Tang Dynasty Mingyue Song Dynasty Pass

Chapter 759: The Death of Hou Shu

Meng Chang, the leader of the Later Shu Kingdom, decisively made the decision to surrender and quickly put it into practice. He sent his important minister Li Tinggui out of the city to negotiate with the Song army camp, hoping to surrender peacefully to ensure that the people of Shu capital would not be harmed.

When Wang Quanbin learned about Li Tinggui's intention, he was filled with joy. If the capital of Shu can be captured through peaceful means, it will successfully destroy Shu in just two months, which is undoubtedly a great achievement that will be recorded in history.

In contrast, even Cao Bin, the famous general of the Song Dynasty, is still trapped in Chongqing, hundreds of miles away from Shu, with several cities in between. If he wants to reach the capital of Shu, it will take him two to three months at the earliest.

Therefore, Wang Quanbin was secretly proud, feeling that he could finally take the lead this time and make the first achievement. He agreed to the request of the Shu envoys without hesitation, promised to take over the Shu capital in a peaceful manner, and made a three-part agreement to ensure that he would not harass the people of the Shu capital.

In the past, after the Song army invaded a city in Shu, they would burn, kill and plunder for three days. This was not only to expand military supplies, but also to stimulate the fighting spirit and blood of the soldiers as a reward for them.

But this time, in order to successfully capture the capital of Shu and avoid the huge losses that might be caused by a strong attack, and also to take the lead in destroying Shu, Wang Quanbin chose to give in and agreed to the request of Shu officials.

After completing the difficult negotiations with the Song army, Li Tinggui finally returned to the imperial city of Shu. He walked hurriedly through the magnificent palace corridors, feeling mixed emotions in his heart. For him, this negotiation was not only a diplomatic struggle, but also a spiritual test.

When he stood in front of Meng Chang and reported in detail the negotiation process and final results with Song Jun, his tone revealed a sense of relief.

Meng Chang listened, with a flash of complicated emotions in his eyes. He knew that although this decision was difficult, it might be the best choice at the moment.

"The Song Army has accepted our terms of leniency and surrender," Li Tinggui concluded with a hint of relief in his voice.

Meng Chang took a deep breath. He understood that this decision would change the fate of many people, including his own. "That's good," he sighed. "At least we no longer have to worry about our lives and property. After we surrender, we will take our families north to the prosperous Bianjing City to meet Zhao Guan's family."

He paused and continued: "I heard that Zhao Guan's family is ambitious in military strategy and has a benevolent heart. If we surrender, we may not suffer. Under the rule of the Song Dynasty, we may still be able to continue to be officials and be reused by the court. "

However, the ministers in the palace were not as optimistic as he was. They lowered their heads and remained silent.

Some people couldn't help crying when they thought about the country and dignity they were about to lose.

After all, the pain of national subjugation is a heavy blow to everyone. Even if they could continue to serve as officials in the Song Dynasty, they would never be able to get rid of their status as "subjugated ministers".

Meng Chang looked at these ministers and understood their pain and embarrassment. But he also knew that now was not the time to wallow in grief.

"I know the pain in your hearts," Meng Chang said slowly, "but please believe that this decision is for the future of all of us. Under the protection of the Song Dynasty, we will have a new beginning."

The atmosphere in the court was still heavy, but Meng Chang's words seemed to give some ministers a glimmer of hope.

They raised their heads and looked at their king, their eyes flashing with complicated light, including pain, confusion, and a hint of expectation.

Meng Chang took a deep look at the ministers who had followed him for many years, ordered Sikong Pingzhangshi Li Hao to draft a surrender letter, and then turned and left the court.

"What should I do?"

"What else can we do? Just take it one step at a time!"

As Meng Chang left, the ministers in the court began to whisper. They discussed their future destiny and prospects. Some were still immersed in grief and could not extricate themselves, while some had already begun to figure out how to find a place in the court of the Song Dynasty.

There are hundreds of people, all kinds of people. At this turning point in history, everyone has different thoughts. And Meng Chang no longer had the intention to speculate on their thoughts. Meng Chang walked into the depths of the palace. There were carved railings and painted columns everywhere, and the jade steps were as smooth as mirrors. The rockery waterfalls and gurgling water complement the magnificent pavilions, making the palace even more luxurious and glorious.

Meng Chang stood in this magnificent palace, and the luxury in front of him seemed like quicksand in his hands, about to disappear with the wind.

He looked around, feeling an indescribable reluctance in his heart. He has not had enough of this luxurious imperial life. Every time he enjoys it, it is like intoxicating wine, making him intoxicated and unable to extricate himself.

However, reality is like a handful of cold water, reminding him that all this will soon be a thing of the past.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm down his excitement, and entered the courtyard of Mrs. Hui Fei Huarui.

Mrs. Huarui is standing in the courtyard admiring the peonies in the garden. This patch of peonies was planted for her.

A long time ago, Mrs. Hua Rui loved peonies and red weeds the most, so Meng Chang ordered officials and people to plant a large number of peonies, saying: "Luoyang's peonies are the best in the world, and Luoyang, the capital of Shu, will be the best in the future." Therefore, he sent people to various places to purchase fine varieties and opened a "peony garden" in the palace. In addition to spending time under the flowers with Mrs. Huarui, Meng Chang also convened the ministers to hold a banquet to appreciate the peonies. However, Now when the country is broken, naturally I don’t feel like this anymore.

When Mrs. Huarui saw Meng Chang coming, she saluted and asked, "Your Majesty, how is the situation outside? Has the Song Army agreed to surrender?"

Meng Chang nodded and said to Mrs. Huarui: "My father and his son have provided adequate food and clothing for forty years, but once they encounter the enemy, they are unable to shoot eastward! Now, we have no choice but to surrender."

Mrs. Huarui wept silently. She couldn't help with the national affairs, so she could only feel sad.

"My dear, pack your things. We will leave the city and surrender tomorrow."

"Okay!" Mrs. Huarui nodded slightly, saying only one word out of a thousand words, and she reluctantly accepted it.

The next day, the gates of the capital of Shu were opened, and Meng Chang bound himself out of the city to ask for surrender, followed by many civil and military officials. Wang Quanbin led the generals to line up to accept Meng Chang's surrender ceremony. At this point, Hou Shu was destroyed.

When the news reached Meng Yutong's ears, it was already one day later. The information in her hand seemed to weigh as much as a thousand pounds, which shocked her. Suddenly, a mouthful of blood coughed out of her mouth. She staggered and almost fainted.

"My lord, please take care of yourself!" Wei Ying, the captain of the guard, hurriedly stepped forward to support her and said with concern.

Meng Yutong smiled miserably and said: "Father, he did not resist and chose to go out of the city to surrender. Now Shu has fallen, and all the rear areas belong to the Song Army. Soon, the Song Army's amnesty order will be conveyed to all states and counties. We Will no longer be able to resist.”

When Wei Ying heard this, he couldn't help feeling sad and sighed: "I didn't expect that the capital of Shu would fall so easily."

"Lord, shall we continue to resist the Song army?" He couldn't help but ask.

Meng Yutong shook his head and said: "There is no point anymore. The imperial court has been destroyed, and the soldiers may not be willing to continue to resist with us. What's more, if we resolutely do not follow the Song Dynasty, our father and the others will be in a difficult situation. "

Wei Ying nodded silently and asked, "Then where should we go from here?"

Meng Yutong took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to make a decision: "We will definitely not go to Bianjing. You first disband our cronies and let them disperse to the states and counties in Shu to wait for opportunities. Maybe they can use force in the future. Land. And you and I, take a few followers, and we will go to Jinling!"

Jinling is a prosperous place and the destination in her heart. There was someone she wanted to see.