I am Emperor Shizu of Song

Chapter 124 Chasing Song Jiang All the Way to Goryeo - Part 1

Compared to life-or-death wars between different races, the biggest difference in a civil war between two armies of the same language and race is that the side that falls into a disadvantageous position is more likely to surrender.

After all, there's no consideration of "those who are not of our kind must have different hearts," so if you lose, just surrender.

Therefore, with Huang Xin captured and Yan Shun, Wang Ying, and Li Zhong killed, the remnants of the Liangshan cavalry were basically completely destroyed. Apart from a few deserters who had fled earlier, the rest, who had been cut off and surrounded by Guan Sheng and Yue Fei, surrendered as a whole.

Even if they are not surrounded, as long as they are being overtaken, they will mostly lose the will to continue resisting and surrender after a brief attempt.

To be honest, of the four generals killed by Yue Fei, perhaps only Li Zhong could be considered somewhat redeemable, as there's no record of him having any particularly heinous crimes in the Water Margin. But there was no other way; he had worked with Zhou Tong for too many years, and Zhou Tong died at Yue Fei's hands. In a moment of impulse, he vowed revenge, leaving Yue Fei with no choice but to fight him fair and square.

Moreover, at that time, three of them attacked Yue Fei from both sides, so they had nothing to say about being killed in the process.

As for Zhou Tong, Wang Ying, and Yan Shun, the first two were lewd and lustful, and repeatedly abducted and raped innocent women. The latter two killed people and took their hearts and livers to make a spicy and sour hangover soup. Among them, Wang Ying was guilty of both vices and deserved to be killed by Yue Fei.

After this battle, Guan Sheng and Yue Fei actually captured nearly a thousand prisoners and surrendered soldiers, and also obtained over a thousand warhorses. The scale of the prisoners and spoils was more than three times that of the troops Guan Sheng and Yue Fei had brought with them.

This forced landing rate has exceeded that of the Battle of Linzi and the scout battles fought by Yue Fei before.

To be honest, Guan Sheng's ability to achieve this level of skill was also related to his capture of Huang Xin in front of everyone. In the previous battle of Linzi, although Yue Fei also captured Qin Ming, he first stabbed Qin Ming in the shoulder with his spear. Qin Ming was injured and fell off his horse, covered in blood. The surrounding enemy troops saw this and mostly thought that Qin Ming was dead.

This time, Guan Sheng was very patient. In the midst of the melee, he preferred to drag it out until thirty moves before seizing an opportunity to subdue his enemy. And right from the start, he used the flat of his blade to knock Huang Xin away. The surrounding Liangshan cavalry also saw that Huang Xin was not dead.

In addition, Huang Xin was not seriously injured. After being captured by Guan Sheng, he was quickly awakened by being splashed with cold water from his leather bag and forced to persuade him to surrender. This led to the spectacular surrender of a large number of cavalry units, preventing greater chaos.

After this battle, the Liangshan army's cavalry force was basically wiped out. Although a few hundred people might have escaped, they might not all return to the ranks to find Song Jiang.

The total number of cavalrymen remaining under Song Jiang's command was at most three digits, and they mainly consisted of various scout cavalry units and those to ensure that the leaders had warhorses to ride. They no longer had any organized cavalry combat units.

After Guan Sheng's great victory, he was too exhausted to pursue the enemy any further. That night, he camped in Shouguang County to consolidate his gains and reported the latest results to Zhao Zicheng.

Once Zhao Zicheng and Hu Yanqing received the news, they would naturally know how to coordinate and launch a combined land and water attack to completely toll Song Jiang's death knell.

……

Before writing to Zhao Zicheng to report the victory, Guan Sheng also thought of some issues and felt it necessary to discuss them with Yue Fei.

So that very night, he found an opportunity to have a few drinks with Yue Fei.

Shouguang City was not ravaged too badly by the Liangshan army. When the government troops liberated the county town, some of the well-off gentry came out to welcome them and provided them with wine and meat.

Guan Sheng and Yue Fei were strict in disciplining their soldiers, preventing them from taking advantage of the situation to plunder, which was already a great blessing for the local people.

As for providing wine and meat to the army, the gentry and well-off families all felt it was the right thing to do. They believed that providing such a small amount of supplies was enough to satisfy an army, which was rare since the founding of the dynasty.

Guan Sheng had an old, nearly dead ox cooked, and disregarding the coarse and tough beef, he offered Yue Fei the relatively softer brisket to accompany his wine.

“Brother Pengju, before this battle, Lord Zhao gave me some advice and told me to pay attention to a few things. However, these matters also involve you, so I can't make the decision myself. I'd like to discuss them with you.”

As Guan Sheng spoke, he drew his dagger, cut off a large piece of beef brisket, and placed it into Yue Fei's basin, saying this.

Yue Fei quickly put down the large bowl of wine and solemnly cupped his hands: "Since it is the Lord's order and the General thinks it is reasonable, it should naturally be carried out. Why ask me? I am new here and do not know anything. I just need to follow the orders."

Guan Sheng waved his hand: "That may be true, but this matter involves your personal interests. Here's what happened: before we set out, Lord Zhao told me that Qin Ming, Huang Xin, and other former generals of the Qingzhou government army were all coerced into joining the rebels. When they were working for the government, they were often framed by their colleagues or superiors and had no choice in the matter."

Therefore, the treatment of Qin Ming, Huang Xin, and others must be different from that of those beasts who are said to have defiled other men's wives and daughters and enjoy eating the hearts and livers of living people. If possible, we should still try to persuade them to surrender and serve the court.

Yue Fei was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, feeling that it was a matter of course and there was no need for discussion: "This is the natural order of things, and they should be given a chance to reform themselves. The court's rewards and punishments are unclear, and there are many of us military men who have been wronged. We all share the same feelings and the same principles, so I naturally give my full support."

Guan Sheng shook his head slightly: "Things aren't that simple. At the time, Lord Zhao analyzed some situations with me, which are quite similar to the current situation. Think about it: if Qin Ming and Huang Xin are both said to have been captured and forced to surrender, their future prospects are basically just to survive."

They might even have their faces tattooed and be exiled. Under the severe punishments of the imperial court, even if they could join the army in the future, they might not be able to work under Lord Zhao.

But we haven't reported all of this yet, so I was thinking, could we report that Qin Ming and Huang Xin defected on the spot and voluntarily abandoned the darkness to join the light? Anyway, we've already accepted the surrender of over a thousand former Qingzhou imperial soldiers. If we report this result as Qin Ming and Huang Xin surrendering voluntarily, there won't be any flaws.

However, in doing so, my merit in capturing Huang Xin alive will have to be temporarily forgotten. I was also favored by Lord Zhao, who gave me a merit in killing Wang Lun, the former creditor of Liangshan. This time, I am repaying that debt of gratitude, which is only right.

But my worthy brother, your merit in capturing Qin Ming alive is greater than mine in capturing Huang Xin. If we want to give Qin Ming a chance to reform and make him willingly serve Lord Zhao to the death, you will have to suffer a slight loss, and perhaps the court will be slower in recognizing your merit and promoting you—

But rest assured, Lord Zhao is fully aware of all this. Therefore, in his heart, your merits and status will not be affected; in fact, he might even regard you as a brother more. It's just that in the eyes of the court officials and the Emperor, you will become somewhat insignificant. As for the specific decision, I cannot make it for you.”

Yue Fei immediately understood Guan Sheng's logic.

If we say that Qin Ming and Huang Xin revolted on the battlefield and then suddenly repented, they will definitely be grateful to Zhao Zicheng, which would be of great benefit to the overall unity.

However, he will lose one of the credits that he can personally report.

But what did it matter? Yue Fei didn't care what the civil officials in the Privy Council and the Ministry of War thought of him. As for the Emperor, he couldn't possibly know of the existence of such a lowly officer.

As long as Lord Zhao knows his own loyalty and righteousness, and knows that he prioritizes the greater good and disregards personal fame, that is enough.

Yue Fei immediately stood up, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the north, and solemnly said, "Just a month ago, I was merely a lowly village militiaman with only martial arts skills. If it weren't for Lord Zhao's gracious favor in promoting me to the rank of captain, how could I have had the opportunity to achieve such merit today?"

I am only nineteen years old. If my achievements are too great and I am directly promoted to battalion commander, it might not be a good thing, and I might even find it difficult to gain the respect of the troops. I would rather conceal the merit of capturing Qin Ming alive and only report to the court as "Qin Ming's repentance on the battlefield," hoping to unite more of my fallen comrades so that they may serve the country loyally.

Guan Sheng also changed to a serious expression and patted Yue Fei on the shoulder: "I knew I hadn't misjudged you. In that case, let's each give up a merit and let Lord Zhao report to the court that 'Qin Ming and Huang Xin both voluntarily repented'."

……

Guan Sheng's latest report of victory was also quickly delivered to Zhao Zicheng.

Meanwhile, Zhao Zicheng and Hu Yanqing's naval forces have been busy these past two days, constantly pursuing and chasing Song Jiang's naval forces from afar, putting continuous pressure on Song Jiang through harassment.

Upon seeing the letter, Zhao Zicheng indeed greatly admired Guan Sheng and Yue Fei, and granted their request. He immediately wrote a reply and sent it back in a secret letter.

"Guan and Yue are truly our good brothers! They put the greater good first and disregard personal gain! In this way, Qin and Huang will be able to be won over quickly, and they will be completely devoted to Qin and Huang and repent completely."

In his reply, Zhao Zicheng, of course, did not hesitate to use lavish praise, expressing...
"Although you concealed some of your contributions from the court for the sake of the overall situation, rest assured, I, Zhao, will absolutely not let you suffer any losses."

As brothers, we all remember this. What you've received less from the court, I, Zhao, will repay you many times over in the future, ensuring you enjoy wealth and honor, and that your names will be etched in history.

After the reply was delivered to Guan Sheng, Guan Sheng took Zhao Zicheng's handwritten letter and went to appease Qin Ming and Huang Xin. Huang Xin had been captured in Shouguang County, so he was immediately detained on the spot.

Qin Ming was captured and wounded by Yue Fei in Linzi County. After receiving basic treatment, he was transported to Shouguang in a large cart with thick blankets for cushioning, making it easier to keep him under guard. Qin Ming had been injured and unconscious before being persuaded to surrender, which fueled his resentment, especially feeling indignant about being injured by Yue Fei's sneak attack.

That evening at dinner time, Guan Shengxian had a more lavish feast prepared than usual, so that Qin Ming and Huang Xinxian could eat their fill.

Qin Ming was suspicious, thinking this was his last meal before his execution. He figured he might as well eat it, so he sat down at the table and ate heartily until he was stuffed.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Guan Sheng brought in Yue Fei and Zhao Zicheng's handwritten letter, then tossed the letter in front of Qin and Huang.

Qin Ming was suspicious, and with one arm injured, he couldn't easily pick it up to read. Huang Xin then picked up the letter, unfolded it, and respectfully placed it in front of Qin Ming, so the two of them could read it together.

"..."

"..."

The letter wasn't long, but Qin Ming and Huang Xin silently read it over and over, their shock and disbelief becoming increasingly apparent.

"You actually reported to the court that we all surrendered on the battlefield and took the initiative to support the royal army in recapturing Linzi and Shouguang? What about your merit in capturing us?"

Qin Ming felt so ashamed that he wanted to disappear.

He had been a military officer in the imperial court for many years and had never seen any general so humble in the face of great merit, willing to downplay his own achievements in order to give prisoners a way to reform.

Those are all real promotions!
If Yue Fei had reported the truth, saying that he had captured Qin Ming alive and recaptured Linzi on his own, he would have been promoted directly to battalion commander!
But with this approach, Yue Fei will definitely not be promoted to the rank of battalion commander; at most, he will only be promoted to the rank of deputy battalion commander.

Although Qin Ming was stabbed in the shoulder by Yue Fei and was originally full of resentment, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head, and his anger was completely extinguished.

"Young man... your future is bound to be limitless. Alas, I am ashamed to say that I originally thought you won by luck, that you only took advantage of my carelessness."

Looking back now, I realize that not only is my martial skill superior to mine, but my strategy and magnanimity are also far beyond my reach. It's likely that he will one day be enshrined in temples as a martial saint, like Han Xin or Guan Yu!
"May I ask your name, young man? I, Qin Ming, am utterly convinced of your worth!"

Qin Ming sighed and knelt down sincerely. Huang Xin, who was standing to the side, was also completely convinced and prostrated himself before Guan Sheng, who had captured him alive.

Yue Fei quickly helped Qin Ming up, saying, "General Qin, there's no need for that. Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. Our martial arts skills are actually quite similar, but I have the advantage of being unknown. People in the world don't know how powerful I am, and they are more likely to be caught off guard and out of my control."

A month ago, I was just an ordinary village militiaman. If it weren't for Lord Zhao's respect for talent, his meritocratic approach to appointing people, and his ability to ensure that everyone could use their talents to the fullest, how could I have risen so quickly to the rank of captain based solely on my martial arts skills? If I were to be promoted to battalion commander now, it would be far too fast. How could someone born into humble circumstances become a commander at the age of nineteen?

Brother Qin and Brother Huang were previously unsuccessful only because Murong Yanda was blind to talent and unable to use it effectively. You both possess great abilities, yet the court failed to recognize your worth. But once you join Lord Zhao's service, you will certainly no longer suffer such humiliation!

Lord Zhao is a hero, a man of great virtue and talent, respectful to the virtuous and generous, and those who know him well say he has the spirit of Liu Bei, and is good at treating people with respect. If someone like me can be directly appointed as a captain, then as long as you work diligently, why worry about your future?

Yue Fei's personal account left Qin Ming and Huang Xin speechless.

They only knew that Yue Fei was just a captain, but they didn't know that Yue Fei had only been a captain for a few days and before that, he was just a new recruit!
But this young recruit possessed such martial arts skills. More importantly, with such skills, he encountered a prefect who valued talent above all else and appointed him to a high position without regard to background!

If Yue Fei could be given such important responsibilities, what about other people?
Qin Ming: "We originally thought that the current emperor was being deceived and that treacherous officials were in power in the court, so we hoped to act on behalf of Heaven and eliminate injustice. If we had known that there were capable ministers and heroes like Lord Zhao among the court officials and members of the Song Dynasty's imperial family, we would not have... Alas."

Huang Xin: "No wonder Fang La was so powerful in Jiangnan, but he was defeated by Zhao Fujun one after another and died and perished in less than a year. There are such heroes in the world with such a broad mind."

After a heartfelt sigh, Qin Ming and Huang Xin were completely convinced and returned to the imperial court.

Guan Sheng followed Zhao Zicheng's instructions to recognize and appoint capable people without suspicion. He knew that Qin and Huang were both men of their word, so since they had surrendered, he sent their troops back to their original posts and instructed them to guard the local area, pacify Linzi, Shouguang and other counties, and restore order to Qingzhou.

In his reply, Zhao Zicheng specifically emphasized that Qin Ming and Huang Xin did not need to immediately turn back to attack Song Jiang, so as not to put them in an awkward position.

The task of pursuing Song Jiang was handled by the imperial army from other regions.

Upon hearing this arrangement, Qin Ming and Huang Xin's last trace of fear vanished completely, replaced by overwhelming gratitude. They vowed to serve the court to the death.

……

At the same time, Qin Ming and Huang Xin completely returned to the imperial court, and the Liangshan army's cavalry was almost completely wiped out.

Song Jiang, who was breaking through to the east, finally fell into a state of complete panic and anxiety.

Three days after Qin Ming was captured, Song Jiang learned of Qin Ming and Huang Xin's failure. He also heard that some of his brothers had died at the hands of a government army captain named Yue Fei.

At the time, Song Jiang did not know exactly how many brothers had died; he was simply overwhelmed with grief.

But soon the Liangshan army faced increasing pressure from the advancing government troops.

After a brief rest, Guan Sheng and Yue Fei continued their pursuit. Meanwhile, the government troops, both cavalry and infantry, within Laizhou, led by Huyan Zhuo and Xu Ning, were putting significant pressure on Song Jiang.

Xu Ning led the infantry to mainly defend the city, blocking the Liangshan army's eastward land advance in places like Weixian.

Although Huyan Zhuo's cavalry was not as numerous as Guan Sheng's and Yue Fei's troops, it was more elite and swift in battle, posing a great threat to Song Jiang's flanks.

After several back-and-forths, and with Guan Sheng replacing the Jinan Prefecture cavalry left behind in Linzi County and other places with the front-line troops, and sending Qin Ming back to defend the city, the number of front-line combat cavalry that Guan Sheng had assembled exceeded seven or eight hundred men.

With the addition of Huyan Zhuo's cavalry, the total number of cavalry combat troops in the government army has exceeded one thousand.

Although Song Jiang still claimed to have more than 20,000 soldiers, they were mainly mountain and river bandits, as well as a large number of newly recruited rabble and some infantry from the original Qingzhou government army.

The situation became increasingly difficult, so Song Jiang had no choice but to discuss it with Wu Jialiang and make a difficult decision.

"Let's abandon the plan to withdraw by both land and sea and go all out by sea! Apart from the generals' mounts, we'll have to abandon all the other horses that we can't take and sail eastward along the coast! Otherwise, if Zhao Zicheng and Huyan Qing's navy catch up and join forces with the government cavalry on the shore, our army will be in grave danger."

Wu Jialiang no longer objected, but reminded them: "But if the whole army takes the waterway and is caught up by the government navy, how will we repel the enemy? Although the government navy is not large in number, their warships are all larger than ours. In naval warfare, the advantage of larger ships is too obvious."

Song Jiang knew he had to be wary of this, and after a painful decision, he decided to leave Ruan Jin, Ruan Tong, and Ruan Qi to lead the warships to cover the rear and keep watch, while the rest of the main force would sail at full speed on transport ships to avoid being directly pursued and killed by the government army's large ships.

Wu Jialiang further reminded that navigation also requires a skilled general to lead the way, so Song Jiang assigned Zhang Shun to lead the way.

The Liangshan army quickly adjusted according to this plan, abandoning everything they couldn't take on land and speeding away by boat, thus escaping Guan Sheng, Yue Fei, and Huyan Zhuo.

However, Zhao Zicheng's Denglai navy, under his own command and with the assistance of Hu Yanqing, Li Jun, and others, continued to pursue Song Jiang's chrysanthemum.

(End of this chapter)