Chapter 006: The Jin Army Marches South

You! Zhao Chen was filled with anger; he wished he could rush forward and kick this historically infamous treacherous minister to the ground

The wild cat cries out in spring... This thought flashed through his mind, and just as he was about to rise, he suddenly froze in surprise

"Your Majesty, do you remember the events at the beginning of the founding of the Song Dynasty?" Zhang Bangchang stepped forward and said

He has studied some historical knowledge, but his understanding of ancient geography remains limited

Zhao Chen felt a tightening in his heart; although he had long been aware that the Jin troops would march south, he still found himself somewhat at a loss when the event actually occurred

"What? Moving the capital?" Zhao Huan was stunned, and not only was Zhao Huan stunned, but also Zhang Bangchang and the other ministers were left in shock.

Zhao Chen was overwhelmed with countless thoughts, yet he could not conceive a way to leave Kaifeng City.

Wang Deliu remained in Jujing Garden, while Zhao Chen followed the eunuchs as they hurried towards Funing Hall

"Father, the Jin army is powerful, and the three northern garrisons may not be able to withstand them! If the Jin army advances southward and besieges Kaifeng, will not the state be in imminent danger? Therefore, for the sake of the state, I believe we should not place excessive trust in the three northern garrisons; we must also have other measures in place!" Zhao Chen said.

At the beginning of the founding of the nation? Zhao Huan was taken aback and said: What are you referring to?

Zhang Bangchang smiled and said: "Your Highness, there is no need to worry! In fact, after the last invasion by the Jin army, they besieged Kaifeng. To prevent such an occurrence from happening again, the court has already stationed heavy troops in the three northern towns! These three northern towns will surely be able to halt the advance of the Jin army, making it difficult for them to continue their southward march"

As the night deepened, a piercing cry echoed from afar, resembling the wail of a child, sending chills down the spine of those who heard it

Father, please think again! Zhao Chen said anxiously

"Not bad! Relocate the capital! During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, when An Lushan rebelled, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang retreated to Sichuan, yet he still managed to drive An Lushan away afterward. We can also relocate the capital to temporarily avoid the might of the Jurchen army, and then unify the strength of the entire nation to fight a decisive battle against the Jurchen!" Zhao Chen said.

At this moment, in the Funing Hall, besides Emperor Zhao Huan of the Song Dynasty, there were actually dozens of ministers present

He fears leaving a "stain" in history, yet he does not realize that the capture of the two emperors and the humiliation of Jingkang are the unprecedented disgrace in Chinese history! In historical evaluations, he is far inferior to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang! In the early years, Emperor Xuanzong was diligent and effective in governance, but in his later years, he gradually became incompetent, leading the Tang dynasty from prosperity to decline. Nevertheless, even so, he can still be regarded as having both merits and faults, unlike Emperor Qinzong of Song, who left behind nothing good and received no positive evaluations in historical records!

Your Highness, it is already late at night; perhaps you should rest for now?" After a long while, the eunuch beside him reminded.

The three northern towns are Taiyuan, Zhongshan, and Hejian. Taiyuan guards the eastern bank of the Yellow River, Zhongshan guards the northern bank, and Hejian guards Shandong. These three cities are aligned in a line across the northern plain. The Jin army can only continue southward by breaking through these three towns. However, the three cities are exceptionally strong and currently garrisoned with heavy troops. The Jin army, being barbaric, lacks sufficient siege weapons and is incapable of capturing these three cities.

"Esteemed ministers, please share your thoughts on how we should respond to the current situation," said Emperor Song Qinzong as he looked down at those present.

Oh? What other measures? Please tell me!

"Absurd! Your Highness, you are truly overreacting!" a minister below said coldly

"Chen Er, from now on, you must never mention the matter of relocating the capital again! If I were to move the capital under the threat of foreign tribes, how many infamies would be recorded in history? How would I explain this to future generations? Would I not become a tyrant like Emperor Ming of Tang?" Song Qinzong said.

Your Highness is overly concerned! It is normal for someone so young to feel fear in their heart

Zhao Chen sat at the table, feeling not the slightest bit of drowsiness! At this moment, there were still two eunuchs and two palace maids attending to him in the room

He waited for a moment at the entrance of the Funing Hall, while several guards went to report. After a while, Zhao Chen finally entered the Funing Hall.

Upon seeing Zhao Chen enter, Zhao Huan nodded towards Zhao Chen, indicating for him to stand beside him

This minister, named Liu Dong, is a loyal subject. During the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, he once submitted a memorial reprimanding Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, and others, and he held some reputation in the court. At this moment, upon hearing that the Crown Prince intended to "relocate the capital," Liu Dong thought to himself how cowardly and timid the Crown Prince was, and he felt extremely angry! In his view, although the Jurchen troops were advancing southward, they had only captured a few small cities in the north, and there were still over 3,000 li to Kaifeng. Yet, the Crown Prince was already considering retreating; such timidity was unbecoming of a national heir apparent. In his view, although the Jurchen troops were advancing southward, they had only captured a few small cities in the north, and there were still over 3,000 li to Kaifeng. Yet, the Crown Prince was already considering retreating; such timidity was unbecoming of a national heir apparent.

Therefore, Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and all esteemed ministers, there is no need for concern! The Jin army's advance southward is merely to raid the granaries; even if it were not the case, they would find it difficult to conquer the three northern towns! We should simply remain at ease and trust in the library!

What is that sound? Zhao Chen asked

This is an idea that Zhao Chen has been contemplating these days! Since the Jin army is powerful and difficult to resist, it would be better to relocate the capital! Whether to Sichuan, Jiangnan, or even the western regions, it would allow for a temporary escape from the Jin army's might, and the rest can be discussed later! Although he has been the crown prince for three months, he still thinks like a student; his main concern now is to preserve his own life! As for what to do in the future, he has not yet considered that issue! In his view, relocating the capital will certainly ensure his survival! Although he has been the crown prince for three months, he still thinks like a student; his main concern now is to preserve his own life! As for what to do in the future, he has not yet considered that issue! In his view, relocating the capital will certainly ensure his survival!

"Come here, take the Crown Prince away!" Zhao Huan shook his head and said

In the late night, within the Eastern Palace, the candles burn brightly

At this moment, Zhao Chen was once again "invited" to leave by the guards

Zhao Chen could no longer contain himself and said, "If the Jin army comes south and reaches outside Kaifeng, what should we do?"

Zhang Bangchang, the Deputy Minister under Taizai Jian, is present here, as is the Junior Minister Li Bangyan. These are two of the chancellors in the court. In addition to these two, there are other important ministers in the court, including Zhao Ye, Wang Xiaodi, and Cai Mao.

Zhao Chen furrowed his brow; he was unaware of the true strength of the three northern towns, but he did know that the Jin army had managed to reach Kaifeng in just three months from the north, indicating that the three northern towns had likely not played a significant role

***

Zhang Bangchang said: "Your Majesty, at the beginning of the founding of our Song Dynasty, we had a hostile relationship with the Liao state. The Liao people often descended southward, and each time they did so, they euphemistically referred to it as 'harvesting grass and grain.' They would merely raid along the border and then quickly depart! Now, the Jin state, like the Liao, is also a barbarian entity, and their intentions are surely the same. Their descent southward is undoubtedly for 'harvesting grass and grain,' so there is no need for concern"

Having finally arrived in this era, after only three months, is he really facing death now

We should relocate the capital! Zhao Chen said

Father Emperor, I, your son, have something to say!

During the Southern and Northern Song Dynasties, there were two renowned cities whose military achievements have been immortalized throughout history: one was Diaoyu City at the end of the Southern Song, and the other was Taiyuan City during the Northern Song. The former gained fame for having killed the Mongolian Khan, while the latter was known for its resilience. In the early years of the Northern Song, Zhao Kuangyin mobilized the entire nation’s troops to attack Taiyuan City, yet despite Zhao Kuangyin's strength, he was unable to conquer Taiyuan in his lifetime. Afterward, Zhao Guangyi ascended to the throne and deployed a million troops, with over 500,000 archers alone, surrounding Taiyuan City with the nation’s manpower and resources. However, it took nearly a year to finally capture Taiyuan City. As the Jurchen forces invaded the south, major northern strongholds fell one after another, yet Taiyuan City remained steadfast. The Jurchen began besieging Taiyuan City from their first southern expedition, and now, Taiyuan has been surrounded for over half a year. During this time, Taiyuan City has received no reinforcements, and it continues to resist. The primary reason for the eventual fall of Taiyuan City was hunger; it was literally starved into submission. All edible supplies within Taiyuan City had been completely consumed, leading to its downfall.

Not bad! Song Qinzong nodded, his expression somewhat grave

What should we do if the three northern towns are captured?" Zhao Chen asked again

Song Qinzong nodded slightly. Although the ministers beside him were anxious in their hearts, they all nodded in agreement at that moment

"The three northern towns?" Zhao Chen was taken aback

Your Highness, www.hetushu.com. This is the sound of wild cats in heat! Please rest quickly!" said the eunuch

What else do you have to say? Feel free to speak! Zhao Huan furrowed his brow and said

During the reign of Emperor Qin Zong, there were indeed several loyal ministers, such as Li Gang, Li Ruoshui, and Zhang Shuye, who are well-known loyalists in history. However, these individuals, being upright in character, were not favored by the emperor and had long been relegated to various regions. Now, with significant matters arising in the country, the emperor can only discuss countermeasures with a group of treacherous officials

In fact, the three northern towns have indeed played a role in history, especially the city of Taiyuan

The Northern Song court has lost contact with Taiyuan City for more than half a year, yet they still regard Taiyuan City as one of the northern strongholds

"Alright, Chen'er, you are indeed young! You are only ten years old; what do you know?" Song Qinzong said.

Originally, during the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, and others held power in the court. However, with the abdication of Emperor Huizong, Zhao Huan had replaced all the ministers in the court with his own trusted confidants, openly denouncing Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, and others as treacherous officials. It is unfortunate that while Cai Jing and Gao Qiu were indeed treacherous, the officials appointed by Zhao Huan, such as Zhang Bangchang and Li Bangyan, were also notorious treacherous officials in history

Zhao Chen practiced martial arts for three months, and his internal strength had significantly improved, as did his physical fitness. The distance from Jujing Garden to Funing Palace is over five miles. Zhao Chen ran ahead, gradually leaving those eunuchs behind. By the time he arrived at Funing Palace, Zhao Chen's expression showed no change, and his breathing was completely normal, as if he had walked here at a leisurely pace

"Rest? How can I possibly sleep right now?" Zhao Chen said with a bitter smile

Father, what has happened? Is it... the Jin army advancing south?" Zhao Chen asked anxiously