Chapter 271: First Hearing Of The Northern Frontier, Song Prime Minister Shocked
Song Imperial City, Lin’an Prefecture.
The sun climbed to mid-sky, turning Lin’an Imperial Street into a boiling river and lake, completely a scene of marketplace noise.
The bun shop’s steamer lifted white mist, the assistant shouting at the top of his lungs: “Fresh big buns!”
“Freshly baked Ding Sheng cakes—”
“Selling West Lake vinegar fish—”
Amid the rising and falling shouts, peddlers with shoulder poles swung their poles, bronze bells jingling with their steps.
The silk shop assistant shook out bolts of Shu brocade, the vibrant colors drawing many women to stop and watch.
In the jeweler’s Western mirror, cat’s eye gems gleamed with eerie light, the shopkeeper stroking his goatee, haggling with a merchant in a brocade robe.
Under the old locust tree at the street corner, storyteller Li Quezi slammed his wake-up wood heavily, startling the surrounding common people into instant alertness.
“Dear audience! Speaking of Prime Minister Han Tuozhou, what boldness he showed when assisting the Emperor to ascend the throne!”
He shook his folding fan, spittle flying, said passionately: “In the Shaoxi era, the Supreme Emperor refused to preside over Emperor Xiaozong’s funeral rites, the entire Imperial Court in chaos like a pot of porridge!”
“Prime Minister Han clutched the joint memorial, kowtowing every three steps as he burst into Cifu Palace…”
“Ultimately supporting the current Emperor to ascend the throne…”
The tea stall was crowded with listeners craning their necks, porters setting down their poles, peddlers pricking up their ears, even passing mounted escorts unable to resist reining in their horses.
Behind these people, a man in coarse cloth shirt, with a rugged face and rough skin, rode swiftly past the street on horseback.
Having only heard a snippet, he narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, murmuring to himself: “Talking about Prime Minister Han’s exploits?”
This man was none other than Acting Official of the Imperial City Department in Lizhou Circuit, Li Benzhong.
After being released by the Northern Frontier Army, he returned to Xingzhou, then immediately set out lightly equipped to Lin’an Prefecture to report the matter to the Imperial Court.
He happened to overhear the storyteller’s words, immediately realizing this was no simple matter.
This was building momentum for Prime Minister Han!
And Prime Minister Han was a staunch war advocate, so it seemed the possibility of launching the Northern Expedition was growing ever greater.
Especially thinking of the intelligence he brought back, Li Benzhong’s spirits lifted even more.
The emergence of this Northern Frontier force would undoubtedly add a heavy bargaining chip for the war faction.
Thereupon, Li Benzhong, ignoring his fatigue, hurried with his attendants to the headquarters of the Imperial City Department in Lin’an.
……
This year, Han Tuozhou had been promoted again, becoming Grand Tutor of the first rank, enfeoffed as Prince of Pingyuan Commandery.
He also concurrently held the posts of Left Minister and Attendant Official of the Secretariat, which could be called Left Prime Minister.
Truly wielding sole power, one below tens of thousands.
But at this time, Han Tuozhou was far from the peak of his life; in the first year of Kaixi, Song Ningzong would order the Northern Expedition, adding even heavier burdens to Han Tuozhou.
Grand Councilor of Military and State Affairs!
This position superseded the Prime Minister, granting authority to personally manage military and state affairs, with far greater scope than the Left or Right Prime Ministers.
Prime Minister’s residence, study.
Books piled like mountains on the shelves, Han Tuozhou sat at the desk, gazing at the two seniors before him.
His face in his fifties already showed traces of age, his sword brows still sharp but lacking some of the Imperial Court’s edge, new white hair at his temples casually tucked behind his ears.
His age was already advanced, but the two before him were even older.
Lu You, now nearly eighty, had long retired to his hometown, idling at home.
But with Han Tuozhou pushing the Northern Expedition, he began heavily employing war faction personnel, recalling Lu You to court.
Appointed as Court Discussant Doctor and Acting Director of Yan Prefecture Military Affairs.
“Putong, You’an brother, this is news just transmitted from Jin spies by the Imperial City Department.” Han Tuozhou handed a secret letter to the two.
Lu You leaned on his carved dragon-head staff, his chicken-skin-like fingers tremulously unfolding the letter, his white hair gleaming silver in the sunlight through the window.
“Great drought in Hebei Circuit, refugees exchanging children for food.”
Seeing the first piece of intelligence, this octogenarian slowly closed his eyes, sighing: “Such human tragedy… Jurchen Tartars have harmed our Huaxia for a century~”
Seated beside him, Xin Qiji was also over sixty, his figure stooped, but this old general’s eyes still burned with hot battle intent.
Fingering the secret letter’s description of “Jin imperial clan power struggle,” a flicker of cold severity passed through his turbid gaze, he snorted lightly: “The farce of Prince Hailing’s usurpation about to replay?”
“It seems Wanyan Jing’s ability and prestige fall far short of his grandfather.”
He suddenly looked up at Han Tuozhou, his deep voice firm: “Lord, if not now for the Northern Expedition, when?”
“Though this official is old, like Lian Po I still serve, willing to wield the three-foot sword to follow the army and reclaim the Central Plains!”
Lu You shared the sentiment; though nearly eighty and unable to campaign, as long as he was at court, he was the war faction’s stabilizing anchor.
Han Tuozhou nodded slightly, said gravely: “You’an brother, don’t be hasty, look at this too.”
With that, he pushed another secret letter to the two, its handwriting crooked and sloppy.
“Rebellion among grassland tribes, occasional tribes raiding southward to loot border areas.”
This intelligence was not very accurate, as Southern Song spies could only infer grassland events from folk rumors.
In reality, it was due to the allied army of the Kereit Tribe, Kiyan tribe, and Zhamuha waging great war, causing survival issues for many herdsmen, forcing them to raid southward into Jin borderlands.
But before a powerful force formed on the grassland, these border raids posed no threat to Jin.
Due to information asymmetry, however, Han Tuozhou considered this intelligence extremely important.
And this intelligence had to be real.
After all, though the peace faction had been suppressed by him, they were always ready to counterattack.
At this moment, Han Tuozhou’s palm swept over the map of the realm on the table, his fingertip pressing heavily on Jin’s northern border, saying gravely.
“Grassland tribes eye Jin covetously, yet the Jurchens are drawing border troops to suppress rebellion in Shandong Circuit.”
“You’an brother, Putong, it’s time for us to add fuel to this fire.”
Due to droughts and other natural disasters, as well as man-made catastrophes from corrupt officials, partial rebellions had arisen in Shandong Circuit and elsewhere, but none yet had gained momentum.
But it was precisely these rebel foundations that later gave rise to the famed Red Jacket Army.
Still, the point remained: the system determined everything, and the Shandong Circuit rebellions had to be real.
Thereupon, Han Tuozhou drew out a silk scroll, his expression grave: “Gentlemen, look at this, news on Jin rice prices.”
“Disasters abound in many Jin areas now, grain production sharply reduced, rice prices in Hebei Circuit, Shandong Circuit, and elsewhere risen to over five times normal.”
“In the marketplace, a dou of rice sparks riots among the common people, starved corpses everywhere, child-swapping rampant.”
Hearing this, Lu You’s eyes grew wetter, his voice choking: “What guilt do the common people bear, to suffer such calamity.”
“Jin Imperial Court ignores people’s livelihood, only fights for power, such decay, how can it not perish!”
Xin Qiji slammed his fist on the table, toppling the tea cup, tea spilling everywhere: “Heaven offers, but not taking brings blame!”
“Strike now, and Central Plains common people will surely greet the Royal Army with food and wine!”
“You’an brother is right.”
Han Tuozhou nodded slightly, determination flashing on his face, said solemnly: “At this point, the Northern Expedition is imperative.”
Thereupon, the group analyzed intelligence in the study, discussing preparations for provisions and troops.
A large-scale war wasn’t something simply launched.
It required extensive prior preparations.
Gathering intelligence and preparing troops and provisions was merely the basics; for a state like Southern Song, the greatest issue came from within.
Human hearts are complex, each with their own interests.
To accomplish anything meant endless court meetings and endless quarrels.
Fortunately, Han Tuozhou now held great power, a de facto powerful official; otherwise, anyone else could not suppress dissenting voices and forcefully push the Northern Expedition.
Even so, truly launching the Northern Expedition faced immense resistance.
Thus, Han Tuozhou continuously gathered intelligence and chips to persuade court ministers and firm the Emperor’s resolve.
Soon after, with Lu You showing fatigue, the discussions had nearly concluded.
So Han Tuozhou prepared to personally escort the two out of the residence.
Just as the three stepped out of the study, they saw a steward standing in the courtyard, seemingly waiting for Han Tuozhou.
“What is it?”
Han Tuozhou clasped his hands behind his back, said with dignity.
The steward first glanced at Xin Qiji and the other, then whispered something in Han Tuozhou’s ear.
“Oh?”
Han Tuozhou looked surprised, then turned to Xin Qiji and the other: “Putong, You’an brother.”
“News from Xia Kingdom has reached the Imperial City Department, Director Liu is waiting outside; shall we hear it together?”
Xin Qiji and Lu You naturally would not refuse.
Anything beneficial to the Northern Expedition, they would push with their lives.
Even Lu You’s fatigue vanished from his face.
“Of course.”
“How could the Northern Expedition lack those bald dogs of Xia Kingdom?”
“Hmph, if not for their betrayal back then, how could our Great Song lose the fertile Guanzhong lands?” Xin Qiji snorted.
If circumstances allowed, he even wanted to deal with Western Xia too.
Soon, a middle-aged man was led by the steward to the study, greeting the three seated in chairs respectively: “Imperial City Department Director Liu Dongchang, pays respects to Prime Minister, to Putong, to Xin Pacification Commissioner.”
Nominally, the Imperial City Department’s highest official was the Imperial City Commissioner, but this post was rarely filled.
Thus, the de facto top decision-maker was the Director.
Under the Director were Acting Officials like Li Benzhong.
Moreover, the Imperial City Department should report directly to the Emperor, but with calls for Northern Expedition growing louder.
Song Ningzong also wished to achieve something, reclaim the Central Plains, become an Emperor with military merit.
So to support Han Tuozhou’s Northern Expedition, he placed the Imperial City Department under Han Tuozhou’s command.
Of course, all intelligence also went to Song Ningzong in duplicate.
“No need for excessive courtesy, what news from Xia Kingdom?” Han Tuozhou sat at the head, said gravely.
“Reporting to Prime Minister.”
“This subordinate dispatched Acting Official of Lizhou West Circuit Li Benzhong with men to infiltrate Xia Kingdom for intelligence, but an accident occurred en route to Xining Prefecture.”
Liu Dongchang spoke, glancing up at the three, his heart full of shock.
Xia Kingdom had changed hands?
After slightly adjusting his emotions, Liu Dongchang continued: “In Xining Prefecture, they were captured by an army called ‘Northern Frontier’.”
“According to the intelligence they gathered, Xia Kingdom is currently in fierce battle with this ‘Northern Frontier’.”
“Moreover, they have been defeated, losing the entire Hexi Corridor, at least eighty thousand troops lost, even pushed by Northern Frontier Army to Hexi.”
“Even the Hexi Valley has been occupied by this Northern Frontier Army…”
Hearing Liu Dongchang’s words, Han Tuozhou and the other two were dumbfounded, as if hearing a tall tale.
Lu You’s tea cup clattered to the ground, scalding tea splashing his ankle, yet he was oblivious.
His turbid old eyes bulged round: “Eighty thousand troops annihilated? Entire Hexi Corridor lost? What manner of force is this Northern Frontier Army!”
His trembling fingers gripped the table edge tightly, as if seeking a trace of reality from that small space.
Xin Qiji too frowned deeply, incredulous, shaking his head: “Impossible, how could such a thing happen?”
“Xia Kingdom confronted our Great Song for a century; we know its strength well.”
“Xia’s troops are formidable, armor sharp, has clashed with Liao Army and Jin Army without territorial loss.”
“How could it be so fragile?”
“Moreover, losing all of Hexi, what difference from national extinction?”
Xin Qiji’s grave voice said, disbelieving that Western Xia, which had vied with Song for over a century, could be so frail.
Seized of the entire Hexi Corridor by this unheard-of Northern Frontier?
Absurd.
Han Tuozhou too disbelieved, said gravely: “Northern Frontier?”
“Where did they come from? What kind of army are they?”
He then frowned and asked: “What of Acting Official of Lizhou Circuit Li Benzhong?”
“This official has brought him, he is outside the residence.”
“Have him come in.” Han Tuozhou said; such a major matter brooked no delay.
Moreover, details from the man himself would be fuller.
Soon, Li Benzhong was led by the steward to the study; this was his first time at the Prime Minister’s residence, first time seeing a figure like Han Tuozhou.
Naturally nervous, per Liu Dongchang’s instructions, he cupped fists in salute: “Acting Official of Lizhou West Circuit Li Benzhong…”
But before finishing, Han Tuozhou interrupted: “Enough.”
“No need for ceremony before this Prime Minister, explain what Northern Frontier is about?”
Li Benzhong straightened, said hastily: “Reporting to Prime Minister, this subordinate knows little of Northern Frontier.”
“When this subordinate reached Huangzhou City with men, Northern Frontier Army was attacking; for intelligence, we endured humiliation…”
After explaining his actions, he continued: “Northern Frontier’s exact location, this subordinate does not know.”
“But per this subordinate’s guess, Northern Frontier should be on the grasslands north of Xia Kingdom, perhaps nomadic tribes like Kereit Tribe or Naiman Tribe.”
“For they are all cavalry, everyone riding war horses, even three horses per man.”
Hearing this, Han Tuozhou’s brows knitted, murmuring softly: “Grassland nomadic tribe?”
“Never heard of one called ‘Northern Frontier’.”
His gaze then turned to Lu You, an antique-level figure, knowledgeable and well-traveled.
Moreover, from before the Jingkang Incident.
Unexpectedly, Lu You stroked his beard long but recalled nothing useful.
Shaking his head: “This old man has lived nearly eighty years, never heard of a ‘Northern Frontier’ tribe.”
Thus, Han Tuozhou looked to Li Benzhong again: “Continue.”
“Yes.”
“Northern Frontier Cavalry all wear this hemp-cloth-like White Armor, yet exceptionally sturdy.”
“This subordinate personally saw one shot by arrows, but the armored soldier was unharmed.”
“Northern Frontier flags are also white, red-bordered, with a sun and moon emblem in the center…”
Responsible for attacking Hexi Valley was the Sixth Garrison Myriad Household Commander under Da Hu, so the Northern Frontier Army Li Benzhong saw were all white flags and White Armor.
Naturally unaware of Northern Frontier’s full scope.
“Right, Prime Minister.” Li Benzhong suddenly recalled something.
“Many Northern Frontier soldiers speak our Han official Chinese Language, though somewhat hard to understand, this subordinate can affirm it is official Chinese Language.” Li Benzhong said firmly.
The difficulty was due to dialect differences, but all Chinese Language, so meanings were roughly clear.
Especially since he himself had been personally received by Da Hu.
The Li Family’s ancestral home was Yan Yun, naturally speaking Yan Yun official Chinese Language, not too hard to communicate with a Guanzhong man like Li Benzhong.
But this point astonished Han Tuozhou and the other two even more.
They exchanged looks, seeing thick shock in each other’s eyes.
Suspected grassland nomadic tribe, annihilated eighty thousand Xia elite, occupied Hexi Corridor, and moreover spoke Han official Chinese Language.
This defied reason!
“Are there Han People on the grassland?” Han Tuozhou said puzzled.
Lu You shook his head: “Impossible.”
“Even if any, they long became grassland barbarians, how could they still speak Chinese Language?”
But Xin Qiji’s brows gradually relaxed.
Merely still doubting the intelligence Li Benzhong brought.
But still murmured: “If all this is true, then ‘Northern Frontier’s’ emergence is not necessarily bad for our Great Song.”
Though Xin Qiji was a Song person, his heart held all Huaxia.
In his view, if such a force of powerful Northern Frontier Han People truly existed, it would be a heavenly boon for Great Song, even all Huaxia.
Thus, Xin Qiji looked to Han Tuozhou, said gravely: “Xia Kingdom has long trailed Jin, enemy to our Great Song for years.”
“If our army attacks Guanzhong, Xia will surely obstruct fiercely.”
“But with ‘Northern Frontier’ to tie them down, how could Xia spare energy for Guanzhong?”
“Even then, we could ally with ‘Northern Frontier’, pincer Xia Kingdom together.”
“Reclaiming Guanzhong within reach!”
Xin Qiji, over sixty, paced excitedly in the hall like a young man.
Han Tuozhou naturally understood the benefits.
Moreover, if Li Benzhong wasn’t lying and Northern Frontier Army had many Han People, then Song truly had a chance to unite with them, pincer Xia Kingdom, even jointly attack Guanzhong.
Compared to barbarians, those Northern Frontier people should feel greater affinity for Song.
But such matters needed verification, so his face grew graver, eyes fixed on Li Benzhong.
He asked gravely: “Li Benzhong, you personally saw Northern Frontier Army occupy Hexi Corridor?”
At this, Li Benzhong was somewhat embarrassed, shook his head: “This subordinate only heard from Huangzhou locals, did not go to Hexi myself.”
“But this subordinate personally witnessed Northern Frontier Army’s combat strength.”
“Huangzhou City, over a zhang high, breached by Northern Frontier Army in half a shichen.”
“And Northern Frontier soldiers’ combat strength extraordinary; our Imperial City Department spies are mostly military elite, yet against Northern Frontier soldiers, they could barely resist.”
For some reason, Li Benzhong saw shadows of Jin heavy cavalry in those Northern Frontier Cavalry.
Not just superior equipment, but many Northern Frontier soldiers bore a powerful battle will.
In battle, they seemed fearless of death, charging desperately forward; that ruthless, suicidal ferocity alone sufficed to chill enemies.
Very similar to the legendary Jurchen People of the Jingkang era.
“Thus, this subordinate believes Huangzhou common people’s words credible.” Li Benzhong said gravely.
“Xia Kingdom likely faces massive change!”
Hearing this, Han Tuozhou fell into contemplation.
While beside him, Xin Qiji said impatiently: “Lord, this one believes we should dispatch more hands to probe Western Xia and Northern Frontier news.”
“Best to petition the Emperor, send a formal envoy to Northern Frontier, forge alliance.”
“If Hexi Corridor truly occupied by Northern Frontier, it is heaven’s gift to our Great Song.”
“At our Great Song’s Northern Expedition, ally Northern Frontier to strike south, breaking Guanzhong imminent.” Xin Qiji said excitedly.
While Han Tuozhou frowned, still weighing the matter.
Xin Qiji was accomplished in civil and military, but merely Anfu Commissioner of Zhejiang East Circuit, and aged, single-minded on Northern Expedition.
His greatest hope to see Central Plains reclaimed in his lifetime.
Other matters outside his scope.
But Han Tuozhou was Great Song’s Prime Minister, different position, different considerations.
Greatest concern precisely Northern Frontier Han People’s identity.
For rulers, legitimacy disputes outweighed external threats.
“Pacify interior before repelling exterior” stemmed from this.
But regardless, allying with Northern Frontier now was more benefit than harm for Song.
Other issues were for later.
Han Tuozhou didn’t even know if he would live to see that day.
Thus, he nodded gravely: “You’an brother speaks wisely.”
Then to Liu Dongchang: “Imperial City Department assign more hands, continue gathering Xia Kingdom and Northern Frontier intelligence.”
“This Prime Minister will enter the palace now, discuss with the Emperor.”
