Chapter 168

…

Although an earthquake had occurred, causing significant casualties and economic losses in multiple commanderies of Hedong, overall, the Zhao Song dynasty had enjoyed favorable weather and bountiful harvests this year.

Moreover, Yuan Qingcheng's "Qingcheng Agricultural Book" had summarized and promoted numerous advanced agricultural techniques, and Ma Xiao Jiao's inventions of a series of tools to boost agricultural production had significantly increased grain yields.

This year, the Zhao Song dynasty once again welcomed a great harvest.

Furthermore, just a few days ago, Zhao Yu used the pretext of establishing the Crown Prince to implement nationwide reductions in certain head taxes.

This head tax was levied per capita, requiring every adult male, regardless of wealth, to pay.

For poor families, this was an extremely heavy burden; many households, to evade the tax, resorted to infanticide, severely impacting population growth and social stability.

Zhao Yu's reduction of the head tax allowed poor families and the lower classes to benefit.

One could say that Zhao Yu's series of measures enabled the vast majority of Zhao Song's populace to catch their breath—at least enough to cling to life.

In contrast to Zhao Song's bountiful harvest this year, the Liao state suffered a severe famine.

Originally, during its development, Liao's agriculture gradually rose: on one hand, the Khitan people had raided inland areas, capturing large numbers of Han border civilians who continued Han agricultural traditions; on the other, Liao rulers implemented policies rewarding farming, encouraging commoners to till the land, and ordered frontier garrison troops to cultivate fields during intervals between combat and training.

As a result, agriculture flourished in regions such as Nanjing Dao and Xijing Dao—territories long coveted by Zhao Song as the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun—where crops like millet, broomcorn, wheat, foxtail millet, buckwheat, panicum, and sorghum were grown; rice was also cultivated around Nanjing.

Moreover, despite warfare between Song and Liao, trade had remained close: Liao exchanged horses, cattle, sheep, jade, felt, carpets, licorice, honey, wax, antelope horns, bupleurum, and safflower for grain, silk, brocade, silk gauze, incense tea, porcelain, lacquerware, ginger, and cinnamon from Zhao Song, acquiring vital grain resources through commerce.

During the reign of Emperor Daozong, Liao's granaries and cellars had once stored as much as 150,000 hu of millet.

Clearly, Liao had maintained a grain reserve system, and these reserves could, to some extent, ensure food supply during famines.

But since Yelu Yanxi ascended the throne, he neglected everything, spending his days solely in pleasure and hunting, while his ministers merely went through the motions.

To make matters worse, misfortune came in waves: the Hedong earthquake also struck Liao's Yun region, causing massive crop failures.

Most critically, because Liao had aided Western Xia in threatening Zhao Song, Zhao Yu issued strict orders banning trade with Liao and deployed patrol units along the Song-Liao border to severely apprehend smuggling caravans.

All these factors combined to cause a severe famine in Liao.

Seeing Zhao Song possessed grain yet refused to sell it to them, deliberately starving them, the Liao people recalled their ancestors' tradition of "da cao gu."

Now, with autumn arrived and horses fat and strong, it was the perfect season for the Hu Ren to raid southward.

Thus, the Liao people widely supported Yelu Yanxi in declaring war against Zhao Yu.

Soon, secret agents dispatched by border officials, the Huangchengsi, and the Eastern Depot reported that Liao's imperial clan general, Yelu Huluo, the Nanjing defender, and general Yelu Dabeinu were leading troops to Liudian in Weizhou for a grand military review.

Shortly after, the same agents reported that Liao had mobilized troops and selected commanders to garrison at Pingzhou and Yunzhong Fu Road.

Three days later, the agents reported again that Liao forces had gathered at Weizhou, Feihu County, and other locations, assembling troops and stockpiling grain; locals all claimed the Liao intended to invade the border.

Simultaneously, urgent reports came from the agents: Liao troops had massed heavily in Yan territory, and Yelu Yanxi declared he would personally lead the campaign.

News of Liao's intent to invade spread like wildfire.

In Jingcheng, public discussion erupted.

Some bold or malicious individuals even claimed that Song and Liao had not fought for a hundred years; had Zhao Yu not insisted on reclaiming Western Xia and severed trade with Liao, how could Liao have broken the Treaty of Chanyuan and invaded Zhao Song?

In response, Zhao Yu directly used the Huangchengsi and Eastern Depot to arrest those spreading such talk, while the Propaganda Department publicly guided public opinion correctly.

Yet this still failed to prevent wealthy families from preparing to flee the capital, while ordinary citizens were filled with fear, anxiety, and helplessness.

Faced with this situation, Zhao Yu felt he could wait no longer; otherwise, the Zhao Song dynasty might descend into chaos.

He told his ministers: "Our only course now is to mobilize and discipline our troops, project strength, strike first, or we will be at a disadvantage."

Zhang Dun agreed: "I also believe Your Majesty's words are most correct. Though the Liao are stirring, their country is ravaged by famine and their morale must be low—this is precisely the moment for our Great Song to press our advantage and avenge past humiliations. If we strike first, we can curb Liao's ambitions and restore our national prestige, drawing tribute from all quarters."

Then Zhang Dun added: "I humbly request to lead the campaign."

Zhao Yu shook his head:

"We are now at the critical juncture of reclaiming Western Xia; coordinating the entire campaign, I am no match for the Chancellor. How could I, at this crucial moment, disrupt our own ranks and prevent frontline generals from focusing on reclaiming Western Xia?"

"Moreover, since the Liao emperor himself has come, if I do not go, how will our soldiers muster the morale to resist Liao?"

"In the past, the Khitan amassed a million troops and reached Chanyuan; thanks to the ancestral spirits and the fortune of the state, Emperor Zhenzong personally led the campaign. After his imperial carriage crossed the river, our troops' morale soared, the enemy general Tala was shot dead, Liao's morale collapsed, and they sent envoys to sue for peace—Hebei was thus recovered and enjoyed a century of peace. Today's situation is identical: I must emulate Emperor Zhenzong and personally lead the campaign. This matter must be swift; no delay is permissible."

"As for Liao's intent to fight, if my prediction is correct, they have five aims: to aid Western Xia, first; to reopen the border markets, second; to increase annual tribute, third; to demand gifts for their troops, fourth; and to seize territory, fifth."

"To make us halt the recovery of Western Xia is impossible—Western Xia is on the verge of collapse; how could our Great Song show womanly mercy and raise a tiger to become a future threat? To reopen the border markets: we may use temporary measures, and decide after we reclaim Western Xia. To increase annual tribute: we shall cite the old treaty; if they refuse, we may moderately increase it, provided Liao does not interfere with our recovery of Western Xia. To demand gifts for their troops: we shall give according to our capacity. As for territory: these are ancestral lands; our descendants must defend them to the death—we shall not yield an inch."

"My purpose in marching north is primarily to delay, with defeating the enemy as secondary—I aim to buy time for our northwest generals to reclaim Western Xia."

Seeing that Zhao Yu understood the significance of personally leading the campaign and had prepared himself psychologically for compromise, and knowing Zhao Yu clearly recognized what Zhao Song lacked, Zhang Dun said: "Your Majesty's foresight is profound; I am deeply impressed. If so, please appoint those who will accompany you to assist and relieve your burdens."

Zhao Yu named them directly: "Cai, Zeng, Han, and Su shall accompany me."

Everyone present was sharp-eyed—they immediately understood: Zhao Yu had taken away Ceng Bu, Han Zhongyan, Su Zhe, and Cai Bian, all figures who could challenge Zhang Dun's authority, to prevent them from obstructing Zhang Dun's efforts to reclaim Western Xia.

Zhang Dun was overwhelmed with gratitude.

Ceng Bu and the others confirmed once again that Zhao Yu was determined to reclaim Western Xia.

Soon, Zhao Yu appointed Ceng Bu as Pacification Commissioner of Hebei, Han Zhongyan as Deputy Pacification Commissioner of Hebei; both were sent ahead to Xiongzhou to prepare the way.

Simultaneously, Zhao Yu ordered the Hebei Forbidden Army to assemble, and all Prefects, Department Magistrates, and Commanders along the route to prepare grain and supplies for the troops, while concentrating provisions toward the front.

Then Zhao Yu appointed Guo Cheng as Commander-in-Chief and Zhong Pu as Deputy Commander-in-Chief to lead the Northern Auxiliary Army, Eastern Auxiliary Army, and Western Auxiliary Army swiftly to the Song-Liao border…

After briefing the ministers left behind—Zhang Dun, Cai Jing, Xu Jiang, Li Qingchen, Su Shi, Zhang Shangying, Zhao Tingzhi—Zhao Yu returned to the inner palace and went to Kunninggong.

Upon learning Zhao Yu had come, even Qiao Shi and Wei Shi, who were near term, came out to greet him.

Seeing this, Zhao Yu comforted them, saying he would lead hundreds of thousands of troops, that Zhao Song was stronger than ever before, that he would certainly return unharmed within a few months, and that Zheng Xiansu would care for them; then he ordered them back to rest.

At this time, Zheng Xiansu was also pregnant with her third child, though the pregnancy was still early.

Returning to the inner chamber, Zhao Yu said to Zheng Xiansu: "I am personally leading the campaign; I leave you and the Crown Prince to supervise the state. Externally, you must support the Chancellor in governing and stabilize the court, preventing villains from seizing opportunity; internally, you must guard the palace, caring for my concubines and children. The Crown Prince is young; you must devote extra attention to him. I leave Huang Jingchen, Liang Shicheng, and Yang Jian with you; I also leave the Divine Mechanism Right Army under your command. Zhang Shuye and He Guan are loyal ministers—you may trust them fully. Now, at this critical moment for our Great Song, you and I are one; we must overcome this hardship together."

Zheng Xiansu's eyes flickered with a mixture of resolve and concern; softly, she said: "Your Majesty need not worry; I shall not fail your trust. Palace affairs are under my care—I shall ensure no one disturbs your concubines or children. As for state affairs, I shall monitor them closely, instructing Yang Jian to communicate with Your Majesty, ensuring the court remains orderly."

This was precisely why Zhao Yu loved Zheng Xiansu: she was intelligent, understood instantly, and knew exactly why he had left her these people.

That night, Zhao Yu stayed in Kunninggong.

Zheng Xiansu sought to assign someone to attend him for the night.

But Zhao Yu refused.

Zhao Yu said: "Before we set out, I wanted to hold you and sleep well."

To be honest, before lying down, Zhao Yu really had thought that.

But after lying down, Zhao Yu tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep at all.

And earlier, Zhao Yu had already forbidden others from sleeping with him—royal words are not to be taken lightly.

Seeing this, Zheng Xiansu could only personally help Zhao Yu, without harming his own body.

The Emperor leading the campaign in person is truly troublesome.

Besides military preparations, logistical preparations, and garrison preparations, there are also ceremonial preparations.

This involves organizing the Emperor's procession: flags, canopies, imperial carriages, and more, to display the Emperor's dignity and status; before departure, rituals must be held to sacrifice to Heaven, Earth, ancestors, and the God of War; furthermore, edicts and proclamations must be prepared to announce to the army and the people the purpose, significance, and the Emperor's intentions of the campaign.

In short, there are countless troublesome matters.

Just as Zhao Yu was giving his final instructions, Li Lin found him and volunteered: "May your humble concubine accompany Your Majesty on this campaign?"

To be honest, if Li Lin weren't six months pregnant, Zhao Yu would have taken her—after all, her military insights differ from those of soldiers in this era, and Zhao Yu had brought three Divine Machine Armies she personally designed; perhaps at a critical moment, Li Lin could turn the tide.

Li Lin knew exactly what her problem was. She told Zhao Yu: "I have heard that Your Majesty's dragon boat is nine zhang three chi long and one zhang nine chi wide; your imperial palanquin has a double veranda in front and a sleeping chamber behind for rest, with two side pavilions, carried by thirty-two soldiers; your great chariot is drawn by eight horses, two zhang seven cun five fen tall and one zhang five chi wide. I only ask for a space to kneel."

Li Lin's words, translated, meant that whether by boat, palanquin, or chariot, Zhao Yu's vehicles were larger and more luxurious than modern RVs—she only needed room to kneel.

Zhao Yu tapped her forehead: "Are you trying to play the self-pity card on me?"

Li Lin gazed at Zhao Yu with pitiful eyes, full of pleading.

Li Lin loved war; she dreamed of becoming a professional soldier. Now that she finally had a chance to experience battle, how could she possibly accept staying behind just because she was pregnant?

Zhao Yu knew Li Lin's wish.

Moreover, to be honest, Zhao Yu's journey would not be harsh, and Li Lin should not suffer on the road.

What he feared was that if the Zhao Song dynasty suffered defeat and retreated, Li Lin's condition would make fleeing impossible.

Remember, when Zhao Guangyi was defeated, he abandoned everything and returned alone on a donkey cart.

Though Zhao Yu has the Divine Machine Armies and faces Yelu Yanxi, history's greatest fool of a ruler, Zhao Yu is unlikely to suffer Zhao Guangyi's fate—but Sun Tzu said: Never plan for victory before planning for defeat; never plan for gain before planning for loss.

By that logic, Zhao Yu truly should not take Li Lin.

But gazing into Li Lin's eyes, shining with determination and longing, Zhao Yu's heart softened involuntarily: "If…"

Li Lin immediately replied: "If I am captured by the enemy, I will never live to bring shame upon Your Majesty!!!"

Zhao Yu never meant that.

But now it was pointless to say so—he had seen the finality in her words. So he relented: "You may bring only one maid and one midwife. The rest, your local Zhen Sect will provide."

Li Lin rejoiced. She immediately seized Zhao Yu's face and kissed him hard, then said: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Immediately, Li Lin went to prepare for the campaign.

Unexpectedly, the moment Li Lin left, Zhang Chun arrived.

Zhang Chun said to Zhao Yu: "Your Majesty's campaign will require someone to handle memorials and official documents. The highest form of warfare is to outwit the enemy; the next is to break their alliances; the lowest is to besiege cities. In this campaign, Your Majesty should use politics and diplomacy to deter the enemy, preventing Liao from interfering as Great Song reclaims Xi Xia. I am unworthy, but I know Liao's personnel intimately. I beg to accompany Your Majesty on this campaign…"

……

(End of Chapter)