I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 261 New Policies Stabilize Jiangnan, War Begins in the Northern Frontier

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The most troublesome thing about the rebel army is that as long as they cannot change the living environment of the people and eliminate their spiritual leaders, they can endlessly incite the people to join the rebel army, like wildfire spreading and difficult to stop.

Conversely, if their spiritual leader is eliminated, especially if their tribe has only one unique spiritual leader, it would be like cutting off the fuel supply. Although the flames of the rebel army may not be extinguished, they would be difficult to accomplish anything further.

This is because the spiritual leader of the rebel army is often the one who inspires the people and unites their will. Once he falls, the rebel army is leaderless, morale is low, and it is like autumn leaves being swept away by the wind. The cohesion of the rebel army collapses instantly, turning into a pile of loose sand. It may even fall into internal strife to compete for a new leader.

This is the perfect opportunity to use ruthless methods to wipe out the remaining evil forces and restore peace to the world.

History is replete with such examples. Chen Sheng and Wu Guang's uprising stirred up a storm, but after Chen Sheng's death, its momentum waned, and it ultimately failed to shake the foundations of the Qin Empire. Hong Xiuquan single-handedly gathered countless followers, and the Jintian Uprising swept through the land with unstoppable force. However, after Hong Xiuquan's death, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom collapsed, its internal structure disintegrating and inflicting internal strife, and the flames of rebellion gradually died out in the long river of history.

The same applies to the Fang La Rebellion.

Historically, Fang La ignited the anger of the people in Jiangnan with the banner of "equalizing wealth and poverty." In an instant, there were countless people responding and following him. Wherever the rebel army went, the government troops fled at the mere sight of them, and the people welcomed them with food and drink. It was as if the whole world was trembling under his call. This attracted countless dissatisfied people to join Fang La's rebel army like a magnet.

Therefore, Fang La was not only the commander of the Fang La rebel army, but also their faith, a beacon in the darkness, guiding them forward. He was undoubtedly the spiritual leader and banner of the Fang La rebel army.

Under Fang La's leadership, the Fang La rebel army swept through the land, capturing many cities in succession. This led the people to mistakenly believe that they could truly change the world, so they all risked joining Fang La's army, which quickly grew to over a million strong – the Song Dynasty history even records that Fang La's army had two million strong at its peak.

When the news arrived that Fang La had been captured by Han Shizhong and was eventually escorted to the capital for execution, it was like a bolt from the blue, shattering the hearts of Fang La's rebel army. They lost their leader and their direction; their once unwavering beliefs began to waver, and their morale plummeted. Seeing that Fang La had been captured and killed by the court, the common people naturally dared not join the hopeless Fang La rebel army.

After that, Fang La's rebel army, having lost Fang La, was like a pack of wolves without their leader. Though still fierce, they had lost their former unity and tacit understanding. They began to act independently, vying for power and profit, and internal conflicts intensified.

Meanwhile, the Northern Song Dynasty took the opportunity to suppress the remnants of Fang La's rebel army with iron-fisted methods. The once-powerful Fang La uprising gradually disappeared into the long river of history under the sweeping blows.

Now, although the people who captured Fang La have changed from Han Shizhong to Lu Zhishen and Wu Song, the effect is the same.

When Song Jiang learned that Lu Zhishen and Wu Song had captured Fang La, he was overjoyed and they quickly devised a plan to completely annihilate Fang La's rebel army.

At this moment, Chen Gutong stepped forward and said, "This humble citizen is willing to go and tell him that we have surrendered."

Chen Gutong played a crucial role in the Song army's successful defeat of Fang La's rebel army and their capture of Fang La.

Therefore, Song Jiang already trusted Chen Gutong a lot, and then revealed his true feelings to Chen Gutong: "His Majesty is very knowledgeable about Manichaeism and knows that Manichaeism is a religion that teaches people to rebel. Therefore, he issued an imperial edict instructing us to eradicate Manichaeism."

Song Jiang made it very clear that he also wanted to recruit Fang La's rebel army, so that his own Tiger Warriors would be less likely to fight Fang La's rebel army at a loss.

It should be noted that the Tiger Legion now only has 120,000 to 130,000 men left.

The crucial point is that a large number of Fang La's rebel forces have not yet been wiped out.

In the end, the Tiger Army will probably only have around 70,000 to 80,000 left.

Although this was the proper course of action, and everyone knew perfectly well that no matter how rich the imperial court was, it was impossible to support so many troops who were originally from the rebel army and whose fighting strength was not strong, Song Jiang, as the supreme commander of the Tiger Legion, certainly hoped that he could have more troops under his command.

This is human nature.

Incidentally, Zhao Yu did not mistreat the defeated Song Jiang rebels. The court now had so much land seized from gentry and landlords to distribute, so whether they died in battle or were wounded, they would receive substantial compensation from the court. Those who survived were even better off: promotions, wealth, honor for their ancestors, titles for their wives and children, and a change in their destiny.

This meant that, although everyone knew that the imperial court was using a strategy of using one enemy to devour another, the court did an excellent job in providing relief and compensation. The rewarded land was all fertile land in their hometowns or in the Taihu Lake region, such as Suzhou and Changzhou. Therefore, the soldiers of Song Jiang's rebel army were all willing to risk their lives for the court, and even if they died on the battlefield, they had no regrets.

This is the brilliance of the imperial court: it deeply understands the will of the people and wins their hearts with its benevolence, making soldiers willing to go through fire and water for it.

But let's get back to the point.

Song Jiang would certainly prefer to subdue the enemy without a fight, but Emperor Zhao Yu's will was in his hands, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Upon hearing this, Chen Gutong said, "Your Majesty's wariness of Manichaeism is understandable. However, Manichaeism has doctrines that encourage rebellion. If left unchecked, it will surely poison the world and cause great disaster. But right now, the rebel army is leaderless and in chaos, which is the best time to guide them back to the right path. As for the harm caused by Manichaeism, I have a method that may eradicate it."

Song Jiang asked, "What method?"

Chen Gutong said, "Make images of Manichaean Buddhas and teach them to spit on and drown them in turn. If they comply, they will no longer dare to believe in Manichaeism. If they do not comply, kill them all."

Upon hearing this, Song Jiang's eyes lit up, and he thought that this might not be a bad idea.

What if Zhao Yu disagrees?

By then, Chen Gutong had already tricked Fang La's rebel army into coming down the mountain. If he went back on his word, it would only damage his character. He could put on an act, and it would be over.

Crucially, Song Jiang reconsidered. Although Zhao Yu deeply abhorred Manichaeism, its essence lay in consolidating imperial power and preventing the people from being misled by this cult, thus avoiding unrest. If Chen Gutong's plan could truly reform Fang La's rebel army and discontinue their cult-like practices, Zhao Yu might not necessarily oppose it so resolutely. After all, compared to bloody suppression, peacefully transforming the people's hearts would better demonstrate the emperor's benevolence and showcase the court's magnanimity and inclusiveness.

So Song Jiang nodded: "Sir, you may go without worry. I will take full responsibility for all the consequences."

After Chen Gutong was ordered to persuade the remnants of Fang La's rebel army to surrender, Song Jiang quickly submitted a memorial to Zhao Yu, explaining the advantages and disadvantages. He argued that if Chen Gutong's method succeeded, it would not only reduce the casualties of the Song army but also demonstrate Zhao Yu's and the court's ability to combine kindness and power, making it the best policy. He requested Zhao Yu's judgment...

Chen Gutong personally went up the mountain to find Bao Kang and others.

These men, once capable generals under Fang La, now wander aimlessly like fallen leaves in the autumn wind. They sat huddled in a simple cave, the firelight illuminating their weary and bewildered faces, their former ambitions shattered by the harsh reality.

Chen Gutong stepped into the cave, exchanged a few pleasantries with Bao Kang and the others, and then slowly said, "Gentlemen, the Holy Duke has been captured and is currently being escorted to the capital to be executed in a grand manner."

Bao Kang and his men already knew about this, so when Fang La's rebels heard the news brought by Chen Gutong, they were not surprised, but rather dejected.

Seeing this, Chen Gutong did not continue the topic, but changed his tone: "Our righteous army is doomed, this is the will of Heaven, and cannot be reversed by human power. However, the court, considering that you were all forced to do this, specially sent me here to give you a way out."

Upon hearing this, Bao Kang and the others looked suspicious. They were well aware of the court's methods, and they couldn't help but be wary of this sudden "favor."

Crucially, they knew the imperial court's intention to eliminate Manichaeism. Chen Gutong understood what Fang La's rebels were worried about, and he didn't hide anything, but instead told them his thoughts in detail.

Seeing that Chen Gutong could even come up with such a treasonous idea, many Manichaeans wanted to kill him on the spot.

However, many of Fang La's rebels intervened to stop these Manicheans who wanted to kill Chen Gutong.

Seeing this scene, Chen Gutong, who had a keen eye for human nature, knew that there were still more people who didn't want to die, and that this matter was most likely to succeed.

Chen Gutong intensified his argument, saying, "The court's intention is not to exterminate everyone, but to influence the world with benevolence. As long as you are willing to lay down your weapons and submit to the court, your past crimes will be forgiven. You can still return to your hometowns to farm, reunite with your families, and enjoy family life. Moreover, the corrupt officials, gentry, and landlords of Jiangnan are dead. The court can now implement two new policies in Jiangnan. From now on, the gentry will pay taxes together with us, and the poll tax will be incorporated into the land tax. Those with more land will pay more taxes, those with less land will pay less taxes, and those with no land will pay no taxes. Our goal of the uprising has been achieved, and we can put our weapons away."

Bao Kang agreed with Chen Gutong's statement and immediately declared: "What we seek in this uprising is nothing more than justice and peace. Now His Majesty is wise and loves his people like his own children. The obstacles to the implementation of the two new policies of the court have been cleared. We have already achieved our goals and there is no need for us to add to the bloodshed in this chaotic world."

After a pause, Bao Kang continued, "If we were not forced into this situation, who would willingly rise up in rebellion? Now that the court is so sincere, why not obey the will of Heaven, lay down our arms and return to our fields, and together usher in a peaceful and prosperous era?"

Bao Kang's words were supported by most of Fang La's rebel army. They knew very well that now that even Fang La had been captured by the imperial court, this momentous uprising had come to an end. Therefore, they all nodded and expressed their willingness to submit to the imperial court.

Even key figures in Fang La's rebel army, such as Fang Qifo and Lü Jiang, expressed their willingness to surrender.

Of course, there are also many die-hard Manichaeans who are unwilling to do anything that would desecrate the Buddha statue, or you could say they are unwilling to insult their own faith, and thus choose to leave.

Bao Kang and the others did not make things difficult for these Manichaeans with firm beliefs, and even Chen Gutong did not say anything.

—The Song army will wipe them out; they have no need to act like such villains.

Chen Gutong then discussed the specific details of the surrender with Bao Kang and others, and agreed on the time and place for the surrender.

Several days later, the remnants of Fang La's rebel army, led by Bao Kang and others, slowly descended the mountain. They laid down their weapons and surrendered to the Song army.

At this moment, Zhao Yu's imperial edict also arrived.

Zhao Yu agreed to Chen Gutong's idea and asked Song Jiang to send Chen Gutong, Bao Kang, and Lü Jiang to the capital, saying that he wanted to talk to them.

Song Jiang said to the three men, “His Majesty is magnanimous and knows how to appoint people to positions of power. People are happy to serve him. Sending you to the capital may not be a bad thing. Perhaps he intends to use you.”

Song Jiang guessed correctly. Based on the principle of knowing oneself and one's enemy, Zhao Yu kept Chen Gutong, Bao Kang, and Lü Jiang by his side as advisors, and often consulted them on matters concerning Jiangnan.

To serve as a warning to others, Fang La and Fang Fei were executed by dismemberment at the crossroads.

Thanks to the intercession of Fang Baihua and Lady Shao, Zhao Yu did not kill Fang La's two sons, Fang Ding and Fang Bo. Instead, he imprisoned them permanently with the royal family and clan of Western Xia.

The remaining men of the Fang clan who surrendered were all exiled to remote prefectures and counties, while the women were sent to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution).

Those members of the Fang clan who refused to surrender were captured and executed at the nearest crossroads, regardless of age or gender.

At the same time, Zhao Yu issued an imperial edict, rewarding all the meritorious soldiers and instructing the Ministry of War to properly handle the compensation for the wounded and injured soldiers.

Most importantly, Emperor Zhao Yu issued a special decree emphasizing that the reason for the civil unrest was that local gentry and landlords colluded with corrupt officials to extort and plunder, leaving the people with no way to survive. Implementing the two new policies was the fundamental solution to this problem once and for all. Only by resolutely implementing the two new policies could the country truly achieve peace and prosperity. Therefore, Emperor Zhao Yu ordered local officials to strictly implement the two new policies to ensure that they benefit all the people without fail. Anyone who obstructs or disobeys will be severely punished without leniency.

In addition, Zhao Yu issued a number of related policies, such as holding relatives accountable for not complying with the new policies and offering rewards for reporting violations.

In short, while suppressing Fang La's rebel army, Zhao Yu did not forget his original intention behind all the trouble he had gone to...

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Just as the Song Dynasty was wiping out the remnants of Fang La's rebel army, its arch-enemy, the Liao Dynasty, also ran into trouble.

No.

It should be said that the Liao Dynasty has always had problems, especially since the current emperor, Yelü Yanxi, ascended the throne.

However, in the second year of Yelü Yanxi's reign, he was dealt a heavy blow by Zhao Yu, causing him to lose the eleven prefectures of Yanyun and all the annual tribute that his ancestors had seized and extorted, resulting in the loss of sovereignty and national humiliation.

At that time, Yelü Yanxi, who had not yet secured his throne, was at risk of losing it.

Seeing this, Yelü Yanxi had no choice but to change his previous incompetence and pretend to be diligent and caring for the people. He did not take concubines, did not spend money extravagantly, and most importantly, he stopped indulging in hunting.

In addition, although Zhao Yu seized the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun and the annual tribute, at the same time, the Zhao Song Dynasty also opened up trade with the Liao Dynasty, and a large amount of goods such as grain, silk, tea, porcelain, glass, soap, clothing, shoes, hats, pots and pans were dumped into the Liao Dynasty.

This not only greatly improved the lives of the people in the Liao Dynasty, but also improved the Liao Dynasty's economy considerably, as the Song Dynasty also purchased various local specialties from the Liao.

Yelü Yanxi attributed all of this to his governance, and became somewhat arrogant. He even felt that returning the eleven prefectures of Yanyun and the annual tribute to the Zhao Song Dynasty was his greatest decision. This not only solved the border problem, allowing the Zhao Song Dynasty and the Liao Dynasty to coexist peacefully, but also solved the Liao Dynasty's problems of food shortages and lack of daily necessities.

Overcome with self-satisfaction, Yelü Yanxi reverted to his old ways, indulging in hunting and neglecting state affairs.

Unfortunately, Zhao Yu ignited public resentment within the Song Dynasty.

On the surface, the Zhao Song Dynasty was undoubtedly embroiled in a series of internal strife.

When Yelü Yanxi saw that Zhao Yu was currently preoccupied with his own problems and might be overthrown by someone at any time, there was no possibility that he would invade their Liao Kingdom again. Therefore, he no longer needed to worry about Zhao Yu.

This allowed Yelü Yanxi to confidently and boldly continue his foolish reign, indulging in unrestrained pleasure...

At this very moment, the Liao Dynasty's real trouble began—the Jurchens, to the northeast of Liao, rose to power...

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(End of this chapter)