Tang Dynasty Mingyue Song Dynasty Pass

Chapter 853: Victory
When the news of Su Chen's victory in Huainan continued to reach the Wu city of Hangzhou, it immediately sparked heated discussions among the people of Hangzhou in the streets and alleys. Many people gathered together, talking at once, cheering, and spreading the news widely.

"Hey, have you heard? That Pingnan King Su Chen is such a tough guy! He led our Wu army to fight a battle with the Song army and directly took over Huainan. Now he is chasing them towards Huaibei!" A peddler shouted at the top of his voice while setting up a stall, his face filled with uncontrollable excitement.

"That's right! In the past we always heard how powerful the Song army was. Southern Tang and Qian Yue were terribly afraid of it. Now it seems that our Wu army is also not weak. With Marshal Su leading the way, the Song army is being beaten to a pulp and is being defeated!" A sturdy man next to him slapped his thigh and laughed from ear to ear.

"The Song army is just so-so. We southern men can also stand tall and carve out a niche for ourselves!" An old man interrupted slowly, his eyes flashing with memories of the past and expectations for the future.

"After all, it's Marshal Su who is so powerful. He uses his troops like a god and makes the Song army run around in circles. The name of Jiangzuo Su Lang is well deserved!" Someone exclaimed loudly, his tone full of admiration for Su Chen.

"Yes, yes, Jiangzuo Su Lang, our hero! With him, there is hope for our Wu Kingdom!" Everyone nodded, their faces filled with longing for the future and trust in Su Chen.

In this wave of enthusiasm, there was not only the joy and pride that came from the bottom of the hearts of the people, but also the clever operations of the Green Shadow Guards in secret.

The secret guard organization is well aware that such reputation and public support are crucial for the future abdication of King Wu and Su Chen taking over power.

.........

In the depths of the imperial palace in Hangzhou City, an unusual figure sat on the dragon throne in the magnificent palace. Yang Linger, the queen dressed as a man, held the latest battle report from the front line, her eyes flashing with uncontrollable surprise and excitement.

"Good news! Prince Pingnan and General Su Chen, with his powerful force, defeated the 200,000-strong Song army led by Zhao Kuangyin outside the city of Shuyang! God bless our Wu Kingdom!" Yang Linger's voice was crisp and firm. Every word seemed to carry a tremendous force, shaking every inch of space in the hall.

Her voice echoed in the hall. When the ministers first heard the news, they were all stunned, and then they looked surprised, as if they couldn't believe their ears. A moment later, when the victory report was circulated one by one by Han Xizai, Xu Xuan and other important ministers, and confirmed that it was correct, the whole hall was instantly boiling.

"Haha, this King of Pingnan is truly extraordinary!" Han Xizai clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes full of admiration and satisfaction.

"One battle decides the outcome. He was able to crush the morale of the Song Dynasty's imperial guards single-handedly. With a force of more than 100,000, he faced off against 200,000 imperial guards. And it was Zhao Kuangyin who led the army in person. The King of Pingnan is truly a rare genius who accomplished an almost impossible feat!" Xu Xuan was also filled with emotion, his tone full of admiration for Su Chen.

"With this good news as the beginning of this Northern Expedition, the dawn of victory is just around the corner!" Another minister, Gao Yue, waved his arms excitedly, his eyes shining with infinite longing for the future.

Inside the hall, the ministers were whispering and discussing among themselves, and everyone's face was filled with excitement and joy that was difficult to conceal.

This good news is not only a recognition of Su Chen's personal ability, but also a great encouragement to the morale of the entire Wu State.

At this moment, they seemed to see the hope of Wu's success in the Northern Expedition. In the past, the small countries in the south always had awe for the huge Song Dynasty and hardly dared to have the slightest thought of provoking it. In everyone's mind, the southern army was like a child compared to the elite imperial army of the Song Dynasty, with a huge disparity in strength. This point had almost become an unquestionable consensus.

Therefore, when Su Chen proposed the Northern Expedition, many people in Jiangdong fell into deep worry. They were worried that if the Northern Expedition failed and Su Chen's army was wiped out, it would not only provoke the wrath of the Song Dynasty, but it might also attract the iron hoofs of the Song army to march south, just like the destruction of the Southern Tang Dynasty. This fear was like a dark cloud hanging over everyone's heart.

Even Han Xizai, Xu Xuan, Gao Yue and other important officials who had great confidence in Su Chen could not help but feel a little worried. They paid close attention to the battle situation on the front line day and night, fearing any mistakes.

However, to everyone's surprise, good news came in frequently like the tide, especially this time, Zhao Kuangyin personally led 200,000 imperial troops, but was defeated by Su Chen in Huaibei. This was undoubtedly a shocking news.

Huaibei, a land that once belonged to the Southern Tang but was lost, is now gradually being taken back under the leadership of Su Chen. This battle not only regained the lost face for the Wu Kingdom, but also established unprecedented confidence for the southern army.

"It seems that unifying the north is no longer an unattainable dream." Han Xizai laughed excitedly, tears flashing in his eyes. This has been his long-cherished wish for many years, and now he finally sees the light of day, not far ahead.

Yang Linger looked at the happy faces of the civil and military officials in the court, and couldn't help but smile. Her heart was filled with relief and joy. First, her brother Su Chen was safe and sound, and had made great military achievements, which was undoubtedly the best news; second, the dawn of victory in the Northern Expedition was beginning to appear, which meant that her brother's lofty ambitions were expected to be realized, and she herself would be able to unload the heavy throne as soon as possible. When Su Chen entered Bianjing, it would be her time to give up the throne.

"My Lords!" Yang Linger spoke slowly, her voice firm and powerful: "As the frontline continues to capture cities of the Song Dynasty, the territory of our Wu Kingdom is constantly expanding. However, the expansion of territory has also brought new problems - insufficient military force. In order to ensure the stability of Huainan, Huaibei and other places, we need to mobilize 200,000 Wu troops again to go to these newly occupied areas to defend the cities."

She paused for a moment, her eyes swept over every minister present, and continued, "Please ask the Privy Council and the Grand Council to immediately start discussing the issue of recruiting troops to the north. We must ensure that there is a steady stream of support from the rear to provide solid backing for the soldiers on the front line. The Prince of Pingnan is fighting bloody battles in the front, and as his supporters in the rear, we must not let him fight alone."

Yang Linger began to speak, urging absolute support for Su Chen's Northern Expedition and to continue to dispatch troops from the rear to Huainan for reinforcement.

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As good news came in from the front lines, the balance of victory had tilted towards the Wu Kingdom. Those officials in the court who had originally held a conservative and neutral attitude now seemed to see hope of defeating the Song Dynasty, and their concerns and worries gradually dissipated.

"I fully support the continued deployment of troops to support the front line!" An official who originally belonged to the conservative faction stood up at this moment and changed his attitude.

"Yes, since Pingnan King Su Chen is so brave and good at fighting, and is a great leader, what do we have to worry about?" Another neutral official, Zhang Zhao, also echoed, "I agree to support the Northern Expedition. I believe that under the leadership of Marshal Su, our Wu Kingdom will be able to achieve the final victory!"

These words, like a warm current, warmed the hearts of every official present. Even the native old officials of Southern Tang and Wuyue began to re-examine their positions, and many even began to change their previous political views and support the Northern Expedition.

Han Xizai, Xu Xuan and others smiled at each other, their eyes flashing with relief and excitement. They knew that the unity and determination of the rear at this moment was crucial for the upcoming battle to destroy the Song Dynasty; with one heart and one mind, the destruction of the Song Dynasty was just around the corner!