Chapter 234: Jin Dynasty Delegation, Heishui City
Heishui City is located on the northwest frontier of Western Xia.
It is surrounded by vast Gobi Desert, with a dry and rain-scarce climate and considerable wind and sand.
Only one Blackwater River runs from south to north, also known as Ruoshui River, crossing the desert and forming two huge lakes around Heishui City, nourishing the surrounding farmland and pastures.
This lake area is the renowned Juyan Lake.
Its existence turns this desert land into a rare oasis.
Heishui City is built beside Juyan Lake,
with city walls rammed from yellow earth, about 9 meters high, still standing firm despite the erosion of time.
The city is a neat rectangle, 500 meters east-west and 400 meters north-south, just a frontier small city.
But it is the necessary route from Hexi Corridor to Northern Desert, an important transportation hub.
Moreover, there is a small border market with quite prosperous commerce and trade.
（Heishui City location and terrain map）
On this morning, the north gate of Heishui City was wide open, fierce wind carrying Gobi gravel poured into the city, making the Western Xia character banner on the city wall flutter loudly.
Blackwater Town Zhenyan Army Command Commander Weiming Zhongshi wore dark chainmail, with a gold-inlaid saber at his waist, riding a tall war horse, slowly walking out of Heishui City.
On both sides, three hundred iron armor cavalry stood solemnly like sculptures, the scarlet tassels on their spears fluttering in the wind.
Behind him followed a convoy of about one hundred people, with a horse carriage in the center covered by a yellow silk umbrella, exuding the dignity of imperial nobility.
Front and rear were all cavalry wearing cowhide armor, their armor styles completely different from Western Xia Army.
They wore round dome-style leather helmets, with protruding fronts like brims, fur drapes on sides and back for neck protection, and heart mirrors on their chests.
Small iron plates were nailed to the leather armor surface, mostly dark brown, with colored cloth strips sewn at collars and cuffs to distinguish tribes, and white wolf tail fur sewn in the center of the back.
This team was precisely the envoy group dispatched by Jin Emperor Wanyan Jing to the Northern Frontier.
Departing from Zhongdu, going west through Western Xia, first paying respects to the Western Xia King, then through Hexi Corridor to Ganzhou, heading north along Blackwater River to Heishui City.
Along the way with stops and starts, it took nearly three months.
And this was just a little over half the journey; to reach the Eastern Capital of the Northern Frontier, they still needed to travel over two thousand li more!
“This journey has really been a torment.”
Wanyan Yongxi, dressed in a gold-woven brocade robe, reclined diagonally inside the canopy carriage, his face full of depression.
Originally living a comfortable life in Zhongdu, but unexpectedly driven to the Northern Frontier by an imperial order.
Departing in the deep winter, even the New Year was spent on the road.
The bumpy journey was truly too grueling.
But as a Jin Dynasty imperial clan member, Wanyan Yongxi did not, like other Jurchen people, completely lose the valor of their ancestors after entering the pass.
He still had some capability.
This was also why Wanyan Jing chose him as envoy.
Once the carriage exited the city gate, Wanyan Yongxi lifted the curtain, sitting high and chuckling at Weiming Zhongshi: “Thank you, Commander, for the hospitality these days.”
“Today, we part ways.”
“Commander, please stay.”
Since the Jingkang Incident, Western Xia became a vassal state of Jin Dynasty; besides annual tribute, even the succession of the Western Xia Emperor nominally required Jin Dynasty’s investiture.
Therefore, when Jin envoys passed through Western Xia, ensuring their safety and providing full hospitality was the responsibility of Western Xia local generals and officials.
“Esteemed Envoy, beyond Heishui City is former Naiman territory, now ruled by Northern Frontier People, with boundless great Gobi within five hundred li.”
“Moreover, recently Northern Frontier scouts have frequently approached our border, probably something happening in the Northern Frontier.”
“Esteemed Envoy, be very careful.” Weiming Zhongshi dismounted, cupped his fists and said.
His deep voice made ears ache; he was a robust middle-aged man.
Wanyan Yongxi, having stayed in Zhongdu for years, was somewhat fat with a face full of jowls, nodding with a smile.
“Good, this official notes it and will surely strengthen the guards’ vigilance.”
“When this official returns from the Northern Frontier, we shall drink and talk merrily with the Commander.”
Western Xia was after all a vassal of Jin Dynasty; Wanyan Yongxi, though polite on the surface, still subtly revealed his arrogance and contempt for Western Xia’s monarch and ministers.
Watching the envoy team’s departing figures, Weiming Zhongshi stroked his beard, coldly snorting: “Damn Jurchen pigs.”
Though this guy stayed in Heishui City only two days, he ate, drank, took, and played with women; Heishui City was not wealthy, and Weiming Zhongshi had finally scraped some money, all spent on him.
“Best to die in the Northern Frontier.” He cursed inwardly.
That way, if Northern Frontier and Jin went to war, Western Xia’s pressure would greatly reduce, even possibly reaping benefits.
Then, he shouted loudly to the surrounding soldiers: “Pass the order: strengthen vigilance everywhere in the city, and all military villages outside the city must be on high alert.”
“Must not let Northern Frontier barbarians exploit any gaps.”
“Yes, sir.” The soldiers shouted.
Though Weiming Zhongshi was greedy for money and lustful, fond of drinking and fun, his command ability was not that bad.
At least in Western Xia, he Weiming Zhongshi was somewhat a figure.
Two years ago, Northern Frontier barbarians successively broke through Dunhuang and Shazhou, looting 100,000 common people back to Northern Frontier, shocking Western Xia court and public.
At that time, Weiming Zhongshi did not take it seriously, thinking Northern Frontier barbarians were just lucky not to encounter him.
But when news came of Naiman Tribe’s destruction, Weiming Zhongshi was truly shocked.
As Blackwater Town Zhenyan Army Command Commander, he had dealt with Naiman People for years and naturally knew Naiman Tribe’s strength.
Yet the overlord of the grasslands, Naiman Tribe, was strongly annihilated by Northern Frontier People.
This made him ponder: had the Northern Frontier become so powerful?
Especially recently, Northern Frontier barbarians’ cavalry frequently scouted around the few military villages north of Heishui City, even once appearing outside Heishui City under cover of night.
This filled Weiming Zhongshi’s heart with strong unease.
“Northern Frontier barbarians, are they planning to attack Heishui City?” His face darkened like water.
Looking up at this tall rammed-earth city wall, full of traces of time and weathering.
Though a northwest key town, it had not been repaired for a long time.
The reason was nothing but court corruption, rampant embezzlement, and the court’s neglect of the northwest frontier.
Even Weiming Zhongshi himself had skimmed silver from the city walls.
But now, he somewhat regretted it.
“Pity, if Blackwater Town Zhenyan Army Command were still as strong as in the founding era, how could this general tolerate Northern Frontier barbarians being so rampant?”
Weiming Zhongshi said hatefully.
In Western Xia’s founding period, Blackwater Town Zhenyan Army Command’s official troop establishment was 20,000.
At that time, Heishui Army often went north to the grassland, looting those nomadic barbarians.
But with time, no wars in the northwest for years, military strength grew weaker.
Court neglect, local generals corrupt and pocketing, common people around Heishui City fleeing or dying for various reasons.
Now, including military villages outside the city, total population barely over 10,000.
Mobilizable troops less than 5,000.
This filled Weiming Zhongshi with worry; if Northern Frontier barbarians came south, could this few troops win?
“Sigh~”
Finally, Weiming Zhongshi sighed heavily; field battle absolutely no match for Northern Frontier barbarians, the only plan now was to defend Heishui City to the death.
“Hope the court lords can send reinforcements early.”
But he knew in his heart the possibility was low.
Because Northern Frontier barbarians had not truly attacked, just his guess, why would those court officials mobilize troops based on his guess?
Those officials followed “mind your own business, less action less mistake,” reacting only when crisis hit.
But by then, Weiming Zhongshi did not know if he could hold until reinforcements arrived.
“How much provisions do we have left?” Back at the Military Command Department, Weiming Zhongshi asked the adviser in charge of logistics.
“Reporting to Lord, seeds just planted, old grain only enough for Heishui City military and civilians for three months.” The adviser said helplessly.
Heishui City was surrounded by Gobi Desert.
Only land around Juyan Lake and Blackwater River banks could grow crops and raise cattle and sheep.
But usable area limited, grain yield low.
Plus land annexation and other reasons, in over a hundred years, Heishui City’s remaining common people less than a third of original.
But Heishui City’s grain was still a big problem.
Especially after spring planting, during the lean period, it was harder for city military and civilians.
“Three months~” Weiming Zhongshi stroked his chin, a trace of gloom flashing in his eyes.
Once Northern Frontier barbarians came south, common people from surrounding military villages would flood into Heishui City, grain definitely not lasting three months.
“Go tell those merchants, raise Heishui City grain price by thirty percent, have them transport grain to Heishui City, the more the better.” Weiming Zhongshi said gravely.
Though he could request grain from court, he knew too well those officials’ efficiency.
By the time officials sent grain, Heishui City’s military and civilians would have starved.
So, could only pin hopes on these merchants.
“But Lord, military public funds are running low~” The adviser said softly with difficulty.
“Shall we again~”
Before finishing, Weiming Zhongshi slapped the table.
A “bang” sound startled the adviser.
“Hmph, isn’t that treason and aiding the enemy?” Weiming Zhongshi said with a gloomy face.
The adviser’s method was trafficking military supplies, using the money to buy grain.
Weiming Zhongshi had done it before.
Mainly because court could not pay military pay, and Heishui City grain insufficient, even soldiers’ meals becoming a problem.
No choice, Weiming Zhongshi could only tacitly allow trafficking military equipment.
Though he took a big share of kickbacks, at least soldiers did not go hungry.
As for military equipment flow, Weiming Zhongshi knew it went to Northern Frontier.
Especially pockmarked armor, Divine Arm Crossbow, and Great Xia Sword, quite popular in Northern Frontier.
Northern Frontier’s trade rule: use money robbed from Western Xia to buy Western Xia military supplies, then turn to fight Western Xia Army.
Then rob money again, forming a loop.
But now with Northern Frontier’s blade at their neck, Weiming Zhongshi naturally could not continue aiding the enemy.
Thus, with a cold stern expression, he commanded: “Use money from this general’s private treasury.”
“No matter how much grain, buy it all.”
Though greedy for money and lustful, he knew now was not time to be a miser.
Life nearly gone, what use for so much money?
……
After leaving Heishui City, Wanyan Yongxi passed two military villages of only a hundred people each, ahead was boundless Gobi.
Everywhere yellow earth and gravel, only sparse weeds rooted between sand grains.
But not a true life-forbidden zone, because shortly after the envoy group left Heishui City, the Guard Commander’s voice sounded outside the carriage.
“Duke, three cavalry ahead, suspected Northern Frontier scouts.”
Wanyan Yongxi as imperial clan member had served as Deputy Minister of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Minister Right Chancellor, enfeoffed as Duke of Lu State.
Lifting the curtain, cold wind surged into the carriage; Wanyan Yongxi gazed toward a hillside ahead.
About five hundred meters away, three cavalry stood far observing.
Unlike impression of nomadic cavalry, these three did not wear sheepskin or cowhide armor, nor Central Plains iron armor.
But white attire with red edges.
“Did not expect, just left Heishui City and already targeted by Northern Frontier barbarians’ scouts.”
“Hmph~” Wanyan Yongxi snorted lightly.
Arrogantly said: “Just a bunch of wildlings begging for food on horseback.”
“The Khitan remnants who fled miserably to Western Regions after being beaten by our Great Jin, dare to spy on Eastern Lands?”
“A bunch of ignorant fools.”
“Tell those bastards, this envoy going to Northern Frontier is giving face to Xiao Simo.”
“Dare block the way, their heads will hang on flagpoles that night!”
Wanyan Yongxi snorted coldly, his face full of arrogance and disdain.
In Western Xia, he could give some face to Tangut People, but in Northern Frontier, he represented the celestial empire.
Coming to give Northern Frontier People a way to live.
If not sensible, surely face Great Jin Iron Cavalry’s retaliation.
So, self-important Wanyan Yongxi already put on great power airs, full of celestial empire superiority.
“Go, unfurl all the envoy group’s yellow silk umbrellas, let those bumpkins see the celestial empire’s prestige!”
The envoy group’s carriages continued shaking forward; in the raised yellow sand, Wanyan Yongxi pulled fox fur cloak over his legs, sneered.
“Hope that Xiao Simo obediently listens, offers fattest cattle and sheep, most beautiful women.”
“Tangut People fear them, our Great Jin does not buy that!”
As the envoy team went farther, the three Northern Frontier scouts kept at a not-too-close distance following them.
Until dusk that evening, when twilight dyed the Gobi blood-brown, Wanyan Yongxi lifted the brocade curtain and spat: “These lingering rats…”
“Really troublesome~”
Along the way, everywhere Gobi wasteland, no settlements, even water sources rarely seen.
This flashed a trace of gloom in Wanyan Yongxi’s heart.
This mission to Northern Frontier also bore task of scouting terrain and road conditions.
Finding optimal route for large army expedition, water sources for army encampment.
But since leaving Heishui City, these conditions absent.
“How far to the nearest water source?”
Wanyan Yongxi irritably asked the Naiman guide outside the carriage.
“Over that mountain is a river.”
A Naiman man said; when Naiman Tribe was destroyed, some fled to Western Xia, now serving Western Xia.
“Over the mountain~”
Wanyan Yongxi silently calculated in his heart the distance between previous water sources and this one.
Finally concluding: if large-scale infantry legion entered Gobi, impossible to reach next water source in one day.
Unless carrying sufficient water pouches, but that increased army supplies burden.
“Whew~”
Wanyan Yongxi sighed heavily; no wonder Central Plains dynasties found attacking grasslands so troublesome.
Unfamiliar terrain one aspect, infantry mobility lacking on vast great grassland another big problem.
Wanyan Yongxi concluded: to defeat Northern Frontier, Kereit Tribe, Mongol these nomadic people, must use large-scale cavalry legions to sweep grassland.
Pure infantry would be slowly worn down by these barbarians on grassland.
But at that moment, exclamations suddenly rose outside the carriage: “Enemies~”
Words fell, Wanyan Yongxi hurriedly stuck his head out to look.
About one li away in a mountain range, the horizon seemed to suddenly crack with a silver-bright slit.
Countless Northern Frontier cavalry in red-edged white armor emerged like ghosts from the earth, slowly ascending the mountain heights.
Spreading from horizon end to both sides, lined up, overlooking this Jin envoy group from afar.
Red-edged white sun and moon battle flag fluttered loudly in cold wind.
All soldiers wore cotton armor, held spears, cheeks tightly wrapped by ear protectors, revealing only half solemn stern faces, faintly gazing ahead.
That playful disdain like hunting a flock of sheep.
“It’s Jin Prefecture Army, Jin Prefecture Army~”
Seeing this army suddenly appearing on the land, the Naiman guide in the envoy group cried out in panic.
He could not forget these white demons; Naiman Tribe was annihilated by these demons.
Sun Khan and Buyiru Khan’s heads were chopped off by these demons, hung on flagpoles, unable to return to Ahala’s embrace.
“What to do?”
“We are surrounded.”
The envoy group’s guards panicked, drawing sabers, gripping spears, nocking arrows, clustering together in battle-ready stance.
On the contrary, Wanyan Yongxi was relatively calm.
“Panic what?”
“We represent the great Great Jin Emperor His Majesty coming to proclaim decree to Northern Frontier’s lord.”
Then, he pointed to the Guard Commander: “You take the Naiman interpreter, tell them our status and purpose.”
“This official wants to see Xiao Simo soon.”
“Yes, sir.”
The Guard Commander then took the Naiman toward the distant Northern Frontier Army.
But as they neared Northern Frontier Army, an arrow shot from afar, embedding in the ground before the horse’s hoof, startling the war horse to rear up neighing.
“Halt, Jin dog.”
A Northern Frontier Army Centurion held an empty bow, shouting loudly.
Because the envoy convoy blatantly hung a “Jin” character flag, and these guards’ armor styles clearly different from Western Xia.
Hearing this, the Guard Commander’s face instantly turned pig-liver color.
These Northern Frontier barbarians dared call him Jin dog?
Wrong, these Northern Frontier barbarians spoke Chinese Language?
“Great Jin Emperor’s special envoy Duke Wanyan Yongxi, by Great Jin Emperor’s order, specially comes to meet Liao State Eastern Capital Governor, Sixth Courtyard Department Great King Lord Xiao Simo…”
Opposite, Da Hu listened calmly.
Great Protector’s Mansion had issued order to conquer Western Xia; as Sixth Garrison Deputy Commander, Da Hu was given heavy responsibility.
Leading his Wanhu Army toward Heishui City to scout intelligence.
Unexpectedly encountered a Jin envoy group.
“Want to find Lord Xiao?”
“These Jin dogs came too late.” Da Hu murmured.
Seemed Jin people still unaware of Northern Frontier events, still thinking Northern Frontier under Xiao Simo’s rule.
However, Da Hu decided to take this envoy group to meet Li Xiao.
“Confiscate their weapons; any resistance, kill without mercy.”
Da Hu said coldly, “ching” drawing his cavalry saber.
Instantly, the entire cavalry team like a moving iron wall, slowly pressed down from the high slope, surrounding the envoy group.
Yellow sand billowed, banners blotted the sky.
After half a month marching, Li Xiao leading First Division and Fourth Garrison army had crossed Golden Mountain, heading south to Biexer.
Roughly later Mongol Empire Altai Province location.
Army camped by a small river.
In the golden tent, Li Xiao sat before the table, studying a nearly worn-out map.
Precisely Heishui City and surrounding terrain map.
Because Hexi Merchant Guild traded with Western Xia, Heishui City as trade port’s situation was no secret to Northern Frontier.
Including terrain, rough troop deployments, population centers, granaries, grain fields etc., all marked on this map.
Even before formal attack, Da Hu’s scouts would continuously probe Heishui City, capture captives, update Heishui City situation in real time.
For this war, Li Xiao had made full preparations.
“First clear these military villages around Heishui City, then besiege Heishui City, completely cut off its path to Hexi Corridor.”
Li Xiao said in a low voice.
Confirming the battle plan rehearsed hundreds of times in his mind.
Actually nothing to hesitate about.
Northern Frontier Army held absolute troop superiority, no need for too many tricks.
Openly overwhelming with great army, Heishui City like taking something from a pocket.
Next, continue south to cut off Hexi Corridor.
Just as Li Xiao was about to rest, outside came Wuwei Army Deputy Myriad Commander Thin Monkey’s voice.
“Reporting to Great Protector, Li Xiang Deputy Commander sent word.”
“They captured a Jin envoy group.”
