In the first year of Jianwu of Song Dynasty, the fifth year of Baoyi in Xixia, in spring, Zhongxing Mansion.
More than two years have passed since the Mongolian army withdrew. The Xixia people have slowly recovered from the trauma of the war. The depressed towns have gained some vitality, many wasteland have been reclaimed, and the camel bells of merchants have once again sounded in the Xingling Land.
Although Zhongxing Mansion in February was not completely free from the cold, it was still a bright spring. The Yellow River thawed, green covered the branches, and the sound of flowing water gurgled.
But when the cold spring comes, the dark clouds of war begin to slowly hover over Xixia again.
Nearly three years have passed since the Song army marched north, Genghis Khan died of illness, and the Mongolian army had no choice but to retreat north.
Two years ago, Xixia sent envoys to the grassland to condole the death of Genghis Khan, and the Xixia envoys were expelled.
In September last year, Genghis Khan's youngest son, the Great Mongolian Supervisor Guo Tuo Lei, and the Mongolian kings consecrated Ogedai, the third son of Genghis Khan, to the land of Kutiewu Asili in the east of Helin. All the kings and elders of the royal family lined up to pay their respects. The envoys sent by Xixia to congratulate him were rejected again, and they were not even allowed to enter Mongolia.
Wokuotai is the Great Khan of Mongolia, and there are no internal troubles in Mongolia. Mongolia wanted the whole country of Xixia to surrender. Xia Emperor Li Sui personally went to the Saishang Grassland to ask for surrender. Otherwise, the Mongolian Khan Wokuotai would personally lead the Mongolian army to attack, and then all the jade and stone would be burned, and no chickens or dogs would be left.
This "ultimatum" from the Great Mongolia was tantamount to the destruction of Xixia. The monarchs and ministers of Xixia, including all the people of Xixia, faced another torment and choice.
The monarchs and ministers of Xixia also wanted to fight for the survival of their country, but after experiencing many Mongol armies invading Xia, the monarchs and ministers of Xixia knew clearly that fighting against the strong Mongolian cavalry would only lead to overestimation of their own capabilities and a dead end.
The territory under its jurisdiction is no more than Xingling, with a population of only two to three hundred thousand, and a fighting force of twenty to thirty thousand. The rest are only strong people, and the military and civilians have doubts about their fighting spirit.
In the past three years since the last withdrawal of the Mongolian army, Xixia has been recuperating and recuperating, but in a small place, apart from the people barely having enough to eat, what kind of waves can there be?
People fled in large numbers, and there were uncultivated wastelands everywhere. Without the people, how can Xixia strengthen itself?
What can I do to save you, my Daxia?
The common people were worried, and the Xixia monarchs and ministers were even more disappointed. The Great Mongolia not only wanted to destroy Xixia, but also wanted to kill all the Xia people in the Xingling Land. Even if the whole country of Xixia surrenders, they may not be forgiven by the Mongols, and the Xia Emperor himself may not be able to escape.
The Xixia people alone may not be able to win this hopeless war. But if they surrender, will the Xixia soldiers and civilians have to go through a painful killing?
Will the people of Song and Jin save Xixia?
"Your Majesty, even if I, Daxia, surrender to Mongolia, I am afraid that I will suffer a disaster. When Genghis Khan died of illness in Liupan Mountain, those Mongolian nobles, including Ogedai and Tuo Lei, will definitely settle this account on us. On Xia Ren’s head!”
Above the main hall, Zhang Gongfu, the censor Zhongcheng, frowned and played loudly.
If it weren't for the rules set by Genghis Khan, Ogedai could not succeed to the throne due to Genghis Khan's death, but had to wait for the final decision of Khuliltai. It took more than two years to ascend to the position of Mongol Khan. I am afraid that the Mongol army They have already attacked Xixia.
When Genghis Khan vowed to destroy Xixia, no one from Ogedai or Tuo Lei would dare to disobey, and no one would refuse.
"Your Majesty, Temujin has decreed that Daxia and the Kingdom of Jin must be destroyed. Your Majesty must not go to the grassland to ask for surrender. It is meaningless and brings humiliation to yourself. Your Majesty has made a holy judgment. For the sake of the people of Daxia, it is better to do it as soon as possible. Get ready!”
Privy Councilor Li Yuanji stepped forward and played in a trembling voice.
The last time, Emperor Zhao Hong of the Song Dynasty went on a personal expedition and led an army of 100,000 to rescue. This time Xixia is fighting Mongolia alone, and its national strength is even weaker, so I'm afraid they won't be so lucky.
Prepare early?
Li Yuanji's bitter admonishment made Li Sui on the throne move his lips slightly and his eyes were lonely.
Shit ready! Besides surrendering, what else can Xixia do?
He didn't want to try the feeling of being trapped in an isolated city, unable to die or survive.
"Your Majesty, I heard that the Tatar army is coming to invade. Since spring, there has been an endless stream of people fleeing to Hexi and the Song Dynasty. There are hundreds of people a day, sometimes thousands. Now the scholars and people in Xingling are in panic. If this continues, it may not last long. Plan!"
Luo Shichang, the envoy of Xuanhui in the south courtyard, had a worried look on his face.
Rumors of the Mongolian army heading south were abuzz, and it was not ruled out that some ministers fanned the flames and created panic, causing the Xia people in Xingling Land to flee south one after another. Places such as Hexi and Lintao Road under the control of the Song Army became the first choice for the Xia people to flee.
As for why it is the Song Dynasty, the reason couldn't be simpler. The Song army once saved Daxia, and the Xia people had a psychological dependence on it.
And the most important thing is that the Song people seem to be tougher and more warlike than the Jin people.
"Li Zhong'e, what's going on over there in the Kingdom of Jin?"
More than two years have passed, and the young Emperor Xia Li Sui seems to have become thinner and calmer.
He didn't mention the Song Dynasty at all, and he obviously had a grudge against the Song people.
After rescuing once, Xixia lost Hexi. If we were to do it again, I am afraid that the place of Xingling would become the "Xixia Road" of the Song people.
"Back to Your Majesty, two years ago, in the first month of the fifth year of Kim Zhengda's reign, the emperor sent Wanyan Magin, the Kaifeng official, and Yang Juren to the grassland to condole with Temujin, but they were expelled by the Tatars. In September last year, Wokuotai was the Tatar When the Tatar Khan became the Great Khan, the Jin Dynasty sent an envoy to return the debt of the Tatar Taizu, but Wo Kuotai did not accept it. In October last year, the Tatar army invaded Qingyang Realm, and the Jin Dynasty ordered the Shaanxi Province to send an envoy to send sheep, wine, coins, and silk to The Tatar army begged for peace, but the Tatar army refused."
Li Zhong'e bowed solemnly and said, it was clear in his words that it was certain that the Mongolian army would go south to destroy the Jin Dynasty.
"Your Majesty, the position of the Tatar Khan has been decided, the internal peace of the Tatars has been established, and the Tatar army's march south to attack the Jin Dynasty is a foregone conclusion. I am afraid that the Tatar army will split its way and restart the war against our Great Xia. The Golden Emperor's head is at both ends. , the Jin people are too busy to take care of themselves, and I am afraid they will not send troops to rescue them. I, Daxia, must take precautions and make preparations in advance in case the Tatar army invades!"
Privy Councilor Li Yuanji continued to speak, his voice echoing in the hall.
All the ministers in the palace looked at each other, all secretly shocked.
The Mongolian army is back, and I'm afraid there won't be a few good days for Xixia. Xixia must make plans early.
Again, we were prepared early, couldn’t we use another word?
"Wei Mingling Gong, how many soldiers are there in Xingling Land?"
Li Sui glanced at Li Yuanji coldly, looked into the main hall, and suddenly spoke.
All the ministers were shocked, and many people felt cold.
The emperor asked, is this going to stick to it?
"Your Majesty, there are more than 50,000 guards in Xingling. In the two cities of Xingling, there are 20,000 guards in Zhongxing Mansion. There are 15,000 guards in Lingzhou City. The remaining 20,000 are guarding Keyi Gate, waiting for the Tatars. The army is coming."
Wei Mingling's face was as sinking as water, and he played with a bitter look on his face.
In the land of Xingling, there are only two to three hundred thousand people, and there are only fifty thousand soldiers. It is already drying up the lake, and God knows what the fighting strength is.
"Fifty thousand! I think it's not as good as the Song Dynasty's five thousand soldiers!"
As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Li Sui felt a little regretful. I didn’t want to mention the Song Dynasty people, but I couldn’t get around them no matter what.
Keyimen Fortress, the northern barrier of Zhongxing Prefecture, was defeated by the Mongolian army when Wei Minglinggong led an army of 50,000. Weiming Linggong was captured and became a prisoner. Now there are only 20,000 defeated soldiers stationed at Keyi Gate. Isn't this a joke?
Eight thousand Song troops can help the Xia troops defend Lingzhou City for eight months. If the Xixia people themselves could not hold on for eight days.
It's a pity that the Xixia people have no firearms, let alone well-trained soldiers as tough and bloodthirsty as the Song army.
"Your Majesty, I will lead all the soldiers to fight to the end with the Tatar army through life and death, and share your worries for Your Majesty!"
Wei Minglinggong forced himself to play, but he felt weak in his heart.
"Why fight to the end in a bloody battle? If I keep you around for another half a year, what will you do to defend and eat? Who will come to help?"
Li Sui said decisively, his face was black and blue, and his voice was louder unconsciously.
After more than two years of recovery, although Xixia no longer needs Song people to distribute relief grains, Xixia has not yet recovered its strength. Once the city is besieged by the Mongolian army, it may not last for three months, let alone half a year.
All the officials in the palace were silent. With the state of affairs like this, it makes people speechless and sad.
Li Sui looked at the silent ministers, and his eyes fell on the white-haired Luo Shichang.
"Luo Shichang, we are facing a formidable enemy. Do you have any good ideas to save Daxia from this disaster?"
Good strategy?
Luo Shichang trembled and boldly spoke out.
"Your Majesty, the Tatars are ambitious, our Daxia country is weak, and the Jin people are short-sighted and only want to protect themselves. Now, there is no other way, I am afraid I can only ask the Song people for help!"
All the ministers in the palace were open to Luo Shichang's words. Everyone knew that the Song Dynasty was the only savior of Xixia, but no one dared to bring it up and let it go.
Others didn't dare to bring it up, but Luo Shichang had no scruples. If he didn't mention it, wouldn't he be forcing the emperor to surrender to Mongolia?
Compared with the murderous Mongolian nobles who were jealous of Xixia, the gentle Song people seemed to be more in line with the wishes of the ministers in the palace.
As for occupying Hexi, everyone actually doesn't care much. Xixia is already equivalent to national subjugation, so why care about the dilapidated Hexi.
Taking a step back, can Xixia, which is unable to protect itself, recapture Hexi from the Mongolian army?
"Your Majesty, although the Song people had ulterior motives and occupied Hexi, they treated our Daxia people well. If they really surrendered to the Tatars, not only would your majesty not be able to escape, but even my remaining Daxia people would probably be destroyed. By then, our country, Daxia, will really be destroyed!"
Li Zhong'e also had a sad face and bowed solemnly.
He and Luo Shichang are both moderates who know how to advance and retreat. Even if Daxia were to surrender, it would never be the Mongol Empire.
The ministers were startled and looked at each other in silence. Duke Wei Ming immediately walked out of the queue, impassioned and his white beard trembling.
"Your Majesty, the Tatars are really villains, and the Song people are hypocrites. My Daxia soldiers would rather die standing than be servile to the Song people!"
Emperor Xia was adamant, and asking him to seek help from the Song Dynasty was like cutting out flesh with a knife. What's more, the Song people occupied Hexi, which had already disgraced him. How can I be embarrassed if I go to seek help from people from Song Dynasty again?
"What a villain, you killed millions of people in Daxia, and hypocrites saved hundreds of thousands of people in Daxia, and protected our monarchs and ministers in Daxia. Lord Wei Ming, you are such a wolf-hearted person, you want to kill the remaining few of my Daxia." Will one hundred thousand people be buried with you?"
Li Zhong'e cursed angrily.
Weiming Linggong became very angry when talking about the Mongolian cavalry, but he despised and criticized the Song Dynasty, probably because he had been defeated by Temujin, and the Song people had always been weak. Although Temujin died, the Mongolian cavalry was still brave and good at fighting, making it difficult for the Xia army to resist.
Being so tough at this time, I really don’t know where the confidence and courage come from?
"Your Majesty, Lord Wei Ming, the Tatar soldiers and horses are strong and powerful, and no one can defeat us in Daxia. There are only two to three hundred thousand people left in Daxia, please save some blood for Daxia!"
Luo Shichang also said bitterly, with a sad look on his face.
"Your Majesty, please don't listen to Wei Mingling's nonsense. No one can die in Daxia!"
"Your Majesty, the Tatar country of tigers and wolves cannot be trusted easily! You have to think about the people of Daxia!"
The ministers were all opposed. Wei Mingling was red-faced and speechless for a moment.
The noise subsided, and all the officials looked at Li Sui on the throne.
Li Sui's face was calm, aloof, bowing his head in deep thought.
The palace was full of monarchs and ministers, the atmosphere was depressing, and no one was impassioned. After experiencing the ordeal of being on the verge of national subjugation, everyone knows it clearly. In the face of absolute strength, in the face of cruel reality, at the critical moment when Xixia is about to be destroyed, any heroic words can only be ignored and reduced to jokes.
The ministers were silent, and Li Sui had no choice but to speak, breaking the silence in the palace.
"I have made up my mind. I will go to the grassland in person and bear the thorns to Wo Kuotai to plead guilty. Where do you go, please leave it to God."
Li Sui's words shocked all the officials in the palace. After a brief silence, Luo Shichang was shocked and walked out tremblingly.
"Your Majesty, the Tatar country of tigers and wolves has ulterior motives for our country, Daxia. This must not be done. Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Isn’t it a joke to go to Mongolia to plead guilty?
Once Li Sui was taken hostage by the Mongols and threatened the whole country of Xixia to surrender, would all the Xixia subjects have to surrender and wait for death?
"Your Majesty, Temujin has sworn to destroy our Daxia, but he has not announced his mourning secretly. His heart is to be punished. The Tatars hate our Daxia to the core. Your Majesty, going to the Tatars to plead guilty will not only not help the matter, but will also suffer all kinds of consequences." Insult will inevitably lead to death. I can't bear the humiliation of Your Majesty, Your Majesty must either withdraw your order or kill me!"
Li Yuanji's face turned red and he hurried out of the queue, holding a wat and shouting loudly.
Li Sui wanted to surrender to Xixia, but he and the Xixia royal family would never agree. Either establish a new king or find another way. Anyway, he won't be beheaded.
"Your Majesty, please take back your order!"
"Your Majesty, think twice!"
All the ministers in the palace spoke one after another. Everyone tried to dissuade Li Sui, but no one agreed with him to surrender to Mongolia.
The people of Xixia were almost killed by the Mongolian cavalry and surrendered to Mongolia. Isn't this a moth flying into a flame and committing suicide?
"After all, you don't want me to surrender to the Song Dynasty. What are your intentions?"
The ministers remonstrated bitterly, and Li Sui stood up with a slap on the table, his face full of anger.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to lead my troops to defend Zhongxing Mansion and fight the Tatars decisively. I will never retreat!"
Again Wei Minglinggong played with a black face, his impassioned and sad voice echoed in the hall.
