I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 487: Capture the enemy alive! Return to Song or rebel against Song, don't ride on the fence
Zuosiluo tribe, Qingtang city.

Near noon.

Led by several warriors from the Zuosilo tribe, the one-armed Lao Qiao and his seven companions rode on the streets of the city with looks of surprise on their faces.

They know.

The richest city in the Hehuang region is Qingtang City.

Also know.

Some merchants from the Song Dynasty even called it: Little Bianliang of Hehuang.

But I didn't expect it to be so prosperous.

The city has wide streets, many shops, and magnificent Buddhist palaces and Buddha statues can be seen everywhere.

There are many Hu merchants on the streets.

Pearls, jade, spices, rhino horns, etc. can be seen everywhere, full of exotic charm.

The reason why Qingtang City is so prosperous.

On the one hand, after the Western Xia occupied the Hexi Corridor, they robbed merchants, kidnapped travelers, and imposed heavy taxes in an attempt to cut off the connection between the Western Regions and the Song Dynasty.

This meant that envoys and merchants from the Western Regions had no choice but to enter the Song Dynasty through Qingtang City, thus prospering the trade here.

On the other hand, Zuo Siluo concentrated nearly 80% of the tribe’s wealth in Qingtang City.

Most of the wealthy families, noble chieftains and other Tibetan tribes also chose to concentrate their wealth here.

Although they had to pay a large amount of protection fees to Zuosiluo, it was much better than being robbed by other tribes.

In the Hehuang area.

This is indeed a paradise for the rich.

However, outside Qingtang City.

Nearly 90% of the barbarians could hardly even afford to eat and wear clothes.

What's worse, some of them were reduced to slaves and sold at will like cattle and sheep.

At first, the one-armed Old Qiao thought that Qingtang City was more prosperous and lively than Xihe Town, and was ready to learn some experience.

But when he saw some naked men and women being locked in cages and sold on the street in the horse market, he immediately lost all his good impression of this city.

……

Not long after.

One-armed Old Joe and his seven companions came to a magnificent mansion.

Xia Zhen, Mo Zhenjiao and Dong Zhen were already waiting at the gate.

Xia Zhen had seen One-Armed Old Joe.

Although Mozhanjiao and Dongzhan had never seen the one-armed Lao Qiao, Lao Qiao's one arm and the sword on his back were well known to everyone in the Hehuang area.

One-armed Old Joe is the spiritual leader of the veterans in Xihe Town.

Although he has no official position, he can represent the veterans of the Northwest.

Fan Zhongyan once sat opposite him and ate, and was very polite.

He came here on behalf of Su Liang, so the Zuosiluo tribe naturally did not dare to neglect him.

Zuo Siluo's three sons were all given official titles by the Song Dynasty, but they were all honorary positions.

If they acted arrogantly in front of the one-armed Old Qiao, it would be equivalent to being arrogant in front of Su Liang. They would never dare to do such a thing that would offend the Song Dynasty.

When Zuo Siluo's eldest son Xia Zhen saw the one-armed Old Qiao, he went to greet him with a smile on his face.

"Mr. Qiao, it's been half a year since we last met at the beginning of the year. You seem to be stronger now!"

When Xia Zheng returned from his diplomatic mission to the Song Dynasty.

I once passed by Xihe Town and had a meal with the one-armed Old Joe, so we got to know each other.

"Haha! You're too polite, Young Clan Leader. You're still as charming and elegant as ever!" One-armed Old Joe greeted, then gave Xia Zheng a big hug.

aside.

Mozhanjiao and Dongzhan both frowned when they heard the word "young patriarch".

According to the naming custom in the Hehuang area.

Zuo Si Luo is called the leader or clan leader, and the person who inherits the position of clan leader can be called the junior clan leader.

In the eyes of Mozhanjiao and Dongzhan, Xiazhan was not qualified to be the junior patriarch at all.

At this time.

Dong Zhan started to speak.

"Master Qiao, I'm Dong Zhan. I've prepared a banquet for you in the mansion. Let's chat inside!"

Dong Jian's words were intended to emphasize his own status.

In Qingtang City, Dong Zhen, the third son of Zuosilo, actually has the greatest power.

He fought bravely and made the most military achievements.

Many people have determined that he will definitely be the second-generation leader of the Zuosiluo tribe in the future.

One-armed Old Joe looked at Dong Zhan without saying anything.

Xia Zhen said, "I've asked my third brother to arrange it. Master Qiao, please come in!"

One-armed Old Joe nodded slightly to Mozhanjiao and Dongzhan, then followed Xiazhan into the house.

……

A moment later, at the dining table.

Xia Zhen, Mo Zhenjiao, Dong Zhen and One-armed Old Joe sat at one table, and the six people brought by One-armed Old Joe sat at another table with the others.

On the table.

Large plates and bowls, filled with meat and wine.

After a few pleasantries, the one-armed Old Qiao smiled and said, "Three of you, I won't drink any more wine. After dinner, can you take me to see the leader of the Zuosiluo? I have been ordered by Minister Su to discuss important matters with the leader of the Zuosiluo!"

Naturally, the one-armed Old Joe had to pretend that he didn't know that Zuo Siluo had gone to Qinghai.

Before Xia Zhen could speak, Dong Zhen interrupted him and said, "Master Qiao, my father is devoted to Buddhism. Not long ago, he went to Qinghai for meditation. I'm afraid he won't be able to come back in the short term. If you have anything to say, it's the same if you tell us."

"Yes, tell me the same thing." added the felt corner.

The three brothers were constantly fighting for the position of "the boss of the Zuosiluo tribe."

All this was seen by One-Armed Old Joe.

"Then I'll speak frankly!" said the one-armed Old Qiao, "You all should know that the Song Dynasty is expanding its borders in Hehuang, aiming to contain the Western Xia and then destroy them. Minister Su hopes that the Zuosilo tribe can work together with us to defeat the Western Xia!"

Hearing this, the three brothers remained silent.

There was silence for about ten breaths.

Xia Zheng said, "Master Qiao, this matter is too big. We must consult father. After we consult father, we will give you an answer! I don't think it's a big problem. Just the day before yesterday, the envoy from Xixia came to sow discord between us and Song, and we drove him out directly!"

"We are a vassal of the Song Dynasty, so we will naturally stand on the side of the Song Dynasty. After my father agrees, we can attack Xia together. We also have a blood feud with Western Xia!" Dong Zhan added.

"I wonder how long it will take to receive a reply?" asked the one-armed Old Joe with a smile.

"It may take six or seven days at the shortest, or a month at the longest! Qinghai is very big, and father hasn't told us his specific whereabouts, so we have to look for him carefully!" Mozhanjiao said with a smile.

Each of the three brothers spoke strictly in accordance with Zuo Siluo's instructions.

One-armed Old Joe pretended to glance at Blind Felt casually.

Xia Zheng immediately understood.

The former obviously had something to say to him alone.

"Is that so? Then I will wait for good news from the three of you. Since we can't meet the leader of Zuosilo, let's drink together today and I will return tomorrow!" After saying that, the one-armed Old Joe picked up the wine bowl.

Afterwards, everyone started eating, drinking and chatting, looking like close friends.

……

late at night.

Blind Felt appeared in One-Armed Old Joe's room.

At this moment, One-armed Old Joe looked at Xia Zheng with a dark face.

"Chief Xiazhen, your tribe's sincerity is not enough! The leader of the Zuosiluo tribe left Qingtang City at this time, which seems to be to avoid the war. I hope you can tell me the truth. If the Zuosiluo tribe does not want to attack Xia with the Song Dynasty, then so be it. We will not force it."

"No...no...Mr. Qiao, this is such a coincidence, such a coincidence! My father is a Buddhist and he goes to Qinghai to meditate for a period of time every year." Xia Zhen explained hurriedly.

Although he was unwilling to treat the Song Dynasty in this way, he had no choice but to lie because Zuo Siluo thought so.

One-armed Old Joe shook his head slightly.

"Whether it is a coincidence or not is not important. I will go back and tell Su Zhongcheng that the leader of the Zuosiluo tribe is in Qinghai and cannot answer. From now on, the Zuosiluo tribe will no longer be a vassal of our Song Dynasty."

"Don't...don't!" Xia Zhen became nervous instantly.

If the Song Dynasty does not recognize Zuosiluo as a vassal state, the next step may be to attack the Zuosiluo tribe.

"Don't be clever! Right now, you only have two choices, either to join the Song Dynasty or to rebel against it. After I go back and report, Zuo Si Luo will no longer be a friend of the Song Dynasty. As for whether you can become a friend of the Song Dynasty, it's up to you to decide."

"I...I...I..."

Xia Zhen was hesitant to speak. He couldn't say that it was his father's idea to be a "fence-sitter" and he was against it.

If Zuo Si Luo knew about this, he would definitely be severely punished.

"Young leader of the Xiazhan clan, you should think carefully about your way out. I need to take a rest!" said the one-armed Old Joe.

Xia Zheng had no choice but to leave One-Armed Old Joe's room with a helpless look on his face.

After he walked out, he murmured in his heart: Father, Mozhenjiao and Dongzhen have never been to the Song Dynasty and do not know its strength. I cannot die with them. I... I have to save myself. I have to gather my own forces first.

The next day, early in the morning, One-armed Old Qiao and his companions left Qingtang City.

Old Joe has said everything he needs to say, now it all depends on Xia Zheng's luck.

Becoming the new leader of Zuo Si Luo or becoming a prisoner of the Song Dynasty is entirely up to his personal choice.

……

August 14th, the day before Mid-Autumn Festival.

Near dusk.

Di Qing led thousands of soldiers along the central route and joined Su Liang on the bank of the Huang River.

The other two teams.

One group is heading west and is about to reach Tongbo Village, the westernmost village.

One of them will head north and reach the bank of the Yellow River in five days at most, where they will confront the Western Xia army.

This means that the plan to expand the border of Hehuang was almost successful.

Only Zuo Silu and the Xixia soldiers on the Yellow River are left, and these two are in trouble.

At this time, Zuo Silu and the Liao Kingdom still did not help the Western Xia to send troops to occupy territory.

Then it would be impossible to send troops to help Xia.

All the important cities and fortresses within a radius of more than 2,000 miles in the Hehuang area have been occupied by the Song Dynasty.

If they attack again, it will be too late.

present.

Su Liang served as the vanguard, and Di Qing led the army to expand the border.

Qinzhou magistrate Liu Cunzhe was responsible for the aftermath.

The occupied lands were in chaos, and people had to be sent to quickly establish order.

And this is exactly what Liu Cun is good at.

……

into the night.

The stream is bright and gurgling.

Di Qing and Su Liang sat on two rocks and looked into the distance.

"Jingming, we can go to the bank of the Yellow River tomorrow. In five days at most, I can cross the Yellow River and beat those Xixia soldiers into a pulp, forcing them to flee in panic. Then, we can take advantage of the fact that the Xixia soldiers are not yet firmly established and quickly occupy Zhuolao City. What do you think?"

Di Qing looked excited.

He had run more than two thousand miles but had not fought in a battle, and he was becoming increasingly impatient.

Su Liang shook his head slightly.

"No, we have to wait for the Dragon Feather Army soldiers to capture Zuosiluo, and then let the soldiers of the Zuosiluo tribe join the battle."

"Jingming, do you think I am incapable, or our Western Army is incapable?"

"We don't need the soldiers of the Zuosilo tribe to rush to the front to consume the Xixia soldiers. A quick battle and a quick decision is the best strategy!"

"According to your arrangement, our casualties have been reduced, but the efficiency is too low and it is also troublesome. Besides, there is no sign of Zuo Si Luo yet. Should we keep waiting? By then, the reinforcements from Xixia will have arrived!"

Di Qing was a little anxious.

He believed that Su Liang wanted the soldiers of the Zuosilo tribe to rush to the front in order to reduce casualties and consume the military strength of Western Xia.

Su Liang smiled and explained: "Brother Hanchen, you are wrong, that is not what I meant."

"The reason why I waited for the Dragon Feather Army soldiers to capture Zuosiluo and asked Master Qiao to persuade Xiazhen to surrender to Song was to make the soldiers of Zuosiluo tribe become our soldiers.

"It is not difficult to win the battle along the Yellow River, nor is it difficult to capture Zuosiluo, but to destroy Xixia will inevitably be a protracted war."

"Zuosiluo has nearly 100,000 soldiers. We will lead them to attack Xia from west to east, and the soldiers from Qinzhou, Weizhou, and Fenzhou will attack Xia from south to north. This will form a siege, and our combat effectiveness will be greater."

"I intend to support Xiazhen as the new leader of Zuosiluo. Their tribe will still be autonomous, but they will not have military power. How can we make these Zuosiluo soldiers ours?"

"That is to fight! These soldiers are under our command, obey our military orders, eat and sleep with our soldiers, and then accept our orders. Gradually, they become soldiers of the court. This is the best way to tame the soldiers of Zuo Silu."

"In addition, after we occupy Xixia, the soldiers of Zuosiluo and the Xixia people are descendants of the Qiang people, so they will be easier to manage. We only need to send officials to manage it. Otherwise, occupying Xixia will consume countless of our resources and even cause many small-scale casualties. It is easy to fight but difficult to manage, which is not what I want."

"As for Xixia, let's ask them for reinforcements! Their national strength is limited, and they only have so many soldiers. If we can kill more than half of them at the border, it will be easier to fight them in the future."

"There is no need to rush the war with Xixia. We must first solve the problem of Zuosiluo. After we capture Zuosiluo, Xiazhen still cannot control the Zuosiluo tribe. Then I am afraid we will have to send troops to help him. Dongzhen is not a good person. If we don't get rid of him, he will most likely stab us in the back."

……

Di Qing listened very carefully and suddenly understood.

"Jingming, I understand. It's amazing enough for others to think three steps ahead when taking one step, but you take one step and think ten steps ahead. No... it's a hundred steps!"

Fighting a war is not just about fighting, we also have to consider the subsequent governance.

Governance and maintaining stability are the most troublesome and consume the most manpower and financial resources.

Su Liang wanted to convert the soldiers of Zuo Silu into soldiers of the Song Dynasty and then use them to govern Western Xia.

The descendants of the Qiang people are ruled by the descendants of the Qiang people.

These considerations are profound.

It not only saves time and effort, but also ensures the long-term stability of the Northwest region in the future.

present.

The most important thing is to make the Zuosiluo tribe return to the Song Dynasty.

……

August 15th.

Mid-Autumn Festival, near noon.

In the military camp where Di Qing and Su Liang lived, the aroma of mutton wafted in the air and smoke from cooking rose into the sky.

It is the Mid-Autumn Festival, but everyone is unable to reunite with their families, so Di Qing and Su Liang naturally want to treat the soldiers to a good meal.

Eat well, then you won’t miss home.

Noon.

Just as Di Qing and Su Liang were each holding a leg of lamb and chewing it with relish.

Liu Sandao almost ran over with a smile on his face.

"Prime Minister Di Shu, Minister Su Zhong, Zuo Siluo has been captured! Zuo Siluo has been captured!"

Di Qing and Su Liang couldn't help but be overjoyed. They put down the lamb legs, quickly wiped their mouths and hands, and walked forward with Liu Sandao.

Not long after.

The two of them saw an old man wearing a yellow monk's robe and with a haggard face, named Zuo Si Luo.

"Chief Zuo Siluo, this is Prime Minister Di Shu, and this is Minister Su Zhongcheng!" Liu Sandao introduced.

Zuo Si Luo looked at Di Qing and slowly bowed, saying, "Greetings to Prime Minister Di Shu!"

Di Qing nodded slightly.

Su Liang bowed to Zuosiluo and said with a smile: "Su Liang greets the leader Zuosiluo."

"Humph!"

Zuo Siluo looked at Su Liang and snorted coldly.

Zuosiluo saluted Di Qing because Di Qing was the Privy Councilor, a second-rank official of the dynasty, while Zuosiluo's honorary title was the Jiedushi of Baoshun Army, a deputy second-rank official.

Su Liang saluted Zuosiluo because he was one level lower than Zuosiluo.

Proper etiquette is still necessary.

When Zuo Siluo saw Su Liang, he was unhappy because he knew that he was captured by Su Liang.

Then Zuo Siluo looked at Di Qing.

"Prime Minister Di Shu, no matter what, I am also the governor of Baoshun Army appointed by the emperor of the Song Dynasty. Su Zhongcheng sent evil soldiers to seriously injure my guards and brought me here. He almost beat me to death on horseback. How can this be possible?"

Di Qing stroked his beard and said, "You can impeach him to the emperor!"

After hearing this, Zuo Siluo immediately lost his temper.

As a vassal, he might not be in the right if he impeached a favorite of the Song Dynasty, and he might even be scolded.

Di Qing continued, "Chief Zuosiluo, since you consider yourself a vassal of the Song Dynasty, then next, I, the Prime Minister, want to completely destroy the Xia Dynasty. Are you willing to cooperate with me?"

Zuo Siluo looked helpless.

He has been caught here, if he doesn't cooperate, he will be dead.

"I'm willing...I don't know how I can cooperate?" asked Zuo Siluo.

aside.

Su Liang said: "It's simple. You only need to do two things. First, announce to the entire Zuosilo tribe that you will follow Song to destroy Xia; second, give up the throne to your eldest son Xiazhen."

As soon as Su Liang finished speaking, Liu Sandao brought over the pen, ink, paper and inkstone.

Zuo Siluo pouted.

"Give up the throne? This is... my... my department's private matter. Minister Su is meddling too much!"

"Is it my responsibility to be so broad-minded? You privately agreed to the marriage between your third son Dong Jian and the princess of Liao. Could you have reported this to the emperor of the Song Dynasty? You also went to Qinghai to avoid the Song Dynasty's expansion of the Hehuang border. You pretended to be ignorant, but is this your duty as a minister? Who do you care about in your heart, the Song Dynasty or the Liao Dynasty, or just yourself?"

"You are no longer worthy of being a friend of our Song Dynasty, but your son Xia Zheng can still give it a try."

"Chief Zuosiluo, you are old now. Stop making trouble and spend your old age peacefully. Why do you have to put yourself in an irretrievable situation and let countless Zuosiluo soldiers die with you?"

Su Liang's words left Zuo Si Luo speechless, and he could only say, "I...I agree, I agree to everything!"

(End of this chapter)