Chapter 38 Inspiration from the Map

Although the bank had just opened and there were countless matters requiring attention, Zhao Dezhao did not hesitate for a moment when he heard that Zhao Kuangyin had issued an imperial decree for him to enter the palace immediately. He left the bank’s affairs to his lackeys, such as Liang Zhouhan and Song Qi, without even changing his clothes. Dressed in his casual attire, he went straight into the palace and hurried into the Imperial City to fawn over his cheapskate father—or rather, to discuss major affairs of state.

Thanks to Wang Zhifa, the Chief Eunuch Wang Ji'en’s smile was finally no longer so hypocritical when he saw Zhao Dezhao this time. After meeting him in front of the Wende Hall, Wang Ji'en even offered an uncharacteristically kind reminder: "Your Highness, go in quickly. The Second Prince, Chancellor Wang, and the others have already arrived, as well as the Privy Councilors Li Chongju and Shen Yilun. They are all inside."

"Eunuch Wang, what has happened? Why has the Emperor summoned so many high-ranking officials?" Zhao Dezhao asked curiously.

Wang Ji'en glanced left and right before whispering, "Reporting to Your Highness, there has been a major upheaval in the Northern Han court. The Jiedushi of Zhaowu, Li Shixiang, has suggested taking advantage of the situation to launch a military campaign. That is why His Majesty has summoned the court officials to discuss whether or not to invade the pseudo-Han state."

"I see. Thank you for the guidance, Eunuch Wang." While Zhao Dezhao thanked him aloud, he felt both joy and anxiety. He was happy that Zhao Kuangyin was clearly placing more importance on him, allowing him to participate in such critical military discussions. However, he was anxious because he knew nothing about military affairs; one wrong answer would not only make him look foolish in public but might also cause him to lose favor in his father's eyes.

Regardless of his trepidation, there was no turning back. Zhao Dezhao braced himself and entered Wende Hall. He immediately saw Zhao Kuangyin studying a massive map, while Privy Councilor Li Chongju recited the troop deployments of Northern Han and the Liao Dynasty, along with various intelligence reports gathered by the Privy Council.

As Wang Ji'en had mentioned, besides Li Chongju, high officials like Wang Pu, Shen Yilun, and Wei Renpu had already arrived, flipping through official documents. Only Zhao Guangyi stood by the map, accompanying Zhao Kuangyin as he listened to Li Chongju’s briefing on the northern front.

Seeing this, Zhao Dezhao tactfully avoided disturbing Zhao Kuangyin. He carefully walked to the other side of the Emperor and bowed. Zhao Kuangyin did not speak but casually pointed to his dragon desk. Zhao Dezhao understood, stepped forward, and saw a military report adorned with chicken feathers—a sign of urgency. He picked it up and read it carefully.

It was an urgent dispatch from Liao Prefecture reporting that the former pseudo-Emperor of Northern Han, Liu Jun, had died of illness in early July. His adopted son, Liu Jien, had succeeded to the throne in mid-July and had immediately sent an envoy to the Liao Dynasty, begging the current Liao Emperor, Yelü Jing, to formally bestow upon him the title of Emperor of Northern Han.

After finishing the report, Zhao Dezhao suddenly recalled the memories left by his predecessor. The so-called Emperor of Northern Han, Liu Jun, had long followed the example of Shi Jingtang by honoring the Liao Emperor as his "father emperor," effectively accepting Liao military protection and remaining in a state of resolute hostility toward the Song court.

Recalling this, Zhao Dezhao worried again. His predecessor had been too loyal and cowardly, leaving behind few memories regarding Song-Liao or Song-Han relations. Since arriving in this era, Zhao Dezhao had focused his energy on infighting with his "cheap" uncle, also lacking knowledge of military diplomacy. If Zhao Kuangyin asked for his opinion, he wasn't sure he could satisfy his father.

At that moment, the Chief Councilor Zhao Pu arrived. After he bowed to Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Dezhao handed him the urgent report. Zhao Pu glanced at it and sighed deeply: "What a pity, a truly great pity!"

Zhao Kuangyin did not turn around, instead asking, "What does 'pity' mean to you, Zeping?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I mean that while the opportunity is excellent, we are not prepared," Zhao Pu replied respectfully. "Previously, our Great Song has followed the national policy of dealing with the South before the North, and the easy before the difficult. Most of our main fighting forces and provisions are stockpiled on the southern front, prepared for the conquest of Southern Han, Southern Tang, and Wuyue. It is difficult to hastily mobilize such troops and supplies to the north to attack the Northern Han rebels."

"Your Majesty, I also believe that although the opportunity is good, it is difficult for us to grasp," Privy Councilor Li Chongju added. "Though Northern Han is small and weak, they rely on the protection of mountains and fortified cities. Without adequate preparation, even with the change of rulers in Northern Han, it would be difficult to destroy them in one fell swoop."

Zhao Kuangyin was clearly concerned about this as well. He did not object to their views but asked, "Do the others share this opinion?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I share this view," Deputy Privy Councilor Shen Yilun said cautiously. "I have calculated that even if the Song court exerts its full effort, we can mobilize at most sixty to seventy thousand troops for a northern expedition. The supplies stored in the Jin South region are only enough to last until the end of the year. With such limited forces and provisions, it is quite difficult to destroy Northern Han, which is backed by the Khitan Liao barbarians."

"Your Majesty, I also believe we should be cautious," Wang Pu said, not optimistic about this sudden northern opportunity. "The pseudo-Emperor of the Liao barbarians, Yelü Jing, is tyrannical and loves to stir up trouble. If he sees the Great Song invading Northern Han, he will likely send troops south to rescue the rebels. If they attack from both inside and out, I fear we will not gain any advantage."

Seeing that all the high officials opposed the expedition, Zhao Kuangyin frowned, yet he remained unwilling to give up. He asked, "Guangyi, what do you think?"

"What do I think? I’ve never been on a battlefield, how would I know what to do?" Zhao Guangyi muttered to himself, while aloud he said, "Imperial Brother, I suggest we ask my nephew Dezhao. He was the one who firmly supported your use of force against the Liao barbarians; he must have already formulated a plan."

"Ask me what to do? How would I know how to fight?" Zhao Dezhao panicked inwardly. Fortunately, Zhao Kuangyin did not turn his aggression toward his son. Instead, with a hint of annoyance, he said, "I am asking you! How old is Dezhao? How could he express opinions on such major affairs? I called him here today merely to familiarize him with government affairs so he can gain experience over time."

"Father is wise," Zhao Dezhao thought, feeling relieved. Zhao Guangyi, equally ignorant of military matters, looked pained. After struggling for a moment, he replied, "Imperial Brother, in my opinion, the sudden death of the Northern Han rebel leader is indeed a great opportunity to attack, but as the Chancellor says, we are unprepared. A hasty attack is unlikely to succeed."

Zhao Kuangyin fell silent. After a long while, he sighed and struck the table: "It is a pity! If we had even a little preparation, even if we had moved half the supplies stockpiled in Binzhou to the north of the Yellow River, I would have had absolute certainty in taking down the Northern Han rebels!"

Hearing this, Zhao Dezhao subconsciously looked at the map. Seeing that Binzhou was in the territory of modern-day western Hunan, and looking at the Northern Han capital of Taiyuan (then called Jinyang), he could not help but mutter to himself, "Transporting so much money and grain from the south to the north would take half a year to a year, right?"

After this thought, Zhao Dezhao’s heart skipped a beat. He looked carefully at the map of Northern Han again. When he saw the location of Taiyuan, he suddenly remembered another map—a topographical map of China’s terrain he had once seen by chance in the 21st century...

At this moment, Zhao Kuangyin added regretfully, "I also know that this adopted son of Liu Jun, Liu Jien, has always been at odds with the Northern Han Chancellor, Guo Wuwei. Their conflict is deep. With Liu Jien’s hasty succession, Guo Wuwei will certainly act, which would be advantageous for our Song army."

"Father, I believe that opportunity knocks but once! We should act decisively and launch the northern expedition!" Zhao Dezhao suddenly spoke up, clearly stating his position. Zhao Kuangyin, his brother, and Zhao Pu were all startled. Zhao Kuangyin said with displeasure: "Dezhao, I brought you here to learn statecraft, not to learn how to talk on paper like Ma Su or Zhao Kuo."

"Your Highness, please be calm," Deputy Privy Councilor Shen Yilun urged gently. "I understand your feelings, but we simply lack the men, horses, and supplies to defeat the Northern Han rebels."

However, Zhao Guangyi suddenly acted like a kind uncle, smiling and saying, "Imperial Brother, calm your anger. Since Dezhao has his own confidence, why not listen to his opinion?" He turned to Zhao Dezhao with a gentle smile: "Dezhao, tell your uncle, why do you support the expedition?"

Zhao Dezhao took his uncle’s advice: "There are two reasons. First, the political shift in Northern Han will inevitably cause chaos; it is a god-given opportunity for our Great Song army to strike. Even if the odds aren't perfect, we should try our luck."

"Second, even if we are unlucky and cannot take Northern Han, we can use the favorable terrain around Jinyang to 'besiege the city to strike reinforcements,' inflicting heavy casualties on the Khitan cavalry coming to the rescue. This will lay the foundation for our future recovery of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun and the expulsion of the Khitan barbarians!"

"Favorable terrain?" Zhao Kuangyin, who possessed great military talent, suddenly lit up. "Dezhao, how do you know the terrain around Jinyang is favorable to us?"

"Reporting to Father, I have learned of the specific terrain around Jinyang through careful inquiries," Zhao Dezhao lied without blushing. "As far as I know, the east of Jinyang is the Taihang Mountain range, and the west is the Lüliang Mountain range. Both are high, forested, and unfavorable for cavalry. Although the south of Jinyang is flat and open, favorable to cavalry, our Song army has already reached the banks of the Fen River. If we act decisively to seize the initiative, we can push the front line to the foot of Jinyang before the Khitan reinforcements arrive, forcing the Liao barbarians to fight in the mountainous and forested areas."

After a pause, Zhao Dezhao continued enthusiastically: "Furthermore, the mountain passes in the Taihang range to the east of Jinyang are all under our control. If the Khitan barbarians want to reinforce Jinyang, they only have the Xizhou road left. This road is narrow, mountainous, and forested—favorable for infantry, not cavalry!"

"Dezhao, are you sure this isn't just hearsay?" Zhao Guangyi asked skeptically.

"I can confirm it for Dezhao," Zhao Kuangyin suddenly interjected. "During the Former Zhou period, I was stationed outside Jinyang for over a month and personally inspected the terrain. The east, west, and north sides of Jinyang are indeed high, forested, and narrow—not conducive to Khitan cavalry operations."

As if finding a kindred spirit, Zhao Dezhao immediately took over: "Father is wise! That is why I firmly advocate seizing this opportunity. If we can destroy Northern Han, that is best. If not, we can adopt the tactic of 'besieging the city to strike reinforcements' to lure the Khitan cavalry into a decisive battle at Jinyang, gradually weakening the Khitan barbarians and the Northern Han rebels until the time is ripe to destroy them both."

Sensing the situation turning, Zhao Guangyi watched Zhao Kuangyin’s expression. To his dismay, Zhao Kuangyin wore a gentle smile and praised: "I never expected you to have such deep foresight. Luring the Khitan barbarians to the Jinyang battlefield to weaken them is indeed much better than attacking Yanyun directly and fighting the Khitan cavalry on the open plains."

"Father overpraises me; I am unworthy," Zhao Dezhao said with hypocritical modesty. He then offered another plan: "Father, I believe in the importance of speed. We should urgently transfer our mobile forces on the northern front to sweep the outskirts of Jinyang, while sending reinforcements from the Central Plains. If we can destroy Northern Han, we will; if not, we prioritize 'besieging the city to strike reinforcements' and await the enemy in comfort!"

Deputy Privy Councilor Shen Yilun cautioned carefully: "Your Highness, the grain and provisions—we cannot sustain such a large army for long."

"It does not matter, it is enough," Zhao Dezhao said confidently. "Deputy Shen, didn't you say the supplies would last until the end of the year? That is already enough. Even if we are forced to withdraw before the end of the year due to lack of grain, we will have already achieved the goal of weakening the Northern Han rebels!"

"Why?" Zhao Kuangyin asked curiously.

"Reporting to Father, the autumn harvest!" Zhao Dezhao’s cunning nature was fully exposed. He smirked: "Today is July 26th. If you order the border troops north now, they can prevent the Northern Han rebels from harvesting this year's autumn grain. With their small country and weak resources, how much grain can they have in their treasury? By acting decisively and denying them the chance to store the harvest, we will have dealt a heavy economic blow to the Northern Han rebels!"

"Hahahaha!" Zhao Kuangyin finally laughed heartily and praised: "I truly underestimated you. I never expected you to have such talent for military affairs. It seems I will have much less to worry about in the future."

Zhao Dezhao continued his faux-modesty while Zhao Guangyi smiled on the outside but burned with jealousy on the inside, cursing the heavens for giving him such a "perfect" nephew—not only was he good at fawning, but he was also surprisingly brilliant at "talking on paper."

Zhao Kuangyin finally made his decision: "My son’s words make sense. While our chances of destroying Northern Han in one blow are slim, we must not let this god-given opportunity slip by. We must act decisively! If we can destroy them, all the better; if not, we prevent their harvest and use the terrain to crush their reinforcements! My mind is made up: march north and attack the rebels!"

Just as in history, although the court officials were not optimistic about the northern expedition due to lack of preparation, the military operation was confirmed under Zhao Kuangyin's insistence. But it was not over. Just as everyone expressed their obedience to Zhao Kuangyin’s decision, Zhao Guangyi’s old rival, Zhao Pu, spoke up: "Your Majesty, I dare to recommend the Second Prince to serve as the commander-in-chief of this northern expedition. I ask for your approval."

"Recommend me?" Zhao Guangyi was stunned for a moment, then realized his rival’s sinister intention, raging inwardly: "You scoundrel Zhao Zeping, you actually want to pull the rug out from under me!"

*PS: In July 968, after Liu Jun died of illness, Zhao Kuangyin did indeed insist on attacking Northern Han despite being unprepared. However, for various reasons, he not only failed but also suffered significant losses as the Northern Han and Liao armies plundered Jiang and Jin Prefectures.*