attack Yinzhou.

The Western Xia Jingse Military Command stationed in Yinzhou was indeed fooled.

Perhaps it was because the situation in Western Xia was so dire that, in their panic, they hastily withdrew their troops to hold their ground and await reinforcements.

This move effectively isolated the Western Xia garrison in the Hetao region, with almost all of them surrendering to the Song Dynasty. Large tracts of fertile grasslands and farmland in the Hetao region were left undefended and were all seized by the Song army.

And that's not all.

After a siege lasting more than 20 days, the Qiang troops led by Dong Zhan finally broke through the main camp of the Xiping Army Command.

The defending general was killed in battle, and the remaining troops fled westward.

When the news spread, the southwestern tribes of Western Xia turned against them, ceasing to send provisions and troops to Xingqing Prefecture and instead beginning to harass the routed Western Xia army.

In just a few months, the situation has completely changed!
Not only did the Liao Kingdom hold its ground against the offensive, but the Western Xia Kingdom also showed signs of defeat and demise under these circumstances!
So deadly!

Gu Rui's forces almost always struck at the heart of Western Xia's lifeline.

As this news continues to spread...

Within the Song Dynasty, many even harbored the ambition to directly destroy the Western Xia, then the Liao Dynasty, and unify the entire country. Of course, Gu Rui was not immune to such thoughts as well.

But he also understood.

This is impossible.

Although the Xia and Liao states are currently hostile to each other and are even at war.

But only when the country is about to perish.

With the principle of "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold," the two countries will definitely unite again to resist the Song Dynasty.

As for the Song Dynasty—

We have not yet received the land and tribute promised by the Liao Kingdom, and the newly conquered Western Xia territory has not been properly settled. All of this will take time.

Under these circumstances, it is clearly wishful thinking to think that one battle can conquer the entire world.

Gu Rui understood this.

In fact, when he devised the strategy of weakening both countries at the same time, he had already thought that this matter might have to be left to future generations.

He's not young anymore.

Over the years, he has devoted a great deal of effort to the world.

Those skilled in winning hearts and minds are bound to achieve far greater things than others.

He did not personally go to the front lines in this major battle because his health had deteriorated.

There are many things he can only leave to future generations to do!
Time flies by.

The entire world is constantly changing amidst all these various messages.

And things unfolded exactly as Gu Rui had predicted.

As the situation within Western Xia became increasingly dire.

It was in December of the twelfth year of the Longhe era.

Liao Dynasty.

The northern border of Zhongjing Road, the Luoma River Valley.

A cold wind howled, swirling up withered grass clippings and fluttering two large banners facing each other across the temporary camp—the white command flag of the Western Xia and the black wolf flag of the Liao Kingdom.

The two commanders who had once fought to the death, Weiming Anhui, the Prince of Jin of Western Xia, and Xiao Wuna, the Privy Councilor of the Northern Court of Liao, now dismissed their attendants and sat facing each other in this valley that had just experienced a bloody battle.

Both of them were covered in dust and exhausted from their journey.

Weiming Anhui's armor still bore traces of blood from the Huangshui Stone Bridge, while Xiao Wuna's face was sallow from long years of hardship.

After a long silence.

Wei Ming An Hui finally couldn't hold back any longer and said in a deep voice, "Prime Minister Xiao, we both know the current situation. The Song people are attacking our Xia territory, and our country is in danger. I need to lead the army back west."

He said it very directly.

At this point, neither side has any more room to pretend.

In any case, he had to rush back to Western Xia immediately.

"The Prince of Jin comes and goes as he pleases, what does he think the territory of my Great Liao is?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wuna didn't even lift his eyelids, and replied indifferently, "How should we appease the heroic souls of tens of thousands of Liao soldiers on the banks of the Huang River?"

Since he was different from Weiming Anhui, Xiao Wuna's willingness to meet with her already indicated his feelings.

However, he still held absolute control at this point.

As expected, Weiming Anhui did not mince words and immediately said, "If the Privy Council is willing to do us a favor, our army will immediately withdraw from all the occupied fortresses and is willing to compensate your country for its military expenses."

"Compensation?" Xiao Wuna finally raised his eyes, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Does the Prince of Jin think that the lives of my Liao soldiers can be measured in gold and silver?"

Weiming Anhui felt a wave of humiliation, but the situation was beyond his control, and he suppressed his anger: "Then what is the Privy Council's opinion?"

Xiao Wuna gently placed the riding whip on the table, his eyes piercing: "If we want to negotiate peace, in addition to returning the occupied land, we must also cede three hundred li of grassland north of the Yan Army Commandery in Blackwater Town. Third, we must pay compensation of ten thousand warhorses, one hundred thousand shi of salt and iron, and three hundred thousand guan of annual tribute."

These conditions were extremely harsh, almost to the point of draining the Western Xia of its lifeblood.

Weiming Anhui clenched her fist tightly, her knuckles turning white, and the veins on her forehead throbbing.

He stared intently at Xiao Wuna, his eyes filled with murderous intent, but he ultimately suppressed his anger with reason: "The grasslands north of the Blackwater can be ceded for two hundred li!"

"Five thousand warhorses, fifty thousand shi of salt and iron, and two hundred thousand strings of cash in annual tribute—this is the limit for our Western Xia!"

He practically spat out these words through gritted teeth: "If the Privy Council still feels it's not enough, then I will lead my men to fight the Liao army to the bitter end, even if it means mutual destruction!"

"At that time, I'm afraid the Song people in the West will be laughing even more heartily!"

His last words were filled with a resolute determination, like burning one's boats.

Yasuie Akina was not about to back down again.

This matter concerns the survival of both countries. He can offer appropriate compensation, but he cannot bear the entire burden alone.

At least for now, the Western Xia cannot withstand this calamity!

Sure enough, once he revealed his bottom line, Xiao Wuna stopped putting on airs. After a brief silence, he nodded and said, "Fine, considering we are both powerful figures in the north and cannot bear to see the Song people grow too powerful, I will do as the Prince of Jin says."

"But remember, if even one promise is not kept, the iron cavalry of the Great Liao will surely crush Xingqing Prefecture!"

“It’s a deal!” Wei Ming An Hui stood up abruptly, feeling a huge weight lifted from her heart, but also filled with endless bitterness.

He dared not delay, immediately turned around and strode away to arrange the withdrawal of troops.

Looking at the somewhat flustered figure of the Western Xia commander, Xiao Wuna also breathed a sigh of relief.

The Liao Kingdom was under considerable pressure as well.

He did not hesitate either, and immediately sent someone to deliver the message to the imperial court.

They must be prepared for this situation.

If a full-scale war were to break out between Western Xia and the Song Dynasty, the amount of things promised to the Song Dynasty might be reduced.

The Liao Kingdom desperately needs to recuperate.

They must seize this opportunity.

The news spread rapidly.

The capital city, Linhuang Prefecture, Ande Hall.

After carefully reading the secret letter sent by Xiao Wuna by fast horse, Yelü Yanxi's gloomy expression vanished. He slammed his hand on the imperial desk and burst into loud laughter: "Good! Well done, Xiao Wuna!"

"You have lived up to my expectations!"

He was in high spirits, and handed the letter in his hand to the eunuch beside him, indicating that it should be circulated among the officials. His voice was loud and clear, filled with barely suppressed excitement and pride: "Gentlemen, please take a look!"

"The Western Xia is now at its wit's end!"

"That Ayane Yasuhiro had no choice but to bow down and admit defeat before my army, and could only look westward in panic!"

"This is Heaven's blessing upon our Great Liao!"

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, standing up and pacing around the main hall, declaring with an air of authority: "After this battle, Western Xia has suffered a severe blow and will have no strength to look eastward for the next ten years!"

"As for our Great Liao, not only have we recovered all the lost territories, but we have also received compensation, which has given our national strength a slight respite!"

"With this shift in power, our Great Liao still reigns supreme in the north!"

His gaze swept over the assembled officials, a hint of cunning and calculation in his eyes, and he declared loudly, "More importantly, the conflict between Western Xia and Song is now one of irreconcilable enmity!"

"The main force of the Song people is tied up on the western front and can't take care of themselves. How can they have the spare strength to demand the annual tribute and land that were previously promised from our Great Liao?"

"In my opinion, Gu Rui's exorbitant demands from back then will likely have to be significantly reduced now!"

"It's even possible that it might be exempted!"

Upon hearing this, the courtiers in the hall erupted in cheers, their flattery and sycophancy filling the air.

"Your Majesty is wise! Your strategic planning and decisive victories are unparalleled!"

"This is all due to Your Majesty's power and virtue, which has made the Western Xia submit and the Song people hide their tracks!"

"May Heaven bless the Great Liao Dynasty, and may its nation prosper!"

"Old man Gu Rui must be in a terrible predicament now. Let's see what other tricks he has up his sleeve!"

For a moment, the Ande Hall was filled with a joyful atmosphere, as if the Liao Dynasty had passed its most dangerous moment and was about to regain its glory.

Yelü Yanxi was enjoying the flattery of his ministers and was full of pride. His worries of the past few days seemed to have vanished.

However, just as the cheers and laughter reached their peak, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall. A messenger, travel-worn and carrying a red flag, rushed into the hall without being announced, fell to the ground, and his voice was filled with barely suppressed panic:
"Report! Your Majesty! Urgent dispatch! A secret report from Kaifeng!"

The noisy hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on the messenger.

The messenger took a deep breath and said in a trembling voice, "A secret report states that Grand Tutor Gu Rui of the Song Dynasty intends to leave Kaifeng and head north to inspect the various prefectures of Yan and Yun!"

The four words “inspecting Yan and Yun” struck the Liao king and his ministers like a thunderbolt, which were just immersed in joy!

Yelü Yanxi's smile froze instantly, replaced by an incredulous look of surprise.

The ministers who had been singing praises just moments before suddenly found their laughter and cheers abruptly cut short, as if they had been choked, and a chill quietly spread through the air.

—Inspecting Yanyun?
Inspecting Yanyun at this time?
How could it be so simple?
Without needing any persuasion from his ministers, Yelü Yanxi was only momentarily stunned before sullenly sitting back on his dragon throne, taking a deep breath: "My lords—"

"Let's discuss the matter of paying annual tribute to the Song Dynasty!"

He paused slightly, then added, "Furthermore, immediately dispatch an envoy to the Great Song Dynasty to convey my gratitude to the Song Emperor and Gu Rui for their kindness."

Yelü Yanxi's face lost all joy.

Even the news of the Western Xia's withdrawal no longer brought him any comfort.

He is scared!

Even though the Song army hadn't moved, and there was no news at all, the only information was that Gu Rui was leaving Kaifeng.

But he was still afraid.

No, it wasn't just him.

Rather, it refers to everyone in the entire Liao Dynasty's imperial court.

They were all afraid.

A simple message was enough to subdue the entire Liao court, making it impossible for them to harbor even the slightest disloyalty, and they didn't even dare to gamble.
(P.S.: It's mid-month, so I'm begging for monthly votes! I'd be incredibly grateful for your support, brothers, and I'll do my best to write this book well.)
(End of this chapter)