You have truly caused me great suffering!

Chapter 148 The Opportunity for Dragons and Snakes to Rise from the Land
"How much rain there has been in the past few years!"

Chen Shao stood with his hands behind his back, looking outside. A fierce wind was blowing and a torrential downpour was falling.

Wei Li, who was originally scheduled to leave after finishing his official business, was also forced to stay in Chen Shao's study outside the residence.

Wei Li laughed and said, "As the saying goes, 'Red sky at morning, sailors take warning; red sky at night, sailors' delight.' This morning, a beautiful red sky appeared in the east and lingered for a long time. Sure enough, a sudden downpour started."

The rain was pouring down, it was truly torrential.

Chen Shao recalled his time defending Richard at Hengshan and couldn't help but say, "Rain and snow can affect the army's progress, especially for the defenders."

Yesterday, news came from Hebei that there had been continuous torrential rain for several days.

Just as they finished negotiating with Tan Zhen in Yan and were heading back to Shangjing Prefecture to report, some Jin Han officials, including Zuo Qigong, Yu Zhongwen, Cao Yongyi, and Kang Gongbi, encountered a rainstorm on their way and took shelter in Pingzhou City.

At that time, they did not know that Zhang Jue had rebelled, and they were all killed by Zhang Dungu, who was left behind.

These were all Han Chinese officials from the Northern Liao who surrendered Yanjing City. Their contributions were immense.

As a result, Zhang Jue wiped them all out.
From the moment these two brothers decided to start their rebellion, they never considered turning back and acted with extreme decisiveness.

Wanyan Aguda, enraged on his sickbed, ordered Wanyan Jamu to set out from Jinzhou to launch a punitive expedition. Zhang Jue, that scholar, certainly had guts.

He led his troops directly out of the pass and fought a battle with Wanyan Zhamu in the field. After suffering a major defeat, he withdrew from Runzhou.

Wanyan Zhamu wanted to take advantage of the victory to attack Pingzhou, but was hindered by torrential rain and could not advance. So he retreated and stationed his troops at Haituxu.

The heavy rain saved Zhang Jue's life and temporarily eased the situation in Liaodong.

However, the Song Dynasty was unlucky.

The torrential rains have put the Yellow River at risk of breaching its banks, and the imperial court has no money to repair and reinforce the riverbed, so people downstream have begun to flee.

For some reason, there has been rain everywhere in the past two years. Fortunately, Chen Shao has put a lot of effort into digging canals and building waterways on the Yellow River, which has given Dingnan Prefecture a strong flood control capability.

After some discussion, Cai Jing and others decided to abandon the people downstream and focus all their efforts on repairing and protecting the waterways near Bianliang.

The two then analyzed the current situation and commented on the performance of several state officials. It was getting dark, but the rain outside showed no signs of letting up.

It was raining and windy, with lightning and thunder. The world was suddenly bright, and then there was a loud "bang" as the earth shook.

Under the power of nature, all things on earth are extremely small, as if they could be submerged in the vast ocean at any moment.

"The might of Heaven is truly awe-inspiring!" Wei Li sighed.

At this moment, in Xiping Prefecture, rainwater flowed along the long streets, resembling rivers.

Water gushed from the eaves on both sides, turning them into water curtain caves. The lamps that used to burn all night under the eaves of the wealthy families in the city had been mostly blown down by the strong wind and fell to the ground, crushed into paper and bamboo frames.

The few surviving lanterns looked as faint as ants facing a large tree under the flashing lightning.

Chen Shao sent someone to check the road, and after they returned and reported back, he said, "Take Mr. Wei and the two secretaries to the guest rooms to rest for the night."

Wei Li did not refuse. He and Chen Shao often worked on government affairs until midnight, and it was common for them to stay here.

Chen Shao went up the stairs from the study to the roof to watch the rain. "I'm going to the roof to watch the rain. Would Mr. Wenxi like to come with me?"

Wei Li, of course, would not refuse, and the two clerks followed him up.

Standing in the attic above the study, one could see that there wasn't a single person on the long street, yet it seemed as if there were thousands of troops. The sound of the rain and the howling wind were as noisy as a stampede of horses, and the thunder was like the sound of war drums. The deserted streets and alleys were incredibly lively, as if ghosts were celebrating wildly.

Chen Shao sighed and said, "With so many torrential rains this summer, things will really get complicated after summer ends."

Wei Li and other high-ranking figures in the Dingnan Army were exceptionally optimistic because they knew the current state of the army. "Why should the commander worry? Yin stimulates Yang to become thunder, and Yang stores Yin to become lightning. This is the opportunity for dragons and snakes to rise from the land."

He looked outside as well. Such rain was indeed rare, and the streaks of lightning on the horizon were awe-inspiring, showcasing the might of the heavens.

He stood behind Chen Shao, watching Chen Shao stand with his hands behind his back and face up under the lightning, and for a moment he really felt that it was like a dragon or snake rising from the land.

Thinking that even formidable figures like Yue Fei, Han Shizhong, and Zong Ze couldn't change the course of events, Chen Shao began to doubt himself.

But then I thought again, among these heroes, I also have my own advantages.

Compared to them, I am the only one who graduated from university with a bachelor's degree, with a higher academic qualification than them, and I have also opened up a certain degree of third eye.

I don't compete with you in terms of courage, strategy, literary talent, or martial arts. I simply build up my strength in a down-to-earth way.

Using his limited knowledge and insights that were a thousand years ahead of his time, he cultivated a powerful force in the Northwest.

This is actually very similar to the "fortress warfare tactic," which prevents the enemy from utilizing their advantages.

"Is this the opportunity for dragons and snakes to rise from the land?" Chen Shao followed Wei Li's words and said, "The upcoming battle will probably be exceptionally fierce."

He was referring to the Jurchens' southward advance, but Wei Li and the two scribes surprisingly agreed that he was talking about replacing the Song Dynasty.

All three were very excited; this seemed to be the first time the commander had revealed his true intentions.

But everyone was already itching to get started.

With such power, how could this massive group in the Northwest possibly be content to remain a separatist force here?

As the leader, if you don't start your own business, how will your brothers go further?

Wei Li tentatively replied, "Only in turbulent times can true heroes emerge."

Chen Shao thought of Yue Fei and others, who were indeed able to shine because of the chaotic times; otherwise, Han Shizhong's early life would have been a reflection of theirs.

But these heroes are indeed remembered for eternity. What about the common people who lost their dignity and were slaughtered and humiliated during the Jingkang Incident?
Chen Shao sighed, "It's just a pity for the common people."

After listening, the three were even more certain that Chen Shao was talking about replacing the Song Dynasty, something that would indeed be harmful to the people.

"How does the General think the people of the world are faring under the current emperor's rule?"

Chen Shao shook his head and said, "This Zhao Ji is too selfish. He uses the strength, wealth, and resources of the entire nation to indulge his own pleasure. You must know that power belongs to all the people. Although it may be in the hands of a certain person or party, the ruler should not only seek the benefit of a certain person or party, but should also benefit the people. This is the way to achieve long-term stability and security."

The same principle applies to Chen Shao's governance of Dingnan Army.

First, you must ensure that others can live, have benefits, and have something to strive for; then they will spontaneously protect you.

This principle, applied from the Dingnan Army to the whole world, still applies.

In other words, if you want to gain more power, you need to find ways to make life better for more people.

This isn't a question of whether someone is saintly or not; it's simply that only in this way can you maintain strength and longevity. Otherwise, no matter how wealthy you are, it's useless—Yang Guang is a prime example.

In summary, it all boils down to two words: human nature.

After descending from the attic, Chen Shao went through the gate to the backyard, and after thinking for a moment, he went to Zhai Rui's courtyard.

If I don't come and stay for a few more nights, these two concubines from Hexi will hardly recognize me anymore.

Moreover, Chen Shao is about to give the Zhai family an important position, and he wants to expand his influence west of Shazhou.

The Zhai family was a prominent Buddhist clan and held a certain degree of authority over the interpretation of Buddhist scriptures.

It was raining heavily outside, and the maids in the house were startled when they heard Chen Shao come in.

While hurriedly helping Chen Shao change his clothes, Zhai Rui heard that Chen Shao had arrived outside. She turned and got off the bed, her beautiful face, which could express both joy and anger, slightly flushed with shyness. She curtsied to Chen Shao and said sweetly, "Master."

"You went to bed so early?" Zhai Rui had already removed her jewelry and was wearing a green silk jacket, pink silk trousers, and embroidered slippers, with her hair loose and draped over her shoulders.

Her soft, close-fitting clothes accentuated her petite and delicate, fragrant body.

Seeing Chen Shao looking at her, Zhai Rui felt a little shy and quickly tucked her loose hair behind her ear. With her hair pulled back like that, her fair and slender neck looked even more beautiful.

Chen Shao always felt that she was a miniature Li Shishi, with a similar figure and everything else, but Shishi was a bit more charming.

The rain was so heavy that Chen Shao's clothes were completely soaked. After wiping them off, he was worried about not having anything to change into.

Zhai Rui had someone take a set of clothes out of the closet and helped Chen Shao put them on.

The maids in her courtyard were all brought by the Zhai family themselves, and they served their master without any hesitation.

"Has the master had dinner yet?"

Chen Shao had eaten some snacks and drunk some tea with Wei Li in the study, so he wasn't hungry.

Seeing this, Zhai Rui was about to send the maid to the kitchen, but Chen Shao waved his hand with a smile and said, "With such heavy rain, let's just find some food. These little ones will be blown away if they go out."

The maids all chuckled softly.

Zhai Rui covered her mouth and said, "Sister Zhang is next door. She still has some Tianjiao Zhi. Go and bring it to the master quickly."

Chen Shao was curious about the name, but didn't ask. When the maids returned, Zhang Yinghan came over with them.

This young woman was bolder than Zhai Rui. She took off her coat, tugged at her jacket, and walked over, bowing sweetly as she said, "Master."

Chen Shao said with a smile, "I even asked you to deliver it personally."

Zhang Yinghan was a little shy; she had come on purpose, but fortunately, Zhai Rui didn't mind.

The two sisters, feeling that they had arrived late and were not as close to Chen Shao as the others, had already made a pact to try to please him.

After opening the food box, the maids brought out a plate of Hetian black jade and took out a few pieces of dried meat, the shredded meat as translucent as golden threads.

Chen Shao was very interested, picked up a piece, and his eyes lit up immediately.

"What's this called?"

Zhai Rui stood to the side, served him a plate of cheese, and dripped some gentian wine on it. "Master, this is called Tianjiao Zhi."

"How?"

Zhai Rui was stumped. She could eat it, but she hadn't researched how to make it.

Zhang Yinghan explained with a smile that her tribe's main industry was animal husbandry: "This is made by marinating the lean meat from the hind leg of a lynx from the Qilian Mountains with rose salt from Shazhou, thyme from Gaochang, and honey from Liangzhou wildflowers. Then it is roasted in the Gobi Desert during the day and stored in a snow-capped mountain cellar at night. This process is repeated for nine days before it can be stored for consumption."

"To preserve it for longer, each piece of meat is wrapped with wild camel marrow and sealed with argali tail fat."

Chen Shao had a great interest in dried meat and cheese, not entirely because they tasted good.

Of course, both of these dishes tonight were delicious.

But more importantly, cheese and dried meat are excellent military rations.

If Hexi has such advanced techniques for making cheese and jerky, then I should send someone to try and see if I can turn the cattle and sheep on the ranch into enough jerky.

It will be easy to carry during future wars, and it is also highly nutritious. Most importantly, it can actually provide energy.

It's better than rice porridge.

After Chen Shao had eaten and drunk his fill, he spread his legs apart, one in each hand, and let them sit on his lap.

The daughters of powerful Han families in Hexi have a unique charm, not only in their physical appearance, but also in their mannerisms, clothing, and demeanor, which are quite different from ordinary women from the Central Plains.

In fact, Hexi, from any point of view, still retains much of the style of the Tang Dynasty.

When Chen Shao went on his western expedition, he discovered that their armor and weapons were still in the style of the Tang Dynasty.

The two concubines were soft and light, with delicate voices. They sat on her lap, their fragrant bones swaying and their movements seemingly boneless.

Chen Shao was very pleased with their cute and innocent appearance, and couldn't help but hug their slender waists and move closer to them, kissing them together.
-
The next morning, Chen Shao got dressed early and went to inspect the area outside the city.

Xiping Prefecture is the source of the Yellow River, and five waterways pass through the city.

Fortunately, Yang Cheng did a good job managing the river, and although there was heavy rain, it did not cause any damage.

Xu Jin accompanied him on a tour of the city and its outskirts. Chen Shao said, "I heard that in Hexi, the temperature difference between day and night is large, making it easy to store dried meat that doesn't spoil."

Xu Jin nodded and said, "Back in the days of the pseudo-Xia dynasty, Hexi often sent dried meat as tribute. Among them were some dishes called 'Tianjiao Zhi,' which only the pseudo-Xia royal family could enjoy."

"Send someone to find out. If possible, I plan to dry more meat as military rations. Ideally, we could build a few fortified villages specifically for producing dried meat."

Xu Jin nodded and said, "General, your insight is excellent. I will make the arrangements immediately."

Chen Shao then arrived at the Lingwu camp. The torrential rain had destroyed some watermills, and Wu Lin sent people to the city to find craftsmen to repair them.

After Chen Shao arrived, he watched for a while with great interest.

This place is mainly used for making fried noodles and dried food. If it is combined with their own dried meat and dried cheese, then during the march and battle, the energy supply will be higher than that of other armies.

Their application of water power was relatively common, and the craftsmen of Western Xia were always highly skilled, which was also highly valued by emperors of successive dynasties.

Upon hearing that Chen Shao had arrived, Wu Lin rushed over.

"General Jie".

Chen Shao nodded and said, "These past few days, Wei Li and I have been handling government affairs in the city. How is the recruitment in the army going?"

Wu Lin said, "Reporting to the commander, it is basically completed. There are a total of 50,000 troops, 40% of whom are Han soldiers and 60% are non-Han soldiers. They are divided into four camps: heavy cavalry, light cavalry, crossbowmen, and infantry. Among them, there are 30,000 cavalry with 45,000 warhorses from Hexi; and 20,000 infantry with 15,000 pack horses."

"Eight thousand sets of cold-forged armor, fifteen thousand crossbows, and forty thousand Western Xia swords."

After listening, Chen Shao nodded. In this way, apart from the heavy cavalry, the rest of the cavalry would each have two riders. There should be eight thousand heavy cavalry, since there were only eight thousand cold-forged armor.

Eight thousand heavy cavalry is already terrifying; most forces couldn't afford to support them.

Maintaining such a large army is extremely costly, so war is inevitable, and Chen Shao has already made plans.

First, let the Zhai family spread Buddhism in Xizhou and exert influence, then send their own Buddhist academy students to operate there.

If the Uyghurs of Xizhou and Gaochang are hostile to our side, or resist using Buddhism to exert influence on them, then it is only natural to use them to sustain our war effort and train our troops.

As long as he didn't get bogged down in the quagmire of the Central Plains, Chen Shao was confident he could escape at any time. After all, in places like the Western Regions, the strong always reigned supreme.

If you give them a couple of blows, you can talk things over if necessary. But if you send troops to fight the Song Dynasty or the Jurchens, it will immediately become a fight to the death.

Moreover, the Uyghurs of the Western Regions are incredibly wealthy; if we could take them over, it would be another windfall.

The area occupied by the Western Uyghurs was later called Turpan.
Although it had little to do with the Song Dynasty and there weren't many Han Chinese, could Chen Shao really consider attacking Turpan an invasion?

That place has been part of his country since ancient times.

Anyway, that's what his elementary school textbooks said, and that's how it was drawn on maps.

(End of this chapter)