The Imperial Age with the Resurgence of Han Style

Chapter 315: Destroying a Country in Ten Days (Part )
On the morning of February 1733, 2, at 21 o'clock, Pingnan City (now Chi Leng County, Lang Son Province, Vietnam).

Hao Zongdao, the prince of Liang State and commander-in-chief of the Southern Expedition, stood on a high watchtower, holding a telescope and carefully observing several Annan guard posts opposite.

"Your Highness, based on our investigation that has lasted for half a month, we can confirm that Annan has gradually mobilized a large number of troops to the Hebei region (north of the Red River). A rough estimate is about 20,000." Liang Hongji, chief of staff of the Liangguo Southern Expedition Army, said solemnly: "In addition, over the past month, the Annan people on the opposite side have recruited a large number of civilians and strong men to repair the city and important outer defenses day and night."

"Why, are you worried that the army will suffer too many casualties if a war breaks out?" Hao Zongdao put down the telescope and said calmly, "Didn't we transfer more than 6,000 volunteers to you? Aren't these troops meant to deal with this kind of war of attrition and offensive warfare?"

The so-called Yicong Army refers to the Annamites and indigenous people of other ethnic groups who were recruited and armed by the Liang Kingdom within its territory. Whenever there were fierce border conflicts with the Le Dynasty, these people were pushed to the front line and shed their blood for the expansion of the Liang Kingdom's territory.

In addition to adding more troops (cannon fodder) to the kingdom, the formation of the Yicong Army also has a more obscure purpose, which is to consume the indigenous population to the greatest extent possible and free up the necessary living space for the arrival of more Han immigrants in the future.

Those who are not of my race must have different hearts, and this is probably the case!
"Your Highness, Qi asked us to attack first in order to attract the Annanese troops so that they can land in the northeastern coastal area and then break into the heart of Annan." Liang Hongji said in a deep voice, "However, looking at the northern battlefield, the dozens of kilometers of our attack route from Pingnan to Youlong are all high mountains and steep ridges, with only a narrow valley for passage. In addition, the Annanese have built four sturdy forts here. If we continue to advance like this, I'm afraid there will be a lot of bloodshed and the troops will suffer heavy losses."

"Well, what do you want to say?" Hao Zongdao asked expressionlessly.

"Your Highness, in order to preserve our strength and for the future of our country, I think it would be a good idea to postpone the general attack plan for three to five days. After the Qi army launches a landing operation from the northeastern coastal area, we will launch the assault."

"If you really do this, you will offend the people of Qi."

"Your Highness, the battlefield situation is unpredictable and there are all kinds of emergencies. How can we act completely according to the established battle plan?" Liang Hongji said, "Therefore, I suggest postponing the attack for a few days to avoid unnecessary heavy losses. When the Qi people come to hold us accountable, we can just find a reason to embarrass them."

"General Liang, if we really want to consider the future of Liang State, we must strictly follow the battle plan formulated by Qi State and launch a full-scale attack on Annan at 3 am tonight." Hao Zongdao said solemnly: "You must know that this war is not just a simple military action, but a war of great political significance. Because after this war, the political landscape of the entire Annan region will undergo major changes. All the performance of our Liang State in this war will directly determine the benefits we can obtain after the war."

"..."

"If we want to take advantage of the war and consider everything in the interests of our country, do you think Qi will not be resentful? Will they use this as an opportunity to alienate or suppress our country? As a vassal state, if we want to survive and develop, we must first be obedient and follow the suzerain in many matters to show our submission; secondly, we must demonstrate some value and prove that we can be used by the suzerain in specific areas and specific matters. ... Haha, although this statement is crude, the truth is so simple and straightforward."

"Your Highness, I am stupid." Liang Hongji sighed secretly, then bowed to Hao Zongdao.

"General Liang, you are too polite." Hao Zongdao waved his hand and said, "You are only considering it from a purely military perspective, thinking about reducing our casualties and avoiding too much loss of our country's strength. However, this battle is of great significance to our country and cannot be lost. Although Annan has successively built four strong forts along the Youlong line, and the outer defense fortifications are scattered all over the place, and there are about 20,000 defenders, we must quickly break through Annan's defense line and attack Hebei without considering casualties. If we can attack Dongjing City before Qi, it would be the best. At that time, all officers and soldiers can be allowed to plunder for three days to comfort the army."
-
February 2, 21 noon, Xuanhua Town.

Wu Gongshu held the wine glass and poured it down his throat in one gulp. The spicy taste instantly spread from his throat to his stomach, like a ball of fire, setting his entire body on fire.

The maid beside him walked forward, picked up the wine jug, and filled Prince Longping's glass again.

"Hehehe..." Wu Gongshu took advantage of his drunkenness and reached out to touch the maid's butt, revealing a lewd and obscene smile.

"Prince Longping!" Chen Zhongkui, the vanguard general of Xuanguang Town, entered the hall under the guidance of an attendant and knelt on the ground.

"What, have you explored everything ahead?" Wu Gongshu pushed the maid away and asked, "Are the people of Liang preparing to attack?"

"Reporting to King Longping, the Kingdom of Liang has gathered more than 20,000 troops in Pingnan and Wuming (now Bac Kan City, the capital of Bac Kan Province, Vietnam). The day of the attack should be in the next few days."

"More than 20,000 troops? How many civilians did Liangguo recruit to make up the number? Oh, it seems that they are preparing to use all their national strength to make a big move!"

"..." Chen Zhongkui raised his head, seeming to want to say something but stopped himself.

"Hmm?...Do you have anything to say?" Wu Gongshu narrowed his eyes and poured himself a glass of wine.

"Lord Longping, Liang State has gathered almost all its troops in front of Taiyuan Town and Hebei Town, trying to defeat the imperial army as quickly as possible, break into Hebei, and threaten Tokyo. And in front of Xuanguang Town, Liang State has almost no troops to defend. If we take the opportunity to launch an attack, it will be enough to destroy Liang State."

"Oh?..." Upon hearing this, Wu Gongshu immediately looked at the other party with interest, "I didn't expect that General Chen still has a loyal heart towards the court!"

"I am determined to die for the King of Longping, and the sun and the moon can bear witness to that!" Chen Zhongkui was shocked and kowtowed repeatedly, "I am thinking of everything for the King of Longping, and I have absolutely no intention of being loyal to the court."

"Really?" Wu Gongshu drank the wine in the cup, then stood up, slowly walked to Chen Zhongkui, and asked softly: "So what do you think will happen next after we defeat Liang State?"

"After defeating Liang State, we will naturally swallow up its land, comfort its people, and expand our Xuanguang Town's territory to the entire northern Vietnam. In this way, King Longping will be able to look down on Hebei from a high position. Given time, even if he enters Tokyo and changes the dynasty, it is not impossible."

“Hahaha…” Wu Gongshu laughed loudly and pointed at Chen Zhongkui. “I never thought that you are more ambitious than me! Aren’t you afraid that your appetite is too small and you will get sick from eating too much?”

"Prince Longping, you are humble and crude, so you are naturally narrow-minded and can't accomplish anything. But Prince Longping has the appearance and spirit of an emperor. If he enters Tokyo and rules Annan, he will surely be highly trusted and the people will be loyal to him!"

"Haha..." Wu Gongshu laughed again, took a few steps and approached Chen Zhongkui, "Your flattery skills are getting better day by day, much better than your vision and courage. Chen Zhongkui, are you going to roast me on a volcano! ... Tell me, what benefits did King Weinan (the eighth generation Zheng Lord Zheng Gang) promise you to persuade me to send troops to attack Liang State?"

"Ah?" Chen Zhongkui's face changed, and he looked at Wu Gongshu in astonishment. "Prince Longping, I didn't... I have always been loyal to Prince Longping, and I have no other intentions. This is clear to all!"

"Really?" Wu Gongshu showed a hint of ruthlessness on his face. He gently stroked the hilt of the knife with his right hand and asked in a fierce voice, "Five days ago, the Left Supervisor of the Central Secretariat, Ruan Yichun, came to your house. What did he talk to you about?"

"..." Chen Zhongkui was so frightened when he heard this that he looked at Wu Gongshu in disbelief, and his heart went cold.

"Will King Weinan allow you to be the governor of Xuanguang Town and the title of Duke of Beiping County, and replace my Wu family?" Wu Gongshu slowly pulled out his knife, with a bloodthirsty light in his eyes. "Zheng family is willing to spend money and even promised you that after you seize the land of Liang State, you can rule the north for generations and divide the land into a kingdom?"

"Prince Longping, I am your humble servant..." Chen Zhongkui kept retreating on his knees, his eyes darting around. In his peripheral vision, he saw several guards approaching with knives raised, and sweat kept dripping from his head.

It’s so painful. I’m going to die here today!
Wu Gongshu had unexpectedly discovered my secret dealings with the imperial court without my knowledge, and he specially summoned me today, probably to save my life.

"Father, the vanguard camp has been completely controlled." At this time, Wu Chaofu, the third son of Wu Gongshu, walked into the hall fully armed, with a strong smell of blood on his body.

"Well, then send him to meet his family." As soon as the words fell, several guards immediately attacked and slashed at Chen Zhongkui with knives.

"what!……"

In an instant, Chen Zhongkui was hacked to death. A guard chopped off his head and carried it out of the hall.

"Such a good palace has been made dirty again." Wu Gongshu frowned as he watched several guards dragging Chen Zhongkui's headless body out, and said with some dissatisfaction.

"Father, can the people of Qi... be trusted?" Wu Chaofu asked hesitantly.

"Haha..." Wu Gongshu smiled and patted his shoulder. "Although the Qi people are more domineering, they have always been trustworthy and have never broken their promises. Since they promised our Wu family to continue to guard Xuanguang for a hundred years, they will definitely keep their promise and ensure our Wu family's safety."

"But if Qi destroyed the Le Dynasty and shared its land with the Liang Kingdom, its power would surely grow and its strength would far surpass that of our Wu family. Wouldn't Xuanguang Town be left alone and helpless, at their mercy?"

"You say, after this war, will the Kingdom of Liang take advantage of the situation and become more powerful?"

"That's natural."

"This is the necessity for the existence of our Xuanguang Town, and Qi will spare no effort to support us." After saying this, Wu Gongshu walked out of the hall with a smile, and several guards followed him and walked out of the mansion together.

"Ah?" Wu Chaofu scratched his head in confusion, "Why is it necessary for us to exist in Xuanguang Town just because the country is so powerful?"
-
February 2, 22 a.m., Tokyo.

Located by the West Lake, Anguo Temple was first built during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam of the Ly Dynasty (541-548). It was the place where eminent monks, royal family members, and dignitaries of the Annan dynasties received education. The temple is lined with ancient pagodas, which complement the adjacent West Lake lotus pond. It attracts numerous dignitaries on weekdays.

But this morning, the entire Anguo Temple was heavily guarded, with soldiers from the six guards in front of the temple everywhere. All believers who came to worship Buddha were kept far away outside the courtyard, and no one was allowed to enter.

In the main hall, the 22-year-old King Zheng Gang of Weinan knelt devoutly on a cushion, muttering to himself, as if praying to the Buddha that the huge crisis he was facing could be resolved as soon as possible.

Two months ago, the Governor of Runzhou of Qi State, His Royal Highness Prince Min, was unexpectedly stabbed to death on a ship by an Annan spy, which immediately triggered this huge crisis.

The aggressive attitude of the Qi envoy, the harsh and severe reconciliation conditions, the Nguyen rebels in the south and the various military provocations of the pseudo-Liang Hao family in the north, plunged the entire Le Dynasty into anxiety and chaos, and made the young King Wei Nan exhausted and gradually exhausted.

In the first year of Yongqing (1729), his father Zheng died and Zheng Gang succeeded him. The following year, Zheng Gang was appointed as the Marshal General of State Affairs and King of Weinan by the then Emperor (Le Yuzong), and officially took charge of the internal and external affairs of Annan.

However, less than two years after he ascended the throne, Hebei Province suffered a severe flood. The Red River overflowed, destroying the river channel, causing hundreds of thousands of victims and displacing the people.

However, the national treasury was empty, and grain reserves in various places were almost non-existent (with the continuous invasion of Qi's commercial power, Annan was in a huge trade deficit all year round. In order to obtain precious gold and silver, Annan exported a large amount of rice every year, and did not even consider the issue of grain reserves in years of famine). It was impossible to provide effective relief, resulting in starvation everywhere in Hebei Province, with tens of thousands of people dying.

We had barely survived the famine and hadn’t even caught our breath when we accidentally provoked the State of Qi, which instantly brought the Li Dynasty to the brink of war.

Alas, national affairs are difficult!

I hope that the Buddha will bless the Le Dynasty with prosperity and help me to get through this disaster safely!

"Thump, thump, thump..." Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard outside the Buddhist hall, coming closer and closer, and soon arrived at the door of the temple.

"Your Majesty!" Zheng Xiyuan, the commander of the left guard in front of the palace, looked panicked and knelt down in front of Zheng Gang. "An urgent report came from the Beining camp. The Liang Kingdom launched a full-scale attack on our frontier strongholds in Hebei and Taiyuan at 2:00 am last night!"

"How's the battle going?" After hearing the news of Liang State's attack, Zheng Gang suddenly felt relieved for some reason.

"Hebei Town reported that the attack of Liang State was very fierce, and the artillery fire was extremely fierce. After the sudden battle, they were unable to resist and lost two castles in a row." Zheng Xiyuan said, handing the battle report in his hand to Zheng Gang, "Taiyuan Town reported that with the efforts of all officers and soldiers, they have repelled several fierce attacks of Liang State, but the situation on the battlefield is extremely grim. They request the court to send reinforcements urgently."

"Are there any latest news from the Haiyang Camp and the Governor-General of the Nam Dinh River Defense?"

"Your Majesty, there is no news from either place for the time being."

"Since the Liang Kingdom has taken action, then the southern rebel Ruan will definitely take action..."

"Report... urgent battle report from the Hengshan camp five hundred miles away!" Just as the words fell, a shout came from outside the Buddhist hall.

After a while, a messenger was brought into the Buddhist temple, sweating profusely, and knelt before Zheng Gang.

"Your Majesty, the Hengshan camp requests a report. The Nguyen rebels in the south gathered a large force to attack the Hengshan defense line at 11:00 am two days ago. The situation is critical. Please send reinforcements to rescue us!"

"This..., this... are all here..." Zheng Gang's face was pale, and his hands were shaking slightly as he held two urgent reports.

"Your Majesty, please return to the palace immediately and summon the civil and military officials to discuss matters." Seeing that Zheng Gang was a little confused, Shi Pan Xixian, the chief of staff of the Weinan Palace, hurriedly stepped forward and said in a low voice.

"Oh, what the Chief Secretary said is absolutely right." Zheng Gang grabbed Pan Xixian's arm and nodded repeatedly, "... Let's go back to the mansion! Let's go back immediately and summon all the officials and ministers to come and discuss the matter as soon as possible!"

After saying that, he rolled up his sleeves and hurriedly walked out of the Buddhist hall, then walked outside the temple.

"Oh, Chief Secretary..." After walking a few steps, Zheng Gang suddenly stopped and turned to look at Pan Xixian. "Ruan Ni and the False Liang launched a massive attack on my northern and southern borders at the same time. Do you think the Qi people will take advantage of the situation to launch a surprise attack on me from the coastal areas?"

"..." After hearing this, Pan Xixian's expression froze and he subconsciously looked towards the northeast.

(End of this chapter)