Therefore, if the Liao army wasn't disguised as a grain transport unit, they must have genuinely intercepted the Song army's provisions.
Between the two possibilities, the former was slightly better.
"Xiao Zhenning lost ten explosive crossbows yet gained no advantage against Ling Jiangjun. Naturally, he'd seek compensation elsewhere," Chu Dingjiang remarked. Having witnessed numerous wars of annihilation, he remained utterly unfazed by such matters.
His composure steadied Gao Dazhuang as well, who now calmly observed the unfolding battle.
By dawn, news finally arrived from the Yongning Army.
As Chu Dingjiang had predicted, the Liao troops stormed into the city, looting and slaughtering with lightning speed before retreating swiftly—before the surrounding defenders could react. They abducted five thousand people, mostly young women and children, along with vast amounts of gold, silver, and silk.
Enraged, the Yongning Army pursued the Liao forces deep into enemy territory, crushing them and rescuing the abducted Song civilians.
Upon hearing this, Li Qingzhi in the Crane Control Army exclaimed joyfully, "This is truly exhilarating!"
The Yongning general, Liu Yun, was the most formidable military commander after Ling Ziyue.
This victory reignited the Song army's confidence. Ling Ziyue and Liu Yun jointly submitted an imperial memorial, petitioning to launch an offensive against the Liao.
Though generals in the field need not always obey the emperor's orders, the Great Song had long adopted a defensive stance. The two generals sought to seize this opportunity to deliver a crushing blow to the Liao army. However, such a large-scale operation required the Emperor's approval.
Yet, their fervent plea was misinterpreted upon reaching the capital.
The Emperor, initially elated by the victory and eager to retaliate, summoned his ministers to discuss counterattacks. However, the court officials split into three factions: one advocated defense, vehemently opposing Ling Ziyue and Liu Yun's proposal and insinuating that the two generals were colluding—implying they controlled not just Hebei West Circuit but the entire northern frontier. Another faction pushed for attack, arguing that the Great Song, as the celestial empire, should no longer tolerate humiliation and must assert its might. The third remained neutral.
The Emperor's initial enthusiasm gradually cooled after this cold reception, and his paranoia resurfaced.
Meanwhile, someone impeached Liu Yun, accusing him of negligence in defense—allowing the Liao army to pillage Zhending Prefecture—and of overstepping his authority by pursuing the enemy into Liao territory without orders.
Others defended him, arguing that the Yongning Army's primary duty was to guard Zhending Prefecture. Liu Yun's pursuit was merely fulfilling his responsibility after the Liao attack.
In the study, silence reigned.
Incense smoke curled from the burner as the middle-aged Emperor, clad in yellow robes, sat with his eyes closed, hands tucked in his sleeves. Before him lay an unfolded memorial—Ling Ziyue's request for provisions.
After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes and placed a hand on the memorial, tapping it lightly. "Summon the Grand Tutor, the Grand Commandant, the Chief Councillor, and the Military Commissioner."
"Yes," a eunuch replied, bowing before withdrawing.
Soon, the four ministers arrived.
"Be seated," the Emperor said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After bowing, they took their seats.
The Emperor commanded, "Present General Ling's memorial to the four esteemed ministers."
"Yes." The eunuch retrieved the memorial from the desk and handed it to the Grand Tutor, seated at the left front.
Once all four had read it, the Emperor spoke. "What are your views on Generals Ling and Liu's proposal to jointly attack the Liao?"One was an imperial memorial urging grain supplies, the other about attacking the Liao Kingdom—essentially unrelated matters. What exactly was the meaning behind presenting them together?
These men were all seasoned veterans. Until they fully grasped the implications, they remained silent.
Seeing no one respond, the Emperor had no choice but to call on someone. "Prime Minister Hua, you speak first."
Prime Minister Hua rose and said, "The Great Song is the celestial empire. Whether to attack or not lies entirely in Your Majesty's will. This subject obeys the imperial decree."
After all, he wasn't in charge of military affairs—he was merely offering counsel. Moreover, today's summons clearly wasn't just about discussing whether to attack; the Emperor had evidently grown dissatisfied with Ling Ziyue.
Prime Minister Hua was well aware that he too had long been on the list of suspects. In such matters, it was best to avoid offering opinions unless absolutely necessary.
The Emperor showed neither pleasure nor anger. "Sit and speak. Why so tense?"
The Emperor might not excel in many areas, but his self-control was impeccable—rarely did his emotions show on his face.
The Grand Marshal leaned slightly forward and abruptly changed the subject. "Your Majesty, General Liu may have won the battle, but it was due to his own negligence. We cannot turn a blind eye just because he achieved military merit. This subject believes he should still be punished."
The Emperor remained silent for a moment before asking, "How does the Grand Marshal suggest he be punished?"
From the tone of his words, everyone immediately understood—the Emperor intended to address internal troubles first.
And this internal trouble wasn't Liu Yun, but Ling Ziyue.
For now, there was no suitable replacement for Ling Ziyue, so he couldn't be removed immediately. Punishing Liu Yun was merely a warning to the others.
Prime Minister Hua considered that the Emperor still trusted Liu Yun to some extent, and he was the only suitable candidate to replace Ling Ziyue. Surely the Emperor didn't truly intend to punish him...
"This..." The Grand Marshal hadn't yet decided.
The Grand Tutor spoke up. "This subject believes that General Liu's victory boosted the morale of our border troops. He should not be lightly punished, lest we dishearten the soldiers."
The Emperor's brow furrowed slightly.
The Grand Tutor then shifted his stance. "However, as the Grand Marshal said, General Liu did err. Your Majesty might recall him to the capital for a reprimand and dock his salary."
"That cannot be!" the Privy Councilor interjected. "Your Majesty, the border cannot be left without commanders for even a moment, especially now when the war is intense. Recalling General Liu to court is absolutely unthinkable!"
The room fell into silence.
"This one can't be touched, that one can't be moved. Truly, when generals are abroad, even I am powerless!" the Emperor sighed. "You may leave. Think carefully and present me with a solution tomorrow!"
The four men rose, bowed, and withdrew one after another.
The study quieted once more. The Emperor took out a secret missive, read it for a while, and even dismissed his personal eunuch attendants.
"Come out."
As soon as the Emperor spoke, two black-clad figures descended from the rafters.
"I heard the Crane Control Army has been quite helpful to General Ling this time," the Emperor said coldly, eyeing the gaunt leader of the two.
"Your Majesty, forgive this offense!" The man immediately dropped to one knee. "The Crane Control Army is loyal to Your Majesty and the Great Song. Any assistance was solely to serve Your Majesty."
The other black-clad figure behind him also knelt.
"Rise. I merely asked in passing." The Emperor rubbed the secret missive between his fingers. "Recall them and incorporate them into the newly established Dragon Martial Guard. Henceforth, they will take orders directly from me. The original Dragon Martial Guard will be renamed the Crane Command Guard."
"As you command!" the black-clad figures replied.
"General Ling suggested integrating the Crane Control Army into the regular forces. What do you think?" the Emperor suddenly asked.If they could be enlisted into the army, they would finally put an end to this shadowy existence. Even if they were to die on the battlefield wrapped in horsehide, at least they could live like proper men!
The black-clad man kept his eyes lowered, unable to see the emperor's expression, but he knew full well that his mood was anything but pleasant. (To be continued...)
PS: Damn, late by a few seconds again.
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