novelAbuy Chapter 132 Swiftly Sending Reinforcements
Chapter 132 Swiftly Sending Reinforcements
As the royal army clashed with the Khitan army, Shi Jingtang stood atop the city wall, gazing into the distance. Beneath his indifferent expression lay a complex and unfathomable emotion.
The scouts just reported that Zhang Jingda was ambushed and suffered a crushing defeat. The outcome of this battle is now a foregone conclusion.
Since it concerned the life and death of his clan, he naturally hoped that the Khitan army would win. However, the thought of having to call someone else "father" besides his biological father, Shi Shaoyong, from now on filled him with mixed feelings.
If my father-in-law, Li Siyuan, knew this from beyond the grave, what would he think of me?
Shi Jingtang composed himself. Yelü Deguang's imperial procession was about to arrive, and the meticulously prepared welcoming ceremony would come in handy.
Previously, they had collected valuables from the city to reward the allied troops who had come from afar—in addition to presenting Yelü Deguang with the great gift of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, the Khitan soldiers also needed to be well taken care of.
Taiyuan had limited financial resources, and Shi Jingtang used most of his private property as military funds. He planned to ask the people to contribute money to thank his savior.
The ministers advised against this order and offered another suggestion: Li Jizhong, the son of the former military governor of Luzhou, Li Sizhao, moved his entire family to Taiyuan. His mother, Lady Yang, was skilled in managing property and had accumulated a great fortune over her lifetime. They suggested that they visit her family.
Shi Jingtang sent men to Li Jizhong's residence, broke open the double wall, and indeed found a large amount of gold, silver, and silk, which he gladly borrowed.
The family's savings were enough to provide for the army, and even for trivial items such as headscarves and shoes.
Shi Jingtang was deeply moved and amazed, and the people of Taiyuan thus escaped a financial disaster. (Note 1)
……
The setting sun was like blood, the autumn wind was bleak, and the decisive battle between the government troops and the Khitan army came to an end.
The last rays of the setting sun slanted across Taiyuan before disappearing below the horizon, plunging the ancient city into darkness.
Shi Jingtang ordered the city walls to be filled with torches, and led his officials out of the north gate to meet Yelü Deguang.
The two had never met before, but now that they were meeting, Shi Jingtang did not hesitate to kneel down in the mud and kowtow, his forehead touching the ground.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty."
Yelü Deguang grasped Shi Jingtang's hand and helped him up, saying with deep emotion, "I regret that we met so late."
"The Emperor, mindful of the bond between father and son, raised an army to rescue the people and soldiers of Taiyuan from their suffering. This kindness is immeasurable, and I, your son, will forever remember it."
Shi Jingtang thanked him for his assistance, and then inquired about military affairs: "The emperor has come from afar, and his soldiers and horses are exhausted, yet he still managed to win a great battle against the Tang. Why is that?"
These words struck a chord with Yelü Deguang, who then offered a reasoned explanation.
"I came from the north, thinking that Tang would surely cut off the strategic passes and ambushes along the Yanmen Pass, thus preventing our advance. I sent scouts to investigate, but found nothing. Therefore, we advanced deep into enemy territory, knowing that our great undertaking would surely succeed."
"Once the troops have clashed, our morale is high and theirs is low. If we do not seize this opportunity to strike quickly, and the battle drags on, the outcome will be uncertain. This is why we fight swiftly and win, and we cannot rely on the usual theories of fatigue and rest."
Shi Jingtang, a veteran general with many years of military experience, was deeply impressed by these insightful remarks and clapped his hands in admiration. His subordinates also praised him, deeming him the greatest general of all time to have ever commanded troops with such skill.
Yelü Deguang then summoned meritorious generals such as Gao Mohan, bestowed upon them wine and food, and personally feasted the soldiers, which further boosted their morale.
After everything was settled and night had fallen, it was only proper to offer a beautiful woman to keep him company in bed.
Yelü Deguang made a peculiar request: "Zhuangzong is my elder brother. His wife is my sister-in-law. I should go and pay my respects to them."
Shi Jingtang was deeply puzzled by this.
Empress Liu, the principal wife of Li Cunxu, caused her husband's wound to burst open and he died during the Xingjiaomen Incident. She then burned down the Jiaqing Palace with her brother Li Cunwo and others, and fled to Taiyuan with gold and precious items in a bag, intending to build a temple and become a nun.
Empress Liu committed adultery with Li Cunwo on the way. When Emperor Mingzong ascended the throne and learned of the scandal, he sent an envoy to order her death.
Now, Consort Han and Consort Yi both reside in Taiyuan. They were originally Li Cunxu's principal wife and secondary wife, but Liu was exceptionally beautiful and gave birth to Prince Li Jiji. She also became the adopted son of Prince Qi, Zhang Quanyi, and later rose to become the principal wife.
After Li Cunxu's death, his two consorts returned to the Pure Land, forever abandoning their wealth and honor, and devoted themselves to Buddhist practice, wearing ceremonial robes and star-studded crowns.
Yelü Deguang's intention to visit at night was truly inappropriate according to propriety. However, under such circumstances, how could Shi Jingtang bring himself to refuse?
Empress Ide was three years older than Emperor Zhuangzong, and was already fifty-four years old at the time. "Father, I never knew you had such unusual tastes!" (Note 2)
However, Yelü Deguang's fondness for the two ladies was undeniable, and Shi Jingtang sent someone to guide them, so the two ladies would have to make do tonight.
After seeing off his newly recognized father, Shi Jingtang's warm smile vanished instantly, replaced by his usual cold expression.
"Is there anything else?"
"More than a thousand soldiers have surrendered. What does the lord intend to do with them?"
Shi Jingtang was overwhelmed with emotion and had no time to consider these trivial matters. He casually said, "I once served as the commander of the Six Armies and the various guards. These people are my former subordinates, so let's place them under my personal guard."
"No."
Liu Zhiyuan advised, "Although we have won a great victory in this battle, Zhang Jingda still has the strength to fight. These soldiers are hesitant and indecisive, and they will surely become a disaster in the future."
"So what do you think we should do?"
Liu Zhiyuan was extremely bloodthirsty and made a throat-slitting gesture: "Why not bury them all alive!" (Note 3)
Shi Jingtang nodded; he too desperately needed to soothe his conflicted feelings of humiliation through killing.
The steel knife was raised, and the head fell to the ground.
Guo Wei secretly groaned. He had thought that by surrendering to his superiors, he could save his life. But Shi Jingtang and Liu Zhiyuan did not play by the rules and killed thousands of lives without hesitation.
The book clearly states that killing surrendered soldiers is an ominous sign.
The next to be executed was Guo Wei. He closed his eyes and said, "Farewell, Chai Niangzi." Eighteen years later, the master was a hero again.
"etc."
Guo Wei opened his eyes and saw the purple-faced, white-eyed general pointing at him: "Release this one."
"Commander, what about the remaining people...?"
Liu Zhiyuan waved his hand, indicating that the killings should proceed without hesitation.
Unable to bear looking at the despairing expressions on his comrades' faces, Guo Wei dragged his heavy steps forward.
Behind me came a cacophony of cries, screams, pleas, and curses, mixed with the muffled thuds of blades piercing flesh and the hissing of spurting blood.
Guo Wei originally thought he had long been used to these sounds, but now he wished he could cover his ears. The short walk of just a dozen steps was so agonizing.
Approaching Liu Zhiyuan, he bowed and clasped his hands, saying, "I am Guo Wei, and I thank you for sparing my life."
The cries and screams of over a thousand surrendered soldiers, along with the dripping blood, brought this day, September 15th, to a close.
……
September 16th, Renyin day.
The day after the decisive battle, Shi Jingtang led his troops from Taiyuan to join the Khitan army, and they turned around to surround the government troops.
Zhang Yanqi's retreat without a fight allowed the Khitan army to easily circle around behind the government troops and cut off their retreat.
The camp was set up outside the south gate of Jin'an Village, stretching over a hundred li in length and fifty li in width, covered with felt tents, and the yurts were connected like hills. A long trench was also dug, with bells hanging from ropes. Many barking dogs were kept in the army. Whenever someone tried to escape at night, the dogs would bark and the bells would ring, making it impossible for them to cross even a short distance.
Yelü Deguang set up a large tent in Liulin, southeast of Taiyuan City, and sent out cavalry two hundred li away to maintain a tight and impenetrable defense.
Zhang Jingda led his remaining troops into battle, but a defeated general cannot be considered brave. He was defeated again and retreated back to his camp. From then on, all communication with him ceased.
September 18th, Jia Chen day.
Upon receiving the report of the army's defeat, the imperial court reacted swiftly, seemingly having been prepared for this loss all along.
Li Congke issued several edicts that day:
Fu Yanrao, the commander of the Imperial Guards Infantry, led his troops to garrison Heyang.
Fan Yanguang of Yedu led his troops from Qingshan Road toward Yuci;
Zhao Dejun of Youzhou left the Khitan army via the Feihu Road;
Pan Huan, the defense commissioner of Huizhou, joined forces with the western garrison troops and marched from Jin and Jiang Ruling towards Ci and Xi to aid Zhang Jingda.
Three reinforcements, totaling 60,000 men, and Zhang Jingda's defeated troops still numbering in the tens of thousands, bringing the total to over 100,000. Even with the full support of the Khitan, Shi Jingtang could still fight again.
The tide still turns in favor of the imperial court.
September 19th, Yi Si day.
The emperor issued an edict, ordering that three days later, he would visit the army in the north.
With 30,000 imperial guards and the emperor personally leading the campaign, the situation could be turned around. However, one problem remained: Li Congke's eyes were now covered by a thick cataract, making it difficult for him to see.
Prince Yong, Li Chongmei, advised, "Your Majesty's eye ailment is not yet healed, and you should not travel far through the wind and sand; though I am but a child, I am willing to go north in Your Majesty's stead."
Li Congke strained his eyes to open them wide, and could still vaguely make out the figures moving around. He gave a wry smile and shook his head.
How could a fifteen-year-old boy, still unmarried, subdue the generals?
September 22nd, Wushen day.
The imperial entourage set off as scheduled.
Passing by the mausoleum of the late Emperor Huiyuan, Li Congke personally paid his respects, with his attendants supporting and guiding him as he knelt before the portrait of Li Siyuan.
Li Congke muttered to himself, just like when they used to complain to each other in front of Li Siyuan: "Godfather, this time Shi San'er colluded with the Khitans. He must have promised a lot of benefits. He's really dishonest."
He fumbled to place the offerings into the altar. As for making a vow to the late emperor, he decided to skip it, as his adoptive father would probably find it difficult to do so in heaven. He suggested that Shi San'er and he handle it themselves.
Upon arriving at Heyang that evening, the emperor summoned the prime minister and the chief privy councilor to discuss strategies for advancing.
"The foundation of the nation lies mostly in Henan. The Hu troops come and go swiftly, leaving when there is no benefit, and cannot stay for long. The Jin'an stronghold is very fortified and can hold out for us. Moreover, three armies have already been dispatched to rescue it, so we can resolve the situation without a fight."
Lu Wenji, the Vice Minister of the Chancellery and concurrently the Chancellor, spoke first. He had no desire to go to war with the Khitans with Li Congke.
"Heyang is a vital waterway for all the ships and carriages in the land, and it is right at the heart of the nation. The emperor should remain here to pacify the north and south and carefully observe the situation. Furthermore, a close advisor should be sent to supervise the battle and hold him accountable for success. Even if the siege cannot be lifted, it is not too late to advance."
Zhang Yanlang, the Minister of Personnel, concurrently serving as the Judge of the Three Departments and the Chancellor, had other plans and chimed in, "Wen Jiyan is right."
When I visited the others again, none of them dared to voice any dissent.
Lu Wenji then spoke at length, which at first glance seemed reasonable, but in reality he did not offer any countermeasures. He only pinned his hopes on Zhang Jingda holding the line, the three-pronged reinforcements relieving the siege, and even hoped that the Khitans would voluntarily withdraw their troops.
Li Congke sighed and said to Lu Wenji, "I have heard that when the ruler is distressed, his ministers are disgraced. I came from Fengxiang and have long admired your talent as prime minister. Therefore, I defied public opinion and appointed you as prime minister, thinking it would bring peace. Now, with bandits rampant and calamities so severe, how can I expect the emperor to personally lead the battle against the rebels? Where are your wise plans now?"
Lu Wenji knelt down in fear and apologized, unable to respond.
September 23rd, Ji-You day.
Liu Xun's son, Liu Suining, the governor of Zezhou, submitted a memorial stating that the imperial carriage should not cross the Taihang Mountains.
Zezhou is located on the Taihang Road. Li Congke wanted to advance, but an emperor who couldn't see the road clearly would only further affect the morale of the army. Therefore, he sent Liu Yanlang, the deputy privy councilor, as the military supervisor to oversee Fu Yanrao's army to Luzhou to provide support for the main army. He also suggested that close ministers could be sent north.
Zhang Yanlang was on good terms with Zhao Yanshou and was asked to request that Zhao be relieved of his post as Privy Councilor. This was exactly what Zhang Yanlang wanted, so he immediately spoke up with Hanlin Academician He Ning.
"Zhao Yanshou's father, Dejun, came to the aid of the troops from Lulong. It is advisable to send Yanshou to supervise the army and meet with him."
September 24th, Gengxu day.
Li Congke dispatched Zhao Yanshou, the Privy Councilor, Military Governor of Zhongwu, Commander-in-Chief of the accompanying armies, and concurrently Grand Councilor, with 20,000 troops to Luzhou.
September 25th, Xin Hai year.
The emperor arrived in Huaizhou.
Li Congke then appointed Kang Sili, the Right Divine Martial Commander, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Campaign Cavalry, leading his entourage of cavalry to Tuanbaigu.
At this point, the emperor had given most of his 30,000 imperial troops to his ministers, leaving him with only about 10,000 men by his side.
Logically, reinforcements should arrive as quickly as possible, within ten days to half a month, and the various armies should converge on Hedong. At that time, even if they don't defeat the Khitan and continue the siege of Taiyuan, it shouldn't be difficult to at least help Zhang Jingda and others escape.
Unexpectedly, the imperial decree was issued in a great hurry to dispatch troops, and the emperor personally led the expedition with great fanfare, but then a long wait ensued.
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Place Name Comparison
Yuci: present-day Yuci District, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
Huizhou: present-day Huixian County, Xinxiang City, Henan Province
Cizhou: present-day Ji County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province
Xizhou: present-day Xi County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province