The Jin army besieged the city, and the Song emperor’s daughter died

The commanders of the Jin Army's east and west routes reviewed everything that had happened since the second march south. Many things they thought were reasonable but were not reasonable at all were instantly understood.

First, the East Route Army captured Zhending Mansion without a single blow. In Wanyan Zongwang's view, it was probably the Song Army's incompetence and the reason why they abandoned the city and fled, which was not surprising.

After all, when I beat the drums on the bank of the Yellow River all night, I could make the Song army stationed on the other bank escape without a fight.

After taking the Zhending Mansion, Wanyan Zongwang originally planned to station troops in the Zhending Mansion. Firstly, he did not want to go deep into it alone. Secondly, it was not far from Taiyuan City and could support the Taiyuan battle at any time. After the West Route Army captured Taiyuan, Then the two groups attacked together and gradually advanced until they joined forces in Kaifeng.

This is the most reasonable entry strategy.

But at this time, Yelu Yuliyan came in command and raised the banner of "Don't laugh at Zhou Lang, now you have Zongwang".

If the coming general was not Yelu Yuliyan, Wanyan Zongwang would have thought about a question: Since the Song Dynasty had given up on Zhending Mansion, why did it suddenly send troops here again? Was it to take back Zhending Mansion?Let's not talk about whether we can defeat the East Route Army. Even if we can, the West Route Army can rush to help at any time, and it is impossible for Zhending Mansion to get it back.

Taking another ten thousand steps back, even if Zhending Mansion is really taken back by the Song Army, what is the point?
Keep the Eastern Route Army out of the country?
If Wanyan Zongwang could have figured out this problem at that time, the West Route Army would have lost in Taiyuan, and the East Route Army could have rushed to join the war, and Taiyuan would have been captured.

However, the coming general was Yelu Yuliyan, and Zong Wang couldn't bear this tone.

In the end, he was taken away from the Taiyuan battle step by step.

They pursued to the north bank of the Yellow River, but were bombarded by Emperor Daojun's "Five Thunder Immortal Techniques". They could only retreat to Tangyin and wait for news from the West Route Army.

On the West Route Army side, it was not that Wanyan Zonghan did not expect to ask Zong Wang for confirmation of Guo Yaoshi's identity, but the messenger sent at that time rushed to Tangyin and saw that the East Route Army had been surrounded like an iron barrel and could not get in at all.If he could have known the true situation of Pharmacist Guo at that time, even if Wanyan Zonghan could not capture Taiyuan City, he would never have allowed the Taiyuan defenders to withdraw from Taiyuan, and would even have planned an ambush to severely damage the Taiyuan defenders.

By the time the two routes could resume news, Wanyan Zongwang had already stationed troops in Qingcheng.

"Why didn't the second prince say anything before he went to Kaifeng?" Zong Han asked.

What Wanyan Zongwang could say was that he himself didn't know why he didn't say hello to the Western Route Army at that time. He just felt that anger was rising in his heart, and evil was growing in his heart, so he wanted to send troops to Kaifeng quickly, so that the Song Dynasty court and the Song Dynasty Everyone in the royal family knows that I, Wanyan Zongwang, am here again!
As for the reason, Wanyan Zongwang argued: "So what? The Taiyuan defenders have withdrawn to Kaifeng. Is it because they suspect that Zhao Fujin did it intentionally and the West Route Army stopped coming?"

Wanyan Zonghan was stunned. Indeed, even if he knew it at that time, would Wanyan Zonghan stop here and not send troops to Kaifeng?
The two looked at each other speechlessly.

After a while, Wanyan Zonghan burst into laughter.

Wanyan Xiyin was puzzled: "Why is the commander laughing?"

Wanyan Zonghan snorted: "I laugh at Zhao Fujin's weak intelligence, and at the lack of plans of the officials of the Song Dynasty."

Everyone looked at Wanyan Zonghan, and Wanyan Zonghan continued: "She has exhausted her plans, but she just wants us to join forces and attack Kaifeng. Now that we are here, so what? What can she do? She can kill us all in one go. Is it done?"

Many people in the tent agreed with these words.

Even if Zhao Fujin really intended to have the eastern and western armies of the Jin Kingdom join forces in Kaifeng, what was the purpose?

Surround and kill them?
The Jin army generals obviously didn't believe it.

Even in the battle of Nanxunmen, although the Song army gained an advantage, it also paid a heavy price.

It can be seen from this that the Song army did not have the ability to annihilate the main force of the Jin Kingdom under Kaifeng City.

Then all Zhao Fujin's plans are just a joke!
Even if a very small number of people are vaguely worried, they can't tell where they are concerned.

"Tomorrow, the whole army will attack." Wanyan Zonghan suddenly stood up and said coldly: "Break the city as soon as possible. After the city is broken, I will massacre Kaifeng and avenge the living girl!"

After saying that, Zong Han looked at Wanyan Zongwang: "What do you think, Second Prince?"

Wanyan Zongwang nodded: "Yes!"

Late at night, it had been snowing for more than ten days, and it finally stopped.

Early the next morning, the sky in the east turned white. Half an hour later, the sun, which had disappeared for more than ten days, unexpectedly rose from the horizon, and the sun shone on the silver-covered earth. Dye everything golden.

Although the winter sun is warm, it can still drive away the chill.

The Jin army, which originally planned to attack the city again today, also canceled the military order.

It's not because the sky is sunny, but because since there is sunshine, the temperature will inevitably rise. No one can say whether the frozen river surface of the moat will be able to support thousands of troops.

If the ice on the river cracks during the fight, the Jin army will have no way to advance or retreat.

Therefore, Wanyan Zonghan discussed with Zong Wangyi and decided to wait a few more days, waiting for the next heavy snowfall before attacking the city.

……

……

Although everyone knew about the Jin army's attack on the city, and a fierce battle involving tens of thousands of people had just broken out yesterday, the city of Kaifeng did not seem to be affected.

Those who should be open for business should still be open for business every day.

People who should go to restaurants and tea shops to drink tea are still there every day.

The business in the brothel seems to be better than before these days.

The people in Kaifeng City were still doing whatever they were supposed to do and living their own lives.

Especially today, the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, we worship the Kitchen God and celebrate the New Year. From today on, the New Year will officially begin.

Early in the morning, every household set off firecrackers. At the market outside Xiangguo Temple, there were already long queues in front of the stalls selling sesame candy and sacrificial supplies. Almost everyone in Kaifeng Their faces are filled with the joy of the New Year.

It's almost noon, and every household begins to clean their kitchen stoves, and then burn incense and worship, hoping that the Kitchen God will bless the family with food and drink in the coming year.

This is generally how ordinary people worship the Kitchen God.

But for wealthy families or those who open shops and do business, it is more grand.

In addition to setting off firecrackers and cleaning the kitchen, everyone in the house or store must be gathered together. Everyone must hold the "red horse" and "white horse" that have been prepared in their arms. Under the guidance of the master, Kowtow to the Stove Lord and recite the sacrificial words.

Then pour wine on the heads of the "red horses and white horses".

If they flutter and shake their heads, it means that the Kitchen God already knows about it and will bless them in the coming year.

If they don't flutter, continue watering.

Of course, the "red horse and white horse" here are not real horses, but red or white roosters.

After all, when the Kitchen God ascended to immortality, he only rode a rooster, not a horse.

The people are so lively, and the palace is naturally even more lively.

Generally speaking, activities such as worshiping the Kitchen God can only be carried out by officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At most, an idle prince will come out to fill the scene. Important officials and officials themselves generally do not participate. After all, for As far as the royal family is concerned, even if they don't worship, they won't be able to have enough to eat next year.

This is called pragmatism.But today, Zhao Fujin insisted on attending.

Not only did he have to participate, but all the prime ministers and high officials in the court were also required to participate.

So a group of people came to the imperial dining room in great force, and the Minister of Rites presided over it. After a simple sacrifice, Zhao Fujin suddenly asked with a smile: "Do you think Jin people generally sacrifice to the Kitchen God?"

Sima Pu smiled and said: "The Jin people are not yet civilized, so they don't want to do this."

Zhao Fujin clicked his tongue and shook his head: "If they don't worship the Kitchen God, they're afraid they won't have enough to eat next year."

Seeing what Zhao Fujin said, an old scholar like Li Gang wanted to popularize science with the officials: "In the official family, Jin people mostly focus on fishing and hunting as well as farming, which is different from me, the Han people..."

Zhao Fujin nodded: "Eat it raw?"

Li Gang was stunned for a moment, obviously not understanding what the official meant.

"Even if they fish and hunt, they still have to cook. The Kitchen God must be worshiped. If they don't worship, they will definitely go hungry."

Everyone was confused and whispered, guessing what the official meant?
Zhao Fujin squinted his eyes and looked at the tepid sun in the sky: "People will set off firecrackers for sacrifices, why not in the palace?"

"boom!"

The sound was not loud, like a firecracker, but the fire suddenly burst out and ignited a fire in an instant.

There was sudden chaos in the Jin Army camp, and someone shouted: "There's a fire, there's a fire, the grain camp is on fire."

Things go back to two days ago.

Several junior officials from the Ministry of War came to the Jinjun camp in Qingcheng with Li Bangyan's handwriting, expressing regret for Wanyan Nu's death in battle, and conveying Song Ting's goodwill: willing to return Wanyan Nu's body.

Of course, conditions were also put forward: Commander Zong Wang needed to return the [-] surrendered troops led by Zhai Jin to the Song Dynasty.

A dead man in exchange for [-] troops?

Is this a business that normal people would do?

Although Wanyan Zongwang thought it was ridiculous, considering Wanyan Lou's feelings, he did not directly curse: "What do you think?"

Instead, he pretended to be in embarrassment: "These surrendered troops are not supplies. They will be given as long as they are offered. Even if I am willing to exchange them for Wanyan Huonv's body, they may not be willing to return it to Song Dynasty? If they refuse, Is it possible that you want me to kill these 3 people for your official family?"

"They are from the Song Dynasty, so why would they be unwilling? Why don't we let the three of them meet and ask?"

Having said this, Wanyan Zongwang could only call the commanders of the battalions into the tent.

As soon as the officers of the Ministry of War saw Zhai Jin and other generals, they began to coerce and induce: "If you lead the army back, the officials have said that bygones are bygones. If you are unwilling, the family members in the city will have to follow my laws of the Song Dynasty."

The generals who had families naturally looked extremely worried.

Just when Zhai Jin was about to step forward to express his willingness to return, the clerk said again: "Of course, the officials know that some of you have no family members, so they won't scare you, so you can do whatever you want."

Zhai Jin muttered in his heart and shut up.

The clerk talked hard, and in the end, except Zhai Jin, the others agreed to return to the court.

Wanyan Zongwang was in a dilemma and could only look towards Wanyan Lou's room.

Wanyan Loushi waved his hand: "I don't want the body anymore! You guys can stay with me for burial!"

As soon as these words came out, all the generals in the tent drew their swords one after another, eager to immediately cut these few officials of the Song Dynasty into pieces.

Lou Shi can say this, but Wanyan Zongwang and Wanyan Zonghan cannot do the same. This is just like when relatives give red envelopes to their children during the New Year, and their parents will always say "No, no, no." But if the relatives really don't give it, Then the situation is different.

"That's all!" Wanyan Zongwang stood up and said, "Since they are willing to go back, let them go. However, their soldiers cannot be taken away, and their baggage cannot be taken away."

In Wanyan Zongwang's view, since these Song generals were uncertain, they should just go away, as they would be useless if they were kept.

But they can leave, but they are not allowed to take away their troops, horses, food, grass and baggage!

In this way, Wanyan Lou's feelings will not be hurt, and it will not be a loss-making business.

The Song Dynasty official argued again, but finally agreed, and returned to Kaifeng with several generals and the Jin army's team to pull the body.

Before leaving, the Song Dynasty official carefully handed a wine flask to Zhai Jin in front of Wanyan Zongwang and Wanyan Zonghan, and cursed through gritted teeth: "A national thief, the officials know that you are unwilling to return it, so let me give it to you." You drank a pot of poisoned wine."

Zhai Jin was stunned and refused to pick it up. Then he laughed and said, "Keep it for yourself."

Wanyan Zongwang was surprised. He really didn't understand Zhao Fujin's operation. Everyone had rebelled. If you give them poisonous wine, would they drink it?Is your brain burned?

The orderer came forward to check, and when he lifted the lid of the pot, the wine inside had frozen into ice cubes. Even so, everyone present felt that the poisonous wine was too poisonous and there was no need to drink it. The smell was pungent after just one whiff. They were so disgusted that those who got close covered their mouths and noses, and quickly put the lid back on the pot.

Wanyan Zongwang sneered and said: "General Zhai, just accept it and return it to her when the city is destroyed."

Zhai Jin still refused: "Commander, Zhao Fujin is full of tricks..."

Wanyan Zongwang didn't seem to want to listen to Zhai Jin's nagging, so he turned around and returned to the main tent.

Wanyan Zongwang could not sympathize with Zhai Jinyi's unhesitating offer of money, and even had some doubts: Why?

But Xiao Zhonggong understands it quite well. After all, he is also someone who has firmly surrendered to the Jin Kingdom. When he thinks about it, why they surrender is not because they believe that following Dajin has a future and Kaifeng will be broken sooner or later. This is called choosing the best bird. Living on wood.

So Xiao Zhonggong suggested to Wanyan Zongwang: "If the commander is worried, let Zhai Jin send his troops to our food camp later. Without the food and grass, are you afraid that they will turn the world upside down?"

Wanyan Zongwang muttered, "That makes sense!"

Not only must their food and fodder be confiscated, but their troops must also be reorganized. This way, it will be stable!

Wanyan Zongwang immediately arranged for Yelu Yu to see him, and first led his troops to surround the garrison of the 300 surrendered troops stationed outside the Qingcheng camp. Only [-] of them were allowed to leave the camp, and the food and grass supplies were sent to the Eastern Route Army. After retrieving Wanyan's dead body, he would arrange for the generals to take over and reorganize the surrendered troops.

Zhai Jin followed Yelu Yujian back to the camp and immediately arranged for people to carry food and grass.

In order to prevent accidents, Yelu Yujian also ordered these people not to bring weapons, torches, or even fire sticks.

Zhai Jin is certainly no exception.

After all, it is a land that is important for food and grass, and there are no sparks. Zhai Jin understands.

After the food and grass for the surrendering army were delivered to the Jin Army's food and grass camp, Zhai Jin, under the supervision of Yelu Yujian, directed everyone to move the food and grass in, and then the Jin Army's food and grass officer inspected the bags bag by bag to confirm that there was no danger. , and piled them in the camp tent.

But no one noticed that Zhai Jin had quietly placed the small pot of "poison wine" in the granary, somewhere where it could get sunlight. (End of chapter)