Datong, July 1233, the fourth year of Jianwu's reign in the Song Dynasty.
Datong is located in the northeast of the river, outside Yanmen Pass, bordering the grassland outside the Great Wall, and between the inner and outer Great Walls. Because King Wuling of Zhao during the Warring States Period established the "Yunzhong" County here, it was changed to Shuozhou County in the mid-Yongxi period of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Therefore, Datong is also known as "Yunzhong".
In the 14th year of Zhenguan of the Tang Dynasty (640), "Yunzhong" was changed to "Yunzhou", and Yunzhong was also called "Yunzhou". Liao and Jin were the companion capitals. After the rise of Genghis Khan, this place came under the rule of Mongolia.
Summer has not passed and autumn has come, and the climate has not turned cold yet. In view of the rumors of the Northern Expedition of the Song Dynasty, which seemed to be getting more and more intense, the Mongolian Khan Ogedai had to return to Yunzhong City from Guanshan where he had spent the summer, and summoned the Mongolian nobles to make plans. Countermeasures for the Northern Expedition of the Song Army.
The magistrate's office of Yunzhong Prefecture was headed by Mongolian Great Khan Wokuotai, and the Mongolian sect kings Guizhou Hanchijin, Kou Wenbuhua, Badar, Kuochu, Mengge, etc., as well as Subotai, Temutai, Tacha'er, etc. Waiting for the Mongolian generals to sit down in the hall, they are discussing the matter of adding more troops to the two rivers.
Among them were Liu Heima, Xiao Zala, Shi Tianze, Yan Shi, Zhang Hongyan and others who were members of the Han army, as well as Yelu Chucai, a favored minister from Wo Kuotai.
This is unique in the history of Mongolia. Since the Mongol army marched south to the Central Plains two years ago and suffered a disastrous defeat, and as the Song army's Northern Expedition became more and more popular, thousands of households of the Han army in the two rivers finally joined the military decision-making group.
From the Mongolian nobles discussing and making decisions behind closed doors, to the Han army joining in, it illustrates the changes in Mongolian military decision-making, and also reveals the reality of the Mongolian cavalry's injuries.
"Great Khan, the southerners assassinated my father, please avenge my father!"
Zhang Hongyan, the eldest son of Zhang Rou, a member of the Han army in Baozhou, Hebei, was dressed in plain clothes and knelt on the ground, unable to kowtow.
A few months ago, Zhang Rou was assassinated by an assassin. Later, several copycats in the Taihang Mountains were wiped out. The leaders of the copycats confessed that the two assassins who assassinated Zhang Rou were the work of Song people.
"Get up. Don't worry, I will definitely avenge General Zhang Rou."
Wokuotai said warmly, Yelu Chucai was translating on the side, Liu Heima and Shi Tianze went over to help Zhang Hongyan up.
In fact, Zhang Rou had four other sons before him, but they all died early. The fifth son, Zhang Hongyan, became the de facto eldest son.
"Thank you Khan!"
Young Zhang Hongyan stroked his chest and bowed, wiped away his tears, and sat down at the end of the hall on the right side.
"The southerners have caused chaos in the two rivers. Tell me, what are they going to do?"
Wo Kuotai frowned and started talking.
Among the thousands of Han soldiers, he admired Shi Tianze and Zhang Rou the most. They were both talented in commanding troops, especially Zhang Rou, who was decisive in killing and brave enough to be the best among the three armies. Unexpectedly, he was assassinated by a southerner accidentally.
How come these despicable southerners don't care about "benevolence, justice and morality" at all?
"The trouble among the Southerners is getting bigger and bigger. Zhang Rou was killed, and Badar was almost killed. It seems that it is certain that the Southerners will go north."
What Zong Wangkou Wen Buhua said was exactly what happened in the summer when Baitaer came to Yanjing and was assassinated. Nianhe Zhongshan was assassinated, but Baitaer and he escaped.
Fortunately, he and Badar were dressed as guards, otherwise, they would have been blown to pieces.
"Baidar, you should be more careful in the future and don't let your temper lead you. The southerners are cunning and have too many tricks and tricks. As long as those firearms come into contact, blood and flesh will fly everywhere, and the consequences will be disastrous!"
Meng Ge was serious, reminding his domineering cousin.
A trip to the Song Dynasty opened his eyes. Song people could even build pendulums and steam engines, let alone firearms.
"Brother Meng, don't talk about me. Didn't you and Kuo go out to the Song Dynasty and make peace with the Emperor of Song? Why is the Song Army going to the Northern Expedition again? It seems that you and Kuo didn't do anything!"
Badar could bear Meng Ge's cynicism, so he glared and directly responded to his cousin.
Kuo Chu remained silent, but Meng Ge said without changing his expression:
"Didn't I say that the southerners are cunning and can't be trusted. Besides, Yelu Chucai and Li Bangrui are envoys and wise men. They were all deceived by Emperor Song, which shows that Emperor Song is treacherous. Otherwise, let them go south again. Discuss with the Song people?"
This Baitaer was able to do everything. If he hadn't been so smart, he probably wouldn't have died tragically.
Yelu Chucai glanced at Brother Meng and said nothing.
Except for Wokuotai, no one in the Mongolian clan seemed to really value him. If something unexpected happens to Wokuotai, his future in Mongolia will be in doubt. Any idea of governing the country and bringing peace to the country seems to be a castle in the air.
How easy is it to implement the good policies of the Song people in governing the country, such as education, economy, and people's livelihood, in Lianghe?
"What are you still talking about? It's useless. The Northern Expedition of the Song Army is about to begin. Is there any use in negotiating peace? Let's quickly prepare for war."
Subotai finally spoke. As soon as he finished speaking, he started coughing violently, his face turned red, and it took him a long time to stop.
Looking at his gray hair, haggard face, and one eye that is already blind, it seems that he can no longer regain the bravery he had during the Western Expedition to the Jin Dynasty.
"Khan, what General Subotai said is right! The Song Army's wild ambitions and the Northern Expedition are all written in the newspapers. Hurry up and prepare for war!"
Liu Heima, a member of the Han army with ten thousand households, also held the same view.
Ogedai glanced at Subotai, frowned slightly, and said nothing.
The once most powerful general in Mongolia, he went south to attack the Song Dynasty twice, but he turned out to be like this now. He should be useless.
But apart from Subotai, the fierce general left to him by his father Temujin, who else can shoulder the burden of fighting against foreign enemies, Han Chijin, Kou Wenbuhua, or Temutai and Tachaer?
"Mr. Yelu, please tell us about the Song Dynasty's Northern Expedition and see if the Song Dynasty really wants to use troops against our two rivers?"
Wokuotai looked at Yelu Chucai with a gentle and amiable expression.
"Yes, Khan."
Yelu Chucai picked up the newspaper and spoke to everyone.
"Everyone, let's take a look at this slogan. It says, "Drive out the barbarians and restore China." "The people of our Central Plains have been left without a master for a long time." "Fang wants to send troops to the north to drive away the barbarians, save the people from ruin, and restore the dignity of Han officials." and "Those who return to me will live in peace in China forever, and those who carry me will flee beyond the Great Wall." etc., all of which indicate that the Song people will us Mongolia and Jin were regarded as enemies of the Northern Expedition. Therefore, the Song people's Northern Expedition aimed at the two rivers."
Yelu Chucai's analysis made everyone in the hall, including Wo Kuotai, look ugly.
The Northern Expedition of the Song Army targeted the two rivers, and the Mongols were already unable to retreat.
Since the rise of Mongolia in Mobei, the Mongolian cavalry has conquered the west and invaded the south. Their troops have conquered the world and are unrivaled. Now, to be invaded and bullied by the Song army from the north, it is simply a shame and humiliation, which is unheard of.
"The Great Khan, the Northern Expedition of the Song Army, means Lianghe and the Sixteenth Prefecture of Yanyun. The Great Khan should make plans early to attack the Song Army's northward march!"
After Yelu Chucai finished speaking, he stepped aside.
As the Song army marches north, there may be little hope for next year's winter wheat harvest.
"Great Khan, instead of being trapped to death, it is better to send troops directly south, defeat Shaanxi and Xixia first, and then go straight to Sichuan, killing the southerners by surprise, and blood will flow like a river!"
He couldn't help but said angrily.
"In my opinion, the army went directly south from the two rivers and headed straight to the Jianghuai River. It was better to strike first and directly break through Lin'an City and capture the Emperor of Song Dynasty!"
The warrior Temutai followed and shouted.
The people of the Song Dynasty repeatedly looked for trouble with the Mongolian army, and it was really difficult to relieve their hatred without killing them wantonly.
"Forget it with your angry words, we still have to get back to the business of the Song Dynasty's Northern Expedition."
Wo Kuotai frowned, his face full of worry.
"Two years ago, our Mongolian army went south. Although we captured the city and captured the territory, the Western Route Army was almost wiped out. Our army's vitality was severely damaged, so we had to give up destroying the money and retreat north. Now it is getting cold, and the Song Army is expected to go north. , even if we want to go south, I’m afraid it’s too late.”
Wokuotai came slowly, and all the Mongolian generals in the hall became much quieter.
The Song army dared to carry out the Northern Expedition, and it was certainly not based on any pretense, but on the strength of its troops and horses, and it was probably well prepared.
If today's Mongolian army wants to go south to use troops, the Han army will definitely follow them in large numbers, and the food, grass and baggage must be well prepared. Unlike the Mongolian cavalry, all supplies rely on plundering and there are no logistical problems.
There are tens of thousands or even more than 100,000 Han troops, and the amount of food, grass and baggage is astronomical. It must be prepared, and it will take at least more than a month. By that time, the Song army might have already moved north.
"What the Great Khan said is absolutely true. I am afraid that before our Mongolian cavalry can move south, the Song army has already moved north. The Song army was transporting grain and grass along the coast of Shandong, hoarding baggage, and garrisoning tens of thousands of troops. The Song army was watching with eager eyes and making every move. The Great Khan should Additional troops were added to the two rivers to prevent the Song army from moving north.
Yelu Chucai was worried and said, stroking his chest.
"What Mr. Yelu said is absolutely true! The people of the Song Dynasty have strong soldiers and horses, and those who come are not good. There are 70 million people in the south, and there are at least hundreds of thousands of border troops. Once they go north, there will be fierce battles. Great Khan, you must make plans in advance. !”
Shi Tianze, a member of the Han army's ten thousand households, followed suit.
Ogedai frowned and said nothing. After a while, his eyes moved to the silent Subotai.
"Subotai, the Song army is moving north, how do you think we should respond?"
This former Mongolian fiercest general was able to dominate the world and kill people like crazy. It would be hard to recall his former bravery.
"Great Khan, when it comes to charging into battle, Subotai may still be able to serve the Great Khan. But when the Song army goes north, in addition to field battles, city defense is probably the most fundamental thing, and they still have to rely on Liu Heima, Xiao Zala and Shi Tianze. Even if they have to When we charge into battle, Kou Wen Bu Hua and Meng Ge are both younger and braver than me. The future of Mongolia depends on them!"
Subotai spoke softly, his tone was gentle, and there was no trace of fluctuation in his heart.
Wo Kuotai secretly shook his head. After Subotai finished speaking, he seemed to have said nothing.
"Subotai, you are our most powerful Mongolian general. You won't be scared to death in the battle between Hanzhong, right? Although the Song army's firearms are powerful, our Han army also has firearms, and our Mongolian cavalry are even more indestructible. Song Dynasty's army has powerful firearms. The army marches north, giving them a head-on blow. If you want to recover, just hide in the rear!"
Meng Ge was young and energetic, and was very dissatisfied with Subotai's retreat.
"Brother Meng, you are so courageous! When Subotai followed the Great Khan Temujin to conquer the world, you were still learning archery on the grassland. Please make amends to Subotai!"
Han Chijin said angrily, and Brother Meng was startled, his face turned livid, and he was stunned.
Han Chijin is the younger brother of Genghis Khan and the great uncle of Meng Ge. He is from the same generation as Subutai. Han Chijin spoke, his seniority was superior, Meng Ge was indignant and silent, and everyone was silent.
Who dares to intervene in the affairs of Ogedai Khan's family?
Wo Kuotai coughed slightly, breaking the awkwardness in the hall.
"Brother Meng, in the battle of Hanzhong, your Abu was killed. It was the Song army's deliberate plan and had nothing to do with Subutai. When the Song army went north, you should fight well and avenge your Abu."
After Ogodai finished speaking, his eyes turned to Subotai.
"Subotai, Brother Meng is still young. I feel sorry for Torre's death in battle. Don't take it to heart. Now that the enemy is facing us, we must become a rope to deal with the Song army moving north."
After Wokuotai's words, Subutai and Meng Ge both obeyed the order and stopped attacking each other.
