Song Xiu

Chapter 105 Luring the Enemy Deep into the Huai River - Dexiu Enters the Huai River
News of the Song army's arrival at Wokou was quickly delivered to Li Chongjin by scouts.

Upon learning that the commander of the Song army was Zhao Guangyi, Li Chongjin couldn't help but burst into laughter in front of his generals:

"To be honest, if it were Zhao the traitor leading his troops here, I would have avoided him."

If it is the traitor Zhao who leads the troops, I will also treat him with great importance.

Who would have thought that the commander of the rebel army would be Zhao Guangyi?

Compared to the renowned Zhao Kuangyin and the newly famous Zhao Dexiu, Li Chongjin secretly breathed a sigh of relief upon Zhao Guangyi's arrival.

Li Chongjin deliberately said these words in front of his generals in order to boost morale.

Judging from the smiles on the faces of his generals, Li Chongjin had achieved his goal.

However, some people among the crowd still offered kind reminders.

Zhai Shouxun stood up and said to Li Chongjin:
"The enemy forces are strong and numerous, so I hope the commander will not let his guard down."

Seeing Zhai Shouxun's serious expression, Li Chongjin smiled again:
"Of course I will not be careless."

However, since the enemy commander has changed, our tactics must also be adjusted.

When Li Chongjin mentioned this point, Zhai Shouxun's expression changed slightly.

At the beginning of the uprising, Zhai Shouxun strongly advised Li Chongjin to learn from Li Jun's mistakes:

"The main force should not venture out lightly; a scorched-earth policy is essential."

For Huainan, this appears to be the best strategy on the surface.

However, there are no fixed strategies in warfare, and this plan was intended to deal with Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Dexiu.

Now that Zhao Guangyi is leading troops, Li Chongjin is unsure of his specific abilities and has decided to test him.

Seeing the worry on Zhai Shouxun's face, Li Chongjin smiled and said:

“I have an army named Chiying, skilled in raids.”

I have a horse named Ninghan, which can travel hundreds of miles a day.

What is there to fear from a mere Zhao Guangyi?

Li Chongjin did not boast. Back when he followed Emperor Zhou Shizong to conquer Huainan, he relied on this army and horse to make many meritorious contributions.

After saying this, Li Chongjin gradually came up with a new strategy.

Upon hearing Li Chongjin's new strategy, Zhai Shouxun outwardly appeared pleased, but inwardly he was quite anxious.

As someone loyal to the imperial court, it was important to convey military sentiments before a major battle.

However, after the war began, Yangzhou was placed under martial law, making the transmission of military intelligence much more difficult.

Furthermore, even if military intelligence can be transmitted, it still takes time!

After the pontoon bridge was completed, Zhao Guangyi led tens of thousands of Song soldiers across it and onto the land of Huainan.

Upon entering Huainan territory, Zhao Guangyi ordered his army to advance steadily.

Zhao Guangyi was born into a military family, so he had basic military skills—when entering enemy territory, he first proceeded steadily.

When Zhao Guangyi led his troops to the vicinity of Dingyuan County, a scout reported that an enemy force had appeared ahead.

The enemy's sudden appearance prevented Zhao Guangyi from setting up his battle formation, but that was alright.

The military training he received from a young age gave Zhao Guangyi confidence, and he quickly issued the order.

"All troops, prepare for battle!"

Under Zhao Guangyi's command, the elite vanguard of the Song army quickly formed ranks and charged towards the enemy forces in Dingyuan County.

To demonstrate his martial prowess, Zhao Guangyi donned armor, rode his warhorse, and personally led the Song army into the vanguard to command them in battle.

Seeing this, Wang Quanbin couldn't help but advise:
"How can a noblewoman like you take such a risk?"

Wang Quanbin's persuasion did not change Zhao Guangyi's mind.

Zhao Guangyi said generously:

"My soldiers are eager to give their lives under the sword; how can I bear to sit idly by!"

These words greatly excited the surrounding officers, who became even more eager to compete.

Zhao Guangyi was well aware of the importance of the commander-in-chief personally going to the front line. Although he was not leading the troops like Zhao Dexiu, his presence at the front line was enough to establish his authority in the army.

The Song army was already elite, and with its high morale, it quickly defeated the rebel army outside Dingyuan County.

As Zhao Guangyi rode his warhorse, he looked at the fleeing rebel army in front of him, and he couldn't suppress the smile on his face.

He truly has the makings of a great general.

He had already won his first battle in early August.

Zhao Dexiu pacified Luzhou in two months; he might very well be able to pacify Huainan in one month!

Upon realizing this, Zhao Guangyi decided to change his original tactics.

"Order the entire army to advance at full speed!"

As soon as the military order was issued, Pan Mei came to advise against it:

"The elite troops of Huainan have always been brave and fierce, but now they have collapsed at the first sign of trouble. I'm afraid it's a trap."

Pan Mei was deeply worried.

Tian Chongjin is not currently in the vanguard.

After witnessing Zhao Guangyi's battle formation that day, remembering Zhao Dexiu's entrustment, he volunteered to lead troops to protect him from the rear.

Pan Mei's advice came from a good heart.

However, when his words reached Zhao Guangyi's ears, Zhao Guangyi instinctively became displeased.

Stubbornness and self-will were another characteristic of Zhao Guangyi.

From Zhao Guangyi's perspective, the rebel vanguard collapsed at the first sign of trouble, which was the result of his personal presence on the front lines and his heroic command.

How can it be considered unfounded?

Our own combat achievements are beyond question!

Fortunately, Zhao Guangyi did not inherit the throne at that time, and he did not reprimand Pan Mei for his advice.

"Zhongxun, don't worry, I have my own plan."

After Pan Mei finished her persuasion, Wang Quanbin raised another suspicious point.

"According to previous intelligence, the rebels should have gathered near Yangzhou."

How could some of the rebel troops have arrived outside Dingyuan County?

Zhao Guangyi had already considered this point of view.

"It must be that Li Chongjin underestimates me and wants to launch a surprise attack while our army is still establishing itself."

He never expected this, but I was prepared!
Now that the rebels have suffered their first defeat and their morale is low, this is the perfect time for our army to advance fiercely.

In his words, Zhao Guangyi revealed his contempt for Li Chongjin.

Zhao Guangyi's explanation made Wang Quanbin open his mouth, but in the end he kept it closed.

Although he still had doubts, his future depended entirely on Zhao Guangyi, and with his personal interests outweighing his public interest, he had no intention of offering any advice.

Seeing that neither of the two generals had any "objections," Zhao Guangyi decisively gave the order:
"Send an order to General Tian, ​​instructing him to quickly lead his troops to join the vanguard."

Upon receiving this firm military order, Pan Mei wisely withdrew.

When Zhao Guangyi's military order reached the rear army, Tian Chongjin frowned again.

After Dingyuan comes Chuzhou.

With the supply lines in the rear newly established, it would not be a good thing for the army to penetrate too deep into enemy territory.

Zhao Guangyi's leadership of the troops gave Tian Chongjin a strange feeling.

Zhao Guangyi was knowledgeable in military strategy, as can be seen from his actions of "directly attacking Yangzhou" and "personally going to the front lines."

But at times he does things that are hard to understand.

Military orders are hard to disobey, and Tian Chongjin was determined to lead his troops to Dingyuan.

However, before heading to Dingyuan County, Tian Chongjin had one more thing to do.

After writing a secret memorial in his own hand inside the tent, Tian Chongjin summoned his personal guards:

"Send this military report to His Majesty via express courier service, which will cover 600 li."

Tian Chongjin's expression was grave, which made the guards dare not hesitate. After receiving the secret report, they rushed out of the tent.

Watching the guards' departing figures, Tian Chongjin thought to himself:
"Let His Majesty decide everything."

After a rapid march, Zhao Guangyi soon led his army to the walls of Chuzhou. Chuzhou was the eastern gateway to Yangzhou, and the Zhou army had used it as a strategic stronghold when they attacked Huainan.

According to the intelligence gathered earlier, Zhao Guangyi learned that the defeated army outside Dingyuan County had entered Chuzhou City.

Upon learning this, Zhao Guangyi ordered his army to besiege the city.

Initially, Li Chongjin stationed his main forces near Yangzhou, at which time the Song army's tactic of directly attacking Yangzhou was feasible.

Historically, Zhao Kuangyin also adopted this tactic when he personally led an expedition against Huainan.

However, now that defeated rebel troops have entered Chuzhou, if the Song army rashly takes Yangzhou, their rear will be easily unstable.

The siege of Chuzhou was inevitable.

Some generals expressed concerns about this move:
"Chuzhou is a fortified city and not easy to attack. When Emperor Shizong attacked Chuzhou in the past, it took a long time and could easily damage the morale of our army. I hope that you will think twice."

Upon hearing this concern, Zhao Guangyi revealed the look of a wise man:

"Now the situation is the same, but the circumstances are different; they are weak while we are strong."

When Emperor Shizong conquered Huainan, he relocated its people and emptied the land, leaving the fortified city of Chuzhou vulnerable.

"My decision is made; you need not speak further."

Zhao Guangyi's words were supported by Pan Mei, Wang Quanbin, and others.

Despite agreeing with Zhao Guangyi's assessment, Pan Mei still harbored some concerns.

After spending these days together, Pan Mei figured out some of their routines.

It seems that the Marquis of Donghai always prefers to "start openly and then covertly"?
If Zhao Guangyi performs reasonably well, some unexpected things may happen later.

Having this idea, though somewhat disrespectful to Zhao Guangyi.

But when she thought about past examples, Pan Mei couldn't help but have doubts.

Under Zhao Guangyi's orders, tens of thousands of Song troops launched a fierce attack on Chuzhou City the following day.

The city of Chuzhou was severely damaged in the Battle of Huainan several years ago, and after several years of repairs, its defenses are still not complete.

In addition, Zhao Guangyi, as always, personally went to the city to urge his soldiers to launch a fierce attack on Chuzhou City, which boosted the morale of the imperial guards, who then vied to attack the city.

After days of fierce attacks, Chuzhou City was on the verge of collapse and was about to fall.

At this critical moment, after observing the scene of the soldiers in the army being "so angry that they could not be contained," a worry arose in Zhao Guangyi's mind.

"If soldiers fight desperately to attack the city, how can we stop them from burning, killing, and looting after they enter?"

This worry lasted a lifetime, and another thought settled in Zhao Guangyi's mind.

"In the Battle of Funiu Mountain, he burned 20,000 Northern Han soldiers, which was extremely brutal. How can I follow in his footsteps?"

If the Song army commits acts of burning, killing, and looting after entering the city, the infamy will surely fall on its commander.

Zhao Guangyi had not forgotten that the political purpose of his expedition was to vie for the throne.

Now that Zhao Dexiu has gained an advantage in the struggle for the crown prince position, Zhao Guangyi feels that he must take a differentiated competitive approach in order to catch up with Zhao Dexiu.

"If someone is quick-tempered, I will be lenient; if someone is violent, I will be benevolent; if someone is cunning, I will be generous."

"Only when things go against Xiu's wishes can they be accomplished!"

Thinking of this, Zhao Guangyi issued a military order:
"All troops, halt the siege!"

When this military order reached the front lines, the generals who were leading their troops in the charge felt as if they had been force-fed a bowl of swill, and they were immediately disgusted.

General Li Hanqiong, gazing at the city of Chuzhou so close at hand, angrily threw his weapon to the ground and said:
"The city is about to fall, yet we don't attack? What kind of military order is this?!"

Previously, Zhao Guangyi's some outrageous actions only affected a few people, such as Tian Chongjin and Pan Mei.

Now every general in the army is experiencing that disgusting feeling.

This feeling.
Hearing Li Hanqiong's resentment, Cui Yanjin shouted:
"The commander has given orders; how dare you disobey!"

Like Wang Quanbin, Cui Yanjin was one of Zhao Guangyi's trusted confidants developed within the military.

Cui Yanjin's stern rebuke did not silence Li Hanqiong.

Li Hanqiong stared at Cui Yanjin and said:
"If the Prince of Taiyuan were here, things would not have come to this!"

After saying that, Li Hanqiong left the city without looking back.

The one who directly voiced his opinion was Li Hanqiong, but there were many other generals who shared similar thoughts.

After noticing several direct gazes, Cui Yanjin, though angry, dared not refute Li Hanqiong any further.

Many mid-level military officers were puzzled, let alone Pan Mei, Tian Chongjin, Wang Quanbin, and others.

The usually cautious Tian Chongjin was losing control of himself.

After returning to the army, Tian Chongjin went straight to find Zhao Guangyi:

"Our army can capture Chuzhou in a matter of days, so why does the magistrate sound the gong?"

Although his words weren't overly harsh, anyone could tell that Tian Chongjin's tone was unfriendly.

Zhao Guangyi knew that this order would inevitably cause dissatisfaction among some generals, but he had his own plans:

"Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have taken it upon yourself to demonstrate benevolence and righteousness to the people of the world."

If our army breaks through the city, the people of Chuzhou will suffer the pain of war. How can I bear it?

As the art of war says, one can subdue the enemy without fighting.

Now that the rebels in Chuzhou are aware of our army's power, I will send an envoy into the city to proclaim my benevolence and righteousness, so that the Chuzhou rebels may surrender willingly.

Pan Mei, who had just entered the tent, was so shocked by Zhao Guangyi's words that he wanted to leave immediately.

In a great war, how can we uphold benevolence and righteousness?
This "grand talk" left Pan Mei and the others dumbfounded.

With indescribable emotions, Li Hanqiong's declaration had captured the hearts of Pan Mei and the others:
King of Taiyuan, come quickly!

In the imperial city of Kaifeng, Zhao Kuangyin led Zhao Dexiu into a newly built government office.

This government office is the location of the Consultative Province.

During the consultation process for establishing the provincial government, Zhao Kuangyin issued an edict:

He was given the title of Grand Master of Remonstrance and entered the Consultative Secretariat.

The Grand Master of Remonstrance was an official position in the former Tang Dynasty, responsible for remonstrating with the emperor on merits and demerits, and serving as an attendant and advisor.

Previously, the Grand Counselors were subordinate officials of the Secretariat and the Chancellery. Now, although the Secretariat and the Chancellery have official positions, they basically do not perform any actual duties.

Zhao Dexiu, who was determined to rid the Song Dynasty of its bloated bureaucracy, would never allow officials from the three provinces to sit idly by.

At Zhao Dexiu's suggestion, Zhao Kuangyin separated the Grand Counselor from the Secretariat and the Chancellery, making him an official under the Consultative Council.

Those who held the title of "Adviser-in-Chief" were entitled to receive an extra salary and were also eligible to participate in the construction of the new policies.

Such as Zhao Pu, Shen Yilun, and Chu Zhaofu, and of course Zhao Dexiu also held this official title.

Unbeknownst to him, Zhao Dexiu had acquired more and more official titles, and was beginning to resemble the former King of Qin.

After touring the offices of the Consultative Province, Zhao Kuangyin nodded in satisfaction:
"Not extravagant, but simple and frugal, that's good."

After making his evaluation, Zhao Kuangyin sat on his throne in the government office and mentioned something to Zhao Dexiu:
"The Khitan sent a letter, saying they wanted to send an envoy to visit us."

I have already agreed to this matter.

"Once the Khitan delegation arrives, please take good care of their reception."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dexiu bowed and accepted the order.

Well, it seems the title of Minister of State Ceremonies will eventually fall to him.

Just as Zhao Kuangyin was about to give Zhao Dexiu a few more instructions, Zhao Pu came to Zhao Kuangyin with a secret report from Huainan.

Upon receiving the secret report from Huainan, Zhao Kuangyin quickly took it and began to read it.

After reading the contents of the secret report, Zhao Kuangyin slammed his fist on the imperial desk in anger:
"Li Chongjin is luring the enemy deep into his territory!"
He didn't notice at all?

Zhao Kuangyin's words revealed a deep disappointment in Zhao Guangyi.

Disappointment aside, the most important thing right now is:
"The King of Taiyuan!"

"The minister is here."

Looking at Zhao Dexiu standing in front of him, Zhao Kuangyin felt somewhat relieved.

"Take my imperial edict and the tiger tally, and immediately go to Huainan to take command of the army in place of Zhao Guangyi!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dexiu did not hesitate at all.

"I accept your order!"

(End of this chapter)