Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 136 A Great Victory Over Western Xia, News of Triumph Returns

In the seventh year of the Jiayou era, in mid-October.

Victory reports poured into Bianjing City like snowflakes, while Zhang Fu reinforced the defenses of cities such as Liangzhou and Ganzhou.

To prevent a counterattack by the Western Xia in alliance with the Uyghurs, Tibetans, and other tribes.

He also dispatched Zheng Xiao and Xu Pingyuan to lead an elite force westward to quickly attack Suzhou, Guazhou, Shazhou and other places.

Once the two armies have joined forces, they can continue their eastward advance, heading straight for Lingzhou.

Back then, Li Yuanhao divided the entire territory of Western Xia into left and right wings, and set up twelve military supervisory offices under them.

The left wing faces Fuyan Road, Hedong Road, and the Liao Dynasty, while the right wing faces Qinfeng Road, Xihe Road, and the Tubo and Uyghur regions.

Gu Tingye has already captured many fortresses and strongholds along the Hengshan lineage, and taken over Xiazhou, Youzhou and other places.
Once Yinzhou is captured, all obstacles east of Lingzhou can be cleared, severing the left arm of Western Xia.

Inside the main tent of the Central Normal University, Zhao Han sat upright at his desk. Several days earlier, he had ordered the posting of notices to reassure the people at various key locations.

He repeatedly emphasized that after capturing the cities of Western Xia, all soldiers of our army must not slaughter civilians, plunder property, or rape women.

Regardless of military merit or background, anyone who violates military discipline will be severely punished without exception, and their crimes will be made public as a warning to others.

After days of continuous warfare, the army's food and supplies within the Western Xia territory were already running out, and the people were suffering terribly.

At this moment, a life-saving meal is far more effective in winning people's hearts than a thousand words of praise for benevolence.

Therefore, he also explicitly ordered that all tribes that submitted and cities that surrendered should immediately have their granaries opened and food distributed, and soup kitchens should be set up to provide relief to the disaster victims.

At the same time, physicians were dispatched to treat the wounded and sick, and all necessary medicines were provided.

The only way to govern Western Xia in the future is to adopt a policy of appeasement.

In Xingqing Prefecture, Li Liangzuo was filled with worry, as he had been unable to eat or sleep properly for days.

It was clear that the two armies of the Zhou Dynasty were about to reach Lingzhou, which was the lifeline of the Western Xia.

Once lost, Xingqing Prefecture will be wide open, and even if the Liao Kingdom sends reinforcements, it will likely be too late to save it.

A military officer, looking haggard, bowed his head and said, "The firearms of the Zhou Dynasty are truly ferocious. No matter how brave and skilled our soldiers are, they are still just flesh and blood. They have no power to restrain them at all."

Upon hearing this, Li Liangzuo looked up at the sky and sighed deeply, unable to resist raising his hand to rub his throbbing temples.

"Has the Liao envoy arrived in Bianjing?"

"Your Majesty, judging by the time, we estimate that they have already arrived."

Li Liangzuo nodded and gritted his teeth, saying, "As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn."

Since the Zhou Dynasty refuses to negotiate peace, I have no other choice but to resort to this drastic measure.

In order to secure military aid from the Liao Kingdom, he was willing to empty the nation's coffers and stake everything, including his dignity.

In response to Yelü Hongji's request to become a puppet emperor, the Liao Dynasty opened up its territory, agreed to station troops in strategic locations such as the Helan Mountains, and agreed to pay tribute of warhorses and cattle annually...

Meanwhile, in Bianjing (Kaifeng).

The Liao envoy Yelü Renxian had already settled in Duting Post Station. In the second year of the Qingli era, he had set foot in Bianjing as an envoy.

The next morning, led by a group of eunuchs, Yelü Renxian stepped into the Zichen Hall.

This time, I have come on the orders of Yelü Hongji, not only to exert pressure with words and persuade the Zhou Dynasty to withdraw its troops.

Furthermore, it was necessary to ascertain the Zhou Dynasty's bottom line of strength and to witness firsthand just how formidable the firearms that struck fear into the hearts of the Western Xia army truly were.

Holding a tablet, Yelü Renxian performed two bows, then stood upright in the hall with a composed expression.

Han Zhang, Shen Shiqi, Xue Pu, Hai Yanping, the then Minister of Works, and other ministers were all present.

On the dragon throne, Zhao Zhen received the letter of state and, as was customary, inquired about Yelü Hongji's health before the two sides began to get down to business.

"Our emperor is the suzerain of Western Xia and has the responsibility to safeguard the security of his vassal states."

"Although the Western Xia had committed acts of disloyalty, it has sincerely repented."

“Your country’s current military invasion is against propriety and violates the natural order.”

Upon hearing this, Han Zhang narrowed his eyes and instantly understood the meaning behind his words.

He snorted coldly and said loudly, "I cannot agree with what you have said, Your Excellency."

“Since Li Jiqian, the Western Xia has been two-faced and fickle, repeatedly betraying your country and massacring border people more than once.”

"There has never been any talk of sincere repentance. The fact that Western Xia now pays tribute to your country is merely a temporary measure."

"Our dynasty is sending troops to Western Xia not to expand our territory, but only for the safety of the people on the border."

Yelü Hongji frowned slightly. He knew all too well that this was a desperate expedient measure taken by the Western Xia when they had no other options.

After careful consideration, he said loudly, "Since the Treaty of Shanyuan, the Zhou and Liao states have maintained a high degree of courtesy and frequent diplomatic exchanges."

"The fact that they have not clashed with each other for many years is truly a timeless tale."

"Judging from the current situation, it is hard to guarantee that it will not affect the Zhou-Liao border one day and endanger the alliance."

In his view, along with the ministers of the Liao Dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty would possess excellent warhorses and have tribes such as the Qiang and Uyghurs submit to its rule.

After recuperating, they will surely turn their attention to the Liao Dynasty.

"Our king has said that if your country immediately ceases hostilities and returns to its original territory."

"I can personally vouch for the Western Xia ruler to come to Bianjing to apologize and sue for peace with your country, double the annual tribute, promise never to invade the border again, remove the border forts, and cede three cities to your country."

Shen Shiqi glanced at Zhao Zhen and said in a deep voice, "Our dynasty has always been careful to abide by the alliance and has never violated your country in the slightest."

"Our two armies have already reached Lingzhou, and the city will be captured soon."

"I hope your country will not be deceived by a fickle, small border country and ruin the alliance between our two nations."

Han Zhang clenched his fist and then spoke, "That's right, Western Xia! Our dynasty will surely conquer them!"

"I imagine your Excellency has also heard of the power of our dynasty's firearms. No matter how many brave cavalry the Western Xia has, they cannot withstand it."

Upon hearing the word "firearms," ​​Yelü Renxian and his envoys exchanged serious glances, their expressions subtly changing.

They had anticipated that the Zhou Dynasty would not easily agree to withdraw its troops, but they never expected it to be so resolute.

Zhao Zhen sat upright on the throne, a faint smile always on his face.

After a moment, he said softly, "The matter of Western Xia is of great importance. I understand the Liao Emperor's good intentions."

"Emperor Yelü, please step back and rest for now. We will discuss this matter again in a few days."

"This..." Upon hearing this, Yelü Renxian couldn't help but feel anxious.

He knew that Zhou Chao, now relying on its powerful weapons, intended to keep him waiting for a while.

However, the war in the Northwest is urgent, and every day of delay will likely increase the risk of the Western Xia breaching the city.

Seeing Zhao Zhen's unquestionable expression, Yelü Renxian knew that if he spoke again, it would not only be of no use.

If they were accused of being disrespectful, it would damage the reputation of the Liao Kingdom.

Thinking of this, he had no choice but to bow and take his leave.

Watching the departing figures of the envoys, Han Zhang and the others straightened their backs and let out a long breath.

Three days later, the autumn wind began to blow.

Han Zhang, Shen Shiqi, and other ministers led the envoys to the Imperial Guards' training ground in the northern suburbs to witness the power of firearms.

On the training ground, flames soared into the sky, smoke filled the air, and with each thunderous roar, the earth shook and waves of heat rolled in.

Yelü Renxian initially tried to remain calm, but when he saw a fireball shoot out and the stone wall a hundred paces away shatter into pieces, his hands trembled slightly beneath his wide sleeves.

The envoys behind him were in the same state, with fine beads of sweat on their foreheads. After the observation, Yelü Renxian immediately wrote a letter and sent it to the Liao Kingdom by fast horse.

Half a month later, the two armies from the northwest arrived at the gates of Lingzhou. Yelü Renxian could not contain himself and took the initiative to write a letter to Emperor Zhao Zhen.

The ministers gathered again in the Zichen Hall.

After some discussion, Zhao Zhen agreed that after conquering Western Xia, he would cede the northeastern territory of Western Xia to the Liao Dynasty.

Furthermore, the number of border markets with the Liao Kingdom will be increased, and no additional troops or cities will be built on the Zhou-Liao border in the northwest.

The main purpose of sending troops to attack Western Xia was to control Lingzhou, Xingqing Prefecture, Hengshan and other places. As for the northeastern region, it was a win-win situation for the Great Zhou to exchange it for the Liao Kingdom not having to send troops.

Seeing that it could expand its territory by thousands of miles without losing a single soldier and gain tangible benefits, the Liao Kingdom agreed not to interfere in the war in the northwest.

Of course, they were also intimidated by the firearms. They knew very well that the Zhou Dynasty's morale was high at the moment, and if Zhou and Liao went to war, it was very likely that both sides would suffer heavy losses.

Upon learning of this in Xingqing Prefecture, Li Liangzuo was furious, but he was powerless to do anything about it.

In an instant, his face turned ashen, and he collapsed into the hall like a stray dog.

In the Western Xia Dynasty, the primary requirement for entering the court as an official was being born into a noble family.

These once high-ranking court officials, seeing that things were going badly, were secretly packing their valuables and preparing to flee with their families in order to save their lives.

-

In the seventh year of the Jiayou era, during the winter month.

Under the siege of two armies, Lingzhou fell, and many soldiers, seeing no way to resist, surrendered.

After a brief rest, the army broke camp and marched westward, heading straight for Xingqing Prefecture.

The Qinsheng Army, which was stationed around Xingqing Prefecture, originally numbered nearly 100,000, but after days of troop mobilization and fighting, it now has less than 20,000 soldiers left.

In addition to the Capture Army, there were 20,000 garrison troops dedicated to protecting the imperial city, as well as 5,000 guards from the Six Guards within the Imperial Enclosure.

Inside the central command tent, many generals, including Zhang Fu, Gu Tingye, and Zheng Xiao, gathered together.

"The final battle!" Zhao Han looked at the geomantic map and let out a long sigh.

Gu Tingye clenched his fist and said, "Within two months, this general will surely break through this city!"

Xu Pingyuan was filled with anticipation.

With his military achievements, he will surely impress his father upon returning to the Marquis of Yongyi's residence.

As for his harsh stepmother and his mediocre brother, their expressions must be quite interesting!

If I can get the support of my great-aunt, even if I don't inherit the title in the future.

He himself would become the most outstanding descendant of the Marquis of Yongyi.

As night fell, a biting north wind howled, and Gu Tingye led 3,000 Shenji Battalion soldiers and 20,000 elite troops in a surprise attack on the Qinsheng Army camp.

Xu Pingyuan, Wei Ling, and others led their troops to surround the area from both sides.

"Release!" Gu Tingye pointed his spear directly at the target.

Arrows loaded with gunpowder flew into the camp from all directions, and in an instant, the camp was in chaos, with flames soaring into the sky.

By now, the remaining soldiers of Western Xia have long been demoralized and have lost all morale.

Seeing Xu Pingyuan leading his elite cavalry battalion to break through the fence on the east side, with his spear pointing straight at them, they scattered and fled in all directions, some even abandoning their armor and kneeling to beg for mercy.

Within four or five days, the army had already surrounded the imperial city. To prevent Li Liangzuo from escaping, heavy troops were stationed at all eight city gates.

In this situation, by besieging but not attacking, we can completely wear down Li Liangzuo and the army inside the city simply by attrition.

After some discussion, half a month later, 50,000 troops assembled at the main gate.

Zhao Han straddled his horse and raised his hand, shouting, "Attack the city!"

Thunderclap cannons and tiger-shaped cannons crashed down on the majestic city gate, while arrows rained down like raindrops.

Upon seeing this, the Western Xia soldiers on the city wall were filled with fear and their formation was thrown into chaos.

Amidst billowing smoke and dust, the Shenji Battalion slowly approached, and with a deafening roar, the city gate was breached!
As Zhao Han had given prior instructions that those who surrendered should not be killed, and their civilians should not be harmed, the 50,000-strong army entered in single file. However, the army was disciplined and only those who swore to die rather than surrender were strangled.

Inside the main hall, Li Liangzuo, seeing that he had nowhere to go, held a white silk ribbon and slowly hung it from the beam as the palace gates were breached.

-

As the year drew to a close, news of the great victory over the Western Xia capital and Li Liangzuo's suicide by hanging reached Bianjing, and the whole country rejoiced.

Since the beginning of winter, even with the meticulous care of the imperial physicians...

Zhao Zhen's health continued to deteriorate, and he even fainted several times in front of his court officials.

Upon seeing the good news, he forced himself to bathe and change his clothes despite his illness, and went to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to inform his ancestors of the event.

After making inquiries from various sources, Sheng Hong was certain that the person who had repeatedly distinguished himself in battle in the Northwest was Wei Shuyi's third brother, Wei Ling!
Today's court meeting is over, in the Shou'an Hall of Sheng Mansion.

Everyone in the Sheng family, including Wei Xiaoniang and Liu Ge'er, was present.

"The calamity in the Northwest has finally been averted today, and the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun are just around the corner!"

"I think our Crown Prince is destined to become an emperor for all time!"

The old lady, dressed in a dark brown brocade robe, with her full head of silver hair neatly combed, sat on the soft couch, sighing repeatedly.

Wang Ruofu nodded vigorously, grinning, "Yes, Mother! I never dared to imagine in my life that Western Xia could be pacified so quickly."

"Good heavens! Hua'er must be so happy right now!"

Wei Shuyi smiled gently and sat down with Hai Chaoyun on one side.

“Mother, Pingyuan has made great military achievements this time. He will surely be rewarded after returning to the capital in triumph. Should we write a letter to send to Jinling to announce the good news?” Sheng Hong asked softly.

Upon hearing this, the old lady's gaze darkened slightly. In recent days, she had asked an old friend to help her inquire about Xu Pingyuan.

Unexpectedly, Xu Pingyuan suffered mistreatment in the Xu family mansion.

Mei Xiaoniang, the birth mother, died of illness on the surface, but in reality, she was inextricably linked to the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xu family.

"No need. When Yuan-ge arrives in the capital, have him come to see me first."

"I understand, son." Sheng Hong nodded, hesitated for a moment, and then turned his gaze to Wei Shuyi.

Wei Shuyi felt uncomfortable under his gaze, pursed her lips, and said gently, "My lord..."

"Is there anything wrong with what I'm wearing today?"

Before he had confirmed the facts, he did not reveal anything about Wei Ling to anyone else.

"There's nothing wrong with it. Your third brother, Wei Ling, is also in the Northwest Army."

"According to the report, he beheaded several enemy generals, which is also a great military achievement."

Upon hearing Sheng Hong's words, Wei Shuyi frowned, revealing an expression of disbelief.

Wang Ruofu did the same, craning her neck and asking, "Wei Sanlang?! Is my husband sure?"

"That's natural."

Minglan, standing to one side, blinked; she knew she had an uncle.

But we haven't been in touch for many years, and I can hardly remember what he looks like anymore. I vaguely remember that the last time we met was when I turned five.

"I heard my sister mention that my third brother joined the army many years ago, but news of him has been scarce. I truly knew nothing about this matter," Wei Shuyi said, suppressing her excitement and lowering her eyes.

(End of this chapter)