Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 353 Your Majesty must believe in the humble man's willingness to die!
A few days have passed in the blink of an eye...

Outside Linhuang Prefecture, the standoff continued, with both sides constantly building fortifications and digging trenches.

The Jurchen envoys had already entered the capital, riding at breakneck speed, nearly killing Wang Fu. In his excitement, Wang Fu actually managed to keep up with their pace…

Outside the city gate, someone greeted them and led them to the Court of State Ceremonial. After arranging their lodgings, they washed up and changed into their travel-worn clothes, and then the emperor summoned them for an audience.

When meeting a foreign delegation, the ceremony had to be formal and respectful. In the Fu Ning Hall, the emperor sat high above, with all the civil and military officials present.

The motorcade that escorted the envoys was made of fine BMWs and luxury cars. They weren't going directly to the capital, but also taking a ride on the most bustling streets of Bianjing, a city with a population of one million.

This showcased the grandeur of a superior empire, allowing the Jurchen barbarians to truly experience the power and might of a great nation.

Wang Fu then asked Wanyan Xiyin, "Jin Envoy, how is the capital city of Dongjing?"

Wanyan Xiyin simply feigned shock: "This is truly a paradise on earth! I could never have dreamed of such a scene..."

Wang Fuzi said smugly, "You've learned something new this time, haven't you?"

Wanyan Xiyin simply nodded: "It's truly unbelievable, like a dream!"

Wanyan Xiyin did not think so. If we're talking about large cities, how could Yanjing not be a large city?

Even if a city is large, there isn't much difference in reality. It has everything it needs, so it's not really as dreamlike as it seems.

Besides, he had actually been to Tokyo before, but he hadn't actually gone inside. The first time he came, he was genuinely impressed by its scale, but the second time, he wasn't quite as impressed.

But if he wanted to feign barbarity, Wanyan Xiyin certainly knew how…

But it was tiring to put on the act. Along the way, he saw scenes that were all very similar, and he was constantly shocked. After being "shocked" once in a while, Wang Fu was completely fooled and felt very happy.

That day, the supreme power of the imperial court was beyond compare.

Finally, they arrived at the Left Gate. Wanyan Xiyin thought it was over, but little did he know that entering the palace would only bring more shocks—shocks at the unparalleled power and majesty of the Song Emperor…

Finally, upon entering the Fu Ning Hall, I was completely stunned.

Unexpectedly, after the audience, the emperor, seated on his high throne, asked, "Jin envoy, you've come all the way here and even entered the capital. What do you think of my Great Song?"

Wanyan Xiyin still had to be shocked, and he had to come up with all sorts of ways to shock the emperor.

Finally, the emperor was satisfied with the shock. He stroked his beard and said, "Well, from now on, you are also subjects of the Great Song Dynasty. In the future, you should come to Tokyo more often and let those Jurchen nobles come to Tokyo to take a look. This is the flourishing of the king's rule. Learn from it and change your primitive habits. The Great Song Dynasty will be like the Great Tang Dynasty of the past, inclusive and tolerant!"

"We thank the Emperor for his holy grace! From now on, our Jurchen people will also be blessed by the Emperor's rule. This is truly a blessing for the Jurchen people!"

After Wanyan Xiyin finished acting out his shock, he also had to act out being deeply moved, with his eyes red and about to burst into tears. How could a barbarian not act like this when he sees the Celestial Empire?

The emperor was extremely pleased and laughed heartily. As he laughed, he looked around and saw that every official in the court was pleased.
Even Cheng Wanli was overjoyed; the phrase "feeling honored" was insufficient to describe the joy of everyone present at that moment.

After listening to Yan Xiyin bow again, he said, "Your Majesty, I am guilty, the Jurchens are guilty, and all the tribes of Liaodong are guilty. In the past, we offended the majesty of Heaven and our sins were grave. Now, under Your Majesty's military might, we all know our crimes. The Heavenly Army has killed countless people, which is the punishment we deserve. Now that we have submitted, Your Majesty has the virtue of benevolence and righteousness. From now on, the Jurchens and hundreds of thousands of tribes of Liaodong will all submit. Please stop the war and reduce the looting and killing. In this way, all the tribes of Liaodong will surely remember Your Majesty's kindness of tolerance!"

Hearing these words, Zhao Ji felt as if he were floating on clouds, his whole body going limp as cotton.

It was also a lucky accident that Wanyan Xiyin discovered that the emperor was easily swayed and willing to listen to such so-called flattery.

The emperor simply waved his hand and said, "Of course. Since they are all subjects of the Great Song Dynasty, there should be no more killing and looting. From now on, they should be treated equally. The imperial edict will be issued shortly and sent directly to the army. The troops will then cease fighting and return to the capital!"

Of course, this was also what the emperor had originally planned. With peace throughout the land and no wars, Su Wu had completed his mission and it was time for him to go to the capital to serve as an official.

Upon hearing these words, Wanyan Xiyin felt relieved, but he was also surprised that things had gone so smoothly.
It went much more smoothly than I had imagined.

Suddenly someone spoke up, and Cheng Wanli said, "Your Majesty, since you have submitted a memorial to pledge allegiance and submission, there should be precedents for how to bestow titles and honors upon you, as well as the annual tribute arrangements, all of which should be decided!"

Cheng Wanli didn't think much about it. He only thought that Su Wu had achieved great success this time, and would be rich and noble for the rest of his life, and would be remembered in history. From now on, he would have a good life!

Privy Councilor Liu Yanqing added, "Hmm...it would be best to send hostages to the capital to study!"

These are all standard operating procedures.

The Emperor nodded, thought for a moment, and then said, "Then bestow upon the Jurchen leader the title of Great King of Jurchen, without changing the name of the state, and grant him the character 'Gold,' with the rites and attire of a prince, along with a gold seal and imperial edict... As for the annual tribute, Liaodong is a harsh and cold land, producing little, mostly furs and pearls, so there's no need to be demanding. Just offer as much as you can... As for the hostage, there's nothing much to it. He'll come to learn the poetry, books, and etiquette of the Celestial Empire. What do you think, Golden Envoy?"

Wanyan Xiyin simply bowed deeply and said, "I thank Your Majesty for your boundless grace. From now on, we Jurchens will take the King's teachings as our guide and will never again be barbarians who eat raw meat and drink blood. We will wholeheartedly emulate the etiquette of the Song Dynasty in the Central Plains!"

"Very good, very good... Go ahead and have a good time in Tokyo. Stay a few more days, and the Court of State Ceremonial will certainly treat you well! In a couple of days, we will summon you to the palace!"

The emperor waved his hand and left, clearly in a good mood. He even summoned people to the palace. Why?

How could we not let the barbarians witness the charm of the Song Dynasty's Emperor's art and culture?

Wanyan Xiyin bowed repeatedly before leaving.

Throughout the court, there was an atmosphere of joy, with congratulations coming from all sides...

Just by looking at it this way, the Song Dynasty is truly incomparable to the Han and Tang Dynasties!
Numerous flattering words rose and fell, lingering for a long time.

The crowd dispersed only when they were starving. The emperor then issued an order that a grand banquet be held in the palace in two days.

But after Liu Yanqing left, his brows furrowed.

After lunch, Liu Yanqing left the Privy Council and went straight to the Hall of State Affairs to see Cheng Wanli.

"What brings you here?" Cheng Wanli and Liu Yanqing gradually became familiar with each other, and since they were on the same political team, there was less formality between them.

Liu Yanqing hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Prime Minister Cheng, I think this matter is really... I don't know how to put it..."

"Just say what you want to say..."

"I'm afraid this is just a delaying tactic. Military reports also indicate that although the Jurchens suffered a defeat and their strength was depleted, their fighting power is still intact. I've also heard that these barbarians fear power but do not appreciate virtue. They will not submit unless absolutely necessary."

Liu Yanqing is genuinely worried.

“Aren’t you overthinking this? This victory is a deterrent, and the Jurchens are naturally afraid!” Cheng Wanli replied.

"No... Prime Minister Cheng, let me put it this way. Take the Tanguts of the past, for example. They didn't actually have many troops, and their elite forces were even weaker than the Jurchens of today. The Tanguts weren't immune to defeat in the past, and they even submitted to the Jurchens. But before long, they returned with renewed force, becoming a major threat once again. This was true for both the Tanguts and the Song and Liao dynasties... How much more so for the Jurchens?"

Having lived to this age, Liu Yanqing has seen and experienced a great deal.

"Huh?" Cheng Wanli was also pondering.

Liu Yanqing continued, "The situation is different now compared to the Tanguts of the past. In the past, the Tanguts were caught between the Song and Liao dynasties, but now the Jurchens have no other threat besides our Great Song. This time, the Prince of Yan has gone to great lengths to sweep across the grasslands. If he were to retreat now, wouldn't that be handing the grasslands over to the Jurchens?"

"Hmm?" Cheng Wanli raised his eyebrows to look.

"Besides, who is the Prince of Yan? Now that he has won the first battle, he is in a favorable position. This expedition to the border has covered thousands of miles and consumed a great deal of manpower and resources. How could he not understand these things? How could he retreat so easily? The Prince of Yan must be thinking of achieving his goal in one battle. Now that the Jurchens have sent a memorial, is it not just a delaying tactic?"

Liu Yanqing became more and more certain as he spoke.

"Uh..." Cheng Wanli pondered for a moment, then said, "What you said makes some sense. How come none of the officials in the court can see it?"

"This..." Liu Yanqing didn't know how to answer that question. He couldn't very well say that all the civil and military officials in the court were idiots, could he?
Perhaps they weren't all idiots, but rather each had their own agenda?

Liu Yanqing was actually confused as well.

"There is something fishy about this!" Cheng Wanli has one great advantage: he is a man who listens to advice. In the past, he listened to Su Wu's advice, and today he listens to Liu Yanqing's advice.

Then Cheng Wanli asked, "What should we do?"

"Delay it, wait a bit! While we delay, the Prince of Yan may make a decision..." Liu Yanqing knew that delaying would be beneficial in every way, since Su Wu had the military advantage on the front lines and it was the Jurchens who were anxious.

Perhaps it will be a change in public opinion.

As a mere soldier, Liu Yanqing was of low status and little influence. No matter how much he analyzed, he actually had no say in Tokyo.

Looking at Cheng Wanli, he does have some influence, but he is not the kind of person with the courage and ability to overcome dissenting opinions.

Then we'll just have to procrastinate...

"I... the Emperor has ordered me to go immediately upon receiving the imperial decree. How can I possibly delay..." Cheng Wanli was indeed feeling guilty...

"Then let the imperial edict travel slower..." Liu Yanqing was also flexible.

"Then go and arrange for someone from the Privy Council to deliver the imperial decree!" Cheng Wanli was still feeling guilty, so he just pushed the matter away.

"Huh?" Liu Yanqing was somewhat surprised, but after frowning a few times, he still nodded: "Well... that's fine too..."

Outside Linhuang Prefecture, the two armies faced each other.

Su Wu was meeting someone, meeting a single person.

Originally, there were eight or nine hundred Khitans who were supposed to arrive at Su Wu's army, but more and more Khitans from the edge of the grasslands and forests would continue to gather there.

However, Su Wu suddenly changed the arrangements. Only one Khitan came to the front of the army. The rest of the Khitan were to first gather at the Heichezi Shiwei tribe in the northwest.

There were two arrangements. First, these Khitans needed basic armament and training, and this step could not be omitted.

Basic armament means that no matter what, each person should have a proper weapon.

As for armor, Su Wu's rear baggage also contained a lot of spoils from the Jurchens, but Su Wu couldn't give away too much. He would select some truly strong and brave Khitans, at most one or two thousand, and equip them with some heavy armor.

Leather armor and iron armor, we'll see when the time comes.

The basic training involved forming a queue, which gave these Khitans a basic formation.

These things will certainly take time, at least ten days or so, but Su Wu still has that time...

The reason Su Wu valued this matter so much was simply to minimize the casualties among his soldiers.

Now, the resources under Su Wu's command are truly too precious, and the previous battle resulted in heavy losses. Su Wu is heartbroken and genuinely reluctant to give them up.

Inside Su Wu's tent, there was another person. This person was named Sa Ba, and he looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years old.

This man was indeed a descendant of Khitan nobility. He was literate, and although his family elders were almost all killed or wounded in Linhuang Prefecture, he happened to escape the calamity in his tribe. Now he was the heir of a small tribe and, naturally, the leader.

This is the person that the King of Shiwei carefully selected.

Su Wu also wanted to test him, so after sizing him up several times, Su Wu asked, "How many brothers do you have in your family?"

The elders are all gone, so I asked my brothers.

The young man, Sa Ba, immediately became somber upon hearing this, shook his head, and remained silent...

Su Wu understood and nodded: "This matter requires great perseverance and great wisdom. You might die on the spot. Are you scared?"

Then Saba looked up, his face resolute: "Your Majesty, if we fight the Jurchens to the death, we will die. There is no point in living. Running around in the mountains and forests like a rat, hiding here and there, is not the way of a Khitan warrior!"

"What books have you read?" Su Wu asked again. This Khitan boy, Saba, could speak fluent Chinese, not to mention Khitan.

This young man does not yet have a Chinese name, which is because he is not yet old enough. When he comes of age, with his noble family background, he will surely have a proper Chinese name and characters.

Sabalai replied, "Your Majesty, I studied the Nine Classics and many Buddhist scriptures in the Linhuang Prefecture before..."

The basic textbooks for scholars in this era were not the Four Books and Five Classics, but the Nine Classics and Thirteen Classics, which of course included the Four Books and Five Classics.

Su Wu nodded and asked again, "Besides that, what else have you read?"

Sa Ba shook his head: "I haven't read many other books, but I've heard many stories, stories told by elders, stories heard in teahouses..."

"Hmm..." Su Wu nodded again, still scrutinizing him.

But suddenly, Saba became agitated and said, "Your Majesty, as long as it can kill the Jurchens, I am willing to do anything. I will never be afraid of death. Your Majesty must believe in my willingness to die! Your Majesty! I..."

Su Wu slightly raised his hand: "Hmm, you are certainly determined to die, but this matter is no ordinary one, it is like this..."

Su Wu looked at Wu Yong and said, "You will stay with this Wu Yuhou for a few days. He will teach you. You should learn and remember carefully. If you learn well and remember clearly, you will be allowed to do this task. If you do not learn well or remember clearly, then someone else will be chosen for this task!"

What this kid Sa Ba is going to do is not something a child can easily do; it requires detailed training, and Wu Yong is the most suitable trainer.

Sa Ba glanced at Wu Yong, then quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed deeply, saying, "Please teach me, sir!"

Wu Yong stroked his beard and nodded: "Hmm, not bad, that's a good bow. Alright, come with me!"

With that, Wu Yong took Sa Ba and went off.

It was normal for a minor Khitan nobleman to lead his tribe to serve the Jurchens, specifically Yelü Yudu. However, at this moment, there were many unforeseen circumstances, particularly the fear that the Jurchens might be exceptionally cautious and wary.

This requires those who go to have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, how to deal with various situations, how to meet Yelü Yudu, how to gain Yelü Yudu's trust, and how to discuss matters with Yelü Yudu...

These are just some of the things; the most important thing is what comes next if things are to really succeed.

This was the only time Su Wu could not have smooth communication with Yelü Yudu.

Therefore, everything must be arranged properly at once, and one cannot rely on communication and discussion.

Therefore, this matter needs to be planned thoroughly from the very beginning, and this entire plan must be thoroughly memorized in Sa Ba's mind.

Having successfully met with Yelü Yudu, the next crucial question was how to get the message out, since neither the person nor the letter could be sent out. Therefore, informing Su Wu became paramount.

Su Wu also needs to devise several countermeasures. What if Yelü Yudu refuses to agree? What if Yelü Yudu pretends to agree but is actually luring the enemy?
This entire plan was, of course, extremely complex.

To accomplish such a defection is incredibly difficult; it's far from being as simple as making a phone call as depicted in the story...

However, Su Wu was unaware that this Sa Ba was no ordinary person in history.

Historically, he later served as an official under the Jurchens, engaging in translation work. His official title was "Translator," and he endured humiliation and hardship for many years.

Under this cover, he made connections everywhere, and finally, he led the Khitans in a rebellion to kill the Jin officials.

Their strength was immense, reaching 50,000 in a short period of time. Unfortunately, Saba was later killed by Yilawowo, a Khitan who was also part of the rebel army, thus seizing power through murder.

Yilawowo was much younger and extremely radical. He quickly captured Linhuang Prefecture, immediately ascended the throne, and established the reign title Tianzheng. For a time, it seemed as if the Khitan had been restored.

Unfortunately, by then the Jurchen Jin Dynasty had already become an empire, possessing most of the Song territory, vast grasslands, and the Liaodong region, covering a vast area and with tens of millions of people.

This largest uprising of the Khitans ended in their own demise, a massacre amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

This happened more than twenty years later in history.

At this time, Saba was just a literate young man burdened with a deep-seated hatred, not yet a translator for the Jurchens, and had not yet begun to endure humiliation, bide his time, and make contacts everywhere.

It was the King of Shiwei who first found Su Wu and brought him before him.

He was a capable person who always stood out. The Jurchens employed him because he was literate and fluent in several languages ​​and scripts. At the beginning of the Jurchen dynasty, they were indeed eager for talented people.

Sa Ba has been following Wu Yong to do training.

Su Wu, on his side, also began to plan for war. Not how to secure victory, but because the stalemate had lasted for so long, it was time to make a move. This would also mislead the Jurchens and make them think that Su Wu was somewhat impatient.

This also gave the Jurchens an optimistic view of the situation.

If it's time for battle, Lu Da will step forward and volunteer. So, Lu Da will go.

Su Wu began to ride his horse to find the battlefield, to see which side to attack and which Jurchen camp to strike.

In fact, Su Wu's statement was not without purpose; the camp of over 100,000 people stretched as far as a small city.

From the "North City" to the "South City," what they were actually looking for was the "city" that Yelü Yudu had seen.

It also depends on how easy or difficult the battle is, and how to arrange the troops...

We'll just wait until we've finished watching and come back before the pre-battle meeting begins.

Early the next morning, after cooking and eating, the Shiwei army began to assemble and form ranks, with the Shiwei people of Heichezi as the main force, to attack the camp.

Lu Da led over a thousand armored soldiers as the vanguard, standing at the very front.

They also prepared countless simple ladders...

Choosing Yelü Yudu to attack served two purposes: first, to provide further cover for the rebellion; and second, to test the weakest link, which was logical and would also let the Jurchens know that Su Wu was actually very cautious.

Another point is that we will lose. We will definitely not be able to break through in this battle, so we will lose. After losing, Yelü Yu will see that he has won, and Xu Juren will be able to relax her control and supervision over him.

Finally, it makes Saba even more motivated to serve.

Given this situation, Su Wu's every move was purposeful; he would not do anything meaningless!

The battle formation was in place, the drums were beating, and Lu Da led the vanguard, followed by seven or eight thousand black chariots from the Shiwei.

Su Wu also had tens of thousands of cavalrymen behind them, partly to supervise the battle and partly to guard against a surprise attack by the Jurchen cavalry.

For a moment, dark clouds loomed overhead, their imposing presence overwhelming.

The Jurchens responded swiftly, gathering 30,000 to 40,000 cavalry in no time and setting off from their camp to observe from afar!
The commander was none other than Wanyan Zongbi! It was because Wanyan Zonghan had just suffered a defeat that Wanyan Zongbi had temporarily stepped onto this grand stage ahead of schedule.

Wanyan Zongwang even personally led his troops to the rear of Yelü Yudu's village to reinforce the enemy.

On the city walls of Linhuang Prefecture, countless eyes were watching the battle...

War is imminent!
(End of this chapter)