Song Xiu

Chapter 118 Using a Pretext to Conquer Guo: The Dragon's Roar Over Nanping
Ludoson did not wait long in the main hall.

About half an hour later, Gao Baoxu, dressed in royal robes and wearing a crown, entered the hall with a respectful expression.

The crown of China is first and foremost about majesty and dignity.

Even ordinary people who wear the crowns of kings and nobles will gain some prestige.

Gao Baoxu insisted on wearing royal robes, hoping that the majesty of the crown would earn him more respect from the Song envoys.

However, Gao Baoxu's long-term indulgence in wine and women resulted in his thin and frail body, which was simply unable to support the crown he wore.

His thin body and sallow complexion prompted Lu Duoxun to naturally think of a metaphor when he saw Gao Baoxu:
A monkey wearing a crown!

What Gao Baoxu didn't know was that his painstaking arrangements didn't make Lu Duoxun take him seriously; instead, they made him look down on him.

Even if Gao Baoxu's physique could support the majestic crown of a king, would Lu Duoxun value him?
A crown can only enhance a person's prestige; it's always just icing on the cake.

In chaotic times, a person's prestige arises from their achievements.

Like Zhao Dexiu, since being enfeoffed as a king, he has mostly appeared in civilian clothes in the army.

Nevertheless, in the Song army, which was full of fierce generals, who dared to look him in the eye now?
Under Ludosen's gaze, Gao Baoxu solemnly sat down on the throne.

As soon as Gao Baoxu sat down, he asked:
"What brings the King of Taiyuan here with his envoy?"

Despite harboring some disdain, Lu Duoxun, considering Zhao Dexiu's reputation, still gave Gao Baoxu a simple bow and said:

“Wu Ping was disloyal, and the emperor was furious. He ordered the Prince of Taiyuan to raise an army to punish him.”

To attack Wuping, we need to pass through your country.

The Prince of Taiyuan sent his minister to discuss this matter with the Prince of Nanping.

The territory of the Song Dynasty did not directly border the Wuping Kingdom.

As soon as Lu Duoxun finished speaking, Gao Baoxu's tension dissipated considerably.

Lu Duoxun's words imply that the Song court is currently unaware of his intention to "build Beihai".

However, before he could relax for long, Gao Baoxu suddenly realized something was wrong:
"Zhou Xing encountered a disloyal minister?"

This was the first time Gao Baoxu, who was not involved in politics, had heard of this matter.

As two regimes that jointly controlled Hunan and Hubei, Nanping and Wuping maintained close ties in private.

In Gao Baoxu's memory, Zhou Xingfeng was quite domineering in Wuping, but he was always very respectful to the Song Dynasty.

Seeing Gao Baoxu's puzzled expression, Lu Duoxun recounted Zhou Xingfeng's crimes one by one.

When the charge of "refusing to send troops" was mentioned, Lu Duoxun glanced at Gao Baoxu, seemingly unintentionally.

Gao Baoxu's heart skipped a beat at that sight.

In the past, Zhao Dexiu sent Pan Mei to inform the kingdoms of Wuping and Nanping.

Wuping did not send troops to help, nor did Nanping.

Fortunately, Lu Duoxun did not delve into this point. After explaining Zhou Xingfeng's crimes, Lu Duoxun continued:
"The Wuping Kingdom is on the verge of rebellion, and we hope that the King of Nanping can help our country."

Zhou Xingfeng is not Gao Baoxu.

Once news of the Song army's southern expedition reached Wuping, Zhou Xingfeng would not sit idly by and wait for his doom.

After hearing Lu Duoxun's request, Gao Baoxu hesitated.

Gao Baoxu was talented from a young age and was deeply loved by his father, Gao Conghui.

After his elder brother Gao Baorong succeeded to the throne, he knew that his own abilities were inferior to Gao Baoxu's, so he entrusted all government affairs to Gao Baoxu, who handled them very well.

Although Gao Baoxu gradually neglected state affairs after ascending the throne, his insight did not disappear.

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's request to pass through, two classical Chinese stories immediately came to Gao Baoxu's mind:
"Borrowing a path to attack Guo; if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold."

After recalling these two anecdotes, Gao Baoxu no longer wanted to grant Lu Duoxun's request.

However, Gao Baoxu certainly couldn't bring himself to give a firm refusal.

After thinking for a moment, Gao Baoxu spoke:
"The imperial army, with its profound military might, ascended to the capital."

Our people have never seen much of the world.

If the heavenly army were to enter the country, it would inevitably cause unrest among the people.

We hope the envoy will report back to the King of Taiyuan and request that he consider the plight of the people.

Gao Baoxu spoke cautiously, carefully observing Lu Duoxun's expression.

Gao Baoxu noticed that Lu Duoxun's expression did not change until he finished speaking his last sentence.

Lu Duoxun's composure only made Gao Baoxu more worried.

But once the words were spoken, Gao Baoxu couldn't take them back.

After waiting a while, and seeing that Gao Baoxu had nothing more to say, Lu Duoxun said:
"Your subject will truthfully convey the words of the Prince of Nanping back to you."

After saying this, Ludoson bowed and took his leave.

Seeing Lu Duoxun leave decisively, Gao Baoxu wanted to stop him, but he didn't know what to say if he did.

To protect our ancestral heritage, borrowing a passage is out of the question!

Several days later, Lu Duoxun returned to Xiangzhou City.

When he came to report back to Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Dexiu was discussing military matters with his generals.

Upon seeing Lu Duoxun return, Zhao Dexiu asked:
"What is Gao Baoxu's attitude?"

In response to Zhao Dexiu's question, Lu Duoxun relayed Gao Baoxu's words in detail.

Zhao Dexiu snorted coldly at Gao Baoxu's answer.

After noticing Zhao Dexiu's attitude, Cui Han, who was present, spoke first and commented:

"You ungrateful animal."

Upon hearing Cui Han's assessment, all the generals present nodded in agreement.

"No wonder he comes from a prestigious family," this comment is spot on.

After Cui Han finished his evaluation, Ma Renyu cupped his hands and said to Zhao Dexiu:

“Since Gao Baoxu disobeys the king’s orders, then we shall fight him.”

First destroy Nanping, then attack Wuping!

Ma Renyu's words were echoed by the other generals.

Tens of thousands of troops have gathered in Xiangzhou, and a war to destroy the country is about to break out.

Did Gao Baoxu think he could stop the battle by refusing to let him pass?

As the generals seconded the motion, Pan Mei said:
"Nanping can be attacked, but a reason must be found first."

The Song army was the royal army, so it was necessary for them to have a legitimate reason for their campaign.

In his previous proclamation, Zhao Dexiu intended to attack Nanping and Wuping separately, without mentioning Nanping's crimes.

So we have to come up with a new, plausible reason on the spot.

Fortunately, Zhao Dexiu had anticipated this.

"Our army is the royal army, and we cannot lightly talk about 'punishment,' otherwise it will damage the image of our dynasty."

Our troops did not necessarily enter Nanping territory under the pretext of seeking revenge.

"Now that Zhou Xingfeng is facing an imminent rebellion and Nanping is weak, it is likely that he will be unable to resist the attack of Wuping Army."

Nanping is a vassal state of our dynasty. Now, this vassal state is in imminent danger. Should our army come to its rescue?

"In addition, Gao Baoxu is the younger brother of Gao Baorong."

According to the established rites, after Gao Baorong's death, his son Gao Jichong should succeed him.

If there is a legitimate heir, then the eldest son should be chosen; if there is no legitimate heir, then the eldest son should be chosen. How could the throne of Nanping possibly be inherited by a younger brother?
Disregarding the proper rites for succession to the throne can easily lead to internal strife.

As the suzerain state, should our dynasty be aware of this matter?

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's words, Zhao Guangyi, who was sitting among the generals, suddenly raised his head.

Whether it was a misperception or not, Zhao Guangyi felt that Zhao Dexiu's words had a hidden meaning.

Zhao Guangyi was somewhat suspicious, but the generals all looked delighted after hearing Zhao Dexiu's words.

The King of Taiyuan was indeed quick-witted.

After speaking, Zhao Dexiu looked at the generals:

"With powerful enemies outside and hidden worries inside, the Nanping Kingdom is in imminent danger. How can our army sit idly by?"

The Kingdom of Nanping needs to be protected.

"Order the entire army: tomorrow, tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry will advance south to Jingmen by land and water. Let Gao Baoxu see what a true royal army looks like!"

Upon receiving the military order, all the generals immediately rose to their feet:

"I obey the king's orders!"

Jingmen City was an important town in the north of the Nanping Kingdom.

There were several thousand Nanping soldiers in Jingmen City.

Because the Nanping Kingdom always adhered to the principle of "serving the great," it rarely attracted the attention of the central government.

For many years, no sounds of war have been heard outside Jingmen City.

However, the peace and tranquility that Jingmen has maintained for many years will be completely shattered today.

As the damp river breeze swept towards Jingmen City from afar, the soldiers on the city wall could vaguely hear bursts of singing.

The singing came from the north, initially blending with the sound of the flowing river.

As time went by, the singing became more and more like muffled thunder, striking the hearts of the soldiers guarding Jingmen.

Upon closer listening, the garrison at Jingmen were all shocked.

The voices that emerge from the song belong to the brave warriors of the North.

The melody of the song is also full of the grandeur of the northern mountains and rivers.

As the resounding song "Long swords pierce the clouds, horses trample the Jing and Xiang rivers" entered the ears of the Jingmen defenders, the roar of "Brave warriors fight, horses drink from the Han River" followed, striking heavily into the hearts of every defender.

The closer they got, the louder the singing from the north became, almost like the earth shaking.

It's the song "Tan Lai"!

In the past, tens of thousands of Zhou troops advanced into Huainan by land and water. The soldiers composed the song "Tanlai," which could be heard for dozens of miles, causing the Tang army in Huainan to be filled with fear.

Now, under Zhao Dexiu's command, the tens of thousands of imperial guards, their morale high, spontaneously began to sing the "Tanlai" song once again.

Gradually, tens of thousands of songs converged, like surging waves crashing against the sturdy walls of Jingmen.

Looking in the direction from which the waves came, the guards at the north gate had their hands, gripping their weapons, drenched in cold sweat.

The numerous garrison soldiers looked towards the north bank and first saw countless warships floating on the river, stretching as far as the eye could see and obscuring the river's surface.

The dark-colored warship resembled a lurking Xuanwu (a mythical tortoise in Chinese mythology), and the imperial guards on board were clad in fine armor, the plates of which gleamed with a dazzling cold light under the sun.

On the lead ship, a large banner embroidered with "Chanzhou Jiedushi" (military governor of Chanzhou) was bathed in sunlight.

As soon as many warships appeared on the river, clouds of dust rose from the official road on the north bank.

The Song infantry, in formations of several thousand men, advanced steadily to the rhythm of the song.

The sound of tens of thousands of armor plates clashing together, mixed with the singing, actually drowned out the loud war drums and the footsteps of tens of thousands of people, causing the defenders on the city walls to show panic.

"It's the Imperial Guards of the Great Song Dynasty!"

When this cry of alarm rang out from the city wall, the already apprehensive Nanping army was thrown into chaos.

As the defenders on the city walls gazed at the iron torrent advancing by land and water below, and listened to the military songs that pierced through the miles, some of the new recruits could no longer hold their weapons.

What is a royal army?

This is it!
After the sound of weapons falling echoed from the city walls, the Imperial Guards' assault boats appeared on the riverbank.

The imperial guards on the boat, armed with powerful bows, were keeping a close eye on the city walls, awaiting a royal command so they could charge towards the walls without fear.

When the golden and purple royal banner of the army was fully revealed to the soldiers guarding the city, several more exclamations rang out from the city walls.

"It's the King of Taiyuan!"

A person's name, the shadow of a tree.

Many of the garrison troops in Jingmen did not know who the military governor of Chanzhou was, but they certainly knew who the Prince of Taiyuan of the Song Dynasty was.

They also knew that the crown of the King of Taiyuan was made up of the corpses of tens of thousands of enemies.

The Second World War in Luzhou and Huainan brought Zhao Dexiu more than just an increase in power and status.

Under the watchful eyes of the city's defenders, the royal banner swam swiftly from the river towards the shore like a dragon.

Soon after, a figure surrounded by stars appeared below Jingmen City.

Looking at the guards on the city gate, Zhao Dexiu urged his horse on, patrolling the area below the city as if taking a leisurely stroll.

Then Zhao Dexiu raised his riding whip and lashed it at the seemingly impregnable Jingmen city wall:

"I now personally inquire whether the road may be lent to me!"

When a dragon roars, it will surely attract thunder.

The next moment, the shouts of thousands of imperial guards resounded like thunder below the city:

"I now personally inquire whether the road may be lent to me!"

The thunder rumbled so loudly that the soldiers guarding the city walls gasped for breath and dared not look directly at the scene.

This is the majesty of a king!
Jingmen is only a hundred miles away from Jiangling.

Soon, Gao Baoxu received news that Zhao Dexiu had personally come to Jingmen.

Naturally, the messenger vividly recounted Zhao Dexiu's question, which carried the imposing air of a king, to Gao Baoxu.

Hearing the messenger's description of the spectacular scene of tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry advancing by land and water, Gao Baoxu was nearly scared out of his wits.

Nanping, a small country, had never seen such a scene before.

In the past, Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Dexiu were able to frighten Gao Baorong to death in Bianjing, a thousand miles away. How much more so now that Zhao Dexiu has come in person?

With a distance of 100 li and traveling day and night, tens of thousands of imperial guards should be able to reach Jiangling City by the day after tomorrow at the latest.

Upon recalling that terrifying scene, Gao Baoxu immediately ordered his elder brother, Gao Baoyin, to be summoned.

When Gao Baoyin arrived, Gao Baoxu quickly grasped his hand and said:

"The foundation laid by our ancestors is in grave danger!"

The Prince of Taiyuan is currently stationed with troops in Jingmen. His intentions are unclear. I hope my elder brother can act as an envoy and go to Jingmen to investigate.

As he spoke, Gao Baoxu's eyes welled up with tears.

If I had known, I shouldn't have accepted the throne in the first place.

Noticing Gao Baoxu's panic, Gao Baoyin said in succession:
"The King of Taiyuan is known for his benevolence; Your Majesty need not worry."

I wish to travel north to ascertain the intentions of the King of Taiyuan for Your Majesty.

Hearing Gao Baoyin say this, Gao Baoxu was overjoyed.

"Go quickly, go quickly!"

If the Prince of Taiyuan only wishes to borrow the road, please inform him that I will borrow it, I will certainly borrow it!
Also, the treasury is overflowing with gold and silver; go and take some of it north.”

After hearing Gao Baoxu's words, Gao Baoyin immediately took his leave.

Then, carrying a large amount of gold and silver, he quickly headed north to the outskirts of Jingmen City.

Upon arriving outside the city, Gao Baoyin reached the vast military camp that stretched for several miles.

After displaying sufficient respect, Gao Baoyin arrived outside the Song army camp carrying gold and silver.

Then Gao Baoyin and cartloads of gold and silver were led by the soldiers to Zhao Dexiu's command tent.

Upon hearing that Gao Baoyin had brought a large amount of gold and silver, Zhao Dexiu chuckled and led his men to the outside of the tent.

Upon seeing Zhao Dexiu, Gao Baoyin bowed deeply to him.

Faced with Gao Baoyin's grand gesture, Zhao Dexiu did not immediately tell him to rise.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu didn't seem to care much about him, Gao Baoyin said repeatedly:
"The Prince of Nanping has something to report:"

Our country is willing to grant passage to the imperial court.

Gao Baoyin's words did not satisfy Zhao Dexiu.

After circling the several carts of valuables, Zhao Dexiu said softly:

“When I sent my messenger, didn’t the Prince of Nanping say that he was afraid the people would be uneasy?”
Why did the people of Nanping suddenly become bolder as soon as I arrived in person?

Gao Baoxu's attitude is quite puzzling to me.

Zhao Dexiu assured him that his voice was very soft.

But as soon as he heard it, Gao Baoyin lowered his body even further.

Beads of cold sweat fell to the ground.

I knew I wouldn't come!

(End of this chapter)