King of Song

Chapter 649
As Liu Changzuo entered Lingzhou, Zhong Shidao also arrived, and Zhao Zhao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The battle of Lingzhou has come to an end for the time being, and the results of the battle have been saved!

To be honest, the risk of 2 people raiding Lingzhou is not ordinary.If Liang Yibu hadn't mobilized more people to leave, if Ye Lihu hadn't been drunk by Wu Hei, if the Qiang people hadn't opened the city gate in time...

A series of links, if there is an omission in one place, the result may be completely different.

The risk was great, but fortunately it succeeded, and the reinforcements arrived in time.
Otherwise, Liang Yibu would inevitably lead a large army to counterattack and seize Lingzhou. He would not have enough troops and no foundation in the local area. It would be really not easy to resist.

Fortunately, the Xixia defenders in Weizhou panicked and fled in a hurry, so that they had a chance to stabilize their position.

Lingzhou is just a city, but because of its important location, it is related to the entire battle situation.

In fact, simply speaking, even if Lingzhou fell, the actual impact on Xixia's overall front may not be that serious.

The key is to be the first to win, and the psychological blow to the soldiers can instantly defeat the morale of the army.

Furthermore, the party aristocrats in Xingqing Mansion will definitely complain, and even panic, all the pressure will be put on Liang Yibu, the army will be unstable, the courage will be lost, and the Xixia army will be in chaos.

The entire land on the east bank of the Yellow River has fallen into the hands of the Song army, and the most urgent task is to intercept Liang Yibu and the 10,000+ army he brought.

If it can be eliminated, it will definitely be a heavy blow to Xixia, more serious than losing half of the country.

It's a pity that things backfired. When the news of the scout's investigation came, Liang Yibu had already led the army through the Heshuo Grassland and entered the sphere of influence of the Liao Kingdom.

The Liao Kingdom's Heqing army on the south bank of the Yellow River and the Tiande army near Hetao began to make moves.Jinsu Prefecture and Ningbian Prefecture were also quite restless, Liao Kingdom explored horses frequently, no doubt, this was to cover the Xixia people from escaping.

The Great Song worshiped Xixia, which was a situation that the Liao people did not want to see.They don't even want to see the Song Dynasty lose the powerful containment of Xixia, and it is inevitable to intervene.

Maybe there will be no direct mobilization of troops yet, but it is still possible to protect the remaining forces of Xixia to return.

With the participation of the Liao Kingdom, things are more complicated.The Xixia people retreated against the borders of Song, Liao, and Xixia. Sometimes they were clearly in the Song Dynasty, but they could only watch helplessly and could not pursue them.

The Ning/Xia Plain, Hetao and Heshuo Grasslands located a few characters away from the Yellow River are of great strategic significance, and Zhao Zhao really intends to bring them all under control.

However, the situation here is complicated. Song, Liao, and Xixia each occupy a piece, which is intricate.It is no problem to continue to attack Xixia, but the part of the Liao Kingdom should not be moved lightly.Reason told him that right now he should not be in a hurry with the Khitan people.

At this moment, if the Liao Kingdom intervenes, there will only be disadvantages and no benefits.

Forget it, it's because Liang Yi is still angry, so he can only let him live first.

Thinking about it carefully, he has an army of 10,000+ after all, and with his own strength, it is not easy to wipe them out.Even if they win, they must pay a very heavy price.

The top priority is to preserve the results of the battle and stabilize the situation in the northwest is the most important thing.

Although it has already entered Lingzhou, it does not mean absolute occupation. How could the Xixia people give up such an important city so easily?
The cold has come. After the Yellow River freezes, there is no longer a natural barrier between Lingzhou and Xingqing Mansion. The Xixia people are likely to cross the river on ice and make a comeback.

Therefore, it is not easy to firmly control Lingzhou.

Some generals suggested that Lingzhou can now be used as a bridgehead to directly attack Xingqing Mansion while the Yellow River is frozen in winter.

To destroy Xixia, Zhao Zhao did not have such ambitions.But it is impossible to eat a fat man in one bite. After several months of fighting, the soldiers are already very tired, and it is not bad to occupy the east of the Yellow River.

The land newly included in the territory is the old land of Xixia. There are many unstable factors. It will take time to fully stabilize and digest the results of the battle.It is not wise to continue the expedition in a hurry.

A skinny camel is bigger than a horse. Even if Xixia loses half of his country, his strength is still not to be underestimated.

What's more, the war in the northwest is suspended, what will Zhao Xu of Bianjing think?What kind of moth will come out?I don't know all of this yet!
However, the Xixia side is probably not safe. After Liang Yibu suffered such a big defeat, how would the party nobles who have been fighting against him feel?

I hope that the Xixia people will make a fuss on their own. That way, the pressure on Lingzhou will be much less.As long as we get through this winter, the situation will be much better!
However, even so, you have to be careful.

Therefore, Zhao Zhao ordered Liu Changzuo to lead an army of [-] troops to station in Lingzhou.

The Xixia people counterattacked vigorously, and Lingzhou must bear the brunt. As long as Lingzhou is defended, other cities will be safe and sound.Xixia absolutely did not dare to underestimate the enemy and venture deep into the hinterland of Song Dynasty.

In addition, there are many things to worry about, it can be said to be overwhelming!

Many prefectures and counties have been newly included, not to mention the need for troops to be stationed, but also officials to come to govern.Zhao Zhao immediately ordered the Qin Palace in Chang'an to dispatch capable local officials from all over the northwest to preside over government affairs.

It is very important to naturalize the people everywhere and restore order.This matter must be done quickly, otherwise once the news reaches Bianjing, Zhao Xu will have an excuse to intervene.The northwest is my own garden, what kind of flowers and grasses to plant can only be decided by myself.

Fortunately, due to Wu Hei's attachment, coupled with the withdrawal of Xixia, the Song Army took over the Northwest.The Qiangs in Hengshan were very knowledgeable about current affairs, they served the Song Dynasty in a timely manner, and obeyed King Qin's orders.With their cooperation, it will be much faster to stabilize the order in various places.

For a few days, Zhao Zhao was so busy that he finally made arrangements.Only then did he have the time to come back to his senses, count the casualties of this battle, and ask about the battle situation of the Eastern Route Army.

"Li Cheng, ask Zhe Kexing and Zhong Er to report the battle situation of the Eastern Route Army immediately!" Zhao Zhao pondered for a while, and ordered: "Also, tie Wang Zhongzheng and Liu Rengui to me. Now is the time to settle accounts after autumn!" (distance Far away, Zhao Zhao still does not know the news of the deaths of Wang Zhongzheng and Liu Rengui, as well as the battle situation of the Eastern Route Army)

Soon the news came out that Wang Zhongzheng and Liu Rengui had been beheaded by the Xixia people, together with the soldiers they brought, the whole army was wiped out in Goose Finger Valley.

Zhao Zhao sneered, for such an abominable idiot, dying in the hands of the Xixia people would be considered an advantage to them.But it's good, so you don't have to do it yourself and directly conflict with Zhao Xu.Speaking of it, it seems that I have to thank the Xixia people for helping me solve a problem!
It's a pity that after hearing the next news, Zhao Zhao couldn't laugh anymore.

Zhong Yong's troops were trapped in Shendui Post, failed to break through several times, and finally the entire army was wiped out. The old general Zhong Yong died in battle!
Seeing this, Zhao Zhao slowly closed his eyes, trembling inexplicably in his heart.

The voice, appearance and smile of the old general came to mind. To this day, Zhao Zhao still remembers the scene when he was wronged by Li Fugui and saw Zhong Yong for the first time in prison.

A tough and brave old general, loyal and brave, optimistic and cheerful, escaped from Li Fugui's frame, after all, he did not escape the fate of being shrouded in soldier horse leather.

And the reason why Zhong Yong fought the God of Death Duiyi was to rescue the damned Wang Zhongzheng.Even though the idiot was dead, Zhao Zhao still gritted his teeth in hatred.

At first, I thought that since he was dead, leaving him with the last face would be regarded as taking care of Zhao Xu's face.But at this moment, Zhao Zhao decided that he must make his ugly behavior public, otherwise he would be sorry for the spirit of the old general Yong Yong.Even if you try to confront Zhao Xu head-on, you have to do this, otherwise you will feel uneasy!

Because he knew that the reason why Zhong Yong did this was not to save Da Song Pao Ze.It was also to share his worries and avoid giving Zhao Zhao an excuse, which ended up costing his life.Zhao Zhao was both moved and somewhat guilty.

Not only Zhong Yong, but also [-] soldiers of the Western Army who died in the underground with him.

The East Route Army was used as a bait to attract the siege and pursuit of more than [-] troops from Liang Yibu, and the price paid was extremely heavy.Almost all the soldiers and horses that Zhong Er brought out were wiped out, and Zhe Kexing also suffered heavy casualties in Yinzhou.

The East Route Army initially had 6 people, and later they mobilized soldiers and horses from the Yanzhou area, plus civilian laborers who transported grain and grass.5 to [-] people died directly in the battle, and few of the soldiers who survived were uninjured.

The first battle against Xixia was a victory, but it was also a tragic victory!
It's true that one will succeed and ten thousand bones will dry up.

After this battle, the Western Army also lost a lot of personnel. At least 8 or [-] soldiers were killed on the battlefield and injured and disabled.No wonder it is said that there are many widows in the Northwest and the life expectancy of men is not long. It is all because of the war!
Zhao Zhao sighed with emotion for a long time, and said in a deep voice: "A generous burial for General Yong, I personally went to Qingjian City to express my condolences! Collect the bones of the fallen soldiers, bury them properly, and then register their names and engrave them on the hero memorial wall under the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

In addition, the royal family will provide a share of pensions for the families of the soldiers who died in battle.Then report it to the Privy Council and ask the Third Division to take out the money. We can't let the family members lose their loved ones, and their lives have not yet been settled, let alone let the martyrs' souls be disturbed! "

"Yes!" Li Cheng wrote it down one by one, and said hesitantly: "Your Highness, everything else is easy to handle, but for the pension, is Zhao Xu willing to take the money?"

"If you don't want to, you have to take it!" Zhao Zhao said angrily, "Wang Zhongzheng's behavior is widely publicized, and General Zhongyong's brave deeds are spread, making a big splash, and using public opinion to force Zhao Xu to pay. If he doesn't give it, hum Hmph, this king wants him to look good!"

"Yes!"

Li Cheng knew that King Qin was furious at the moment, so he didn't dare to say anything more.

Zhao Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "Ask Zhao Yuankai to guard Mingsha, let Master Zhong go back to Qingjian City to attend the funeral, and make arrangements later, this king will go directly to Qingjian City!"

"Yes, what orders does Your Highness have?" Li Cheng asked cautiously.

"Let Su Zhe go north to appease the Hengshan Qiang. This time, the Western Army has lost a lot of troops. Although this king has no intention, he has to conscript!"

Li Cheng nodded and said, "Okay, my subordinates will arrange it immediately!"

(End of this chapter)