Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 249 Quickly, invite Old Master Zhong here!
After the scouts came and went several times, Su Wu realized that this place was actually not far from the great city of Yanjing, only about twenty li away, which was already very close.

The Song army slowly arrived, numbering over 50,000. Even though about 20,000 remained outside Liangxiang City, they were still very close.

Su Wu remained at the head of the army, watching the Liao army set up camp in the distance.

When Yang Keshi arrived, he knelt down in front of him, head bowed and silent, looking dejected. Many military officers were already around him.

This matter...

Su Wu remained silent for a moment. In the distance, scouts were gathering Yang Keshi's routed soldiers, who returned slowly in groups of three or five from all directions. Sometimes a dozen or so returned, sometimes dozens...

Su Wu remained silent, and so did everyone else, all frowning as they looked at Yang Keshi, their hearts probably filled with complex emotions.

Quite some time passed before Yang Keshi finally spoke: "General Su, please forgive me, this battle was not due to my lack of courage, but rather because we were caught off guard by a sudden enemy attack..."

Su Wu then spoke: "Ever since the army arrived in Xiongzhou, you have been frequently asking to fight. Of all the soldiers, you are the most impetuous. I did think that if you encountered the enemy, you might be defeated. As the art of war says, an arrogant army will surely be defeated. But I never thought you would be defeated so quickly, so badly, and so utterly defeated."

Yang Keshi immediately replied, "Commander Su, it's because the enemy has too many cavalry this time. My troops only number about five thousand, so it's really difficult to win..."

"So you lost so quickly?" Su Wu lowered his gaze slightly.

“No matter which one it is, it will be the same!” Yang Keshi added.

"Really?" Su Wu turned to look at the many generals, but most of them remained silent.

Su Wu himself said, “If you hadn’t underestimated the enemy and hadn’t been so reckless, and had kept your infantry and cavalry in one place, even if you encountered the enemy, with the infantry in front and the cavalry behind, how could the enemy not be wary of charging? If the enemy charged the infantry, your eight hundred cavalry could have attacked from the flanks. If the enemy had circled around the field, you could have relied on the infantry to defend. How could you have been so easily defeated piecemeal? If you also had some advantage in the terrain, making it difficult for the enemy to circle around the field, not to mention how you would win, it wouldn’t have been difficult to hold out until I arrived… Your soldiers are mostly elite, with many skilled and capable warriors. It’s not that you can’t be defeated, but to have them collapse so easily, I wonder how many elite soldiers have died in vain…”

Su Wu slowly explained that he knew Yang Keshi was likely to lose, but when he discussed this matter with Zhong Shidao, he also said that Yang Keshi's subordinates were not mediocre and had the ability to fight. So why would Yang Keshi be so easily defeated?

The reason is actually not hard to figure out: they were stunned.

In the past, he had many victories and defeats in his clashes with the Tanguts, but the scenes were nothing like this, and even in defeat, the scene was not like this...

Even in suppressing bandits in Jiangnan, not to mention...

In other words, Yang Keshi had never actually fought a real tough battle. If he had encountered a tough battle and suffered too many casualties, he would have immediately lost his courage and become bewildered.

Su Wu added, "Even if your infantry and cavalry are separated and you realize the strength of the enemy cavalry after a brief engagement, you shouldn't rush back to the infantry formation. Instead, you should send someone to inform the infantry to choose a strategically advantageous location, and then you can spur your horse to lure the enemy cavalry and delay them for a while. This way, you can be more composed, and the infantry formation won't be exposed in the open field, at the mercy of the enemy cavalry! You could even change your route and lead your cavalry towards Liangxiang. The only thing you should never do is lure the enemy cavalry towards your own infantry formation when you've already suffered a defeat..."

If the infantry had just a little more time to react, and had a good location—not necessarily a great one, but even just a river bend or riverbank, a small hill, a small grove, a place full of grass or thorns, or even a village, or even just a few houses—the outcome might have been different.

If Yang Keshi hadn't lured the enemy cavalry towards his own infantry, countless lives would have been saved.

If Yang Keshi had been even slightly calm at the time, he would have considered any of these points, but he simply didn't...

As soon as Su Wu finished speaking, Yang Keshi's throat moved, as if he still wanted to argue, but in the end he didn't know how to say it...

Su Wu looked around again and said, "You have already seen my army arrayed in battle formation. In your panic, you still led your remaining cavalry to charge towards your own formation. By charging into your own formation like this, who knows how many times you will have clashed and how many people will have died or been wounded? Not to mention that, didn't you consider that this would disrupt and scatter your own formation? Are you afraid to go around? Are you afraid to stop your horses? Are you afraid to die? If you are afraid to die, then let your comrades die?"

After Su Wu finished speaking, he stopped looking down and looked up into the distance, where the Liao camp slowly began to take shape.

Su Wu was actually teaching, though it wasn't really teaching. Many of the generals present already understood. Su Wu was reminding them that if they encountered this situation again in the future, they must remain calm. When facing a large cavalry force, as long as they handled it calmly, there were many, many solutions.

In the future, we will have to face the Jurchen cavalry, and such situations will certainly not be uncommon. The generals who will fight in the future are the same ones in front of us. Yang Keshi is the worst example of this.

Su Wu did not demand that the infantry decisively defeat the enemy cavalry, but he must not be so flustered. As long as he remained calm and composed and worked hard, whether he won or lost, it was not a sin.

Su Wu wanted to kill someone to make an example of them, but he had to make his point clear. Su Wu wasn't killing the defeated generals; he was killing those who panicked and lost their composure. For a general, the crime of losing a battle could be minor or major, but mishandling the situation was unforgivable.

Looking at the generals and soldiers on the field, especially the generals of the Western Army, one could only sigh. What General Su said was absolutely true, especially the sentence, "If you are afraid of death, then let your comrades die," which was the most heartbreaking.

How can one speak to a colleague like this?

Su Wu then spoke up: "Before you left, in the military tent, in front of many colleagues, you personally stated and signed a pledge..."

As soon as Su Wu finished speaking, Yang Keshi immediately kowtowed and said, "General Su, spare my life! In the future, I will never be so panicked. After witnessing this, I will never do it again!"

Su Wu raised his hand and pointed forward: "Turn around and look at those dejected men under your command who returned in small groups. When they go into battle again, will they still have any morale?"

Yang Keshi was truly obedient at this moment. He immediately turned around to look and said, "This humble general is willing to die a hundred times. When I lead them into battle again in the future, I will be the first to lead the troops and die a hundred times. This will inspire the morale of the army!"

Su Wu pointed again: "Look at the battlefield, how many of my comrades' corpses are there, and under the hooves of horses, flesh and blood are like mud. Let me ask you, how many of them died by your hand? Twenty? Fifty? A hundred?"

"I will atone for my sins by killing the enemy and redeeming myself in the future. I will leave my body to die and comfort the spirits of my comrades in heaven!" Yang Keshi said emotionally, tears streaming down his face. He even turned around and kowtowed repeatedly to the bloody battlefield.

The numerous generals on both sides mostly turned away, perhaps unwilling to look any longer, or perhaps unable to bear to look any longer...

Su Wu said nothing more, and slightly raised his hand: "Come on..."

Armored soldiers went forward to set up the defenses.

Yang Keshi turned around and shouted, "Old Steward Liu, Young Steward Liu, General Xin, General Yao, say something!"

Everyone remained silent, except for Liu Yanqing, who stepped forward as if he were about to speak, but then saw Su Wu slightly raise his hand, and he choked on his words.

The armored soldiers had already gone to take him away, and Yang Keshi cried out even more urgently, "Old Master Zhong, where is Old Master Zhong? Old Master Zhong, save my life!"

Zhong Shidao was not present; he was seventy years old and could not keep up with such a rapid march, so Su Wu left him outside Liangxiang City.

But Su Wu spoke up: "Stop shouting! The crime of defeat is not so serious, but the crime of panic is unforgivable. If more people come, bind them and execute them!"

Even with two armored soldiers right in front of him, they couldn't subdue him for a while. Needless to say, Yang Keshi struggled fiercely.

But then he said, "Quickly, please call Old Master Zhong, let me go, let me go..."

Several more soldiers came and stepped forward to arrest Yang Keshi, pinning him to the ground so he couldn't move. They tied him up, and for a moment, the scene was truly unsightly...

Yang Keshi had never had the slightest thought of calmly facing death. If Yang Keshi truly had any remorse and felt guilty for the lives of his soldiers and comrades, he shouldn't have been like this...

Su Wu turned his head away, not wanting to look any longer. Yang Keshi was bound on the spot, his mouth gagged, yet he was still whimpering and twisting his body from side to side...

All that could be heard was the soldiers shouting, "Take him away! Take him away!"

The sounds of drawing a sword and chopping followed extremely quickly. Even though Yang Keshi struggled fiercely, he was afraid that he would lose control again after a while. The only way to stop him was to find an opportunity to temporarily subdue him and then strike him with the sword!

A head fell to the ground, eyes still wide open, clearly dying with unfinished business.

Su Wu sighed and said, "Prepare the body properly. After this battle, preserve it with lime, find a good coffin, and send someone to deliver it safely to your hometown for burial."

Liu Yanqing replied, "I'll handle this..."

"Alright!" Su Wu nodded.

Liu Yanqing slightly raised his hand to beckon several of his personal guards to collect the body.

Su Wu said, “Once we enter Yanjing, we must strictly discipline our soldiers and men. They must not plunder in the streets, and they must not even oppress the people. We have come a thousand miles, and although the war may be temporarily over, our troops will not have come for nothing.”

As for making money, there are plenty of ways to do it. Those high-ranking officials and wealthy families can make their money slowly by using the right methods. As for ordinary people, we must ensure that we do not harm anyone.

If we were to truly wage war against the Jin, we would still need to rely on the people of Yan and Yun to be of one mind and one heart. This could be for things like building roads, transporting grain, or even collecting taxes. We might even need the people of Yan and Yun to enlist in the army, garrison cities, or serve as guides.

The scouts returned with their men, but this time it wasn't Yang Keshi's defeated troops, but rather the resentful Guo Yaoshi. He too had been defeated and was on the run when he encountered the scouts. He immediately came to pay his respects to Commander Su and apologize.

Guo the Pharmacist also spurred his horse and dismounted a hundred paces away. He galloped forward, ran to Su Wu, knelt down, and kowtowed: "I deserve death! I deserve death! This humble general deserves death!"

Perhaps it was because Pharmacist Guo saw the decapitated corpse being collected nearby...

"Get up..." Su Wu waved his hand. Guo Yaoshi was not defeated. He just failed to capture the city, so he did not commit any serious crime.

Guo Yaoshi could not repay the debt and kept saying, "It was my greed that led me to fail to send someone to report immediately, and it was my failure to maintain order. I have committed a grave offense!"

Guo Yaoshi's mindset immediately changed. He now knew that Su Wu's cavalry had achieved a great victory over Yelü Dashi and had even surrounded Xiao Gan's troops on the spot.

A fickle person has his own means and ways of surviving. Now, having just submitted to the Song Dynasty, he made a boastful promise but failed to keep it. Regardless of the severity of his crime, he should simply maintain a proper attitude and repeatedly apologize.

Su Wu simply raised his hand again: "Get up and speak!"

Guo the Pharmacist still wouldn't get up, he just kept kowtowing: "This humble general deserves to die, deserves to die! I missed the opportunity in battle, my crime is unforgivable!"

Su Wu actually stepped forward and helped Guo Yaoshi up: "You fought hard but failed. It's not a big crime. You missed the opportunity, but that opportunity was something you fought for and won. It was an unexpected gain that you won. It wasn't in the plan. As for the extent of your crime, we'll discuss that later."

Su Wu still needed to make a show of force. At this moment, there were still many prefectures and counties to the east, south, and north of Yanyun. This show of force wasn't because Guo Yaoshi was particularly useful, but because those prefectures and counties still awaited surrender...

Su Wu was no longer a simple military general; he should now be adept at political maneuvering as well. He should show respect to the virtuous and treat surrendered generals well.

Guo Yaoshi was helped up by Su Wu and kowtowed several times before getting up. This was his way of surviving. He then said, "Thank you for your great kindness, Commander Su. From this day forward, I, Guo Yaoshi, will serve you faithfully, even unto death!"

Su Wu nodded: "We are both Han Chinese, and now we both belong to the Great Song Dynasty. We must remain loyal to the emperor and love the people!"

How could Pharmacist Guo not cry out, "The Emperor's benevolence has extended to me; I have no way to repay him but to die! I will die to repay the Emperor's kindness!"

That's the right way, absolutely the right way!
Su Wu nodded: "Commander Guo has gathered his troops. Quickly set up camp, have a meal, and get some rest!"

"I bow again to Commander Su!" Guo Yaoshi's attitude was extremely respectful.

"Go ahead, there's no need for further formalities..." Su Wu said with a smile.

How could Pharmacist Guo not bow again? He bowed several times before slowly retreating.

Behind Su Wu, the army had already set up camp in an orderly fashion, some scattered, some still in formation...

Some people eat their fill before queuing, while others leave before going to eat...

The auxiliary soldiers were constantly busy...

Su Wu is waiting...

Inside Yanjing City, Yelü Dashi and Xi King Xiao Gan had already met Li Chuwen.

When Li Chuwen heard about the battle situation, he frowned deeply. He had gone to Xiongzhou before, and Yelü Dashi had said that Su Wu's troops were excellent. Now, after a real battle, it was clear that the Song army was not to be underestimated.

This matter was also very important to Li Chuwen, as it had significant implications for the affairs of the Southern Army.

Li Chuwen was in a state of great confusion, unsure whether to be happy or worried.

After the battle situation was explained, Yelü Dashi and Xiao Gan exchanged a glance, hesitating slightly.

But to Li Chuwen, the battle wasn't over yet. Wasn't this just Xiao Gan's infantry arriving and a standoff breaking out? He asked, "Hmm? A major battle is underway. What's next?"

Yelü Dashi replied, "We haven't fought yet..."

"What do you mean?" Li Chuwen didn't quite understand.

Yelü Dashi didn't hesitate and said, "During the standoff, the Song commander Su Wu suddenly invited me to have a chat..."

Li Chuwen's heart was filled with complex emotions. The battle hadn't even begun, they had only met once, and then two military leaders appeared before him. Being intelligent, he immediately began to speculate...

Yelü Dashi sighed again, then continued, "Lord Xu has probably guessed a lot by now..."

Li Chuwen nodded and asked, "What are the conditions?"

Yelü Dashi spoke slowly, occasionally glancing at Li Chuwen's reaction and exchanging glances with Xiao Gan.

After all that had been said, Yelü Dashi, who had prepared his words beforehand, said, "We two have discussed this matter and decided to first consult with Minister Li. If it is acceptable, I will then reply; if not, we will return to the army. The army has already set up camp, and although we are surrounded and escape is impossible, we will fight to the death to defend the camp and buy more time for the city's defenses, allowing Minister Li to deal with the situation calmly within the city! Let's see what Minister Li decides..."

Xiao Gan nodded in agreement: "Sir, that is exactly what we both mean."

Li Chuwen frowned deeply, remaining silent for a moment, lost in thought...

Even though Li Chuwen had already made up his mind, he knew that since the two had returned in this manner, they must have already come up with a plan, and this plan was not hard to guess. So, the next thing to think about was... their present lives and their posthumous reputation.

I also think that if the history books were to record the events of the Southern Alliance, Li Chuwen would inevitably be portrayed as a traitor in those history books.

If we want a fair and just conclusion that people can empathize with, then we still need to do some work.

Li Chuwen slowly explained, “Since you two have come here in this way, it must be because you have some concerns in your hearts. It is all for the sake of the Liao Dynasty and the people of Yan and Yun. I know this matter is difficult to decide. Su Wu’s words also have their reasons. To fight to the death is to be remembered for all time, not to fight is a helpless situation for the country… I am also in a dilemma… Let’s do this: let’s summon all the principal and deputy officials from the various government offices in the capital…”

Yelü Dashi was suddenly worried: "I'm also afraid that too many people will come, and with so many opinions, it will be difficult to reach a decision..."

Li Chuwen waved his hand: "No, it's not that difficult. If it's really decided to take the army and civilians west, we'll inevitably have to ask them about staying or leaving on the spot. Those who are still in the capital are mostly loyal and righteous people. Whether they want to leave or stay, we can just discuss it face to face. It's all for the sake of the country. Neither you two nor I have done anything wrong. I think everyone understands the reasoning behind this..."

Even with just this one sentence, how could Yelü Dashi and Xiao Gan, both so intelligent, not know what Li Chuwen meant?
How could Li Chuwen's rhetoric not be brilliant? He had already expressed his true feelings, yet he did so flawlessly.

It was alright. Yelü Dashi and Xiao Gan were now at ease. Since Li Chuwen's meaning was clear, Yelü Dashi said, "Then please send someone to inform all the other ministers as soon as possible to discuss this."

Li Chuwen also got up and went out to send someone.

They rode back and forth at full gallop for quite some time.

The officials quickly gathered, knowing that there was something important to discuss. In the current situation, no matter how important the matter, it was a matter of life and death, and no one would delay.

Once everyone had arrived, Yelü Dashi gave another speech.

As soon as Yelü Dashi finished speaking, the room was filled with a buzz of whispers and murmurs.

Then someone came and asked, "What do you mean, sir?"

The question was about Li Chuwen, who is now truly a representative figure among these people. The emperor had fled far away, but he did not leave, and the situation was precarious. He was determined to turn the tide, reorganize the various departments of the court, establish a new army, stabilize the people's hearts, and work diligently and conscientiously.

In everyone's mind, how could Li Chuwen not be a pillar of the nation at this moment?

Li Chuwen insisted on saying, "Regardless of the final verdict, this city of Yanjing..."

At this point, Li Chuwen truly had a few tears on his face, and he shook his head and waved his hands: "I'm not leaving Yanjing City. My life and death are here... I led everyone to establish the new emperor. If anyone betrays me in such a short time, I won't go. I will follow the emperor... Just go to Xijing. If there is any guilt, just push it all onto me. It's as if I coerced you into establishing this new emperor. You have no choice but to comply..."

Li Chuwen's tears were a complex mix of emotions. Some might have been fake, while others might have been genuine. His eyes were brimming with tears, and his words contained a certain degree of rhetoric.

Even Yelü Dashi was moved for a moment. If he went to Xijing, he might also be guilty. After all, he had a part in establishing a new emperor, and he was one of the leaders. Li Chuwen's words seemed to have left him a way out.

Some people inevitably said, "Then let's not leave. Let's fight to the death. The people and soldiers in the city are of one mind. Even if we can't fight, we still have the strength to defend the city! So what if that fickle thief Guo Yaoshi sneaked into the city? Wasn't he driven back?"

Xiao Ganlai said, "This is true, this is true! Even if everyone dies in battle, as long as the people and the army are of one mind and the soldiers and civilians work together, it won't be a matter of a short time for the Song army to break through the city. But... what are we defending like this for? Are we defending against reinforcements coming to our rescue? Or are we defending against the possibility of the city being restored to its former glory? Are we defending against the possibility of us being able to repel the Song army? Or are we defending against the possibility of people exchanging their own children to eat each other until no one is left?"

Upon hearing this, everyone lowered their heads and left.

Xiao Gan continued, "Or perhaps, if the army and the people unite as one and head towards Xijing, they can rely on the various tribes of the grasslands outside, and with the great city of Xijing within, if the army and the people fight valiantly, there might still be... a glimmer of hope. If the Jin and Song people start fighting again, then perhaps they will have a chance to catch their breath. The future is still uncertain..."

Yelü Dashi then said, "If the Song people want us to keep fighting the Jin people, they will indeed provide us with weapons, armor, and provisions. If we can catch our breath and let the Song people fight the Jin people... many things can change. There is no room for maneuver in Yanjing, but at least there is room for maneuver in the west..."

The expressions on everyone's faces became truly complicated.

Li Chuwen couldn't help but speak up: "It's hard to leave one's homeland, so I won't go. But regarding matters of family and country, what you two think is also reasonable. Let's all speak up, each of you say what you think... In any case, this matter is a decision for us all to make..."

What Li Chuwen wanted was right here: his life's achievements and his posthumous reputation were both preserved at this very moment. How could that not be brilliant?

As he spoke, Li Chuwen stood up and said, "May my Great Liao Dynasty continue to exist, may its destiny never perish..."

These words evoked a deep sense of sorrow...

These words were meant to give Yelü Dashi a starting point for conversation.

Yelü Dashi then made a decisive move, stood up and said, "Gentlemen, if I go back to Su Wu now, would you all be willing to go to Xijing with me?"

Sighs filled the hall, and countless people had tears streaming down their faces.

But no one answered...

Yelü Dashi then said, "If we are to leave, every soldier and civilian in the city, every family member of yours who goes will contribute to the strength and increase the hope of restoring the country in the future. Gentlemen... gentlemen, the time for decision has come. Once the decision is made, you should quickly go to various places to organize manpower and gather provisions..."

The crowd slowly looked up...

Yelü Dashi scanned the scene and finally made his decision: "Then it's settled. The two of us will go out of the city again. Everyone, get to work quickly. Time waits for no one. I entrust the needs of the soldiers and civilians, as well as the provisions, to you all!"

Someone came and asked, "How is the emperor?"

Yelü Dashi said helplessly, "The Emperor was unaware of this beforehand! He sent men to guard the gates of each imperial city, saying that there were still a few enemy troops escaping into the city, so the defense of the imperial city was strengthened, and that people were only allowed to leave the imperial city, not enter!"

What are they worried about? They're worried that if the newly enthroned emperor knew beforehand and issued an imperial edict, the plans would inevitably be thrown into chaos. After all, this emperor is a legitimately enthroned emperor.

"Alas..." This was Li Chuwen's sigh. He then said, "I will go to find the Emperor, I will accompany the Emperor... My final words will also be spoken by me. If the Emperor is angry, then he shall die! I will die in the main hall..."

How could the crowd not be moved?

The scene was so moving that it defied description; some people even broke down in tears, their cries echoing through the air…

In an instant, one person started crying, and then a chain of cries followed...

Li Chuwen sighed, Yelü Dashi sighed...

Then Yelü Dashi said, "Stop it! The Liao Dynasty still exists! The Liao Dynasty still exists!"

As he spoke, Yelü Dashi, feeling agitated, went out and left, and Xiao Gan followed him.
Li Chuwen looked around, wiped away his tears, and slowly got up and left. He went into the imperial city to accompany the new emperor, Yelü Chun.

Then Yelü Chun, isn't he also pitiful and lamentable?

Inside the imperial city, Yelü Chun was praising Xiao Puxian, his voice filled with excitement: "My beloved consort is truly a heroine, far surpassing countless men, so incredibly brave and invincible!"

Xiao Puxian's wife also replied: "Your Majesty, I have no regrets, no regrets to my father and brothers, and no regrets to my ancestors!"

Overwhelmed with emotion, Yelü Chun took his beloved concubine's hand and exclaimed, "Excellent! In such a critical moment, with everyone of our Great Liao united as one, how can our nation perish? The fate of the Great Liao will surely endure forever! Just as the Western Han Dynasty fell, only to be restored by Emperor Guangwu! It will certainly be so!"

Xiao Puxian saw only the soldiers who had fought alongside her and returned in blood, and said, "Your Majesty, if we are to talk about fighting bloody battles, I am nothing. It is all thanks to you all. They are brave and fearless, and they died bravely!"

"A reward, a great reward indeed! Once the military merits are recorded, there will be a substantial reward!" Yelü Chun exclaimed excitedly, his ambition soaring to new heights.

"Your Majesty, I have gathered quite a few men willing to die. I just need to record their names and report them to the Privy Council so that they can form their own army. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request!"

Xiao Puxian has truly mustered her confidence.

"How could I refuse? Excellent! I will personally bestow the names upon them. I wonder how many there will be?" the Emperor asked.

"There are as many as two thousand four or five hundred people, and we can recruit more in the future." Xiao Puxian was also a woman of heroic spirit.

Just then, Li Chuwen walked in from the outer room. The emperor was also excited: "Prime Minister Li, you've come at the perfect time! Please come in quickly, there's something I need to trouble you with!"

Li Chuwen quickened his pace and entered the palace. After asking around, he learned that Li Chuwen wanted to form an army for the Imperial Concubine.

Li Chuwen had many complex feelings, but he nodded and said, "This is easy to do. Just have them all go to the Privy Council, register, choose a camp, and wait for the Privy Council's military orders."

Xiao Puxian was overjoyed and turned to the soldiers who had come with her, saying, "Excellent, excellent! Just listen to my orders and hurry to the Privy Council..."

Having just won a victory, and now accompanying the Imperial Concubine to see the Emperor, how could they not be excited and joyful? After the grand ceremony, they all withdrew.

Inside the main hall, apart from a dozen or so attendants, only the emperor, the imperial concubine, and Li Chuwen remained.

The emperor then asked, "What is the matter, Prime Minister Li?"

Li Chuwen replied, "I came here to see the Imperial Concubine. I never expected that the Imperial Concubine would be such a heroine. How could I not come to offer my congratulations and rewards?"

The emperor looked at the imperial concubine with a face full of doting affection, feeling honored to be associated with her.

The Imperial Concubine came to express her gratitude: "Thank you, my lord. Although I am but a woman, I have a heart to serve my country. Please do not laugh at me!"

"Not at all, not at all. It's precisely to boost morale. The army is talking about it a lot, and everyone speaks of the Imperial Concubine with great respect," Li Chuwen added.

"Really? Is that so? Excellent! Haha..." Yelü Chun laughed repeatedly, looking at his beloved concubine with even more affection.

The beloved concubine was still somewhat shy, after all, there were many people around...

Li Chuwen nodded, looked around, and asked, "Your Majesty, this old minister is a little tired. May I rest here for a while, have a cup of tea, and a meal?"

"Why not? Prime Minister Li is working so hard; he must be overworked. Quickly, please have a seat, and bring tea and food!"

The emperor was indeed a good emperor, and the imperial concubine was also a good imperial concubine, but unfortunately, they were born at the wrong time! Even in history, he died of illness only three months after ascending the throne.

Li Chuwen sat calmly, drinking tea and eating, chatting idly with the emperor and his concubine.

Both inside and outside the city, everyone was busy.

Outside the city, Yelü Dashi and Xiao Gan rode back at full speed and met Su Wu.

Once the deal is done, all that's left is to agree on the details, which is still a matter of trust, so the details are very important.

For example, when the soldiers and civilians in the city were leaving, Su Wu's cavalry had to enter the city and could not stay there.

For example, the number of soldiers and civilians who left the city should be the same number of Song troops who entered the city.

For example, at what time could a certain number of Liao troops from this location advance westward...

In short, Yelü Dashi was wary of Su Wu. However, Su Wu was stronger than Yelü Dashi. If Su Wu suddenly changed his mind, the cavalry would pursue and the infantry would attack, making it difficult to deal with...

In this way, they inevitably had to gradually increase the distance between themselves and the opposing forces, reducing their numbers in the process...

Yelü Dashi also knew that Su Wu would not do this, because doing so would not benefit Su Wu at all. Killing the Liao people would not only benefit the Jurchens, but also be a breach of promise and a massacre of countless people. Su Wu would find it difficult to win back the hearts of the people in Yan and Yun, and how could he gain their trust?
However, Yelü Dashi still had to be on guard, and Su Wu cooperated. As long as Su Wu's first cavalry force really entered the city, everything would be fine...

After discussing the details, they all readily agreed to proceed.

The city was in turmoil, with countless people weeping and wailing... some willing to leave, others unwilling...

There was activity outside the city, and scouts were waiting. As soon as the city gates opened, a steady stream of people came out of the city.

At this standoff point, Su Wu's infantry first surrounded the enemy, followed by his cavalry.

Yelü Dashi personally stood at the city gate, while Xiao Gan remained at the point of confrontation.

There seems to be an eeriness to it all; just moments ago, they were locked in a fierce battle, a sea of ​​corpses and carnage, but now, they are truly waiting without harming each other...

Su Wu was the first to enter the city. He rode his horse into the city, and on both sides, Liao soldiers and civilians were coming out. Su Wu looked around and saw the Liao people walking by, also looking at him...

The Liao officials and generals were shouting incessantly, while Yelü Dashi stood at the city gate with his soldiers maintaining order. When he saw Su Wu, he simply nodded slightly without saying a word…

Some people were still gathered together waiting for the military orders from the Privy Council and for the formation of the army.

There were also people inside the imperial city, chatting leisurely with the emperor.

Where would Su Wu go first?

He then went to the imperial city to see the Emperor of Liao.

The iron hooves clattered on the bluestone slabs of the street, making a crisp, clear sound. The horse galloped into the city and headed straight for the palace, committing no offenses or even uttering a single word along the way.

Many residents of Yanjing, who were not well-informed, were unaware of what was happening and even thought the cavalry entering the city were Liao troops...

Su Wu continued his journey, and the imperial city of Yanjing, the capital of the Liao Dynasty, came into view...

(Goodnight, guys! 8500)
(End of this chapter)