Chapter 696 - 8: The Song Army’s Northern Expedition, an Unprecedented Era of Chaos

The most critical point is—Wang Yingchen is not aiming to save Northern Han; he wants to stall the Song Army here.

Meanwhile, he himself is rapidly leading his troops to Liaodong.

This is a strategy to kill two birds with one stone.

It can stall the Song Army’s offensive while also enhancing his own strength.

And with the support of Liao, no matter how foolish the Northern Han royalty is, they naturally won’t give up control easily.

A countless number of troops are gathering toward Taiyuan.

Including various resources, and the Song Army’s five routes of forces are also arriving successively during this time.

.....

Taiyuan.

This city stands on the west bank of the Fen River, with treacherous terrain and surrounded by mountains and rivers. It is known as "Controlling and carrying mountains and rivers, occupying the shoulders and back of the world," "A place of four fortifications, a field of attack and defense."

It faces Fen River to the east, is bordered by the Lüliang and Xizhou Mountains to the west and north, and stands against the obstacles of Taihang and Que Shu Valley to the south.

Adding to this, Northern Han has spent years painstakingly strengthening the city’s defenses.

This makes Taiyuan almost impregnable.

This is the case in history as well; Zhao Kuangyin’s several northern expeditions were blocked in front of Taiyuan City.

Not only him—

In the original history, even the warriors of Great Yuan who defeated numerous countries and tribes were blocked in front of this city for several years.

Based on this alone, it can sufficiently show how impregnable Taiyuan’s defenses are.

Simply put, Taiyuan is like an insurance door for the entire Hedong region.

Its importance requires no further explanation.

The key is who controls the key to this door.

Unfortunately, at least for now, this key has yet to be in Great Song’s hands.

In the military camp.

Gu Jin, having just returned from inspecting the terrain, doesn’t have a moment’s rest, and immediately starts inspecting the camps.

Currently, the situation of the Song Army is not too favorable.

The continuous heavy rain has greatly hampered the Song Army’s offensive.

Along with the threat from the Liao.

The battle situation has suddenly changed in a short time. Although the Song Army has not fallen into a desperate situation, they have to drag this fight into a long battle.

"Remember, you must drink boiled water..."

"Anyone with fever or colds must report immediately; no one is allowed to hide it!"

In the tents, Gu Jin’s voice rings out repeatedly, piercing through the rain, clear and firm.

He has been working tirelessly in the rain for a long time, until all inspections and instructions are completed, before turning to walk towards the main camp.

Zhao Kuangyin looks up as Gu Jin steps into the tent, his raincoat still dripping, and his hair soaked through. Zhao frowns deeply: "Huaiyu, why must you labor so?"

"If you fall ill, it will be Great Song’s loss."

Sighing lightly, Zhao added more words.

Zhao Kuangyin has repeatedly persuaded him several times, but Gu Jin has persistently insisted on personally handling matters with the reason "to stabilize the troops, cannot slack."

"Your Majesty need not worry." Hearing this, Gu Jin just smiled faintly, his gaze falls on the pile of memorials on the imperial table, and softly asked, "Are the courtiers advising a retreat again?"

"Yes." Zhao Kuangyin snorted coldly, "Today even some generals in the army are in agreement."

As he spoke, his face suddenly turned cold.

Such is human nature, arrogant in victory, timid in adversity.

Many ministers believe, since Great Song has won several battles, although not yet achieving complete success, given the current difficulties, it’s better to retreat temporarily.

In reality, Zhao Kuangyin has been tempted.

Especially this year with abnormal weather, incessant rain, making marching difficult, adding several obstacles.

A temporary retreat seems like a good option.

However, Gu Jin unequivocally dispelled his thoughts, seriously telling him, "If we retreat this time, it would be difficult to destroy Northern Han in this lifetime."

In the original history, Zhao Kuangyin was indeed like this.

Three northern expeditions.

In each almost having an opportunity to step into Taiyuan, yet always just barely missing the final step.

And he indeed never stepped into Taiyuan in his lifetime.

But Gu Jin now is not worried about Zhao Kuangyin; he is mainly concerned about the soldiers getting used to such processes.

The critical land of Taiyuan can only be breached through bloodshed.

If they retreat now.

How would they handle a critical land in the future?

Moreover, Liao wouldn’t stop advancing.

Gu Jin has long concluded that after this battle, Northern Han will certainly become the puppet of Liao. If they really let Liao continue developing like this, it will be even more difficult for Great Song to launch a northern expedition in the future.

No matter what, this opportunity cannot be missed!....

.....

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