[History of the Song Dynasty Palace] [48] [Author: Xu Muxi]

Chapter 48: Yuan Hao Invades the Frontier, Disobeying Imperial Decree, Ren Fu Remains Loyal
. It is said that Emperor Renzong, angered by Empress Dowager Yang, dared not disobey her wishes and sent his two concubines, Shang and Yang, out of the palace. Yan Yingwen, receiving the imperial decree, immediately summoned two felt-covered carriages and forced the two concubines out of the palace. The two concubines wept and refused to leave, pleading with Yingwen to take them to see Emperor Renzong, hoping he would consider their past relationship and spare their exile. Yingwen, however, was not swayed by sentiment and loudly rebuked them: "Palace maids, stop your nonsense! Empress Guo, the empress, was also forced out of the palace by you two and made a nun.
Do you still intend to seduce the Emperor in the palace?" He then ordered them into the carriages and drove them out of the palace.
The next day, Emperor Renzong issued an edict, appointing Concubine Shang as a nun residing in Dongzhen Palace; Concubine Yang was to be placed in a separate residence. After more than a month, without the two concubines harassing him, Emperor Renzong indeed recovered from his illness and appointed Concubine Cao as empress, ordering the deposed Empress Guo to reside in Yaohua Palace. Empress Cao was the granddaughter of the late Privy Councilor Cao Bin. Born into a prestigious family, she was known for her kindness, generosity, and skillful governance. After becoming empress, she was deeply concerned about Emperor Renzong's frail health and the fear of him having no heir. She advised him to adopt a young son from the imperial clan. Knowing that Emperor Taizong's grandson, Prince Yuanfen of the Shang Dynasty, had many sons, her thirteenth son, Zongshi, was only four years old. Zongshi was brought to the palace and raised by Empress Cao; he later became Emperor Yingzong.
After Lady Guo moved to Yaohua Palace, Emperor Renzong, remembering his childhood sweetheart, often sent eunuchs to inquire after her and ordered palace maids to deliver gifts. In his spare time, he would also compose two poems for her. Lady Guo responded in kind, her poems poignant and moving. Emperor Renzong, seeing this, missed her even more and secretly ordered a carriage to be prepared to bring her back to the palace, hoping for a reunion. Guo, however, told the envoy, "It's not difficult for Your Majesty to bring me to the palace. All that's needed is for the officials to stand in formation and for me to be re-registered." Emperor Renzong, upon hearing this, said, "There's nothing wrong with that." Little did he know that these words would cost Guo her life. It was the eunuch Yan Yingwen who had instigated Renzong's deposition of Guo. Hearing this, he feared Renzong would actually carry it out. Guo's restoration of her title, coupled with his own life being in danger, caused him great anxiety.
Just two days later, Guo suddenly fell ill. Upon hearing this, Renzong ordered Yingwen to bring the imperial physician to examine her. Yingwen, seizing the opportunity, was overjoyed and instructed the physician to prescribe some inappropriate medicine. Guo took it, and within a few days, she died. Renzong was deeply saddened. There was nothing he could do but accept fate. Outside, rumors circulated that the deposed empress's death was suspicious, and Yan Yingwen was undoubtedly responsible. However, lacking evidence of her murder, they had no way to bring charges.
At this time, Fan Zhongyan was being transferred to the position of Prefect of Kaifeng. He submitted a memorial requesting the restoration of Empress Guo's title, and that her funeral be conducted according to the rites for an empress, except that she not be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and given no posthumous title. He also impeached Yan Yingwen for various illegal acts. Emperor Renzong, also concerned about the strange circumstances surrounding Empress Guo's death and hearing the rumors, wanted to punish Yan Yingwen as well. He immediately approved Zhongyan's memorial and exiled Yingwen to Lingnan. Yingwen set off on his journey, feeling as if a female ghost was following him, filled with fear and anxiety. He fell ill, constantly begging for mercy, and died halfway there. Not long after, Empress Dowager Yang also passed away, posthumously named Zhanghui, and buried in Yongding Mausoleum.
That year, the Western Xia invaded Yanzhou. The Western Xia ruler, Zhao Deming, had served both the Song and Khitan dynasties, and had generally remained peaceful and did not cause trouble. Deming had a son named Yuanhao, who was brave, resolute, and intelligent. He often sought to annex the Uyghur and Tibetan tribes and dominate the western frontier. Later, he defeated the Uyghurs and occupied Ganzhou. Deming made him crown prince because of his merits. Yuanhao, ashamed of being subordinate to others, often urged Deming to rebel against the Song Dynasty. Deming refused and admonished Yuanhao, saying, "Since my father's years of military campaigns, we have been exhausted. For nearly thirty years, we have been vassals of China and have received its favors. China has treated us very well; do not betray it." Yuanhao replied, "Wearing felt and engaging in animal husbandry is the nature of my Tibetan people.
A man is born a hero, destined to be either a king or a hegemon. How can I willingly become a slave to the Song people?" Not long after, Deming died, and his son Yuanhao succeeded him. The Song Dynasty sent Yang Ji, a senior official in the Ministry of Works, to appoint Yuanhao as the Prince of Xiping, Military Governor of Dingnan Army, Inspector of Xia, Yin, Sui, Jing, and You Prefectures, and Commissioner for the Administration of Tibetan Tribes.
Although Yuanhao had been officially appointed, he harbored ambitions to invade the Song Dynasty. He styled himself "Emowuzu" and adopted the Chinese court system, employing a mix of Han and non-Han officials for civil and military posts.
While recruiting talent, two scholars from Huazhou, one surnamed Zhang and the other Wu, repeatedly failed the imperial examinations. Frustrated by their unfulfilled potential, they felt resentful and decided to travel together. One day, they reached the border and heard that Yuanhao intended to spy on the frontier and was recruiting talent. They decided to go and serve him to realize their ambitions. Having made up their minds, they returned home, packed their belongings, and gathered several dozen taels of silver for their journey. Arriving in Western Xia, they found the streets prosperous, comparable to those in the interior. Being unfamiliar with the place and unable to find Yuanhao, they spent their days wandering the streets, their silver already exhausted.
One day, while strolling, they came to a street and saw a large, magnificently decorated house with a plaque above the door that read "Hall for Recruiting Talents."
The two men were overjoyed. The man surnamed Wu was about to go in and offer his services when the man surnamed Zhang stopped him, saying, "If we go to him directly, he'll look down on us. He should come and invite us." The man surnamed Wu asked, "What plan do you have to make him come and invite us?" The man surnamed Zhang pointed and said, "Isn't there a big restaurant over there? Let's go eat our fill first." The man surnamed Wu said, "Do you still have any money? I'm all gone now, I'm telling you this now." The man surnamed Zhang said, "Who has any money left? Don't worry about it, just come with me." With that, he strode off towards the restaurant. The man surnamed Wu had no choice but to follow. Upstairs, they chose a clean seat and sat down. The waiter asked what they wanted to eat and drink, and the man surnamed Zhang ordered only the best to be brought up. The man surnamed Wu, however, was sweating bullets, afraid he wouldn't have enough money to pay for the meal, and hesitated to eat. The man surnamed Zhang, however, acted as if nothing had happened, chatting and laughing as he ate and drank. Before long, the table was a mess of empty cups and plates.
The waiter came to settle the bill, which amounted
to nine taels and five mace of silver. The man surnamed Zhang said, "Very well! I'll give you an extra five mace of silver, making it ten taels in total. Go and fetch a writing brush and inkstone." The waiter was initially delighted to hear he was being given five mace of silver and thanked him repeatedly. But when he heard he needed writing brush and inkstone, he hurriedly said, "This shop never keeps accounts, sir, please don't make a mistake." The man surnamed Zhang said, "Nonsense! Who owes you money? Quickly bring me the writing brush and inkstone; I need them." The waiter had no choice but to fetch them from the counter. The man surnamed Zhang ground the ink until it was thick, dipped the brush fully, and then reached out and wrote a line on the snow-white wall: "On such and such a date, Zhang Yuan and Wu Hao drank wine here." Having written this, he threw down the brush, grabbed the man surnamed Wu, and left. The waiter panicked and rushed forward, grabbing the two men tightly and shouting, "If you want to eat for free, at least find out who owns this restaurant!" At his shout, a man rushed up from downstairs, sized up Zhang and Wu for a moment, then ordered the waiter to let go and asked what was wrong. The waiter replied, "These two customers ate nine taels and five qian of food and wine, and even said they'd give me five qian to make it ten taels. But at the last minute, they scribbled all sorts of words on the whitewashed wall, not giving me a single coin, and now they're trying to run away." Hearing that there were words on the wall, the man went to take a look, but without answering the two men, he told the waiter to keep a close watch on them and went downstairs.
It turned out that this restaurant was owned by Yuan Hao. He knew that these talented and capable people were ambitious and wouldn't stoop to serve him. Although a talent recruitment hall had been established, it was feared that truly talented individuals would be hard to find. Therefore, this restaurant was opened in this strategic location, and a trusted official was dispatched to regularly inspect it. If anyone exhibited unusual behavior or an appearance different from ordinary people, the official would report it to Yuan Hao. This served two purposes: recruiting talent and investigating spies—a truly win-win situation. The man who had just come upstairs was none other than Yuan Hao's trusted official. Upon seeing Zhang and Wu, he immediately sensed their extraordinary and unusual demeanor. Later, noticing their names written on the wall, which cleverly violated the king's taboo, he knew that the two men must have intended to serve him and refused to submit.
He didn't say much and went directly to report to Yuan Hao.
Wu, seeing this man leave, foresaw impending trouble. Being watched by the waiter and unable to escape, he complained to Zhang, saying he shouldn't have caused trouble! Zhang merely gave a slight, cold smile and ignored him. After waiting a while, the same man came back and said to the two men, "The king has summoned you both!" The man surnamed Zhang was overjoyed and said, "Very good!
I was just about to request an audience with the king." With that, he turned and left, and the man surnamed Wu followed him.
Upon arriving at the palace, Yuanhao immediately asked the two men what they did for a living. The man surnamed Zhang replied, "We are scholars." Yuanhao retorted, "Scholars who don't even know the proper etiquette for entering a kingdom?" Zhang laughed loudly, "Your Majesty doesn't even care about your surname, so why should you care about your given name!" Hearing this, Yuanhao felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. He thought to himself, "I've been making a scene all these years, proclaiming myself emperor and king, considering myself a hero, yet I still use the surname bestowed by the Song Dynasty. Not only am I foolish, but none of my men have thought of this. These two men, with such insight, must be extraordinary." Having thought this, he descended from the throne, personally helped the two men to their seats, and asked, "Gentlemen, you have come from afar; you must have a brilliant plan to pacify the Central Plains. Please enlighten us." Zhang and Wu then advised Yuanhao to quickly establish a new title, saying that only in this way could he unite the people's hearts. Yuanhao, who already harbored this intention, was overjoyed upon hearing the news. He immediately proclaimed himself emperor, changed the era name to Tianshou, and named the state Xia
. He appointed Zhang and Wu as Privy Councilors, entrusting them with the planning and implementation of all founding systems and military strategies. They were truly obedient and wielded considerable power. Two scholars who had failed the imperial examinations in the central court had become founding heroes of Western Xia. This was a consequence of the Song Dynasty's officials who suppressed talented individuals, preventing them from achieving their ambitions. Having become Yuanhao's officials and gained his trust, Zhang and Wu forgot they were Chinese and devoted themselves wholeheartedly to his schemes. Yuanhao intended to invade the Song Dynasty, and Zhang and Wu devised a plan for him. First, under the guise of a pilgrimage to Mount Wutai to worship Buddha and offer incense, they scouted the route. Then, they swore a blood oath with neighboring chieftains, agreeing to attack Fuyan first, planning a three-pronged attack from Jingde, Saimenzhai, and Chicheng. They also sent envoys to the Song court, their language contradictory.
That year, Emperor Renzong changed the fourth year of Jingyou to the first year of Baoyuan. Lü Yijian and others had already been dismissed from their posts.
Wang Zeng, who had been enfeoffed as Duke of Yi, also passed away. Emperor Renzong reinstated Zhang Shixun as Chancellor and Wang Zong and Li Ruogu as Vice Chancellors. Because Yuan Hao's memorial was arrogant, the officials all advocated sending troops to punish him. The remonstrating official Wu Yu submitted a memorial suggesting that their demands be granted temporarily while secretly preparing for war. He argued that as Yuan Hao grew increasingly arrogant, they should be constantly vigilant; even if a complete break occurred, it would not be a serious problem. This was a strategy of appeasement. Zhang Shixun considered this pedantic talk and issued an edict stripping Yuan Hao of his official titles and ranks, prohibiting trade, and offering a reward for Yuan Hao's head. Anyone who could behead Yuan Hao and present him would be appointed Military Governor of Dingnan Army. Xia Song was appointed Pacification Commissioner of Jingyuan, Qinfeng, and Fuzhou; Fan Yong was appointed Pacification Commissioner of Fuyan and Huanqing, and both were to be in charge of Xia Prefecture. Wang Deyong, the Privy Councilor, requested to lead the western expedition himself. Emperor Renzong refused. Deyong, with his imposing appearance, resembled Emperor Taizu and was well-liked by the soldiers.
Those around Renzong said his appearance was extraordinary and unsuitable for long-term command of the Privy Council and military power. Renzong became suspicious and not only forbade Deyong's western expedition but also demoted him to Prefect of Suizhou, replacing him with Xia Shouyun as Privy Councilor.
Yuanhao invaded Bao'an Army and, approaching Anyuan Village, saw several thousand Song soldiers approaching. He paid them no heed, thinking they were nothing and could be easily dealt with. However, suddenly, from within the Song army, a general with disheveled hair, wielding a sword, and a face like gold, flew out and charged forward. The Xia soldiers, unsure whether he was human, ghost, demon, or immortal, panicked and retreated. This disheveled, gold-faced general charged and swept through the enemy ranks like lightning, followed by thousands of Song soldiers, attacking like a storm. How could the Xia soldiers withstand him? Yuanhao, also bewildered, had no choice but to lead his troops in retreat.
Who do you think this is? It is Di Qing, the patrol commander, courtesy name Hanchen, a native of Hexi. He is brave and skilled in battle, initially a cavalry officer, who joined the army on the western expedition, repeatedly achieving military merits. In peacetime, he wears a steel mask and lets his hair down to supervise the battle, a tactic that can terrify the enemy. Currently serving as the patrol commander, garrisoning Bao'an, under the command of Lu Shouqin, he is ordered to defend against the enemy. He commands only a few thousand soldiers, yet in battle, he frightens away Yuan Hao's army of tens of thousands, a victory reported to the court. Emperor Renzong wanted to summon him to inquire about his strategy, but Yuan Hao was also discussing advancing, so he ordered a portrait of Di Qing to be presented. A later poem praises Di Qing: "Wearing a bronze mask, he achieved military merit; his ingenious plans were already in his heart. With a
general like him on the western expedition, tens of thousands of rebel soldiers were wiped out in an instant.
" Yuan Hao, defeated, then intended to invade Yanzhou. He first sent someone to Fan Yong's army to feign surrender. Fan Yong believed him and made no preparations. Yanzhou is a vast area with few fortresses, and the garrison is mostly old and weak. Yuan Hao suddenly launched an attack, breaching Jinming Village and capturing the commander Li Shibin and his son. He then advanced triumphantly to the walls of Yanzhou. Fan Yong realized he had fallen for Yuan Hao's trap. He ordered Shi Yuansun to lead the troops into battle while simultaneously sending Deputy Commander Liu Ping from Qingzhou to provide reinforcements. After three days of fighting, both sides had their share of victories and defeats.
Shi Yuansun and Liu Ping joined forces and camped at the foot of the southwest mountain. At nightfall, the enemy surrounded their camp, shouting, "You remnants of the army, surrender now! Are you waiting to die?" The Song army panicked and scattered. As dawn approached, war drums sounded all around, and the Xia army charged in, cutting the Song army in two. Shi Yuansun and Liu Ping were captured by Yuan Hao. Liu Ping, upon reaching the enemy camp, cursed them and was the first to be killed. Shi Yuansun was imprisoned in the camp. Yanzhou, having suffered this defeat, was filled with fear and trepidation. Fortunately, heavy snow fell, preventing an attack. Yuan Hao was eager to return, and Yanzhou remained unconquered. In this defeat, Liu Ping and Shi Yuansun fought bravely in the critical moment; Huang Dehe, the commander of the capital, led his infantry in a retreat before the battle even began; Wan Qizheng, Guo Zun, and others also fled in disarray. After Liu Ping was
killed, Huang Dehe falsely accused Liu Ping of surrendering to the rebels, thus causing a setback.
The Song court had already learned of the inside story, and Emperor Renzong ordered Wen Yanbo, the Palace Attendant Censor, to go to Hezhong to investigate. Wen Yanbo, a native of Fenzhou, was an upright and selfless man. After interrogation, the truth came to light. Dehe was executed by being cut in half at the waist; Fan Yong was also demoted to Prefect of Anzhou; Liu Ping was posthumously awarded official titles and honors and given preferential treatment; Xia Shouyun was appointed as the Military Commissioner of Shaanxi, and Wang Shouzhong, the Palace Attendant, was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief, and they set off immediately. Fu Bi, the Director of the Censorate, submitted a memorial advising: "Xia Shouyun is a mediocre and cowardly man, unfit for such a great responsibility; Wang Shouzhong is an inner court official, yet he has been appointed as a military commander, which is repeating the mistakes of the late Tang dynasty. I request that the decree be rescinded." Emperor Renzong did not heed this advice. At that time, Han Qi, the Imperial Drafter of Imperial Edicts, returned to the capital from Shu and presented a very clear account of the situation in Western Xia. Emperor Renzong then ordered Han Qi to pacify Shaanxi. When Han Qi took his leave, he addressed Emperor Renzong, saying, "Fan Yong's lack of discipline led to defeat and caused Your Majesty worry. I wish to recommend Fan Zhongyan to guard the frontier." Emperor Renzong asked, "Fan Zhongyan?" Han Qi quickly replied, "Zhongyan previously offended Lü Yijian and was transferred to Yuezhou. The court suspects him of forming a faction, which I am aware of. However, Your Majesty works tirelessly day and night. If I were to consider suspicion again and bury talent, my crime would be even greater. If I were to be implicated in factionalism and recommend the wrong person, even if I were to be punished and my entire family executed, I would be willing." Emperor Renzong nodded and said, "You may leave now. I will order Zhongyan to come immediately." Han Qi thanked him and left. An imperial edict was issued appointing Zhongyan as the prefect of Yongxing Army, and later appointing him as the prefect of Kaifeng. Because Lü Yijian was in power and abused his power, Han Qi submitted a memorial criticizing the current political situation, implicitly denouncing Lü Yijian as the Zhang Yu of the Han Dynasty. Yi Jian accused him of overstepping his authority by speaking out against Zhongyan, resulting in his demotion and exile. Yu Jing, an academician of the Jixian Academy, and Yin Zhu and Ouyang Xiu, collators of the Imperial Academy, also impeached Zhongyan, claiming he was innocent, yet they too were demoted and denounced as part of a faction, though the people of the capital called them the "Four Worthies." This controversy arose because Han Qi had recommended Zhongyan. Emperor Renzong heeded Han Qi's advice and appointed Zhongyan
, demonstrating his willingness to heed advice. Only Zhang Shixun, who had initially advocated military action, was rendered ineffective in the face of the crisis. This caused discontent within the Censorate. Shixun, however, was astute, submitting a memorial requesting retirement due to old age. He was granted the title of Grand Tutor and reinstated as Chancellor. Yi Jian, however, also felt that Xia Shouyun lacked the talent for military command and should be recalled. Emperor Renzong then ordered him and Wang Shouzhong to return to the capital, reappointing Xia Song as the Pacification and Recruiting Commissioner of Shaanxi, with Han Qi and Fan Zhongyan as his deputies. Zhongyan accepted the imperial decree and resigned. Emperor Renzong personally instructed Zhongyan, "You have a grudge against Chancellor Lü, but now Chancellor Lü also wishes to employ you. You should put aside past grievances and serve the country." Zhongyan bowed and said, "I have no grudges against Chancellor Lü. The matter we discussed the other day was solely for the sake of the country. How could I dare to harbor any prejudice?" Emperor Renzong said, "If we can work together for the country, what more is there to say?" Zhongyan bowed and left the court, immediately setting off on his journey. On the way, he heard that most of the strongholds in Yanzhou had fallen, so he submitted a memorial requesting to defend Yanzhou himself. The emperor appointed him as the prefect. Zhongyan then hurried on his way, arriving in Yanzhou. He conducted a grand review of the prefectural troops, finding 18,000 men, and selected six generals to lead them. He trained them daily, observing the strength of the enemy and taking turns to engage them. He also repaired the strongholds of Chengping and Yongping, recruited refugees, established defenses, and promoted the return of the Qiang and Han people to their livelihoods. The border became increasingly secure, and the enemy dared not invade. The Xia people looked at each other and warned, "This time, the young Master Fan has tens of thousands of soldiers in his heart. He's not like the old Master Fan of the past, who could be deceived. Don't even think about Yanzhou." The old Master Fan refers to Fan Yong, and the young Master Fan refers to Zhongyan. Zhongyan, courtesy name Xiwen, was from Wu County. He passed the imperial examination in the eighth year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era and was appointed governor of Yanzhou. He was strict in rewards and punishments, disciplined his army, and both Han and non-Han people submitted to him. Even when busy with military dispatches, Zhongyan, dressed elegantly, would often compose poems.
One day, on a clear autumn day, Zhongyan inspected the various camps. He heard the cries of wild geese in the sky and the continuous wailing of horns from all sides. He felt deeply moved, seeing the soldiers' hardships and remembering his own long-term service on the border, he was filled with sorrow. He then composed a poem, "Fisherman's Pride," on the theme of autumn thoughts: "The autumn scenery beyond the Great Wall is different; the wild geese fly south without a backward glance. The sounds of the border blend with the horns from all sides." Amidst a thousand barriers, the setting sun casts long shadows over the lonely, closed city. A cup of turbid wine, ten thousand miles from home; the Yanran inscription remains uncarved, and there's no plan for return.
The Qiang flute plays a mournful tune, frost covers the ground. No one sleeps; the general's white hair and the soldier's tears flow.
Zhongyan's poem spread. The barbarian and Han soldiers practiced singing it together, its melody extraordinary and melodious, its tone extremely tragic. When it reached Yuanhao's ears, he was secretly astonished, thinking, "Little Fan is so composed; if he were to remain on the frontier, I would never have a chance to achieve my ambitions." He hastily consulted with his subordinates, feigning to send an envoy to negotiate peace with Zhongyan. Zhongyan then personally wrote a reply, repeatedly urging him to first relinquish his imperial title and quickly fulfill his duties as a subject to repay the benevolent rule of previous dynasties. Yuanhao read it but ignored it, and instead sent someone to Han Qi to sue for an alliance. Han Qi said, "To request peace without an agreement is to entice me." He then refused the envoy's request for peace. Yuanhao's plan failed, and he led his troops to invade Weizhou, advancing towards Huaiyuan City. Han Qi personally led the army to the border, mobilizing all the soldiers of the Zhenrong Army and recruiting 18,000 brave men. He appointed Ren Fu, the general of Huanqing, as commander, Geng Fu as advisor, Sang Yi, the military supervisor of Jingyuan, as vanguard, and Zhu Guanwu and Wang Gui as rear guard.
Before the army set out, Han Qi personally instructed Ren Fu: "Yuan Hao is cunning; you must be extra careful. You must go directly from Huaiyuan to Desheng, then circle around to Muyanglongcheng to attack the enemy's rear. If the enemy cannot be defeated, set up an ambush in a strategic location to cut off their retreat; victory is assured. If you hastily achieve victory, even if you succeed, you will be beheaded." Ren Fu readily agreed and led his men towards Huaiyuan.
Reaching Nalongchuan, they saw a large cloud of dust rising, knowing a battle had begun. Looking ahead, they saw that Chang Ding and Liu Su, the western patrol inspectors of the Zhenrong Army, were engaging the enemy, and had defeated them. Ren Fu quickly ordered the vanguard Sang Yi to assist them, while he himself led the main force in pursuit. Scouts reported that the Xia army was small, which reassured Ren Fu, who advanced confidently. By evening, they had reached Haofengchuan, where they joined forces with Sang Yi and set up camp. At this time, the strategist Geng Fu was still behind them. He received a proclamation from Han Qi, strongly advising against rash advance. Geng Fu hastily wrote a letter and the proclamation, sending it to Ren Fu, urging him to obey orders and not to advance hastily. Ren Fu coldly laughed, "Commander Han is too cautious, and Strategist Geng is especially timid. I think the enemy is easy to deal with. Tomorrow we will advance and achieve a great victory, ensuring the Xia army doesn't return with a single cavalryman." He then arranged to meet Zhu Guanwu and others to advance together.
The next day, Ren Fu and Sang Yi traveled west along Haoshuichuan. Reaching the foot of Liupan Mountain, they found several silver boxes abandoned on the road, sealed tightly. Sang Yi picked them up and felt a slight pulsating sound inside, unsure of what they contained, and dared not open them immediately. Ren Fu arrived, disregarding the danger, and immediately ordered them to be opened. Unexpectedly, the box contained pigeons, domesticated ones, each with a whistle attached to its tail. As soon as the lid was opened, the pigeons flew into the air, their whistling deafening. Sang Yi and Ren Fu looked up at the pigeons, puzzled, when suddenly whistles arose from all sides, signaling the arrival of the Xia army. Yuan Hao personally led his iron cavalry, charging forward. Ren Fu and Sang Yi realized they had fallen into a trap and hastily engaged the enemy, only to be overwhelmed by the Xia soldiers' rampage. Their forces scattered, and as they tried to hold their ground, a tall banner, over two zhang long, was raised in the Xia ranks. When the banner was waved to the left, the ambush troops on the left sprang up; when it was waved to the right, the ambush troops on the right emerged, attacking from all sides. The Song army suffered a crushing defeat. Sang Yi and Liu Su were killed in action, and Ren Fu, despite sustaining more than ten wounds, fought on relentlessly. Junior officer Liu Jin urged him to flee quickly, but Ren Fu said, "I am a general, and with the army defeated, where can I go?" He then fought again, but was shot in the cheek, blood gushing out, and he choked to death.
Ren Fu's son, Huai Liang, also died before entering the battle. Only Wu Ying remained, struggling within the encirclement, unable to escape. Wang Gui rushed to her aid, fighting his way out and rescuing Wu Ying, but Wu Ying was already severely wounded and unable to fight further. Wang Gui, struggling alone, was in desperation when suddenly the Xia army arrived and surrounded him. Geng Fu and Zhu Guan were about to go to her rescue when Zhao Jin, the garrison commander, arrived with his troops. Geng Fu ordered Zhu Guan to hold the rear while he and Zhao Jin went to the rescue, only to find that Wang Gui and Wu Ying were already dead. Geng and Zhao, trapped within the enemy lines, were also killed. Zhu Guan, with over a thousand men, hid behind a walled village, firing arrows indiscriminately. Because it was getting late, the Xia army, fearing an ambush, retreated in triumph.
In this great battle, six Song generals were killed and over ten thousand soldiers were wounded. The Guanzhong region was greatly shaken. Xia Song sent men to collect scattered soldiers from Ren Fu's clothing, where they found Han Qi's proclamation and Geng Fu's handwritten letter. He then reported the details to the emperor, stating that Ren Fu's disobedience led to the defeat, and that the fault did not lie with Han Qi or Geng Fu. Han Qi also submitted a memorial requesting punishment. Emperor Renzong, upon hearing the news, was deeply saddened and demoted Han Qi, transferring him to the position of prefect of Qinzhou. Yuan Hao, emboldened by his victory over the Song army, wrote a letter to Fan Zhongyan, his words extremely arrogant. Fan Zhongyan, facing Xia Song's envoy, tore the letter to pieces and burned it. When this matter reached the Song court, Lü Yijian said to the court officials, "A subject has no right to engage in diplomatic relations. Zhongyan's unauthorized letter to Yuanhao is already a breach of etiquette. Even after receiving a reply, he burned it without reporting it to the emperor. What punishment should he receive?" Councilor Song Xiang said, "He should be beheaded for this alone." Privy Councilor Du Yan said, "Zhongyan's intention was to incite rebellion; his heart was never disloyal. How can he be severely punished?" The debate raged on. Emperor Renzong then ordered Zhongyan to explain himself. Zhongyan submitted a memorial, saying, "When I first heard that Yuanhao had shown remorse, I wrote to him to persuade him and demonstrate the court's power and virtue.
Later, after Ren Fu's defeat and death, his power grew even stronger, and his reply was disrespectful. If I were to report this letter to the court without immediate reprimand, the disgrace would fall on the court. However, the act of destroying the letter would only disgrace me, and would have no bearing on the court.
This is truly my humble and foolish sentiment. I beg your consideration." Emperor Renzong again issued his memorial, ordering the Privy Council to reconsider.
Song Xiang and Du Yan maintained their previous stance. Emperor Renzong then questioned Lü Yijian. Song Xiang thought Lü Yijian agreed with his opinion, but to his surprise, Lü Yijian reported: "Du Yan's opinion is correct; he should only be lightly punished." Emperor Renzong then demoted Zhongyan to Prefect of Yaozhou, and later transferred him to Prefect of Qingzhou. He appointed Chen Zhizhong, Vice Minister of Works, as Pacification and Military Commissioner of Shaanxi, to jointly govern Yongxing Army with Xia Song. The two disagreed and frequently argued. Emperor Renzong had no choice but to order Xia Song to garrison Fuzhou and Zhizhong to garrison Jingzhou. Xia Song, guarding the border, was greatly despised by Yuan Hao, who once offered a reward of only three thousand coins for Xia Song's head.
Why was Xia Song's head so cheap? To be continued...

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[History of the Song Dynasty Palace] [48] [Author: Xu Muxi]

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