Northern Prefecture Rivers and Mountains

Chapter 354 Introduction

"Qiao Zong sent envoys to the Later Qin to acknowledge its vassalage and became its vassal. Yao Xing appointed Qiao Zong as Grand General, Chancellor, and King of Shu, bestowing upon him the Nine Bestowments, and enfeoffed him with imperial authority, all according to the rites of a king!"

Meng Ganzhi read the intelligence sent back from the west.

As expected, the people of Shu had no sense of belonging to the Jin dynasty.

In fact, if Qiao Zong had simply submitted a memorial to Jiankang and admitted his mistake, the court, being too far away to intervene, would have had no choice but to accept it reluctantly.

The Jin dynasty never had much interest in Shu.

But Qiao Zong didn't even bother with formalities, showing no respect whatsoever.

The Qiao family was a prominent clan in Shu, and the entire family served under the Han, Shu Han, and Jin dynasties. Yet, they lacked even basic integrity and surrendered directly to the Qiang people.

Liu Zun said, "How can the people of Jin in Shu swallow this insult of submitting to the Qiang bandits?"

During the Five Barbarian Invasions, the resistance of the Jin people in the Central Plains rose and fell, leaving behind many moving and inspiring stories. Logically, there should have been resistance in Shu (Sichuan).

Yin Zhongwen said: "Since the Cheng Han dynasty, Sichuan has not been part of the Chinese land. When Li Shou usurped the throne, he admired Shi Hu and carried out large-scale construction projects in Sichuan, harming the Jin people. He brought the Liao people into Sichuan from Zangke, and the area north of Xiangshan became Liao settlements. More than 100,000 Liao households were relocated to the former Han territories of Baxi, Quchuan, Guanghan, Yang'an, Zizhong, Jianwei, and Zitong."

Liu Daogui had also heard this old story. The first two rulers of Cheng Han, Li Te and Li Xiong, were quite wise, emphasizing education and promoting learning, and reducing taxes and corvée labor. However, things changed when Li Shou came to power. Like Shi Hu, he usurped the throne and killed all the children of his uncle Li Te and cousin Li Xiong.

He also made a pact with Shi Hu to form an alliance to invade the Central Plains, destroy the Jin dynasty, and divide the world equally.

Shi Hu relocated a million Hu people from the Western Regions to Hebei, where he carried out large-scale construction projects and harmed the Jin people. Li Shou followed suit in Shu, relocating more than 500,000 Liao people from the south to Shu, which led to the barbarization of Shu.

However, the Liao people were in a barbaric and uncivilized state, practicing slash-and-burn agriculture, and were even inferior to the Hu people, which led to the decline of Sichuan from a land of plenty into a barbarian land.

Historically, this is known as the Liao people entering Shu.

Therefore, after Huan Wen conquered Cheng Han, he neglected Shu and focused all his efforts on developing Jingzhou and Xiangyang.

In other words, the people of Shu were almost completely transformed by the Cheng-Han regime.

Although the Jin dynasty was corrupt, it preserved the Chinese civilization; otherwise, the influx of barbarians from all directions would have long since overwhelmed China.

Even the Lin-yi Kingdom to the south has been making moves against Jiaozhou in recent years.

Liu Daogui said, "Eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time. First, wipe out the Huan family, then we can deal with Qiao Zong."

As I said before, once Jingzhou and Xiangyang rise to prominence, Sichuan and Chongqing will naturally follow suit.

Qiao Zong surrendered to Yao Xing, and Yao Xing reciprocated by continuously reinforcing Hongnong County. Under his mediation, the Huan clan actually joined forces with Qiao Zong. Qiao Mingzi, the governor of Bazhou and general in charge of the east of Shu, left Baidi City and sailed down the river to harass Jingzhou.

Yao Wenzong, the Left General of the Qin Dynasty, led 30,000 infantry and cavalry to attack Shunyang County.

At this time, the Southern Yan in the east also joined in the fun. After the Wei army withdrew, news spread that Murong De was seriously ill.

His nephew, Murong Chao, held military power. This man, from the Western Qiang region, pretended to be crazy and foolish in Chang'an to deceive Yao Xing. He then returned to the Southern Yan with a golden sword and was appointed as a court attendant and general of the cavalry. He inherited the title of Prince of Beihai.

This person is more aggressive than Murong De, and as an outsider, he naturally hopes to gain prestige through military achievements.

He then led the Yan army to launch a major offensive against Yan and Xu. Although he was defeated many times by generals such as Liu Guangzhi, Wang Yuande, Wang Zhongde, Tan Daoji, and Xiao Chengzhi, he still managed to capture Jibei and Shanyang counties, plunder more than 5,000 households, kill the old and weak, and take the young and handsome as musicians to present to Murong De.

Nanyang, Huanshi, and Qiaoshu were all vassal states of Yao Qin.

They dared not confront Tuoba Gui, so they joined forces to deal with Liu Daogui.

At this critical juncture, Yao Xing sent another messenger, saying that as long as Liu Daogui did not attack the Huan family, he would order Yao Wenzong to withdraw his troops, and Qiao Shu would not invade Jingxiang. In the future, all forces would keep to themselves.

"Who does Yao Xing think he is? Does he really think he can trap me with these shrimp soldiers and crab generals?" Liu Daogui said dismissively.

Yin Zhongwen said, "It must be because Yao Xing learned that Jiangzuo and Jingxiang were both promoting the land reform that he united various forces in an attempt to interrupt the revival of the Jin Dynasty."

Each time the land was destroyed, the power of the Jin dynasty would increase significantly.

In those days, spies were everywhere. If Liu Daogui could find out about them, they would naturally know what was happening in the Jin Dynasty.

"Well done! My precious sword has been newly sharpened in its sheath, and I'm just about to test it out!" Liu Daogui drew his new sword, Xintinghou, which had been reforged by craftsmen and was even sharper than before.

The Jingxiang land reclamation project has achieved some success, and another 34,000 households have been identified.

After the land was distributed, they became more supportive of Liu Daogui than ever before.

The three prefectures of Yong, Jing, and Xiang can be described as having smooth governance and harmonious people.

After more than half a year of rest and recuperation, the Northern Army has fully recovered its spirit and morale.

Under Liu Daogui's administration, the status of the Xifu New Army also rose, and they acquired land and houses, becoming increasingly elite.

Whether it's the Northern Prefecture or the Western Prefecture, war is in their best interest.

Countless soldiers wanted to climb the ranks by accumulating military merits or to obtain more land.

The resistance to land reclamation in Jingxiang was less than that in Jiangzuo, so Liu Daogui implemented the policy more thoroughly. Not only were lands awarded for military merits, but official positions were also granted based on military merits, thus restoring Emperor Wu of Han's system of military merit titles.

The ranks are as follows: First rank: Gongshi; Second rank: Shangzao; Third rank: Zanniao; Fourth rank: Bugeng; Fifth rank: Daifu; Sixth rank: Guandaifu; Seventh rank: Gongdaifu; Eighth rank: Gongcheng; Ninth rank: Wudaifu; Tenth rank: Zuoshuzhang; Eleventh rank: Youshuzhang; Twelfth rank: Zuogeng; Thirteenth rank: Zhonggeng; Fourteenth rank: Yougeng; Fifteenth rank: Shaoshangzao; Sixteenth rank: Dashangzao; Seventeenth rank: Sicheshuzhang; Eighteenth rank: Dashuzhang; Nineteenth rank: Guanneihou; Twentieth rank: Chehou.

The Jin dynasty inherited the system of the Wei dynasty, the Wei dynasty inherited the system of the Han dynasty, and the Han dynasty inherited the system of the Qin dynasty.

As long as it was conducive to the Northern Expedition and to uniting the army, Liu Daogui did everything he could, directly tearing down the impenetrable walls erected by the aristocratic families over the past three hundred years, and opening up a path for those from humble backgrounds to rise in society.

"We are willing to be the vanguard, to confront Qiao Mingzi, to invade Shu, and to wipe out the barbarians!" Hu Fan, Mao Xiuzhi, Fu Hongzhi, and other generals of the Western Prefecture bowed and stepped forward.

"We are also willing to attack Shu." Liu Zun, Liu Huaijing, Liu Elang, and several other generals from the Northern Army quickly stepped forward, their words sharp and direct.

"What a coward! Why fight Qiao Shu? If we're going to fight, we should fight Yao Qin!" Liu Daogui argued against the majority.

Now that Jingzhou and Xiangyang have just begun to recover, they really don't have the energy to get entangled with the Liao people in Shu. Moreover, Shu is easy to defend and difficult to attack, with strong fortresses and strongholds all along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

Qiao Zong was deeply loved by the people of Shu, making him extremely difficult to attack.

Yao Qin is different. Don't be fooled by Yao Xing's current bluster; he is actually extremely weak. He suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Chaibi and has yet to recover.

The Xiongnu leader Liu Bobo rose to power and launched attacks everywhere, tying down Yao Xing's energy.

The generals' eyes lit up. "We are willing to fight to the death with you, General."

For them, as long as there is a war to fight, it doesn't matter who they fight.

"Send the order to Wang Zhen'e and Liu Zhong: hand over all matters in the south to them!"

With a clang, Liu Daogui forcefully closed his treasured sword, his heart brimming with fighting spirit.

These days, fighting and killing are the norm.

Compared to the Liao people, the Qiang and Di people of Qin were more Sinicized and skilled in farming, making them the most suitable slaves.

It's really unbelievable that the three prefectures of Jing and Xiang have such a large population, yet their population is less than a million. It's even less than the population of a single prefecture during the Han Dynasty.

The fastest and most effective way to acquire population is through war...

Xiaoting. This is the place where Lu Xun burned down Liu Bei's camp for seven hundred li and defeated him.

Wang Zhen'e deliberately stationed his 30,000 troops on this open ground, which was conducive to deploying his forces, and confronted Huan Shikang and Huan Zhen for more than two months.

“Wang Zhen’e was just a county magistrate back then, an incompetent fellow. We will surely win this battle!” Huan Shikang had every reason to be confident.

Wang Zhen'e fled back to Jingxiang from Hedong with his uncle Wang Yao. For more than ten years, he was neither good at riding and archery nor skilled in weapons. Therefore, for so many years, the Huan family had been using him as a civil official.

Huan Xuan usurped the throne and became emperor. He valued the reputation of Wang Meng's grandson, so he summoned him to the Western Palace to serve as a military advisor.

Last year, they attacked Yichang, besieged it for several months without success, and retreated in disarray.

Huan Shikang observed the Jin army for a long time. Although it seemed to have a strong force, most of them were a rabble, lacking proper armor and weapons, and their morale was not very high.

Even the supply of provisions was not timely, and the Jin army often had to go down the river to fish...

Huan Yi said, "Liu Daogui only has Liu Guangzhi, Mao Dezhu, and Wang Zhongde as his most capable generals. The others are not worth fearing. Now that Qiao Mingzi's reinforcements have arrived, we can attack from the west, north, and south. If we can defeat Wang Zhen'e, Jiangling will be ours for the taking!"

After the fall of Huan Chu, the Huan clan did not perish. In addition to the branch in Yidu County, there was Huan Shisui, who fled to Tuzhong (present-day Chuzhou, Anhui), gathered more than 10,000 people, and used the Dabie Mountains as a base to raid the counties and prefectures of Jianghuai.

Huan Xuan's strategist, Ding Xianqi, warned, "What if it's a trap to lure the enemy?"

Huan Shikang laughed loudly, “In the Battle of Feishui, Fu Jian ordered the Qin army to retreat three miles to lure the Beifu army across the river, intending to attack them halfway across. However, as soon as the army moved, their formation immediately fell into disarray and their morale collapsed. The Beifu army took advantage of the situation to launch a surprise attack.”

The advance or retreat of 30,000 troops is no trivial matter; the slightest disorder would lead to them trampling each other.

No one dared to let 30,000 troops retreat in order to lure the enemy.

"I see..." Ding Xianqi was Huan Xuan's favorite minister, skilled in strategy but ignorant of military affairs.

"Issue the order: in three days, join forces with Qiao Mingzi in the north and Huan Zhen in the south to launch a pincer attack on Wang Zhen'e, ensuring that not a single one of his soldiers returns!" Huan Shikang shouted the order.

Taking Jiangling would sever the connection between Xiangyang and Changsha. Given the prestige of the Huan family in Jingxiang over the past decades, they might very well be able to make a comeback.

But at that moment, a sudden change occurred: the Jin army in the west began to retreat.

The camp was in chaos; it was unclear whether someone had knocked over the stove or set fire to the grain rations, as white smoke billowed out.

The Jin army became increasingly panicked, scrambling to board ships and retreating south.

Huan Yi exclaimed in alarm, "Oh no! Wang Zhen'e must know that he is no match for the combined forces of the two families and is about to retreat to Jiangling!"

"This is a golden opportunity! We can't let him escape like this! Order the entire army to immediately launch a pursuit and kill Wang Zhen'e!"

At this point, Huan Shikang had nothing to fear.

The only nearby city that could support Xiaoting was Xiangyang, but Xiangyang was more than 300 li away. According to the news sent back by the spies, Liu Daogui was promoting the land reform and had no energy to go south.

Even if they receive the news and gather troops to come, it will take at least six days!

Huan Shikang had 20,000 troops, and Huan Zhen had 8,000 elite soldiers. Even if Qiao Mingzi's reinforcements couldn't arrive in time, they would be enough to deal with Wang Zhen'e.

"Send troops! Send troops! We must capture Wang Zhen'e alive! I will tear him to pieces as a warning to others!" Huan Shikang gritted his teeth, his hatred for the traitor far exceeding his hatred for the Northern Army.

If these people hadn't defected, how could Huan Chu have suffered such a crushing defeat?
The war drums thundered.

The Jin army's sudden retreat caught the Chu army off guard, but Huan Shikang urged them on so urgently that the soldiers were driven out of the camp by military officers before they could even be fully armed.

The smoke in the Jin army camp grew thicker and thicker, enveloping the entire camp and almost obscuring the river.

The only visible figures were the blurry silhouettes of the Jin army fleeing in disarray, some even trampling each other, accompanied by heart-wrenching screams.

This further spurred the Chu army. The best battles are those fought with the wind at their backs. Tens of thousands of Chu soldiers were holed up in Yidu County, impoverished and exhausted. Now, seeing the armor, weapons and equipment abandoned by the Jin army, everyone rushed eastward without hesitation.

Even the formation was in disarray.

"Don't panic, maintain formation!" Huan Yi shouted.

Huan Shikang laughed heartily, "Let them go, let these lowly brats have a taste of meat. Wang Zhen'e is deliberately setting up a smokescreen, it's because he's guilty!"

The Chu army became increasingly lax in its restrictions, allowing its soldiers to rush into the camp and plunder.

But no one pursued the Chu army anymore.

The wind picked up, the smoke cleared, and the Chu army was revealed in the camp.

On the high ramparts four miles to the east, a group of armored soldiers stood solemnly, with a tall banner bearing the character "王" (King) fluttering in the wind.

The sound of war drums came from east to west, drowning out the drums of the Chu army.

Only then did Huan Shikang realize the situation was dire. Although this armored force numbered only three thousand, their killing intent was overwhelming. "North... Northern Army..."

Only the elite troops of the Northern Army possess such imposing presence.

Boom, boom, boom...

More than three thousand Northern Army soldiers strode forward, their weapons consisting of spears, axes, and crossbows. On each flank, there was a cavalry force of over a hundred men, wielding long spears that gleamed coldly.

"Quickly, order Huan Zhen's troops to cross the river immediately!" Huan Shikang was a veteran general, and he could tell at a glance how fierce this army was.

Wang Zhen'e was truly cunning; he ruthlessly used 30,000 men as bait, leaving only this elite Northern Army to participate in the battle.

Although the military order was issued, he hastily dispatched troops, and Huan Zhen's troops in Jiangnan were unable to keep up.

It's too late to send the order now.

The three thousand elite troops from the Northern Army had already stormed into the camp, throwing the Chu army's formation into chaos. Crowded in the narrow camp, they could only fight individually.

They were slaughtered by the Northern Army like cutting melons and vegetables, and more than 10,000 people were pinned down in their camp by 3,000 Northern Army soldiers, unable to advance or retreat.

In just half an hour, the yellowish-brown land was stained blood red.

Huan Shikang's eyes turned red. These were his last possessions, and with each one that died, there would be one less left. Just as he was in despair, a thunderous shout came from Jiangnan. It was Huan Zhen's eight thousand elite troops who had arrived.

They boarded the ferry and rushed towards the north bank.

"There's still a chance! We can hold off the Northern Army and wipe out this elite force. Wang Zhen'e will surely be defeated!" Huan Shikang roared.

Upon seeing the reinforcements from Jiangnan, the morale of the Chu army soared.

Unexpectedly, nine huge black shadows slowly appeared on the river downstream.

Like a pack of primordial beasts, they bared their fangs and claws as they charged toward the Chu army that was halfway across the river, followed by more than a hundred warships.

The strongest navy in the land is now entirely in Liu Daogui's hands. He deployed nine warships in this battle alone, which is quite a show of respect to Huan Shikang.

Wang Zhen'e, who was plotting against Huan Shikang's troops in Jiangbei, would naturally also be plotting against Huan Zhen's troops in Jiangnan.

Hope turned to despair in an instant. Huan Shikang slumped to the ground, his eyes vacant. "It's over..."

(End of this chapter)