Chapter 1 A Complete Victory?

With the recovery of Datong Prefecture, which had been out of Han hands for over a century, a complete strategic area encompassing the Taihang Mountains and the Yellow River had fallen into the hands of the Song army. Simultaneously, a combined force of around forty thousand Khitan and Mongol reinforcements from both the East and West arrived in Datong. The remaining troops of the Imperial Rear Army would be completely freed, and then advance eastward in force to join the main army.

This situation was, of course, very good—not just a little good, but very good indeed.

However, some hidden concerns began to emerge at the same time. The army gradually became impetuous, with repeated instances of underestimation and rash advances, leading to a series of defeats.

The Jin army did not completely lose morale due to the sudden loss of Taiyuan. Yelu Ma Wu still stubbornly defended Jingxing, the most important route from Taiyuan to Hebei, while the Xihe city of Fenzhou Prefecture in the southwest of the Taiyuan Basin remained firmly in the hands of Wanyan Salihe.

But these seemed to be minor details. In fact, compared to the Song army's performance and the Jin army's before the fall of Taiyuan, the current situation was not unexpected. It was just that the miraculous fall of Taiyuan had given the Song army a higher expectation for the war, which made these minor setbacks in the wave of great victories even more unbearable.

And this was only the case for uninitiated civil officials and the lower ranks of the army.

As for the top echelons of the Song army, their real concern and anxiety at this time lay in the successful escape of the Datong garrison, and the stance of the two Mongol reinforcements, especially the East Mongol force… The math was simple. The escape of two wanhu (ten-thousand household) units meant a difference of forty thousand men. The East Mongol reinforcements, numbering fifteen thousand light cavalry, if their stance were to change, would also represent a difference of thirty thousand men. Added together, that was a gap of seventy thousand men.

No one dared to underestimate this number.

The sun was setting further and further in the west. Under the willow trees on the bank of the Fen River, Zhao Guan Jia had put down his reports and started fishing.

As for Wu Jie, Wu Jinqing, the main planner of the Datong campaign and the direct superior of one of the main forces attacking in that direction (Guo Hao, the deputy commander of the Imperial Rear Army, was directly in charge of one route), as well as the temporary overall head of the Taiyuan base camp after the New Year, immediately fell into intense unease and even panic after receiving the news in the city.

After a little hesitation, he realized that it would be wise to explain the situation to the Guan Jia – he didn't want to lose this final stage because of this kind of thing.

"Is that so?"

Zhao Jiu put down his fishing rod, turned around, and looked at him, his face also appearing somewhat unwell, which caused Yang Yizhong under the nearby tree to also change color slightly.

"Yes." Wu Jie, standing in front of him, saw this scene and was already glad that he had not delayed and had come to report directly.

"Jinqing." Zhao Jiu was silent for a long while before speaking, but he did not directly discuss the issue of the East Mongols. "Do you know why I trust you so much that I entrust all matters in Taiyuan to you?"

"Your subject is ashamed." Wu Jie's heart tightened.

"That's not what I meant." Zhao Jiu shook his head, then simply supported himself with his knees and stood up. He then paced back and forth under the willow trees with his hands behind his back. "I feel that you are much better than me at handling some military affairs, organizing military arrangements, and understanding the geography of Hedong… I can just sit here and be a Guan Jia who stabilizes the army… But even I have considerations that I cannot relax… What do you think I, as the Guan Jia, should be concerned about while sitting in Taiyuan?"

Wu Jie waited for the Guan Jia to finish speaking, then replied calmly and helplessly, "It should be logistics and troop strength."

"Yes, those are the two points!" Zhao Jiu stopped and looked at him with a touch of emotion. "Jinqing, you are indeed a talented commander..."

Wu Jie sighed softly.

The logic wasn't that complicated.

After Taiyuan, anyone with a little military common sense knew that there was bound to be a decisive battle next, and it would be a field battle. Because, putting themselves in the Jin's shoes, the Jin high command, having witnessed the power of gunpowder, would not risk it again. They simply could not afford the serious consequences of Zhending Prefecture, Hejian Prefecture, and Yanjing City being blasted one after another.

Therefore, the Jin army's main force was forced into a dead end by the Song army. The only thing they could do was to seek a field battle when the Song army's main force left Hedong to advance into Hebei.

As for the field battle, with morale already high, the Song army's main considerations were of course troop strength and logistics—the more troops, the better, and the more logistics, the better. Therefore, after the Zhao Guan Jia delegated all military affairs, he could ignore everything else, but he had to pay attention to how much logistical material and how many troops there were in Taiyuan.

Compared to that, the gain or loss of a city, the victory or defeat of a part of the army, how to sweep through the Hedong area, and how to take Datong were all insignificant.

However, this was precisely the important reason why Wu Jie had come to plead guilty this time, because compared to other things, this matter had touched on the most core issue of troop strength comparison in the upcoming decisive battle.

"Your subject… is ashamed." At this thought, Wu Jie became even more ashamed.

"Don't be ashamed." Zhao Jiu slowly shook his head. "Jinqing, since this kind of thing has happened, we have to align our thoughts and ideas today… because we, as ruler and subject, must not have differences in understanding and ideas."

Wu Jie quickly cupped his hands.

"First of all, as I said before, there is no sufficient gunpowder in the army." Zhao Jiu started with a piece of information that both sides had already confirmed. "I saved up gunpowder for several years, hundreds of thousands of pounds. It was divided into two parts that day. The Hedong side used it all up in one go to ensure that Taiyuan could be taken. The tens of thousands of pounds given to the Prince of Yan'an were also used directly by him that day… Maybe there is still some left with Yue Pengju, but I really don't have any here."

In the setting sun of early spring, Wu Jie's expression remained unchanged, but as soon as the Zhao Guan Jia finished speaking, he immediately shook his head: "Your subject believes it doesn't matter… because the Jurchens dare not gamble! Even if someone tells Wanyan Wushu and Wanyan Bali Snu that we have no gunpowder, they dare not gamble! Even if they see us using trebuchets to smash the city little by little, they dare not gamble, and will only assume that we are like before, preparing to use the gunpowder in the most crucial places."

"That's the logic, but it's gone after all, and we have to understand that ourselves." Zhao Jiu nodded and continued to look at him and said, "The second thing is that I feel that this field battle may come very quickly… so quickly that it catches us off guard… it is very likely that as soon as we leave Hedong, we will have to face it head-on! Because the Jin army now vaguely has the momentum of a desperate army, and will not necessarily resist the decisive battle."

"That's true. Now that we have the strategic area of Hedong, overlooking the enemy, if we wait with bows drawn, the longer it drags on for the Jin army, the easier it will be to waver and lose their composure." Wu Jie thought for a while and nodded heavily: "But we also have to consider the issue of reinforcements from Yanjing… Therefore, for the Jin army, the best time for a decisive battle is right after the Yanjing reinforcements have just arrived… But on the other hand, Your Majesty took Taiyuan by surprise, and the initiative is still in our hands. As long as we advance into Hebei, they will have to meet us. It's just that our logistics are insufficient, so we can't drag it out for too long, so it's best to advance into Hebei before the Yanjing reinforcements arrive."

Zhao Jiu nodded repeatedly, and finally spoke about today's matter: "Therefore, the matter of Heble and the East Mongols is very serious… it must be dealt with as soon as possible, and cannot be delayed."

"Your subject is willing to go to Datong in person..." Wu Jie said through gritted teeth: "Guan Jia, this is how it is. Your subject will personally take a look… If the East Mongols can be used, I will immediately bring them to Taiyuan to join us. If they cannot be used, then I will immediately have Guo Hao, Wang De, the Deputy Commander (Wang De), the Khitan Yelu Yudu's troops, and the West Mongol troops in Datong deal with the East Mongols… We must not let them have the opportunity to betray us on the battlefield."

"Alright…" Zhao Jiu nodded. "And now it is most appropriate for you to go, because Guo Hao is your subordinate. But is there one thing you have considered? If you quickly dispose of the East Mongols, what will the West Mongols, who originally had no intention of rebelling, think? Will they turn around and lose their trust in us, harbor resentment, and then betray us on the battlefield? They are all Mongols, and many of the tribal leaders below know each other, are so-called sworn brothers, and there is also a history between the tribes. What's worse is that although the West Mongols have not made a big deal, they have just looted Datong, leading to a conflict between Wang De and Guo Hao and them."

Wu Jie was stunned on the spot.

"If the West Mongols are also dealt with, will the Khitans also become alarmed?" Zhao Jiu turned around and paced back and forth under the willow trees. "In theory, the Khitans would not dare to rebel, but Yelu Yudu is not Yelu Dashi, and the generals below him do not have the political vision of those above. Once they are alarmed and become defensive, what should we do? This is the so-called 'throwing stones at the rat for fear of breaking the vase.' With the decisive battle imminent, we must avoid risks, but we cannot reveal this 'throwing stones at the rat' mentality, otherwise we will be taken advantage of by those people and cause trouble for no reason."

"Your subject requests instructions from the Guan Jia." Wu Jie quickly asked for instructions.

"There are no instructions." Zhao Jiu said seriously. "If the situation is clear, you should take action and solve it in advance… But if you take action against the East Mongols, you must isolate the West Mongols north of Yanmen Pass, and not let them affect the decisive battle! And if things are unclear and the risk of taking action is too great, then you should ignore Heble and the East Mongols, and immediately take the Khitans and West Mongols south, isolating the East Mongols north of Yanmen Pass… Of course, it is best to bring all the reinforcements south together!"

"Your subject understands." Wu Jie was relieved. "Your subject is willing to set off immediately."

"There is one more thing…" Zhao Jiu turned around under the tree and looked at him. "We haven't finished talking yet!"

"Yes." Wu Jie quickly cupped his hands again.

"In this battle, from me to you, from Wang Sheng to Chen Yanzhang, from Datong to Tokyo City, from top to bottom, from front to back, everyone, everything, it is only natural that there will be big mistakes." Zhao Jiu stopped there and stared at him seriously. "Do not have any worries."

Wu Jie raised his head without saying a word, but was finally a little genuinely stunned.

"Since ancient times, there has never been a battle of this scale." Zhao Jiu continued seriously. "We are all groping our way forward… We saved up logistics for three years, thinking it would be enough for a year of conquest, but it was only enough for half a year. Does that mean that the Ministry of Revenue, from Minister Lin Jingmo downwards, who have worked diligently for three years, should all resign and apologize? The Jin Kingdom lost a regent prince. It was clearly a surprise attack that benefited us greatly, but as soon as the war started, there was a riot in Tokyo, almost turning into a rebellion. Should Chen Gui and Yan Xiaozhong resign and take responsibility? And there is Li Yanxian, who was eager for merit and advanced rashly, resulting in the defeat at Tieling Pass. Should the mainstay of the army hand over the great banner to set an example? Of course, there is also the matter of Guo Zhen under your command, and the matter of Datong today… Jinqing…"

"Your subject is here."

"It's not to say that you shouldn't take responsibility, but that the big task has not been completed yet, and some things, if you are too harsh, will only result in a greater loss for a smaller gain. Moreover, if you are to be held responsible, then all of you were appointed by me. Shouldn't I be the one to take responsibility first?" Zhao Jiu looked at him with a frown. "Since the start of the war, you Wu Jinqing, along with Han Liangchen, Li Shaoyan, and Ma Zichong, and even Qu Da, have all been meritorious and faultless!"

Wu Jie was about to thank the Guan Jia on the spot.

But unexpectedly, the Zhao Guan Jia directly waved his sleeve: "Go! Take with you Bachelor Mei, Master Ren, and Tuoli… Mei Yue is to deal with the Khitans who admire literature, Ren Baozhong is responsible for mediating the conflicts between the various tribes in Datong, Tuoli is to control the West Mongols, and you are to decide whether to deal with the East Mongols… Go quickly and return quickly, do not delay!"

Wu Jie stepped back and left in a hurry.

And after a moment, not long after watching Wu Jie's figure disappear, the Zhao Guan Jia became a little listless, and sat back down on the stool under the willow tree. Yang Yizhong did not dare to neglect and immediately took a few steps forward, preparing to support the Guan Jia.

But the Zhao Guan Jia just waved his hand, but turned back and looked at him: "If we follow the previous statement, after we sweep through Taiyuan and Longde, and the entire army gathers, how many troops can we send out from Jingxing at most? How many at least?"

"In theory, at least two hundred thousand, at most two hundred and forty thousand." Yang Yizhong blurted out. "But in reality, there will definitely not be that many. There will be a lot of casualties, and we need to leave people to guard along the way… In addition to this, we also need to consider whether to leave some decent troops in Longde Prefecture and Taiyuan Prefecture in case of emergency."

"We must leave people in Taiyuan and Longde Prefecture… Then that would be one hundred and sixty or seventy thousand to two hundred thousand?"

"Yes." Yang Yizhong replied carefully. "But this does not actually include Yue Fei's troops… They are infantry, and it is uncertain how many people can come."

"Yue Fei's troops still have some cavalry, and some livestock, so there should be a few thousand to ten thousand troops following the Jin army." Zhao Jiu quickly said. "Then that would be one hundred and seventy or eighty thousand to a little over two hundred thousand?"

"Yes."

"What about the Jin army?"

"It's easy to calculate… Twenty wanhu units, Wang Bolong's is gone, Gao Jingshan's is gone, Wanyan Zhehe's is gone, Wen Dun Sizhong's is gone, plus Wanyan Salihe, who is destined not to escape, and the two wanhu units of Huo Nv and Wulinda Taiyu in Yanjing… The Jin army should still have twelve or thirteen wanhu units." Yang Yizhong still blurted out. "But this is the result if the Yanjing reinforcements do not come."

"How is it possible that they won't come?" Zhao Jiu rubbed his left eye. "We've reached this point, even if the main force of the Yanjing New Army doesn't have time to arrive, Huo Nv and Wulinda Taiyu, and even the Heza Meng'an of Yanjing, will have to come… Therefore, if we have a quick decisive battle, and the main forces of both sides' reinforcements have not arrived, then it is very likely that it will be one hundred and seventy or eighty thousand to two hundred and twelve thousand against one hundred and fifty or sixty thousand? The key still depends on Datong?"

"Yes."

"If the reinforcements from both sides arrive in full, then it would be three hundred thousand against two hundred thousand?"

"Yes."

Zhao Jiu shook his head repeatedly: "It won't be so smooth… I just told Wu Jie that this is the first time for a battle of this scale, and there will inevitably be all kinds of mistakes… To put it bluntly, it's a half-cooked meal."

"But we have it, and the Jurchens must have it too. The advantage in troop strength is always on the side of the Song, in the hands of the Guan Jia." Yang Yizhong earnestly comforted him.

"That's the truth." Zhao Jiu nodded slightly.

And at this moment, just as the Zhao Guan Jia, who had just felt a little comforted, was about to say something more, suddenly, another rider galloped over quickly. Zhao Jiu saw him from afar and immediately closed his mouth and became almost timid, but he still did not show it.

"Guan Jia, a great victory!"

The rider rolled off his saddle and fell to the ground, shouting from afar: "Commanders Dong Xian and Niu Gao have captured Xihe, and captured the wanhu Salihe alive!"

Zhao Jiu's spirits suddenly lifted, but it was only a lift, and he became tense again… because this meant that his and Wu Jie's guesses had been verified, and the decisive battle might come sooner than expected.