At the end of autumn, the tightly shut city gates of Bianliang were still shrouded in a tense, anxious, and noisy atmosphere.
The Lady Zhenren had not attacked the city, and the army that had gathered outside the city was said to be biding their time. The court was in a mess of rumors, and the people were restless. News of the negotiations had once spread to the outside world, but as more and more troops came to rescue the Emperor, the news was gradually sealed. People were looking forward to the quick passing of the war, and some people were also looking forward to the Wu dynasty's army teaching the Lady Zhenren a harsh lesson. But the matter had been suppressed at this stage.
Some people were aware of the chaos in the court. In the middle of September, Qin Siyuan's dismissal of the Minister caught many people by surprise. Among the pro-war faction, if Li Gang was a flag in front, then Qin Siyuan was actually the flag bearer who could ensure that the flag did not fall. However, when the situation was tense and Li Gang's momentum was unparalleled, Qin Siyuan's dismissal really gave people a bad premonition.
However, because the change of the Right Minister this time had come too suddenly, there had not yet been a situation where people rushed to push the wall when it was down. The Golden Palace's announcement was also a bit emotional. It only asked Qin Siyuan to temporarily hand over his post, and the words were spoken with a hint of comfort. After the matter was settled, many high-ranking officials of the court went to Qin Manor to visit and comfort him. Even some of the high-ranking officials who had disagreed with him in the past were not happy about his resignation this time.
The Wu dynasty, which had been singing and dancing for a hundred years, had just gotten rid of Liao, a major threat, but in the blink of an eye, the city was besieged.
The whole situation did not make people feel optimistic.
At this time, gathered in the inner hall of the Minister's Manor were several ministers who originally supported peace, such as Tang Ke, Wu Min, and others. They were knowledgeable and had a deep friendship with Qin Siyuan. For example, Qin Huizhi, the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Censor, who claimed to be from Qin Siyuan's family. After the decree to dismiss the Minister was issued, many people stood up and tried to stop Zhou Zhe's decree. Qin Hui was one of them. Of course, although his attempts were ineffective, he still had the intention.
"… His Majesty's intention is not to dismiss Lord Qin, but because the situation in Taiyuan is sensitive. A few days ago in the palace, the Prime Minister didn't say a word to avoid arousing suspicion. His Majesty knows that it is difficult of the Prime Minister, of course … "
"Lord Wu is right, of His Majesty's intention. I also understand." Qin Siyuan smiled and cupped his hands in salute.
Qin Hui of the side snorted and said, "So you are saying that you want to cut off Taiyuan?"
"We can't do that, but it's too risky to place all our hopes on the battle outside the city.
But Minister of Qin must also understand that the matters of the battlefield and the matters of the court may not be the same! "
"How can the generals and soldiers fight if they are not of one mind?"
Wu Min and Qin Hui were about to quarrel. Tang Ke took a sip of tea and turned to look at Qin Siyuan. "Duke Ming, your foolish younger brother has said that the war cannot be fought. It is not that the war should not be fought, but today's matter is the reason why the war cannot be fought. In the past few years, the voices of those who want to fight have been rising, thinking that it is a good opportunity. Your foolish younger brother said that the war should not be fought, that it is my fault, and that I am cowardly. Duke Ming, you have seen this matter, right? "
Qin Siyuan cupped his hands in salute. "Ah, your wise younger brother Qin is cowardly … your foolish older brother will never have such a thought. You and I have talked about this many times, and I also know the reason for today's matter. But the thoughts in my heart will not change because of this. As a country, when the opportunity is right in front of us, we cannot be overcautious and indecisive. We must do our best and leave the rest to fate. Besides, fate is not known at this time, and there are many variables on the battlefield. Zong Wang's army is alone, and Zong Han is not far from Taiyuan. We still have a chance. "
"What chance? Just based on the old soldiers outside the city? "Tang Ke shook his head." Soldiers do not know the general, and the general does not know the soldiers. So what if there are hundreds of thousands of soldiers and two hundred thousand soldiers? Shao Qian and Yu Shouzhang stopped Zong Wang's army for a day, and they were defeated. Could it be that the people in this room really believe what the impeachment reports say, that he is a useless general who rashly attacked? War is not a matter of one person. Since the Jurchens rose up, they have always won with fewer soldiers. Protecting Buda Gang, their twenty thousand men defeated seven hundred thousand Liao people. Right now outside Bianliang, other than the Victorious Army, there is still a main force of sixty thousand men. They will fight with our Wu dynasty's two hundred thousand men outside Bianliang. Duke Ming, do you really believe that our Wu dynasty has a chance? "
Qin Siyuan was silent for a moment. "It is only a war, how can we calculate it like this? If we really want to calculate it like this, when the Jurchens send more than a hundred thousand south, our dynasty cannot stop them with the power of the entire country. When they go south, should our dynasty just surrender?"
"We shouldn't lightly start a war." Tang Ke said, then paused and cupped his hands. "Today, this foolish younger brother did not come here to say such superficial words. War cannot be calculated like this, I also understand in my heart. It is just that the Jurchens are strong. When Aguda was alive, twenty thousand could still win against seven hundred thousand. Right now, Aguda has passed away for less than a year, and Wu Qi has bought a new successor. Zong Wang is also the soul of the Jurchens, Aguda's son. If this war does not have a satisfactory result, then it will have a tragic result. This Tang knows that everyone in the court hopes that after the battle outside the city, Zong Wang will know the difficulties and retreat. However, unless Zong Wang suffers a crushing defeat, it is absolutely impossible. Once the war starts, to want both sides to stop is a fool's dream … "
His expression was solemn, and he paused for a moment. "At this time, his army of tens of thousands is moving south. Although it is crushing everything along the way, the expectation of the war is that our Wu dynasty will cede territory as reparations. If a war really breaks out outside the city, it will not be easy for Zong Wang to attack the city, but he is not willing to go rashly. Once the war drags on, the strength of our Wu dynasty will gradually be exhausted. At that time, he will clearly see that our Wu dynasty is doomed! "
Qin Hui said, "Official Tang is being too alarmist."
Yao Zunian, who was accompanying him because he was also a great scholar, raised his eyes. "The disaster of the country's destruction is over, and it is a sign of prosperity. If we still cannot grit our teeth and hold on, in the future, the Jin people will have a taste of it. Could it be that we can only rely on ceding territory and reparations to survive?"
"The Jurchens suddenly rose up, but they have no foundation. Everything they do depends on plundering. With one spurt of energy, the second will decline, and the third will be exhausted. After a long time, corruption will occur. At that time, our Wu dynasty may have a chance … "
Qin Hui sneered. "It is not a competition of who is better, but who is worse."
Tang Ke glanced at him. "There are some things in front of us that cannot be resolved whether we admit it or not. It is also not a matter of scholarly will or a matter of one or two lives. The billions of people in the world are in our hands. The affairs of the country have come to this, and we can only act according to what is in front of us. Brother Qin, you are not acting as a minister today, but it is not because we are sowing discord in front of His Majesty, is it? "
There were many thought-provoking things in his words. Qin Hui laughed a few times and said no more. Qin Siyuan, on the other hand, had a complicated look in his eyes. After a long time, he finally spoke.
"Elder Qin, I have always admired your knowledge and foresight. But this is not a matter of weighing the pros and cons, but a matter of faith. You believe in the responsibility of the people and do not want them to suffer too much. I believe in the responsibility of a country and a clan, and do not want the people of this country to live like this. I have always believed that there will always be a turn for the better as long as the situation is not hopeless. If everything is calculated and weighed, then in this imperial court, whether it is you or me, there is actually no need for us to do anything. We can just use the calculation chips to pass our days. "
"It is not the first time that we have quarreled about this …" Tang Ke sighed and shook his head. "I know that I cannot persuade you. Only when a stubborn stone is quenched will steel be seen. Your thinking is not wrong. It is just that the problem of our dynasty has existed for two hundred years. To make progress, we must first seek reform. If reform is fruitless, there is no benefit in making progress. The current situation has caused the people of the world and the soldiers inside and outside the city to suffer … We officials are all sinners. "
"If there is no pain, how can there be a reason for reform?"
"What about the Blackwater Alliance? Where is the reform … "
Inside the study, the voices of a few high-ranking officials were chattering away. In this heavy city, their voices had a heavy weight to them. At this time, outside Bianliang, in the Nuzhen camp on Mou Tuo Hill, the late autumn wind was whistling. In the camp's main tent, Zong Wang and a group of generals were in a meeting.
"… Commander Ni Han said in his letter that Taiyuan is still in the hands of the Wu dynasty and will not be easy to take. The Wu dynasty's Western Army has moved and is eyeing it like a tiger watching its prey. If the Western Army is rash and the Wu dynasty suddenly launches an attack, it is very likely that they will be cut off from the north and south. Although the Wu dynasty is weak, they still have a few battle-ready troops. If our army is completely trapped in the Wu dynasty's hinterland, it is really not wise … "
In the middle of the tent, Aguda's second son, Wanyan Zong Wang, sat on the commander's seat. He had an imposing aura without being angry. Around him were Wanyan Chaya's mother, Wanyan Chang, Han Army Commander Liu Yanzong, Sai La, Shu Lie Su, Huo Li Gai, and other generals. Guo Yaoshi and the others who had surrendered were also at the end of the table.
"I've already sent out several orders for the Western Army to go south and provide support, but from the looks of it, Ni Han is not willing to come for the time being." After having someone convey Ni Han's message, Zong Wang said, "Now there are people saying that our army is alone and deep in the enemy's territory. The Wu dynasty has hundreds of thousands of soldiers, claiming to be a million, blocking the road to the Yellow River and wants to force us to surrender …"
As he said this, the corners of his mouth curled up into a faint smile. Everyone around him roared with laughter.
"The people of the Wu dynasty are nothing but clowns." Zong Wang waited for a moment, and then a trace of ruthlessness flashed through his eyes. He slammed his fist on the table in front of him. "We, the Jurchen army, have never fought a battle that went our way! The Wu dynasty has gathered a mere two hundred thousand people by the Yellow River. They don't dare to advance or retreat, thinking that our army will be afraid. I've already given them the conditions for negotiation. Of course they won't agree. Now that we've confirmed that Ni Han won't come, there's no need for us to wait any longer! "
He stopped speaking and raised his hand. "Brothers, let's imagine how we can defeat their million strong army outside Bianliang!"
As these words echoed through the camp, a report was being sent from the north into the capital on horseback.
*****
As he entered the noisy courtyard, Yue Fei saw Ning Yi's expressionless back as he left.
The sound of quarreling could still be heard from the courtyard.
"… You can't win, so you leave! Executioner! Ignorant villain! My Wu Dynasty's great rivers and mountains were destroyed by people like you … "
The person who was cursing inside was the county magistrate named Yu Wenfeng. After coming here for several days, Yue Fei had already figured out what Ning Yi and the others were responsible for. As the army gathered, they were to evacuate all the civilians and food near Bianliang. Although on the surface, Takeshi was only coordinating, in reality, he had the support of the Prime Minister's Residence. This group was the main force driving the progress of strengthening the walls and clearing the fields.
Especially when the Jurchen army was approaching the capital and everyone was busy with their own matters, it seemed that only Ning Yi and the others were relying on the army to do these things.
However, in the current environment, there were many people who couldn't understand this kind of thing. Yu Wenfeng was one of the officials who knew the background. Because he opposed the evacuation of the entire county, he came to stop it. However, Ning Yi only issued orders through the channels of the imperial court and didn't bother to negotiate with him. Two days ago, Yu Wenfeng resigned as the county magistrate and came to scold people all day long. Ning Yi, on the other hand, directly promoted the other party's deputy to the position, and carried out the whole plan unwaveringly.
To be honest, after staying here these days, Yue Fei quite admired Ning Yi's tough methods and the efficiency of the work inside and outside the courtyard. However, as for the current strengthening the walls and clearing the fields, he was also puzzled by it, just like Yu Wenfeng.
The scolding continued, "… You only know how to do this stupid thing. Do you know the suffering of the people? Forcing them to leave their homes. Winter is coming, where are they going to live? What are they going to eat? Do you know that if you let them stay here, they still have a chance of survival … What are you doing, Wenren Bu Er, I know you. A gentleman uses his mouth, not his fists … "
Yu Wenfeng was originally a disciple of a big family in the capital. As he was speaking, he was dragged out by Wenren Bu Er by the collar. He wanted to fight with Wenren Bu Er, but he was no match for her, "Stay here. You have been studying so much that you have become stupid. The walls of your small county are not even ten feet high! The Jurchen will take over the city in less than two hours. At that time, they will be wolves, and you will all be meat! "
He threw Yu Wenfeng out of the door. Yu Wenfeng waved his hands and feet as he struggled to get up. "Our city's soldiers and civilians are united, we are willing to perish together with the city. If the Jurchens want to seize it, they will have to pay the price. You can let those who want to leave go, but how can you ignore the public opinion and force people to move … "
As he was speaking, he wanted to rush in, but Wenren Bu Er pressed his face and pushed him out, "Die with your mother! If you want to die, we will let you die? If this war continues, those who stay here will be the Jurchen's granary! You are all people who support the enemy! "
"My Wu Dynasty has millions of troops and they are all rushing here. How long can this war last? Moreover, there are millions of people in the vicinity of Bianliang. How can you move all of them away? You have caused so many people to be killed by the Jurchen on the road. Can you sleep well at night? Aren't you afraid of ghosts coming to kill you … "
"Millions your mother! I can't move … How can I leave if I don't move! You are still going, if you do, I will really hit you … "
The two of them tangled for a while. Wenren Bu Er's expression became fierce. She punched the wall of the courtyard and some stones were sent flying. Yu Wenfeng saw that Wenren Bu Er was really angry, so he tidied up his clothes and left while cursing. Wenren Bu Er clenched her teeth and walked back while rubbing her injured fist. In this courtyard, Ning Yi and Yue Fei were considered as the people in charge. It was just that Ning Yi usually gave people the impression that he was calm and indifferent. When he did things, he was usually serious and serious. Wenren Bu 'er, on the other hand, had a frivolous smile on his face most of the time and liked to joke around. However, from that moment just now, Yue Fei could also see that this person was really angry in his heart.
The two of them could not be considered to be familiar with each other. After greeting each other, Yue Fei said, "I saw Young Master Ning leave just now. He seemed to have something on his mind. Did something happen?"
Wenren Bu Er was silent for a while, sighed slightly and nodded, "Ah, indeed … there is a piece of bad news."
He did not continue. In fact, there were all kinds of bad news these days. Yue Fei could not think of any worse news at the moment.
In the Wu Rui Camp's tent, Qin Shaoqian flipped the table with one hand and sat there with his hands clenched into fists. His face was gloomy. In his right hand, there was a letter.
When Ning Yi came in, he saw such a scene.
He hesitated for a while and walked forward. Qin Shaoqian's head was bandaged. One of his eyes was red as he looked over and gritted his teeth.
"I'm blind in one eye, so I can see more clearly!"
"A letter from Elder Qin?" Ning Yi looked at the letter in his hand.
"Father said that he left voluntarily!" Qin Shaoqian handed the letter to Ning Yi. When he spoke, he was still gritting his teeth. "He wanted to avoid arousing suspicion. Even if His Majesty did not issue an imperial edict, he wanted to resign. So … he warned me not to act recklessly!"
He laughed coldly, "How can I act recklessly? It's nothing more than fighting a war. But there is no need to fight a war now! "
Ning Yi lowered his head to read the letter. Qin Shaoqian took a deep breath and put a fist on his forehead. "I'm blind in one eye! My brother is still in Taiyuan. I don't know if he's dead or alive! They … actually want to sue for peace! "
Ning Yi finished reading the short letter and handed it back to Qin Shaoqian. He found a chair to the side and sat down.
"Elder Qin might want to resign, but this time, it was Cai Jing who obstructed him. He … purposely mentioned to His Majesty that the eldest brother of the Qin family was in Taiyuan. He emphasized to His Majesty that this matter would not affect the Prime Minister and that His Majesty need not worry. In addition … "
Before he finished, someone hurriedly shouted from outside the tent, "Report! Urgent report from Taiyuan! "
Qin Shaoqian said, "Come in!"
The person opened the tent door and came in. It was Qin Shaoqian's deputy, Xu Xiaohu. He glanced at Ning Yi and nodded slightly, then said, "Battle report from Taiyuan. The Western Army was defeated."
Qin Shaoqian was slightly stunned …
At the end of autumn in the thirteenth year of Jinghan's reign, Zhe Keqiu and Liu Guangshi led an army of forty thousand and engaged in a fierce battle with Zong Han's army for a day at Tianmen Pass near Taiyuan. Later, they turned to Jiaocheng and were exhausted. They were defeated by a night attack by the Jin army, suffering tens of thousands of casualties and retreating to Fen Province.
The defeat of Zhe Keqiu and Liu Guangshi meant that in the short term, there would be no army that could relieve the siege of Taiyuan.
On the evening of the day the news arrived, the Jurchen army had just finished preparing for the next phase of the battle when night fell. Zong Wang walked through the camp with his hands behind his back. Behind him were Medicine Master Guo and several other generals.
"Now that this news has arrived, the Imperial Court of the Wu dynasty will be anxious," Medicine Master Guo said. "They might already be discussing the matter of seeking peace."
"It's just a victory and defeat a thousand li away." Zong Wang smiled. "Are the people of the Wu dynasty really going to be like this?"
"Marshal doesn't know. Although the people of the Wu dynasty seem to be coming with great momentum, they are actually weak on the inside. If this subject's guess is correct, we only need to wait a day or two. Someone else will come and seek peace. "
"The condition of the previous peace negotiation was only to wait for Ni Han's army to converge in the south. The strength of the Jurchen is not built on the weakness of the enemy. " Zong Wang looked at the brightly lit camp and said slowly, "Regardless of whether they are reconciled or not, the previous agreement will not change."
He said, "… We will still fight."
"Yes!"
All the generals said in unison.
*****
The sky was just beginning to brighten.
Xue Changgong ran up the city wall. A warning smoke signal had already been lit.
In the distance, the Perfected Ladies pushed the siege equipment and surrounded them …
On the fourteenth of September, after more than ten days of peace, the city wall of Bianliang finally suffered another fierce attack …
In the Hall of Wende in the Imperial Palace. Zhou Zhe sat on the throne and looked solemnly at Li Gui.
"When you go there this time, you must definitely negotiate the peace treaty. You must also do your best to fight for the greatest benefits for our Wu Dynasty …"
"This subject obeys!"
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