Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 305 We must purge the court of corrupt officials and kill all those parasitic, treacherous, and wicked men!
Datong has been an important border town since ancient times. From the Spring and Autumn Period to the Warring States Period, the Qin and Han Dynasties, the Sixteen Kingdoms Period, the Tang Dynasty, and later the Ming Dynasty, it has always been an extremely important north-south node.

Controlling Datong meant controlling one of the most crucial points between the northern and central regimes, and in many cases, the only one.

It is the last extension of the Loess Plateau in the east, the pass of the Fenhe Plain in the north, and the most important passage between the Yanshan Mountains and the Taihang Mountains.

It would be easy for the Central Plains regimes to launch northward expeditions from here. Any northern regime that controlled this area could easily move south into the Fen River Plain or east directly into the Yan-Yun River region...

The Liao Dynasty regarded this place as its western capital and managed it exceptionally well. It was also a key base for the Liao Dynasty's control over the grasslands and an important trade node between the grasslands and the Yan-Yun region under the Liao Dynasty's rule. Therefore, it would have been difficult for this place not to be prosperous in the past.

Unfortunately, this city is now a desolate wasteland. The Jurchen army has besieged it for a long time, and countless elderly, women, and children have starved to death. The men have also suffered heavy casualties. There is no economic activity to speak of. There is no food, no people. Apart from that high wall, there is nothing left...

There weren't many Jurchens in the city. Wanyan Xie was stationed in Yanjing at the time, and Yanjing had everything: money, grain, and people...

It wasn't that the Jurchens were unaware of the importance of this place, but rather that it didn't seem particularly important at the moment. Moreover, given the current situation, Datong, having just endured a prolonged siege, couldn't afford to station a large army there...

More importantly, the Jurchens did not have a large army stationed here at this time; all of their tens of thousands of troops had marched south.

Temporarily stationed in Datong was Wanyan Zhamu, who had previously attacked Zhang Jue in Pingzhou. His forces consisted of several hundred Jurchens and people of various ethnicities. The old Liao army numbered only about ten thousand men, and these included slaves and the like...

The slaves in the Jin army were, in other words, similar to the auxiliary soldiers in the Song dynasty...

Su Wu arrived, but the main army had not yet arrived. Ten thousand cavalrymen arrived first, so an attack on the city was not going to happen anytime soon. He stationed himself outside the city and waited for the Jurchens inside the city to send the news to Yanjing, and even further south.

Wang Bing had received Su Wu's letter early on and came, though not with a large army, but with several hundred cavalry.

Historically speaking, the first Jurchen invasion southward would have involved two routes: Wanyan Zongwang would have marched south from the Yanyun River, while Wanyan Zonghan would have marched south from Datong to attack Taiyuan.

Now, everything has changed. The Jurchens did not initially plunder Yan and Yun. Their southward advance was brought forward, and their preparations were not as thorough. It was not the kind of war that started after careful preparation. Everything happened somewhat suddenly, out of necessity, and there was even the variable of Su Wu. The Jurchens were more wary of the Song Dynasty. The Jurchens initially only wanted to plunder Yan and Yun, and did not intend to occupy territory or cities, which also led to the fact that they did not split their forces to fight.

Xu Juzhen never expected Su Wu to make such a move as changing homes. Why?

Just like Su Wu's offer to exchange homes with the Tanguts in the past, the principle is the same.

At this time, the Jurchens did not truly have a home. Datong was not their home, Yanjing was not their home, and neither was Dading Prefecture nor Linhuang Prefecture. Even if Su Wu fought his way to Huanglong Prefecture, Huanglong Prefecture could not yet be considered their true home...

Besides, what could possibly be in these places?
Conversely, Hebei and the capital region are far more strategically important, and Kaifeng, the capital city, was truly the home of the Song Dynasty.

Under such circumstances, would the Jurchens be afraid of changing their homeland?

The Jurchen army entered Yan and Yun, broke through Hebei, and its troops were on the Yellow River, ready to besiege Tokyo. How could the Song people dare to change their home?

From a strategic and interest perspective, are these comparable?
But who could have imagined that Su Wu would actually cross the desert from the Dangxiang region and head towards Datong?

Why?

Perhaps for one reason, this is not a trade-off for Su Wu personally, and he dares to "trade"!
Su Wu wasn't actually "changing homes"...

The Jurchens must have known that if their troops entered Hebei and even threatened Tokyo, the Song emperor would not take any risky actions and would definitely order Su Wu to return to the capital to provide assistance.

However, the Jurchens certainly did not know that there would come a day when even the imperial edicts of the Song emperor would be ineffective.

So when Su Wu arrived in Datong, Wanyan Zhamu on the city wall was surprised and wondered why the Song army, with such fast horses and cavalry, did not hurry back to Hebei to fight and rescue, but came to this godforsaken place, Datong.

What does Datong have?
Datong has lost everything...

But this place was one of the Jurchens' most important retreat routes. Of course, there were many other retreat routes, such as the Gubeikou and Xifengkou lines, Zhangjiakou, and, going east, Yingzhou and Yuguan. All of these allowed them to retreat from Yanyun to the outside of the pass.

There are actually quite a few roads...

But as long as Su Wu can truly enter Yanyun and calmly make arrangements, there aren't actually many paths to take.

Wang Bing and Su Wu sat facing each other in a military tent beneath the city of Datong.

Wang Bing was somewhat flustered and said, "Commander Su, you may not know, but there's a lot of news about Hebei, and all sorts of rumors are circulating. In the past day or two, there have even been rumors that Daming Prefecture has fallen, but I don't know if it's true or not..."

News is pouring in, some true, some false, impossible to verify. Everything is in chaos, a complete mess. Legitimate official correspondence and postal services are paralyzed in countless ways. So, with so many people talking at once, it's impossible to tell what's going on...

Su Wu frowned...

Wang Bing added, "I've also heard that the Jurchens are caught in a dilemma, looting everywhere, and they're planning to plunder the capital region of Jingdong. A large army has also set off for Jingdong..."

Su Wu still frowned...

Wang Bing continued, "My lord, I have also heard that the armies in the northwest have already passed Shanzhou and will soon enter Hebei. But I know this news is definitely false..."

Su Wu slightly raised his hand: "Let's not talk about that. Let's talk about the present situation. How many troops have gathered in Taiyuan?"

Wang Binglai replied, "Those who can be gathered and are willing to come, a total of thirty-six or thirty-seven thousand soldiers have been gathered..."

Su Wu frowned again; clearly, Wang Bing still dared not do it...

What are we afraid to do? We dare not go too far. If Su Wu were to come and gather troops, he could at least gather 70,000 to 80,000. The troops in Hedong have never been few.

The reason Wang Bing couldn't gather people was simply because he didn't dare to actually kill and seize power.

Su Wu said, "Write a letter quickly later. I have the seal of the military supervisor Li Yanzhi here. Just come and stamp it. All the prefectures and counties in Hedong must obey my orders. Money, grain, soldiers, auxiliary troops, and civilians must all be at my command. If they do not obey, I will send someone to demand it!"

Su Wu has come in person, but he's not so easy to talk to anymore. Those who don't obey can be arrested or killed at will. At this moment, Su Wu is not Wang Bing!

Upon hearing Su Wu's words, Wang Bing nodded in agreement: "If you, sir, are to do it, then it will be very simple."

Su Wu nodded: "Thirty-six or seventy thousand should be enough for now. I imagine there are quite a few capable soldiers in Taiyuan..."

At this point, Su Wu went to see Wang Bing, waiting for his reply.

Wang Bing nodded earnestly: "Rest assured, my lord. Bingzhou is a place known for its fierce and valiant people. I, as a general, dare not slacken in my military duties. I have a capable group of men under my command!"

Su Wu was pleased, for it was finally the foreshadowing from the past that could be used today.

He then said, "Alright, urge them again, urge all the troops to come quickly. The siege cannot be delayed. Datong must be taken quickly. I need to enter Yanyun as soon as possible!"

The infantry coming from the west across the desert was not going to be fast, and there were many things to do along the way, such as collecting grain, fodder, horses and supplies from the various Tangut tribes...

The journey to Taiyuan is certainly faster; Bingzhou is Taiyuan...

"Rest assured, my lord, we will surely have over 20,000 men within three days, of whom 15,000 to 16,000 will be highly capable and battle-hardened! At that time, I will personally supervise the battle and lead the charge!"

Wang Bing's words were not particularly profound, but they were certainly credible.

Su Wu also asked, "What about the provisions?"

Wang Bing replied, "This humble general has already prepared a considerable amount, enough to feed the 100,000 troops for one or two months. With Your Excellency personally coming to Hedong to take command, there will certainly be a continuous supply. Hedong has ample grain, Your Excellency need not worry!"

Su Wu felt relieved, but he was worried about running out of food. All in all, the army of 130,000 soldiers and 100,000 horses that came from the northwest could not afford to go hungry for even a day. If they went hungry, all their previous efforts would be in vain.

As long as we don't go hungry, everything is negotiable.

This matter needs to be taken seriously, and Wu Yong should be put in charge. Let him lead two or three thousand cavalry to travel between the prefectures and counties of Hedong. Wu Yong has plenty of tricks up his sleeve, whether it's persuasion, intimidation, beating or killing, he can handle it all well.

Money, provisions, soldiers, laborers—no matter the means, Wu Yong had to get them for Su Wu. This route through Hedong had to be used to its fullest potential.

Hedong, mainly Shanxi, is a narrow plain nestled between the Taihang and Lüliang Mountains. The Fen River flows through it, irrigating thousands of miles of land. Since ancient times, it has been a source of grain and military strength, and also the place where many people rose to power, such as the Tang Dynasty.

Wu Yong understands the importance of keeping Hedong under his control and will naturally know how to do it.

Officials, soldiers, and the grassroots power system.

In these extraordinary times, Wu Yong knew better than Su Wu who should be killed and who should be spared, and he acted ruthlessly accordingly.

Su Wu suddenly asked, "The Prefect of Taiyuan..."

That's all for now...

Wang Bing replied, "Zhang Gongxiaocun is indeed a very capable man. He understands strategy and is clear about the greater good."

Historically, it was this man who, along with Wang Bing, besieged Taiyuan for eight months. During this time, the Song court had already ceded Taiyuan to the Jurchens. Even when the Song emperor sent envoys to personally accompany the Jurchens to the city to issue an edict ordering Wang Bing and Zhang Xiaocun to open the city gates and surrender, the two refused to open the gates and remained besieged in the isolated city until the very last moment.

However, it was this same person who, after the city fell, was captured by the Jurchens and eventually surrendered, becoming the prime minister of the puppet state of Qi under the Jurchens.

Sometimes, it's hard to even know how to evaluate this.

To say that Zhang Xiaocun was a coward? Is that true? To say he was disloyal and unjust? Can we really say that? Half of the country had fallen, yet Taiyuan remained as firmly rooted as a nail, and Zhang Xiaocun accomplished nothing?
At a certain moment, a certain event completely shattered Zhang Xiaocun's spirit: the subject fought to the death, but the emperor surrendered.

That was Zhang Xiaocun, besieged in a lonely city, perhaps waiting for the imperial army to come and reclaim the lost territory one day, waiting to hold out until that moment, but instead, he was met with an imperial envoy who ordered him to surrender...

I don't know who to blame for this...

Su Wu thought for a moment and said, "I should meet this Minister Zhang. He has already agreed to our request..."

Wang Bing said directly, "Your Excellency can rest assured. Prime Minister Zhang is a man of great integrity. He has been running around tirelessly to raise funds and provisions. Although I have not known him for long, we have become close friends. Prime Minister Zhang will not make any mistakes; he will only be a help to us!"

Wang Bing seemed to be trying to guess Su Wu's thoughts as well.

Su Wu nodded in agreement: "Taiyuan is of utmost importance. With you as my guarantor, there's nothing to worry about!"

Su Wu believed Wang Bing's report, trusting that he could handle these matters. He also felt that Zhang Xiaocun was not the kind of stubborn and inflexible person who could be persuaded to share the benefits and losses with the nation and the world. Moreover, he believed that Zhang Xiaocun was truly talented.

"The affairs of Hedong are certainly not difficult if you, sir, handle them personally. With the assistance of Minister Zhang, the situation in Hedong is of paramount importance, concerning the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers. I, your humble general, would never dare to speak recklessly about the people and matters of Hedong!"

Wang Bing was well aware of the importance and urgency of the matter, so he reassured Su Wu once again.

"Alright, let's talk about the war. Once Datong falls, you will defend this city. No matter what, you must not allow a single Jurchen to escape through here!" Su Wu was plotting. Datong was a crucial point; it had to be absolutely secure. The Jurchens couldn't return from here, they couldn't return from Zhangjiakou, they couldn't return from Gubeikou, they couldn't return from Yuguan...

Then the Jurchens truly became caged beasts.

At the very least, the Jurchens must not return bloated; all that they have taken must be returned, and all that they have taken must be returned, leaving them empty-handed and with heavy losses.

The Yanshan Mountains actually have many roads, including those that cross mountains and valleys, as well as narrow paths between them. However, these paths are too narrow for carts or even herds of horses to traverse...

Su Wu was also thinking that Hedong, the northwestern routes, Yanyun, and even Hebei and the eastern part of the country... if they were connected into one whole...

In fact, it was only half of the country. This half of the country was originally intended to become the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Great Song Dynasty became the Southern Song Dynasty, which was confined to a corner of the country.

Su Wu, I want it!
Therefore, there are far too many things to do afterward, and a great deal of trouble.

After entering Yanyun, there is another crucial matter: to find Li Hang, Zhao Cuncheng, and others. Some things need to be started slowly, and we need to see how to begin.

Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) was an incompetent, cowardly, weak, and cowardly man...

Zhao Huan was stubborn, cowardly, lacking in strategy and wisdom, and devoid of his own opinions...

People like Cai Jing are nothing but parasites on the nation.

"Purge the court of corrupt officials"—what a apt phrase. This is what was meant for people like Li Hang and Zhao Chengchun, and also for Zong Ze…

Even Li Gang...

Su Wu looked at Wang Bing, who was replying, "My lord, rest assured, Datong is a fortified city. I will defend it and live or die with it, and I will not let a single barbarian horse pass by!"

How could Su Wu not believe Wang Bing's words?
The two chatted for a long time, and then some wine and dishes were served. They drank together several times. It was the wine and dishes that Wang Bing had brought. He knew that Su Wu had come all the way from Xingqing Prefecture and must have had a very tiring journey. As the host, he should also treat him well.

Just waiting for the cups to come and go a few times...

Su Wu suddenly stopped talking about the war and said, "General Wang, there is no distance between us. Let me ask you this: this time, the imperial decree ordered me to enter Hebei and the capital region, but I led my troops here instead. I don't know if this was the right thing to do..."

Wang Bing took a deep breath, his brows furrowed, truly unsure whether he approved or not. In his heart, he felt both approval and disapproval.

He knew why Su Wu had come, and he knew that doing so was the most strategically correct course of action.

However, some were not entirely convinced. How could they disobey the emperor's decree? And how could the commander of troops so blatantly defy the imperial order?
"It's alright. Between us, there's a bond of life and death. Just say it!" Su Wu seemed genuinely conflicted.

Seeing this, Su Wu was extremely conflicted. Wang Bing said, "My lord, in my humble opinion, since we're already here, let's just focus on doing our best in the present moment. If we do our best, we'll save the people from suffering. Whether it's a merit or a demerit, we'll only remember the Emperor's wisdom!"

Su Wu suddenly asked, "Chief Steward Wang, is the Emperor truly wise and sagacious?"

"Huh?" Upon hearing this, Wang Bing's eyebrows shot open in fright, his heart pounding wildly. Could this be something he should say?
Su Wu spoke calmly and slowly: "These words, if it were when you and I were merely lowly soldiers, we would not have dared to speak them... But now that we have become scholars, close advisors to the emperor, and pillars of the nation, why shouldn't we speak them? This is remonstrance; since ancient times, what scholar-official has not spoken of the right and wrong of the ruler..."

Wang Bing was actually quite naive, having never held a high-ranking official position, so Su Wu had to explain things to him.

Wang Bing felt somewhat relieved after hearing the explanation. It made sense. Whether the emperor was wise or not, could his subjects not speak out? Otherwise, what would be the use of the Censorate and the Remonstrance Bureau, and what would be the use of those censors and officials who dared to speak out?
"But... how can I properly answer your question, sir..." Wang Bing said.

“If you won’t tell me, then I will… Your Majesty, how many foolish things have you done? Take that great bandit from Jiangnan, for example. Why did he have so many followers? How could your Wuzhou withstand such chaos? And what about the Flower and Stone Tribute, and the Suzhou Imperial Supplies Bureau? Everyone in Jiangnan talks about it. The Imperial Supplies Bureau is like a small court in the southeast. Have you ever said that?” Su Wu spoke slowly.

Wang Bing gave an awkward smile. In private, how could he not have talked about the "small court in the southeast"?
"And let's talk about the recent events in Yan and Yun. You're closer to the situation, so you must know more about it than I do. What are the soldiers and refugees who fled from Yan and Yun saying?" Su Wu asked.

Wang Bing shook his head and said, "Alas... this humble general... this humble general... should not speak recklessly..."

"In truth, the Emperor is virtuous and kind, as everyone knows. Our Emperor has been on the throne for over twenty years. Who does not know his exceptional talent? Who does not know his pure and virtuous character? But how has the world come to this?"

Su Wu continued to ask, as if he was filled with sorrow and had no one to confide in, and that wine was the only way to vent his frustrations to Wang Bing.

Wang Bing simply listened, letting his husband vent... He took these words as hearsay and pretended not to remember them at all...

However, it seemed that Prime Minister Su was holding back his words, and he couldn't control himself any longer. He continued, "How has the world come to this? Corrupt officials are in power in the court, and His Majesty is deaf to their accusations. But who in the world doesn't speak out in private? Who doesn't curse them in private? How can the rise and fall of the nation be achieved with a court full of treacherous officials? This time I came to Datong, and you said that in the future I would only remember the Emperor's wisdom. I say... when this matter is settled, the moment I enter the capital, I will be facing death..."

“How could this be? My lord, do not worry. Once this matter is settled, the merits and demerits will be known to all under heaven…” Wang Bing said.

Su Wu waved his hand and said, "If that day really comes, and I don't want to die, what should I do?"

Wang Bing suddenly felt as if there was no air around him, and he was about to suffocate.

Su Xianggong continued, “If the emperor is misled and deceived by treacherous officials, no matter how loyal and righteous I am, I would not want to die unjustly for my merits. I should cleanse the court of corrupt officials and kill all those parasitic and treacherous villains! In return, I will have virtuous and capable ministers to serve the emperor. How many virtuous and capable people are there in the world? Censor Li Gang, Zong Ze of Dongping Prefecture, you, Wang Bing… even that Zhang Xiaocun you mentioned, aren’t they all virtuous and capable? Cai Jing and the likes of Zhu Mian in the past… who among them is virtuous and capable?”

"Ms. sir..."

"Ok?"

“My lord, you’re talking too much…” Wang Bing was advising, “My lord, don’t get agitated, don’t talk nonsense, I don’t dare to listen to you anymore.”

"What's there to be afraid of? Things have come to this point, I will offer my blood to Xuanyuan!" Su Wu said loudly. He wanted Wang Bing to board the ship, and he also wanted Wang Bing to be bold. Su Wu also discovered that Wang Bing was really timid and handled the affairs of Hedong very hesitantly.

What are all those officials in the prefectures and counties anyway?
"My lord is loyal and righteous, but I, your humble servant... alas..."

"Alright, I won't scare you anymore. If the emperor truly wants to purge his inner circle of corrupt officials in the future, you won't need to go..."

"That's not what I meant. I meant... Sir, perhaps there are other ways, perhaps the Emperor still has some wisdom." Wang Bing understood Su Wu, but felt that things hadn't come to that point yet.

Su Wu nodded and said, "Let's see... let's see how the officials in Tokyo are doing, and whether the Emperor is truly wise enough!"

Wang Bing was unaware that the officials of Dongjing had already abandoned the city and fled, and that the emperor had even abandoned the state. One can only imagine how disappointed Wang Bing would be upon hearing this news…

And when the time comes, show the king how many imperial edicts of punishment will arrive...

Su Wu waved his hand and said, "Enough said. Prepare for war, prepare for the siege. No matter what, we must first settle the current situation. Only then will we have a chance to see the Emperor's wisdom in the future. If we lose the current situation, what else is there to talk about... We will only face death."

Wang Bing quickly stood up and cupped his hands in greeting: "I will never forget your kindness, sir. This time, I am ready to die on the city wall!"

"Don't die, keep your life. I promise that one day when I die, only you will be willing to collect my body!" Su Wu's words revealed his deep cunning.

Wang Bing didn't know what else to say, so he just sighed and left.

Looking up, one sees the majestic city of Datong, the iron armor of the Jurchen people, and the fluttering banners.

How could the nation and its people have come to this? Wang Bing was filled with sorrow and lamentation...

My lord, you've truly faced a difficult situation, as difficult as ascending to heaven. In this dire straits, you still prioritize saving the people from their suffering...

What is the state? The people are the state...

Never mind, I won't think about it anymore. I looked up through the tent flap at the city wall. How easy is it to fight?
Although the city wall was magnificent, it was also dilapidated, with the front section already broken into pieces and the crenellations full of gaps, so it didn't seem difficult to attack.

I can't help but think that if we really enter the city, the first thing we should do is repair the city walls.

Meanwhile, the situation south of Bianjing was even more dire. To leave the city and head south, one had to cross a river. The waterways of Bianjing were intricate and complex, and what was once the most convenient means of supplying the entire country to Bianjing had now become an obstacle to escape.

Along the riverbank, people were scrambling to cross by boat, and as the pontoon bridge was being built, countless people were eager to get across.

The Emperor... the Retired Emperor is also waiting to cross the river to Zhenjiang to pray for blessings...

In an instant, chaos ensued!
For a time, the retired emperor was surrounded by many old men, one speaking up and another criticizing.

"You unruly commoners! You are ignorant and rude people! How can you rush about like this when the Emperor is here!"

"A bunch of traitors!"

"How utterly outrageous!"

"Prime Minister, Prime Minister, where is your victorious army? Why are we unable to cross the river here!"

The Grand Chancellor, Tong Guan, was in a terrible predicament. He looked at the Emperor, who had long lost his dignified bearing. The Emperor stood there, hunched over, weak and listless, tears streaming down his face, waving his hands repeatedly: "Cross the river, cross the river..."

Tong Guan went to look, both in front and behind, surrounded by constant chatter. The emperor was extremely anxious. All over the mountains and along the riverbanks, countless people were scrambling to get there first...

Now, it seems that all matters and affairs are in Tong Guan's hands.

Tong Guan uttered a single sentence: "Guards, drive away the rioters who are obstructing the emperor's procession..."

Alas... judging by the chaos all around, can this be easily driven away? These people are certainly not ordinary citizens. And who among those from the capital city of Tokyo is easy to deal with?
Tong Guan roared, "Anyone who obstructs the Emperor's journey shall be killed!"

Before long, the soldiers of the victorious army were seen drawing their bows and nocking their arrows, ready to shoot...

The women, however, were not afraid. They rushed to climb the pontoon bridge, which was not yet completed. It was a pontoon bridge built for the emperor, but the emperor had not yet boarded it, and the bridge was not yet finished. If they pushed and shoved like this, the bridge might not be able to be built properly...

Tong Guan shouted sternly, "Shoot!"

They were truly shot. Regardless of what the soldiers thought, the general's order was given, and the arrows were indeed shot at people, specifically those coming out of the city of Tokyo.

Instantly, not only were there deaths and injuries, but countless people also fell into the water...

Chaos erupted, cries of alarm filled the air, and an unspeakable sorrow filled the air...

Not far to the north, on the banks of the Yellow River, the Jurchen vanguard, ready to fight to the death, was also beginning to cross the river...

At the foot of Dongping Prefecture, in Jingdong, drums beat loudly and horns sounded continuously, signaling the start of another battle!
The Jin army is ready and has begun to scale the city walls!
The woman's voice, sharp and continuous, emanated from the city wall: "Soldiers, today is the day to defend our homeland!"

Inside the city, Li Qingzhao, the "Laywoman of the Yi'an," was leading her household servants in cooking at home, urging them, "Don't be stingy, put out more white flour, make sure the soldiers are well-fed!"

(Brothers, I'm a bit tired from writing, goodnight...)
(End of this chapter)