The light of the sword is like the moon reflecting on Kyushu

It's finally dawn.

Inside Jinyang City, the ironworks were once again bustling with activity, forging ironware and weapons. Liu Miezhou urged all troops to train diligently, while allowing the cavalry of the Liao and Western Xia states to rest and recuperate. The makeshift city gates, constructed overnight, were also completed.

The Han soldiers below the city carried away the corpses and cleaned up the battlefield. On the city wall, Liu Miezhou looked at the Erlong Mountain in the distance amidst the misty clouds and was in a good mood. "General Yang, now we should calm down and focus on preparing for battle. The Song army is also waiting for supplies these days, so they will not attack within five days."

Yang Ye said, "Your Majesty, shall we launch a surprise attack on them as well?"

Liu Miezhou said, "Once the armor-piercing arrows, divine crossbows, and Zhuge repeating crossbows are almost ready, we can send people to harass them! The mountain roads are difficult to traverse and not suitable for cavalry combat. In close combat, the Han army is no match for the Song army, so the best way to defeat them is with arrow formations! When the arrow rains down, not a blade of grass will grow!"

Yang Ye said, "A rain of arrows to wash the ground? That would require a huge number of arrows. No wonder the Emperor has been urging the forging of armor-piercing arrows! As long as there are enough arrows, the Song army will definitely be in deep trouble!"

Liu Miezhou said, "Send out more scouts. I need to know everything happening within a ten-mile radius!" After saying that, he turned and walked down from the city wall.

Yang Ye replied, "As you command!"

On Erlong Mountain outside Jinyang City, Zhao Guangyi had finished washing up early and was gazing at the city from afar. Behind him, Lin Yongpeng said, "Your Majesty, the Han army will definitely not attack within three days, but I can't say for sure within five days. After five days, the Han army will definitely launch a preemptive attack!"

Zhao Guangyi's gaze sharpened. "Why does it take five days? Why don't they dare come today? What are they waiting for?"

Lin Yongpeng said, "They are definitely forging armor-piercing arrows! It takes a day and a night to melt the alloy for armor-piercing arrows into molten iron, another day for injection molding, and another day for quenching and cooling. These three days are indispensable. The rest is the time for them to assemble the arrows. How many armor-piercing arrows they can assemble each day depends on their manpower, resources, and organizational coordination!"

Zhao Guangyi frowned. "If they simply send archers to attack, we won't be able to handle it well. We used up a lot of arrows last night, and each of us has very few left. We can't hold out against them for more than a few rounds. What should we do?"

Lin Yongpeng said, "Your Majesty, in ancient times, Duke Wen of Jin retreated three times, and in the end, he defeated King Cheng of Chu, forcing the Chu general Cheng Dechen to commit suicide by drawing his sword. Today, Your Majesty might as well follow the example of Duke Wen of Jin, retreat three times, and gather strength for a counterattack!"

Zhao Guangyi said, "Still retreating?"

Lin Yongpeng said, "Only in this way can we deceive the Han army! In addition, Your Majesty's idea of ​​flooding Jinyang has been implemented! The Fen River is southeast of the county seat. It flows into the border from Yangqu County, and then flows south to join the Jin River in the west of the city. It flows southwest to the border of Qingyuan County, or it is called the South River, because it flows south of Taiyuan. Since there is trouble in Taiyuan, the Fen River is a must-contend area. I have already sent Cao Han to handle it!"

Zhao Guangyi's eyes were full of approval. "I only made a suggestion, and you've already started implementing it?"

Lin Yongpeng said, "Your Majesty's idea is very wise, and it should be implemented immediately!"

Zhao Guangyi said, "Why don't you discuss this with everyone again? Could there be some loopholes or shortcomings that I haven't considered?"

Lin Yongpeng said, "I already discussed it with them last night. There may be shortcomings or drawbacks, but that's just one possibility!"

Zhao Guangyi felt a chill run down his spine, thinking to himself: Could the battle losses be quite large? Impossible, the soldiers are far from the city walls, how could they be injured?

Lin Yongpeng said, "When the floodwaters rush into the city, the overflowing floodwaters will wash away floating debris such as timber, which may block the city gates, making it difficult for the Song Dynasty to break in!"

Zhao Guangyi asked, puzzled, "Wasn't the gate of Jinyang already destroyed?"

"We just received news this morning that they have already built a makeshift city gate overnight and installed it!"

"Oh? That was pretty efficient! So how did you solve it?"

"The manpower is all set up. We'll blow him up again. Now we just need the explosives in place!"

When will the next batch of gunpowder arrive?

"It will take them at least three days, at most five! They've already set off!"

"Then let's retreat and set off immediately!"

"According to the order!"

The Imperial Palace of the Liao Dynasty. A group of civil and military officials had already entered the hall. Many officials were whispering amongst themselves.

"Have you heard? Last night, the Empress Dowager announced that Princess Shengnan will succeed Emperor Longxu as emperor!"

"It was bound to happen sooner or later!"

"But why did you have to say it last night of all days?"

"You ask me, who should I ask?"

“I have no problem with Princess Shengnan, but you're suggesting that she, a woman, should be the emperor of my Great Liao Kingdom. Wouldn't that make outsiders laugh at my Great Liao for having no men?”

"During the Tang Dynasty, the Central Plains dynasties had a female emperor like Wu Zetian. Have you ever heard of anyone daring to laugh at the Tang Dynasty for having no men or women?"

"Well, although my Great Liao may not dare to say that it is stronger than the Great Tang, it has a vast territory and a strong army. It can be said to be the most prosperous period in history. Who dares to laugh at us?"

"Exactly! Besides, Princess Shengnan is decisive and ruthless in her actions, far surpassing countless men! Among the two noble families of Yelü and Xiao, no one can rival her in terms of intelligence and martial arts!"

"Indeed! Our Great Liao Dynasty was founded on military strength, and Princess Shengnan's martial arts skills are definitely at the level of a first-class master. No one in the entire royal family can match her!"

"That's secondary. Have you heard? A few days ago, a divine dragon in Shu ascended to heaven after undergoing tribulation. Heroes from all over the world gathered to divide up its treasures. Others only managed to grab dragon scales, tendons, bones, meat, liver, gallbladder, and so on. Only the dragon soul and its fortune were snatched by two people!"

"A divine dragon undergoing tribulation? Really? Are there really dragons in this world?"

How do you know it doesn't exist if you haven't seen it?

"Alright, even if it exists, since the divine dragon has ascended, how can the heroes of the world help obtain the treasure? Aren't they afraid of it all disappearing? If the divine dragon ascends, won't they be left empty-handed?"

"What a waste! I heard that the Shu Kingdom's Grand Preceptor, Zuo Qianqiu, possessed unparalleled supernatural powers. He controlled the divine dragon for half a day, preventing it from ascending, which caused the dragon to be struck by heavenly lightning and left half-dead. That's how he managed to divide the dragon in two!"

"Is this fucking real?"

"Hmph! You idiot, just take it seriously!"

"Stop arguing, you two. I've heard about this too. Only two people have received this imperial fortune: one is Emperor Zhao Kuangyin of the Song Dynasty, and the other is our Princess Shengnan!"

"Hey, Jixian, do you think it's possible that the Empress Dowager deliberately released this information to create momentum for Princess Shengnan?"

Xiao Jixian said, "How would I know?"

Yelü Longqing said, "What do you care if it's true or false? Even if it's a message released by the Empress Dowager, so what? Even if it isn't, so what? Would you object?"

Xiao Jixian immediately glared at her: "Don't try to trick me, I have no objection!" Xiao Guanyin said: "That's right! Even if the Empress Dowager directly announces Princess Shengnan's ascension to the throne, who would dare to object? What's the need to create a stir?"

Suddenly, a eunuch announced, "The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

Empress Dowager Xiao Chuo of the Liao Dynasty emerged from behind the screen, accompanied by a group of people, including eunuchs, palace maids, and the Imperial Preceptor Tuoba Xuan.

Xiao Chuo walked at the forefront, with the crowd following closely behind like stars surrounding the moon. Closest to her was a woman wearing a golden crown that bound her hair, a robe adorned with five dragon claws, and an imposing presence that commanded respect – none other than Princess Ruyi of the Liao Dynasty, Xiao Shengnan!
Xiao Shengnan often appears in men's clothing, and at this moment, in addition to her imposing heroic spirit, she also exudes an air of domineering arrogance!

The Empress Dowager sat beside the dragon throne, while Xiao Shengnan sat on the dragon throne. The civil and military officials in the hall immediately stood in their usual fixed positions.

Empress Dowager Xiao was always concise and straightforward. Seeing that all the civil and military officials had arrived, she went straight to the point: "This morning I have two things to announce. First, Princess Shengnan will temporarily assume the throne, and Emperor Longxu will succeed her in four years. Does anyone have any objections?"

The news from last night has spread throughout the capital. Even military generals who hold power, such as Han Derang, Yelü Shanbu, Yelü Xidi, Yelü Honggu, Xiao Jixian, Xiao Guanyinnu, and Xiao Hulian, have given their full support. Who among the other civil officials, who are "powerless to even kill a chicken," would dare to object?

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and in the end, not a single person raised any objections!

Tuoba Xuanxin thought: This is due to the Empress Dowager's high prestige, the strong support of important officials such as Han Derang, and the good interpersonal relationships of Shou Nan. The right time, the right place, and the right people are all indispensable!

Xiao Chuo laughed and said, "Very well! From now on, the military and political affairs of the Liao Dynasty will all be under the rule of the new emperor!"

At this moment, someone shouted first: "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

The assembled officials immediately knelt down in a sea of ​​black, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

Xiao Shengnan, with a heroic and domineering air, declared, "All of you, rise!"

All the civil and military officials quickly stood up.

Xiao Shengnan looked at Empress Dowager Xiao, who smiled and said, "From now on, you are in charge of everything."

Xiao Shengnan replied, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Her gaze was intense as she swept over the assembled officials. "From this day forward, I shall change my name to Ruyi, and my reign title to Tiance!"

Although the ministers each had their own thoughts, they all bowed and said at the same time, "We will obey Your Majesty's decree!"

Renamed Ruyi? Xiao Ruyi? From now on, she'll be Empress Ruyi? The reign title, Tian Ce, sounds familiar... I feel like I've heard it somewhere before!

The former Xiao Shengnan, now Xiao Ruyi, declared loudly, "The Heavenly Decree was once used by Empress Wu Zetian!"

Everyone immediately had an "I see!" expression!
"The second matter is that the Northern Han needs help! They are under attack by the Song army, and the situation is extremely urgent. I wonder if my esteemed ministers have any good strategies?"

Xiao Guanyin said, "Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to go and support the Northern Han!"

Xiao Jixian said, "Your subject is willing to go!"

Many civil and military officials thought to themselves: Princess Shengnan is indeed very popular. She has only just become emperor, and the generals are already cooperating with her so readily. This is completely different from when the Empress Dowager first took power!
At that time, the Empress Dowager faced a situation where the ruler was weak and the ministers were strong!
They used almost every means imaginable—winning people over, suppressing them, and sowing discord—to survive the harsh winter!

It took painstaking effort to balance the interests of the Han and Khitan people, the Xiao and Yelü clans, and the civil and military officials to finally reach the current situation! Yet Princess Shengnan ascended to the pinnacle of power in the Liao Dynasty without bloodshed or difficulty!

It's true what they say, "Man's fate is predetermined by heaven," you can't deny it!

Once someone speaks up, others will follow suit.

"Your subject is willing to go!"

"Your subject is willing to go!"

Xiao Ruyi said, "Alright! The patriotism of all my beloved ministers is as clear as the sun and moon! I am very pleased! General Han, you are the pillar of our Great Liao. On this matter, I would like to hear your opinion!"

Han Derang said, "In my opinion, our Great Liao has many fierce generals, and all the generals present are capable of this task! My concern is not who will lead the troops, but the issue of logistical supplies!"

The ministers unanimously nodded in agreement with Han Derang's opinion. An army marches on its stomach! Without adequate logistical support, even the bravest soldiers cannot win a war! Soldiers on campaign face not only ferocious enemies, but also hunger, disease, cold, and other "enemies." Neglecting even one aspect can plunge one's own side into peril! War is a matter of vital importance to the state; it is a matter of life and death, a road to survival or ruin. It is imperative to examine it carefully!

At this moment, Yelü Duozhen said, "Your subject is willing to take on the responsibility of procuring provisions!"

When Empress Xiao Ruyi saw this young general, she couldn't help but recall an old story about him!
Yelü Duozhen came from humble origins. During the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song, the Liao and Song armies clashed several times. In one battle, Yelü Duozhen, a low-ranking officer, wrapped a red cloth around his body to impress Empress Xiao Chuo, charged into the Song ranks, and killed many!

As expected, it caught Xiao Chuo's attention! That splash of bright red, galloping across the vast army, was hard to miss!

When the fighting subsided, Xiao Chuo summoned him into her tent and said, "You fought so bravely, what do I have to worry about!" At that time, Empress Ruyi was by the Empress Dowager's side!
Yelü Susa, who was beside Yelü Duozhen, said, "I have been in charge of such matters before, so why don't I take charge of the procurement of provisions!"

Empress Ruyi also knew him. During Yelü Xian's reign, he was in charge of Dangxiang affairs. After Xiao Chuo came to power, she continued to employ him, and it was widely rumored in the palace that "the Empress Dowager trusted him even more."

At this moment, Han official Zhang Zhaoying stepped forward and said, "I am willing to take charge of the collection of provisions!"

Empress Ruyi naturally understood him as well. Zhang Zhaoying was a general in the Imperial Guards. That year, during the battle between Xiao Chuo and the Song Dynasty, a heavy rainstorm occurred on the road, making it muddy and impassable, and the army became stuck in the mud.

Empress Xiao's retreat was cut off by the Song army. In this critical moment, Zhang Zhaoying led a suicide squad to repel the Song army, allowing Empress Xiao to withdraw safely. Even after defeating the Song army, Zhang Zhaoying remained stunned, his face extremely grave. Empress Xiao comforted him by patting his back and personally offered him wine! Although he was a civil official, he had risked his life to repel the Song army and rescue the Empress Dowager! From that moment on, the position of leader of the Imperial Guards belonged to Zhang Zhaoying!
Looking at these faces, Empress Ruyi was filled with emotion!
Which one of you here hasn't faced death countless times? Which one of you hasn't been through countless battles? Which one of you isn't utterly loyal to the Empress Dowager?
With so many capable and fearless civil and military officials, how can our great Liao Dynasty not succeed?
She thought to herself: Zhang Zhaoying is currently in charge of the defense of the capital region. While the mission to aid Han is important, the safety of the Empress Dowager is even more important. He cannot be sent!
Yelü Duozhen is better suited for charging into battle; he shouldn't be sent!

Yelü Susa was loyal, upright, resolute, and knowledgeable in military affairs, making him seem like a suitable candidate.

Suddenly, the Han official Geng Yan Yi stepped forward and declared, "Your subject is willing to take charge of the provisions!"

Empress Ruyi also knew him; he was from the Geng clan of Shanggu, Han Derang's nephew. He was stationed to guard the Song-Liao border.

In the past, when Empress Xiao Chuo clashed with the Song Dynasty, border vagrants took advantage of the Liao Dynasty's weakened state to invade and plunder the Liao court, only to be routed by Geng Yanyi! That time, tens of thousands of Han Chinese, though a disorganized mob, posed a significant threat, as many Han Chinese were skilled in military strategy and guerrilla warfare, resulting in heavy losses for the Khitan people! Had Geng Yanyi not been himself a Han Chinese and hadn't anticipated the Han Chinese's fighting habits, that campaign would likely not have been successful!
At this moment, Han official Song Kuangshi stepped forward, saying, "I am willing to take responsibility!" He had been recommended for office by Yelü Xiezhen and was skilled in administration. Empress Ruyi stared at him for a few more seconds!

Song Kuangshi had his head down at the moment, so he naturally didn't know that the Empress was looking at him. Otherwise, being stared at like that would probably have startled him!
At this moment, the Empress felt that Song Kuangshi seemed more suitable! He was a "pure" civil official! Unlike those others who were said to be civil officials but were no less capable than military generals on the battlefield!
She was about to speak when she heard someone outside the hall shout, "Urgent military intelligence report!"

Empress Ruyi's eyes blazed, "Summon them!"

The ministers all frowned, thinking to themselves: Weren't we just discussing countermeasures? How could they have given up so quickly? The Han army is really too weak!
A soldier rushed into the hall and knelt down with a thud, shouting, "A large Goryeo army has appeared at the border!"

The ministers' expressions immediately changed! (End of Chapter)