Chapter 1047 Captain, Don't Shoot
[Captain, don't shoot]
In September, Empress Xiao and her son came to Youzhou to pay tribute to Emperor Taizong Yelü Deguang, hoping that his martial virtue could restore the power of destroying Jin and comfort the ancestors of the Liao Dynasty. Then she ordered her younger brother Yelü Longyou to stay in the capital, and the army officially marched south in the intercalary September.
Because the Liao Kingdom had almost exhausted its national strength in this expedition and was preparing for a war that was close to the level of annihilation, the intelligence department of the Song Dynasty received news as early as August that the Liao army would launch a large-scale invasion and made corresponding preparations, sending additional elite troops to the border areas.
Xiao Talina, the commander-in-chief of the Liao army in Youzhou, led the vanguard troops to launch a tentative attack on several strongholds on the Song-Liao border, but was repeatedly frustrated due to the Song army's ample preparation.
Soon, Empress Dowager Xiao led the main force to meet up with them, and then conquered Tangxing Town with an overwhelming force. She then moved her troops to Suicheng and conquered it as well. She then stationed her troops near Wangdu, and a gap was torn open on the border of the Song Dynasty.
The Song Dynasty received a number of messages, which were mixed. First, our side had won victory after victory, defeating the Liao army, such as the Weilu Army, Shun'an Army, Beiping Village, Baozhou, etc.; second, the emergency documents, which said that our side had suffered heavy losses and lost cities and territories, such as Tangxing and Suicheng.
This is more logical, especially when the defenders are well prepared in advance. It is difficult for the attackers to achieve a comprehensive victory. There should be wins and losses on the vast front. Moreover, the Liao army is flexible and mobile. They will repeatedly test the weak points in the Song army's defense, avoid their edge, and rush forward with all their strength after finding the defensive loopholes.
Along with the complicated war situation, there was a letter that shocked Zhenzong even more. The sender was actually the combat hero "martyr" Wang Jizhong. Wang Jizhong, on the orders of Empress Dowager Xiao, wrote a letter to Song to convey his willingness to negotiate.
Not only did he not die, he also lobbied for the Imperial Army!
"Captain—don't shoot, it's me!"
Zhenzong met with several important ministers. The Liao army is advancing like a hot knife through butter, penetrating deep into the heart of Hebei, threatening Beizhou and Weizhou, and is about to reach the Yellow River, facing our capital across the river. My dear ministers, what good plans do you have?
Vice-chancellor Wang Qinruo suggested that Emperor Zhenzong move his hunting expedition to the south of the Yangtze River, saying, "If the Khitans can cross the Yellow River, I don't believe they can cross the Yangtze River!" Wang Qinruo was from the south of the Yangtze River.
Chen Yaosou, a scholar of the Privy Council, suggested that Zhenzong follow the example of the Tang emperors and move to Shu. "The Khitans can pass Waqiao Pass, but I don't believe they can pass Jianmen Pass!" Chen Yaosou was a native of Shu.
When Kou Jun came to the court, Emperor Zhenzong remembered that Kou was from Shaanxi (Huazhou), so he half-jokingly said: "My dear minister, you will not suggest that I move the capital to Chang'an? You don't believe that the Khitans can pass Tongguan, right?"
Kou Jun pretended to be surprised, "How did your majesty learn to answer quickly?"
Zhenzong said that some people suggested moving the capital to Jiangnan, and some people suggested moving the capital to Shu. Tell me quickly, where do you suggest I move the capital to?
Kou Jun said sternly, "Who said we should move the capital? That person should be executed!"
Zhenzong instantly perked up and asked Kou Jun what good plan he had. However, Kou Jun's answer made Zhenzong angry again, because Kou Jun's suggestion was to lead the army in person.
Unlike Taizu and Taizong, Zhenzong was a flower in a greenhouse, a second-generation emperor who grew up in a honey pot. He was unwilling to lead the army in person. However, Kou Jun said that it was not only reasonable but also the only correct choice, otherwise the country would be destroyed. With great reluctance, Zhenzong convened a meeting in front of the emperor and asked the ministers to discuss it.
Small meetings are held for big things, and big meetings are held for small things. Once a big leader brings a big thing to a big meeting, there is usually only one possibility, that is, the big leader needs to use the public opinion to veto the previous proposal so that the big leader can be both in power and in power. Wang Qinruo and Chen Yaosou originally advocated moving the capital, but Kou Zhen's words "Anyone who dares to talk about moving the capital will be beheaded" scared the "runners" away from speaking. Kou Zhen, a "war advocate", overcame all objections and urged to personally lead the army, which won relatively widespread support.
In view of Zhenzong's brave and fierce character, the "war faction" deliberately emphasized that the emperor only needed to go to Chanzhou for a show and there was no need to go to the front line to confront the Liao people.
For example, Bi Shian said that we should first go to Chanzhou, spread the news, boost morale, and then "plan the following matters gradually". Even if we drive away the Khitans in one go, whether you will chase them or not is still a matter for discussion. Don't worry, it's okay.
Wang Jiying also said that almost all the country's elite troops are in Hebei, so there is no need to worry about any danger. However, "you cannot go beyond Chanzhou." Even if we are absolutely sure, we will not let you move one step north. Don't worry, it's really okay.
Zhenzong had no choice but to agree to go to Chanzhou to show off. By the way, Kou Zhen offended Wang Qinruo and Chen Yaosou because of this. Especially Wang Qinruo, Song Renzong personally described him as a treacherous villain, one of the "Five Ghosts" in the early Song Dynasty. After the war, he made slanderous remarks to Zhenzong, which led to Kou Zhen's demotion and exile. This is a later story. As mentioned in the previous article, the political friction within the Song Dynasty was far more lethal than the swordplay thousands of miles away.
Although Zhenzong was somewhat lacking in military strategy, he was a master at playing the political game, as demonstrated most vividly in his handling of Wang Jizhong's request for peace.
Zhenzong first gave a positive characterization of Wang Jizhong himself. He did not say that he had betrayed the country and surrendered to the enemy, but that he had made great sacrifices to promote peace between the two countries and endured humiliation for the happiness and well-being of the people of both countries. He showed a broad vision and high level of attainment.
Then Zhenzong stated his position, saying that since ancient times, a key factor for the Central Plains to move towards a peaceful and prosperous era was peaceful coexistence with the nomadic peoples in the north. Therefore, "harmony" is the main theme.
In this case, wouldn't it be a good idea to accept Wang Jizhong's request for peace? Even Bi Shi'an, who advocated war, thought that Wang Jizhong's request could be accepted and negotiations could be started with the Liao Kingdom.
Zhenzong laughed and said, "You all only know one side of the story, but not the other."
First, the other party only said that they wanted to negotiate, but did not mention specific conditions. This is like signing first and then negotiating the terms of the contract. Once we sit down, the Khitans will definitely make harsh demands;
Secondly, if the Khitans only want money, even if it is a little more, I am willing to accept it, to spend money to avoid disaster and protect my people; however, the issue that our two countries are most concerned about, and the most core issue, is actually the sovereignty of the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun. I guess this is their bargaining chip. Once we sit down at the negotiation table, we will never be able to recover our homeland;
Third, don’t expect to get at the negotiating table what you can’t get on the battlefield.
Fourth, although Zhenzong did not dare to lead the army himself, he was well aware of the delicate relationship between military affairs, politics and diplomacy, so Zhenzong finally emphasized that because I wanted to negotiate, I had to give him a powerful blow and hurt him!
Great minds think alike. No wonder Emperor Zhenzong was a perfect match for Empress Dowager Xiao.
After determining the basic diplomatic strategy, the Song Dynasty gave Wang Jizhong generous rewards and maintained good communication channels, but was perfunctory about the peace talks.
Wang Jizhong wrote many letters to promote peace talks, but Zhenzong always used Tai Chi to resolve the situation.
Both sides were willing to negotiate, and both wanted to create greater bargaining chips through military advantages before the negotiations. Obviously, the "Battle of Chanzhou" was bound to be a fierce showdown.
(End of this chapter)
[Captain, don't shoot]
In September, Empress Xiao and her son came to Youzhou to pay tribute to Emperor Taizong Yelü Deguang, hoping that his martial virtue could restore the power of destroying Jin and comfort the ancestors of the Liao Dynasty. Then she ordered her younger brother Yelü Longyou to stay in the capital, and the army officially marched south in the intercalary September.
Because the Liao Kingdom had almost exhausted its national strength in this expedition and was preparing for a war that was close to the level of annihilation, the intelligence department of the Song Dynasty received news as early as August that the Liao army would launch a large-scale invasion and made corresponding preparations, sending additional elite troops to the border areas.
Xiao Talina, the commander-in-chief of the Liao army in Youzhou, led the vanguard troops to launch a tentative attack on several strongholds on the Song-Liao border, but was repeatedly frustrated due to the Song army's ample preparation.
Soon, Empress Dowager Xiao led the main force to meet up with them, and then conquered Tangxing Town with an overwhelming force. She then moved her troops to Suicheng and conquered it as well. She then stationed her troops near Wangdu, and a gap was torn open on the border of the Song Dynasty.
The Song Dynasty received a number of messages, which were mixed. First, our side had won victory after victory, defeating the Liao army, such as the Weilu Army, Shun'an Army, Beiping Village, Baozhou, etc.; second, the emergency documents, which said that our side had suffered heavy losses and lost cities and territories, such as Tangxing and Suicheng.
This is more logical, especially when the defenders are well prepared in advance. It is difficult for the attackers to achieve a comprehensive victory. There should be wins and losses on the vast front. Moreover, the Liao army is flexible and mobile. They will repeatedly test the weak points in the Song army's defense, avoid their edge, and rush forward with all their strength after finding the defensive loopholes.
Along with the complicated war situation, there was a letter that shocked Zhenzong even more. The sender was actually the combat hero "martyr" Wang Jizhong. Wang Jizhong, on the orders of Empress Dowager Xiao, wrote a letter to Song to convey his willingness to negotiate.
Not only did he not die, he also lobbied for the Imperial Army!
"Captain—don't shoot, it's me!"
Zhenzong met with several important ministers. The Liao army is advancing like a hot knife through butter, penetrating deep into the heart of Hebei, threatening Beizhou and Weizhou, and is about to reach the Yellow River, facing our capital across the river. My dear ministers, what good plans do you have?
Vice-chancellor Wang Qinruo suggested that Emperor Zhenzong move his hunting expedition to the south of the Yangtze River, saying, "If the Khitans can cross the Yellow River, I don't believe they can cross the Yangtze River!" Wang Qinruo was from the south of the Yangtze River.
Chen Yaosou, a scholar of the Privy Council, suggested that Zhenzong follow the example of the Tang emperors and move to Shu. "The Khitans can pass Waqiao Pass, but I don't believe they can pass Jianmen Pass!" Chen Yaosou was a native of Shu.
When Kou Jun came to the court, Emperor Zhenzong remembered that Kou was from Shaanxi (Huazhou), so he half-jokingly said: "My dear minister, you will not suggest that I move the capital to Chang'an? You don't believe that the Khitans can pass Tongguan, right?"
Kou Jun pretended to be surprised, "How did your majesty learn to answer quickly?"
Zhenzong said that some people suggested moving the capital to Jiangnan, and some people suggested moving the capital to Shu. Tell me quickly, where do you suggest I move the capital to?
Kou Jun said sternly, "Who said we should move the capital? That person should be executed!"
Zhenzong instantly perked up and asked Kou Jun what good plan he had. However, Kou Jun's answer made Zhenzong angry again, because Kou Jun's suggestion was to lead the army in person.
Unlike Taizu and Taizong, Zhenzong was a flower in a greenhouse, a second-generation emperor who grew up in a honey pot. He was unwilling to lead the army in person. However, Kou Jun said that it was not only reasonable but also the only correct choice, otherwise the country would be destroyed. With great reluctance, Zhenzong convened a meeting in front of the emperor and asked the ministers to discuss it.
Small meetings are held for big things, and big meetings are held for small things. Once a big leader brings a big thing to a big meeting, there is usually only one possibility, that is, the big leader needs to use the public opinion to veto the previous proposal so that the big leader can be both in power and in power. Wang Qinruo and Chen Yaosou originally advocated moving the capital, but Kou Zhen's words "Anyone who dares to talk about moving the capital will be beheaded" scared the "runners" away from speaking. Kou Zhen, a "war advocate", overcame all objections and urged to personally lead the army, which won relatively widespread support.
In view of Zhenzong's brave and fierce character, the "war faction" deliberately emphasized that the emperor only needed to go to Chanzhou for a show and there was no need to go to the front line to confront the Liao people.
For example, Bi Shian said that we should first go to Chanzhou, spread the news, boost morale, and then "plan the following matters gradually". Even if we drive away the Khitans in one go, whether you will chase them or not is still a matter for discussion. Don't worry, it's okay.
Wang Jiying also said that almost all the country's elite troops are in Hebei, so there is no need to worry about any danger. However, "you cannot go beyond Chanzhou." Even if we are absolutely sure, we will not let you move one step north. Don't worry, it's really okay.
Zhenzong had no choice but to agree to go to Chanzhou to show off. By the way, Kou Zhen offended Wang Qinruo and Chen Yaosou because of this. Especially Wang Qinruo, Song Renzong personally described him as a treacherous villain, one of the "Five Ghosts" in the early Song Dynasty. After the war, he made slanderous remarks to Zhenzong, which led to Kou Zhen's demotion and exile. This is a later story. As mentioned in the previous article, the political friction within the Song Dynasty was far more lethal than the swordplay thousands of miles away.
Although Zhenzong was somewhat lacking in military strategy, he was a master at playing the political game, as demonstrated most vividly in his handling of Wang Jizhong's request for peace.
Zhenzong first gave a positive characterization of Wang Jizhong himself. He did not say that he had betrayed the country and surrendered to the enemy, but that he had made great sacrifices to promote peace between the two countries and endured humiliation for the happiness and well-being of the people of both countries. He showed a broad vision and high level of attainment.
Then Zhenzong stated his position, saying that since ancient times, a key factor for the Central Plains to move towards a peaceful and prosperous era was peaceful coexistence with the nomadic peoples in the north. Therefore, "harmony" is the main theme.
In this case, wouldn't it be a good idea to accept Wang Jizhong's request for peace? Even Bi Shi'an, who advocated war, thought that Wang Jizhong's request could be accepted and negotiations could be started with the Liao Kingdom.
Zhenzong laughed and said, "You all only know one side of the story, but not the other."
First, the other party only said that they wanted to negotiate, but did not mention specific conditions. This is like signing first and then negotiating the terms of the contract. Once we sit down, the Khitans will definitely make harsh demands;
Secondly, if the Khitans only want money, even if it is a little more, I am willing to accept it, to spend money to avoid disaster and protect my people; however, the issue that our two countries are most concerned about, and the most core issue, is actually the sovereignty of the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun. I guess this is their bargaining chip. Once we sit down at the negotiation table, we will never be able to recover our homeland;
Third, don’t expect to get at the negotiating table what you can’t get on the battlefield.
Fourth, although Zhenzong did not dare to lead the army himself, he was well aware of the delicate relationship between military affairs, politics and diplomacy, so Zhenzong finally emphasized that because I wanted to negotiate, I had to give him a powerful blow and hurt him!
Great minds think alike. No wonder Emperor Zhenzong was a perfect match for Empress Dowager Xiao.
After determining the basic diplomatic strategy, the Song Dynasty gave Wang Jizhong generous rewards and maintained good communication channels, but was perfunctory about the peace talks.
Wang Jizhong wrote many letters to promote peace talks, but Zhenzong always used Tai Chi to resolve the situation.
Both sides were willing to negotiate, and both wanted to create greater bargaining chips through military advantages before the negotiations. Obviously, the "Battle of Chanzhou" was bound to be a fierce showdown.
(End of this chapter)
