Destroy Jin and conquer Song, and carry the Northern Expedition through to the end

Chapter 324: Leaving a Loyal Heart to Shine in History

All the generals took their seats. Liu Huai and his companions sat in the middle position on the left. They first sneered at the people around them, motioning them to stay away. Then they openly called Lu You and others over and sat with them.

Liu Qi didn't waste any words. He pointed directly at the simple map and talked about the specific information.

The battle lines between Song and Jin in Lianghuai were now intertwined. Not to mention the defeated Song army, even the Jin army, which had already gained the upper hand, found it difficult to sort out the situation immediately.

But in general, except for Yangzhou City and Guazhou Ferry, the Song army had completely lost all important cities in northern Jiangsu.

Li Xianzhong's elite cavalry were rushing towards Guazhou Ferry. If the Chizhou army also gathered there, all the usable cavalry and infantry in Lianghuai would have gathered on the line of Yangzhou - Guazhou Ferry - Zhenjiang Prefecture.

The Dangtu line in Huaixi is extremely empty. According to the report, there should be only a few soldiers who fled from Huaixi stationed there.

The Jin Dynasty's 70,000 troops were still roughly divided into two parts. One part was commanded by Wanyan Liang himself and was temporarily resting near Zhenzhou.

The other part, led by Tu Shanzhen, was stationed north of Yangzhou, preparing to attack the city.

The two armies were less than a hundred miles apart, and it was obvious that they wanted to communicate with each other before making a decision.

The navy on the river is even more distinct.

The Jiankang navy led by Zhang Guang is now stationed in Jiankang Prefecture. The city of Jiankang is too critical. With the presence of the Jin navy on the Yangtze River, given Zhang Guang's character of deserting the battlefield in Zhenzhou, he will definitely refuse to fight on the grounds of saving Jiankang Prefecture.

However, from the perspective of national strategy, Zhang Guang's behavior is still reasonable to a certain extent.

A little downstream, tens of thousands of Jin navy troops had already arrived in Zhenzhou to rest and recuperate.

Further downstream is Zhenjiang Prefecture, where the navy of Li Bao and Zhang Rong is stationed.

If it is said that the Jin army strategically half-encircled the Song army on land, then it seems that the Song army trapped the Jin army in Zhenzhou on the river. But in fact, if Zhang Guang did not dare to fight, the Jin navy could have kept a part of the troops to watch Li Bao and Zhang Rong from upstream, and the main army could have gone upstream to threaten the hinterland of Jiangnan from the empty Huaixi.

After Liu Qi marked all the military forces gathered by various parties on the map, the generals in the tent simultaneously turned their attention to Huaixi, an area where the Yangtze River defense line was almost empty of troops.

Dangtu is a high-quality ferry crossing on the Yangtze River, and the name of the ferry crossing is also very famous, it is Caishiji.

The ferry here is not just a ferry, but a floating bridge that can be built across the Yangtze River.

During the final battle in which the Northern Song Dynasty destroyed the Southern Tang Dynasty, the Song general Cao Bin built a pontoon bridge from Caishiji, allowing him to cross the river with ease.

Fortunately, the main forces of the Jin Dynasty were in the Zhenzhou and Yangzhou areas, trying to encircle and kill the Huaidong army of the Song Dynasty. Even if the Jin army reached Xicaishi, it would be difficult for a small force to build a pontoon bridge.

However, Liu Qi's next words made everyone in the tent lose their composure.

"I just received news that Wang Quan once forced Dangtu and Hezhou to build a floating bridge at Caishi to facilitate military travel. Now this guy has fled to Jiangnan to face punishment, but he hasn't said whether he destroyed the bridge." Liu Qi said sternly, "But in my opinion... he has lost his nerve. It's very likely that the bridge has fallen into the hands of the Jin bandits."

There was an uproar in the tent.

The generals never expected that Wang Quan had pooped such a big pile and hadn't even cleaned it up, and there were still some problems left.

Historically, the Jin army was too large and couldn't move so fast, so the Caishiji floating bridge was destroyed by the Song army. However, the Jin army was too fast, and Wang Quan was too determined to escape. It is hard to say whether the Caishiji Dajiang floating bridge was destroyed, and if not, whether it was occupied by the Jin army.

"Now we need someone to go to Dangtu to garrison, and it must be done quickly. Who will go?" Liu Qi looked around the general's tent and asked loudly.

Some people lowered their heads in response, while others showed excitement on their faces.

Historically, it was Li Xianzhong who completed this strategic move, but at that time he was leading his troops to support Liu Qi's flank north of the Yangtze River. Even if he could retreat now, it would take time to reach the south of the Yangtze River and rest for some time.

Liu Huai looked around, then stood up first and said with a sneer, "It seems that only the Shandong righteous army like us can accomplish such a great feat."

"You?" One of the Huaidong generals snorted coldly.

But before he could utter a word of ridicule, Liu Huai pointed at his nose and cursed back: "If not me, then you? We, the Shandong righteous army, have fought bloody battles in Shandong and have already destroyed two Jin army units. Have you taken down a single Jin bandit?"
If the Jin bandits weren't stupid, seeing that there was no hope of annihilating our army, they would definitely split up their forces and go to Caishiji to try to cross the river. Then a fierce battle would ensue, and they might even take the initiative to attack and kill the Jin bandits. Who among you dares?"

"Are you afraid and planning to flee with your army now?" someone retorted sarcastically.

"If grandpa was afraid, he wouldn't have gone south to join the war. Wouldn't it be better for him to watch you fight the Jin bandits to the death in Shandong?" Liu Huai sneered.

This is the key.

Judging by their actions, the Shandong rebels were the most loyal and courageous compared to the Song forces in Lianghuai. They risked their lives to travel south from Shandong to aid the Song in their fight against the Jin. If this isn't loyalty, what is it? Is it a great spirit of internationalism?

Seeing that Liu Huai was about to engage in a debate with the generals in the general's tent, Liu Qi interrupted and said, "Does General Liu have any strategies?"

Liu Huai nodded: "Yes."

As he spoke, he walked directly to the map and said, "The Dongping Army and the Zhejiang Navy are currently in Zhenjiang Prefecture, blocked upstream by the Jin Navy in Zhenzhou, making it difficult for them to move. If Jin Lord Wanyan Liang had known the opportunity, he would have quickly sent a large army to Caishi, west of Hezhou, to attempt to cross the river, and their navy would have followed suit upstream."

Someone retorted: "Zhang Guang's Jiankang navy is upstream..."

Liu Huai scoffed in response, "Su Baoheng, despite being besieged by four armies of the Shandong Volunteer Army, dared to lead his troops south. Do you think he would be afraid of a Zhang Guang who deserted the battlefield?"

Liu Huai rebuked the Song general who had spoken, then pointed at the map and said, "The only solution now is for the Jingnan Army and the Tianping Army to act together, using 5,000 soldiers to block the hole at Caishiji. The imperial court will then send reinforcements to complete the defense line. That's the right thing to do."

Liu Qi coughed twice and asked in a deep voice, "Then why did the Shandong volunteers do it?"

Liu Huai smiled and said, "Most of the people here today are warriors, so I won't waste my words. Liu Jinglue, if you send someone else, aren't you afraid that they might just escape along the way?"

These words touched Liu Qi's heart.

It is said that the emperor has the whole world in his mind. As the commander-in-chief of the two wars in Huainan, Liu Qi always has two or three strategies in his mind. In his view, looting along the way or even taking civilians as military rations are not a big problem. The key is that someone must hold on at Caishiji and never retreat in the face of danger.

The Song army in Huaibei and Huainan had suffered repeated defeats and was unlikely to be of any use without a proper overhaul. The local army in Jiangnan had been out of action for a long time, and its combat effectiveness was questionable. Furthermore, Guazhou Ferry also needed to be garrisoned, and Liu Qi certainly couldn't send all his trusted elite troops to Caishiji. After much deliberation, it seemed only the Shandong rebels, with their high morale, were worthy of significant deployment.

The best part is that they came here on an expedition from Shandong. If the Lianghuai and Jiangnan armies wanted to escape, they could still flee back home. But if the Shandong rebels wanted to escape back to their hometown, they had no choice but to kill the Jin army that stood in their way.

Thinking of this, Liu Qi whispered a few words to Ye Yiwen. After Ye Yiwen nodded in agreement, he summoned the clerk and said, "The Shandong righteous army has returned to the Song Dynasty to fight against the Jin. This is a great joyous event and must be reported to the emperor. However, the military situation is extremely urgent, so I am dispatching the Jingnan Army and the Tianping Army to Caishi to participate in the battle. For the time being, Liu Huai, the commander-in-chief of the Jingnan Army, will be appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Hezhou cavalry and infantry. Xin Qiji, the commander of the Tianping Army, will be appointed as the deputy commander-in-chief of the Hezhou cavalry and infantry. Lu You will be appointed as the military advisor to the imperial army stationed in Zhenjiang Prefecture. All officers will receive rewards and appointments."

Soon, the document was written and stamped with the seals of Zhenjiang Prefecture and the Privy Council.

Everyone in the tent was shocked.

Even though they knew that this was a temporary appointment, the fact that the chief steward and deputy chief steward were in their twenties was enough to make people drop their jaws.

Liu Huai took it and bowed, "Then I will lead my army out now and will not let a single Jin thief soldier cross the river!"

After saying that, Liu Huai called Xin Qiji, He Boqiu and Zhang Baiyu, nodded to Lu You, and then he didn't even want to wait and walked straight out of the tent.

When the Shandong generals were about to board the ship at the ferry to the south of the Yangtze River, Liu Huai suddenly heard someone calling him from behind. Looking back, he saw Ye Yiwen, who was unwilling to give up, being led by Lu You to Liu Huai and others.

"General Liu, wait a minute." Ye Yiwen was old and had difficulty walking, so he came to the ferry in a carriage.

"Mr. Ye." Liu Huai bowed.

Ye Yiwen was helped down from the carriage by Lu You. He took a few deep breaths before saying, "General Liu, there's no need to be so polite. I'm here for military and political matters."

"Please speak, Lord Ye. I will tell you everything I know."

Lu You nodded slightly to Liu Huai, indicating that he should say something nice.

Lu You stayed in Ye Yiwen's court and served as a staff member temporarily, and held a position as a military adviser in the Zhenjiang army. This was also discussed with Liu Huai and others.

The Shandong Volunteer Army and Ye Yiwen hit it off immediately, with complementary strengths. It was good for everyone to have someone trusted by both sides to act as a liaison.

"General Liu, you are a young hero and a veteran of many battles. What are our chances of victory in this battle?"

There was no one around, so they talked privately and Ye Yiwen told him what he feared most.

Liu Huai sighed, but disregarded etiquette and directly grasped Ye Yiwen's hands with his big hands: "Did Ye Gong notice? My hands are shaking too, and I can't stop. I am afraid too. I am afraid of death, afraid of risking my life, afraid of suffering, afraid of hardship, and even more afraid that after going through so much hardship, I will still die with my eyes open in the underworld.

But I also know that in life, there are things more important than life and death. As the saying goes: Everyone is mortal, but I will leave behind a loyal heart to shine in history.

At this point, Lord Ye asked me if I could win this battle. I honestly didn't know. But I did know that if everyone didn't fight to the death, would there still be a Han dynasty? Doesn't it mean that if one more person fought to the death, the chances of victory would increase?

I cannot control the others, but the Shandong rebels are willing to die for the Han people. All I can do is, as Prime Minister Zhuge Liang said, "Dedicate myself to the cause until my death." That's all.

Mr. Ye, I know you are afraid, but I still have a word of advice for you.

If you hold on to this place, you will only face the tens of thousands of Jin bandits. If you flee, you will face the wrath of the world and the infamy of history. Which is more important? I hope you will carefully consider this matter."

Ye Yiwen was originally feeling a little angry because his hands were held, but after hearing what Liu Huai said, he was completely stunned. He muttered to himself and didn't even notice Liu Huai pulling his hands away to salute and leave.

Just as Liu Huai boarded the boat and slowly left the harbor, Ye Yiwen finally asked aloud, "That poem! 'Since ancient times, everyone has to die, but I will leave behind a loyal heart to shine through history.' Whose poem is this? Was it written by Liu Dalang?"

Liu Huai, standing at the bow, laughed out loud, "This is just a regulated verse from the pen of a pedantic scholar who lived during the time of the Shenzhou sinking. Although this man couldn't pacify the country with his military prowess, nor could he maintain peace through his literary talent, he possessed a heart of loyalty and fervor that will be sung by future generations. When I prepare to die in battle, I will have this poem engraved on my tombstone to show that I, Liu Dalang, have lived up to the heavens and earth, and have lived up to the Han Dynasty!"

As the boat drifted further and further away, Ye Yiwen hurriedly raised his voice and asked, "Liu Dalang, could you please let me know the full poem?"

Liu Huai laughed out loud: "Why not? It is exactly:
After hard encounters, there are few stars all around.

The mountains and rivers are broken and the wind is fluttering.

Pantou said panic, sighing separately.

"Since ancient times, everyone has to die. Let me leave my loyalty to shine in history!"

After listening to this poem quietly, not only those who were familiar with literature were completely stunned, but also the two top figures of Song Dynasty poetry present at the scene were mesmerized. Ye Yiwen, who was directly affected by it, was even more unbearable, and tears suddenly fell down.

Just as the boat was getting farther and farther away, Ye Yiwen suddenly realized that there was something else and shouted at the top of his voice, "Liu Dalang, take my badge."

As he spoke, Ye Yiwen handed something in his arms to Lu You.

Lu You didn't have time to take a closer look. He just weighed it and threw it far away.

Liu Huai took it, but found that there was only a scribble-like monogram on it.

"One of my subordinates should have arrived in Dangtu to reward the troops by now," Ye Yiwen continued to shout at the top of his voice. "This man is far superior to me in both wisdom and virtue. He is recognized by the court as a future prime minister who can achieve great things. Liu Dalang, you must cooperate with him on this trip to protect the Song Dynasty."

"his name is……"

"Yu Yunwen!"

"Yu Yunwen..." Almost at the same time as Ye Yiwen shouted, Liu Huai also stroked his waist badge and muttered the name to himself.

Afterwards, Liu Huai bowed again to the people on the shore from a distance.

The waves on the river, the west wind, and a solitary boat gradually headed south and gradually disappeared in the mist of the Yangtze River.

At this time, no one knew that, according to historians, the Battle of Cai Shi, which was recorded in history for its tragic casualties, officially began from the moment Liu Huai led the Shandong generals onto the small boat.

(End of this chapter)