I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 503: All-out war between Japan and Korea! The war between Song and Xia is about to begin

In the second year of Zhihe, on the first day of the first month, at five o'clock in the morning.

Inside the Daqing Hall.

The imperial guards in helmets and armor stood around, carrying a solemn and dignified manner.

The civil and military officials of the Song Dynasty, dressed in court robes, official hats, and holding tablets, entered the hall one after another.

Envoys from various countries and officials from various states followed closely behind, holding lists of tribute.

at this time.

No one noticed that the Goryeo envoy was missing from the delegation.

The officials from the Honglu Temple and the Censorate who were responsible for counting the number of people had already been informed in advance.

After a while.

Zhao Zhen came into the hall wearing a Tongtian crown and a red gauze robe decorated with cloud and dragon patterns.

His Highness and the others bowed in greeting.

Followed by.

Zhao Zhen first delivered a brief New Year's speech, and then officials and envoys from various countries began to pay their respects.

This annual greeting, with basically no changes to the message, took more than an hour to complete.

Su Liang stood behind the tall Fu Bi and closed his eyes to rest.

Soon, the celebration ended.

Zhao Zhen looked around and asked, "Where is the Goryeo envoy?"

At this time.

Many officials and envoys looked around and realized that there was no Goryeo envoy in the Daqing Hall.

Everyone knew that Su Liang and the envoys of the three countries had gone out to sea, but even if the Goryeo envoy Wang Youcheng had something else and did not return, the deputy envoy should have taken his place.

If there were no envoys from Goryeo in such an occasion, something big would probably have happened.

Su Liang strode out.

"Your Majesty, I was ordered to go out to sea with the Liao Kingdom's Special Envoy Xiao, the Japanese Special Envoy Qingyuan, and the Goryeo King's Special Envoy to search for evidence. After investigation, we found that the Song Dynasty court and the merchant Cao Hu were framed, and the Japanese Special Envoy was also a victim. The mastermind of this incident was Goryeo, and its intention was to cause a full-scale war between the Song Dynasty and Japan!"

"My Great Song and Japan are involved in this, so I implore the Liao Kingdom's Special Envoy Xiao to investigate in detail. Now, Special Envoy Xiao can explain the whole story and let the world know the wolfish ambitions of the Koreans."

The officials and envoys all looked at the Liao envoy Xiao Kaishi. They did not expect that the self-proving bet between the Song Dynasty and Japan would reveal that the mastermind behind the scenes was Goryeo.

Xiao Kaishi was already prepared.

He immediately strode out and began to explain in detail.

From the Koreans pretending to be Song merchants and the Song pirates extorting Japanese merchants to the 20,000 Korean soldiers pretending to be Japanese soldiers and attacking and killing Su Liang and 3,000 other Song people...

From the failed attempt by the Korean envoy Wang Youcheng to instigate the Japanese envoy to kill Su Liang, to Wang Youcheng's intention to kill Xiao Kaishi and Qingyuan Youde on the island as well...

In Xiao Kaishi's mouth, all the evil was done by the Koreans.

The Song Dynasty, the Liao Dynasty, and Japan were all victims.

Qingyuan Youde on the side continued to cooperate with him and threw dirty water on Goryeo. Regardless of whether it was Goryeo's doing or not, it was blamed on the Goryeo people.

He also praised Su Liang by the way.

After Xiao Kaishi finished speaking, all the officials and envoys in the hall were shocked.

I didn't expect that Goryeo, which has always had no sense of existence, would do such a vicious thing.

In particular, he used 20,000 Korean soldiers to impersonate Japanese soldiers and kill Su Liang and 3,000 others.

This strategy is the most sinister.

If he succeeds, I'm afraid that the Song Dynasty and Japan will definitely go to war.

All the gentlemen also had gloomy faces.

If the Song Dynasty lost Su Liang, there would definitely not be an inch of intact Goryeo.

Just as everyone in the hall was whispering.

The Japanese envoy Qingyuan Youde looked at Zhao Zhen, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty, I have ordered someone to report this matter to my ruler last night. The Koreans are despicable and almost caused the destruction of my country. I have requested to declare an all-out war against Korea and destroy this villainous country!"

Qingyuan Youde said.

Xiao Kaishi immediately said: "Although Goryeo is a vassal state of Liao, its behavior is too sinister. If Japan attacks Goryeo, Liao will definitely not take action. I have already reported this to the Emperor of Liao!"

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly.

"From this moment on, the Song Dynasty will cut off trade with Goryeo, expel all Goryeo people, and prohibit all Goryeo people from entering the territory of the Song Dynasty."

"If Japan goes to war, we will support it. If we cannot destroy Goryeo, the Song Dynasty can also send troops!"

Zhao Zhen's words were the final word, causing the entire hall to fall silent.

This means that Goryeo will surely perish.

Even if Japan cannot destroy it, the Song Dynasty will destroy it.

The men gradually came to their senses and looked happy.

They knew Cao Hu's identity.

Now that Japan and Goryeo have gone to war, Su Liang must have been behind this. And the Song Dynasty would be the most advantageous party in the fight between the two countries.

This New Year's Day court meeting is of extraordinary significance.

In addition, the battle between the Song Dynasty navy and Goryeo's 20,000 troops completely confirmed Goryeo's crimes.

No matter how the Koreans defended themselves, it was of no avail.

That afternoon.

The entire conspiracy of the Koreans spread to the streets and alleys of Bianjing City.

The people of Bianjing City loved to watch the fun, and they disliked both the Koreans and the Japanese.

They were very excited about the war between the two countries.

Judging from the popularity of this matter, it will spread throughout the entire Song Dynasty in seven days at most.

After the meeting.

The Liao and Japanese envoys hurriedly left the city of Bianjing.

Goryeo's special envoy Wang Youcheng was taken away by the Japanese delegation, which was irrefutable evidence that they were planning a full-scale attack on Goryeo.

The rest of the Goryeo delegation were all expelled.

at the same time.

The Goryeo court already knew that 20,000 Goryeo soldiers were killed by the Song army. When they were unable to contact Wang Youcheng, they knew the matter was exposed. They had guessed that the Song Dynasty knew that the assassination of Su Liang was done by Goryeo soldiers.

They quickly sent envoys to the Liao Kingdom for help.

The second day of the first lunar month.

The city of Bianjing was extremely bustling.

It was time for Su Liang to take Su Zimu and Su Qin to visit relatives and friends to wish them a happy new year.

Su Liang expressed his gratitude to all his colleagues and friends who prepared New Year's goods for his family before the New Year, and gave them gifts in return.

Then he began to enjoy his year-end holiday.

……

The twelfth day of the first lunar month, afternoon.

In the capital of Liao, inside a luxurious mansion.

Yelu Hongji leaned on a soft couch and murmured, "If Su Liang was born in my Liao Dynasty and assisted me in governing, I would be able to unify the world within ten years."

And opposite Yelu Hongji.

A middle-aged man was looking at the letters sent by the Liao envoy and a series of information from the New Year's Day court meeting of the Song Dynasty.

This middle-aged man is named Wang Youshi, and he is Wang Youcheng’s cousin.

The King of Goryeo sent him to the Liao Kingdom for help after his 20,000 Goryeo soldiers were defeated by the Song army.

The Liao emperor Yelu Zongzhen did not meet him but handed him over to Yelu Hongji.

After reading this intelligence information, Wang Youshi was horrified. "Prince Yelu, this... this... this... it was clearly the Japanese who framed the Song Dynasty and failed. You Liao Kingdom let them kill Su Liang. I... I, Goryeo, followed your advice and sent 20,000 Goryeo soldiers to pretend to be the Japanese army. How... how can the Song people, the special envoy Xiao, and the special envoy of Japan all be the work of our dynasty? This is really unfair!"

"This... This is going to destroy our Goryeo nation. What should we do next? You can't just leave us alone!"

Wang Youshi looked aggrieved, and he understood the entire situation.

This was clearly a plan to assassinate Su Liang, the Chief Censor of the Song Dynasty.

The Liao Kingdom was the mastermind, Japan was the killer, and Goryeo could only be considered an accomplice at most, but now all the blame is placed on Goryeo.

Yelu Hongji sat up slowly.

"Tell me, how can my Liao Kingdom help you?"

"Of course... of course we need to clarify the facts. The assassination of Su Liang was a joint effort of our three countries. We should shoulder the responsibility together. The Song Dynasty will definitely not dare to attack our three countries at the same time!"

After saying this, Wang Youshi's expression changed.

This is simply not possible.

Who would throw dirty water on themselves!
Moreover, the nature of this matter is so bad that whoever admits it will be disgraced.

Yelu Hongji snorted coldly and said, "Do you think the Southern Kingdom court doesn't know that this was done by the three of us? This is all Su Liang's plan!"

"It's all your fault that your 20,000 soldiers are useless. Not only were they discovered by the Song people, but they were also completely annihilated by the Song army. This sin can only be borne by you. I, the Great Liao, can't help you!"

"My Goryeo is a vassal state of Liao. When Japan attacks, Liao can't just sit back and watch. Even if it doesn't send people, can it give us some weapons and food? Or send envoys to Japan to ask them to stop going to war with my Goryeo. No matter how much money and property they want, we can negotiate it." Wang Youshi said with a bow.

Yelu Hongji rolled his eyes at him.

"Are you mentally ill? The Southern Kingdom's court ordered our envoys to announce the crimes of Japan at the New Year's Day meeting. Goryeo is now the target of public criticism and is guilty of unforgivable crimes. Anyone who helps you will be an enemy of all the countries at the New Year's Day meeting. Even if Liao wants to help, we cannot."

"As for Japan, even though they hate you to the core, if they go to war with you, the damage will be huge, but they have to fight. If they can't destroy you, the Song Dynasty will destroy them!"

"This time, our three kingdoms were all tricked by Su Liang, and the biggest problem that led to this result was the incompetence of your 20,000 Goryeo soldiers!"

"Prince Yelu, you... you must... you must help us!"

Wang Youshi knelt down towards Yelu Hongji.

Yelu Hongji thought for a moment and said, "If you want to survive, the only way you can do now is to write to your family and ask them to take their belongings and leave Goryeo immediately. I can save your family's lives."

"After the demise of Goryeo, your territory will belong to the Liao Dynasty. I heard that your country stole many precious books from the Southern Dynasty. If you can donate some, I can consider rewarding you with an official position!"

After saying that, Yelu Hongji kicked Wang Youshi away and strode away.

Wang Youshi looked at Yelu Hongji's back, clenched his fists tightly, his eyes full of hatred. What he regretted most was that Goryeo should not have surrendered to the Liao Kingdom and trusted the Liao Kingdom.

Early morning on the 16th day of the first lunar month.

Hundreds of Japanese warships carrying tens of thousands of soldiers sailed towards Goryeo.

These soldiers were not enough to destroy Goryeo.

But they must first show an attitude, otherwise they will offend the Song Dynasty. Once the latter sends troops to deal with both countries together, it will be too late to regret.

Japanese soldiers have always been ruthless.

They intended to first surround the Korean Peninsula, plunder all the food and property along the coast, and then launch a full-scale attack.

Without the participation of the Liao Kingdom, they were determined to destroy Goryeo within three months.

They had also secretly negotiated with the Liao Kingdom to destroy the Goryeo soldiers, and after looting, they would withdraw and leave the land to the Liao Kingdom.

The Liao Kingdom readily accepted it.

If they dared to join the war, the suppressed Jurchens would probably make a comeback immediately.

……

At the same time as the war between Japan and Goryeo broke out, a "General Strategy for Destroying Xia" drafted by Di Qing was delivered to the city of Bianjing.

The seventeenth day of the first lunar month.

In the afternoon, inside the Chui Gong Hall.

Zhao Zhen, the ministers of the two ministries and three departments, Su Liang, the chief censor, and other officials all gathered in the hall and read Di Qing's "General Strategy for Destroying Xia".

The main contents of this summary are:

On the tenth day of February, Di Qing planned to unite with Qingtang Tubo, send out 250,000 troops, divide them into five routes, and attack Western Xia together, intending to wipe out Western Xia in one fell swoop.

The specific deployment was that 50,000 troops from Hedong Road advanced westward; 50,000 troops from Fuyan Road advanced northwestward; 50,000 troops from Huanqing Road advanced northward; 50,000 troops from Jingyuan Road advanced northward, and 50,000 troops from Xihe and Qinfeng Roads advanced northeastward. Xia Zhen, the leader of the Tibetan people in Qingtang, led 80,000 troops across the river to attack the Liangzhou area, comprehensively pinning down the right wing of the Western Xia army...

Hundreds of thousands of northwestern civilians were also responsible for transporting weapons and food.

Once the war starts, the entire Northwest will be mobilized.

At the end of the summary, Di Qing left a sentence: Before the Mid-Autumn Festival, Western Xia will return to Song.

This is tantamount to a military order.

It expressed Di Qing's determination to destroy Western Xia.

Zhao Zhen looked excited, looked around, and then asked, "What do you think?"

Wen Yanbo smiled and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I think it's time!"

Hearing this, all the officials couldn't help laughing. Destroying Xia was a national policy that had been decided long ago.

At this moment, Western Xia is short of food and grass, and Liao is plagued by internal strife and internal strife. This is the best time.

At this moment.

Zhang Fangping stepped out quickly and said, "Your Majesty, I heard that Prime Minister Su will not go to the northwest this time, but Prime Minister Di is surrounded by many military commanders. I would like to recommend myself as a military supervisor or military advisor and go to the northwest to participate in the war."

As soon as these words came out.

Wen Yanbo, Zeng Gongliang, Fu Bi, Wu Yu, Ouyang Xiu, Wang Yaochen and others standing by could not help but glance at him.

Followed by.

Fu Bi, Zeng Gongliang, Wu Yu and Ouyang Xiu came out almost at the same time.

These four men are also proficient in martial arts.

Naturally, he also wanted to contribute his own strength in the war to destroy Xia.

Before the four of them could speak, Zhao Zhen waved his hand.

"I know you also want to ask for permission to go to the northwest, but you are all unable to do so. It's not because of your lack of ability, but because of your age."

"The northwest is bitterly cold, and we will have to travel for days after the war begins. You are all important officials of the court, and you cannot afford to suffer any injuries. Those over the age of 48 should not ask for orders anymore!"

Zeng Gongliang, Fu Bi and Wu Yu looked helpless and stepped aside.

This year, Zeng Gongliang is fifty-seven years old, Fu Bi is fifty-one years old, and Wu Yu is also fifty-one years old.

Ouyang Xiu was excited and said, "Your Majesty, I just turned 48 this year. With daily exercise, my body is stronger than some officials in their 30s."

After saying this, Ouyang Xiu deliberately straightened his chest.

Zhao Zhen curled his lips.

"Uncle Yong, after this year, you will be forty-nine years old, right? Your age is not right."

As soon as these words were spoken, the officials in the hall looked at each other and immediately understood everything.

Everyone bowed their hands and said in unison: "Your Majesty, you cannot lead the army in person!"

The reason why Zhao Zhen set the age at 48 instead of 45.

Because he is forty-five years old this year.

Zhao Zhen stood up with a dark face.

"I can personally lead the army to boost morale and intimidate the enemy. Why can't I directly issue important orders?"

"Do you think I will be a hindrance? I know what to say and what not to say. I will give Prime Minister Di Shu full authority and will not give orders blindly!"

All the ministers remained silent.

Zhao Zhen continued, "I want to lead the expedition myself, not to steal the credit, but to win respect for the royal family of the Great Song Dynasty!"

"Back then, Emperor Taizong encountered danger outside the Gaoliang River, and it became a joke among the people. The late emperor was said to be held hostage by Kou Zhun when he personally went to the border, and the people called him a 'cowardly king' for his performance at the border. Do you think I can't hear these embarrassing jokes? I want to plant my dragon flag in Xixia and win glory for the royal family of the Song Dynasty!"

"Why do you stop me? I have sons now. Two sons!"

Zhao Zhen raised his voice and proudly held up two fingers.

During the Song-Xia War during the Qingli period, the biggest factor that prevented him from leading the army in person was that he had no children.

(End of this chapter)