The gods began by supporting Guo Jing to become emperor

Chapter 248: The fall of Western Xia, Guo Jing's expedition to the west
Tuo Lei was stunned. He had not expected that his father Khan had such an agreement with Guo Jing. "Anda, the world outside is huge. The Song Kingdom once sent an envoy to pay tribute, but my father Khan did not agree. Don't you understand his intentions?"

Guo Jing was full of hesitation. Logically speaking, the Khan had done him a favor and he should repay him. However, the empire had just been settled and the overall situation depended on him. If he left and the Great Zhou changed, the consequences would be disastrous.

But if he angered Genghis Khan, it would be more trouble than gain. After thinking about it, he said, "This matter is of great importance. Let me think about it. I will give you an answer in half a month."

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Tolui nodded and did not continue talking about this topic.

"However, there are so many people in your Central Plains. It's not like our grasslands. You can walk hundreds of miles without seeing anyone. My father Khan divided the Khanates into different khanates, and the major tribes migrated. The number of people in the grasslands is decreasing."

Thinking of the scene on the grassland, Guo Jing smiled, "Isn't it better to have fewer people? You, the Kerait tribe, don't have to compete with others for grassland and water sources, isn't that a good thing?" Throughout history, there have been constant disputes among the tribes because of insufficient resources.

With a larger population, a large number of cattle and sheep were needed, and larger pastures were needed. However, grazing resources were limited, so people could only kill and annex each other. When Genghis Khan conquered the Western Regions, the tribes were relocated, leaving behind a large space where the people of the grassland could live their lives in peace. In fact, this method was similar to what the teacher told him.

Genghis Khan went beyond his limitations and increased his power. His sights were not limited to the Central Plains. But what about himself? At this moment, Guo Jing asked himself and felt that he was far inferior to him.

"You are absolutely right. There are very few disputes on the grasslands now. When there is a problem, everyone goes to Karakorum to ask the Khan for arbitration. The Mongolian royal city is very different now. If you have a chance, you must go and see it. I guarantee you will be amazed."

"Don't worry, I will definitely go!"

No matter what, the Great Zhou is still nominally a khanate granted by Mongolia. If it wants to obtain a status equal to that of Mongolia, it has no choice but to try. Otherwise, this hidden danger will explode sooner or later.

How could the great Zhou Dynasty be willing to be a vassal state of Mongolia? There is also the land of Youyan, which is also a concern of the Great Zhou Dynasty. This place has been lost for hundreds of years, and he must take it back.

The simplest way is for Genghis Khan to recognize the Great Zhou and the two countries to form an alliance. If the negotiations fail and the two countries fall out, they can only go to war. He will never take this path unless it is absolutely necessary.

All kinds of thoughts were running through Guo Jing's mind. He raised his glass and drank slowly with Tolui.

……

The next day, Guo Jing summoned the prime minister, the privy council, the three officials and other high-ranking officials in Ganlu Palace.

Huang Yaoshi frowned slightly, "Genghis Khan wants to march west? He is not young anymore, right?" The relationship between the Great Zhou and Mongolia is well known to everyone. Now there is a voice in the court of the Great Zhou that is to fight back to the north and take back the land of Youyan.

However, due to Hua Zheng's and the emperor's identities, this voice did not become mainstream.

The topic Guo Jing brought up next shocked them greatly, "An old horse in the stable still has ambitions to run a thousand miles. This is how grassland warriors always are. The Khan invites me to join him in the Western Expedition. What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, you can't do this!" Pei Andao, the Third Secretary, spoke first.

"A son of a millionaire should not sit in the hall, and your majesty's body of ten thousand gold should not be easily put in danger? In a foreign country, if something goes wrong, the consequences are unpredictable. I hope your majesty will think twice."

The Privy Councilor Lu Guanying showed surprise in his eyes, "Your Majesty, I think this matter can be considered. There is no need to refuse."

Pei Andao was stunned, and then questioned him, "Lord Lu, what are you thinking about letting His Majesty go on an expedition?"

Lu Guanying's eyebrows were sharp, and he argued, "Lord Pei, if His Majesty doesn't go, can we just turn a blind eye to Mongolia? The northern grasslands are vast, and Hebei and Henan are flat and undefended. This matter must be resolved sooner or later."

As a veteran who fought with Guo Jing to conquer the world, Lu Guanying was well aware of the relationship between the Great Zhou and Mongolia.

Someone on the side also agreed with Lu Guanying's idea, "Lord Lu is right. This matter is of great importance. If we refuse directly, something unexpected may happen."

Then several ministers spoke one after another, leaving Huang Yaoshi alone in deep thought.

"Prime Minister, what do you think?"

Huang Yaoshi stroked his beard and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I think it is reasonable for you to go to Mongolia. The diplomatic relations between our two countries have always been close, and there has been constant trade and travel between the people. Now that the Zhou Dynasty has unified the world, it is time for us to change our relationship with Mongolia."

Guo Jing had this idea in mind. At that time, the Great Zhou was just founded and the martial virtues were abundant. Even if he was not there and the Mongolian cavalry moved south, they would be able to hold out and would not suffer the same fate as the Jin Dynasty.

Several civil officials looked at each other, their eyes full of regret. It seemed that there was no way they could persuade him.

"The Mongols will come sooner or later. I will not leave the problem to future generations. The Song Dynasty once sent envoys to submit to the Mongols, but they were rejected by Genghis Khan. It is reasonable for me to accept it. If the Mongols had intervened in the war, the consequences would be unpredictable."

"What do you think?"

Now that things have come to this, the ministers can only admit it, "Your Majesty is wise!"

……

Guo Jing came to the embassy and said, "Tolui, I have agreed to the Western Expedition. When you return to the grassland, tell the Khan and send someone to notify me when you set out."

Tuolei stepped forward and hugged Guo Jing. "Great, great, Anda. The last time we fought together was more than ten years ago. Now we can finally fight side by side again. I have to go back and tell my father Khan. If he knows, he will be very happy."

Hearing his genuine smile, Guo Jing also smiled, "I have prepared a gift for you, take it back when you leave. I will always remember the Khan's kindness in my heart."

"it is good!"

Three days later, Tolui, accompanied by his three thousand personal guards, left the Great Zhou territory under the escort of the Beiwei Army.

……

In the following time, Guo Jing has been sorting out state affairs and cultivating the crown prince Guo Chengping. If he left, the crown prince would definitely serve as regent. That is to say, he could let go only when Guo Chengping has grown up. Otherwise, leaving a young son behind would probably lead to repeating the mistake of Chai Zongxun.

"What? You want to leave?"

In the harem, Hua Zheng was sitting in front of a bronze mirror and dressing herself. When she suddenly heard Guo Jing's words, she stood up immediately.

"The Khan is preparing for the Western Expedition. He made an agreement with me many years ago, and I must go." To put it bluntly, this matter not only involves his personal affairs, but also state affairs.

It was rare that Genghis Khan had the ability to help others achieve their goals, and the relationship between the two countries was harmonious. Unlike the previous dynasties, which were antagonistic and fearful, the situation collapsed and the two sides went to war, which would have been really difficult to deal with.

What the Great Zhou needs now is recuperation rather than going to war with the grassland tribes in the north. Without Youyan, it must maintain at least hundreds of thousands of troops to stop the Mongolian cavalry and build a defense line.

An army of hundreds of thousands would be a heavy pressure on any dynasty over time.

The current Great Zhou only maintains a troop of over a hundred thousand along the long border, sparsely deployed on the border defense line. There is no other way, as the border between the Great Zhou and the grassland is too long. If there were the Great Wall in hand, the pressure would be much less.

Hua Zheng was also very surprised, "Father Khan is so old, don't his brothers have the Western Expedition? Why does he have to go in person?" Then, she realized that this was the character of the Khan. She looked at her husband with a gentle look in her eyes, "Go, help me take care of Father Khan, he is too old, I am really afraid that he will get into trouble. The relationship between the Great Zhou and Mongolia also needs to be eased, it would be good for you to go."

"Hua Zheng, after I leave, the palace will be handed over to you. If you have anything to discuss, please consult Rong Er. Ping Er is new to the government, and I am still a little worried."

Hua Zheng comforted him instead, "You just think too much. How old were you when you and your father started the rebellion? With a group of old ministers in the court to assist you, nothing would go wrong."

"By the way, before you leave, remember to check on Sister Rong'er."

Guo Jing thought about it and nodded.

……

Huang Rong, who was nearly thirty years old, had become a beautiful woman, with the charm of both a young woman and a married woman. Even after giving birth to two daughters, her waist was still slender and could be held in one hand. Her facial skin was smooth and delicate, and her brows were charming.

In the main hall, she was holding a little girl and reading a book. The sunlight shone through the window onto the mother and daughter, which was a beautiful sight.

"His Majesty has arrived!" The eunuch shouted outside the door.

Not long after, Guo Jing came in. Huang Rong bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

"No need to be polite." He came closer and his eyes suddenly fell on the side, "Why is Silly Girl here?"

"The teacher left and sent Shagu to the palace before leaving."

"Thanks to the teacher's help, Shagu is no longer crazy, but her mental state is not high, similar to that of a ten-year-old child. She is a good companion for Jianjia and the others." His words were full of admiration.

"Teacher's contribution is as great as that of nature, and I am deeply touched by it."

……

"Father Khan, Anda has agreed."

Inside the palace hall, Tolui was reporting the good news to Genghis Khan.

Genghis Khan laughed loudly, "You are worthy of being the son-in-law that I have chosen, and you are worthy of being your good friend. I did not misjudge him." His voice was full of complacency.

"Father Khan, when will we march west?" asked Tolui.

"Conscript soldiers first. Mu Huali has wanted to come for a long time. This time, we old brothers will go together and kill to our heart's content! Xixia and those khanates must provide men and food."

"Pass on my king's order and summon all the ministers to discuss the matter."

A few days later, inside the Golden Horde Palace, Genghis Khan discussed with the tribal leaders and decided on the Western Expedition. After several years of recuperation, the major tribes had recovered their strength and were eager to follow the Khan on the Western Expedition.

Soon, Mongolia began to operate rapidly like a war machine. The herdsmen took out their armor and weapons, selected the strongest war horses, and the young and strong men in the tribe competed in martial arts. Only the most powerful warriors could go into battle with the Khan.

……

However, when the news of the conscription reached Western Xia, the Western Xia emperor and ministers in Zhongxing Prefecture were furious.

A few years ago, when Mongolia was building its royal city, Western Xia sent tens of thousands of able-bodied men, but those people haven't returned yet. Now, Genghis Khan is going on an expedition to the west, and wants them to send another 20,000 soldiers to accompany him. Isn't this asking for their lives?

The Great Zhou Dynasty in the east unified the world, and Western Xia felt tremendous pressure. With the prevalence of trade and travel, the ancient Silk Road was reopened. Their Western Xia Kingdom happened to occupy the most critical node of the Silk Road, and the Hexi Corridor was also in their hands.

The wealth that leaked out along this road was enough to make them rich, but the problem was that the rulers and ministers of Western Xia knew where the land under their feet came from, and sooner or later, the Great Zhou would take action against them.

If we withdraw all the domestic military forces now, wouldn't that be courting death?
Faced with Genghis Khan's conscription, they rejected it cleanly and neatly, escorted the envoys out of the city with courtesy, and sent people with a large amount of gold, silver and treasures to Karakorum to meet Genghis Khan.

However, they did not expect that this refusal did not attract the Great Zhou, but instead attracted the more terrifying Mongolia.

"How brave!"

In the Mongolian royal court, the elderly Genghis Khan looked at the Western Xia envoys at his feet, his tiger eyes full of coldness. The mere Western Xia actually had the courage to disobey his orders.

"Great Khan, please calm down. We really have our own difficulties."

Genghis Khan was arrogant and would not tolerate anyone disobeying him. "I don't want to hear this. You can keep the gold and silver treasures for yourselves and throw them out!"

Then, soldiers came in and forcibly dragged the Xixia envoy away, ignoring his pleas.

Xixia's disobedience to orders was just an excuse. The main problem was that Xixia occupied the main transportation routes leading to the Western Regions. Before his first expedition to the West, Xixia did not send anyone to follow him. He settled old and new grudges together, and Xixia began to count down to its demise.

Soon, Genghis Khan summoned the heads of various tribes and announced that Western Xia had disobeyed the Khan's order, which aroused the excitement among the heroes and started the war to destroy Xia.

In October 1231, Genghis Khan divided his troops into two groups, east and west, to attack Western Xia. This was the Mongol campaign to destroy Western Xia.

He personally led the main force to the west of Wulahai City and attacked and captured Heishui City. He then marched into Helan Mountain in a roundabout way, defeated the Xia general Asha Ganbu, and finally stationed his troops in Hunchui Mountain.

In this battle, Genghis Khan was still in his prime, the Mongolian cavalry was still powerful, and the Western Xia army was unable to resist.

The Western Army was led by Adachi, together with Hutu Temur, Xililingbu, a surrendered general of Western Xia, and Chahan, who passed through the Western Region Uighurs and successively captured Shazhou, Suzhou and Ganzhou.

When besieging Ganzhou, the defending general Hedian Yeqilu put up a fierce resistance. In the end, Genghis Khan captured it himself and subdued the defending general of Liangzhou, Wuzakui. Thus, the entire Hexi Corridor fell.

In November, Genghis Khan led his army through Shatuo, marched to Jiudu of the Yellow River, and captured Yingli. Then he divided his troops to capture Xiazhou, and the main force surrounded Lingzhou. The Western Xia emperor sent Weiming Linggong to lead the army to rescue, and the two sides fought a decisive battle in the frozen Yellow River. Then Weiming Linggong met with the defending general, the deposed crown prince Li Deren, and was killed when the city fell. The Mongolian army surrounded Zhongxing Prefecture, and divided its troops to the south to capture Jishizhou, Xining and other Western Xia territories, and stationed in Liupan Mountain in Xia.

At this point, only Zhongxing Prefecture remained in Western Xia. The last emperor of Western Xia surrendered to Mongolia two months after Zhongxing Prefecture was besieged, and Western Xia was destroyed.

It took Mongolia only four months from the start of the war to the destruction of the country.

Compared with history, this battle came several years late, and Genghis Khan did not die in Liupan Mountain.

In April 1232, the Mongolian army returned to the capital. At the same time, Guo Jing received a message from a Mongolian messenger saying that the Khan would march westward in July.

(End of this chapter)