The Western Xia Kingdom was founded by nomadic tribes forty years ago. The current ruler, Tuoba Zhaoying, is the son of the previous Western Xia King, Tuoba Xuanhao.
Since the defeat of Western Xia in the western frontier more than 30 years ago, the country's national strength has declined rapidly due to the change of domestic regime. It was not until Tuoba Zhaoying came to power that the situation eased slightly.
Tuoba Zhaoying, skilled in selecting and appointing talented individuals, emulated the court system of the Song Dynasty and implemented numerous reforms. He expanded trade with neighboring states, developed the economy, and simultaneously undertook vigorous military reforms. Over the course of more than a decade, Western Xia prospered, returning to the strength of its early days.
The Western Xia army is powerful and has repeatedly sent troops to harass the border of the Song Dynasty in recent years. Although the harassment is small-scale, its ambition is hard to eliminate.
In particular, secret agents in the territory of Western Xia reported that the Western Xia general Mi Qin of the Eastern Jin Dynasty was preparing to assemble troops, and as expected, he was going to attack the Song Dynasty.
Ye Shiheng arrived in Kyoto, changed his clothes, and without having time to say a few words to his family, he hurried into the palace to report the military situation in the western border.
In the warm room of Xiangning Palace, the red charcoal in the brazier was burning red. When Ye Shiheng stepped over the threshold and walked in, he felt a surge of warmth that dispelled the coldness in his body.
"Your Majesty, I, Ye Shiheng, pay my respects to you." Ye Shiheng bowed.
A year had passed since the late emperor's passing. At the time of the late emperor's death, Ye Shiheng had received a message from his son, Ye Zelin, stating that the Prince of Qinghe had forced the emperor to abdicate, Zhao Zixu had passed away, and the Prince of Qin had ascended the throne. With the late emperor's death and the new emperor's accession, the country was in turmoil. Fearing that the Western Xia might seize the opportunity to attack the western border, his son specifically instructed him not to return to the capital unless necessary.
Over the past year, Ye Shiheng had been closely following the movements of the Western Xia, and had fought several small-scale battles with them. Some time ago, he received news that the Western Xia general Mi Qin, a member of the Eastern Jin army, was about to lead an attack on the Song Dynasty.
It is now the middle of winter, the western border is cold and the environment is harsh. It is not the best time for a war. If nothing unexpected happens, when the weather warms up in late spring and early summer next year, Western Xia will launch a large-scale attack on Song.
Ye Shiheng gave a detailed account of the military situation in the western border and the time when Western Xia might launch a war.
Qin Youran frowned, his expression serious. He listened to Ye Shiheng's report for a long time before asking, "General Ye, is this battle necessary?"
Ye Shiheng said, "Your Majesty, as a soldier, what I hate most is killing. The barbarians have invaded our territory and slaughtered our people. This war must be fought."
Qin Youran pondered for a moment and asked, "If Xixia launches a large-scale attack, do you have a plan to deal with it?"
Ye Shiheng bowed and said, "Your Majesty, before returning to the capital, I had General Liang, General Lu, and others strengthen the border defenses. Yumen Pass is the first pass on the border between our dynasty and Western Xia. I have dispatched General Zhong with a detachment to Yumen Pass to guard it alongside General Zhou Fuqin. Our spies have also infiltrated Western Xia territory to investigate their military movements and determine the exact time of their attack."
"Our dynasty hasn't fought a large-scale war with the Western Xia in many years. I suspect that this time, the Western Xia will go all out in their attack on the Song Dynasty. This will be a fierce battle!" Ye Shiheng speculated on the nature of the upcoming war. "Your Majesty, my return to the capital will not only report military intelligence, but also prepare food and fodder."
Before the troops move, food and fodder must go first. Food and fodder are always the guarantee for supporting the soldiers in the front line to fight.
Not only food and fodder, but also weapons, armor, clothes, quilts, and medicinal materials are all indispensable.
Qin Youran did not go to the border, but he knew that the war was necessary. The Western Xia was invading, and the Song Dynasty had military strength, so why should he be afraid of fighting one by one?
He thought, if the late emperor were still alive, he would definitely fight this battle!
…
Ye Shiheng had just returned to the General's Mansion when Ye Zelin, who worked in the Ministry of Personnel, also returned.
"Dad!" Ye Zelin recognized the familiar figure at the moon cave door at a glance.
Ye Shiheng slowly turned around, his eyes full of love, and replied softly: "Lin'er."
Ye Zelin walked forward quickly, unable to suppress the joy in his heart, and asked softly, "Dad, when did you come back?"
There was a hint of anger in his words, wondering why no one told him the good news.
"We just arrived in the capital today." Ye Shiheng's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze. "Dad went to the palace to meet His Majesty and just came back from the palace."
Ye Zelin hurriedly asked, "Do mother and the others know you're back?"
"I know. Dad went back home first before entering the palace."
The father and son talked as they walked towards Yongliyuan, their figures stretched out in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Ye Shiheng had been away from home for over a year, and Madam Ouyang had specially prepared a sumptuous dinner to welcome him back. At the dinner table, the family was filled with laughter and joy, creating a lively atmosphere.
When Ye Shiheng went to the Western Border, Wei Jie'er was not even a month old. Now, Wei Jie'er, who is almost two years old, met her grandfather for the first time. She was not shy at all and let Ye Shiheng hold her in his arms obediently.
The little girl was articulate and good at speaking. She called out "Grandfather, Grandpa" repeatedly, which made Ye Shiheng very happy and laugh heartily. He said that Wei Jie'er was the darling of their Ye family.
Isn’t Sister Wei the general’s darling?
In the past, Miss Ruhuan was the most favored in the mansion, but now all the glory has been taken away by Sister Wei.
Especially the old general, he doted on Wei Jie'er even more, almost to the extreme, which caused Dugu Lanxi to complain to Hua Fushu privately several times. She said that the old man doted on Wei Jie'er so much, what would happen if he spoiled her.
Hua Fushu comforted her, saying that the old man was a sensible man and would not spoil his children without principles.
After dinner, Ye Shiheng summoned his two sons to his study. He informed Ye Yunlu and Ye Zelin of the situation in the Western Territory and issued a military order: "After the New Year, you will accompany your father to the Western Territory."
Ye Yunlu looked solemn and bowed, saying, "Yes, General."
Ye Zelin also clasped his fists and said, "My son will obey my father's orders."
Ye Shiheng continued, "I'm afraid this battle won't be easy. You should be mentally prepared."
Ye Yunlu and Ye Zelin looked at each other, they both understood the deep meaning of their father's words.
Since ancient times, life and death on the battlefield have been unpredictable and extremely dangerous. If you are not careful, you may die on the battlefield.
Ye Zelin's eyes were firm, "Father, I'm not afraid."
He was well aware of the cruelty of war, but as a descendant of the Ye family, it was his responsibility to defend his country.
Ye Yunlu chuckled, "This isn't the first time my son has been on the battlefield, so why should he be afraid?"
Ye Shiheng looked at his two sons in front of him, his heart filled with pride.
He patted the shoulders of the Ye Zelin brothers and said, "Well, you are worthy of being the sons of the Ye family."
The next day, Qin Youran spoke about the affairs of the western border at the court meeting. The ministers held different opinions. Some believed that this war should not be fought and that it would be too costly and laborious. Some believed that this war must be fought and that not fighting would not be enough to enhance the prestige of the Song Dynasty. If not fighting, the Western Xia would become more aggressive and continue to invade our border.
"In recent years, the Western Xia barbarians have repeatedly invaded our borders, killing and massacring civilians. Many people have become homeless. I have decided to send General Ye to lead the western border army to attack Western Xia. Western Xia will definitely pay the price!" Qin Youran said angrily.
After the court was dismissed, Ye Shiheng immediately began to prepare food and supplies. A few days later, the first batch of food and supplies was shipped to the western border...
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