Chapter 895 - 87: Southern and Northern Campaigns, Epochal Peak Confrontation

The entire realm is in constant flux.

The news of changes in Jiangnan spread rapidly like the wind throughout the realm, and everyone realized the imminent war.

Scouts on both sides were continuously active.

As Gu Hui once again secured the position of Regent Grand Tutor of the Great Song, everything of the Gu Clan could also be utilized by him.

Before this, to avoid implicating the Gu Clan, Gu Hui had never used these resources from start to finish.

But now it is ultimately different.

Although seemingly unchanged, the meaning is different.

Of course, problems still exist.

Everyone is waiting for Gu Hui to choose another Emperor again.

After all, Zhao Gou has become a criminal, and Gu Hui has not abolished the Great Song’s title, fundamentally destined to produce many problems, though these aren’t urgent for now.

....

Guide Prefecture, within the command hall.

Candlelight illuminated the solemn faces of the officers within the hall.

Yue Fei stood in front of the giant map of mountains and rivers, tapping a bamboo stick on the Huai River line, reporting in a deep voice:

"Grand Tutor, urgent report from Jiangnan."

"Wanyan Digü, with Wanyan Digü as commander, assisted by Han Chang, commands a force of eighty thousand cavalry and one hundred twenty thousand infantry, advancing from both Yingtian Prefecture and Kaifeng Prefecture, with the vanguard already reaching Huai West."

"Their army, carrying plundered supplies and wealth from Jiangnan, has abundant supplies and a high morale."

"They further dispatched cavalry to penetrate Shandong and Jianghuai, combining suppression with conciliation, with some powerful families in Suzhou and Hangzhou secretly pledging allegiance."

He moved the bamboo stick north, pointing to Hebei and Hedong: "The Jin Army is frequently moving troops from various routes in Hebei and Hedong, seemingly to support the main southern force and restrain our army’s flanks."

"Further reports indicate that Wanyan Digü is already stationed at the Central Hub, determined to win this battle."

An intelligence officer added, "The Jiangnan populace harbors varying thoughts."

"The commoners suffer from the Jin People’s plundering and hope for the Royal Army, yet fear their military might and dare not act rashly."

"Some gentry are... still observing, and even rumors circulate that the Grand Tutor ultimately needs to establish a new Zhao emperor to rightfully lead Jiangnan against the Jins."

The atmosphere in the hall instantly tensed.

The matter of enthronement was indeed a thorn in everyone’s heart.

Gu Hui’s authority as "Regent Grand Tutor" to lead the Northern Border is based on the dethroning of the immoral Emperor Zhao Gou, coupled with the late Emperor’s edict.

This is fundamental.

Yet there is considerable righteousness in this.

And someone like Wanyan Digü would naturally seize every opportunity to smear the Gu Clan.

Now that the realm’s title remains unchanged and Jiangnan’s legitimacy lingers, the Jin People use this as a pretext, stirring claims that "the Gu Clan desires usurpation."

Though it seems insignificant, it may ultimately have some effect.

Another general stepped forward, bowing, "Grand Tutor, the Jin Army is powerful, wielding the newly subdued Jiangnan’s might, their momentum vigorous."

"Although our army has won continuous victories, in comparison to the Jin invaders who occupy the Central Plains and Jiangnan, we are still at a disadvantage in troops and supplies."

"If we firmly defend the line from Daming Prefecture to Guide Prefecture, we risk passivity."

"If we divide troops to the south for aid, the Central Plains might become vulnerable, allowing the enemy to exploit."

"This is indeed a dilemma."

All eyes turned to Gu Hui, who was seated at the head.

Today, he wore no official uniform, only in dark attire, calmly listening to the reports and analyses, fingers tapping the armrest mindlessly.

After everyone spoke, Gu Hui slowly stood up, walked to the map, scanning the mountains and cities with hawk-like eyes.

"Though the Jin invaders’ momentum is strong, their defect lies in their superficiality." His voice was not loud, yet clear and powerful, "Wanyan Digü seems to be settled in Kaifeng, but in truth, he is impatient."

"He fears delays, fears our army consolidating the Northern Border and capitalizing on Zhao Gou’s downfall, and even more fears the Jiangnan people’s long-term change of heart."

"Thus, he must seek a fast battle, trying to impose a heavy pressure tactic to force our main force into a decisive battle in the Central Plains."

He pointed to Huai West, "Wanyan Digü’s route is his main force, also a bait."

"Its intent is to draw our army’s attention, whether to aid the south or directly confront."

He then pointed to Hebei, "The supporting army here is mostly bluff, intended to restrain us, making us dare not fully head south."

Gu Hui withdrew his hand, crossing it behind his back, surveying the generals, "They seek fast battles; we are in no hurry."

"They wish to concentrate forces for destruction; we will disperse them."

He turned to Yue Fei, "Pengju, I assign you to lead thirty thousand elite Beiwei Army and brave cavalry from the north, march swiftly through the night, avoid entanglement with Jin’s main force, and head straight for Huaidong!"

"Use your Yue flag, rally righteous men from Jianghuai, harass their supply routes, reclaim coastal provinces, and sever their northward transport of Jiangnan wealth."

"Remember, fight fast, fight hard, like a sharp knife cutting flesh, leaving them unable to attend both ends!"

Yue Fei’s gaze abruptly sharpened, responding thunderously, "This humble general accepts the order!"

Gu Hui then looked at another calm and composed veteran general, "General Liu Qi, I task you with commanding fifty thousand infantry and newly attached troops to firmly defend the line from Daming Prefecture to Guide Prefecture, deeply entrenched and heavily fortified, watchfully guarding."

"If Wanyan Digü sends a detachment to attack, ensure they are nailed down at the city gate;"

"If their main force invades, resist gradually, delay time until Pengju achieves success in the southeast, and their morale will inevitably be disrupted!"

"This humble general complies with the order!"

"The rest of the generals, drill the soldiers, pacify the localities, and extensively dispatch scouts."

"Send proclamations to everywhere, especially Jiangnan," Gu Hui’s tone turned cold, carrying an undeniable determination, "Proclaim to the realm: the Jin invaders are foreign aggressors, plundering our children and wealth, all Huaxia citizens should unite and fight!"

"The Song dynasty’s legitimacy continues not for the Zhao family’s own sake, but for the livelihood of all the realm’s populace!"

"Once the barbarian invaders are expelled, and the celestial sphere cleared, we shall confer with the wise across the realm, elect the virtuous, to stabilize the state."

"For now, the urgency lies solely in resisting the Jins!"