The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 419 The whole country is shaken, 200,000 Ming cavalrymen attack the Jin.
In the early morning in Zhongdu, just as dawn was breaking, the west gate was already bustling with activity.

Caravans laden with goods crowded at the city gate, the neighing of cattle and horses, the shouts of coachmen, and the cries of merchants all mingling together.

The rising steam, carrying the aroma of sesame cakes, drifted into the distance, creating a scene of bustling prosperity.

The soldiers guarding the city were checking the travel documents one by one, occasionally exchanging a few jokes with the caravan crew. No one expected that an urgent report that would shatter the peace was about to arrive.

"Make way, all of you make way, this is an urgent dispatch."

Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar, and a fast horse galloped towards them, covered in dust.

The courier on horseback was covered in sweat, and his armor was still covered in mud, clearly indicating that he had come from a long march.

The general guarding the city was shocked to see this. He quickly waved his hand to order his soldiers to disperse the crowd and clear a passage at the city gate. He shouted, "Quickly, escort the envoy to the Privy Council!"

At the same time, he ordered someone to bring in new horses so that the postmen could change horses, and sent a troop of cavalry to escort the postmen, galloping towards the palace.

Once the caravan had gone some distance, the crowd erupted in chatter, whispering amongst themselves and speculating about the nature of the urgent report delivered over 800 li.

"My God, this is an urgent message that travels 800 li! Something terrible must have happened."

An old man selling flatbread wiped the flour off his hands, his voice filled with tension: "A few years ago, when there was a war in Guanzhong, I saw an urgent message delivered over 800 li. A lot of people died back then."

A merchant leading a horse-drawn carriage nearby frowned and asked in Shandong dialect, "You mean... my Shandong area?"

"I came from Jinan Prefecture the other day. I heard that the rebels there are fierce. They have occupied several counties and killed many government soldiers."

"possible."

A peddler carrying a load of goods immediately chimed in: "My hometown is Qingzhou. A few days ago, I heard from fellow villagers who had fled from Qingzhou that Li An's rebel army was almost at Jinan Prefecture."

"The government is conscripting men everywhere, but it still can't stop them. This urgent report might be that another city has been lost in Shandong."

Among the crowd, a scholar in a long gown shook his head, his tone tinged with worry: "It might not be Shandong."

"The Jianghuai region is not peaceful. The people of the Song Kingdom have always been spineless, but they also like to engage in petty tricks. Perhaps the Song Kingdom is being dishonest again and has clashed with our Great Jin?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than an old man retorted, "The Song Dynasty? How dare they challenge the Great Jin?"

"Even if they had ten times the courage, they wouldn't dare to cause trouble."

"In my opinion, the most likely candidate is the Ming Dynasty."

These words instantly silenced the noisy crowd, and everyone looked at the old man.

The old man stroked his beard and continued, "A few months ago, I heard from my nephew, who works in the Privy Council, that the imperial court had a conflict with the Ming Dynasty at the Daqingshan border market in southern Mongolia."

"An important figure has died in the Ming Dynasty, and they are demanding that we hand over Prince Wanyan Chun of Yue in exchange for his life."

"But who is the King of Yue? How could he possibly hand over his own son? From that time on, there were rumors that the Ming Dynasty was going to war with us."

"The Ming Dynasty?"

A young man's face changed instantly: "Is that the Ming Dynasty that swept across the northern deserts, destroyed the Western Xia, and occupied Guanzhong?"

"If they really attack, can our Great Jin Dynasty withstand it?"

The old man did not answer, but sighed heavily: "Whether it is the Shandong rebels, the Song Dynasty, or the Ming Dynasty, as long as a war breaks out, it is always us ordinary people who suffer."

His voice was full of helplessness: "War requires conscription and requisition of grain. Our crops will be trampled by horses, our houses will be burned down by the war, and if we're unlucky, we might not even be able to save our lives..."

Those around them nodded in agreement, their curiosity gradually replaced by worry.

The old man selling flatbread said with a bitter smile, "All my life, I've hoped to sell flatbread peacefully and save some money for my son to get married, but with all this war and chaos, even that little wish is about to be lost."

"Yes!"

The peddler sighed, "I hope this war doesn't break out. Even if it does, I hope it doesn't reach Zhongdu. We ordinary folks just want to survive and have enough to eat."

As the crowd gradually dispersed, the bustling atmosphere at the city gate returned somewhat, but a heavy feeling settled on everyone's face.

Meanwhile, inside the main hall of the imperial palace, a grand court assembly, held every ten days, was taking place.

Wanyan Yongji sat on the dragon throne, his face looking frighteningly haggard.

Her once plump body seemed to have lost all its energy; she had become noticeably thinner, her eye sockets were sunken, and the dark circles under her eyes were impossible to conceal.

He clearly appears to be indulging in excessive pleasures and neglecting state affairs.

He yawned, listening to the court officials discussing the Shandong rebels, his eyes filled with impatience.

"Your Majesty, Yang Anguo of Jiaodong, Li An of Qingzhou, and others have recently been attacking cities and capturing thirteen counties in succession."

Privy Councilor Pusan ​​Shilie said urgently, "The Kong family of Qufu sent an urgent report yesterday that the rebel army has already attacked Qufu once."

"Although they were repelled by the Kong family's protective army, Kong Yuan mistakenly said that the rebel army's strength is still increasing and they will definitely come again. I implore the court to send troops to support them as soon as possible."

Wanyan Yongji frowned and waved his hand impatiently: "They're just a rabble of refugees. Doesn't the Kong family have a clan-protecting army?"

"Let them hold out for a few more days, while I dispatch troops..."

"Your Majesty, this matter is probably not so simple."

Pu Sanshilie quickly interrupted him, stepping forward with a memorial in hand: "The report from Jinan Prefecture says that the weapons captured from the rebels are of excellent workmanship and extremely sharp, which could not have been forged by ordinary refugee craftsmen."

"The rebels originally relied on their numbers, but they were just a rabble. Now, not only have they increased their numbers, but their weapons have also been completely upgraded. There must be someone supplying them with food and weapons."

"what?"

Wanyan Yongji sat up abruptly, a flash of anger in his eyes: "Who dares to be so bold as to oppose me?"

"I suspect he is a person from the State of Song."

Pu Sanshilie said in a deep voice: "The governor of Jiaozhou reported that Caoqiao Town was captured by the rebels last month. There is a small port there."

"According to local residents, they have seen ships anchoring at night, which may be the Song state secretly providing support to the rebels."

"A person from the State of Song?"

Wanyan Yongji slammed his fist on the table and stood up, his tone full of anger and disdain: "A bunch of spineless cowards who only know how to send annual tributes, dare to play tricks on me?"

"In the last battle of Huainan, if it weren't for the meddling of the northern barbarians, my Great Jin's iron cavalry would have already marched south and captured Lin'an."

"These Song barbarians are so ungrateful, daring to fund the rebels. Are they tired of living?"

The courtiers in the hall were in an uproar, all agreeing: "Your Majesty is right, the Song Kingdom must be severely punished."

They were wary of the Ming Dynasty, but when facing the Song Dynasty, they attacked without hesitation.

“Send envoys to Lin'an to rebuke the Song emperor and his ministers, ordering them to immediately stop funding the rebels and to increase this year’s tribute by 50% as compensation.”

“That’s right. If the Song Kingdom doesn’t agree, we’ll send troops south to attack Lin’an again and let them know how powerful our Great Jin is.”

These Jurchens despised the Song state from the bottom of their hearts, and privately referred to the Song state as "soft-legged sheep".

They felt that the Song army was weak and its ruler and ministers were cowardly, and that the Song was nothing more than a "money bag" for the Jin, not worth taking seriously at all.

Now that they heard that the State of Song might be funding the rebels, they were all furious and wished they could immediately send troops to teach the State of Song a lesson.

Moved by the emotions of his court officials, Wanyan Yongji was about to issue an edict to send an envoy to the Song Dynasty when suddenly hurried footsteps were heard outside the palace.

A guard rushed in and said, "Your Majesty, Wanyan Fulin, the Grand Councilor, has important matters to discuss with you."

Wanyan Yongji's heart skipped a beat, and a bad premonition welled up inside him.

The grand court assembly is currently underway, with the Privy Council's chief and deputy chiefs both in the court. According to regulations, Privy Council affairs are reported after the assembly concludes.

The fact that Wanyan Fulin is so eager to see me now must mean something big has happened.

"Let him in."

Soon, Wanyan Fulin strode into the main hall, his face pale, holding a proclamation in his hands. He knelt on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened."

"Li Xiao, the false emperor of the Ming Dynasty, issued the 'Proclamation to the Central Plains' half a month ago, officially declaring war on our Great Jin. Now the Ming army has begun its eastward expedition and is marching towards the border of our Great Jin."

"what?"

These words were like a thunderclap, instantly silencing the entire court.

The anger on Wanyan Yongji's face vanished instantly, replaced by terror. He staggered to his feet from the dragon throne.

Pointing at Wanyan Fulin, his voice trembled: "You...you say it again."

"The Ming Dynasty...the Ming Dynasty has declared war?"

Wanyan Fulin raised his head and handed over the "Proclamation to the Central Plains": "Your Majesty, it is true."

"The proclamation lists the crimes of our Great Jin, saying that we will exterminate the wicked and false Jin and restore the rule of China. Now the Ming army has set out from the northern desert and Guanzhong and is heading towards our Great Jin."

The court officials were also panicked. The ministers who had just been clamoring to deal with the Song state were now looking at each other in fear.

They were not afraid of the Song Dynasty, but they were full of fear of the Ming Dynasty.

The Ming Dynasty rose to power too quickly, sweeping across the northern deserts and annihilating the Western Xia. In the battle of Guanzhong a few years ago, it even wiped out more than 100,000 Jin troops. Now that the Ming Dynasty has officially declared war, can the Jin Dynasty stop it?
Wanyan Yongji took the proclamation, his fingers trembling as he unfolded it. Looking at the words "annihilate the false Jin and save the Central Plains," he felt a wave of dizziness and nearly collapsed to the ground.

With the Shandong rebellion still quelled, the Ming Dynasty launched another invasion, leaving the Jin Dynasty besieged on both sides. What should they do now?
……

The news of the Ming Dynasty's declaration of war was like a boulder, throwing the Jin Dynasty's court into complete chaos.

Looking at the officials in disarray below, and recalling the 200,000 Ming cavalry that might be approaching from the grasslands, Wanyan Yongji felt a wave of dizziness and his long-suppressed anger finally erupted.

"Enough, all of you shut up."

Wanyan Yongji slammed his hand on the dragon throne, his eyes fixed on Wanyan Yonggong, his voice trembling with anger.

"The Shandong rebels have not yet been quelled, and the Ming Dynasty has launched another attack. Our Great Jin is now besieged on both sides. This is all thanks to your rebellious son."

"When the incident at Daqingshan border market happened half a year ago, the Ming army said they wanted to go to war. I should have handed Wanyan Chun over then, but you insisted on protecting him."

"Now look what's happened, the Ming army has really arrived, two hundred thousand cavalry! What do you suggest we do?"

Wanyan Yonggong's face turned ashen. He stepped forward and retorted without any politeness, "Wanyan Yongji, what do you mean by that?"

He already looked down on Wanyan Yongji, this weak fellow, and now he showed no respect for the emperor, addressing him by his given name.

“Chun’er is my son, and moreover, the Crown Prince of the Great Jin Dynasty. How can I just hand him over like that?”

"The Ming army's desire for Chun'er's life is merely a pretext for war. Even if they hand Chun'er over, they won't retreat." "The Taizu and Taizong emperors conquered this land not through compromise and retreat, but through swords and the Iron Pagoda."

"You stupid pig, instead of thinking about how to resist the Ming army, you blame my son. How ridiculous!"

"you……"

When Wanyan Yongji was publicly called a stupid pig, his face instantly turned red, and he pointed at Wanyan Yonggong, trembling with anger.

"What's wrong with me?"

Wanyan Yonggong retorted without backing down: "If you're so capable, then lead your troops to resist the Ming army yourself, instead of just pointing fingers at others here."

“My son, Wanyan Yonggong’s son, must never be used as a bargaining chip for peace.”

An emperor and a powerful prince started hurling insults at each other like shrewish women in the street, spittle flying everywhere, showing no respect whatsoever between ruler and subject.

The officials inside the palace were also divided into two factions, arguing fiercely.

The officials who advocated peace with Wanyan Yongji said, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, the Ming Dynasty is now very powerful, with 200,000 iron cavalry coming in a fierce manner."

"Why not hand over the crown prince and send generous gifts to the Ming Dynasty? Perhaps we can avert this war and preserve the Jin Dynasty's territory!"

"fart."

The pro-war generals immediately retorted: "Our Great Jin's land was won with the blood of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong. How can we bow down to a bunch of barbarians from the northern frontier?"

"We were able to destroy the Liao and Song dynasties back then, and we can also annihilate the Ming army now."

"Your Majesty and the King request that I lead troops into battle and drive the Ming army back to the northern desert."

The two factions of officials argued endlessly, each sticking to their own version of events, their spittle nearly drowning out the court.

Looking at the chaos before him, Wanyan Yongji felt utterly disheartened. He, the emperor, was powerless to control Wanyan Yonggong or quell the disputes in the court.

The court assembly ultimately ended inconclusively amidst a cacophony of arguments.

In the following days, the entire capital was shrouded in a somber atmosphere.

The streets were deserted, shops closed early, and even the once bustling taverns and teahouses were no longer lively.

Wanyan Yongji sat in the palace, so worried that he couldn't sleep at night.

Wanyan Yonggong was too arrogant and didn't understand the bigger picture.

However, Wanyan Chun was Wanyan Yonggong's lifeline. If Wanyan Yonggong did not agree, he would not hand over the man, and the Ming army would never retreat.

"Alas, if the Ming army really manages to reach Zhongdu, I will be the only one to suffer."

Wanyan Yongji sighed as he looked at the empty hall, and finally could only make two preparations: "Someone, convey my decree."

“Send an envoy to the Ming army camp and say that apart from handing over Wanyan Chun, all other conditions are negotiable, and see if we can get the Ming army to withdraw.”

"In addition, order all regions to intensify preparations for war, requisition provisions and weapons, and be prepared for battle regardless of whether the Ming army retreats or not."

Five days later, the court convened again and agreed to prepare for both options, but the focus of the debate shifted to the selection of the commander.

Wanyan Yonggong spoke first, recommending his trusted general: "I recommend Wanyan Chengyu as commander-in-chief. He is a veteran of many battles and familiar with the Ming army's tactics. He will surely be able to lead the army to resist the Ming army."

Wanyan Yongji's face darkened, and he immediately retorted, "Wanyan Chengyu is your man, how can I trust him?"

"I believe that the Privy Councilor, Pusan ​​Shilie, is loyal and knowledgeable in military strategy, making him more suitable to be a commander."

"Does Your Majesty not trust me?"

Wanyan Yonggong immediately flew into a rage: "Although Pusan ​​Shilie is the Privy Councilor, he is a civil official who has not been on the battlefield for a long time. What does he know about fighting? Letting him be the commander-in-chief will only harm the army."

"Moreover, once the war breaks out, how can we do without the Privy Councilor for all military affairs, such as the allocation of supplies and the replenishment of troops?"

Upon hearing this, Pu Sanshilie immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, although I am a civil official, I have studied military strategy for many years and am familiar with the defenses of various regions. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

"As for the matters of grain and fodder allocation and troop replenishment mentioned by His Highness the King of Yue, the Deputy Privy Councilor is fully capable of undertaking these important tasks."

The two sides argued again, with officials from Wanyan Yonggong's faction supporting Wanyan Chengyu, while Wanyan Yongji's confidants strongly supported Pusan ​​Shilie, plunging the court into chaos once more.

The morning meeting still failed to reach a conclusion.

Five days later, the third court assembly was held.

Ten days had passed since the Ming Dynasty declared war, and the military situation on the border was becoming increasingly urgent. Both Wanyan Yongji and Wanyan Yonggong knew that they could not delay any longer.

Ultimately, with the mediation of neutral officials, the two sides reached a compromise.

They did not use anyone's people, but chose Duji Sizhong, a neutral minister and Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, as their commander.

"Three hundred thousand troops were mobilized to guard the border trenches and defend against the Ming army from the northern desert. Dujisi Zhong was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the army."

"One hundred thousand troops will defend Guanzhong to the death, preventing the Ming army from attacking from the west." Wanyan Yongji issued the decree wearily, his voice full of helplessness.

Duji Sizhong immediately stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the order: "Your subject obeys the decree and will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust."

From receiving the news of the Ming Dynasty's declaration of war to finally determining the commander and troop deployment, the Jin Dynasty took a full ten days.

During these ten days, the Ming army had already begun to assemble at the border, and the rebels in Shandong took the opportunity to expand their offensive, while the Jin court wasted precious time in endless quarrels.

……

When news of the Ming Dynasty's eastern expedition reached Lin'an, the Song Dynasty's morning court was shrouded in gloom over the increased annual tribute demands.

When the officials of the Privy Council rushed into the main hall with an urgent report, they loudly announced: "The Ming Dynasty's 200,000 iron cavalry have split into two routes to attack the southern desert and Guanzhong."

In an instant, the deathly silent court erupted into a thunderous commotion.

Zhao Kuo suddenly stood up from the dragon throne, his voice trembling with excitement: "Good, good! Li Xiao has indeed made his move."

"The Jin Kingdom is attacked from both sides, which is a golden opportunity for our Great Song to recover the lost capital."

The pro-war officials could no longer contain their elation, and discussions surged like a tidal wave.

The Minister of War stroked his beard, his face glowing: "Your Majesty, the Jin Kingdom has suffered from continuous natural disasters in recent years, and rebellions have broken out in Shandong."

"Now we are under fierce attack from the Ming Dynasty, and 300,000 troops are tied up at the border trench defense line. The defenses around Kaifeng are weak. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a northern expedition."

"Yes!"

The Vice Minister of Rites stepped forward excitedly, his eyes reddening: "Since the Jingkang Incident, the old capital Kaifeng has been occupied for nearly a century. The late emperors have spent their lives hoping to recover the Central Plains, and today we have finally waited for this day."

"With the Ming Dynasty holding back the main force of the Jin army in the north, our Song Dynasty will march north and surely be able to recapture Kaifeng in one fell swoop, thus comforting our ancestors."

The pro-war generals were eager to fight, and Han Tuozhou stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I request permission to fight."

"I am willing to lead 100,000 imperial guards from Huaixi to attack Kaifeng. What General Yue failed to accomplish back then, I will certainly accomplish for the Great Song today."

The court was filled with fervor, but the Song people had been kneeling for far too long.

The pacifists still wield considerable influence.

This was mainly because these officials were all from the Jiangnan region, and their land and property were all located in the south.

If they want to launch a northern expedition, they need to spend money and effort, and they need to increase taxes, whether it's land tax or commercial tax, which will affect their actual interests.

Moreover, even if they risked defeat to recapture Kaifeng, it wouldn't bring them much benefit.

Therefore, one after another, pro-peace officials advised: "Your Majesty, my colleagues, while a northern expedition is certainly possible, we must think twice before acting."

"When General Yue won the great victory at Yancheng, his army approached Zhuxian Town, but he was forced to retreat due to insufficient supplies and being isolated deep in enemy territory. This should serve as a warning to others."

Another pro-peace official added: "Although the Jin state is in dire straits now, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse, and there are still 50,000 troops defending Kaifeng."

"The fighting strength of our Song army is still unclear. If we rashly send troops, I fear we will not be able to achieve a quick victory."

"It would be better to send someone to contact the Jin Kingdom first, and use the threat of forming an alliance with the Ming Dynasty to attack the Jin Kingdom from both sides, so as to force the Jin Kingdom to return Huainan."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Han Tuozhou sternly rebuked him, saying, "Our Great Song Dynasty has already made an agreement with the Great Ming Dynasty to jointly attack the Jin Dynasty."

"You want to ally with the Jin Kingdom? Aren't you trying to put our Great Song Dynasty in an unjust position?"

"The Jurchens are difficult to deal with. Do you think we can get away with offending the Ming Dynasty?"

Although the pro-peace faction was powerful, this time it was the Ming Dynasty that took the lead in initiating the attack on the Jin Dynasty.

With the Song and Ming dynasties holding sway, neither Emperor Zhao Kuo nor Han Tuozhou were willing to let this opportunity slip by.

Therefore, the two of them joined forces to forcefully push through the decision to launch the Northern Expedition.

Zhao Kuo turned his gaze to Han Tuozhou and said firmly, "Minister Han, I hereby appoint you as the commander-in-chief of the Northern Expedition. You shall mobilize 100,000 troops from Huaixi and Huaidong, stockpile grain and weapons at the border, and set out on the expedition in three days."

Zhao Kuo and Han Tuozhou summarized the lessons learned from the previous failed Kai Xi Northern Expedition, attributing it to the fact that the Song army's forces were too scattered.

The three armies were too far apart to support each other.

Therefore, this time, Han Tuozhou, the prime minister, was directly appointed as the commander-in-chief to personally lead the army.

They consolidated the strength of the Southern Song army and marched straight for Kaifeng.

"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree and live up to your expectations. I will recapture Kaifeng and recover the Central Plains."

Han Tuozhou readily accepted the order, his eyes gleaming with the ambition to achieve great things and leave a lasting mark on history.

After the court session ended, Lin'an City was plunged into an unprecedented frenzy.

The people flooded the streets, spreading the news: "The Ming Dynasty is attacking the Jin Dynasty! The Emperor is going on a northern expedition and is going to recapture Kaifeng!"

In the teahouse, the storyteller struck his gavel and recounted the story of Yue Fei's army's great victory at Yancheng, which thrilled the audience.

An old soldier touched the scars on his face and choked up, saying, "My father followed General Yue Fei to Zhuxian Town back then, but unfortunately he couldn't enter Kaifeng. I hope that this time our Song army can succeed."

Three days later, on the drill ground outside Lin'an City, banners covered the sun.

Han Tuozhou, dressed in military uniform and holding the commander's seal, loudly proclaimed the proclamation for the Northern Expedition: "The shame of Jingkang has not been avenged for a century; the Central Plains have long been in enemy hands."

"Now that the Ming Dynasty is attacking the Jin Dynasty, it is a golden opportunity. Our Song soldiers should fight bravely to recapture Kaifeng and restore our land."

"Reclaim Kaifeng, reclaim our land!" The soldiers' shouts shook the heavens and echoed throughout Lin'an City.

(End of this chapter)