So, either the Liao army had disguised themselves as the supply convoy, or they had intercepted Song military provisions.
The former scenario was slightly better.
“Xiao Zhenning lost ten explosive crossbows without gaining any advantage from General Ling. Naturally, he had to find compensation elsewhere,” Chu Dingjiang, having witnessed many wars of annihilation, large and small, didn’t take this incident to heart at all.
His calmness also helped Gao Dazhuang regain composure, sitting back to observe how events would unfold.
At daybreak, news finally arrived from the Yongning Army.
Things had unfolded exactly as Chu Dingjiang predicted. After entering the city, the Liao army swiftly engaged in looting, killing, and burning. They retreated rapidly before the surrounding garrisons could react. They abducted 5,000 people, mostly young women and children, along with much gold, silver, jade, and silk.
The enraged Yongning Army pursued them with full force into Liao territory, dealt them a crushing defeat, and rescued the abductees.
Upon hearing this news, Li Qingzhi of the Controlling Crane Army exclaimed joyfully, “How satisfying!”
The Yongning general was named Liu Yun, the most capable military commander besides Ling Ziyue.
This victory boosted the Song army’s confidence. Ling Ziyue and Liu Yun jointly submitted a memorial requesting permission to attack Liao.
Although generals in the field had some autonomy from imperial orders, the Song dynasty had been on the defensive for years. The two generals wanted to seize this opportunity to strike a heavy blow against the Liao army. Such a large-scale operation required the Emperor’s approval.
However, their fervent request took on a different flavor when it reached Bianjing.
The Emperor was pleased to finally have some good news after the victory, feeling vindicated. He summoned his ministers to discuss a counteroffensive. However, the court officials were divided into three factions. One advocated defense, strongly opposing Ling Ziyue and Liu Yun’s actions. They not only disagreed with the offensive but also insinuated that Ling Ziyue and Liu Yun were colluding. Not just western Hebei, but the entire northern region was under their control. Another faction supported the attack, believing that the Great Song, as the celestial empire, couldn’t always be accommodating and retreating. It was time to show their might. A third faction remained neutral.
The Emperor’s initial enthusiasm, doused by this cold reception, gradually cooled. His paranoia began to resurface.
At this time, someone impeached Liu Yun on two counts: first, for neglecting defenses, allowing Zhending Prefecture to be raided by Liao forces; second, for leading troops into Liao territory without authorization, abandoning his post.
Others defended him, arguing that the Yongning Army’s primary duty was to defend the Zhending area. Liu Yun’s pursuit of the Liao forces after the raid was simply fulfilling his responsibilities.
In the study, silence reigned. One could hear a pin drop.
Smoke rose lazily from the incense burner. A middle-aged man in yellow robes sat with his eyes closed before his desk, hands folded. On the table lay a memorial, the one from Ling Ziyue requesting supplies.
After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes, placing his hand on the memorial. His fingers tapped lightly as he said, “Summon the Grand Tutor, Grand Commandant, Prime Minister, and Head of Privy Council.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the eunuch bowed and withdrew.
Soon, the four ministers arrived.
“Be seated,” the Emperor said.
“Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty,” they replied, bowing before taking their seats.
The Emperor continued, “Pass General Ling’s memorial to our beloved ministers for review.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The eunuch took the memorial from the table and handed it to the Grand Tutor seated at the upper left.
After all four had read it, the Emperor spoke, “What are your thoughts on General Ling and General Liu’s joint proposal to attack Liao?”
One memorial was about requesting supplies, the other about attacking Liao – essentially unrelated matters. What was the meaning of presenting them together?
These seasoned officials remained silent, unwilling to speak before fully understanding the situation.
Seeing no response, the Emperor had to prompt, “Prime Minister Hua, you speak first.”
Hua rose and said, “The Great Song is the celestial empire. Whether to attack or not is entirely at Your Majesty’s discretion. I will follow Your Majesty’s will.”
Ultimately, he wasn’t in charge of military affairs and was only offering an opinion. Moreover, the Emperor summoning them today wasn’t just about discussing whether to attack or not; he was displeased with Ling Ziyue.
Hua was well aware that he too was already on the list of suspects. In such matters, it was best to avoid offering opinions if possible.
The Emperor’s expression remained neutral. “Sit and speak. Why so tense?”
The Emperor might have his faults, but his ability to maintain composure was impeccable. It was rare for him to show his emotions openly.
The Grand Commandant leaned forward slightly, suddenly changing the subject, “Your Majesty, although General Liu won a victory, it was also due to his negligence. We can’t overlook this just because of his military achievements. I believe he should still be punished.”
The Emperor was silent for a moment before asking, “What punishment does the Grand Commandant suggest?”
Hearing the tone of this question, everyone immediately understood: His Majesty wanted to address internal concerns first.
These internal concerns weren’t about Liu Yun but about Ling Ziyue.
Currently, there is no suitable replacement for Ling Ziyue, so he hasn’t been touched yet. Punishing Liu Yun was merely killing a chicken to scare the monkeys.
Prime Minister Hua thought that since the Emperor still trusted Liu Yun to some extent, and he was the best candidate to replace Ling Ziyue, His Majesty probably didn’t intend to truly punish him…
“Well…” The Grand Commandant hadn’t yet decided.
The Grand Tutor spoke up, “I believe that since General Liu has won a victory, boosting the morale of the border troops, we shouldn’t punish him lightly. It would dampen the spirits of the soldiers.”
The Emperor’s brow furrowed slightly.
The Grand Tutor changed tack, “However, as the Grand Commandant said, General Liu did err. Perhaps Your Majesty could summon him back to the capital for a personal reprimand and dock his salary.”
“That won’t do!” the Head of the Privy Council interjected. “Your Majesty, the border cannot be left without leadership for even a moment. It’s a critical time in the conflict. We absolutely cannot recall General Liu to court!”
The room fell silent.
“This can’t be touched, that can’t be moved. It seems the general in the field is truly beyond my control!” the Emperor sighed. “You may go. Think it over carefully and bring me a solution tomorrow!”
The four men rose, bowed, and withdrew one after another.
As the study quieted again, the Emperor took out a confidential letter. After reading for a while, he dismissed even his eunuch attendants.
“Come out,” he said.
As soon as he spoke, two black-clad figures descended from the rafters.
“I hear the Controlling Crane Army has been of great help to General Ling this time,” the Emperor said coldly, eyeing the thin lead figure in black.
“Forgive us, Your Majesty,” he immediately knelt on one knee. “The Controlling Crane Army is loyal to Your Majesty and the Great Song. Our efforts are in service of Your Majesty.”
The other black-clad figure behind him also knelt.
“Rise. I was merely asking,” the Emperor said, fingering the confidential letter. “Recall them and incorporate them into the newly established Dragon Guard. From now on, they’ll take orders directly from me. The existing Dragon Guard will be renamed the Crane-Taming Guard.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The black-clad man accepted the order.
“General Ling suggested incorporating the Controlling Crane Army into the regular military. What do you think?” the Emperor suddenly asked.
If they could be integrated into the army, it would end their life in the shadows. Dying in battle wrapped in horsehide would at least allow them to live like normal people!
The black-clad man kept his eyes lowered, unable to see the Emperor’s expression, but he knew His Majesty’s mood was far from good.