Chapter 9 　　

Did the Khitan people cross the Yin Mountain?Zhang Yi felt his throat was dry, took a sip of tea from the gaiwan, and asked again: "Brother Wang, do you know who is leading the army?" Wang Shiyi smiled awkwardly and said: I've never heard of this.In fact, he was so excited after hearing the news that he forgot to inquire about this crucial matter.After all, he is also the commander of the deputy capital of the Xiaocai Army, so of course he is embarrassed to say such a shameful thing. This is the plan of the Liao Lord to kill two birds with one stone.Zhang Wei thought for a while, then said suddenly.

how do I say this?Wang Shiyi has always admired Zhang Yi very much, so he leaned forward and asked. Zhang Yi smiled, and ordered his soldiers to clear the table, then put a teacup on the northwest corner of the table, and said: This is Yinshan Mountain.And put a chopstick in the southwest of the teacup, this is Hetao and the Yellow River.Then put on two teacup lids on the farther west and south sides, and said: This is Xingqing Mansion and Xiazhou. While arranging them, he introduced them, and a crude picture of the Xixia situation was displayed in front of Wang Shiyi. Please look, Brother Wang, the Khitan came out of the Yin Mountains and faced our Pingxia army across the Yellow River and the desert.With the strength of our army, it is absolutely impossible to cross the desert and cross the Yellow River to the north to fight the Khitan.However, once the Khitan occupies the river loop with rich water and grass, we can go to the desert to contain our army in the south, and reach Xingqing Mansion by the straight road in the west.It is not to be underestimated that the monarchs and ministers of the Liao Kingdom were able to make such a strategy.This move is one of throwing stones to ask the way, trying to respond to the court; the other is to contain our army, so that our army and the Xia people can't figure out the truth.As Zhang Yi said, he frowned and looked at the topographic map on the table, thinking.

Since Wang Shiyi made a fool of herself last time, she has been secretly making up for Xixia’s customs and customs. This time, she understood what Zhang Wei said. Zhang Wei’s so-called straight road refers to the road from Xingqing Mansion to Linhuang Mansion of Liao Kingdom. A post road.After crossing the Yellow River from Xingqing Mansion, this post road goes all the way to the northeast, passes through twelve post stations, and arrives at Linhuang Mansion in a nearly perfect straight line.Although it has to pass through the desert south of Hetao, this is not an obstacle at all for the Liao army who often fights in the desert.If the Liao army really occupies the Hetao Plain, then along this post road, Xixia can be said to be completely controlled by others.If the Liao Kingdom formed an alliance with it, they would have the strength to fight against the Song army. If the Liao Kingdom turned their backs, then the Xixia people would not even have time to run.

It is not profitable to get up early.Being able to occupy Hetao, and even turning Xixia into a puppet, no wonder the Lord of Liao sent troops even though he offended the court.Zhang Yi said in a low voice, as if he was talking to Wang Shiyi, and also as if he was muttering to himself, but the timing was still a bit late Among the roads leading to Xingqing Prefecture, from Suizhou and Xiazhou to Yanzhou and Jingzhou, and crossing the Yellow River to Xingqing, this old post road is the flattest and most suitable route for caravans.In the old days, caravan exchanges, tributes, annual gifts, and even envoys from various countries in the Western Regions came to the Central Plains via false routes, and most of them took this route.Arriving in Pingxia, the biggest advantage of our army is that we have mastered this post road!In the commander's mansion, Sima Mengqiu was also analyzing the situation to Shi Yue. When he said this, he glanced at Zhong Gu, who nodded slightly to express his agreement. Sima Mengqiu continued to say: Lord Liao sent troops at this time, The timing wasn't bad, but it was still a little bit worse after all.If Liang Yongneng hadn't been defeated, our army would be greatly restrained, and the Eastern Front would have nothing to do.However, since Pingxia has arrived, our army can advance or retreat, attack or defend based on Pingxia, and the situation is not passive.

Both Shi Yue and Zhong Gu nodded in agreement.However, in Shi Yue's view, the timing of the Liao Lord's dispatch of troops was just a matter of opinion.If he sent troops too early, how could he be willing to hand over Hetao before Xixia was in a desperate situation?And once the Song Dynasty is forced too much, if the Song Dynasty becomes angry from embarrassment and goes to war with the Liao Kingdom, it may not be impossible for Yang Zunxu to turn around.Neither the Song Dynasty nor the Liao Kingdom were mentally prepared for the risk of such a war.This is nothing more than a matter of different understandings of the minimum tolerance of each party.The Lord of Liao sent troops at this time. In Shi Yue's view, the biggest intention was to occupy the plump and fertile Hetao area. On the one hand, it could provide a barrier for Datong Mansion and gain geographical advantages; You can go to the bitter cold place outside the Great Wall thousands of miles away.As for the other possibilities, for the Liao Kingdom, it is just another benefit. If the Song Dynasty is willing to hand over the Hetao area, Shi Yue has more than 70% confidence that the Liao Lord will readily sell Xixia completely.

However, don't say that the Song court is Shiyue, so how can it be willing to give up the Hetao area? The Song Dynasty achieved these victories by exhausting its national power and fighting with the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers with countless money and food.And the Liao Kingdom occupied the Hetao Plain with rich water and grass without any effort? ! Mastering the Hetao Plain can largely offset the geographical advantages of the Xijing Road in the Liao Kingdom, and greatly improve the strategic disadvantage of the Song Dynasty due to the loss of the sixteen prefectures of Jiyan. This is a simple fact that can be understood just by looking at the map.Moreover, the Hetao Plain is also an excellent horse farm that the Song Dynasty dreamed of!

However, after the Khitan soldiers left the Yin Mountain, the situation immediately became delicate.If I make Xixia too anxious, I have to worry that Xixia will go to Khitan at all costs; if I let him go and let him breathe, there will be endless troubles.No matter who is in power in Xixia, it will be difficult to sit back and watch Pingxia be occupied in the end.Although Khitan has experienced civil strife, the monarch and ministers are of the same mind, famous generals emerge in large numbers, and soldiers have fought hundreds of times. If the Great Song Dynasty had a decisive battle with it, the outcome would be unpredictable, but the war would inevitably spread to Hebei and the capital. The price the country would have to pay was hard to estimate. It may not be possible to make up your mind and be of one heart and one mind.Therefore, although Khitan may not dare to provoke me, I must not anger Khitan too much.Although Khitan sent troops to Xixia, it implied provocation, but after all, they left a lot of room.And when I negotiate with Khitan, I don't need to show weakness, nor should I be reckless.Sima Meng applied for a job to be in charge of the Fangguan, and his understanding of the Liao Kingdom was far higher than that of Shi Yue and Zhong Gu. His opinions were respected even by the shufu and even the emperor.

The pure father is right.Shi Yue also took Sima Mengqiu's words seriously.Although the trade volume between Song and Liao has reached an unprecedented height, and Liao's economic dependence on the Song Dynasty has also increased, but Shi Yue is also soberly aware that in the 13th year of Xining, neither the Song Dynasty nor the Liao Kingdom is an industrial society .With such a huge economy like the Liao Kingdom, it is absolutely impossible for the Song Dynasty to fall into a situation of being slaughtered because of the severance of trade. As long as the Liao Kingdom produces its own grain, iron, and horses, any economic dependence on them will be limited. .Economic dependence in this situation can bring moderate benefits for the Song Dynasty, but if it is too much and the Liao Kingdom is forced to go nowhere, it will be a huge disaster and a full-scale war for the Song Dynasty. At that time, the Khitan The most direct and simplest choice for the ruler is to transfer the dissatisfaction of the people to the Song Dynasty. At the very least, the entire Hebei, Shanxi, and even the vicinity of Bianjing, the essence of the Song Dynasty, will be reduced to battlefields.The Khitan may eventually be defeated or even wiped out, but the price the Song Dynasty will have to pay will be extremely expensive.But at least for now, Da Song is not ready for this.

However, Shi Yue insisted on one point: the Hetao Plain must not be surrendered to Khitan.The north of Wolf Mountain, and even Heishui City, can be surrendered to the Liao State if the Song army is beyond its reach.But the Yellow River has all kinds of harm, but only one set of benefits. The Hetao Plain is what Shi Yue is determined to win. The rest of the matter can be improvised and not urgent.Shi Yue's eyes moved to Zhong Gu's face, and he made up his mind in an instant. What I want now is to find a general and lead the troops to Hetao. Go to Hetao?Both Sima Mengqiu and Zhong Gu were taken aback.Shi Yue just agreed with Sima Mengqiu's point of view, and seemed to reach a certain compromise with the Liao Kingdom, but at this time he wanted to send troops to Hetao.

Only then did Chunfu say that there was only a report of the Liao army crossing Yinshan Mountain, not that the Liao army had reached Hetao.But so? Indeed.However, since the Liao army crossed Yinshan Mountain, it was impossible not to reach Hetao.Sima Mengqiu answered. Don't bother with that.There are many tribes in Hetao, and they are loyal to Xixia at this time. Even if the Liao army arrives in Hetao, it is impossible to pacify the whole Hetao so quickly.It is Xixia, although it is not strong enough, it is impossible to ignore it in the end.Shi Yue said slowly, seeing that Zhong Gu and Sima Mengqiu both nodded as if they had realized something, and continued: "Now we need a suitable candidate, and we need to send troops to Hetao quickly. As long as we have a foothold, we will fight with Liao Lord in the future." There is room for negotiation.Otherwise, once the Liao army has all the Hetao, what can I exchange for it?And if there is an army to gain a foothold in Hetao, it can also contain the Liao army and protect Pingxia.

Great strategy!I couldn't help but clap my hands in admiration. Sending troops to rush to the Hetao?Wang Shiyi stared at Zhang Chou dumbfounded, to fight head-to-head with the Khitan people?His eyes became excited, but he immediately remembered something, and then dimmed, but he went deep alone, following the same path as the holy army. Brother Wang thought that the Liao army would dare to fight?Zhang Yi smiled and said, even if our army goes deep alone and the whole army is wiped out, isn't the Lord of Liao afraid that we will enter his Xijing Road and Nanjing Road?It will only be a small battle if you want to fight, unless the Lord of Liao sends someone who doesn't know the general as a general.But since Lord Liao had figured out such a strategy, why would he send someone casually? Still risky.Wang Shiyi kept shaking his head.In his view, a small Hetao Plain, where the three forces of Song, Liao and Xia were inserted at the same time, would be inconceivable if there were no major battles.Supplies are a big problem. supply?Zhang Wei couldn't help laughing, and if he wanted to go to Hetao, he still had to rely on the rear to transport supplies, so he might as well not go.If I were Shi Shuai, I would transport supplies at most once to ensure that he would not starve to death or freeze to death in winter.The rest can only be figured out by yourself.Before destroying Xixia, how could there be a lot of time to pay attention to the chess here? The most difficult thing is to choose generals.Shi Yue pondered for a long time, but still sighed.If you don't want to be a man, you can't be an anti-dog if you paint a tiger. Don't go as an official.After thinking about it for a long time, I couldn't think of a suitable candidate.The troops sent to Hetao must be from the Eastern Front.Therefore, in order to ensure the familiarity between the generals and the army, the generals selected must also be from the Eastern Front.Counting the generals under his command, Zhe Kexing is in the limelight. At this time, it is inevitable that he will have no idea. After all, it is a drudgery for which there is no merit. The scenery is infinite?What's more, the number of light soldiers going to Hetao must not be large, at most three or four thousand troops, and it is not appropriate to use Zheke.Although Wu Anguo was a man of talent, Zhong Gu was worried that he would not be able to bear it all alone and would fight the Liao army, which would ruin the event.With Wu Anguo's character, who can control the army thousands of miles away?Murong Qian could do it, but who can guarantee that his subordinates will not have any problems when they arrive in Hetao?Moreover, he and Shi Yue are relatives after all, so it is inconvenient to send such a thankless job.As for the rest of the generals, it is even more insignificant.After much deliberation, only he himself can be safe. But as soon as he spoke, Shi Yue vetoed it, no way.Pingxia can't be separated from the handsome guy even for a moment. At this time, Zhongshuai must sit in Pingxia, and Pingxia will recover.What does Shi Shuai think he is afraid of?Sima Mengqiu was not very sure. Sure enough, as soon as the other party nominated, Shi Yue and Zhong Gu objected in unison, which was inappropriate.Neither of them further explained the reason, but Sima Mengqiu certainly knew where the crux was.Although it is a remote place and the situation is difficult, it is easier to establish prestige among the subordinates because of this.In addition, the sky is high and the emperor is far away, holding military power and controlling one side, it is easier to form a separate regime.How to be afraid that such an ambitious person will be placed in the Hetao Plain, among various forces, just like a tiger entering the mountains and a dragon swimming in the sea, it is bound to be unstoppable.Although Shi Yue cherishes He Wei's talent, he is always on guard against this person in his heart.He can be allowed to lead the army during war, but when peace comes, Shi Yue immediately cuts his military power.It's just that Shi Yue did it more covertly and skillfully.Sima Mengqiu was well aware of this meaning, he originally only wanted to take an expedient measure, but seeing that Shi Yue and Zhong Gu were so resolutely opposed, he didn't say any more. In the chamber, there was a brief silence. Shi Yue pondered for a long time, and in his mind he checked the list of generals on the Eastern Front over and over again. He suddenly remembered that Zhe Keshi had met him before. Zhe Keshi's talent had not yet been fully revealed at this time, and his reputation and status were not as good as Wu Anguo, Murong Qian and others, but This man is, after all, a famous general in history.Moreover, Shi Yue saw him as a person who was bold and knowledgeable, brave but not reckless, so he might not be a good candidate. He tentatively asked Zhong Gu: How does Zhong Shuai think Zhe Ke is suitable for this person? Xiao Yinjun smiled and said: "It's suitable for folding, but for planting."However, there is still little tempering, and if he takes on a big responsibility for a while, he may be harmed by the rebels. Shi Yue silently nodded.It is not unreasonable to say this. It is not necessarily an opportunity for a very talented person to be placed in a very high position before he has experienced tempering. In the end, he was at a loss, and in the end he ruined this person.Fortunately, Wu Anguo encountered a kind of knowledge, which made him take on more important responsibilities, honed step by step, and finally achieved the prestige and achievements he has today.But in comparison, Zhe Kexing gave Zhe Keshi less opportunities to exercise.Thinking of this, he couldn't help feeling a little depressed.However, the speed of soldiers is very important, and the sooner the troops sent to Hetao, the better, but he should not be delayed. But I heard Xiao Yinjun laughed again: If you can choose a man with a high reputation and status as the general, and use Zhe Keshi as the deputy, it will be a convenient strategy.Zhe Keshi is open-minded and can put the overall situation first. With him as the lieutenant general, he does not have to be limited to Yansui Pingxia. Shi Yue felt suddenly enlightened, and said with a smile: So I have someone! Who does Shi Shuai prefer?Kind of asked with a smile.Sima Mengqiu also secretly guessed Shi Yue's candidate in his heart. But Shi Yue wrote a word with his fingers. chapter?Xiao Yinjun laughed loudly and said: Zhang Jijiu? Shi Yue nodded with a smile, and said: Zhang Zhifu and Zhe Keshi go to Hetao together, depending on who the Lord of Liao sends, we will not have to worry about going north. He was relieved to have solved a big problem.He also asked Sima Meng: Chunfu, what is the situation in Shaanxi Fang?Zhang Zhifu's management of Hetao is bound to win over the local tribes. If he has the help of Zhifangguan, he will get twice the result with half the effort. Sima Mengqiu gave a wry smile and said: Students should do their best.After the war began, Xixia's internal control became more stringent. After all, spies are still human beings, and their actions are always limited due to limited conditions.But Shi Yue's words already contained an order of blame, so he could only bite the bullet and agree. Shi Yue just nodded and said no more.He had already made up his plan, so he didn't delay any more, he turned his head to Lord Xiaoyin and said, "Shooting troops into Hetao, the speed of your troops is very important."I immediately issued an order, ordering Zhang Zhifu to go to Yanzhou as soon as possible, to rendezvous and send troops as soon as possible, and report to the Privy Council before it is too late. After listening to Zhong Gu, he got up and said: "Xiaguan and Zhang Zhifu rushed to Yanzhou overnight to supervise their dispatch of troops." It's just hard work.Of course, Shi Yue couldn't wish for it, but because of Xiao Yinjun's status, it was inconvenient for him to open his mouth to drive people away. Since Xiao Yinjun offered to ask, he was not polite, and immediately agreed. Zhang Yi had just resigned from Wang Shiyi outside the restaurant. Seeing that it was dusk, he was hesitating whether to continue to see Shi Yue, but when he turned around, he saw a big man from Kansai standing in plain clothes with a machete on his waist. On the other side of the road, he was looking at himself with a smile.He was followed by a dozen or so servants, all with bows and knives, although they were all unremarkable in appearance, they made people feel a chilling aura, they were all killed out of thousands of troops.Zhang Yi looked intently, was taken aback, and blurted out: "Xiao Yinjun? Zhong Gu smiled and cupped his fists and said, "It's just me, Zhang Jijiu, it's been a long time!" Zhang Yi hurriedly clasped his fists in return: I've looked up to you for a long time.Looking at Zhong Gu's left hand, he saw that he was missing a finger.He was wondering how Zhong Gu came to Gyeongju, but he saw Zhong Gu handing him a piece of rice paper with a smile. He quickly took it, opened it and glanced at it. A gleam of joy flashed across his brows. ? Zhong Gu nodded slightly, and said: You can go and pack up your things for Jijiu, Shi Shuai Jun ordered, and I will rush to Yanzhou overnight with Zaixia tonight. Zhang Wei laughed and said: "Won't it be a waste of time to wait until dark?"Why not go now? Xiao Yinjun showed approval on his face, but he didn't say much, he just winked at his subordinates.Someone took a horse and handed it to Zhang Wei. At dusk that day, before the gate of Gyeongju City was about to close, dozens of civilian knights galloped out and headed northwest.Staggering past them was a cavalry team from the direction of Huanzhou.The soldiers and civilians in Qingzhou have long been accustomed to this, and no one realizes the significance of these two teams to the future of the three kingdoms of Song, Liao and Xia. Prince of Liyang County?Shi Yue, who was reading the official document sent by Fan Chunren, suddenly looked up, looked at Feng Ji who came to report, and said: Where is she? The Xiaguan had sent the envoy Xia to the post house first, and the governor of Liyang County asked to see Shi Shuai. The Xiaguan made his own claim and arranged for her to come to Shuai's mansion, so he waited outside the mansion.Feng Ji was very excited. The Xia envoy asked to see Shi Yue as soon as possible when he arrived in Weizhou, and the governor of Liyang County had a letter from Shi Yue, so Weizhou officials did not dare to neglect, and arranged for a car and horse guard to escort them to Qingzhou.Feng Ji had already inquired clearly from the escorting military officer that along the way, the envoy Xia specially gave them gold and silver in order to invite them to travel day and night, which was unprecedented.All these signs indicated that great changes had taken place within the Xia Kingdom.And the Liyang County Lord from Xingqing Mansion is very important for Da Song to grasp the inside information of Xixia.Therefore, when the Lord of Liyang County asked to meet Shi Yue immediately, Feng Ji did not ask for instructions, so he agreed without hesitation. Shi Yue nodded, his expression looked calm, but Feng Ji keenly felt that Shi Yue also showed a hint of joy.Sure enough, Shi Yue closed the file, stood up and said to Feng Ji: Please hurry up, I will be downgraded to welcome you. Even Feng Ji was surprised now.Since he followed Shi Yue, few people can get this kind of treatment.And Liyang County Lord is just a singing girl Shi Yue who walked to the door seemed to see Fengji's thoughts, and suddenly asked: Do you know why the commander-in-chief is downgraded to welcome you?Without waiting for Fengji's answer, Shi Yue said again: "I want to use this to let the people in the world know that no matter how lowly one's background is, if one lives up to the country, the country will also live up to it."Those who disregard life and honor for the sake of the country should be respected. What Shi Shuai saw was beyond the reach of lower officials.Fengji said sincerely. After the Liyang County Lord was invited into the commander-in-chief's mansion, he felt as if he had passed away.Although it was night, the Shuai Mansion was brightly lit, with red lanterns everywhere, every plant, every tree, every brick and every tile was clearly visible to the eyes.This is also where she used to be familiar with.In fact, from the moment she returned to Gyeongju, a feeling of a wanderer returning to her hometown floated in her heart from time to time. County Lord please!The gatekeepers of Shuai's mansion guided her the way curiously and respectfully. In front of the steps in the middle hall of the Shuai Mansion, a middle-aged man in a white robe, a jade belt, and a purple cloak was looking at her with a smile, waiting for her arrival.His smile is as friendly as it was a few years ago, like a gentle brother and a long-lost friend.Just like a few years ago, his smile is free from falsehood, without any condescending affectation or cover-up.For a man of his status and status, there was only one person in the entire Song Dynasty who could have such a smile on a lowly singing girl. I have seen Shuai Shi!Jun Yingying of Liyang County bowed down. Miss Li is safe and sound.Shi Yue smiled kindly. A tear finally couldn't hold back from the corner of her eye. Even at the moment when she was caught by the Xixia army, she didn't know what unbearable insult and humiliation she would face, and when she was extremely helpless, she never wanted to cry.I don't know why he is so weak at this time?Never cry in front of anyone, this is the vow she Li Qingqing made many years ago.Li Qingqing hid his gaffe with laughter, and the bachelor is fine. please! Bachelor please! The reception at the Shuai Mansion is very simple, just a cup of tea.Shi Yue didn't ask any questions, but directly cut to the point.But Li Qingqing felt very comfortable.Because here, there is no red tape that she is not used to, but there is the best hospitality and respect. She briefly introduced to Shi Yue everything she encountered in Xixia, as well as the purpose of Queen Mother Liang summoning her and sending envoys. Do you want to make peace?Shi Yue pondered. Feng Ji said from the side: So, the information that was sent back and forth from the Staff Square Hall a while ago is true. Shi Yue nodded.A few days ago, a spy from the staff office sent back information that he had heard rumors in Xixia that Yuzang Huama had submitted a letter requesting Bingchang's restoration. Ms. Li thinks that the Empress Dowager Liang really wants to seek peace, or is it a trick?Has Xixia really reached the point of losing hope?Shi Yue asked Li Qingqing.He was deeply impressed by Xixia's strength and resilience in history. Regardless of whether he agreed with it or not, he first put a big question mark on the matter of Xixia's peace. When the slave family was captured, he once noticed the food and drink of Xia Bing, who was guarding the slave house.Li Qingqing did not answer Shi Yue's question directly. The slave family found that the food eaten by these Xia soldiers was very rough and the portion was not much.Compared with what was seen before the war, it was at least one-third less.Moreover, in Xingqing Mansion, the slave family occasionally saw some Xia soldiers without armor, working in Xingqing Mansion repairing the city walls, most of them were women and children. Shi Yue and Feng Ji looked at each other.Shi Yue was still calm and calm, but Feng Ji was already overjoyed, and they couldn't hold on anymore. Xingqing Mansion has at least three years of savings.Shi Yue poured a basin of cold water.Xixia’s last capital has been tirelessly discussed in the previous reports of the staff office.Based on Shi Yue's understanding of Queen Mother Liang, he believed that she would not use these supplies until the last moment. But Xixia must also face difficulties. Li Qingqing nodded and said: The slave family thought that Xixia's peace request was probably because they wanted to have time to harvest wheat leisurely.The slave's family came all the way east from Xingqing Mansion, and the people they saw working in the wheat fields were either old or young, and there was no one in their prime. handsome stone!Feng Ji looked at Shi Yue eagerly. Shi Yue smiled slightly and said: Tomorrow Prime Minister will find someone who is good at words to go with Miss Li to accompany Xia Envoy, delay him for a day first. the same night. vast sea.Near Yodok Old Town. After Hua Jiexiang led a thousand Xixia cavalry to wander in the vast sea for several days, she desperately wanted to find a place to rest.And Yodok Old City is their destination.Huajiexiang is the subordinate of the famous Xixia general Ye Tongma.After Ye Tongma was appointed as the magistrate of Lingzhou, he was entrusted with important tasks by the Queen Mother Liang, and also controlled the troops outside Lingzhou.The Empress Dowager Liang was very sober in many aspects. In addition to sending a few Liang's children to supervise the army, she actually transferred Liang Yibu back, allowing Liang Yibu and Wei Mingrong to control the army in and around Xingqing Mansion.At a critical juncture, the crucial defense of Lingzhou was entrusted to real soldiers.After Ye Tongma took office, he changed Ye Liduo's previous practice of leading an army of tens of thousands wandering in the barren sand, and only took out 10,000 cavalry, divided into ten divisions, and patrolled the entire vast sea area, thereby expanding the reconnaissance area by five or six times.As a result, Ye Tongma has more sufficient troops to rectify the defense of Lingzhou. At the same time, he can also send troops to monitor the Song Army of the Song Army hanging near Lingzhou and the Song Army of Zhongyi and Liu Changzuo stationed in the area near Mingsha City. .Ye Tongma originally wanted to wipe out the Song Army of the Second Xuanwu Army in one fell swoop, and take back Mingsha City from Liu Changzuo, so as to truly consolidate the defense of Lingzhou.But he soon discovered that the two Song armies were well-organized and well-trained, and should not be underestimated.Moreover, between the two armies, there is a hidden horn of each other.Attacking Liu Changzuo, Liu Changzuo can't be broken in a day, and the Xuanwu army will directly threaten Lingzhou City, and it is conceivable that once his main force leaves the city, the main force of the Song army in the middle will roll in.And if he attacked this battalion of the Xuanwu Army, with the equipment and combat quality of this Song Army infantry, it would not be possible to break through it in a day or two. At that time, Liu Changzuo's troops would definitely attack him.Therefore, after Ye Tongma couldn't find the Song Army's flaws, he had to hold back for the time being, and made a lasting strategy with the Song Army.Ye Tongma never believed that the guest army would be able to keep going like this for a long time.As long as Song Jun dared to act rashly, Ye Tongma believed that he could find its flaws and use them.Therefore, Ye Tongma personally led the army to rectify the city defense in Lingzhou, and was in a stalemate with the Song army.And send these ten cavalry deep into the vast sea to monitor the main force of the Song army.His order to these troops is: fight when there is a fight, and leave if you can't fight.Its purpose is mainly to scout the movement of the main force of the Song army and at the same time attack the supply troops of the Song army.However, it hasn't been long since Ye Tongma took over Lingzhou's defense. So far, the Xia army's real reach is only a little south of Yaode's old city.Further south, near Pule City, Xia Jun did not dare to go deep.Because in those areas, there are often large groups of Song troops. According to detailed reports from Weizhou who are still loyal to Xixia, several elite troops of the Song army are conducting exercises there to make the troops more adaptable to the local combat environment.Rumor has it that the frequent visitor there is the Xuanwu First Army, known as the No. 1 Army in the world.Whether it is Hua Jiexiang or the rest of the Xixia generals, they all deeply felt that the Song army they were facing had undergone a complete change, and it was no longer the previous Song army.Therefore, no one has ever dared to take the risk of going too far south. General, I heard that the Song Army has started appearing in Yaode City recently, should you be more careful?A general asked Hua Yuxiang. It would be good to send someone to take a look first.Huajiexiang is the way of generals, which means to believe in and be careful. His good habit really helped him again this time.The two soldiers who were sent to reconnaissance came back soon, but these two people looked at each other and looked at each other with their mouths wide open, unable to speak for a long time.Huajie was so fragrant that he whipped it over, and the two cried out at the same time in pain: Song Song Song Jun! waste!Hua Jiexiang cursed, and rode her horse towards a high ground.He wants to see for himself. But Hua Jiexiang was immediately stunned by what she saw! On the ruins of Yaode's old city, hundreds of camps were set up, and the lanterns hanging outside the camps looked very spectacular under the endless darkness.Soldiers kept walking around holding torches. There were not only archery towers in the camp, but also traces of excavation outside the fence, obviously a horse trap. Damn!Hua Jiexiang took a deep breath and began to carefully estimate the number of Song troops.He was immediately taken aback by his estimation: there are at least 30,000 Song troops stationed here! Is it finally time to start?This was the first thought that flashed through Hua Yuxiang's mind. But he immediately vetoed his judgment, because under the light of the torch, he saw the craftsmen of the Song Dynasty who were laying soil. Amitabha!Hua Jiexiang, who believes in Buddhism, shouted in her heart. Song Jun is building a city! Yes, the Song army is building the city! Even if Hua Jiexiang is not a figure in the Xixia army, he can understand one thing: when the city is built, it will be the time when the main force of the Song army will attack Lingzhou.With his toes, he also knew that the current Pule City must be a veritable Pule City.Soon, Yodok Castle will also be a veritable Yodok Castle.Under the protection of these two castles, the food roads of the Song army will be unimpeded, and their food and grass will be as safe as Mount Tai.And all Xixia's troops patrolling the vast sea, General Wei Mingrong's excellent strategy, will become a joke in front of these two cities. No wonder Song Jun has been holding back. In the case of occupying a clear advantage, he did not hesitate to pay a huge price to build these two castles. The commander-in-chief of the Song Army really didn't know whether he was too stupid or too smart. But Hua Jiexiang knew that no matter what the IQ of the commander-in-chief of the Song army was, they were in big trouble! He didn't know what Master Ye Tongma could do to prevent the Song Army from continuing to build Yaode City now that the Song Army had probably built Pule City act rashly.But no matter what, what Huajiexiang has to do now is to pass this information back to Lingzhou. He quickly turned his horse's head and rode downhill. Hua Jiexiang had just returned to her team when she heard dull sounds from the left and right.That was the sound from hundreds of war horses falling to the ground at the same time.Hua Jiexiang's complexion changed a bit. The area they were in was not too far from Yaode's Old City, but it happened to be blocked by a small slope. If these Song soldiers had horses, things would be troublesome! withdraw! Get out!Hua Jiexiang hastily issued an order. He didn't think his thousand people had any chance of winning against such a large Song army. Xia Jun hurriedly turned his horse's head amidst Huajiexiang's urging sound, and urged his horse to retreat to the north.The shadows of the two Song armies behind him were already faintly visible. What surprised Hua Jiexiang was that they had been chased within range, but the Song army behind them didn't shoot arrows, but just chased them dully.Thousands of cavalry, chasing in the desert of the night, trampled the shadows until they trembled.The pursuers behind were getting closer, and even worse things happened. Two Song troops joined the chase. They should have been dispatched a long time ago, but they took a shortcut and got in the way. The front of the incense! Why the hell isn't this an endless and flat wasteland!Hua Jiexiang cursed the damn terrain viciously, but Song Jun's familiarity with the terrain made him panic even more.They have been here for more than a day, and those previous troops are trash!But no matter how much he cursed, it would not help. At this point, he could only kill a bloody road. kill!With a roar, Hua Jiexiang took off her bow, put on a feathered arrow, and rushed towards the Song army in front. However, something that surprised him even more happened. The Song army in front quickly jumped off their horses, raised their shields, and formed a square formation. Infantry!Hua Jiexiang didn't have time to regret it. This Song army was the most well-trained army Hua Jiexiang had seen. Facing the charge of the cavalry, he calmly formed an array. When his troops were three hundred steps away from the Song army, the Song army Just formed a square.Xia Jun's archers were ruthlessly blocked by shields, while the salvo of Song Army's crossbowmen caused Hua Jiexiang and his subordinates to pay a heavy price.Many people fell off their horses one after another, and even Hua Jiexiang's left arm was shot by an arrow.The power of this kind of crossbow is astonishing, it pierced through Hua Jiexiang's armor and pierced into his muscles, causing Hua Jiexiang to almost roll off the horse in pain. At this time, Hua Jiexiang couldn't care less, endured the pain, turned the horse's head, and shouted loudly: Keep your distance!archery!Shoot these Song dogs! But his subordinates were far less skilled than the enemy on the opposite side.After two rounds of volleys, the Song army who was chasing after them also arrived, but these Song soldiers did not dismount immediately, but threw many black mounds with sparks on their bodies at Xia Jun. Thunderbolt!A word quickly flashed through Hua Jiexiang's mind, and the sound of bang, bang, bang, accompanied by sparks, screams, and flying flesh, rang out among Xia Jun.Many war horses were frightened immediately, and drove the cavalry to flee in a frenzy, completely out of control.Hua Jiexiang only saw her horse's front hooves raised high, and before she could react, she was thrown off the horse. kill! kill! The roar of the Song people pierced the night sky. Under the light of the thunderbolt bombs, the Song army, wearing black armor and holding a long knife, rushed towards the chaotic Xia army like a ferocious monster. With the support of several soldiers, Hua Jiexiang barely stood up, holding a knife in his hand, and a Song soldier raised a knife with both hands, and slashed at Hua Jiexiang. The white tiger pattern on the Song army's black breastplate was about to come out, as if he wanted to rush Come out and bite him.Hua Jiexiang dodged the knife sideways, and slashed at Song Jun's waist, but heard a thud, and was blocked by another Song Jun with a knife.After Hua Jiexiang was injured, she didn't dare to fight, she quickly removed the knife and jumped to the side, before she could stand still, she heard the wind behind her, she quickly rolled on the spot, barely avoiding it.But the helmet fell to the ground. At this time, Hua Jiexiang discovered that the Song army was actually fighting with three people in hand-to-hand combat.When the three Song troops attacked him, his own soldiers were also fighting hard one-on-three. Limited information about the Song Army quickly flashed through his mind, horseback infantry, tiger head and chest tattoos, tiger head and chest tattoos Xuanwu First Army! unlucky!Hua Jiexiang spat hard, he no longer planned to go back alive. After General Zhe's victory spread to Yanzhou, it immediately turned this Chinese border town into a sea of ​​joy.The prefect ordered the temporary cancellation of alcohol sales quotas for three days and postponed the curfew, which had been strengthened since the war began, until midnight.On the other hand, because General Zhe occupied an important salt-producing area, the rising salt price after the war finally showed a slight decline.This incident immediately attracted the attention of the businessmen gathered in Yanzhou. Most of the businessmen who were still staying in Yanzhou at this time were very outstanding adventurers and speculators.Because Marshal Shi boldly reformed the salt administration of the Song Empire when he served as the prefect of Hangzhou. With admirable courage, he broke the Song Empire's comprehensive monopoly policy on salt and made far-reaching reforms. It is said that the original intention of Marshal Shi's reform was to alleviate financial difficulties.He leased the saltworks to the family members of businessmen and bureaucrats through competitive bidding. The high-ranking officials and nobles in the imperial court no longer forcibly obstructed his reforms because they shared the benefits, and Marshal Shi was able to survive the short-term financial crisis. .但是大量的事實證明，石元帥是一個天才般的人物，他經常將意義深遠的改革隱藏起來，以一種不經意的方式開始。他幾乎從不試圖一下子拆除整座堤壩，但當他打開阻擋河水的閘門的一道口子後，日後整個堤防的崩塌就幾乎是一種必然。而鼠目寸光的反對者，往往因為他的溫和而掉以輕心。 在杭州的改革也應當如是觀。當鹽場夠私人承包後，幾乎所有的鹽場所想盡辦法盡可能的增加產量，而完全無視最初政府限制的配額。走私食鹽的情形泛濫成災，政府制定的嚴刑峻法，在賄賂與放縱面前幾乎起不了太多的作用。代替石元帥接任杭州太守的兩屆官員，都被視為是石元帥領導的同一個黨派的成員，前者相信好的政策只要不加改變的繼承就可以，因此有意放縱這樣的局勢；後者卻野心勃勃，這位太守喜愛金錢與美女、美食，並且希望得到石元帥或者皇帝的賞識，以達成他的政治野心。因此一方面他收受賄賂，放任違法的現象，根據傳聞，這位太守大人甚至還指使鹽商們去向在帝國中央有重要影響力的官員行賄，以保證他的行為不會受到御史的彈劾；另一方面，在得到鹽商的大筆賄賂後，他又進一步的大膽改革了宋國的鹽政制度。在他的任內，他徹底廢除了整個杭州境內的食鹽專賣政策。政府在食鹽上的收入，從此只包括鹽場的租金與鹽稅。他的這次改革是成功的。杭州政府在食鹽上的收入不僅沒有減少，而且增加了。而百姓也都交口稱讚。而這位太守的能力也得到了皇帝陛下的認可與石元帥的讚賞。據說正是因為這次看起來非常大膽的改革，使得這位太守最終如願以償地進入帝國中央。這位太守的名字叫做蔡京。在後來也是這個東方帝國一個頗有影響力的人物，後文我們將會多次提到他。 帝國舊的鹽政制度在蔡太守的改革之後，越發的顯得難以為繼。杭州的情形影響到周圍的許多地區，舊有的食鹽專賣政策相繼崩潰，只有少數地區繼續頑固的堅持舊有的政策不變。但是他們對食鹽的走私也無可奈何。這其中，宋帝國中央政府對鹽政改革的態度也是頗為耐人尋味的，他們罕見的完全放任地方政府各行其是，似乎只要在食鹽上的財政收入不減少，就可以對此漠不關心。但根據種種傳聞，讓人相信帝國中央的這種態度是大量的賄賂以及政治勢力妥協的結果。保守黨的精神領袖司馬宰相，一向反對國家過度干預經濟之運轉，主張減少政府開支，順其自然。對於鹽鐵專賣政策，保守黨也向來持反對意見，只不過以司馬宰相為代表的宋帝國的保守黨們相信，凡是帝國尚能運轉的東西，只要不是到了非要改變的地步，就盡量不要做大的改變，只須稍做修補就可以。秉持著這種理念，保守黨們容忍了鹽鐵專賣的存在。而當這種政策發生改變時，當保守黨們發現這種改變是自然的發生，不會造成政局的動蕩之時，便默認了這種結果。畢竟無論國家、官僚與富人、平民，三者都奇蹟般的不曾在這種改變中受到很大的損害。而由前帝國宰相王宰相創立的新黨，雖然主張政府主動加大對經濟的干預，但其著眼點似乎主要是保證政府財政的收入。只要財政收入不減少，新黨就可以容忍大多數改變。如果這種改變能增加財政收入，那麼他們就會表示歡迎。而對於沒原則的官僚而言，保證其利益不受明顯的損害，加上適當的賄賂，就可以輕易的削除這方面的阻力。於是帝國的極其重要的食鹽專賣政策，便在三种勢力的默許下，發生了巨大的改變。 宋帝國是一個超過任何羅馬人想像的龐大的帝國，永遠不能忘記這一點。因為不理解這一點，就無法理解宋帝國的食鹽貿易代表著怎樣的財富。無論宋帝國生產多少食鹽，僅憑其國內市場，就都可以充分的消化。因此食鹽專賣政策在某種意義上來說，實在是一種愚蠢而短視的政策。這一點宋帝國的商人們倒是都很清楚。所以，當折將軍佔領那個以食鹽命令的著名產鹽區之時，雖然當時帝國舊有的食鹽專賣政策還沒有完全崩潰到一個眾所周知的程度，但是延州的冒險家們早就從杭州的變化中預見到了全國的變化。每個人都希望得到石元帥的認可，鹽州的鹽池，被認為是這次戰爭中最大的商機。 我的那位有著高貴血統的新朋友，日後最重要的合夥人柴公子顯然也是這樣認為的。並且，他相比其餘的冒險者，似乎更有辦法。他設法得到了一封據稱是石元帥首席幕僚的親筆信。拿著這封信件，他找到了延綏方面軍的元帥種元帥，以一把價值三百貫的寶刀與兩匹駿馬為代價，得到了種元帥的推薦後，再去拜見暫時駐守鹽州的折副元帥。 在全面佔領了這片被稱為平夏的地區後，傳聞中對夏國百姓極其苛刻的折副元帥也變得相對溫和起來，雖然強徵民夫進行勞役以修築城堡的事情從未停止，但是以夏州太守為代表的文官迅速的接管了大部分地區，這些被精心挑選派往佔領區（宋帝國則認為是收復原有的失地）的官員們採取了比軍方要溫和許多的方式來進行統治。這些文官在平夏地區設法邀請為躲避戰亂而逃跑的人們回到家鄉，幫助他們恢復生產，甚至贈送過冬的衣服與糧食；而對比之下，軍隊則常常沒收反對者或者與夏國政府有牽連的家庭的財產與田地，將他們強行遷移到帝國南方的湖廣地區。軍方經常製造冤案，而文官則設法為之爭取公道。雙方的差異形成鮮明的對比，並且不斷發生小小爭執，而大體上文官永遠是站在百姓一邊，扮演公正的維護者之角色。這一切有可能是帝國故意的安排這樣一來，文官們在當地居民心目中的威信便迅速建立起來，而仇恨則被巧妙的轉嫁到了軍隊而非帝國本身身上，當這些軍隊，主要是折副元帥的河東軍撤離後，當地居民的怨氣就可以徹底平息，從而變成對帝國政府的感謝。 總的來說，其實質則無非是帝國政府正在設法穩定當地的局勢，鞏固他們的佔領。與夏國控制區接壤的鹽州地區，雖然與其餘地區不同，依然由折副元帥控制，但是身上還兼著太守職務，有過地方行政管理經驗的折副元帥，也同樣需要執行帝國的這一政策。而根據流傳在商人中的傳說，忙於戰爭的帝國此時無暇關心鹽池的生產，一向開明的石元帥也許願意將鹽池以與杭州同樣的方式處理，這樣的指示應當下達到了折副元帥那裡。 但是柴公子在折副元帥那裡碰了壁。儘管他有石元帥首席幕僚與種元帥的推薦，然而這次他高貴的血統反而成為了障礙。折副元帥的為官之道，是只效忠於帝國皇帝本人，他遠離一切黨派與權貴，既不招惹他們也不怕得罪他們，以孤獨的臣子的形象來獲得皇帝的信任。所以，折副元帥不願意與柴公子這樣有敏感身分的人打交道。於是，受到挫折後的柴公子不得不尋找一個合夥人以繞開障礙，他最終的選擇就是我 《阿卡爾多東方見聞錄》卷三西湖書社印行 石越將西夏使者有意晾在一邊後，便立即派人召回他的首席幕僚潘照臨潘照臨此時正在長安與陳元鳳打嘴皮官司。按宋朝的制度，如果負責督運糧草等補給的范純仁與陳元鳳在糧草的供應上有懈怠與或者出現人為的供應不足的情況，石越有權力將他們斬首，所以本來石越並不需要如此大費周章，至少犯不著勞動潘照臨，一道行文過去，范純仁與陳元鳳都必須服從命令，如有疑義也只能事後向樞府申訴。但是石越在瀚海中重建溥樂、耀德二城，鑒於真宗時代的教訓，卻是沒有事先得到樞府同意的。為了保守秘密，甚至連前線許多的高級武官都不知道內情。而在荒漠中修建城堡所要耗費的人力與物力，都是驚人的，瞞得過別人，如何瞞得過負責軍需的官員？這時候如何既要盡可能的保守秘密，又要從范純仁與陳元鳳等人手中盡可能的得到資源，就變得非常需要技巧了。為此，石越不得不讓自己的首席幕僚常年穿梭於慶州、長安兩地之間。因此，當潘照臨暫時拋開與陳元鳳的勾心鬥角，趕回慶州後，夏使已經被石越涼了整整兩天，正急得如熱鍋上的螞蟻。夏使在這兩天裡不斷要求立即拜見石越，甚至還一度設法擺脫了陪同的官員強闖帥府，雖然被攔駕，但現在整個慶州都知道西夏派出了使節來到慶州，謠言滿天飛舞。 然而，遲至第四天，石越才終於帶著麾下主要的文武官員，正式接見這位叫天都茂的夏使。天都茂在西夏官拜樞密司承旨，可以說也是位居機要，但是被石越用各種手段推搪，竟然被涼了整整四天，心裡真是又急又氣。但是他的使命卻是來求和，縱有再多的氣，也只得強咽入肚，擺出一副笑顏，向石越恭恭敬敬地遞交西夏國書與梁太后寫給石越的信件。 石越接過國書，只翻開看了一眼，便放到案上，先看梁太后的信件，他一眼掃過，一直保過微笑的臉便立即沉了下來，啪一聲把信合上，丟到案上，厲聲道︰朝廷冊封者，夏國國王也！夏國太后與吾何干？ 天都茂忙躬身道︰先帝英宗體乾應歷隆功盛德憲文肅武睿聖宣孝皇帝在位之時，龍體違和，慈聖光獻太后亦曾垂簾聽政。敝國之事，雖不敢比於聖朝，亦不過是國王欠安，太后垂簾，故此國事由太后暫攝。朝廷受仁多瀚奸人蒙蔽，其中多有誤會。下官奉命東來，亦是想向朝廷訴明冤情，還望石帥明察。他說起宋英宗那一長串的謚號，只怕輕易一個宋朝官員，也不如他說得順暢。 石越聽他如此回答，不禁啞然失笑，譏道︰貴使之意，夏國只是國王身體違和，而有太后垂簾？並無權臣後黨，犯上作犯，泯滅綱常？ 石帥明察！仁多瀚素來奸猾狡詐，其賣主求榮，興風作浪，不過欲逞其奸志。天都茂回答得鏗鏘有力，擲地有聲，毫無半點愧色。 石越哈哈大笑，指著天都茂，笑道︰若是如此，倒是朝廷錯怪了。 天都茂頓時老淚縱橫，泣道︰石帥能明此情，實於下邦有再造之恩。 石越大笑著擺手，道︰本帥可沒甚再造之恩。不過朝廷興兵而來，正為正綱常人倫，又豈能聽足下一面之辭而罷？貴使可速回興慶，上稟貴國太后，夏國邊遠蠻夷之地，既無名醫，兼少藥石，何不請貴國國王移駕至汴京，一則可釋朝廷公卿士大夫之疑；二則朝廷憂其失位，竟興百萬之師，豈能不答謝朝廷之恩德？三則汴京名醫雲集，百草不缺，正好養疾，待貴國王病癒，朝廷再遣其歸國。此一舉三得，豈不美哉？ 石帥美意，感激不盡 既感激不盡，便不必嗦。速速回國，叫爾國王自來京師謝恩！顧若不來，我當帶兵去請！种諤本對和議極其反對，此時接住話頭，便厲聲叱道，語帶威脅。 天都茂卻並沒有被嚇倒，他用眼角看了种諤一眼，便抱拳從容問道︰此位可是种諤种將軍？ 便是某家，如何？种諤一臉不屑。 天都茂欠身笑道︰將軍威名，震於西陲。然而天下之事，抬不過一個理字。華夏天朝，萬夷所仰，四海所宗，以為文明昌興，禮儀教化之上邦爾。朝廷之服人者，德也。若徒以力欺人，以強凌弱，敝國雖小，雖死不敢屈。朝廷雖兵威盛於漢唐，滅人之國，易如反掌，敝國固力不能敵，然窮極之時，若舉國歸於契丹，則只恐天下之難方興，而兵禍連綿，正不知何日能解！且朝廷若不顧大義，務以兼併之念，行霸者之事，只恐大遼、吐蕃、大理，將人人自危，反側之禍，便在旦夕之間。故吾主朝與不朝，在服德而非畏戰也。 种諤被天都茂這一番話說得惱羞成怒，按劍而起，正要發作，石越早已喝斥道︰种將軍休得無禮！ 种諤憤憤地望了石越一眼，見他臉色不豫，又惡狠狠地瞪了天都茂一眼，重重地哼了一聲，頭也不回，竟逕直氣呼呼地走了出去。 石越臉色更加難看，但他旋即恢復常態，笑道︰讓貴使見笑了。一面將天都茂請到席位坐了。待天都茂坐定，石越方又問道︰朝廷教化天下，彰明王道。法三王而不法齊恆晉文。惟貴國之事，固天下之所疑，未可以貴使一人之語而使信服。若夏國王不早至汴京覲見，奈何朝廷公卿不之信。 天都茂見石越語氣鬆動，忙起身謝道︰朝覲大事，實倉促難定。當此上下疑忌之時，皇帝陛下雖然仁厚，然奈眾公卿何？敝國之臣，亦恐主君為朝廷所留爾。 若使誠心，朝廷豈會欺爾小國？石越假意慍道︰惜吳越王入覲，朝議紛紛欲留之，而朝廷終遣之歸國。前事如此，奈何反疑朝廷？ 石帥息怒。天都茂連忙謝罪，鄭重回道︰實是人情疑懼，若石帥能緩兵數月，略寬人心，吾主不敢失信於朝廷，必親往京師入覲謝恩。 他這麼一說，在座文武無不動容。須知方才天都茂暗示若逼急了他們，就舉國降遼，的確是說中了讓宋朝文臣武將最擔心的事情。如果秉常真的能夠入朝，緩數月之兵，卻未必不能接受。宋軍正好鞏固目前的戰果，一旦秉常入朝，要他方還是圓，自然就看宋朝朝廷的高興了。到時候只要他一封奏章，獻土移封，不僅可以徹底封住遼國的嘴巴，使遼國沒有任何藉口，而且西夏內部的分裂也勢必更加公開、激烈，縱有還想頑抗的，也只會是極少數，不足為慮，宋朝可以唾手而得西夏全境。 但是正因為這等事情太過於美妙，反而讓人不敢相信。正如天都茂心中，也絕不會不明白石越要秉常入朝的意思。所有冠冕堂皇的詞語後面，石越開出的價碼實際是︰舉國投降。當然，是體面的投降。而天都茂的回答則是︰我們願意投降，但寬限幾個月，讓我們討論一下。 石越彷彿也被說得動心了，他撫案沉吟，若有所思。過了一會兒，方面露難色地說道︰然戰和之策在朝廷，實非吾所能作主。 在下願往汴京覲見皇上，陳說利害。在此之前，惟願石帥能緩兵一月。天都茂立即說道。 石越低頭沉思一會，似是下定決心，霍然抬首，道︰便依貴使之意。一月之內，只要夏國不挑釁，吾亦不用兵。 他說完，見座中有好幾個人想要出言反對，便向豐稷使了個眼色，豐稷會意起身，大聲道︰夏使遠來，軍中無以為樂，請召劍舞助興。來，給諸位大人滿酒！ 酒宴開始後，石越笑著應酬數盞，便藉口酒力不支，讓豐稷代為招待，自己先行退場，返回帥府。潘照臨早在外面等候，待石越上了馬車，笑問道︰如何？ 石越淡淡一笑，道︰他們若真心求和，晚間天都茂必再來見我。否則，不過是緩兵之計而已，我也不過是將計就計。今晚便派人去知會沿途驛館，但好生設酒宴招待夏使，卻供給他們劣馬，帶他們走最繞的路，讓其緩緩而行便可。 職方館關於天都茂的情報，說此人愚鈍老朽，梁太后怎會派此人為使？潘照臨頗為疑惑。 那是職方館看錯人了。石越笑道︰此君甚是精明，能瞞過他的事，只怕不多。 oh? 不過他知道亦無用。石越悠悠道︰我已等不及禹藏花麻的決定了。告訴李憲、王厚，使者到達之日，若禹藏花麻還未歸降，便用劍叫他投降。 也是時候了。潘照臨半笑不笑地說道。 我還要寫密摺請皇上留下這個天都茂。他在夏國其名不顯，那是梁氏不會用人，留在大宋，卻不失為人材。石越閉目假寐，一面說道︰夏地本是吾土，朝廷若一意猜忌，以為非我族類，其心必異，則終難長久。將來治理其地，當蕃漢摻雜而用，而夏國之英材俊士，不僅要用之於地方，還要招攬於朝廷。如此不僅朝廷得人材，夏國豪傑之士，皆知有顯達之望，進身之途，則不易生叛逆之心。吾示夏人寬厚，消其反側，自慕澤起；恩加夏國豪強，當自仁多瀚起；收夏國之民心，則自夏州起；攬夏國之士，本欲自李清起，然李清既死，則可自天都茂起。 天都茂回到驛館後，馬上屏開眾人，召見他的副使萌多。 明日你便回國，先去西平府，告知葉悖麻大人，勤修戰守之具，防宋軍不日攻城。天都茂皺眉嘆道︰但亦切不可先行挑釁。 挑釁？萌多苦笑道。 天都茂也苦笑著搖搖頭，道︰你這般轉達便是。 那大人將何往？ 我要去汴京，盡最後之人事。天都茂的語氣，含著一種明知不可為而為之的無奈，宋朝內部絕不能是鐵板一塊。有人主戰必有人主和，更何況不知有多少人暗中嫉妒石越之成功，若能找到機會，事情還未必絕望。若是我在汴京時，軍隊能打一個勝仗他旋又搖了搖頭，道︰只要葉悖麻將軍讓宋軍付出多一點的代價，和議便尚有機會。 下官會將這些話轉達給葉悖麻大人。萌多恭謹的說道，他猶疑了一下，終於沒有忍住，又問道︰果真能越過石越而達成和議麼？ 天都茂默然良久，緩緩說道︰盡人事，聽天命。 萌多聽到這句回答，也不禁默然。 過了好一陣，天都茂又說道︰我雖欲求和，而彼不允也。石越面似菩薩，而其亡我之心甚堅，多說亦無益。我此行已不知能否生見太后，你回去後，當替我轉達，必不得已，當早為之備，舉族西遷，幸毋以興靈為恃。吾輩無能，自召亡國之禍，若尚心存僥倖，則祖宗不血食矣。說到此處，天都茂想起國事中讓人痛心切齒之事，不禁放聲痛哭。 the next day.天都茂東行之後。帥府。 舉族西遷？石越笑道，這可不行。 司馬夢求也笑道︰學生已著人改了天都茂的奏摺，萌多回去後，自會告訴梁太后，天都茂將在汴京設法離間學士，只要興靈不破，萬事可期。 well done.石越讚道，一面笑道︰耀德城已被發現，我也等不及耀德城築成之日了。 其實有了溥樂城，便足以護衛糧道。學士築此二城，亦是為長久之計。司馬夢求笑道︰倒是許多將軍憋了一肚子氣，須早讓他們知道才好。聽說朝廷還專門派了使者來催學士進兵。 朝廷是擔心冬季到來之前，攻不下靈州。潘照臨悠悠道。 石越半開玩笑的說道︰我也擔心。 學士，种諤大人求見。侍劍在外面朗聲稟道。 石越與潘照臨、司馬夢求對視一眼，三人皆會意地一笑。石越起身道︰請种大人議事廳相見。 种諤懷著一肚子的怨氣與怒氣，勉強與石越見禮後，便開門見山的問道︰石帥果欲許夏人和議麼？ 石越端起茶杯，輕輕啜了一口茶，緩緩放回案上，看了种諤一眼，道︰和戰之策在朝廷。且夏人許我河南之地，且允諾秉常復辟。我既據河南，於秉常有再造之恩，正可緩圖之。 石帥此言差矣。种諤急得騰地起身，大聲道︰如此必誤國事！ Um?石越臉色不豫，惱怒地望了种諤一眼。 种諤這才注意到自己的失態，但他卻不在乎，只是坐回座位，繼續說道︰如今士氣可用，正當一鼓而下靈州，靈州既下，禹藏花麻可不戰而降。如此三道進兵，渡河而圍興慶府，如此賀蘭山以東，盡為吾有也。夏人議和，不過是緩兵之策，一旦其恢復元氣，再欲圖之便難矣。且以夏人之雄，豈能容河南之地在他人掌握？我縱欲和，實不可得也！ 然种大人可知遼人已進河套？石越