Chapter Nine: The Battle of Shahe (Part One)

It is not difficult to attack Youzhou with an army of 200,000, but the defending forces of Liao will inevitably seek assistance. Whether the reinforcements from Liao depart from Dongjing or Zhongjing, they must pass through the "Victory Pass" to the north of Youzhou. The area surrounding Youzhou is flat and advantageous for the cavalry of Liao to charge, while only the terrain at Victory Pass is treacherous. If we secure the strategic position of Victory Pass and then employ the method of besieging the city while cutting off reinforcements, the Liao reinforcements will surely meet the same fate as the disastrous defeat at Shiling Pass. By that time, the defending forces of Youzhou will have no hope of assistance and will be left to await their doom

The soldiers of the Song Dynasty shouted in unison and advanced together. The young footsteps were resolute and unwavering; the bright armor under the gloomy sky resembled a solid metal wall; the gleaming swords and spears tilted forward...

When Xie Muhua analyzed the Battle of Taiyuan, he deliberately mentioned the Battle of Hulaoguan. He praised Zhao Guangyi's clever move of seizing Shiling Pass, which was precisely an oversight of the northern expedition by the army

"Hey? What are you doing? How can you still be smoking?" As the tent flap was lifted, Yang Yanzhao entered with the Eighth Sister and Ninth Sister. Over the past few days, they had been spending every moment together with Xie Muhua, and the soldiers at the entrance had grown too lazy to call out their names when they entered and exited the camp.

The soldiers beside me were filled with fervor, shouting in unison: "The Imperial Army of the Song Dynasty... victorious in every battle..."

"Brother Kong, the Emperor is personally leading the army from the rear. As this is our first engagement with the Liao forces, we must not bring shame to the Emperor's reputation or diminish the military prestige of the Song Dynasty!" Fu Qian, a trusted confidant of Zhao Guangyi, always held himself in high regard, rarely acknowledging even the most accomplished generals.

Cao Bin was fiddling with the wick when he heard Pan Mei's words and chuckled in surprise, saying, "What? Do you think I shouldn't recommend a young novice?"

Someone like Xie Muhua, who lacks a background, can be recommended without any cost to the library. Such individuals are precisely the ones that both the old ministers of the founding emperor and the newly risen powerful figures seek to win over

The continuous sound of hooves echoed like a relentless thunderclap across the land of Yan and Zhao

Unable to hear the drums of the Song Dynasty, unable to hear the horns of the Khitan

Kong Shouzheng, gripping the long knife hanging from his saddle, spoke with great pride: "General Fu, I joined the military in my youth and was already a vanguard officer under Emperor Taizu. I have fought in campaigns north and south, never suffering a defeat. I care not for the Khitan palace troops or tribal armies... Our Song imperial army has achieved victory in every battle!"

Cao Bin's eyes flickered, yet he revealed a slight smile. He stood up and walked to sit beside Pan Mei, lowering his voice: "Xie Muhua subtly pointed out the mistakes in the northern expedition of the army. He is a returnee from overseas, without power or influence in the court. As you know, in recent years, the number of us old ministers still in the court has been dwindling. Xie Muhua possesses both talent and insight, which is why I recommended him"

However, the two vanguard generals selected personally by Zhao Guangyi, Fu Qian and Kong Shouzheng, are both men of great courage. As they advanced, they did not create maps of the mountains and terrain for the commander, nor did they divide their forces to occupy the strategic locations along the way. If one were to rely on these two 'brave generals' to think of capturing the Victory Pass first, it would be better to burn incense and pray to the heavens for lightning to strike and kill all the Liao troops at Victory Pass.

"Beat the drum!" Kong Shouzheng shouted loudly

Sixteen bare-chested men, their muscles intertwined and bulging, grasped drumsticks and struck the war drums. The sound of the drums transitioned from slow to rapid, echoing between heaven and earth

Yang Yanzhao stood up uncontrollably. However, Xie Muhua remained seated, murmuring in a voice so low that only she could hear: "Not at all wrong, the first Northern Expedition has officially begun..."

Oh... before Xie Muhua had the chance to speak, he suddenly heard a commotion outside the tent, faintly mixed with the sound of galloping hooves.

Here is Pan Mei's tent, and Cao Bin is seated opposite Pan Mei. He and Pan Mei have fought alongside Zhao Kuangyin in numerous campaigns over the years, establishing a deep friendship. Both are renowned generals of the Song Dynasty, and they share an open rapport in private discussions

The night is enchanting, with stars twinkling. An endless expanse of tents spreads across the land of Hebei Road. The vanguard army, led by Kong Shouzheng, slowed its pace after arriving at Jintaitun, waiting for Zhao Guangyi to personally lead the main force to catch up. This time, Zhao Guangyi was no longer in a hurry to march; once the army reached Youzhou, they would engage in battle. If they continued to march day and night, they would become fatigued soldiers, making the outcome of the battle highly uncertain.

"I have made it clear both openly and subtly..." Xie Muhua sat quietly in the tent, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. In his backpack, besides the revolver, there was surprisingly a pack of cigarettes and a windproof lighter. The flame on the candlestick flickered, casting Xie Muhua's shadow in the tent to lengthen and shorten.

Yang Yanzhao found a place to sit down: "Just now, General Pan sent someone to deliver a military order. Our cavalry unit is temporarily incorporated into the Imperial Sima's elite cavalry, responsible for protecting His Majesty"

This place is not far from Zhao Guangyi's camp. Who would dare to make such a loud noise on ordinary days? If it disturbs the Emperor's peaceful dreams, even having ten heads would not be enough to pay for it.

His voice was extremely loud, and that shout reverberated across the fields

The fierce winds of the Yan and Zhao region whip up the fluttering military flags, creating a resonant sound. In the distance, the Sha River seems to foresee the impending brutal battle; its clear waters flow slowly, and today not a single fish or turtle, which usually leap from the surface, can be seen.

The rising sun had not yet had the chance to cast its light upon the earth, when clouds began to obscure its brilliance. On this sweltering summer morning, the sky appeared somewhat gloomy

The messenger's warhorse galloped and maneuvered through the front lines, continuously issuing commands, while tens of thousands of troops stood in formation, imposing and orderly. Swords and spears were at the front, with bows and crossbows behind. They faced off against the army of the Liao state from a distance.

You, Brother Cao, indeed hold great regard for that Xie Muhua who has returned from the Great Qin

Pan Mei let out a bitter smile; he was a general who had followed Zhao Kuangyin from the beginning. After Zhao Guangyi ascended to the throne, he had no choice but to rely on him while also being wary of him. The various shortcomings of this northern expedition were clear to generals like Pan Mei, Cao Bin, and Shi Shouxin. Aside from Cui Han, there was not a single official in the court who supported the northern expedition. However, Zhao Guangyi had made up his mind, and no one could change it

Pan Mei's lips moved as if he wanted to speak, but he closed his mouth again. He had originally found it difficult to understand Cao Bin's recommendation of Xie Muhua, but upon Cao Bin's reminder, he suddenly understood.

The Shahe River is the throat of Zhao Bei and the shield of Xiang Nan... In this battle, victory is the only option, defeat is not allowed! Kong Shouzheng gazed at the military order in his hand, filled with boundless ambition.

The bright swords and guns form a steel jungle towering over the land of Yan and Zhao; warhorses clad in heavy armor gently kick up dust, ready to charge through enemy lines with the force of thunder; thousands of archers crouch on the ground, firmly gripping their powerful bows, and as soon as the Liao army dares to enter range, the deadly arrows will rain down like a torrential storm, covering the entire sky and earth.

Xie Muhua picked up the nearly empty cigarette box and shook his head, thinking that if people in this era could not go to South America, he might only have these few cigarettes for the rest of his life. Xie Muhua smiled and said, "This is a trinket of the Eastern Roman nobility; a few puffs can refresh the mind and invigorate the spirit!"

In the Liao army's formation, the horns sounded continuously, and the dark mass of cavalry slowly advanced, charging forward with increasing speed, resembling a cloud that obscured the heavens rolling towards the Song army. The Liao cavalry, known for their one soldier riding three horses, numbered less than twenty thousand troops, yet their warhorses totaled around thirty to forty thousand. The dense sound of hooves struck the ground like raindrops, causing the vast earth to seem as if it were shaking.

Yang Yanbin lifted the curtain and walked in, his handsome face filled with excitement: "The scouts have reported that the main force of the Liao army has been discovered around Qigou Pass. Judging by the flags, it should be the troops of Yelü Xidi, the King of the Northern Court of Liao, General Xiao Taogu, and King Sahe of Yishi, numbering approximately twenty thousand."

Pan Mei glanced at Cao Bin and said, "I have been wanting to ask you these past few days. Everyone says you are a good person, and that is true! However, that Xie Muhua is not related to you in any way, so why are you so eager to support him? There is an ancient lesson from Zhao Kuo, who only spoke of military strategy on paper; does that Xie Muhua really possess any significant abilities?"

Xie Muhua ostensibly praised Zhao Guangyi for his grand strategy in recapturing Taiyuan, but in reality, he was subtly reminding Zhao Guangyi that there were dangers ahead at Hulaoguan and behind at Shilingguan. Both of these locations had previously witnessed decisive victories, and the victory pass north of Youzhou...

This time, as he was to engage in battle with the fierce and valiant Khitan people, Fu Qian could not help but feel a sense of tension. He had heard that those Khitan warriors fought without fear of death, and the cavalry of the Liao state moved like the wind, with exceptional archery skills that were in no way comparable to the Northern Han army under Liu Jiyuan. This order for certain victory left Fu Qian feeling somewhat uneasy.

The speed of the Liao army's charge grew increasingly rapid, like a stampede of ten thousand horses, with sabers swinging and fierce faces gradually becoming clearer. They shouted loudly, rushing forward like a whirlwind...

Those generals who have fought through a lifetime of blood and battle are all very clear in their minds. This time, in the assault on Youzhou, they can only hope to capture the city in one swift effort before the Liao reinforcements arrive; otherwise, defeat is inevitable

The vanguard of the Imperial Army of the Song Dynasty consists of carefully selected warriors, each tall and strong, with broad shoulders and sturdy waists. Their military history is filled with glory, having defeated the Later Shu, pacified the Southern Tang, and conquered the Northern Han. This army is invincible, and today their opponent is the renowned cavalry of the Khitan, known for their ferocity. The faces of the soldiers show no fear, only anticipation; the illustrious reputation of the invincible Song Dynasty army is not bestowed by others, but forged by their own blades and guns

This is quite something; a distant expedition with poorly chosen generals. Fu Qian was originally just a family attendant, a household servant during Zhao Guangyi's time as the Prince of Jin, and had never fought in any battles. Yet, such a person was unexpectedly entrusted by Zhao Guangyi with the heavy responsibility of being the vanguard general

Yang Jiumei stared wide-eyed at Xie Muhua, who was leisurely blowing smoke rings.

Yang Yanbin, a valiant warrior, felt his blood boil as the great battle approached: "The Emperor has issued an edict; the army will break camp overnight and deliver a crushing blow to the Khitan barbarians tomorrow!"

Since Zhao Guangyi ascended to the throne, he first continued to employ old ministers of Emperor Taizu, such as Cao Bin and Pan Mei. Following that, he established the imperial examination system, vigorously promoting new talents, and strongly supporting his trusted aides from the Jin royal court. Once his power was consolidated, the old ministers who had followed Zhao Kuangyin in establishing the empire were gradually replaced. Even Pan Mei and Cao Bin felt somewhat disheartened, planning to retreat and cultivate their talents after the northern expedition, or simply to return to their hometowns in retirement. However, among these seasoned generals who had dominated the political landscape for decades, who truly was willing to withdraw from the center of power?