Looking at the vast clear water in front of him, Yang Wenguang said to the generals around him: "There are rare places outside the pass. The military order of the Shufu Palace, after we go out to the Liangcheng, we will continue to occupy Baishuilu eastward. Here and Baishuilu are the two largest lakes north of Datong Prefecture, and their status is important. Occupying these two places will intercept the roads of Datong Prefecture in the northern grassland, which will be of great use in the future."

Deputy Commander Song Shouyue said, "Yelu Chongyuan fled from Datong Prefecture and surrendered in Shuozhou. Chongyuan was already captured by the court. Now the defenders of Datong Prefecture are in panic, which is a good time to compete for the city and seize land. However, Baishui was not affiliated with Datong Prefecture and was under the jurisdiction of Shengzhou. In this battle, I was afraid that Dezhou would be easy to take, but Baishui would be difficult to attack. Yelu Hongji led an army of 400,000 to face Datong Prefecture, but I was afraid that it would be difficult to defend."

Yang Wenguang laughed and said, "The court took Shuozhou, and Hong Ji's thoughts were all there. It was precisely because of this that the Shufu ordered us to let go, first take Dezhou, and then take Baishuilu. If Hong Ji sent someone to rescue him, it would be a battle to let him know that he was powerful!"

After saying that, he ordered the army to advance quickly and attack Dezhou City tomorrow.

Dezhou was a Liangcheng in ancient times. The Khitan established prefectures and counties, and the name of prefectures and counties in the Song Dynasty was often used. The city was located in a valley. The road was connected to the Zhenwu Army in the west and Datong Prefecture in the south. It was a key place for Shazhou to move south. Originally, there were heavy troops stationed, and Chongyuan and Hongji fought for the establishment of troops. Now only hundreds of people guarded the city. Yang Wenguang brought his troops 50,000 people, intending to go down in one go.

Outside Changqing City, Yelu Hongji looked at the city ahead and said in a deep voice: "Zhongyuan has fled to Shuozhou south, but Changqing's guards insist on not surrendering. It's really abominable! When the cannons arrive tomorrow, they will set up the cannons and blow the city into powder! Today, the Song Dynasty will definitely take action. If it delays a day, I don't know how many hidden dangers will be laid! Order the army to kill all those who insist on not surrendering!"

A group of generals said that. Yelu Xiantong, the Privy Councilor of the North Court, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the defeated prime minister of the rebel Chongyuan has been revealed. The people of the states in Xijing Road look forward to your army like a long drought and a long rain. At this time, it is important to win the hearts of the people, and no more killings should be created. The state has been quelling the Chongyuan Rebellion for five years, and the military has been used for too long. The people of Xijing Road and Nanjing Road are both difficult for them. If Chongyuan is defeated, nourishing the people should be the first priority."

At this moment, a fast horse arrived nearby. The knight flew off the horse, quickly stepped in front of Hong Ji, and crossed his hands and said, "Your Majesty, the front line army report, Xiao Ge has surrendered to the Song Dynasty in Shuozhou City! Chongyuan and his ministers have all become prisoners of the Song army!"

Yelu Hongji was surprised: "This matter is certain? For five years, the Song Dynasty has been waiting and watching, so why are you intervening now?"

The knight said: "Your Majesty, it's certain! The Song army ahead took Shuozhou City and gathered troops in Mayi County!"

Yelu Hongji waved his hand and ordered the knight to retreat, and hurriedly took the ministers back to the commander's tent.

Sitting in the commander's tent, Yelu Hongji looked at the ministers and said in a deep voice: "I just received the news that Xiao Ge, the thief, took Chongyuan hostage to Shuozhou City, opened the door to welcome the Song army into the city. As you see, what is the intention of the Song State intervening in the war at this time?"

Yelu Yixin, the Privy Councilor of the Southern Court, said: "At this time, your Majesty, I think the purpose of the Song people is not only Shuozhou, but also in Datong Prefecture!"

The King of Wei said: "If you intend to Datong Mansion, it should not be at this time. You should send a large army to quickly seize the retreat before your Majesty's army is approaching. Now 400,000 troops are at the city. Is the State of Song interested in fighting with me at this time?"

Yelu Yixin said: "I have fought with Chongyuan for five years and the national strength is exhausted. If Song State fights with our country at this time, it will be reasonable."

Yelu Fairy Tong stepped out and bowed, "In my opinion, the Southern Dynasty was not ready to fight with its own country. The Southern Kingdom had just captured Dangxiang, and although the war went smoothly, the loss was still a lot. There were only Yang Wenguang, Zhao Zi, Liu Ji, and Jia Kui, with about 200,000 troops around Xijing Road, with about 200,000 troops. Your Majesty personally led an army of 400,000. If there was no leader to support the troops of Chongyuan's troops and the surrendered troops, would the Song army think that they could surpass several people in this dynasty? No matter how you think about this, there is no reason to fight."

Yelu Hongji nodded: "What the king said is very true. Song State was not ready for a big war at this time."

Yelu Xiantong said: "Your Majesty, you still have to negotiate with the Southern Dynasties in this matter. It has been five years of fighting, and it is really difficult to support it if you continue to fight. If you can be peaceful, don't engage in wars."

Yelu Yixin said: "But the Song Dynasty has occupied Shuozhou. How could there be any reason to spit out the meat you eat after eating it!"

Yelu Fairy Tong silently returned to the train.

Yelu Hongji was when he was young. As soon as Yelu Yixin said, he felt that the anger in his heart could not be stopped. However, when he saw that the ministers below were silent, he suppressed the anger again. It was one thing that the Song army was not prepared for a big battle, but if they only defended Shuozhou, the Khitan would not have the confidence to win the battle. If they rashly launched a war and were beaten back by the Song army, it would be a big deal. They had to defeat Chongyuan after a lot of hardships. Once they failed at this time, the situation would be turbulent.

After thinking about it, Yelu Hongji said, "It is hard to guess what the Song Dynasty wants. It is better to send envoys to question the Song Dynasty first. If the Song Dynasty handed over Shuozhou, everything would be easy. If we forcefully refuse to hand over, we will pay attention to it."

All the ministers bowed together to say yes.

Yelu Hongji said: "How about using the King of the North Court and the Chief Minister Wu Zhan as the envoy to the State of Song?"

Yelu Xiantong stepped out and bowed: "I dare not refuse this time of crisis. However, the journey of Kaifeng Prefecture is long, so it is not easy to go there. Shuozhou is close to Hedong Road. Should I go to meet Pang Ji, the governor of Hedong Road, and the pacification envoy?"

Yelu Hongji nodded: "What the king said is so good, so I'll go to see Pang Ji. If Pang Ji can't make the decision, it's not too late to go to Kaifeng Prefecture."

Yelu Yixin came out and said, "Your Majesty, if you go to Kaifeng Prefecture, how can you wait on the battlefield if you go back and forth for a few months?"

When Yelu Hongji heard this, he lowered his head and pondered, and was unable to make up his mind. The Song army occupied Shuozhou, but he had not occupied Datong Prefecture yet, which was equivalent to the two armies colliding head-on. If you accidentally, a war would break out, and you would not be able to go to Kaifeng Prefecture to argue with the Song Dynasty ministers. But if you only see Pang Ji, Yelu Xiantong and Wu Zhan are too high, and you are afraid that Pang Ji will not have the power to make decisions.

Yelu Xiantong bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I will go to see Pang Ji first and ask my name to go to the capital. Let's see how Pang Ji explains first. If the Song State really has the intention to fight, Your Majesty will lead the army to fight them in panoramic view. As we fight ahead, there is nothing we can go to Kaifeng Prefecture."

Yelu Hongji nodded: "Warning and talking is also a way. Shuozhou is the gateway to the south of Datong Prefecture, and it should not be easily given to the Song people. Otherwise, the Song people will be prepared a few years later and the army will come to attack Datong Prefecture, which will be difficult to deal with."

Yelu Xiantong said: "Abide by Your Majesty's decree! But what if the Song army is determined not to give in?"

Yelu Hongji made a stand and said, "Then let's fight again and talk about it! Just go and talk to the Song people, and you must not give up the land!"
Chapter completed!