You have truly caused me great suffering!

With the war in Hebei underway, the officials in the court remained relatively calm and composed.

After all, compared to the first time, this time the preparations were more thorough, and there were also a certain number of soldiers available for battle.

However, Emperor Zhao Huan collapsed.

This man once again became anxious and insecure, living in constant fear and anxiety, which greatly affected the morale of his ministers.

Li Gang and others simply submitted a memorial requesting that the emperor make fewer public appearances.

Although he knew he shouldn't compromise with Chen Shao and the others, Li Gang had to admit that it was much easier to get things done in the court now than before.

Cai Jing and Wei Li, under the pretext of saving the court's expenses and using the funds to support the anti-Jin army, took the opportunity to dismiss a large number of officials.

Moreover, they didn't just shut them down directly; instead, they introduced a policy.

First, a group of officials were screened out. Their performance was consistently poor and they were basically incapable of doing anything. This type of official was directly called "eliminating redundant officials".
Then a group of older people were selected, symbolically given some honors, and then "persuaded to retire," using soft means such as commendation and subsidies to let them return to their hometowns;
Then they merged some government offices and temporarily relieved officials who were not assigned to any positions or were idle due to institutional adjustments, allowing them to return to their hometowns to live, and to be recalled when needed later. This was called "idle at home".
After a large number of officials were dismissed, weakening their power, they finally revealed their true intentions. The Central Secretariat directly ordered that a large number of officials in Bianliang City, whose positions were already filled and had no substantive posts available, or whose local official positions were limited, should have their salaries temporarily suspended and be ordered to return to their hometowns to await notification of replacements.

This is "suspending salary pending vacancy".

They said they were waiting for notification, but everyone knew that if they went back this time, they would never be able to come back.

So the officials were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, spending their days circling around the residences of Cai Jing, Wei Li, and others, but they could not be summoned.

After this series of actions, although many officials from Li Gang's faction were dismissed, many friends came to him to plead for their lives.

On the surface, Li Gang shared their hatred of the enemy, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief.

As the prime minister, holding real power over the country, how could he not know the harm caused by redundant officials?

To be honest, if he were to handle it himself, he definitely wouldn't be as efficient and decisive as Cai Jing and Wei Li.

Step by step, each move was interconnected, pushing officials to their limits of tolerance before taking further action.

First, those with very poor performance were dealt with, and there was a clear reason and evidence that no one could find fault with them;
Then they dismissed the elderly officials, since they only had a few years left before retirement and they were too lazy to fight with Cai Jing over it.

If we get rid of those who are too idle and resentful, everyone will just secretly be happy.
The remaining officials were no longer capable of causing any major trouble, so they were dealt with one last blow.

At this point, it was difficult for officials to unite closely to resist the imperial decrees.

This process requires extremely precise control; it cannot cause unrest prematurely, nor can it be too drawn out, leaving them on guard.

One must have a thorough understanding of human nature and officialdom in order to handle matters with such ease, precision, and ruthlessness.

Li Gang had to admit that his experience in officialdom was not yet sufficient to accomplish such a thing.

Because while these officials may seem easy to defeat individually, the forces behind them are actually quite complex, and some of them are simply not worth dismissing.

After resolving the issue of the Imperial Guards during Tong Guan's campaign against Liao, Cai Jing took action again and essentially solved the problem of redundant officials.

Even if it wasn't a complete cure, it greatly alleviated the chronic problem of redundant officials in the imperial court.

Inside the government hall, Li Gang, Wu Min, and Yuwen Xuzhong were gathered together, discussing how the emperor's policies were affecting morale.

Li Gang said, "This time, the Tartars' southward invasion might actually be an opportunity to completely resolve the internal troubles within the court."

Wu Min nodded frequently. With Cai Jing and Wei Li becoming increasingly powerful, they no longer fought for power and profit, but instead formed a close-knit group.

Even if they band together, they're no match for others; if they fight amongst themselves, they'll be nothing.

Seeing that Yuwen Xuzhong was keeping his head down and not speaking, Li Gang asked, "Shutong, what do you think?"

Yuwen Xuzhong shook his head with his eyes closed. "The most urgent matter is military affairs. We cannot allow the Tartars to reach Bianliang, otherwise the prestige of the Great Song Dynasty will be completely lost."

The other two disagreed, saying, "We are well-prepared now, and our troops are still in good order. How could we possibly be driven to Bianliang? The reason the Tartars were able to advance south so easily was because Cai You was incompetent. He angered both the people and the heavens in Hebei and then fled back to Bianliang, which led to the rapid fall of Hebei."

Yuwen Xuzhong raised his eyebrows, his eyes filled with worry. "The Tartars are an elite army that has not removed its armor for ten years. Now they are coming in full force, with their forces from the east and west combined. Their ferocity is probably even greater than before."

"Uncle Tong, don't boost the enemy's morale and diminish our own. I'm sure they won't be able to reach Bianliang."

Yuwen Xuzhong stopped speaking, but his worry remained. Regardless of the outcome of this battle, if they were to advance to the vicinity of the capital, it would be a huge blow to the Song Dynasty.

When all the various factions come to the capital to defend the emperor again, will they be easily persuaded to leave?
-
The morning wind was strong and fierce, penetrating into the enemy tower of Laiyuan Village in Linghu Town, Weizhou, and blowing loudly.

Puliyan Alixi, one of Xiyin's subordinates, stayed in this watchtower, while Wanyan Xiyin lived in the village.

Zonghan personally led the army away, leaving only himself to guard Weizhou. No matter how broad-minded Wanyan Xiyin was, he dared not not personally go to the front line to keep track of the movements of the Dingnan army.

Laiyuan Village was centrally located and had sufficient water for the horses to drink. The terrain was also relatively flat, making it convenient for him to personally lead his troops to provide support in all directions. Therefore, he chose this place to set up the central army.

As dawn broke, Wanyan Xiyin jumped off the couch and vigorously rubbed his face.

His personal guards had already brought him a basin of hot soup for him to wash up; Xi Yin was the most particular about such things among the Jurchen Tartars.

He had a rugged appearance, a sturdy build like a millstone, and was short and stout.

However, he is passionate about Central Plains culture, has some interest in Khitan civilization, knows the scripts of various ethnic groups, and is quite good at calligraphy.

Outside the watchtower, the sentries who patrolled last night stood waiting to report on the situation.

While wiping his face with a handkerchief, Wanyan Xiyin ordered without looking up, "Let them in and report the military situation one by one!"

The guards opened the door, and a cool morning breeze rushed in, instantly invigorating Wanyan Xiyin.

The scouts and spies waiting outside filed in and reported on the military situation from yesterday to the present.

"A group of Western barbarians besieged Qingye Village. They were troops from the Daizhou camp, and the commander was probably a general. They fought for a while, killing thirty-seven and capturing one alive, but they didn't get any military information out of him. After fighting for a while without breaking through the village, they left immediately."

"Shangyu Village was attacked last night. The Western barbarians wanted to set fire to the village walls, but they were discovered when they were carrying firewood across the moat. A volley of arrows felled them, and then the armored soldiers brought fire and went out of the village to fight on foot."

"Last night, another 3,000 shi of grain and 27,000 bundles of hay were transported from Yizhou City. There were also 400 long axes for infantry fighting sent by the Yanshan Ironworks. However, the iron they forged this time is brittle and not as fine and sharp as the weapons sent by Bohai. I would like to ask you, Xi Yin, whether to store these 400 long axes in the warehouse or distribute them."

Wanyan Xiyin snorted, not wanting to bother with such trivial matters.

When Zonghan left, he took almost all the main players with him, leaving Zonghan to shoulder the burden alone.

Wanyan Xiyin felt a great responsibility and couldn't sleep well every day.

"Last night, a group of Western barbarians attacked Yincheng Ward and planted some explosives. These explosives were extremely powerful and created a breach, and Yincheng Ward fell."

Wanyan Xiyin finally raised his head and asked, "Gunpowder?"

"That's right, it's gunpowder, very powerful gunpowder."

Wanyan Xiyin frowned and asked, "Was it buried under the city walls and then detonated?"

"It was dug up and buried, and the people above didn't notice it."

Wanyan Xiyin felt a little uneasy again. The most terrifying thing about the Han people was that they always invented strange weapons with astonishing power.

Since retreating to the border defense line of Weizhou, there have been these sporadic but continuous battles almost every day, with dozens of people being beheaded each time.

Both sides had their share of victories and defeats, with roughly equal casualties. Last night, a group of Jurchen warriors beheaded fifty-one people and eagerly reported it, requesting a reward. When did the Jurchen warriors fall to such a state?
Back then, when we slaughtered the Liao dogs, everyone killed dozens in a single battle, and no one reported it or claimed a reward; they just went and killed and looted. The situation now is indeed far worse than before. We won for over a decade, just when the Jurchens were rising in power, and then we were cut in half. This feeling is truly unbearable.

It is hoped that Zonghan and Zongwang can join forces to break through Bianliang and open up the situation from the east.

I don't want to go back to that defensive line in Yunnei; it's just too difficult to break through.

Wanyan Xiyin was stationed in Weizhou, but he was not only responsible for guarding the city; the transportation of goods from the rear was entirely on his shoulders.

Warfare is all about logistics, and every competent military commander values ​​this aspect highly.

Fortunately, the supplies in Yanshan Prefecture were plentiful; what Zongwang had seized during his last southward expedition was enough to supply the army for a year.

Not to mention the spoils from the earlier defeat of Zhang Jue and the capture of Yanjing.

With a solid defense and ample military supplies, Wanyan Xiyin, as a general, should have been completely satisfied.

But he never slept soundly for a single night, always worrying that something bad might have happened at night!

The biggest concern is the area to the west of my house.

Therefore, Wanyan Xiyin always kept a troop of soldiers in his hands, ready to provide support in that direction at any time.

The three-pronged Dingnan army is truly terrifying. After a period of messy fighting, both sides are very familiar with each other.

The generals in their army were always able to win some incredible battles, and they were extremely strict in disciplining their troops, ensuring that orders were obeyed without question.

It's very difficult to induce them to make a mistake.

Just as Wanyan Xiyin was preparing to pull himself together and deal with these military supplies...

Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves rang out from outside, and countless messengers rushed toward the central army of Laiyuan Village!
Wanyan Xiyin pushed aside the generals who were waiting for his instructions and strode out of the enemy tower.

Standing on the stockade wall and looking around, one can see more than ten mounted riders, their back flags fluttering in the wind, galloping towards them!

Before even entering Laiyuan Village, the cavalry shouted, "The Western barbarians have launched a full-scale attack on the village!"

Wanyan Xiyin was taken aback, then immediately turned around and shouted, "Put on my armor! Alixi, bring Guru with me to take a look!"

Countless horns sounded mournfully, and in the distance, ranks of the Dingnan Army seemed to fill the entire field of vision.

On the earth, amidst the mountains, dust swirled as troop after troop of soldiers surged eastward in different directions.

These soldiers were heavily armored, surging like an iron torrent, reflecting waves of metallic gleam.

Wanyan Xiyin sighed. They had finally come. Perhaps they had already learned that our Jin army was marching south.

He knew that the time had come for him to fight desperately, and that the future of the Jin Kingdom rested on his shoulders.

Fortunately, this place is strategically important. They used to use the terrain to block the Jurchen warriors, but now the tables have turned and it's our turn to have the advantage.

Tens of thousands of troops plunged into the ravines and valleys of Weizhou, launching attacks on dozens of military camps at least simultaneously!

The number of troops mobilized was far more than ten or twenty thousand. Moreover, large contingents were continuously arriving from the west!

The offensive began before dawn and turned into chaos in front of dozens of military camps.

In this all-out offensive, the Dingnan Army remained true to its "strong" and "tough" nature, relentlessly fighting its way into the military camp. If one unit failed to break through, another would take its place.

Furthermore, they also set up camps on the outskirts of the military camp, seemingly preparing for a long siege!

Wanyan Xiyin believed he had made perfect arrangements, and Zonghan had left him enough troops, including seventy to eighty thousand Khitan auxiliary troops and a full eight thousand Jurchen soldiers.

I don't need to go out and attack at all. I just need to hold the line. There are many forts behind me that I can retreat to in stages. Even if I lose the whole of Weizhou, it won't matter.

When Wanyan Xiyin arrived at a beacon tower high in the mountains, he had a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Before the numerous military camps, the sounds of battle shook the heavens. The Dingnan army surged forward like a tidal wave. Within the camps, countless powerful bows and crossbows fired in a dense, locust-like frenzy.

Some military camps also had stone cannons. The polished stone projectiles would fly out and land among the densely packed attacking troops, creating a bloody mess.

Wanyan Xiyin's worries of the past few days suddenly vanished.

Now that all the enemies have arrived, what's the use of being worried or afraid?

Fight to the death! Fight for a bright future for the Jurchens and for an opportunity for the Jin Dynasty.

Let us, people from the land of white mountains and black waters, who are used to the hardships of the world, also be able to go to a land as beautiful as brocade.

They occupied the lands of those southerners and enslaved their descendants.
-
Taiyuan.

From the very beginning of the war, the entire Hedong region was mobilized.

If someone could look down over the roads east of the river, they would see countless laborers running along the main thoroughfares.

This level of mobilization clearly indicates that this battle is being fought as a decisive one.

The initial goal of the Dingnan Army was definitely to capture Weizhou and advance eastward.

Only in this way can we control this strategic pass from Weizhou to Hebei.

Firstly, it could block the Jurchen reinforcements, and secondly, it could greatly lengthen the Jurchen army's supply lines, forcing them to detour further east.

If the troops were to withdraw from Weizhou and then the main army were to enter Hebei along the Taihang Mountains, the Tartars would turn around and attack, which would be equivalent to being attacked from both sides and attacked from both sides.

Their original goal was also to lure out the Dingnan Army for a decisive battle.

"The Tartars are taking advantage of the fact that there is no one left in the Central Plains." Chen Shao and the Taiyuan officials climbed the city wall and looked at the supply train that had set off from Fenzhou and was being transported to the front lines. They said with a smile, "In this battle, we will break their spine and make sure that the barbarian horses will not dare to look south for a hundred years."

Mei Zang Pang asked from the side, "Has Qu Duan moved?"

Others were also concerned about this issue, and Chen Shao smiled and said, "We've sent out half of our forces."

"Why did you leave half?" Liu Jizu couldn't help but ask.

He regretted asking the question as soon as he asked it; the general might have had his own plans.

Fortunately, Chen Shao didn't mind and said, "We need our own troops to guard Hedong as well."

That's a pretty straightforward way of putting it.

From Chen Shao's perspective, his enemies were not necessarily only the Jurchen Tartars.

All factions should be on guard to avoid having their homes raided.

He never truly trusted the people of the Song Dynasty and would never leave a vacancy for them.

Moreover, the Jurchen Tartars were indeed quite powerful in battle. Even if one was very confident, one still had to be prepared for the possibility of defeat.

To avoid being completely clueless when the time comes (End of this chapter)