After traveling through time, I became Han Zhang’s grandson?

"The emperor is destined to be carried by heaven, and the edict says:"

"Ever since the Later Jin ceded Yanyun, the people of the Central Plains have often suffered at the hands of the Liao army."

"Therefore, building a Great Wall defense line to protect the country and the people is a fundamental national policy and strategy."

"Fortunately, an opportunity has come to the Song Dynasty. The Liao Emperor, Yelü Hongji, has failed to establish a virtuous government and has favored treacherous ministers, framing Empress Xiao and Crown Prince Yelü Jun."

"The Liao Kingdom is now divided and on the verge of collapse."

"The entire Song Dynasty should unite as one, with a common purpose. We should choose this moment to achieve great things, recapture Yanyun, unify the country, and comfort the spirits of our ancestors—!"

This imperial edict from the young Emperor Zhezong marked the beginning of the Song Dynasty's recovery of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun and unification of the country.

In 1086 AD, the first year of Yuanyou in the Song Dynasty and the end of June in the second year of Da'an in the Liao Dynasty, the imperial court issued an edict to mobilize the elite troops from the five major war zones to gather at Yuetai on the west side of Bianjing City, Tokyo Prefecture.

Yuetai, also known as "Taiyuetai", is located in the first Yuetaifang west of Tianjie in front of Xuande Gate in Junyi County, Kaifeng Prefecture.

It was the place where the sun's shadow was measured during the Tang, Five Dynasties and Northern Song dynasties.

In the third year of Xiande of the Later Zhou Dynasty (956), Wang Pu first proposed that Yuetai be the "center of the earth" in his memorial to the Qintian Calendar.

Wang Pu believed that by measuring the shadow with a gnomon on Yuetai Terrace, "wherever the sun reaches, where the air responds, it is obtained", and the heaven and earth are combined, and the yin and yang are in harmony, which meets the characteristics of "the center of the world".

This theory has a realistic background that cannot be ignored. During the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties, Kaifeng's special geographical location made it increasingly important in politics, military, economy and other aspects, replacing Luoyang as the "hub of all directions".

The Later Zhou Dynasty continued to use Kaifeng as its capital, and Taizu Guo Wei planned to hold the first southern suburbs ceremony of the new dynasty in the fourth year of Guangshun (954).

Taichang reported that "the system of suburban temples and altars of grain and altars should be repaired by relevant departments", so altars and other national ceremonial facilities were added in Kaifeng. When Emperor Shizong personally led an expedition to Huainan, Prime Minister Wang Pu stayed in Kaifeng to "expand the new city and open up roads."

After several large-scale renovations, Kaifeng's capital functions became more complete, and its status as a political, economic and military center became more prominent. Only its cultural status was slightly behind Luoyang.

Wang Pu named Kaifeng "the center of the world" based on the fact that Yuetai was located in the center of the land where shadows were measured during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, and that the length of its shadow was closer to the "center of the world" of one foot and five inches. This was a cultural contribution to the construction of Kaifeng City.

Therefore, the platform for the Northern Expedition was placed at "Yuetai", highlighting the Song Dynasty's determination to win the Northern Expedition.

"Dispatch Yan Da, Wang En, and Li Changjie from the Annan Protectorate and Rongzhou Governorate in the Southern War Zone north to receive orders."

"Move all warships from the Eastern Theater Command north to the Guangji River to assemble and receive orders."

"Dispatch Zhong Gu, Zhong Yan, Zhong Zhen, Yao Si, Yao Xiong, Zhe Jizu, Zhe Jishi, Zhe Kerou, Zhe Kexing, Zhe Keqiu, Wang Shao, Dong Chen, and others from the Western Theater Command to advance eastward to Bianjing to receive orders."

"Dispatch Di Liang, Di Zi, Di Yong, Shen Congxing, Gu Tingye, Zheng Jun, Zheng Xiao, Duan Chengqian, Duan Chengyong, Geng Jiechuan, Zhong Dayou, Liu Zhengjie, and others from the Central Theater Command to serve as your command."

"Order Guo Kui, Zhang Yu, Zhong Shidao, Zhong Shizhong, Yao Gu, Yao Pingzhong, Zong Ze, Gao Zunyu, Liu Changzuo, Yan Ming, Jing Yu and others in the Northern War Zone to strictly guard their areas and await the Northern Expedition Army."

After the Privy Council issued five consecutive orders, the entire Song Dynasty was instantly in an uproar.

Such a large-scale mobilization of the five major war zones is the first time since the establishment of the five major war zones during the reign of Emperor Shenzong.

Especially the list of Privy Council transfers, those arrogant and brave generals are really shocking.

Everyone realized one thing, that is, the time to march north to fight against the Khitan and recapture Yanyun has finally arrived.

Upon hearing the letter, Yang Wenguang, who was 88 years old and bedridden, immediately wrote to the court, hoping to join the army and witness the process of recovering Yanyun.

However, Han Ming and others did not need to take action on this matter. The young Emperor Zhezong, who occasionally participated in court affairs, directly denied it.

You have to know that the old man is at this age and is still ill. He is simply a national treasure of the Song Dynasty. Who would dare to let him go to the battlefield in person?

As the saying goes, an old man in the family is like a treasure. For the young Emperor Zhezong, the 88-year-old Mr. Yang is older than his grandfather and great-grandfather. He is truly a national treasure.

Therefore, he directly rejected the other party's proposal in the reply letter, which made the old man very upset.

Finally, he turned to his old friend, Duke of England Zhang Wenbi, who had retired and was enjoying his retirement.

The two old men were both in their eighties. When they met and discussed, they felt that time was running out and they should give their last dance for the prosperity of the Song Dynasty.

They worked together to find Han Ming, who was busy mobilizing troops, and placed their last chance on this disciple.

"You are really putting me in a difficult position!"

Han Ming was so angry that he was jumping up and down in the Privy Council. He wanted to kick the two old men out, but when he saw their white-haired and trembling appearance, he couldn't bear it.

In the end, they had no choice but to inform the authorities and call the families and children of Yang Wenguang and Zhang Wenbi.

As for Mr. Yang, it goes without saying that his sons are not very capable and few of them can meet the requirements for the Northern Expedition.

It’s different for Mr. Zhang. His son-in-law Di Liang is one of the generals commanding the Northern Expedition, and his daughter has now been canonized as a county lord.

When these two people arrived, Zhang Wenbi immediately drooped his old face and angrily accused Han Ming of lacking martial ethics.

"Father, can't you just stay at home and be obedient?"

"Jingyuan is already busy arranging his troops and is completely exhausted. You're still here disturbing him. Aren't you shameless?!"

Zhang Guifen was also a hot girl when she was young, and she became even more domineering when she got older. She dared to scold her old father in front of everyone.

Di Liang, who was standing by with a full beard, smiled awkwardly, reached out and pulled Zhang Guifen's sleeve, signaling her not to go too far.

"You too, stop taking Father's side all the time. Why is he still struggling at his age?"

"I can't just stay home and enjoy myself by watching my grandchildren."

Zhang Guifen was making a veiled attack on someone else, and she also implicated Old Man Yang.

The entire Privy Council fell into silence. After a while, Han Ming finally spoke up and turned the matter over.

"If you have anything to say, please go home first. I have a lot to do, so please forgive me."

The order to expel guests was also a way of interrupting things. Looking at Yang Wenguang and Zhang Wenbi who left with a nagging look, Han Ming smiled helplessly.

"It's not easy for the old men, are they planning to just leave..."

Fu Yaoyu was filled with emotion and deeply touched.

"This Northern Expedition is of great importance. The old men want to go to the front and have no intention of returning alive."

"I think we should try to persuade them if we can, but if we can't... we should give these old men one last chance to fight, so that they can realize their wish of dying on the battlefield."

Han Ming paused and let the words slip.

"I guess if you say that, they will really carry the coffin to the battle."

Fu Yaoyu shook his head helplessly and smiled bitterly.

"That's all for later. Now let's take a look at the various armies' positions on Yuetai."

"This time, the armies gathered in the capital. On the one hand, it was to hold a swearing-in ceremony, and on the other hand, it was to show the world the might of the Song army. Therefore, the battle formation must be grand."

"But we cannot disturb the public and affect their daily lives."

Han Ming began to point out the position allocation of Yuetai and gave orders to the Privy Council officials.

"Just garrison according to the locations of the major war zones. During the assembly time, no private fighting or competitions are allowed between the armies. Once discovered, they will be sent back to their respective war zones and will not be allowed to participate in the Northern Expedition!!!"

When the order spread, all the arrogant soldiers and brave generals gathered in the capital restrained their men and stood ready, waiting for the final order from the court to march north.