[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-shao-song":3,"chapter-shao-song-shao-song-chapter-158":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Shao Song",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1558324,2024,"Chapter 158","shao-song-chapter-158",158,"\u003Cp>In the evening, Zhao Jiu saw the head of Pucha Hubulu within Changshe city. His first reaction was naturally some surprise, because the Zhao Emperor could not immediately understand why it was Talan who had fled, and this man who had died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, upon learning that the Grand Marshal had also been witnessed escaping with his life, Zhao Jiu instead had no spare thoughts, because with this, he, an engineering dog, found it reasonable, and with reasonableness came a smooth temper — according to the Zhao Emperor's rationalizing speculation, the fates of these three Jin Jun main generals fully demonstrated that in adverse times, it is often the cowardly who survive, while those with some courage face death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, it cannot be said that the Zhao Emperor's theory was nonsense, because in the previous few years, especially during the Jingkang era, this principle had been verified countless times by the Song Jun and the upper echelons of the Great Song… For someone like Han Shizhong, who forcibly survived by relying on his skill, that could only be called truly having guts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How to put it? Having seen the head and confirmed the merits of Li Kui and Niu Gao, despite some disappointment at failing to capture Wanyan Talan… after all, given Wanyan Talan's performance today, if taken, it would likely have been a live capture, leaving too much room for maneuver and making the significance extraordinary… but regardless, with this great victory and this trophy, from the highest-ranking officers to the main force numbers of the Jin Jun, and then to the successful strategic relief, the achievements of this battle were beyond reproach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as a rule, at such a time, the Zhao Emperor should have sat down properly with these famous \"renowned generals\" to exchange feelings, discuss the significance of this battle, reward merits, grant offices, make promises, and then smoothly collect a wave of loyalty, perhaps even reciting an \"old poem by Yi'an Jushi\" to enhance the elegant mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in fact, the Zhao Emperor had no time to do these things before falling into a new difficulty — the war was still ongoing, and he had to use the political influence and military opportunity gained from this risky sortie to further expand the results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this inevitably involved the issue of strategic choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking back now, at the start of this great Song-Jin battle, Zhao Jiu clearly lacked strategic decisiveness, performing extremely passively. Relatively speaking, it was instead Wanyan Wushu earlier who, after successfully ambushing Han Shizhong at Zhujiaquzhen, swiftly moved south, besieged the cities of Wuhe, and pushed forward to block Nanyang, forcing Zhao Jiu to risk his life to come here and gamble the nation's fortune… No matter how impregnable Nanyang city was, or how that Fourth Prince was thwarted beneath its walls, from a strategic perspective, Wushu was still without issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, returning to the present, the problem Zhao Jiu now had to face was actually very simple: where should the army go next?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back to the present, the Zhao Emperor kept Niu Gao, Li Kui, and several other officers who had performed outstandingly today to dine together in the hall, then sent them back to pacify their troops, tend wounds, and rest, while retaining Hu Yin, Lin Jingmo, Mo Qixie, and Liu Yan, the four who had accompanied the army, along with the three generals Han Shizhong, Yue Fei, and Wang Yan. Everyone understood in their hearts that this meant discussing important matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, Liu Yan and Mo Qixie had already taken the initiative to rise and withdraw… They remained here because they had accompanied the Emperor all the way from Nanyang, but were not qualified to participate in strategic decisions, especially since this decision needed to be made quickly, with no time for detailed discussion — this was not the time for broadly soliciting opinions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter is simple!\" As soon as Liu Yan and Mo Qixie rose, Han Shizhong, without yielding, directly supported his jade belt and spoke with his chest out from behind the table. \"Nanyang cannot be gone to…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why can't Nanyang be gone to?\" Unexpectedly, as soon as Han Shizhong opened his mouth, he was interrupted by someone. Everyone followed the sound and saw it was none other than the Imperial Censor-in-Chief, Hu Yin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be fair, Han Shizhong had not only vented a three-month accumulation of resentment today, but the key was that upon seeing the Zhao Emperor personally come to rescue him, he knew in his heart that the Emperor truly regarded him as a trusted confidant. So, ever since meeting the Zhao Emperor in person, that northern Shaanxi-style ruffian loyalty surged up, and he had been extraordinarily exhilarated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Emperor entered the city, he even specifically fastened that jade belt, and his tone once again carried that flavor of \"foremost under heaven.\" Earlier, when dealing with Yue Fei, Wang Yan, and the various officers of the Eastern Capital Defense Command, he had directly assumed the air of a superior in handling and assigning military affairs… This was actually not a problem; he was the only general here who had established a military command, with status, seniority, official rank, and even genuine imperial favor far surpassing Wang Yan and Yue Fei, and was even implicitly recognized by both nations as the Great Song's foremost general… Before, when he was absent, Yue Fei had set the general strategy, and Wang Yan's subordinates were dissatisfied. Now that Han Liangchen had emerged, who dared ask who else should handle things?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could only be said that with the Emperor himself sitting here in command, it was perhaps a bit too ruffian-like… but considering he had been besieged for two or three months and had just escaped his cage, no one minded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, even Han Shizhong felt a bit of dread in his heart when facing Hu Yin, because the two of them had history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After pausing for a moment, this Han Commandant honestly made a bit of an explanation: \"Brother Hu doesn't know, today we fought five against one and it wasn't secure. As for Wanyan Wushu over there, he has at least thirty thousand cavalry, twice the number of Meng'an today, and all led by famous Jin generals like Balisu and Han Chang. How can we go to Nanyang? Besides, after this great battle, our soldiers have suffered many casualties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yin was slightly startled, apparently still not quite understanding… Wasn't this a victorious battle with soaring morale?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not only that.\" Wang Yan also showed considerable respect to Hu Yin, the only purple-robed civil official present. \"Let the Censor-in-Chief know, in fact, our army's numbers are slightly greater, and although we have captured supplies, grain is still somewhat insufficient. Moreover, Yancheng, Fangcheng, Xiangcheng, and Xiping have not yet been relieved… Therefore, if we force a march to support Nanyang city, we can only seek a quick decisive battle. If we fail, we will be completely broken by the Jin army on the road.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Wang Yan had spoken, Yue Fei naturally hesitated for a moment… This was his first time attending a meeting at this level. The day before, the Zhao Emperor had decided everything with a single word, letting him act freely, which was certainly satisfying. But today, after calming down and carefully looking around, he realized he was the one with the lowest official rank, the shallowest seniority, and the youngest age here. Even with Han Shizhong present, he might not dare to boast about his military skill, so it seemed saying anything would be pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, thinking in reverse, yesterday the Zhao Emperor had come directly into his camp, sought him out, and entrusted him with the nation's fortune. Although it smacked of desperation, it also showed great trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, after a moment's thought, Yue Pengju cautiously reminded this \"Half-Chancellor,\" who was also the benefactor who had recommended him for the post of Pacification Commissioner before the throne that day:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Censor-in-Chief, forgive this subordinate's bluntness. Today's victory cannot be easily repeated… What happened today was that our army was burdened by Du Chong, lost all opportunities, had no grasp of the situation, and with the overall situation about to collapse, the Emperor came here alone to make a desperate gamble…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yin had endured Han Shizhong, then endured Wang Yan. Now, seeing Yue Fei, whom he himself had recommended in the past, he finally no longer needed to endure and immediately interrupted him. \"I know Nanyang cannot be fought!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This outburst of temper was inexplicable. Only the silent little Academician Lin and Mo Qixie, who was standing there, guessed something of the reason, roughly understanding that Hu Mingzhong was fed up with the label of \"ignorant of military affairs\" and wanted to correct it, but the three generals' attitudes had just confirmed his reputation of \"harming the nation and the army,\" hence his rare loss of composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this kind of thinking was understood by the two civil official elites, but not by Han Shizhong and Wang Yan, and even less by Yue Fei, who was encountering such high-level interactions for the first time. He thought he had committed some taboo and offended this benefactor!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only this benefactor held high position and great power, being the sole purple-robed senior civil official at the table. If a decision were truly to be made, based on past understanding, he was even more influential than Han Shizhong. So, although Yue Fei was angry and even a bit aggrieved, for the sake of the overall situation, he could only force himself to speak softly and cautiously advise again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Censor-in-Chief, in fact, there is another reason Nanyang cannot be gone to… Now that Wanyan Talan has withdrawn north, with his ten Meng'an, and after gathering Yelu Ma Wu, he will have seventeen or eighteen Meng'an, still with considerable combat power. With enemies both north and south, whether we go south or north, we must split our forces to block the other side, to prevent them from joining… And once we split our forces, how can we face the strong enemy at Nanyang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yin was no ordinary man. When military matters were not involved, he was definitely one of the top elite figures before the Zhao Emperor. Now, seeing Yue Fei's expression and tone, how could he not understand the other's thoughts? But it was hard to flare up again and cause misunderstanding, so he could only stiffly let the other carefully \"explain\" to him, as if he could really interfere in military affairs in front of the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But secretly, he was already cold with anger, his hands trembling beneath the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Fei finished his cautious words and looked at Hu Yin again. Seeing that the other said nothing more, he felt relieved, unaware that his benefactor was already furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Han Shizhong could not bear it either and smoothly continued from Yue Fei's words: \"Actually, what General Little Yue and General Wang said earlier was already quite insightful…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Fei was startled but dared not interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is, although this battle was won, first, our forces are depleted and supplies limited; second, this place connects north and south, so we must split off a portion of troops to act as a barrier, preventing the Jin forces from joining north and south.\" Han Shizhong, chest out, finally continued his speech at the table. \"If so, then when we march again, we must be cautious… Going to Nanyang is absolutely impossible. Although we won today, I still say Nanyang is hard to overcome; but going east, west, or north are all feasible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone heard the word \"Your subject\" and looked together at the Zhao Emperor in the main seat, only to see him looking up at the skylight above, lost in thought. However, this did not prevent him from calmly lowering his head and speaking with a slightly serious expression:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liangchen, go ahead and speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Your Majesty.\" Han Shizhong quickly held his belt and continued. \"Going north is naturally to pursue Wanyan Talan. Talan, after this defeat, has lost his nerve. Add to that Pucha Hubulu's death, although they have seventeen or eighteen Meng'an, it may not be impossible to pursue and attack… This strategy is the most urgent and carries the greatest risk, but if successful, it can completely end the Jin people's southern campaign this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pucha Hubulu is dead, that's true, but what about Yelu Ma Wu?\" Zhao Jiu thought for a moment and then asked seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yelu Ma Wu is not incapable.\" Han Shizhong sneered in response. \"But his troops are Khitan defectors under Yelu Yudu. I previously advised Your Majesty to be wary of Pucha Hubulu not only because he still had courage and daring to fight, but also because he was Talan's son-in-law. In critical moments, Talan could entrust matters to his own son-in-law. But now, Talan has been defeated, with only ten Meng'an left, while Yelu Ma Wu still has seven or eight Meng'an… Therefore, if our army advances rapidly tomorrow to pressure them, he may not trust the surname Yelu!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu suddenly understood, and Yue Fei, Wang Yan, and even Hu Yin and Mo Qixie all nodded in agreement… Clearly, even with Yue Fei sitting here, considering the age issue, Han Shizhong was still the \"foremost under heaven\" in military strategy, and this analysis was enough to convince everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for going east… it means seeking provisions in Huaixi, joining with Grand Commandant Zhang, and intending to besiege Nanjing.\" Han Shizhong continued. \"Nanjing has the fewest Jin troops. By joining with Grand Commandant Zhang and taking the military grain from the two Huai, we can gather a large army to return to the Wuhe area to confront the enemy and seek another opportunity to fight… This is the safest, but it inevitably loses the opportunity; delay leads to unforeseen changes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu nodded again: \"And going west?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Going west is not actually going west, but rather, after the main army sweeps through Wuhe and relieves the various cities, it means holding this area firmly.\" Han Shizhong became somewhat serious. \"But we must go west, deploy in the Ruzhou area, and completely cut off all retreat routes for the enemy at Nanyang… This is actually reviving the old strategy of the Privy Council, the so-called 'close the door and cut off the rear'!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu understood in his heart but smiled again: \"Which one does Liangchen think is best?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your subject's private wish is naturally to go north and fight to my heart's content first!\" Han Shizhong sighed slightly. \"But from the overall situation, going west, that is, redeploying between the five rivers to force Wanyan Wushu at Nanyang to withdraw, is the best… Of course, the three strategies differ in urgency, stability, and risk; Your Majesty can decide.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Peng… Zicai?\" Zhao Jiu instinctively wanted to ask Yue Fei again, but seeing the military seats on his right, he first asked Wang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your subject is no different from Han Commandant. My subordinates all come from the Taihang Mountains, and my private wish is also to go north!\" Wang Yan immediately rose and bowed, which made Han Shizhong slightly realize his awkwardness. \"But from the perspective of the nation's safety, we should still go west, to force the Jin army at Nanyang to withdraw.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pengju.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your subject's private wish is to go east, but I recommend going north.\" Yue Fei immediately rose and bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\" Zhao Jiu was slightly startled. \"Why go north?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your subject fought the longest with the Jin army today, and also fought with Yelu Ma Wu for a long time before. I truly feel that Talan has lost his nerve, and I truly know that Yelu Ma Wu has been abandoned and sidelined by Talan… Therefore, I believe we can pursue and fight them!\" Facing this Zhao Emperor, who seemed very good at listening to opinions, Yue Fei spoke his true thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you all think… regardless of military matters, only from the overall situation, east, west, or north?\" Zhao Jiu then looked at Hu Yin and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"West!\" Hu Yin answered directly with a bow. \"Your Majesty came in haste. Although this battle was won, envoys have already been sent to Nanyang and Xiangyang to inform them, but we must still guard against instability in those two places.\" At this point, Hu Mingzhong paused slightly before continuing. \"With this great victory, Nanyang may not dare to believe it. Your Majesty must be especially cautious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu nodded heavily, then looked at the last person, his most trusted Inner Drafter, the little Academician Lin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, upon hearing the news, the little Academician Lin remained silent for a long time, sitting motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhao Emperor did not urge him, only waited quietly. The others had no choice but to remain silent and wait as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After who knows how long, the little Academician Lin finally rose and reported: \"Your Majesty, your subject believes we should go north!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\" Zhao Jiu stared with interest at his trusted Inner Drafter, who had gradually gained a position as close to him as Yang Yizhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only by heading north can Your Majesty leisurely return the imperial carriage to the old capital!\" Junior Scholar Lin answered calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well said.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu, who had never removed his armor, seemed to have anticipated such a reply. Amidst the stunned gazes of several high ministers in the hall, he rose, steadying his sword, and responded calmly. \"My mind is made up. Yue Fei will keep his troops stationed at Changshe, taking overall command of the Five Rivers campaign, lifting the sieges on the various cities, and delaying and stalling Jin Wushu. At dawn tomorrow, Han Shizhong will take the lead, with Wang Yan as his deputy, and immediately lead the army north to link up with Ma Gao's forces at Changge, attack Zhongmu, and pursue Talan. I will take the route through Yanying and return to Dongjing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The few men in the hall, whether seated or standing, were still gaping in astonishment, unsure how to react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was off. Zhao Jiu, slightly embarrassed, spoke again with earnest seriousness. \"I intend to spend the Lantern Festival in Dongjing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing these words, Hu Yin suddenly burst into tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Recommending a book, \"Cyber Hero Legend\"... a truly stunning story! A new book from a sci-fi master!\u003C\u002Fp>",3066,"2026-06-06T07:45:46.639Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","ff3bb7d4fdb32fad8db5d70cfeba356e9734eec59bf1cd15a4d18a2d66d58312","shao-song-chapter-159","shao-song-chapter-157",489,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshao-song-cover.jpg"]