If he encountered the Jurchen cavalry in later generations who defeated 2,000 Song troops with 17 cavalry or defeated 30,000 Xixia cavalry with more than 1,000 cavalry, Zhang Yue would definitely not make any plans for field battles for the time being.

Although the Liao cavalry was not strong, its victory was due to its large numbers. Therefore, Zhang Dun's flexible defense proposal was not yet mature.

Therefore, the flexible defense that is useful for the Dangxiang cannot be used against the Khitan, and the Western Army's methods cannot be applied to the implementation of the Liao's grand strategy.

Zhang Yue did not set up the highest military officer in Hebei because he planned that once the Liao army broke into an important area like Damingfu, Zhang Heng would stand firm and wait for reinforcements. He would lead the third auxiliary army from the capital to the north and Dingzhen Yingsan Road would outflank the rear. In this way, the Liao army would

It will fall into a situation where Song troops are present in the front, middle and rear.

Therefore, Zhang Yue leaned towards Zhang Dun's idea of ​​flexible defense, and finally chose Zhang Heng's strategy of large-depth defense. As for Zeng Bu's strategy of building Tangpoyu Fortress on the front line, it was also correct, as it could hinder the delayed Khitan cavalry from moving south.

But it was impossible for Zhang Yue to concentrate his forces on external defense.

External defense can fend off enemies at home and abroad, minimizing Hebei's losses. On the contrary, in-depth defense will cause Hebei to be ravaged by Khitan cavalry, but there is nothing that can be done.

As for the water diversion troops reaching Mizhou, it is also a move and can be used as a counterattack in the future.

We must borrow the wisdom of the ancients. What we read in the history books of later generations is just a fragment like a photo, but their lives are all in the form of videos. Later generations of history readers do not understand the cause and effect, so they make rash judgments and feel that something is wrong.

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In fact, basically the ancient people's disposal methods, although not the optimal solution, are not much different.

Zhang Yue's general policy towards the Liao Dynasty was also a continuation of what Fu Bi proposed: "If you don't rely on it, you won't come; if you don't rely on it, you can't attack; if you don't rely on it, you can't attack; if you don't rely on it, you can't attack."

In order to avoid a war between Song and Liao, it is necessary to prepare strategies for future wars between Song and Liao. Don't take chances and relax your armaments just because you think the Liao will not go south.

The best solution is to seek unity through struggle and promote negotiation through fighting.

Under Zhang Yue's strong initiative, the entire Hebei Fourth Army was preparing for war on all fronts, and war clouds suddenly gathered.

…

However, the day after Han Zhongyan returned to the Song Dynasty from his official career, side reports came that the Liao army invaded and attacked Xiaonanhe Village in Cangzhou, killing and wounding the people, breaking through the fortress, attacking the Song army, and stripping away all the armor of the dead Song soldiers.

The Liao army not only broke through the city wall, but also killed the people of the Song army.

Before leaving, the Liao cavalry all fired arrows at the walled city. When reinforcements from the Song army arrived, they saw that the outer walls of the walled city were covered with arrowheads, and there were few intact tiles on the towers.

This move is not just a naked provocation.

As soon as this incident came out, the government and the public were shocked, and the talk of war and peace with the Khitan once again surfaced like a pulse wave.

…

But the senior officials of the imperial court knew that this was a warning from the Liao Kingdom.

Here Han Zhongyan cursed a dog, and the Liao Kingdom's revenge came, and it came very quickly.

Deep in the palace, Empress Dowager Gao heard about this and immediately persuaded the officials.

Empress Dowager Gao said to the officials: "Your Majesty, although the king defeats people with martial arts, he must ultimately rule with virtue."

"Dang Xiang's hatred of humiliating Emperor Renzong has taught him a lesson. Now we should put people's livelihood first."

The official said: "Your Majesty, since ancient times, when felling trees, we should first remove the branches and leaves, and then cut down the roots. Liangzhou is just like the branches and leaves. I have cut down all of them, and now only the two states of Xingling are left."

Empress Dowager Gao said: "With the support of Khitan, it cannot be conquered overnight, but it is better to pay attention to people's livelihood. Since officials use the metaphor of planting trees, I think that governing the world is like planting trees. First consolidate the roots, and then the branches and leaves will not be enough to cause trouble. As long as the branches and leaves are not enough to cause trouble."

If the imperial court can be cured, why worry about border troubles that cannot be cured?"

The officials couldn't help but hesitate after hearing this.

Empress Dowager Gao spoke earnestly and sincerely: "The official family, Song and Liao Dynasties had nothing to do, it was the border ministers who disturbed themselves. Lu Huiqing, Han Zhen, Shen Kuo, etc. are all treacherous people. They seem to be for the imperial court, but in fact they are all for themselves.

Selfishness. Putting selfish desires above the interests of the court."

"Although you reuse Zhang Yue, you should not be too indulgent. If you really want to fight with the Liao Kingdom, the century-old peace in the hands of your ancestors will be destroyed."

Although they did not agree with Empress Dowager Gao's proposition, the officials did have doubts.

Empress Dowager Gao said: "Han Zhongyan is the son of Han Qi, and he is also a person who knows the state of the country. This time he sent to Liao and provoked the Lord of Liao with words. Could this be someone's instruction?"

The officials thought, what does it mean to be reasonable? Before Han Zhongyan returned to Zhang Yue, he drafted a proposal for promotion to Hanlin bachelor. It was clearly under Zhang Yue's instruction.

What should we do next? Han Zhongyan scolded the Liao Kingdom for killing soldiers and horses of a Song army in a walled city, and then used arrows to show their authority?
Chapter completed!