Chapter 299: Chapter 299
"Correct, I indeed have this intention!"
The warm moonlight occasionally spilled through the window, yet An Ning's expression showed no hesitation whatsoever:
"The Yan-Yun region has been Central Plains territory since ancient times. Now that the timing is ripe, it's time to restore everything to its proper course!"
After watching quietly for a long while, Zhang Zihou finally raised his eyebrows with a light laugh:
"Your Majesty need not worry. While I may be incapable in other matters, I dare guarantee that during Your Majesty's absence, the court will certainly not fall into chaos..."
"And there's also our Xi'er..."
Not long after this conversation ended, early the next morning at court, An Ning straightforwardly proposed her intention to lead the expedition personally.
As her words fell, the assembled ministers immediately erupted in uproar!
Well... actually, not exactly!
Truth be told, the fact that the official had waited this long to move against the Liao Kingdom already surprised many of them.
Back in the second year after quelling... no, reclaiming Western Xia, the official had already unilaterally torn up all terms of the Chanyuan Treaty, declaring emphatically before the Liao envoys and assembled ministers:
From this day forward, Great Song will no longer pay any form of annual tribute to the Liao Kingdom!
As for trade relations?
Under Great Song's governance, not only were there various improved crop varieties, but since reclaiming Western Xia, animal husbandry had developed rapidly. Combined with exceptionally low salt prices and increasingly affordable cloth prices due to technological advancements,
One could say that nowadays, the common people were essentially self-sufficient.
If trade relations were truly suspended, it certainly wouldn't be their people who would suffer!
In any case, after several minor conflicts were swiftly suppressed with thunderous force by the current ruler, the Liao Kingdom had been too intimidated to make even a peep all these years.
Throughout this past decade, visiting envoys had all been exceedingly polite, not daring the slightest offense.
Admittedly, even the most timid officials found this situation quite satisfying to witness!
As for the imperial expedition?
If it were anyone else, they might have concerns, but this ruler...
Considering the official's limited but decisive previous interventions...
To this day, the boxing techniques and sword forms still used in the military were personally created by this very ruler!
Subconsciously, their voices of opposition gradually weakened.
In the twentieth year of Jiayou, after appointing the Crown Prince to supervise state affairs and designating Ouyang Xiu, Han Qi, and Zhang Dun as leading auxiliary ministers,
In early March, An Ning personally led the army northward!
Once news spread, common people throughout the nation, including Bianjing's residents, burned incense and offered prayers! All hoping for the official's triumphant return!
And this official, An Ning, did not disappoint these expectations. Twenty years had been sufficient for the military to undergo complete revitalization.
With robust troops and horses, abundant provisions, repeatedly refined iron weaponry growing ever sharper, plus numerous excellent commanders and an absolute leader,
How could this campaign not end in victory!
Moreover, as life had significantly improved for Great Song's citizens in recent years, ethnic Han people from Liao territories had been gradually fleeing south. Now hearing that Song troops were at the city gates, determined to liberate compatriots oppressed by foreign rulers,
Fellow countrymen within the Yan-Yun region became ecstatic with excitement.
After all, who wouldn't want a better life!
Throughout the Song army's advance, compatriots frequently coordinated from within enemy lines! Under An Ning's leadership, the already formidable army progressed with unstoppable momentum.
In less than a month, Great Liao had successively lost five cities in the Yan-Yun region. Their leading commander Yelü Xiong was instantly killed by An Ning using her signature technique—an arrow through the throat from a hundred meters away during their first encounter.
Instantly, both enemy and allied forces on the battlefield erupted in astonishment!
From that point onward, under the Song army's increasingly fierce assaults, Liao forces grew progressively demoralized, suffering repeated defeats.
Finally, in early May, as An Ning successfully captured the seventh city, from the Liao capital, Emperor Daozong Yelü Hongji personally dispatched envoys requesting peace talks with Great Song, conveying willingness to voluntarily cede the remaining nine Yan-Yun prefectures in exchange for ceasing hostilities.
"Your Majesty, this..."
The leading General Yang respectfully presented the peace proposal.
Within the main tent, an eerie silence prevailed.
Just as everyone assumed the official's temperament would inevitably reject the proposal, they watched as the armored ruler reached for the document, nodding slowly after a moment's consideration:
Her voice remained calm yet authoritative:
"Peace talks are acceptable. The conditions are: besides the remaining nine Yan-Yun prefectures, Great Liao must henceforth submit as vassal to Great Song, annually presenting three thousand fine steeds and no less than ten thousand cattle and sheep to the suzerain state!"
"This... this is utterly humiliating!"
When news spread, the Liao capital immediately erupted in turmoil.
Vassalage was one matter, but demanding thousands of warhorses and livestock—this was no different from destroying their very foundation!
"Impossible, absolutely unacceptable! If they want battle, then battle! Why should we fear them!" A middle-aged man resembling a military officer slammed the table vehemently!
Yet after his outburst, the palace remained deathly silent. Finally, a scholar-like man spoke with sarcasm:
"Fight? With what resources shall we fight!"
"Has the General not heard? Their troops are robust and well-equipped, their provisions vastly superior to ours. In any engagement, our soldiers' blades would be useless halfway through!"
"That Great Song emperor is notoriously cunning!"
All their previous strategies, no matter how meticulous, had been invariably uncovered!
Earlier, two hundred thousand elite troops couldn't defeat forty thousand!
Fight? What fucking chance do we have!
"Your Majesty, that Great Song emperor isn't known for patience. If we hesitate further, we'll truly lose our opportunity!"
"Indeed, perhaps these terms were designed specifically to provoke our resentment, giving them legitimate cause to march further north!"
"Your Majesty, where there's life, there's hope!"
This proved that cowardice knows no geographical boundaries.
In July of the twentieth year of Jiayou, after prolonged negotiations, during the fourth month of An Ning's northern campaign, following the Chanyuan Treaty, Song and Liao signed another agreement.
Historically termed the New Kui Treaty.
This time, however, the roles were completely reversed. After happily reaping substantial benefits, and under the Liao officials' gaze that treated her like a plague, An Ning finally ordered the army to return triumphantly several days later!
"Hey, I'm surprised you actually agreed!"
"You didn't continue fighting?"
Since you have this capability, wouldn't complete unification be better?
The system expressed confusion.
"A-Tong, haven't you heard the saying: 'Life springs from sorrow and calamity, death arises from ease and pleasure'?"
Standing on the somewhat dilapidated city wall in moon-white robes, perhaps due to the strong wind, An Ning's voice carried unusual ethereality:
"Actually, in the original history, the Yan-Yun region did return to Song authority!"
Though only six prefectures, essentially purchased.
"But System, do you know who were the first—even eager—to open the gates for the Jin army when they marched south?"
Meeting the system's astonished gaze, An Ning suddenly smiled:
"Yes, you guessed correctly—ethnic Han people!"
"And specifically these northern Han compatriots!"