Therefore, if the Liao attacked and the Song defended, their firearms advantage would be fully demonstrated. If the Liao defended and the Song attacked, both sides would still have to return to their starting point. Moreover, during the siege, the Liao cavalry could also launch flanking harassment and surprise attacks, making the battle too uncertain.
Finally, after careful consideration, Old Fan only controlled Fan Yang and the surrounding cities, and did not cross the Laishui River to attack Xijin Prefecture, which was heavily guarded by the Liao Kingdom, so as to avoid mistakes and ruin the hard-earned victory.
I have to say that this attitude of quitting while one is ahead is correct.
Because the pressure on the Song Dynasty's treasury in the rear was already very great at this time, before Lao Fan fought the Battle of Baosai, he had already received a request from the Political System Council, hoping that if he had the opportunity, he must fight quickly and decisively and not drag it out any further.
The price of rice in Bianliang had risen from 300 to 400 wen per dan to 500 to 600 wen per dan. Although it had not yet reached the level of 700 to 800 wen per dan seen during the years of fighting against the Western Xia, it was estimated that it would be around that level next year, putting great financial pressure on the imperial court.
If the war continued, the cost of attack would be much greater than that of defense, so Lao Fan had to consider whether the Song Dynasty could continue to hold out. Even if it could hold out, the people in the country would probably be in dire straits, and countless people would rise up in rebellion.
"It's time to go back and preside over the New Deal reforms."
Inside Fanyang City, gazing at the vast northern land, although Old Fan was excited about regaining the Han territory, he still felt a little melancholy when he saw the latest documents sent to him.
War is a battle of national strength and a battle of people's livelihood.
It's not just that the country has been unstable in recent years, the most important thing is that the people's livelihood in Hebei Road has become extremely bleak, and some places have even suffered from famine.
As the ancients said, Heaven and Earth are not benevolent and treat all things as straw dogs.
It is also said that it is better to be a dog in peacetime than a man in troubled times.
Both humans and animals were displaced in such wars.
If you just read the war reports, you might not feel anything about the grand narrative of changes on the battlefield.
But for ordinary individuals, it is a disaster.
In addition to fighting, Old Fan has also been concerned about the governance of Hebei Road these days, which also makes him feel melancholy.
Only a country with strong national strength has the capital to declare war on other countries.
If we continue to fight when people's livelihood is in decline and life is very difficult, it will only lead to the destruction of the country.
“This is the meaning of my reform.”
Fan Zhongyan, hands behind his back, looked towards the north and thought, "Now, it all depends on whether the Liao Kingdom will continue to fight. If they do, then I can only grit my teeth. If they agree to my terms, I can return to Bianliang safely to carry out major reforms. I must make the Song Dynasty strong and prosperous, and ensure peace and prosperity for the people!"
As the sky gradually darkened, a group of soldiers slowly appeared in the north. When they faced the Song Dynasty scout cavalry, they did not show any hostility, but raised their hands to show that they came with sincerity.
The Tangqi stopped them outside the city of Fanyang and informed Fan Zhongyan of the arrival of the Liao envoys.
Old Fan immediately realized that the Liao Kingdom could no longer hold out, so without much hesitation, he returned to the former Liao Kingdom county government residence in Fanyang City and asked someone to bring the Liao Kingdom envoy over.
This mission is of great importance.
It was Zhang Jian himself.
The old man is seventy-six years old this year, but he is not as frail as ordinary old men. Instead, he is energetic and quite strong.
Historically, he lived to be ninety-one years old and was always respected by Liao Xingzong Yelü Zongzhen, who never called him by his name or title, but served him as his father-in-law.
It was under his assistance that the Liao Dynasty prospered greatly during the reign of Emperor Shengzong of Liao and reached its peak. It can be said that Zhang Jian's contribution to the civil and military affairs of Emperor Shengzong of Liao was at least half of his credit.
Therefore, even after Emperor Shengzong of Liao passed away and Emperor Xingzong of Liao succeeded to the throne, he entrusted Zhang Jian with important tasks.
When he retired due to old age three years ago, he was granted the titles of Luojing Resident, Shangfu, and Xing Henan Yin, and was promoted to Duke of Qin. Last year, he was even promoted to King of Han, which was quite a favor.
Therefore, it can be said that even after his retirement, Zhang Jian was still the right-hand man and trusted minister of Emperor Xingzong of Liao. His status was probably even higher than that of some of the royal relatives with the surnames Yelu and Xiao.
Upon learning that Zhang Jian was on a diplomatic mission, Fan Zhongyan actually went to the yamen gate to greet him in person, which was rare.
He had also heard of this man's reputation. Not only was he an honest official and had good governance, but the Han people under the rule of the Liao Dynasty were able to live a fairly comfortable life with extremely low taxes, thanks to him often persuading Yelu Zongzhen and his son to reduce taxes for the people.
Therefore, it is reasonable and emotional that he can still gain the respect of Fan Zhongyan.
After Zhang Jian got off the carriage, Fan Zhongyan came forward to greet him, bowed, and said, "Fan Zhongyan greets Master Zhongbao."
"Mr. Fan, you are too polite."
Zhang Jian returned the greeting and said with a smile, "I am deeply ashamed to have the honor of personally welcoming you, sir."
Fan Zhongyan said with a smile: "Mr. Zhongbao is highly respected and virtuous. He is not only an important official of the Liao Kingdom, but also a great scholar known throughout the world. We should welcome him."
"Haha, Mr. Fan is praising me too much."
Zhang Jian smiled.
"please!"
Fan Zhongyan gestured inside.
The two men walked into the government office and then sat down in the inner hall.
Fan Zhongyan showed enough respect to Zhang Jian. As soon as he sat down, a cup of light tea was served to him.
He heard that Zhang Jian liked drinking tea.
Zhang Jian sniffed the tea, his eyes lit up, and he praised, "Is it Dragon and Phoenix Tea?"
Fan Zhongyan laughed and said, "Mr. Zhongbao has also tasted this tea?"
"yes."
Zhang Jian licked his lips and said, "Your Majesty once gave me half a catty of it as a reward, and I treasure it like a treasure."
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