Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 257 Avenging this grudge is a cause for celebration!

"Are you really going to do this?" Su Wu asked again.

Yao Pingzhong nodded solemnly: "Commander Su, I'll really go!"

Su Wu said little, only saying, "This time, Cai You's mission will first take him to Jingzhao Prefecture, then from Yaozhou, into Fuzhou, into Yan'an Prefecture, and finally to Western Xia..."

Yao Pingzhong nodded: "It's most likely this route, but it's also possible to go through Fuzhou, Qingzhou, and Huanzhou. Both routes are convenient for getting to Xingqing Prefecture."

Why this road? Because it's the easiest to travel. Jingzhao Prefecture is Chang'an. Heading north from Chang'an is Yaozhou, which is Yao Pingzhong's territory. Then you enter Fuzhou and Yanzhou, which is the Fuyan Road at this time, and is the territory of Liu Yanqing and Liu Guangshi.

They might go through Fuzhou, Qingzhou, or Huanzhou. In any case, they would have to pass through Yao Pingzhong and Liu Yanqing's territory before going to Qingzhou and Huanzhou, which are the Zhong family's territories.

This matter needs to be planned very carefully; it must be done only after careful consideration.

Su Wu nodded in agreement upon hearing Yao Pingzhong's addition: "No matter what, a person should die within the territory of the Tanguts, even if it is on the border, rather than within the territory of the Song Dynasty."

Yao Pingzhong nodded: "That's for sure."

"Therefore, if you want to take people out of the country, you can skip Qingzhou and Huanzhou. Instead, head towards the territory of the Liu family's chief steward to intercept Cai You's way back to the capital. After killing him, you should return to Yan'an Prefecture!"

Su Wu expressed his opinion and went to see Yao Pingzhong. Su Wu was talking about theory, but it also had to be combined with reality. Su Wu also lacked understanding of the actual situation in the Northwest. Although Su Wu knew that it was a loess plateau with ravines, it was only an impression. He then waited for Yao Pingzhong to explain.

Yao Pingzhong also said, "That makes sense. We don't need too many people, twenty or thirty will suffice. Firstly, we need to avoid our own soldiers' patrols, and secondly, we need to avoid the patrols of the Dangxiang soldiers. Twenty or thirty people will make it easier for us to come and go. Moreover, twenty or thirty of them are the most trusted men, so they can keep secrets. If he goes to Huanqing, he will definitely go out of Qinggang Gorge, where we can ambush him. If he goes to Yan'an Prefecture, then he is going to Hongzhou of the Dangxiang, where we can ambush him thirty miles north of Pingrong Village! No matter which way he goes, we will all go through Yan'an Prefecture. We will only guard his return and not stop him from going!"

Yao Pingzhong was clearly already in the zone, though he kept his brow furrowed and deep in thought.

Su Wu knew that professional matters should be handled by professionals, and Yao Pingzhong's suggestion was certainly the best approach.

But Su Wu suddenly said, "If things succeed, when you come back, go and see Chief Steward Liu!"

In matters of the heart, Su Wu trusted Yao Pingzhong, but when it came to matters of the heart and politics, he had his own set of rules.

"Why is that?" Yao Pingzhong was taken aback. Such matters should be kept as secret as possible, so why create unnecessary complications?

Su Wu replied, "After it's done, we need to let him know!"

“This…” Yao Pingzhong was truly puzzled.

Su Wu slowly explained: "This is a method of concealment. If you let him do this, he certainly wouldn't dare. But once it's done, he'll be in charge of all the comings and goings. When you return and inform him, he and I have a very close relationship, and he knows that you did this for everyone's sake. He will definitely take the initiative to cover it up. When this matter comes out, the border will be in great turmoil, and soldiers and civilians will be running around in various prefectures. Only if he takes the initiative to cover it up can we truly prevent any unforeseen circumstances. Only then can you safely and secretly return from Fuyan without revealing any flaws."

Su Wu thought about many things. If he asked Liu Guangshi to do this, Liu Guangshi would be unreliable. However, if he asked Liu Guangshi to lend a hand after the matter was accomplished, Liu Guangshi would definitely be sincere.

In the end, Liu Guangshi was also "dragged into the water" and involved in the matter. In this way, even if there were any changes in the court in the future, or if someone was sent to investigate, with Liu Guangshi involved, everything would be fine.

After thinking it over, Yao Pingzhong nodded: "Commander Su's plan is truly meticulous."

Su Wu then said, "The arrangements within the territory are sufficient, but what about the matters outside the territory..."

Su Wu looked at Yao Pingzhong and thought that this matter was also quite risky, as the Dangxiang people were not easy to deal with, and he was afraid of any unforeseen circumstances.

Yao Pingzhong said, “Commander Su has already made such proper arrangements, so there’s no problem. There are only twenty or thirty men. It’s not a large army going out. We don’t need to take the main road or the side roads. We don’t need to travel during the day. We don’t need to intercept them going out, we just need to stop them from returning. There’s plenty of time. We can just hide during the day and go out at night, crossing mountains and ridges. Once we reach the ambush site, we can hide. When we return, we can do the same. As long as we enter Yan’an Prefecture and find General Manager Liu, everything will be fine.”

Hearing these words, Su Wu felt much more at ease. Yao Pingzhong was indeed a capable person. He then added, "There are still some details..."

Yao Pingzhong nodded repeatedly: "General Su, rest assured, there are only three things. First, we will switch to Tangut bows and crossbows later. Second, if there are any injuries, we will leave no trace. For such a matter of national importance, we are ready to die for it! Third, if anything goes wrong abroad, we will ensure that not a single person is left alive!"

Upon hearing these words, Su Wu was somewhat shaken. He stood up, paced back and forth a couple of times, and said, "Listen to me!"

"Commander Su, please speak!"

"First, if you feel that the chances of success are slim, do not take action. Cai You does not necessarily have to be killed, but you must not be killed outside. In my heart, compared to you, Cai You is nothing but a spoiled brat, while you are a brave and valiant general in the army. He is far from worth your life. Even if this fails, I will think of another plan!"

Su Wu spoke very seriously. There were not many fierce generals in the Northwest. Liu Guangshi and others could never be considered fierce generals. Zhong Shidao, Wang Yuan and others were already old. Who was Yao Pingzhong? During the Jingkang Incident, the entire city of Tokyo was in a state of panic. Only he volunteered to lead his elite troops to raid the Jin army camp, hoping to turn the tide.

He was incredibly brave, breaking through enemy strongholds multiple times, but ultimately failed. However, he did attempt this at that moment, inevitably resulting in the near annihilation of his elite troops...

Therefore, it was truly not worth it for Yao Pingzhong to exchange for Cai You's life, so Su Wu's attitude was not to force the issue.

Upon hearing this, Yao Pingzhong stood up and bowed, saying, "Commander Su, this matter is of utmost importance, and I will do everything in my power to make it happen!"

Su Wu waved his hand and said, "Just listen to me. If we're in Huanqing, the journey back will be really difficult. Just go back from Huanqing, there's no need to force your way to Yan'an Prefecture. Once you're in Huanqing, go find Old Master Zhong. Whether Old Master Zhong is willing or not, he won't expose this for the time being. This way, you can get home from Old Master Zhong's thousands of troops!"

At this moment, Su Wu was thinking very deeply. As long as things went well, even if it was Zhong Shidao, he would not make things difficult for Yao Pingzhong at that time. This was a backup plan. It would be best to go to Liu Guangshi. Liu Guangshi was the safest option.

"Understood!" Yao Pingzhong's brows furrowed no longer. It was Commander Su's plan that had indeed reduced the danger of this matter by several levels.

Su Wu continued, "At that time, it will definitely be Huanqing or Fuyan, with soldiers escorting him. The Dangxiang probably won't send anyone to escort him, and those escorting soldiers will probably be a real problem."

"Don't worry about this, Commander Su, I have a plan!" Yao Pingzhong said confidently.

"What method?" Su Wu asked himself.

"I imagine the number won't be large, maybe a couple hundred at most. If there are too many, the Tanguts will definitely not allow the envoys to enter. So, there are only two methods, and we'll see which one to choose. One is to impersonate border scouts, attack and kill them, then run away. This method has its flaws, but it's easy to get close. The second method is for one of my men who can speak the Tangut language to impersonate a Tangut and chase after them, saying that the Tangut emperor has a secret order to pursue them, and ask the envoy Cai You to step aside and exchange some confidential information. Then, they can suddenly attack and run away! However, I'm afraid the second method will be difficult to convince Cai You..."

Yao Pingzhong's plan came to mind very quickly.

Su Wu immediately said with certainty, "The second method will work. When Cai You arrives at the Dangxiang, he will definitely be intimidated. When he encounters the Dangxiang people again, he will be trembling with fear. Your subordinate can just give orders, and he will definitely listen to your arrangements!"

"Is that really true?" Yao Pingzhong was skeptical.

Su Wu nodded seriously: "That must be it. A pampered person and a spoiled brat who has never even seen a murder in the capital are both arrogant and dissolute people who cannot withstand a few intimidations."

Those who liked to play tricks on the emperor in the capital, and those who immediately fled with Zhao Ji when the Jin army besieged the city, would surely suffer further humiliation and intimidation on their way to Xingqing Prefecture in Western Xia. How could they not tremble with fear? If they were caught up by the Dangxiang on the way, they would probably be so scared that they would shit themselves. How could they dare to resist? In their panic, they would have no intelligence to speak of.

Ideally, the Tanguts would be killed in Xingqing Prefecture. However, this is just wishful thinking; the Tanguts were not barbarians, and they wouldn't actually kill any envoys from the Song or Liao dynasties.

Yao Pingzhong nodded: "Then the second plan is to pretend to be a Tangut and secretly talk to him. We need to prepare more Tangut items so that we will be safer after leaving the country. The disguise will leave no flaws, and there will be witnesses and evidence pointing to the Tanguts, which is more in line with this plan!"

"You must call Cai You far away. Don't be afraid, just intimidate him. He will obediently submit. That way, after you kill the people, you can escape and avoid fighting among yourselves."

Su Wu thought about many, many things...

He added, "You could also deceive those present by saying that there are two or three thousand more riders coming from behind. That might deter them from actually pursuing us, and they'll just focus on getting back to report..."

“I understand, I will keep it in mind! In that case, Commander Su’s plan is already far more meticulous. Now it’s up to me to carry it out!” The wrinkles on Yao Pingzhong’s brows truly disappeared.

Previously, Yao Pingzhong's own idea was that as long as Cai You was killed, everything else could be discussed later. He also said that if anything went wrong, he would make sure that none of the people who went with him were left alive, including himself.

In retrospect, it seems that this matter did not need to come to this.

He couldn't help but glance at Commander Su. Working with Commander Su was truly comfortable; he thought of everything, big or small, with meticulous planning.

But then Su Wu said, "If... I mean if, it really doesn't work out and we can't succeed with this plan, don't force it. You must remember my words: don't force it. Just retreat and come back safely. I'll think of another way. You must come back safely!"

Yao Pingzhong felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this. Commander Su had said this twice already. It was truly a blessing for soldiers to work with Commander Su.

Yao Pingzhong nodded in agreement: "Don't worry, Commander Su, I understand..."

"Alright, that's enough. Now go back to your unit and tell them that the military order has been issued and it will be your unit's turn to return tomorrow!" Su Wu said.

"Yes, sir!" Yao Pingzhong bowed respectfully, then got up and went outside.

Su Wu followed several times, until he reached the door, watching Yao Pingzhong's retreating figure.

But seeing that Yao Pingzhong hadn't gone far, he turned back to look at Su Wu and nodded firmly.

Su Wu nodded in acknowledgment...

The two didn't say much. Yao Pingzhong turned his head back and quickened his pace. There seemed to be a strange sense of pride in his quickened pace.

Su Wu felt inexplicably worried...

Su Wu was always filled with worries, ever since he began his campaign against Liao. No matter what the matter was, once he had made a plan and started doing it, he was always plagued by anxieties...

This is why Su Wu became increasingly cautious, both in his campaign against Liao and in this matter.

Early the next morning, Yao Pingzhong gathered his troops and broke camp to return to base. Su Wu personally saw him off, which was nothing special. Earlier, when the Liu family father and son returned to base, Su Wu also personally saw them off.

Sending them off, the army marched on, their footsteps resounding, carts, horses, donkeys, and mules...

Yao Pingzhong stopped his horse beside Su Wu, first saying goodbye, and then softly added, "Don't worry, Commander Su, everything will go even more smoothly."

Su Wu nodded, but still cautioned, "Don't force it!"

"I know! I'll remember it!" Yao Pingzhong nodded, cupped his hands, pulled the reins, the horse turned its head, and with a stomp of his feet on the horse's belly, the steed was gone.

It was at the gates of the imperial city of Tokyo, a scene of farewell, where Cai You was sent as an envoy to the Dangxiang.

The emperor himself came to deliver it, and of course, there were official documents and such. He also bestowed a cloak upon Cai You's shoulders, with the emperor's words: "It is winter, and the north is bitterly cold with strong winds and sandstorms. With this item, the journey will be much warmer."

How could Cai You not be moved? He said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this time I am sent to the Dangxiang. I will follow the example of Su Qin and Zhang Yi, and I will argue my case in the Dangxiang court. I will make those Dangxiang barbarians dare not utter a word, and I will make their king come to the capital to surrender!"

The emperor was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Excellent, excellent, very good! I await Brother Ju'an's triumphant return!"

Cai You and Zhao Ji were actually about the same age, and Cai You was even slightly older. The two had a very good relationship.

Addressing him as "Brother Ju'an" is perfectly acceptable.

Cai You simply bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty's kindness is beyond repayment; the opportunity to repay your grace lies in this very day!"

After putting on his cloak, Cai You bowed again, turned around, lifted his cloak, and with an air of authority, he mounted his horse and rode off!

The emperor watched from afar, not returning for a long time, and even called out, "Brother Ju'an, take care on your journey!"

Cai You turned around, cupped his hands in greeting, and some soldiers, some runners, and some loyal servants from his household walked a little further away, dismounted, and boarded the carriage, which then swayed northwestward.

Cai You, on the other hand, was inexplicably in high spirits at this moment. His words just now were not false. He had read books and knew how capable people like Su Qin and Zhang Yi were.
On this trip, let us not only ramble on and talk, but also speak eloquently. How could the Celestial Empire, a superior nation, possibly lose its prestige?

Now, the Great Song Dynasty boasts a million armored warriors and thousands of generals, invincible in every battle, with its people living in peace and prosperity, and the world at peace. Externally, it has the Jurchens as its ally, and the vast Liao Empire, with its expansive territory, can be destroyed in an instant.

If we were to send such a powerful force to the Western Xia, how could the ruler of the Western Xia not be alarmed and fearful?
It is said that in the northwest, the Yellow River makes a large bend in the shape of the Chinese character "几" (ji). The upper half of this bend was the territory of the Western Xia. The left side of the river, at the foot of the Helan Mountains, was where Xingqing Prefecture was located, which later became Yinchuan City. The Tanguts were not poor. Downstream on the left side of the Yellow River, there were many cities, and the river irrigated countless fertile fields.

The top part of the character “几” is Yinshan Mountain, and the area enclosed by the river is called Hetao in ancient times. It is the area enclosed by the river, also known as Henan or Henan land.

The area at the foot of Yinshan Mountain was originally a pastureland for horses, with rivers and grass, abundant water and grass, and many plains within the Hetao region.

To put it bluntly, the area around Xingqing Prefecture at the foot of Helan Mountain is filled with countless fertile fields, while the area around the Hetao Plain at the foot of Yin Mountain is ideal for nomadic herding, teeming with cattle, sheep, and horses—needless to say.

Furthermore, to the left of the character "几" is the west, which is the location of the famous Hexi Four Prefectures, formerly Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang.

It was simply renamed Shazhou, Suzhou, Ganzhou, and Liangzhou early on, and the name Gansu thereafter originated from this.

Also known as the Hexi Corridor, it is a key area for the Central Plains to reach the Western Regions and a vital point on the Silk Road. Although it is now under the control of the Tanguts, its trade is still quite developed.

The Tanguts made a fortune by engaging in resale trade. In truth, the strength of the Tanguts was beyond imagination, and they were not simply a small country with a small population that only knew how to fight and be aggressive.

The war between the Song Dynasty and the Tanguts was not only with the Tanguts. On one side, there was the Tanguts to fight on the north side of the Hexi Corridor, and on the other side, there were the Qingtang tribes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to fight on the south side.

For a long time, the Song army was caught in a pincer movement here. Later, Wang Shao and Li Xian opened up the border at Xihe, and Tong Guan fought against the Qusiluo, which gradually resolved many issues in the southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, while the northern Dangxiang remained steadfast.

On the other side, to the east, lies the edge of the Loess Plateau, including places like Huanqing in Yan'an Prefecture, and even extending all the way to Shenmu in Yulin, Shaanxi.

When the fighting actually begins, the battlefield is extremely vast, with interlocking lines and fierce fighting.

In recent years, however, the grand scale of the so-called "five-pronged attack on Xia" is long gone. Back then, they attacked from all sides and returned defeated.

Su Wu recently also wanted to find maps of the Northwest and the Dangxiang region to study, and he just kept asking for them from the Privy Council.

The more you study it, the more headaches you get. The phrase "crisscrossing ravines" becomes incredibly complex when applied to maps of different areas...

The real trouble on the border between the two countries is not anything else, but these crisscrossing ravines.

Why is the Western Xia so difficult to defeat?

Most of the Loess Plateau was under the Song Dynasty, and a small part was under the Western Xia Dynasty. The border cities of the Western Xia Dynasty blocked many exits from the Loess Plateau to the north, which was the transition from the Loess Plateau to the Mongolian Plateau. The Western Xia army blocked these exits and built cities and fortresses.

When the Song Dynasty attacked the Western Xia, they went from the east, which meant slowly moving north through the gullies of the Loess Plateau. The terrain was mostly narrow and cramped, making it difficult to deploy a large army. Once they passed through, they would be faced with the cities of the Western Xia.

To the west, the situation is even more complex, with the Qilian Mountains on one side and the Loess Plateau on the other. This area is also a transitional zone, consisting of rocky mountains, hills, and valleys formed by the Yellow River's alluvial deposits...

The real path, however, inevitably leads to the blockade of Western Xia cities, requiring further sieges.

All of the above-mentioned places have an average altitude of over 1,000 meters, and the elevation differences are extremely large, ranging from over 1,000 to 2,000 meters in some places and from several hundred to 1,000 meters in others...

Given this situation, in the past, when the Song Dynasty fought against the Tanguts, even if a civil official was sent from the capital to lead a group of regimental and brigade commanders, how could they possibly win easily?
This forced Fan Zhongyan to run out of ideas. In the end, in order to stabilize the situation, he also used a stupid method, which was the fortification strategy. He simply built fortifications at each key node in these crisscrossing trenches, one after another, which inevitably blocked the way completely!
At this moment, Su Wu, while studying the matter, also summoned many military generals from the Northwest for a serious meeting.

He also heard the crowd slowly pointing out details on the map, and Su Wu even took notes himself, writing countless characters...

In this way, and in that way, Su Wu humbly sought advice and studied diligently, sometimes spending a whole day discussing something, sometimes a whole day learning something.

At night, Su Wu and Zhong Shidao sat facing each other.

Zhong Shidao slowly began to speak: "Emperor Shenzong launched a five-pronged attack on Xia. I was in my prime at the time, and I went on the expedition with my uncle. My Zhong family's expedition was the most valiant. We fought all the way to Mizhi, Shizhou, Yinzhou, and Xiazhou. The fighting was extremely fierce, with two-thirds of our soldiers lost and our food supplies running low. When we returned, the scene was horrific, with countless people dying of cold and hunger... In the blink of an eye, more than forty years have passed."

Su Wu listened attentively. Zhong Shidao's uncle was Zhong E, a valiant general.

Su Wu also knew that reaching Xia Prefecture was still far from Xingqing Prefecture, still on the border, and had not yet penetrated deep into the heart of Western Xia.

Su Wu then asked, "Why is there a shortage of provisions?"

"Firstly, the northwest route was difficult to procure supplies. Secondly, the Dangxiang cavalry were roaming everywhere, frequently raiding supply routes. Thirdly, we did think that there were many Han Chinese in the Dangxiang prefectures, and we considered the idea of ​​welcoming the royal army with food and drink. But we actually went and implemented a scorched-earth policy... Even within the cities, there wasn't much food stored. The Dangxiang were fighting fiercely, and when the cities fell, the supplies were burned. Finally, there was one more point: too many soldiers were a burden! With such a situation, the battlefield was littered with dead and wounded. In the end, we only managed to capture some border cities and fortresses. Alas..."

Zhong Shidao was reminded of painful memories.

Su Wu understood the crux of the matter: a massive scheme had been orchestrated, yet in the end, most of the victims were killed or wounded, while the gains were meager.

Su Wu understood: "Therefore, for this expedition, the first priority is elite troops, and the second is provisions."

Zhong Shidao nodded: "Indeed, unless we really reach the vicinity of Xingqing Prefecture, we will not have a single grain of enemy food. This time, the matter of food supplies is of utmost importance. You must not underestimate the Dangxiang!"

Su Wu nodded: "I will be cautious and careful."

"Let me tell you a story..." Zhong Shidao recalled the past, his face already weathered by time.

Su Wu nodded, and Zhong Shidao slowly explained, "The Tanguts are also skilled in stratagems. Earlier, the Tanguts ambushed our army, but fearing our numerous scouts would expose our ambush, they sealed many pigeons in clay boxes of various sizes and placed them at the ambush site, then hid far away. As our army advanced, our generals were momentarily unaware. When a soldier picked up a clay box and opened it, many pigeons flew into the sky. The Tanguts, seeing only pigeons flying in the sky, realized that their ambush forces had been deployed, and our army suffered a great defeat!"

The story was clearly true. Su Wu frowned upon hearing it. How brilliant was this strategy?
This also illustrates another point: in ancient times, successfully launching an ambush was an extremely difficult task.

Many people inevitably think that all you need to do is find a good spot, set up an ambush, lie down, and wait for the enemy to take the bait. But it's not that simple...

The enemy isn't stupid either. They have scouts, reconnaissance men, and people who climb over mountains to investigate... How could an ambush be easily hidden?

Just like in this story, the ambushers had to hide far away, not even showing their heads, so that the enemy would release pigeons from the ambush site to determine the enemy's movements.

Just like in historical records, Li Shimin personally rode out of the enemy camp to lure them in in order to launch an ambush. He was chased and almost lost his life before the ambush was successfully completed.

Even at this moment, how could Su Wu easily have come up with such an ambush plan? He had certainly learned a lot and improved his skills. This plan might not work again, but this idea had truly broadened his horizons.

Su Wu replied only, "My lord, rest assured. If war truly breaks out, it will be a matter of life and death, and I will be extremely cautious, walking on thin ice with utmost care!"

"Alright, I don't doubt you, I'm just an old man who likes to talk too much, so please don't take offense, Commander Su." Zhong Shidao had also been a young man, so he knew that young people didn't like to hear old men talk too much.

Su Wu simply bowed and said, "Master Zhong, what are you saying? Such earnest teachings are my great honor!"

“Very well, very well…” Zhong Shidao stroked his beard and laughed: “But we must never let the tragedy of forty years ago repeat itself…”

Su Wu could hear the lingering fear, worry, and apprehension in Zhong Shidao's heart.

Su Wu simply nodded and said, "I have decided that in this battle, the troops should only be divided into two routes, not five, so as to ensure that the advantage of our forces is concentrated in one place."

“Good!” Master Zhong agreed.

Su Wu continued, "Furthermore, we will launch the first campaign, following the route of General Zhong's previous advance: Mizhi, Yinzhou, Shizhou, and Xiazhou. We will secure the supply lines with heavy troops, drawing the Dangxiang army away. The second campaign will then proceed, leaving Huanqing, attacking Weizhou, and heading towards Xiping Prefecture and Xingqing Prefecture!"

“Excellent!” Zhong Shidao nodded earnestly and said, “This method is excellent. By concentrating our forces, we can launch a fierce attack on one place. The Dangxiang army will have to come to our aid, even if they don’t want to… In this way, we can then march out of Huanqing and head north along the Yellow River. That will be the end of the Dangxiang’s troubles!”

Su Wu immediately asked, "Then... would Old Master Zhong walk the same path again?"

Su Wu's final act of revealing his true intentions was to trick Zhong Shidao into following the path of his youth, and of course, to use Zhong Shidao as bait.

Su Wu truly couldn't trust anyone else. If he could truly unite the entire nation's strength and resolve, then this opportunity was one he absolutely couldn't miss. The only one he could rely on was Zhong Shidao.

“Sigh…” Zhong Shidao’s eyes reddened as he recalled forty years ago, when countless people died, and countless others succumbed to cold and hunger. Two out of three were gone, all good young men, all from their hometown, all neighbors…

The memory of that horrific scene is truly painful. Would I want to go back again?
Doesn't that require immense courage?
Su Wu added, "From the map, I can tell that this road is the Wuding River Road. As the Tang poem says, 'Pitiful are the bones by the Wuding River, still the dream of those in their boudoirs.' This time, my lord, you are going there again, surely for revenge, to avenge your fallen comrades!"

Zhong Shidao sighed and said, "It's not that I'm afraid, it's that I'm sad..."

"To avenge this wrong is a joyous occasion!" Su Wu declared resolutely.

"Go, I can go myself. Forty years have passed, what harm is there in going again!" With these words, Zhong Shidao's vicissitudes vanished, and his imposing aura emanated from him. How could he not be a commander of thousands of troops?
Su Wu was overjoyed: "That's excellent! With General Zhong in the east, I can stay in the west. I just need to wait for General Zhong's momentum to be unstoppable, and then I will launch an attack to the north. Baima River, Lingzhou River, and then the Yellow River. Xingqing Prefecture is not far away!"

They were all talking about strategy, all well-intentioned plans.

If it really succeeds, it will still be the soldiers who fight with their swords and spears, and only if they win can they talk about it.

But with the strategy set, Su Wu, still troubled, went to a certain place to observe the implementation.

But then Zhong Shidao said, "My brother Shizhong is also willing to go! He used to be in the army, and he just joined not long ago!"

"Excellent, excellent, perfect!" Su Wu was overjoyed. He was leading the Zhong brothers, who were in their sixties and seventies, to seek revenge for the grudge from forty years ago. This feeling made Su Wu feel a surge of passion in his heart.

Su Wu also noticed that Zhong Shidao's eyes had been red just moments before, but now he was looking radiant. However, his radiance had only just begun when Zhong Shidao suddenly asked, "General Su, is it really possible for this campaign against Xia to proceed?"

"Rest assured!" Su Wu patted his chest and said, "We will certainly mobilize the entire nation to wage this war!"

However, there was still a hint of doubt in Zhong Shidao's eyes. He had said so much just now, and now he was probably afraid that his temper would flare up, but the court was unwilling to fight.

Su Wu didn't say much, only saying, "In a couple of days, Lord Zhong will also be returning to his capital. Go back and prepare as soon as possible!"

"Alright, I will go back and prepare, and wait for your news!" Zhong Shidao nodded.

Su Wu's intention was not only to have Zhong Shidao go back to prepare, but also to have Zhong Shidao return as soon as possible, in case Yao Pingzhong encountered any difficulties and had to return to Huanqing. It would be better if Zhong Shidao was in Huanqing.

To prevent the seed master from being unaware of the situation and ruining everything.

After the two finished talking, it was already late at night. Su Wu escorted Zhong Shidao back to his camp, all the way.

Returning to his seat, Su Wu looked up to see a bright moon and sparse stars. The universe was vast, and the road ahead seemed long. He sighed, letting go of his weariness and the weight of his burdens...

The army of Jiangnan, Wang Bing and Wang Xun...

The Hebei army, led by Li Gang, Suo Chao, and Zhang Qing...

The army of Hedong, Guan Sheng...

Regarding the situation in Hedong and Taiyuan... it would be best for Xu Wangbing to go to Taiyuan. Firstly, to guard against the Jurchens. If the Jurchens move south, the western front will be nothing more than the line of Datong, Yanmen Pass, and Taiyuan... Wangbing should go and oversee the situation to protect Hedong!

This matter needs to be discussed with the Grand Councilor Tong Guan. From a military perspective, Datong is currently engaged in a fierce battle, and there is also the fear that the remnants of the Liao army might come south. It should not be difficult for Wang Bing to go to Taiyuan.

JD.com... needless to say.

Now, the Northwest... the Northwest must be well planned and successful!

In this way, the hearts and minds of the army can be united under one person. Even if all military power is not in one person's hands, as long as the hearts and minds of the army are in one person, there will be few worries.

Several days have passed, and Su Wu has no idea where Yao Pingzhong has gone. He frowned again and looked up at the bright moon.

(End of this chapter)