Chapter Six, Pan Qiaolian
Once Hengshan is captured by the Song Dynasty, the Western Xia will not only lose a major stronghold for advancing eastward and southward to plunder Song territory, but even their fundamental region, Xingqing Prefecture, will be exposed to the military might of the Song forces
Eighteen Sister... Today, your Eleventh Brother has truly suffered greatly." As the man spoke, one hand was gently rubbing his lower back, as if he had sustained some injury
Wu Haogu took a breath while asking the question, making an effort to suppress his feelings of admiration for Pan Qiaoyun
Feng Erniang sighed and then said: "She also mentioned that when Lord Pan returns from the military camp, she will let me meet him, and by then, we will surely find a way."
... ...
Although Wu Haogu has changed his soul today, the deep affection in his heart still exists
Pan Qiaolian nodded and said: "Eleventh Brother, Feng Erniang came to the shop today"
Pan Qiaolian glanced at her brother and said: "I am also guessing. It is well-known that Master Wu (Wu Zongyuan) has a fondness for the paintings of Wu Daizi. If the Wu family possesses a treasured artifact, it is most likely an authentic work by Wu Daizi."
Master Pan shook his head and let out a gentle sigh
Sister Eighteen said that ultimately, it is necessary to ensure the safety of you and your son. My family has also greatly benefited from the Pan family over the years, but this time...
"To send the Japanese army to fight the Western bandits?" Lord Pan rolled his eyes, "Then the Western bandits would be overjoyed... However, Lord Zhang is not foolish enough to reach that level."
Oh. Master Pan gently turned the glass cup in his hand, noncommittally responding with a sound.
However, losing the Hexi Corridor will strategically place the Western Xia in a position of complete passivity, as it will not only be unable to obtain wealth and supplies through plundering Song territory, but will also have to invest substantial resources in the defense of Xijing Prefecture, making future days even more difficult to endure
Hengshan is located in the northern part of present-day Shaanxi Province, stretching over a thousand miles. Its terrain is perilous, making it the foremost base for the Western Xia's attacks on the Song Dynasty. If Hengshan were to fall into the hands of the Western Xia, the six routes of Shaanxi and the northwestern part of Hedong would be at risk of incursions by the Western Xia army at any time
This time, it shouldn't be the case that Lord Pan and the others take the field. Wu Haogu shook his head, saying, "Lord Zhang is merely using the Sun-Worshipping Army as a facade; as long as the Western Army's elite is present, that will suffice. Moreover, the Western bandits have significantly declined over the years, and they are bound to lose in the Battle of Hengshan."
The official Zhao Xu is only in his twenties this year, yet his constitution is quite frail, and he indulges in lustful desires, which raises concerns about his longevity. However, this official, who has a penchant for beauty, faces difficulties in having offspring; despite having a large number of concubines in the harem, he has only fathered five children, among which there is only one son who passed away shortly after three months. Of the four daughters, one also died young, leaving only three princesses remaining.
Oh. Pan Daguoren smiled and said, "If there really is, it would be better to offer it up quickly. If Wang Jinqing wants it, just give it to him... He is close to Prince Duan, and there may come a day when fortune turns in his favor. At that time, he could certainly arrange for Wu Dalang to have a position in an art academy, and perhaps there will be opportunities for official appointments in the future"
Wu Haogu studied the history of China during the Song Huizong era in his previous life and is also aware of significant events during the reign of Emperor Zhezong. Therefore, he knows that the Second Battle of Pingxia City is about to commence, and the Western Xia Empress Xiao Liang is soon to mobilize 400,000 troops to invade. However, what awaits this Empress of Western Xia is a devastating and fatal defeat
Now I am really afraid that the Japanese army will be sent to the battlefield..." Feng Erniang said this with a worried expression
Master Pan smiled and said, "In that case, the Wu family will not be able to protect themselves." He looked at his sister and added, "Such things have indeed happened on Pan Lou Street before."
Zhao Xu was the sixth son of Emperor Shen Zong. Among the seventy to eighty other princes, many died young, and there was also the ninth son, Prince Shen Zhao He, who was blind. Therefore, the eleventh son of Shen Zong, Prince Duan Zhao Ji, is currently the most qualified to inherit the throne
"At the very least, it is the work of renowned masters from the Sui and Tang dynasties," said Pan the Official. "The treasures from the Five Dynasties and our current dynasty are not enough to make Wang Jinqing envious."
Although there are more than 400 li of sandy wasteland between Hengshan and Xingqingfu, it is not so easy to advance through. Moreover, Xingqingfu is fortified by the natural barrier of the Yellow River and its strong city defenses, making it unlikely to be quickly captured by the Northern Song Dynasty
Master Pan raised his wine cup and drank it all in one go
Master Pan raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "Eighteen, do you know something?"
So what did she say
Pan Qiaolian frowned and asked, "Are you going to the military camp again tomorrow?"
A tall and robust man with fair skin and a bushy beard is sitting inside a painted boat. His face is pale, devoid of any color, and he shows no interest in appreciating the beautiful scenery of the Bian River or the performance of the local entertainers
"A major event is about to unfold in the Northwest." Feng Erniang furrowed her brows even tighter and shook her head, saying, "Eighteen Sister mentioned that Lord Zhang has been raising troops and building fortifications in Hengshan for several consecutive years, forcing the Western bandits into a corner. It is evident that they are about to act out of desperation, which is why the Privy Council has ordered the four armies to be on alert."
The title of "banker" is not the primary occupation of Pan Daguangren; his main role is that of a professional military officer dedicated to safeguarding the feudal dictatorship of the Song Dynasty. He currently serves as the commander of the Tenth Division of the Pengri Army, one of the four armies of the Imperial Guard.
Has Master Pan gone to the military camp? Wu Haogu asked, I haven't heard that there is a grand ceremony to be held
Moreover, since the third year of Shaosheng (1096), when Empress Liu became pregnant with Princess Yining, there have been no reports of any concubines or beauties in the palace expecting a child, which is not a good omen. Therefore, the figures within the noble circles of Kaifeng have been paying close attention to the several younger brothers of the imperial family
The Western bandits refer to the Western Xia. There are two individuals known as Zhang: one is Chancellor Zhang Dun, and the other is Zhang Zhen, the pacification envoy of Jingyuan, who is Zhang Dun's cousin. The significant events in the northwest are the sustained offensive of the Song army against the Hengshan region under the leadership of the two Zhangs
A painted boat glides slowly along the river, and faintly, one can hear the delicate sounds of silk and bamboo instruments emanating from within. After the clamor of the day has passed, as night falls, the Bian River takes on an exceptionally graceful demeanor. The evening breeze gently blows, and the sounds of song and dance create a particularly soothing atmosphere
I will not go; I have taken leave, and I can certainly rest for a few days
"Everyone, please disperse." A voice as melodious as silver bells rang out, and a young girl in white floated in gracefully, waving her hand to dismiss the performing female musicians. She then sat down with a beaming smile opposite the tall man. This young girl in white had a delicate, charming oval face, with a small beauty spot on her chin, and she was none other than Pan Qiaolian, the Eighteenth Sister Pan, from Wu Dalang's mind.
"Is it time for a change of fortune?" Pan Qiaolian seemed to have discerned something from her brother's words, "Could it be that the officials..."
Therefore, the Empress Liang of the Western Xia, who is currently in power (there have been two Empress Liangs in the history of Western Xia, and the one in power now is the second), would certainly not stand idly by and watch Hengshan fall. She would definitely mobilize the entire nation's military for a counterattack, and it is possible that she would even seek assistance from the Liao troops. Anticipating this, Prime Minister Zhang Dun had already issued orders for the various armies to prepare for battle a few days ago
This deep affection belongs to the original Wu Haogu. Although there is some disparity in the social status of the Pan and Wu families, their close relationship is due to the friendship established by their ancestors. Therefore, Wu Haogu and Pan Qiaoyun have known each other since childhood, and it would not be an exaggeration to say they were childhood sweethearts.
Feng Erniang nodded gently: "As long as Lord Pan is safe, that is all that matters"
Eleven Brother, this evening, the minor official Gao Qiu from the Wang Duke's residence intervened to assist Wu Dalang... Could it be that Wang Jinqing also intends to get involved
treasure
If that is the case, it would indeed be appropriate to present the painting to Prince Wang. Pan Qiaolian furrowed her delicate brows, but what if the Wu family truly does not possess such a fine item, what then shall we do
It turns out that this tall man is Pan Daguangren, the commander of the Tenth Command of the Pengri Army, one of the elite units of the Imperial Army of the Song Dynasty.
The Japanese army is reputed to be an elite force, but how could someone like Feng Erniang, a true native of Kaifeng, be unaware of their true capabilities? Once on the battlefield, they would hardly stand a chance against the ferocious Western bandits. If Pan Daguang were to serve the country loyally, then the Wu family would lose their only support.
This is actually the current practice of most elite troops in the imperial guard. Not only are the majority of the imperial guards in Kaifeng like this, but even the imperial guards defending against the Khitan cavalry in Hebei are also just going through the motions. After all, the peace between the Song and Liao has been maintained for over 90 years and seems likely to continue indefinitely
Duan Wang is Zhao Ji, the eleventh son of Emperor Shen Zong, also known in history as Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. Most people in the noble circles of Kaifeng are aware of his close relationship with the prince consort Wang Shen
However, as the two individuals grow older, this feeling can ultimately only be buried deep within their hearts
Famous masters of the Sui and Tang dynasties? Could it be the authentic work of Wu Daozi?
However, this commander rarely led the more than 200 "Great Song Iron Cavalry" under his command (which should have been 500 according to the organization). Most of his energy was devoted to the financial and cultural endeavors of the Great Song. It was only during various grand ceremonies when the "Iron Cavalry" of the Japanese army needed to make an appearance that he would don specially made armor (both thin and beautiful) and ride on a small, docile warhorse alongside the imperial guards under his command to put on a show.
Master Pan glanced at his younger sister, pondered for a moment, and then nodded, saying: "Is there any need to ask? If it weren't for Wang Jinqing's interest in the treasures held by the Wu family, how could that petty official with the surname Gao have risen to prominence?"
Pan Qiaolian chuckled, "You, a commander who supports the Japanese army, leading hundreds of elite cavalry, and yet you fell off your horse and hurt your back. What would happen if you were to face the Western bandits in battle?"
Outside the city of Kaifeng, above the Bian River, the emerald waves ripple gently