Chapter 7: Gao Ping (1)

Zhao Chao was therefore stripped of his military authority and placed under local detention in Huaizhou

In late February, with the preliminary preparations in Tokyo being well in place, Emperor Chai Rong officially set out in person for the campaign. The accompanying army primarily consisted of the Imperial Guard, which included the Emperor's personal guards and various troops under the Palace Front Division.

The earlier you start, the less hassle you have! Carrying dozens of pounds of belongings while traveling long distances across provinces is truly no small hardship. Indeed, regardless of the era, seeking a future is never easy

Chai Rong's actions took people by surprise, yet they are not entirely incomprehensible. If he could successfully fend off the invasion at a critical moment, he could establish his authority and take control of the state without many detours. However, the risks are substantial, and it ultimately depends on whether one possesses such courage.

"Hey, don't rush to the front, stay back a bit..." A woman shouted while following the army. Surprisingly, the one who responded was Luo Mengzi, who was behind Guo Shao. Unable to hold back, Guo Shao turned around and said: "The wife of the Luo family really knows how to talk."

Chai Rong, however, seemed to be a ruler who did not believe in the supernatural, insisting on personally leading his troops into battle to determine the outcome. Until the imperial army arrived in Huaizhou, it is likely that both Northern Han and Khitan could not believe that Chai Rong would take such action

However, the expedition truly tests the physical endurance of ordinary soldiers. Traveling from Henan to Shanxi, even modern trains and cars seem far; everyone endures the entire journey by braving the elements and walking with heavy loads. Not only the infantry regiment led by Guo Sha, but even the cavalry is on foot; warhorses are precious, and they consume far more food than humans. If it were not for combat, the lower-ranking soldiers would be reluctant to ride.

In early March, the army finally marched into the territory of Shanxi (Hedong). There had long been rumors that Li Jun, the military governor of Zhao Yi Army in Luzhou, had fought a battle and was defeated, which indicated that the Northern Han and Khitan allied forces had at least crossed Luzhou and had already penetrated into the southern regions of Shanxi; thus, it was not far for the imperial guards led by Guo Sha to encounter the enemy forces.

... ...

In this light, it appears that the Northern Han ruler did not misjudge the timing. Shortly after the death of Zhou Taizu Guo Wei, his adopted son Chai Rong had only been on the throne for a month or two; how much could he accomplish in terms of consolidating power? The Northern Han ruler and the Khitan army aimed to overthrow the vast Zhou dynasty with just over a hundred thousand troops, focusing their strategy on Chai Rong. As long as they could win a significant battle, Chai Rong would be unable to maintain his position, and the Zhou dynasty might disintegrate without a fight.

The upper echelons are divided in their thoughts and plans, which has little to do with the lower-ranking officers; at the level of Guo Shao, not even a whisper can be heard, as all military orders almost exclusively come from the command level of Wang Degong. The higher-ups dictate that when everyone is to move, they move, and when they are to stop, they stop

Even though the army has already advanced halfway, Chai Rong has long made up his mind to personally engage in battle. However, even now, there are still many in the military who do not share his resolve. Although he ascended the throne smoothly, he has not fully gained control over the army due to the short duration of his reign; not only the imperial guards, but also the troops dispatched by various regional governors are difficult to command effectively.

Apart from the provisions and heavy equipment, even Guo Shao carried quite a lot of items, requiring a mule to bear the load. Not counting the approximately 50 pounds of armor he wore, the breastplate he had previously used weighed at least 20 pounds, and his long and short weapons added another 10 pounds. Additionally, there were the iron canister, hammer, machete, and rations he needed for food and water. Without the mule, it would likely be extremely strenuous.

The Imperial Guard, especially the troops stationed at the front of the palace, are all garrisoned near the left side of the capital, and their families are also here. When the soldiers go out to battle, their families at home will undoubtedly be filled with countless worries and concerns, inevitably crowding the roadside to bid tearful farewells and exchange letters.

Guo Shao, serving in the Xiaodi Army, is naturally required to depart with the troops as it is part of the Dianqiansi system

He glanced into the crowd for a while, thinking to himself: There are people here who care about my well-being; Yulian should be here, but perhaps she hasn't found me among the throngs of people, or she might be quietly watching from somewhere, too shy to come forward. Women can be so sentimental. With this thought, he felt a sense of openness in his heart

The imperial procession at the front was relatively bright and orderly, but the troops behind were not as aesthetically pleasing. They carried too many items, which made their ranks appear chaotic. Only the banners, armor, and weapons could attest to their identity as an army

The large army departed from the northern city gate of the capital, with the main force taking the Chenqiao Gate among the four city gates of the northern wall. The main road was filled with troops, and the surrounding populace was abundant, creating a scene of enthusiastic support for the military with food and drink. The regular troops of the Zhou army had better discipline compared to the troops of Fangzhen, and from a broader perspective, they also contributed to safeguarding the Zhou Dynasty's controlled areas from foreign plunder. However, it was evident that due to inadequate publicity and public sentiment, the level of affection from the populace had not reached a point of deep emotional attachment and tears of gratitude. The regular troops of the Zhou army had better discipline compared to the troops of Fangzhen, and from a broader perspective, they also contributed to safeguarding the Zhou Dynasty's controlled areas from foreign plunder. However, it was evident that due to inadequate publicity and public sentiment, the level of affection from the populace had not reached a point of deep emotional attachment and tears of gratitude. The majority of the people by the roadside were family members of the imperial guards.

Days later, the army arrived at Huai Prefecture. The emperor, dissatisfied with the slow pace of the march, intended to issue an edict for the entire army to accelerate their advance. Zhao Chao, the commander of the Control Crane Division, upon learning this, said to his friend Zheng Haoqian: "The enemy is too fierce; our army should not rush forward hastily; a slower approach is more prudent." Zheng agreed with the reasoning of the Control Crane commander and went to the emperor to express this view. As a result, Emperor Chai Rong became extremely angry; Zheng had no choice but to betray his friend, claiming that it was Zhao Chao's suggestion.

Ordinary soldiers do not bring livestock; they can only carry minimal personal belongings. However, they have aspects that make Guo Shao envious, as their family members chase after the convoy, offering reminders and food. In contrast, when Guo Shao looks around, he sees not a single familiar face among the common people by the roadside

However, once they enter the battlefield, people will suddenly realize that walking with a burden is actually much easier.