Do you know: I have a different surname: Wang, uncle Minglan.

Chapter 302 Jiayou Shame

March 16, the eighth year of Jiayou.

The garrison troops from various prefectures in the south of the Yangtze River have gathered outside the city of Suzhou.

Just yesterday, they received an order to rush to Suzhou as quickly as possible and then head north to fight against the Liao army.

The 100,000 soldiers from Jiangnan have not participated in a war for a long time and have long since forgotten how to fight. Now that they hear that they are going to fight the Liao army, they are even more timid and helpless.

They were waiting for the commander to arrive, and many soldiers were talking to each other:

"Have you heard who our head coach is?"

"I don't know either, I just know that I have to go north to defend the king."

"We are fighting the Liao army, isn't this a joke?"

"It is said that the Liao army is invincible!"

"."

This discussion soon spread throughout the army.

They had not yet marched north, but the morale of the soldiers south of the Yangtze River had already hit rock bottom.

They never thought that one day they would be able to fight against the Liao army.

In their impression, the Liao army was like tigers and wolves, and they were really afraid of them.

As the sound of war drums rang out, the soldiers who were discussing the matter instantly focused their attention.

Because they knew that the general who would lead them north to defend the king was about to appear.

They were very curious about this. Who was it?
The imperial court's decree had not been announced to the world, and Wei Yuan was worried that Yelu Renxian would receive the news in advance and take precautions.

The 100,000 soldiers in the south of the Yangtze River have low combat effectiveness, and it will be difficult for them to fight against the Liao army unless they use surprise tactics.

Moreover, once Yelu Renxian knows that he is the commander, he will definitely be more motivated.

After all, the Liao army had suffered losses at the hands of Wei Yuan.

Therefore, before the troops entered Bianliang, Wei Yuan did not reveal his identity as the commander-in-chief.

At this moment, in Suzhou City, there were tiger guards lined up on both sides.

The long neighing of horses was deafening.

Wei Yuan, wearing golden armor and holding a scimitar in his hand, rode his horse through the city gate and immediately came in front of the Jiangnan army.

At this moment, all the soldiers were excited.
"It's General Wei! It's General Wei leading the troops!"

"I should have thought it was Wei Shuai! I heard that Wei Shuai has lived in Jiangnan for a long time!"

"It is rumored that General Wei has fought against the Liao army several times and won every battle. If General Wei leads us, we might actually win!"

"Is this Wei Wudi?"

"."

The soldiers, who were originally somewhat demoralized, suddenly felt hope in their hearts the moment they saw Wei Yuan appear.

It is believed that under the leadership of Wei Yuan, the Liao army is not invincible!
Wei Yuan rode on horseback and inspected the three armies.

Seeing that there are many old and young people in the Jiangnan army, I can't help feeling a little sad. This is the seriousness of having too many soldiers.

One hundred thousand armored soldiers are probably no match for even the ten thousand elite soldiers of the imperial guards.

Therefore, he had to use unexpected tactics to win.

"The Zhou army is mighty! The Zhou army is mighty!"

Wei Yuan rode among the army, constantly raising his weapon high and shouting loudly.

It was as he shouted again and again that the morale of the Jiangnan army reached an unprecedented peak.

From the first person, to the second, to the tenth, until everyone followed Wei Yuan's action, raised their weapons above their heads, and shouted in unison:
"The Zhou army is mighty!"

"The Zhou army is mighty!"

"."

Its momentum seemed to shock thousands of households in Suzhou City.

Not far away, some Jiangnan generals saw this scene and couldn't help but admire Wei Yuan.

"Jiangnan has not seen war for a long time. The troops guarding the prefectures in Jiangnan have not seen blood for a long time and have lost the spirit of a soldier."

"However, General Wei used only a few words to completely awaken an army. The prestige of General Wei in the army is unmatched in the entire Jiangnan region!"

"."

Far away.

In a mountain forest a few hundred steps away from Suzhou City.

Xie Yuying, along with her two maids, also witnessed the scene of Wei Yuan about to go to war.

At this moment, even though she was a girl, she couldn't help but feel her blood boiling.

"My Lord, you are indeed a hero of our time."

Outside Suzhou city.

Wei Yuan put down his weapon, and once again came to the front of the army, and shouted:
"The Liao bandits invaded my land, plundered my people, raped my children, and took my wives. Their deeds are too numerous to mention!"

"I am following the order of the Crown Prince Regent to lead the army to fight against the Liao bandits. Everyone, the time to make achievements is now!"

"Follow me, the commander-in-chief, to the north to defend the king and kill the enemy to serve the country!"

In the eighth year of Jiayou reign, on March 16th, at 3:15 am, Wei Yuan was ordered to go north to assist the king, which is recorded in history as the March to the North in Jichun.
-
March 17th, the eighth year of Jiayou.

Yelu Renxian learned that Xie Wu led the elite imperial guards to defend Handan, so he decided to bypass Xiangzhou and attack Tangyin.

On March 18th, the Liao army attacked Liyang and started a decisive battle with the Anli Army, the last barrier of Bianjing City.

On March 20th, Wei Yuan rushed all the way and marched to Caizhou, which was still a few days away from Yingchang.

On March 21st, all 30,000 soldiers of the Anli Army were wiped out.

At this moment, on a mountain in front of Liyang City.

The Liao army, which had just experienced a great battle, not only did not show any signs of fatigue, but even seemed extremely excited.

Because they knew that they would soon arrive outside the city of Bianjing.

At this time, they still had several important military towns to conquer before they could reach Bianjing, such as Yangwu and Fangsheng.

For them, this is already within their reach.

At this time, Yelu Renxian, whose hair and beard were already gray, was full of energy and looked energetic, with no sign of aging at all.

In terms of spirit, he is comparable to a middle-aged man.

"Haha! Warriors of the Liao Dynasty, it's time for you to make achievements!"

"Go south to capture the dragon!"

Yelu Ren first shouted loudly, and then more than 200,000 soldiers shouted loudly:
"Go south to capture the dragon!"

"Capture the dragon!"

"."

On March 22, the eighth year of Jiayou, Qin Zhen, who was in charge of the Battle of Damingfu, launched a general attack on Yelu Xinxian's main force again at noon on this day in order to reduce the pressure from the Bianjing direction.

The two sides immediately engaged in a melee.

Just like outside Daming Prefecture, there is an endless plain area.

The advantages of the Liao army's war horses were fully demonstrated at this moment.

The Zhou army almost had to sacrifice two lives to exchange for one life of the Liao army.

But this battle has to be fought.

If it was delayed any further, Yelu Xinxian's plan would be considered a success.

After all, he didn't think that he could take Daming Prefecture into his possession when it was heavily guarded.

Just drag the main force of Zhou army here.

If Qin Zhen withdraws part of his troops to support the battle in the Bian Jing area, the situation in Daming Prefecture will become more complicated.

The original advantage in military strength will also disappear.

Qin Zhen didn't dare to do so, so he could only try his best to end the battle of Damingfu as soon as possible.

However, he also saw the price of acting rashly.

Two lives for one, this deal is a loss no matter how you look at it.

The second large-scale battle of Daming Prefecture has not yet ended.

Chaos had already occurred in Bianjing.

Many wealthy merchants, with their families, planned to leave Bianliang.

Even some officials are no exception.

Just like the Sheng family at this time.

Sheng Hong decided to let Wang Ruofu, Wei Shuyi and Old Madam Sheng leave Bian Jing first, saying they were going to Yangzhou to visit relatives.

As a result, Old Lady Sheng refused to leave Bian Jing no matter what.

This made Sheng Hong sweat profusely.

"Mother, why don't you understand? The Liao people are about to attack Bian Jing. The consequences are disastrous!"

At this time, Wang Ruofu was directing the servants to move things.

Not long after, Wei Shuyi came here with the help of Minglan and others, and said earnestly: "Master, if you leave, how will the emperor and the regent look at you?"

Sheng Hong said: "It's not me who wants to leave, it's you!"

He is an official. If he leaves, and the court wins the battle in the future, I am afraid he will die without a burial place.

Wei Shuyi said: "If our Lord stays in Bianjing, there is no reason for us to leave."

Sheng Hong looked anxious.

Old Madam Sheng said earnestly, "You and Bai'er are both officials in the court. If we leave, and those imperial censors cause trouble in the future, what will happen to your and Bai'er's future?"

Sheng Hong suddenly fell into deep thought. He really hadn't thought of this.

After a pause, he responded, "Mom, not only our Sheng family, but also some of the imperial censors' families have arranged for their relatives to leave in advance, including the royal family."

"If we don't leave now, it may be too late!"

At this time, Sheng Changbai also hurried over, "Father, you can't leave! The court has already ordered Uncle Wei to lead 300,000 troops from the south to the north to defend the king a few days ago."

"As long as my uncle comes, the crisis in Bianjing can be resolved!"

Sheng Hong sighed, "But what if we can't win?"

Minglan blurted out: "Then you can't leave!"

"This time, my uncle is the commander-in-chief. If my uncle is defeated, my mother and I will not survive alone!"

Hearing this, Sheng Hong frowned deeply.

Wei Shuyi glared at Minglan, then said earnestly: "Master, Ming'er and I have decided not to leave."

"If my brother can win, everyone will be happy. If my brother loses and Bianjing falls, I will not be the only one to live."

The families of these officials can leave.

Including some merchants, they could also move away from Bianliang.

But there is only one type of people who cannot leave.

That is the Feat of Arms.

The military merits bestowed by the Great Zhou Dynasty and inherited by the people have been deeply favored by the emperor for generations.

If they leave, there will really be no hope for Bianjing.

And the royal family will not let them go.

Seeing this, Sheng Changbai also said in a deep voice: "Father, if you don't leave now, it may be an opportunity for our Sheng family."

Sheng Hong naturally understood the implication of his words.

After struggling for a long time, Sheng Hong finally bowed deeply to Old Lady Sheng and said, "Son, I won't let you go."

Afterwards, Lin Qinshuang, Sheng Molan, and a few servants came slowly over carrying several large boxes of luggage.

"Master, when are we leaving? Why are you all standing here?"

Hearing this, Sheng Hong glared at her and said, "There is no one in my Sheng family who is afraid of death. I won't leave!"

What, you're not leaving?
Hearing this, Lin Qinshuang’s eyes widened immediately.

I've packed all my things, and you're telling me you're not leaving?
Also, is there no one in the Sheng family who is afraid of death?

Did you think about me before you said this?
Yes I am!
now.

In the palace.

Basically, all the officials above the third rank have gathered here.

Fan Chunren personally requested that from that day on, officials of the third rank and above would handle government affairs in the imperial palace.

No one can leave.

If Bianjing is destroyed, we will all die together.

"The Liao army is only a stone's throw away from our Bianjing. You have been discussing this for a while. I just want to know, can we stop the Liao army outside the city of Bianjing?"

Zhao Xi asked.

The officials were silent.

Finally, Han Zhang slowly said, "It's too late to mobilize reinforcements now."

After these words were spoken, many officials fell silent.

Even Han Zhang, the Prime Minister who knows the most about military affairs here, said so.

Who else can find a way to solve Bianjing’s urgent problem?
Then, when they heard Han Zhang's next words, they immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"But we still have 100,000 defenders in Bianjing City, and the walls of Bianjing City are high and thick, no less dangerous than the mountains."

"As long as we send a good general to guard the city, the Liao army will not be able to attack in a short time."

Send a good general?

Who can be a good general?
Then, Han Zhang took a deep breath, bowed deeply and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the army to defend Bianjing to the death!"

Han Da Xianggong is guarding it personally?

Hearing these words, even Zhao Xi was shocked.

"My dear husband, you..."

Zhao Xi hadn't finished speaking yet.

Han Zhang's voice rang out again beside his ears, "Although I am a civil official, I have fought against Xixia before. Although I lost, I did not make any serious mistakes."

"Your Highness, I am still able to work hard!"

Now that things have come to this, what else can Zhao Xi do?
"Old sir, in times of crisis, loyal ministers will step forward."

"Bianjing's defense, please."

"The lives of me and my father are now entirely in the hands of Mr. Han!"

What Zhao Xi meant by this statement couldn't be clearer.

That is, no matter how the war develops, he and Zhao Zhen will not leave Bian Jing.

At this point, Zhao Xi simply stood up and said the most inspiring words in the most childish voice:
"My father and I swear to live and die with Bianjing!"

After a pause, he made a series of arrangements, "Wang Anshi, anyone in the city who wants to leave, let them go."

March 24th, the eighth year of Jiayou.

The Battle to Defend Bianjing began.

Han Zhang personally guarded the capital.

After Yelu Renxian arrived in Bian Jing, he only rested for a short while before gathering his troops and heading outside the city.

When he saw Han Zhang wearing armor and standing on the top of the city wall, he couldn't help but laugh:
"The Zhou Kingdom has no one, but it actually sent civil officials to guard the city. It's a shame!"

All the Liao army soldiers burst into laughter.

When the Zhou army soldiers defending the city heard these voices, their thoughts were in a mess.

Han Zhang concentrated intently and stared at Yelu Renxian.

Soon, the Liao army issued an order to attack the city.

This was the closest the Liao army had ever been to the city of Bianjing.

Yelu Renxian knew very well that if he really captured the city of Bianjing, he would be recorded in history.

For a moment, the sounds of fighting and killing shook the earth.

For several consecutive days, the Liao army had been attacking Bian Jing fiercely.

The Liao people were not good at attacking cities, and Yelu Renxian's arrangement caused heavy casualties among the Liao army's elite troops, but he had no choice.

The situation on Han Zhang's side is not very good either.

The 100,000 defenders, with low morale, barely managed to save Bianliang at the cost of more than 20,000 lives.

In the eighth year of Jiayou, on March 26th, late at night.

In the Liao army tent.

A Liao general suggested that Yelu Ren should first besiege the city without attacking it.

"When we attacked Bianjing, our army still had 250,000 soldiers. In just a few days, we have already suffered 50,000 casualties."

"Marshal, if we continue to fight like this, our wealth will not be enough!"

The other generals thought the same.

The city of Bianjing is very difficult to conquer.

But once you get it, the benefits it brings are unimaginable.

Yelu Renxian smiled and said, "In fact, the attack on the city at all costs these days is just for show."

put on a show?

What play?

Many Liao generals were extremely puzzled.

Yelu Ren first explained: "Before I came to Bianjing, General Zhou had already contacted me. I agreed with him that he would open the city gates and let my army in at noon the day after tomorrow when the three armies were having lunch."

"As long as our army enters the city, Bianjing will be ours!"

"As for attacking the city at all costs, it is just to make old man Han Zhang think that our army has no other choice but to storm Bianjing. He will definitely let his guard down!"

(End of this chapter)