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

Chapter 352: The Young Man with a Banner and Ten Thousand Men

To be honest, Liu Huai really didn't want Xin Qiji to take any risks.

This is a talented marshal and prime minister who is both civil and military. What's the difference between letting him go to the front line to fight against generals and using a golden hoe to hoe the ground?
However, Xin Qiji also had his own ideas.

He had no idea that Liu Huai actually gave him such a high evaluation. In Xin Qiji's own opinion, although he had some poetic talent, he lacked a certain craftsmanship. He was far inferior to Liu Huai's casual recitation of "Since ancient times, everyone has to die, but I will leave my loyalty to shine through history" which was simple and natural.
Some talented officials are unable to see through people's hearts, and are far inferior to Liu Huai's high-level and insightful approach.

Some military strategies are difficult to be broad-based and defeat the enemy, and are far inferior to Liu Huai's comprehensive and self-contained system.

Faced with a peer who was superior to him in every aspect, Xin Qiji was under tremendous pressure. The only thing he could still be proud of was his martial arts skills.

At the beginning of this battle, Xin Qiji originally thought that Liu Huai led the Flying Tiger Army south just to block the entrance of Caishiji in advance, but he did not expect that only two days later, Liu Huai led the incomplete Flying Tiger Army and a group of defeated soldiers to destroy another Diyi Meng'an.

He didn't even leave a sip of soup for himself!
This put Xin Qiji under even greater pressure.

As a man of great stature, seeing others making great contributions to overcoming disasters, while I am just mediocre and unknown, how can this be acceptable?

"Wu Lang, I'm not a fussy person." Liu Huai, who was not a fussy person, whispered earnestly for the fifth time on the boat: "But as a general, how can you be so aggressive? If you make a mistake, how can I explain it to Chief Geng?"

Xin Qiji was already fully armed, with his two customary heavy swords strapped to his waist and a long spear in his hand. He smiled upon hearing this and said, "A man of honor fights and dies in battle; it's common. Don't you, Dalang, often lead the troops in the vanguard?"

Liu Huai could only sigh in silence.

Li Dao, who was sitting on the helm, just watched the two whispering coldly. He then called Wang Huai over and said, "Erlang, notify the crossbowmen on each ship, and have Li Qi get ready. If this Xin family kid really fails, we must save his life at all costs."

Wang Huai nodded, and just as he was about to leave, he turned back and complained, "Brother, can't you control your mouth and act more like a general? How many times have you caused trouble because of your mouth?"

Wang Huai naturally had reason to be angry.

Today's mess was entirely caused by Li Dao. As a result, the generals of the Dongting Lake Navy and the Jingnan Army were arguing with each other, and no one could retreat and were directly held up.

If Xin Qiji really got injured or even died in battle, the two armies would really become enemies.

The Dongting Lake navy is not afraid of anyone, but this kind of hatred is simply an unprovoked disaster.

At this point, we can only pray that these rebels who claim to have emerged from the chaos in Shandong are truly worthy of their reputation.

Li Dao felt a little regretful at this point, but he still stiffened his neck and said, "I'm already over 40 this year. If I want to change, I'll have to wait for my next life. Besides, I'm already this old, do you still expect me to swallow my pride and apologize to a bunch of kids?"

Wang Huai left without saying a word.

Seeing his old brother's attitude, Li Dao felt more and more regretful. For a moment, he could only sigh, then looked up at his own flag in silence.

Liu Huai glanced at Li Dao, not knowing what he was doing. He whispered to Xin Qiji, "I've already asked Guan Qilang and the others to get ready on the other boat. If you can't hold on, just lie down. When more than 20 crossbows are fired at once, anyone will be reduced to a hedgehog."

Xin Qiji was once again at a loss whether to laugh or cry, but seeing Liu Huai's expression that said no matter how much you object, this matter has been decided, he could only nod helplessly.

Seeing the four steamers approaching Xicaishi, Xin Qiji jumped onto a small sampan. After he had gained his footing, he turned back and said with a smile, "Dalang, your heroic song is really good. I just wonder if you have any other war songs that can help us build momentum and help me kill the bandits."

Liu Huai raised his eyes slightly, and after passing Xin Qiji, he saw only the surging river. His heart moved, but he immediately nodded: "Yes."

"Then I will wait for your triumphant song." Xin Qiji held the long spear, bowed slightly, turned around and stood solemnly on the sampan. He was personally sent to a small island in front of Xi Caishi by the naval commander Li Qi.

This small island is only about 20 square meters in size. Like other small islands in the gentler parts of the river, it is formed by river sand accumulation. During the summer flood season, it naturally sinks into the river, not hindering navigation. In winter, when the river dries up, it emerges from the river surface, and after a few days of being blown by the cold wind, it naturally becomes a place to settle.

Xin Qiji stepped onto the island and first looked at the four steamships lined up behind him. Then he stuck his spear into the ground and shouted, "I am Xin Qiji, a Han general. If you Jin thieves have the guts, come and fight me to the death!"

The sound is loud and spreads in all directions.

In order to let the Jin army more than 200 steps away hear the challenge, the four steamships also shouted at the same time.

"I am the Han general Xin Qiji, the Jin thieves can come and fight to the death with me!"
-
A few minutes ago.

At the easternmost end of Xicai Shi, which has become a huge military camp, facing the river, the Jin army's earthen hill watchtower has been initially built.

This is not an ordinary watchtower built by Aligua, but a platform built by the Jin army by piling up earth on a high ground and then tamping the earth.

The platform is six meters high, and the top platform is over 100 square meters, which is large enough for Wanyan Liang and his civil and military officials to stand on it and watch the battle by the river.

The high platform was filled with various flags, and surrounded by dozens of officers and civil officials under the banner of Lieliejing was none other than the current emperor of the Jin Dynasty, Wanyan Liang.

Seeing the fleet coming from downstream, the Jin army was extremely excited, and cheers and applause were heard everywhere.

Only Wanyan Liang sat in the middle, gazing at the river without saying a word.

When the Jin army's ships suffered heavy losses and fled in panic, all the civil and military officials were stunned and didn't know what to say.

Wanyan Liang still had a gloomy expression on his face as he sat in his seat, whipping his skirt armor with a horsewhip, making a snapping sound.

"Your Majesty, Su Baoheng has lost his army and humiliated the country. I request his execution to restore military discipline and justice." It was Wanyan Yuanyi who, with his head held high, stepped out of the ranks, breaking the deathly silence. "Wait and see..." Wanyan Liang said calmly, glancing at Wanyan Yuanyi before waving him back to his position.

After Wanyan Yuanyi's words were rejected, he bowed and returned to the line of ministers without saying another word.

Dozens of civil and military officials accompanied their emperor as they enjoyed the cold river breeze.

Wanyan Yuanyi didn't actually want to kill Su Baoheng, but rather protect him. He spoke this way because he knew Wanyan Liang too well. If Wanyan Liang wanted to kill Su Baoheng, no one could stop him. However, if someone suggested killing Su Baoheng, Wanyan Liang would have to consider whether Su Baoheng had offended someone for the sake of the country. In this case, Su Baoheng wouldn't even be held seriously accountable.

As for why Wanyan Yuanyi wanted to protect Su Baoheng, it was simply because although the two had been political enemies before, their relationship had greatly eased after Wanyan Yuanyi wrote a letter to remind Su Baoheng to be careful of the Shandong rebel army, and they might even become political allies in the future.

Moreover, the navy would be needed to deter the Song army. Wanyan Yuanyi was really afraid that Wanyan Liang would get carried away and chop Su Baoheng to death, and then there would be no need to fight anymore.

Two moments later, Su Baoheng, covered in dust, signed up to join the camp and came to the edge of the earthen platform. After his name was called, he took off his weapon and was then led to the platform by the guards.

"It's been a year since we last met, Your Majesty, and you are still as elegant as ever!" After Su Baoheng paid his respects with great ceremony, his first words were a casual remark.

"Su Qing has aged a lot." Wanyan Liang sighed and personally helped Su Baoheng, who was kneeling on the ground in heavy armor, up.

"Su Qing, you have worked hard on coming all the way here. Is the fleet settled?" Wanyan Liang asked.

"We'll be stationed in Wujiang County downstream." Su Baoheng responded, "With the Deputy Governor-General at our side, we won't have to worry."

Originally, there were only 5,000 Shenfeng troops going to Cai Shi with the main army. However, Su Baoheng quickly reorganized the remaining troops on the second day, leaving only the Wucheng army to guard Zhenzhou. After blocking Li Bao and Zhang Rong downstream, he made a desperate move and led the entire army to catch up with Wanyan Zhengjia.

The central officials of the Jin Dynasty who accompanied the emperor on the expedition sighed inwardly after hearing the news.

Otherwise, why would Su Baoheng be favored? Look at his ability, his awareness, and his determination to share the country's worries.

"That Zheng family kid has definitely made some progress." Wanyan Liang asked with a smile, "Did you gain anything from this battle?"

Having said that, Wanyan Liang sat back in his seat, while Su Baoheng stood beside him with his head bowed.

"I am an incompetent old minister who has lost soldiers and humiliated the country. I ask for severe punishment!" Su Baoheng bowed his head and apologized.

"Victory and defeat are unpredictable in war. To bear shame and endure humiliation is a true man. The young men of Jiangdong are talented and ready. Who knows if they will make a comeback?" Wanyan Liang slowly recited a poem by Du Mu before responding calmly, "Northerners ride horses, southerners sail boats. We are indeed inferior in skill. A defeat is a defeat. We can learn from our mistakes and fight back. It's not necessary to go this far."

"If any general loses a battle, I will chop off his head, and our Great Jin Dynasty would have been wiped out long ago."

As he spoke, Wanyan Liang seemed to think of something funny and laughed in public.

The civil and military officials on the high platform didn't dare laugh. After Wanyan Liang finished laughing, he calmed down and asked, "After suffering so many casualties this time, I wonder if Su Qing has gained anything? Have you found any strategies to defeat the enemy?"

"Don't be shy. We are naturally good at attacking cities and capturing strongholds on land, but Su Qing is naturally our teacher in the water. If we want to cross the river, we will need Su Qing's help..."

Su Baoheng pondered for a moment and said, "This old minister has indeed gained something, but before that, this old minister has a question."

"Mr. Su, please speak frankly." Wanyan Liang looked at the several Song army vehicles and ships sailing from Jiangxinzhou towards the Jin army camp, and said solemnly to Su Baoheng.

"This old minister came here day and night from Zhenzhou just because I heard that a Meng'an had occupied the Caishiji floating bridge. But now it seems that this is not the case. Did someone lie about the military intelligence, or did the Song army kill that Meng'an?" Su Baoheng asked word by word with a bow.

As soon as these words were spoken, an armored warrior glared at him. His face was as black as coal, with a garlic nose and a pair of mung bean eyes. The four holes were staring at people at the same time, which was frightening.

"Heh..." Wanyan Liang laughed. "General Manager Wuping, Wanyan Alin! It's your turn to speak!"

The dark-faced man, Wanyan Alin, one of the three accompanying cavalry and infantry commanders, immediately knelt on one knee and declared his agreement to Wanyan Liang, "We've investigated the entire situation. Aligua has indeed occupied the pontoon bridge and the ferry crossing. However, yesterday, a charismatic figure named Yu Yunwen and a Shandong general named Liu Huai arrived from the Song army. They led 5,000 remaining Song soldiers and fought three battles over two days. Late last night, they captured the East Ferry Crossing camp and severed the pontoon bridge."

"Aligua's troops were completely wiped out except for the dozens of soldiers left behind on the west bank of the river." Wanyan Alin said gritting his teeth.

You know, the No. 1 Meng'an usually has the best soldiers, the best war horses, and the best treatment in the entire army. They can be worth ten of their own!
Now that he has lost Meng'an, the most powerful fighter, how can Wanyan Alin not be heartbroken?

"Yu Yunwen?" Su Baoheng frowned and asked, "Does this person sound familiar? Is he some famous teacher or general?"

"I met him once during the New Year's celebration last year," Wanyan Liang explained. "Although he's a skilled archer, he looks like a weak scholar. I never thought he had such abilities."

After Wanyan Liang finished speaking, he sighed and said, "If I had known this would happen, I should have kept him."

"In that case, I am not capable of doing it, but there is nothing I can say." Su Baoheng said with a sigh.

"The Southern Dynasties are a gathering of the best Han people. There must be something to say about it." Wanyan Liang sighed slightly as he watched the four Song army vehicles and ships parked in the river. A small boat carried a Song army soldier and sent him to the small island.

I don't know whether he was talking about Yu Yunwen or the warrior who challenged alone in a boat.

Before Su Baoheng could continue, the Song soldier shouted and challenged him. The sound was so loud that it attracted the attention of everyone on the platform.

(End of this chapter)