I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

Chapter 105 The Greatest Traitor of Great Xia

The power reshuffling and personnel changes in Bianjing are proceeding in an orderly manner.

However, Xingqing Prefecture, the capital of the Western Xia Kingdom in the northwest, has been quite unsettled recently.

Last autumn, Zhao Mingcheng, the young pacification envoy of the Song court, quelled the Hehuang region with swift and decisive measures, not only completely annihilating the remnant Tibetan leader Xisheluosa.

Furthermore, in the Battle of Black Stone Beach, they inflicted a crushing defeat on the elite Western Xia troops, Tiezi, who were coming to their aid.

In that battle, after receiving a report from Renduo Baozhong, Xia Kingdom's King Li Qianshun deliberated carefully and finally nodded, ordering Renduo Baozhong to send people to support Xisheluosa.

Renta Yasutada entrusted this risky yet opportunistic mission to his general Nori Ketsu, who was known for his bravery.

Rendo Yasutada's original plan was:

If all goes well, it can dampen the arrogance of the Song army, consolidate the potential influence of Western Xia in the Hehuang region, and even gain a share of the spoils.

If things don't go smoothly, Ye Lijie's detachment can be withdrawn in time, and the losses can be controlled.

But he never expected that the Song army's tactics would be so cunning and ruthless.

They had no idea that the newly formed "Unity Battalion" of the Song army would be so tenacious.

Yeli Jie not only suffered a major defeat, but of the 1,800 elite troops he brought, only a little over 700 escaped back.

Even the capital, which symbolized the commander-in-chief's authority, was captured by Zhong Pu and became spoils of war for the Song army to boast of their military prowess.

Yeli Jie himself was also stabbed in the chest and abdomen by Zhong Pu's spear. Although he managed to escape with his life, he was seriously injured and was rescued by his personal guards at great risk.

This battle not only completely thwarted the Western Xia's strategy of taking advantage of the chaos to plunder and weaken the Song army, but also resulted in the loss of a large number of valuable armored cavalry, a blow to their military prestige, and a loss of face.

When the news reached Xingqing Prefecture, Li Qianshun flew into a rage in the palace, angrily denouncing the incompetent generals at the front who had tarnished the prestige of the nation.

However, after his initial rage, Li Qianshun's deep scheming began to take shape at a rapid pace.

He realized that while the defeat was humiliating, it might also be a valuable opportunity.

The Renduo family, a powerful military family in the Xia Kingdom for generations, has deep roots and has commanded the Right Wing Army of Western Xia for many years, with its influence deeply entrenched.

Rendo Yasutada himself was a highly decorated general, and his influence in the army was immense.

To some extent, it even posed a potential threat to Li Qianshun, the young emperor who was supported by the Liao Dynasty to ascend the throne.

Li Qianshun had long been wary of him, but struggled to find a suitable pretext to weaken his power.

Now, isn't this disastrous defeat that has cost us our country our lives a golden opportunity?

Yeli Jie was sent by Renduo Baozhong. He lost the battle and suffered heavy losses. How could the commander-in-chief not be responsible?

Thinking of this, the anger in Li Qianshun's eyes gradually subsided, replaced by some new calculations.

He immediately issued an edict summoning Renduo Baozhong and Yeli Jie, who had just recovered from his injuries, to the palace.

In the main hall of the Xingqing Prefecture Imperial Palace.

Li Qianshun sat high on the throne, with Privy Councilor Wei Mingji standing beside him.

Rendo Baozhong and Yeli Jie, dressed in military attire, knelt in the hall.

Ye Lijie's face was still somewhat pale, and his body was slightly hunched.

Rendo Baozhong's beard and hair were already gray, but his back was straight and he had a calm and serene demeanor.

"Ye Li Jie!"

Li Qianshun's voice was cold and stern.

"In last year's Battle of Hehuang, you lost over a thousand elite troops of the Great Xia, your commander was seriously wounded, your banner was captured, and you suffered a humiliating defeat and disgrace to the nation. What is your punishment?!"

Ye Lijie trembled all over, touched the ground with his head, and his voice was hoarse.

"Your Majesty, I—I failed in my command, underestimated the enemy, and advanced recklessly, resulting in this defeat. I deserve to die! I beg Your Majesty to punish me!"

He was filled with shame and fear, and only hoped to save his life.

Li Qianshun snorted coldly.

"Considering your past military achievements and the fact that you are still recovering from your serious injuries, I will be lenient with you. I hereby order you to be stripped of your position as Commander-in-Chief of the Xiangyou Army, demoted to Deputy Commander-in-Chief, and have your salary reduced for one year, as a warning to observe your future performance!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Lijie felt relieved.

Demotion and salary reduction are certainly unpleasant, but compared to the possibility of losing one's head, it's a blessing in disguise.

He immediately kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for sparing my life! I will certainly atone for my crime by performing meritorious service to repay Your Majesty!"

After dealing with Yeli Jie, Li Qianshun's gaze slowly turned to Renduo Baozhong, who was kneeling silently to the side.

"Renda Baozhong".

Li Qianshun's voice was devoid of emotion.

"You recommended Yeli Jie, and you were the one who strongly advocated for and took full responsibility for the Hehuang campaign. Now, we have suffered a crushing defeat, losing many soldiers and generals, and shaking the prestige of the nation. As the commander of the Right Wing Army, in charge of all routes, do you have anything to say?"

Renta Yasutada raised his head, his gaze calmly meeting that of the young monarch on the throne, his voice steady.

"Your Majesty, in the defeat at Hehuang, as the commander-in-chief, I failed in my planning and misjudged the personnel. I am indeed at fault and willing to accept my punishment."

However, given the current situation, the Tubo (Tibetan) forces urgently requested aid from Xisheluosa, stating that the Song army's foothold was not yet secure and that there was an opportunity to exploit. I also wish to take this opportunity to defeat the Song army in the Hehuang region and cut off their ability to look westward.

Unexpectedly, the Song army was well-prepared, and their commander Zhao Mingcheng was quite shrewd in strategy, while Wang Shan and Zhong Pu were brave and skilled in battle—this was due to my poor assessment of the enemy.

He did not shirk responsibility, but his words also pointed out the considerations in making the decision and the unexpected strength of the Song army, indicating that he was not entirely admitting defeat.

"What a blatant miscalculation of the enemy!"

Li Qianshun slammed his hand on the armrest of the throne, raising his voice.

"Thirteen hundred elite troops! All warriors of our Great Xia, veterans of countless battles! And because of your misjudgment of the enemy, they perished at Black Stone Beach! The commander's flag was captured, a disgrace beyond measure! Ren Duo Bao Zhong, how can your fault be covered up by the mere words 'misjudging the enemy'?"

Li Qianshun paused, looking at Ren Duobaozhong's suddenly tense face, a sense of pleasure flashed through his heart, and he slowly said the solution he had already thought of.

"Rendo Baozhong, the commander of the Right Wing Army, was lax in managing his subordinates and made flawed decisions, which led to the loss of troops and the disgrace of the country. He should be severely punished."

However, considering your many years of service to the country and your numerous merits, your position as commander-in-chief will be temporarily retained.

Effective immediately, the authority to mobilize troops in the "Jianing Military Command" and "Jingse Military Command" under the Right Wing Army is revoked and placed under the direct command of the Privy Council. Furthermore, Wei Mingchu is appointed as military supervisor, stationed at the Right Wing Army headquarters to assist in military affairs and audit provisions. Ren Duobaozhong is fined two years' salary and ordered to reflect on his actions in seclusion for one month!

This decree was like ice water poured over my head.

This caused Renta Yasutada, who had been relatively calm, to turn ashen-faced instantly.

Removing one-third of the direct military command's troop deployment power is equivalent to directly cutting off a significant portion of the strength of his right wing army!

The appointment of Wei Mingchu, a member of the imperial clan, as the military supervisor was a blatant act of surveillance and obstruction. In the future, every word and action he took in the army would be truthfully reported to the emperor!

Fines and being shut out are minor matters.

This reduction of power and the establishment of a military supervisory body are the real killer moves!

"Your Majesty!" Rendo Yasutada suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with suppressed anger and disbelief.

"The Jianing and Jingse military commands are key to the defense of the right flank against the Song Dynasty. It is thanks to years of hard work that we have achieved what we have today!"

A sudden reduction of power might destabilize the army and create gaps in border defenses! As for the military supervisor—”

Rendo Yasutada glanced at Weiming Ji, who was standing to the side with his eyes downcast, and spoke in a stiff tone.

"I have commanded troops for decades and have always been loyal. Why should I need a military supervisor to hinder me?"

"Commander Rendo!"

Before Li Qianshun could speak, Wei Mingji stepped forward.

"Your Majesty's arrangement is precisely for the sake of the overall situation. The army has just suffered a defeat in the Hehuang region, and morale certainly needs to be restored. The temporary placement of the two military commands under the direct command of the Privy Council will allow for unified command and stabilize the border defenses."

As for the military supervisor, that's a court system, not specifically for the commander-in-chief. Weiming Awu is young and capable; he should learn from the old commander-in-chief, which will also ensure the supply of provisions and weaponry. Your Majesty still trusts the old commander-in-chief; otherwise, why would you retain him in that position?

The old commander-in-chief should understand His Majesty's good intentions and prioritize national affairs.

These words, though seemingly high-sounding, left Ren Duobaozhong feeling suffocated.

Looking at Li Qianshun's seemingly youthful yet resolute face on the throne, and then at Wei Mingji's forced smile, he knew that the situation was beyond saving.

The emperor was determined to use this opportunity to weaken the military power of the Rendo family!

Further arguing would likely lead to even harsher punishment.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh, suppressing the surging anger and immense humiliation. Finally, he squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth.

"Your Majesty, I obey your decree. Thank you for your grace."

"That's good." Li Qianshun nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with Ren Duobaozhong's "pragmatism".

"All of you, step back. Yeli Jie, take good care of your injuries. Commander Ren Duo, I hope that during your seclusion you will deeply reflect on your actions and serve with utmost loyalty in the future to atone for your sins."

"We take our leave."

Renduo Baozhong and Yeli Jie kowtowed and left the main hall.

Only after walking far from the palace gates did Rendo Yasutada's straight back hunch almost imperceptibly for a moment, his face instantly filled with gloom, and his eyes flashing with cold light.

Ye Lijie followed behind him, not daring to breathe.

That afternoon, Li Qianshun secretly summoned his trusted minister, Privy Councilor Wei Mingji, to the Imperial Study.

"Your Majesty's handling of the matter today was very appropriate."

Wei Mingji first offered a flattering remark, then whispered, "Renduo Baozhong's power has been diminished by this setback. However, his family has deep roots and his influence in the army remains. Your Majesty must proceed cautiously."

Li Qianshun nodded, tapping his fingers on the table.

"Let's leave this matter as it is for now. After this defeat, the Song Kingdom is riding high, especially with their new emperor who has just ascended the throne and is likely eager to demonstrate his military prowess. Our Great Xia has just suffered a defeat and is weakened; it is not advisable to engage in a direct conflict with Song. What do you think we should do next, my esteemed minister?"

Wei Mingji clearly had a plan in mind and immediately spoke.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Next, regarding the Song state, we should outwardly appear weak while inwardly striving for self-strengthening. I suggest that, a few months later, after the dust has settled on the new Song emperor's ascension to the throne, we should send envoys to Bianjing (Kaifeng) to congratulate him on his accession, reaffirm our alliance, and request the reopening of border markets. We should adopt a humble approach and use sincere language.

Firstly, this would temporarily lull the Song people into a false sense of security, making them lower their guard; secondly, it would also provide an opportunity to see firsthand what kind of person the new Song emperor was, and whether his policies towards Xia had changed. Our Great Xia could use this opportunity to bide our time, endure hardship, and restore our national strength. The Song state is ultimately our Great Xia's mortal enemy; this resolve must not be forgotten, but the right opportunity must be awaited.”

"Hmm, send envoys to congratulate the emperor on his accession, request peace, and probe the situation—that's acceptable." Li Qianshun pondered, "What about the Liao Kingdom?"

"The Liao Kingdom is an ally of our Great Xia, and we rely on it greatly," Wei Mingji said with certainty.

"We should immediately send envoys to Liao, firstly to request a marriage alliance, seeking to marry a member of the Liao royal family, in order to consolidate the alliance between Xia and Liao."

Secondly, I could appeal to the Liao emperor to complain about the Song dynasty's encroachment, exaggerating the situation in the Hehuang region to show that the Song dynasty intended to advance westward and threaten the Xia and Liao dynasties. I could then request that the Liao dynasty pressure the Song court or provide assistance. With the Liao dynasty acting as a check on me, the Song dynasty would have to be more cautious towards me.

Li Qianshun considered the matter carefully and felt that the plan was sound.

They feigned weakness and sought peace with the Song Dynasty to gain a respite; they intensified their dependence on the Liao Dynasty to seek its support and protection.

Although bowing down to the State of Song was somewhat humiliating, given their current inferior strength, they had no choice but to endure it.

Li Qianshun made the final decision.

"As you have suggested, regarding the matter concerning Song, you, the Privy Council, shall select capable envoys to carefully plan and ensure that it is handled properly."

"The matter of requesting marriage and aid from Liao should be handled immediately. Select capable individuals, carry substantial gifts, and swiftly proceed to the Liao capital!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Wei Mingji bowed and accepted the order.

The national policy set by Li Qianshun was quickly implemented, with many in favor and few against.

Among those who opposed him was Renta Yasutada, who had just been stripped of his power and fined and was filled with resentment.

That night, Rendo Yasutada, in a secluded room of his own mansion, drank alone by a solitary lamp.

His trusted retainers were carefully attending to him.

"To congratulate the Song emperor on his ascension to the throne? To sue for peace and trade?"

Rendo Yasutada downed the liquor in his glass in one gulp, slamming it heavily on the table with a dull thud. He sneered.

"To grovel before the Song people, begging for meager profits from maritime trade? What grandeur we had at the founding of our Great Xia! And now we've fallen to this state!"

The servant dared not reply.

Rendo Yasutada downed another cup of wine, his eyes bloodshot, his voice trembling with excitement and the effects of the alcohol.

"And what about the Liao—a marriage proposal? A plea for help? A tearful appeal? Haha, hahaha!"

Rendo Yasutada suddenly threw his head back and burst into laughter, but the laughter was even more unpleasant than crying.

"I, Renduo Baozhong, shed blood and sweat for the Great Xia, fighting on the battlefield, all for the sake of expanding our territory and enhancing our national prestige! Not so that our ruler can act like a motherless child, running to the Khitans to cry and beg for a princess and a few bones!"

He suddenly stood up and paced rapidly in the secret room, his chest heaving violently.

"Li Ganshun! Has he really forgotten how he got to this position? It was because he colluded with the Liao people to poison Empress Dowager Liang, and my Renduo family killed the remnants of the Liang family that he was able to ascend the throne at a young age!"

I fear that in his heart, he has long forgotten the kindness of my Renduo family. He regards the Liao emperor as his own father and my Great Xia Kingdom as a vassal state of Liao!

Rendo Yasutada became increasingly agitated as he spoke, pointing towards the imperial palace and shouting angrily.

"What kind of ruler? I think he is the biggest traitor of our Great Xia! He puts the morale of the army, and even the fate of the Xia nation, on the whims of the Liao people!"

Today, they can use defeat to weaken my military power in order to keep me in check; tomorrow, they can seize territory from Great Xia and harm my interests to appease the Liao! If this continues, will Great Xia still be Great Xia? It will be nothing more than a watchdog kept by the Liao in the northwest!

"General, be careful what you say!" The servant, pale with fright, hurriedly tried to dissuade him, glancing nervously toward the door.

"Be careful what you say? What do I have to be afraid of?!"

Rendo Baozhong growled, but ultimately lowered his voice, though the anger in his eyes burned even more fiercely.

"My Renduo family has been generals for generations, loyal to the Great Xia Kingdom and the Tangut tribe!"

"I am not a puppet of the Liao Kingdom, nor am I a ruler who destroys his own defenses and recognizes a thief as his father! Today you strip me of my military power, will you tomorrow demand the heads of my entire Renduo clan as a pledge of allegiance to the Liao?!"

He slumped back into his chair, watching the flickering lamplight, the anger in his eyes gradually replaced by sorrow and despair.

This incident completely shattered the already fragile trust between King Indo Bochong and King Yi Gon-sun.

His contempt and disapproval of Li Qianshun and the Liao Dynasty behind him had reached its peak.