In this way, he could also establish his prestige and thus get rid of the predicament of lacking prestige after just ascending the throne.
Guizhou, Yeonju, and Weizhou are almost the area of Guicheng, Kaesong City, and Ningbian County in North Pyongan Province of Korea in later generations. This was the only passage between Goryeo and Liao.
When the Liao invaded from the south, they had to pass through this place.
When Wang Hui arrived in Weizhou, he sent his generals Cui Zunjian, Li Yi, and Jin Xuanyong to march north in three groups to support Guizhou, Yinshan, Guozhou and other places.
In late August, although Xiao Ying led a large army to launch a fierce attack and the rest of the troops also moved south separately, they were stubbornly blocked by the Goryeo army, which constantly used the terrain to harass and launch surprise attacks.
Soon, with the help of favorable time, place and people, the Liao army's vanguards were defeated and retreated to Dangwan, Yanzhou and other places.
Upon hearing the news, Wang Hui was very happy. He came to Guizhou in early September. While rewarding the three armies, he stood on the top of the city and looked into the distance.
On September 2nd, which was late autumn, Wang Hui stood on the city wall with an imposing manner.
After hearing that the enemy had suffered a defeat, he retreated, reorganized his troops, and began to attack Guizhou again.
On the city wall, ministers Cui Zhonggong, Li Ziyuan, Park Qiyan, Xu Weijie, Jin Yuanchong and others followed on both sides.
"Your Majesty, the northerners are coming again. It would be best for you to leave Guizhou first."
Li Ziyuan advised.
"It's okay, just a minor problem, no need to worry."
Wang Hui said with a smile, then turned to look at several ministers and said: "The Liao people want to threaten me, so they should be prepared for me to strike back, otherwise they will think I am easy to bully."
Until now, Wang Hui still thought that the Liao Kingdom was dissatisfied with Goryeo's increasingly pro-Song attitude in recent years, and wanted to take advantage of the period of Goryeo's change of king to warn him.
It’s not that they are stupid, but it’s really hard to imagine that the Liao Kingdom would actually move south in large numbers.
After all, their scouts outside only found out that the tribes sent to attack were affiliated with the Liao Kingdom in the north, and the Liao Kingdom's main army had not come, so they had nothing to fear.
"Your Majesty, in my opinion, you should submit a letter to the Liao Kingdom to make peace with them."
Cui Zhonggong said, "Although the Song State is powerful, it is still separated from us by an ocean. Your Majesty, please do not forget that it was the Song people who abandoned us."
"Okay, I understand. After repelling the invading enemy, I will naturally write to the Liao Kingdom."
Wang Hui waved his hand.
What can we do?
Aren't small countries limited to swinging between big countries?
Once you choose a side, there is no turning back.
Although wavering is not good, both major powers are worried about pushing them to the other side, so they will not push too hard.
This is also the way for small countries to survive.
"Your Majesty, it's bad, the enemy is coming again!"
At this moment, the city defending general Kang Chengzhi came hurriedly to report.
"snort!"
Wang Hui snorted coldly, "It's okay to let him come."
It was noon, the autumn wind was howling, and the sound of countless galloping war horses could be heard outside the city.
A large number of densely packed black spots appeared on the vast plains north of the city.
They moved quickly, approaching several miles away, and seemed to be starting to deploy their troops. They had no intention of setting up camp or besieging the city.
"strangeness."
The people on the city wall looked outside, very puzzled.
The enemy came from afar and actually planned to attack the city directly. Didn’t they stop to rest for a few days, cut down trees, make siege equipment, and wait until they were fully prepared before attacking the city?
But by the afternoon, the movements of the Liao army outside the city gave them the answer.
A large number of baggage carts appeared behind the Liao army. These carts were pulling heavy cargo with difficulty and were then dragged to the front of the battle.
Liao craftsmen began to assemble in front of the battle line.
Due to the distance, it was difficult to see clearly from the top of the city wall. One could only see some small black dots that seemed to be busy with something, which made people confused.
"What are they doing?"
"I don't know."
"Your Majesty, the enemy arrived in a hurry and must be exhausted. Should we take advantage of this opportunity to launch a surprise attack?"
"Let's see first."
"yes."
Everyone on the city wall was looking at it.
Less than half an hour later, the Liao Kingdom's artillery line in the distance was finally assembled.
To be honest, the distance between Liaoyang Prefecture, the capital of Liao Dynasty, and Guizhou, Goryeo, is only 200 kilometers, but almost all of this month was spent on pulling the artillery carts.
The cannons were heavy and cumbersome, and the terrain was rugged, with swamps, mountains, and rivers forming numerous obstacles, meaning the artillery troops could only march a dozen miles a day, and it was already very difficult to reach the city.
However, Yelu Zongzhen felt that it was all worth it.
Because the power of the cannon is enough to make his expectations come true and will not disappoint any of his expectations.
At this time, Yelu Zongzhen was riding on a horse, standing on a small hill, his cloak fluttering in the autumn wind, looking into the distance at the Guizhou city several miles to the south.
It was here that his father suffered a crushing defeat during his southern expedition to Goryeo. He eventually retreated, gave up the idea of annexing Goryeo, and acknowledged that Goryeo still occupied the Korean Peninsula.
But now, it is time to avenge the previous shame and clear my father's name.
"Your Majesty, the artillery is ready!"
The lookout reported to him.
"fire!"
"fire!"
"fire!"
The lookout roared loudly.
The shouts spread rapidly downwards.
Immediately afterwards, a sharp whistle was sounded from the artillery position.
"Beep, beep, beep!"
This was the order for the Liao artillery army to fire.
After receiving the order, all gunners began to act.
They quickly stuffed in gunpowder, propelled the shell, and then lit the fuse with the fire starters they carried with them.
"Bang bang bang bang!"
Hundreds of heavy lead bullets drew an arc in the air and suddenly fell into the city of Guizhou in front of the stunned eyes of the Korean king, his ministers and soldiers.
In an instant, there was a roar, and some of the heavy lead bullets smashed into the city wall, causing it to cave in. Some hit the tower, knocking down the huge building, and some even hit a few unlucky people, causing blood and flesh to fly everywhere and be torn into pieces.
"Your Majesty, hurry up!"
The ministers around Wang Hui were quick-witted and quickly pulled him into the city.
There was chaos on the city wall.
Dust was flying everywhere, and all kinds of terrified howls were heard.
Outside the city, there were continuous shouts, and the shouts that reached the sky were like waves sweeping over.
"Hurry up and ask the Song Dynasty to send troops!"
Before fleeing Guizhou, Wang Hui turned his head to look at the smoke and dust in the city and let out a panicked cry.
(End of this chapter)
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