When daylight came, the area around the imperial camp was already covered in blood, with corpses strewn across the field, filled with blood and mixed with the smell of burning. Due to the fire, the surrounding area turned white, the grass and trees turned into ashes, and many Khitan soldiers were burned alive. Looking up, the ground is covered with devastation, and the horror is staggering.
After a night of fierce fighting, the number of rebels led by Yeluchago was less than 3,000, with many casualties. They still firmly guarded the imperial camp, fighting as a trapped beast. The rest of the rebels and rebels died, dispersed, or surrendered.
Yelvwuzhi and the counter-rebellion army gathered by Yelujing, King of Shouan, also suffered a lot of damage. Because of the melee in the dark night, it was difficult to form combat effectiveness. What's more, they died in the hands of their own people... ..
The reason why the rebels were able to hold on for so long was that in the middle of the night, Yelu House calmed down and proactively relaxed their attack, focusing on the siege. They are all the troops and warriors of Daliao. They should not suffer more casualties just for the ambition of a few people.
Many of the "drunken generals" of the Khitan people died in the rebellion in a daze; some were half-awake and kept their secrets; some simply joined the rebellion to vent their anger; some only became confused at this time. Reacted vaguely.
However, after learning about the mutiny in the camp, clarifying the situation and situation, and getting in touch with Yelujing and Yeluwuzhi, Duo led his army to besiege the rebels and rescue them.
The overall situation has been decided. Looking at the tragic situation around them, the damage suffered by the army can be seen with the naked eye. His eyes were red and filled with hatred, and Yelu Wuzhi almost gritted his teeth.
Shengsheng suppressed the strong anger in his chest and led the people to run around the imperial camp again. The disgusting smell lingered in their noses. As far as the eye could see, it was a scene like Shura purgatory. I have experienced many wars, and I have seen scenes more cruel than this, but seeing only my own people everywhere I saw made me feel even more resentful.
The sky was getting brighter and the light was getting better. Yelu Wuzhi knew that it was time to end this incident completely. The reins were tightened in his hand, and the strong horse neighed and galloped away.
Yelu Wuzhi found Yelu Jing, the young King Shou'an, who was wearing silver armor and a yellow robe tied to his shoulders. Yelu Wuzhi vaguely saw the appearance of Emperor Taizong Yelu Deguang when he was young.
Yelu Jing also looked tired and was discussing something with a group of Khitan generals. When he saw the hostage of Yelu Jing, he immediately said hello: "Zhang Wen is here!"
"Your Majesty, it's time to end the rebellion once and for all!"
Looking at the hostage in Yelu's house, Yelujing said: "If we follow the king's wishes and attack directly, we can annihilate the rebels in Chago in one fell swoop. Xiang Wen refuses to give in, and the rebels hold firm, what should we do?"
"I am worried!" Looking at the imperial camp, Yelu Wuzhi said in a low tone: "Chaga and others are in desperate situation, but they are still resisting so resolutely. They did not hold His Majesty and the Queen hostage, and threatened the ministers and others. It is very unusual. I'm just afraid..."
"What are you afraid of?" Yelujing asked.
"I hope not!" Yelu Wuzhi shook his head, took a deep breath, thought about it, and said, "Send more soldiers to go around the camp and persuade them to surrender!"
Soon there were hundreds of leather cavalry, surrounding the camp and shouting, which was aimed at the ordinary generals and soldiers of the rebel army. They said that Yelu Chagong and others had nothing to do with the rebellion. They were to suppress the rebellion and suppress the thieves, and only punish the principal culprits. All soldiers can avoid death as long as they lay down their weapons and surrender.
Such a strategy of attacking the heart is very effective, not to mention that it is a barbarian. Soon some people threw away their weapons and threw them outside the camp. Some people took the lead, and soon they became a rout. Yelucha ordered people to shoot and kill them. Can't live.
He probably knew he was going to die, but even though his minions were gone, he still didn't give up. There were dozens of dead soldiers left, who were hacked to death by the sudden attack of the Pishi army.
When they broke into the imperial tent, they found that Yelu Chagong and several rebel generals were all dead. They seemed to have killed each other. Most of the imperial chamberlains and female family members were tortured and killed, and the horror was shocking. And Yelu Chacao was sitting on the emperor's golden throne. The knife marks on his neck were so shocking that he could not rest in peace.
"Ambition of a wolf!" He cursed angrily, and Yelu Wuzhi led his people to quickly find the emperor and queen.
Then, fearing what might happen, they discovered in the inner tent that the Khitan emperor and two queens had been hacked to death by the rebels...
The news could not be concealed, and the voice of mourning gradually spread among the dilapidated company camp. No matter what, he is still the emperor, and the morale of the people and the army has been severely damaged.
Within five years, they had lost two emperors, both during the Southern Expedition, and this time, it was even more of a failure.
It took a whole day to reorganize the troops of the Southern Expedition, clean up the corpses, and reset the camp. And the losses caused by this chaos gradually surfaced after statistics.
More than 13,000 corpses were found, and more than 10,000 people were lightly or seriously injured. Not counting those who fled and disappeared. Counting the soldiers who returned one after another after the chaos was settled, there were only just over 70,000 soldiers left in the Southern Expedition.
As the main force of the Khitan, the Pishi Army and the elite troops in Shangjing also suffered heavy losses, damaging their vitality. If the Khitan army had not camped in a relatively scattered manner and was not too concentrated, and if Yelu Wuzhi and others had taken decisive measures, the losses would have been even greater.
Before entering the pass, 30% of the troops had been lost, and the emperor and queen had been killed. This southern expedition was indeed unknown.
Inside the royal tent, a simple memorial hall had been built, Yelu Ruan's memorial tablet was erected, and his body was placed in the coffin.
The remaining Khitan nobles, generals, and ministers gathered together, and the sound of sobbing filled the tent, although it sounded somewhat perfunctory.
Different from others, Yelu Wuzhi's sadness comes from his heart. Regarding those traitors who committed regicide and committed regicide, Yelu Wuzhi's mood at the moment could almost be described as "eating flesh and sleeping on skin."
In Yelu Wuzhi's view, although Yelu Ruan was not as good as Taizu Taizong, he was still qualified as a Khitan emperor. At the beginning, it was approved by the Empress Dowager Shulu and other clans and nobles, and it was in line with the law.
Although in terms of governance, some are too idealistic and take radical actions, they are the manifestations of a determined leader. Even if there are internal conflicts, they can be adjusted and compromised.
However, Yelucha cut these people out for their own power and self-interest, and rebelled brazenly, regardless of the overall situation of the country. They suffered so many casualties among their officers and men. How long would it take for them to re-train so many strong men, but they were wasted here.
Yelu Chacao and others are truly national traitors!
In addition to being angry, Yelu Ruan also had a feeling of anger towards Yelu Ruan. He has long been aware of Cha Ji's dissatisfaction and has reminded him many times. Even if he doesn't take precautions, instead delegates power and puts it in his heart, there is nothing he can do.
At the same time, I felt extremely guilty in my heart. I was still negligent. If I had known that there was something wrong with the inspection, why didn't I strengthen my defenses and lead to this rebellion...
Not to mention the mixed feelings in Yelu Wuzhi's heart, the mood of concern among the nobles and generals in the royal tent did not last long.
"Now, His Majesty the Emperor has been killed by the rebels. He has lost a lot of troops. The morale of the army is turbulent, and the country will also be unstable. How should we deal with it?" A minister spoke.
"We can give up on the Southern Expedition. In this case, attacking the Han people again is the same as committing suicide. In my opinion, Daliao cannot live without an emperor. First, choose someone to inherit the throne and stabilize the country. The most important thing!" Another noble stood up and answered: "The news of this rebellion will not be hidden for long, and it has already spread to the surrounding areas. If it is delayed for too long, there will be chaos in the country!"
The words of the two people resonated, but similarly, many people had a hint of eagerness in their eyes.
During the Vulcan Lake Rebellion, so many ministers and generals died, leaving many positions vacant. If you can support an emperor, you will have power, status, and wealth. Even among the Khitans, there is no business with greater benefits than seeking the country.
Listening to the surrounding discussions, Yelu Wuzhi came to his senses and regained his calmness and composure. He was very clear about the little thoughts of the nobles in the tent, but he also agreed with their opinions.
He raised his head and looked subconsciously at King Yelujing of Shou'an, only to see the child kneeling over there, looking drowsy and ignoring the noise in the tent.
Yelu Wuzhi was surprised at this. He rolled his eyes and after thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but secretly sighed. He was worthy of being the son of Taizong. He was so calm and composed in such a big change and situation.
Many people looked at Yelv House. Judging from the performance of quelling the chaos, many people were already convinced.
Taking a deep breath, under the eyes of everyone, Yelu Wuzhi stood up, went to Yelujing, knelt down and said: "King Shou'an, the late emperor led his army to march south. However, such a big change happened, which is a misfortune for the country. Now the army is outside. When troops approach the border, people's hearts are in despair. For the sake of the country, it is necessary to establish a new leader to stabilize the overall situation. Among the large armies, only King Shou'an can take on the important task in terms of identity, status, and talent!"
"What do you think?" Yelu Wuzhi turned around and asked, and everyone agreed.
At this time, Yelujing seemed to wake up from a daze, lowered his head and responded: "Yes."
Seeing this, Yelu Wuzhi and others immediately paid homage to the new emperor and shouted long live.
Seeing this scene, Yelujing's eyes were still a little blurry, and he was stunned. A small smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and it disappeared in a flash.
With the emperor, the Khitan army regained its backbone. With the help of Yelu Wuzhi and others, the new emperor Yelv Jing accepted the worship of the army. Then discuss the account and plan for the future.
The Southern Expedition was decisively abandoned, and the smooth transfer of power was the top priority. The previous emperor collapsed due to rebellion and the new ruler ascended the throne. His priority should be to stabilize the domestic situation and appease people's hearts.
At Yelu Wuzhi's suggestion, Emperor Yelu Jing of Liao sent an envoy to inform him of the emperor's death and the new emperor's succession.
He also reorganized the army, assigned generals, and sent trusted generals to lead the troops back to Shangjing, Zhongjing and various key passes in the country. While notifying the news, he also controlled the repression situation.
At the same time, an order was sent to Yelu'an Tuan of Tanzhou to shrink his troops and switch from offense to defense. Later, after paying homage to Yelu Ruan and his two queens at Huoshen Lake, Yelu Jing enshrined his coffin and headed eastward to Tanzhou.
On the eastern front, there are still tens of thousands of Khitan elites who need to be made aware of the majesty of the new emperor, subdued, and reorganized before they can lead the army back to Beijing. Otherwise, for Yelujing, if he cannot obtain the allegiance of Yelu Antuan or control him, the armies in the south may become a hidden danger.
In fact, with a large army at hand, a good identity, and the ability to suppress the rebellion and clean up the aftermath, Yelujing's succession will not arouse much opposition. More importantly, shelving the southern expedition directly received the support of many nobles and people.
Yelu Wuzhi also made a suggestion to Yelu Jing, which was to send envoys south to contact the Han emperor to discuss the two countries' military relations and the restoration of diplomatic relations.
There was a big situation on their side, but Liu Hanchao was still mobilizing on a large scale to prepare for a war. Under such circumstances, as far as the Khitan is concerned, there is no way to start a war.
