Chapter 1: The Sorghum River is fraught with conspiracies
The Song army retreated to the south of the Baigou River, and the hard-won victory vanished in an instant. In a state of panic, the Song Emperor fled in a donkey cart.
The soldiers are preparing to support the prince as emperor! A confidant has informed Prince Zhao Dezhiao of Wugong County.
On the evening of the sixth day of July, under the cover of night, corpses lay scattered throughout the city, the stench of blood filling the air. The battle between the Song and Liao had been ongoing for several hours, with the situation for the Song army rapidly deteriorating. The soldiers were desperately retreating, with over ten thousand dead.
Prince Zhao Dezhiao of Wugong was fully aware that the Song Emperor was not in the military camp, yet he still remarked, "Isn’t the Emperor in the army?"
In the third year of the Taiping Xingguo era (AD 978), the Song Emperor began to plan the recovery of Northern Han and the unification of the nation
The attendant beside the gentleman quickly helped the person on the ground to their feet
Zhao Dezhiao struggled internally, "But this is also good; solitude has its own intentions. However, the emperor is keeping a close watch, and it is imperative that 'he' does not appear..."
Although the guards who failed to protect were executed, the military remains in a state of chaos
At this moment in the military camp, the officers and soldiers were in a state of indecision. Having just experienced the disastrous defeat at the Gaoliang River, what merit could a defeated general claim? Although there were achievements in the effort to eliminate the Han, the current situation of the emperor's disappearance rendered all accomplishments futile. If the emperor were found, it would be one thing; if not, the lives of the officers and soldiers in the camp would be in jeopardy. Upon returning to the court, they would face a series of accusations, demotions, and even threats to their lives.
My lord, I just heard in the army tent..." The confidant whispered softly in Zhao Dezhiao's ear
Moments later, Emperor Song suddenly laughed and said, "Youzhou is no more, but the performers have emerged, hahaha..."
A group of generals clamored: "Your Highness, the Prince of the Prefecture, I request an audience..."
"Your Highness, have you ever met the official?" a general respectfully inquired
This ... ... you all ... wwwhetushu.com com... " Zhao Dezhiao said in silence, after all, the emperor was merely missing, not ... ... what if. ... ... His act of modesty in front of the soldiers today was merely to find a way out for himself to avoid punishment in the future; the emperor would find it difficult to take action against him considering this favor.
What is the matter? Why is there such a commotion? The military order states that there must be no noise in the camp after dark! Otherwise, military law will be enforced. Zhao Dezhiao heard the noise of the soldiers outside and, not having removed his armor all night, hurriedly came out of the tent.
Everyone is in the same boat, and moreover, the officials are currently missing. Who will take charge in the military? Could it be you
Hmph... What does it mean to be good? What does it mean to be truly good? Wang Jien, tell me, where is 'good'? You have been by my side for a long time and should know what should be done and what should not be done. The Song Emperor's face was contorted, his eyes bloodshot, and he glared intensely.
"Who can be the new emperor?" A young general on the left and right eagerly asked.
Another general touched the large saber at his side, then felt the token hidden in his sleeve, and said: "Prince of Wugong, Zhao Dezhiao, the legitimate son of Emperor Taizu, accomplished in both civil and military affairs, of upright character, and currently within the military camp. I wonder if he is capable of bearing heavy responsibilities"
In a mansion within the city of Tokyo, a person sighed under the moonlight, saying: "Emperor Taizu... I am ashamed to face you, having no face to meet you in the afterlife. Today's events are truly beyond my control"
The horseman disclosed everything he had witnessed outside the accounts, stating in detail: "Everything is as the officials anticipated"
People are inherently afraid of death, living a life of petty existence and survival.
At this moment, within Zhao Tingmei's military tent
In May, under the relentless assaults of the Song Dynasty's army, Taiyuan City was breached. Liu Jiyuan, the ruler of the Northern Han, and General Yang Ye surrendered and sought refuge. The Northern Han fell. The Song Emperor ordered the destruction of the original Taiyuan City and the construction of a new Taiyuan City, changing Cross Street to Ding Street
On the sixth day of the seventh month in the fourth year of the Taiping Xingguo era, the Song army, underestimating the enemy, pursued the Liao forces. Suddenly, they encountered a surprise counterattack from the Great Liao army outside Youzhou City, facing attacks from three sides. Instantly thrown into chaos, they retreated in disarray, caught off guard amidst the turmoil.
On May 20, the Song army advanced eastward from Taiyuan, crossing the Taihang Mountains, and arrived at Zhenzhou on the 29th
On the wasteland, crows are everywhere, while vultures occasionally descend from the sky to feast frantically on the corpses on the blood-soaked ground, the air thick with the scent of death
After the Song Emperor achieved victory in the campaign against the Han, he did not take into account the losses suffered by the army and the fatigue of the generals. Instead, he immediately redirected his forces to attack Liao, accompanied by Zhao Dezhiao and Zhao Tingmei. The Song Emperor aimed to take advantage of their unpreparedness and sought to seize the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun that had been occupied by the Khitan. Thus, he pressed on without pause, leading his troops eastward.
The Song Emperor stood with his back to the attendant, who could not see the Emperor's face clearly. The two stood on the desolate plain, lost in their thoughts.
Good! The soldiers clamored, asserting that as long as there was an emperor, they could wash away their shame, redeem their sins, and conveniently earn great merit for supporting a new emperor
You two have failed in your duty to protect; throw them down and behead them
Your Highness, I am lacking in talent and knowledge; this matter... is still better understood by Your Highness!
"Your Highness, the Duke, please take command of the army and ascend the throne as Emperor." Upon hearing this, all the soldiers fell to their knees.
Fortunately, someone quickly dispelled the rumors, stating that the emperor is currently safe and sound, which helped to quell the unrest
"Have that messenger executed." Suddenly, a middle-aged man clad in dragon scale armor and possessing a formidable appearance sprang out from the grass; this man was none other than Emperor Song.
Please think carefully, Your Highness
At this moment, outside Zhao Dezhiao's military tent ... ...
At the command of the general, the guards stepped forward to drag him and the book away. Moments later, the guards returned with two bloody heads to report back.
What place are you putting me in? The official has merely 'disappeared'; you should be working for the country and mourning the official's death. This matter should not be mentioned again. Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhiao appeared genuinely fearful, yet a trace of hope still lingered in his heart
I cannot take charge of this matter; it is better to wait for the emperor to return. Remember, this matter must not be spread while the emperor is not in the military camp. Although Zhao Dezhiao said this, he still hoped for chaos within the army. After all, his uncle, the emperor, had usurped the throne that rightfully belonged to their family, and he had to take him along on the expedition to the Liao Kingdom. What could be his true feelings, ha ha
On the 7th day of the 6th month, the Song Emperor ordered the transportation of weapons and grain from the eastern capital and various states in Hebei to the front lines. Following the successive recapture of Yizhou and Zhuozhou, the Song army's military might advanced towards the Khitan capital, Youzhou.
While speaking, he kept nodding his head, and before long, there was a pool of blood on the ground
Zhao Dezhiao furrowed his brows, the emperor had gone missing, military affairs were critical, and the morale of the troops was unstable, which had become a burden weighing heavily on his heart, causing him to pace anxiously within his tent.
"General, spare my life! Prince, spare my life!" The guards knelt on the ground, desperately pleading for mercy, yet they still failed to move the great general and the prince. The emperor's disappearance is indeed a capital offense
"Who can be the leader of an army?" The general who proposed the military leadership continued to inquire.
You ... ... you ... ... sigh ... ..." The general pointed at the one who uttered the treasonous words, and upon hearing this remark, he was rendered speechless.
In the fourth year of the Taiping Xingguo era (AD 979), shortly after the Spring Festival, the Song Emperor mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops and personally led the expedition.
At that time, the Liao Dynasty had already made arrangements for the defense of Yan territory. In March, when Han Zhao, Yelü Shanbu, Yelü Sha, and others were assisting Northern Han, the Great Liao Emperor, Liao Jingzong Yelü Xian, had already ordered the Northern Court King Yelü Xidi, Yishi, Wang Sahuo, and others to lead troops to garrison Yan territory. Later, upon learning that Youzhou was besieged, he urgently commanded elite cavalry to reinforce the front lines.
What are you saying? Zhao Dezhao listened to his confidant's words, feeling extremely puzzled, with a hint of surprise and unease.
On the wasteland outside Youzhou City, the "missing" Song Emperor from last night has already arrived outside Zhuozhou City ahead of the retreating Song army. He then bypassed Zhuozhou City and headed straight for Jintai Tun. Seeing that the troops had not yet arrived, he dared to stop the "carriage" and observe.
The ears outside the big tent had long since heard it and hurriedly went to deliver the news
The move made by the imperial family is truly remarkable!" whispered one of the Song Emperor's attendants, and if one listened closely, it could be discerned that this was a eunuch from the palace.
How is the situation progressing?" Before the person could dismount, someone urgently inquired.
"The chaos in the army just now was unprecedented," replied the attendant beside the Song Emperor helplessly
"Hmph! My dear imperial brother and good nephew. By the way, what is your opinion on today's events?" Zhao Tingmei asked the officer beside him.
Upon returning to the camp, the soldiers finally calmed down
On the 9th day of the first month, the Song Emperor noticed that the various armies had still not arrived, so he sent someone to investigate. It was then that he learned the armies were still stationed at Zhuozhou and were planning to establish the Taizu's son, Prince De Zhao of Wugong, as a ruler. Consequently, he urgently ordered Cui Han to convey the imperial edict to retreat.
Yes. In the darkness, that confidant said
Was it truly the case that Song Di shared the same thoughts regarding Zhao Dezhiao's actions? Zhao Dezhiao underestimated his uncle, who wielded military power and was adept at scheming.
In the blink of an eye, the confidant vanished without a trace
Your Highness, I have just searched the entire camp and have not seen the Emperor's countenance. I implore Your Highness to take charge, for the army cannot be without a leader for even a single day
Ignoring the sound of an announcement from outside, Zhao Dezhiao allowed the person to enter.
The armies of the Song and Liao were locked in a stalemate beneath the walls of Youzhou, engaging in a tug-of-war, facing each other in a back-and-forth confrontation
The officer flattered Zhao Kuangmei, leaving Zhao Tingmei both amused and exasperated. "You, oh you..."
"The prince is the son of the late emperor, and thus he is rightful!" At that moment, a general suddenly raised his voice and shouted
The Song army suffered defeat at the Gaoliang River
At this moment, someone is riding a horse across the wasteland
You are committing rebellion!" a general said, pointing at his nose.
Not long after, the generals on both sides in the army could not see the Song Emperor, and rumors began to spread, claiming that the Song Emperor had gone missing. This caused a great uproar, instilling fear among the troops.
The eastern sun has risen, the rooster crows early, after a night has passed, today marks the seventh day of the month
"No." The person was Wang Jien, who, upon seeing the expression of Emperor Song, quickly closed his mouth and ceased to speak
At this moment, the Song Emperor turned around, gazing at the city of Youzhou. The city of Youzhou still stood tall, yet it was in the hands of its mortal enemy
Good! You have done very well, you may step back now. The person placed great emphasis on "very well," waving his hand to dismiss his confidants
Several prominent generals suddenly realized that Emperor Song was missing, and in a state of anxiety, they asked the imperial guards around the emperor: "Have any of you seen the emperor?"
"A great army cannot be without a leader. Now that the Emperor may be in danger, it would be better to establish a new Emperor early!" A general proposed, in fact, he had long been calculating in his heart, believing that the merit of supporting an Emperor would be enough to grant titles of nobility and high office throughout history. Moreover, there had been precedents during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period where soldiers supported military officers as Emperors, although the risks were significant. Even though the Song Emperor had gone missing, it was hard to guarantee that it was not... However, as long as the new Emperor ascends, the new need not fear the old. There had been precedents during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period where soldiers supported military officers as Emperors, although the risks were significant. Even though the Song Emperor had gone missing, it was hard to guarantee that it was not... However, as long as the new Emperor ascends, the new need not fear the old.
... ...
Your Highness, you are quite astute in calculations!" an officer said, nodding and bowing in front of Zhao Tingmei