I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 177 Yelü Yanxi: Zhao Yu is the butcher, and I am the fish.
...

The autumn sky is clear and the air is crisp, with a crescent-shaped moon hanging low in the sky.

Zhang Jun not only persuaded Fan Chun Cui, but also Gao Yong Nian and Guo Cheng.

After careful planning, Guo Cheng ordered Zhang Jun, who had proposed the strategy, to personally carry out the crucial step of setting fires.

Zhang Jun did not refuse. He personally led a hundred agile daredevils to cross the Lugou River to the other side through a hidden section of the river.

Although the Liao army also deployed patrols along the river, the Lugou River defense line was too long for the Liao army to cover every part.

Therefore, the bold and meticulous Zhang Jun led a hundred daredevils across the river and they searched along the Lugou River.

It didn't take much effort for Zhang Jun and his team to find a section of the river that was undefended.

After Zhang Jun sent scouts to explore the area and confirmed that there was no danger, he led his hundred-strong suicide squad into the dark and stealthily made their way to the forest that stretched for dozens of miles from east to west, where the main force of the Liao army was hidden and waiting in ambush.

The Liao army positioned its main force in the forest primarily because the dense trees and intertwined branches provided natural cover. During the day, sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick canopy, while at night, the shadows created ample cover, facilitating concealment and surprise attacks. Furthermore, the undulating terrain within the forest allowed for flexible deployment of cavalry and infantry, enabling rapid assembly and dispersal for ambush—making it a versatile force capable of both offense and defense.

The key point is that the Liao army's encampment made it difficult for the Song army to determine the exact size of the Liao forces, thus deterring them from crossing the river to engage in battle.

Just as the Song Dynasty knew that time was against them, the Liao Dynasty also knew that time was on their side, especially after they abandoned the Western Xia.

It is precisely for this reason that the Liao army is now inevitably resorting to feigned ambiguity, trying to delay the Song army's advance without a fight, and buy enough time for their reinforcements to arrive.

Furthermore, the Liao army seemed to particularly like to deploy its troops in the woods.

Historically, during the Battle of Langoudian, Yelü Dashi deployed the Liao army in the pine forests on both sides of Langoudian, catching the Song general Yang Keshi off guard and successfully causing the Liao and Northern Song dynasties to perish together, giving the Jin dynasty a great advantage.

However, the Liao army's frontline commander-in-chief probably hadn't read the history of the Three Kingdoms and didn't know about the burning of the camps; otherwise, he wouldn't have deployed defenses like that, even if you killed him.

Strangely enough, the southwest wind was blowing when Zhang Jun and his group arrived, but as soon as they reached the grove, the southwest wind suddenly turned into a northeast wind.

Seeing this, whether Zhang Jun spoke from genuine feeling, was a master of flattery, or simply wanted to boost morale, he looked up at the deep, unfathomable forest, a confident smile playing on his lips, and said loudly:

"Why have we come to this point, with the south wind turning to the north wind? It is fate! It is destiny! It is luck!"

"Your Majesty will surely become the ruler of a unified empire!!!"

"In the past, Zhuge Liang borrowed the east wind to defeat Cao Cao's army at the Battle of Red Cliffs. Today, although we do not have the wisdom of Zhuge Liang, we are still able to add to His Majesty's glory by having the north wind assist us!"

Zhang Jun immediately assigned the task of setting the oil tank on fire.

This fierce fire oil tank is a flamethrower, and it is also the world's earliest flamethrower capable of continuous flame emission.

The Chinese discovered and used petroleum as early as a thousand years ago.

This petroleum has been called "stone lacquer", "stone grease water", and "fierce fire oil" in different periods.

After the Northern and Southern Dynasties, petroleum was used for fire attacks in war.

In the early Song Dynasty, after gunpowder was used for military purposes, the army was also equipped with a more sophisticated flamethrower called "fierce fire oil tank".

This powerful oil tank was made of wrought bronze, with four legs at the bottom and four copper pipes at the top. A pump was placed horizontally on the pipes, connected to the oil tank, and each time about three catties of oil were poured in. A firebox was installed at the front of the pump, which contained igniter powder.

In use, first use a red-hot igniter to ignite the igniter in the firebox, creating a high-temperature zone inside the firebox and preheating the oil spray channel. Then, forcefully pull the pump to compress air into the oil tank, causing the flaming oil to ignite upon contact with the heat as it is sprayed through the firebox, resulting in a burst of flames from the nozzle.

The incendiary tank was actually a powerful weapon in both siege warfare and naval battles. In siege warfare, when the enemy attacked the city, incendiary tanks could be placed on the ramparts to burn the enemy soldiers; in naval battles, they could be used to burn pontoon bridges and warships.

The flames spewed from the raging oil tank can cause those hit to rot and decay; water cannot extinguish them, making them highly lethal.

To make them easier to carry, Zhang Jun and his team used small flamethrowers instead of oil tanks made of copper gourds, which could only be used three times.

But that's enough.

In the dark poplar forest, the Liao army's camp, stretching for hundreds of miles, resembled a lurking white python under the moonlight.

Amidst the endless rows of tents, Liao soldiers moved back and forth, their banners fluttering in the wind, completely unaware that danger was quietly approaching.

The trees in this poplar forest are very tall, and the woodland is very open, stretching for dozens of miles.

It was late autumn, and the ground was covered with piles of fallen leaves.

Tens of thousands of Liaodong soldiers were stationed in such forests.

Some Liao soldiers who couldn't sleep were discussing in their own languages ​​when the Song army across the river would attack, what the future of Liao would be, and whether they would die in battle.

At that moment, with Zhang Jun's order, the suicide squad members quickly sprang into action.

Zhang Jun thrust the red-hot branding awl into the fire pit, sparks flying instantly. As the pump was forcefully pressed down, thick, raging oil transformed into crimson flames, piercing the silence of the night and spraying towards the deep poplar grove.

All the other suicide squad members were the same.

Angry fire dragons surged wildly outwards along the pile of fallen leaves, instantly igniting the entire forest.

The scattered fires quickly merged into one, the towering poplar trunks were licked by the flames, the resin crackled and popped when it met the fire, and the burning branches quickly spread the fire to the next poplar tree.

The firelight instantly illuminated half the sky, making the Liao army's camp as bright as day.

Soon, fueled by the wind, the fire spread rapidly, and with a crackling sound, the Liao army camp was instantly engulfed in flames.

The Liao army, awakened from their slumber by the heatwave and thick smoke, was thrown into chaos. The raging flames mercilessly devoured everything in their path. Tents, provisions, and weapons twisted and warped in the inferno. The terrified cries of the Liao soldiers, the neighing of their horses, and the howling of the flames mingled together, echoing through the heavens. The raging fire illuminated the surrounding landscape, and billowing smoke rose straight into the sky, transforming the entire camp into a scene of utter hell.

On the opposite bank of the Lugou River, Guo Cheng, leading hundreds of thousands of fully armed and ready Song troops, lowered his telescope and laughed loudly: "Heaven is helping my Great Song Dynasty! We will surely win this battle!"

Guo Cheng's laughter was hearty and resounded across the land; the long sword in his hand pointed directly at the night sky on the opposite bank, illuminated red by the firelight.

"Order the three armies to cross the river immediately, slaughter them all, recover the lost territory, and display the might of our nation!" With Guo Cheng's order, the Song army surged towards the riverbank like a tide, war drums thundered, horses' hooves shook the heavens, and horns blared in unison.

The boats used as pontoon bridges were already prepared, and the auxiliary soldiers and laborers jumped into the river and quickly built pontoon bridges using the existing bridges as a base.

The Song army quickly crossed the river and charged towards the other side.

At this time, there were no Liao troops left on the opposite bank. Seeing that their main force had been burned to death, all the Liao troops, regardless of whether they were camped in the forest, immediately fell into panic.

When the Liao soldiers looked across the Lugou River, they saw the Song army's banners fluttering in the morning wind, which terrified them so much that they all fled in panic.

The Liao soldiers who were originally guarding the suspension bridge saw the Song army rushing in and seizing the bridge. Some of them fled, while others wanted to carry out the mission of burning the bridge and hoping to use the Lugou River to block the Song army.

However, thousands of Liao soldiers who had fled from the south bank were now crowded on Lugou Bridge, their bodies scorched by the fire.

Amidst cries of agony, billowing smoke, and towering flames, they leaped into the water, only to be stabbed to death one by one by Song soldiers wielding spears.

Upon seeing this, the Liao army responsible for guarding the north bank of the Lugou River abandoned the bank and fled in panic.

Soon, there wasn't a single Liao soldier left guarding the entire north bank of the Lugou River. The Lugou River defense line, on which Yelü Yanxi and his ministers had placed high hopes, collapsed without a fight...

……

The city of Yanjing is so close to the Lugou River that there is no need to send scouts to investigate, or even use a telescope. Just by climbing to a high point, one can see the towering flames.

Yelü Yanxi, the master of escape, reacted very quickly. He summoned Yelü Heluwo and said, "Others may not know, but I do. The Song emperor is unstoppable. I will flee north with Song Taishu to try to recover the lost territories."

Yelü Heluwo disapproved of Yelü Yanxi's cowardice and said, "The situation on the battlefield is still unclear. Perhaps our Liao army will defeat the Song army. If that happens, Your Majesty will return north. How will you rule the world then?"

Soon, many ministers came to Yelü Yanxi and Yelü Heluwo to discuss matters, and they still had all sorts of opinions.

Some people advocated leaving the city as soon as possible to avoid the enemy.

Some advocated sending troops to reinforce the front lines as soon as possible.

Others advocated immediately withdrawing all troops into Yanjing City, implementing a scorched-earth policy, and preparing to hold out for reinforcements.

None of the three parties could convince the others, and they argued until dawn.

At this time, the scouts who had returned from the front lines reported to Yelü Yanxi and his ministers that the Song army had crossed the Lugou River and that the Song cavalry was rushing towards the capital.

Upon hearing that the Song army was approaching, many high-ranking officials, nobles, and wealthy families of the Liao Kingdom, along with their families and valuables, rode away from Yanjing City and fled north to seek refuge.

Yelü Yanxi also wanted to run away.

But Yelü and Luwo and others wouldn't let Yelü Yanxi run away.

Yelü Heluwo said to Yelü Yanxi, "Nanjing is the southern border barrier and source of wealth for our Great Liao. With it, our territory will expand, agriculture and animal husbandry will flourish, and our national strength will increase. Moreover, its strategic location allows us to defend against enemies from the outside world, making it a fundamental and vital location for our Great Liao. We must not abandon it! Furthermore, its city walls are strong. If we defend it with unwavering resolve, Heaven and the ancestral temples will surely bestow blessings upon us. If the ruler leaves and the capital falls into chaos, Nanjing will surely be lost. Moreover, if Nanjing is lost, Xijing will surely be lost, and Pingzhou will also be difficult to defend. Without these three places, the Southern Dynasty will cut off our Great Liao's trade and economy. How can our Great Liao continue to exist...?"

It wasn't that no one supported Yelü Yanxi's escape. Xiao Fengxian privately told Yelü Yanxi, "The emperor should not take advantage of danger, but rather use force to subdue the enemy. Now that Your Majesty has fled north, summoned your ministers and officials, and is advancing from multiple directions, taking advantage of our army's momentum, you should send troops to recapture the lost territories. This is the most foolproof plan. Even if Nanjing is lost, and Xijing and Pingzhou are also lost, it will only mean returning the Han lands to the Southern Dynasty. We, the people of the Northern Dynasty, are the sons of the Eternal Heaven, born to belong to the grasslands. Your Majesty, as the supreme ruler, must not engage in battle with the enemy generals and defend a lonely city in a hopeless situation."

Xiao Fengxian's words struck a chord with Yelü Yanxi, who then instructed Xiao Fengxian to gather the troops and await his arrival so that they could leave Yanjing together.

However, the situation suddenly changed again.

The Northern Chancellor Xiao Changge and the Grand Marshal Yelü Heluwo suddenly came to Yelü Yanxi to discuss countermeasures.

This time, Xiao Fengxian did not hide in the back, but stepped forward and insisted on asking Yelü Yanxi to leave the city. He suggested that Xiao Changge or Yelü Heluwo serve as the garrison commander of Nanjing to guard Yanjing.

Xiao Changge also believed that Yelü Yanxi should not leave the city. He said, "When Emperor Xuanzong of Tang learned of the fall of Tongguan, he immediately fled to Shu. As a result, the ancestral temples and the court were destroyed by the enemy, and it was only after many years that they were able to recover. Fan Zuyu believed that the mistake was that he could not hold firm and wait for the army to come to the aid of the emperor. Now Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and you are welcomed by the people both inside and outside the capital. Troops from all directions will soon gather, and the Song people will not be able to stay for long. If you leave Nanjing, it will be like a dragon escaping from the abyss. The emperor will set out in the morning and the capital will be in chaos by evening. Even if we, your ministers, stay behind, what good will it do? The southern lands will surely be seized by the Song people, and the foundation of our ancestors will be destroyed in an instant. I hope Your Majesty will consider this carefully."

Xiao Changge's words made Yelü Yanxi feel somewhat ashamed, but he still insisted, "You should not be so stubborn. I will personally go to Zhongjing to raise an army to retake Nanjing. We must not stay here!"

Yelü Chun wept and prostrated himself before him, pleading with his life on the line.

Many members of the Liao royal family and clan also came to request Yelü Yanxi to stay and resist the Song army.

Before long, Xiao Duolilan, Xiao Guige, Xiao Sese, and Xiao Shigu also came, either leading or holding children, to persuade Yelü Yanxi to prioritize the country and its people.

Faced with this situation, no matter how cowardly or shameless Yelü Yanxi was, he could only say to Xiao Changge, Yelü Heluwo, and others: "You have left me to manage the army and defend the country. I entrust you with this task. You should not be negligent in the slightest."

Xiao Changge, Yelü Heluwo, and others were ordered to go and arrange the relevant defenses.

Unexpectedly, not long after, persuaded by Xiao Fengxian, Yelü Yanxi changed his mind again and prepared to sneak out of Yanjing City.

Xiao Sese promptly informed Xiao Changge, Yelü Heluwo, and others of the news.

This time, Yelü Heluwo didn't stand on ceremony with Yelü Yanxi. He said bluntly, "If Your Majesty personally leads the expedition, all four armies will be willing to fight to the death; if Your Majesty makes an inspection tour, I fear there will be internal strife."

Yelü Yanxi never expected that Yelü and Luwo would even begin to "force the emperor to abdicate".

Seeing this, Yelü Yanxi had no choice but to make a firm decision and personally lead the soldiers and civilians of Yanjing to defend the city and wait for reinforcements to arrive.

Xiao Changge immediately went to Xiao Fengxian and the others who were preparing to accompany Yelü Yanxi out of the city and said, "His Majesty has made up his mind. Anyone who dares to object will be executed!"

Then, Xiao Changge and Yelü Heluwo walked out of the main hall and announced to the guards who were gathered outside the hall, ready to go: "His Majesty has decided not to leave the city and will defend Nanjing with all the officers and soldiers."

Upon hearing this, the guards all prostrated themselves and shouted "Long live the Emperor!" Their voices shook the heavens and the earth.

Just then, someone came to report to Xiao Changge and Yelü Heluwo: "The Song army has arrived! They're at the city walls!!!"

Yelü Yanxi, who was in the hall, also heard the news. He slumped down on the dragon throne, feeling utterly hopeless, and thought, "It's over. Zhao Yu is the butcher, and I'm the fish on the chopping block..."

……

(End of this chapter)