Chapter 431
Taking the Pockets and Securing the Gains
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Just like the saying "anger for a beauty," Wu Sangui didn't actually open the gates to let the Qing army into the pass for Chen Yuanyuan; it was just an excuse.
It's impossible for Zhao Yu to actually lower the conditions for the Song Dynasty to send troops for Tamamo-no-Mae; this was merely an excuse.
To put it bluntly, Zhao Yu felt that Cai Jing's demands were too harsh. Japan would never agree to such conditions for sending troops, and even if Japan reluctantly agreed, it would be difficult to fulfill. If the Song Dynasty held back from sending troops and the Japanese withstood the Jin attack on their own, this sure-fire deal would fall through. Or, if Jin Wuzhu and his forces actually conquered Japan and armed the warlike Japanese with their advanced military concepts, then Zhao Yu and his ministers would become a huge joke.
Therefore, Zhao Yu used Tamamo-no-Mae as a way out, lowering the conditions for sending troops and securing the spoils first.
Although the conditions offered by Zhao Yu were still extremely harsh, at least it was something Japan could do.
In addition, the situation is urgent.
Furthermore, Emperor Shirakawa's edict compelled Fujiwara no Tadashi to spare no expense in securing military aid from the Song Dynasty to rescue Japan.
Fujiwara no Tadashi gritted his teeth and, on behalf of the Japanese court, signed a treaty with Emperor Shirakawa to send troops to Japan. The two sides agreed that once the two hundred million taels of gold and silver arrived in the Song Dynasty, the Song Dynasty would send troops to Japan to help Japan eliminate the Jurchens.
Fearing that the Song Dynasty might be perfunctory after receiving the money, Fujiwara no Tadashi kept a watchful eye and ordered that the Song Dynasty's first wave of troops should not be less than 100,000, and that if the subsequent battles did not go smoothly, more troops should be sent.
To Fujiwara no Tadashi's relief, Emperor Zhao Mata and his court readily agreed to his terms.
After the two sides reached an agreement and signed the treaty, Fujiwara no Tadashi immediately took the treaty with the imperial seal affixed by Emperor Zhao Yu and returned to Japan.
Upon his return, Fujiwara no Tadashi learned that the Jurchens had seized control of Hakata Bay, Japan's largest foreign trade port and the military gateway to the west. Local powerful clans such as the Kikuchi and Otomo clans had already submitted to the Jurchens. At the same time, the Jurchens had conscripted coastal fishermen to form a navy, solving the problems of crossing the sea and resupply. In addition, the Jurchens had seized Karatsu in Hizen Province, cutting off Kyushu's connection with Shikoku, and were attacking Takamatsu in Sanuki Province and Tokushima in Awa Province, preparing to control northern Shikoku and avoid being attacked from both sides.
As a former regent and minister of state, Fujiwara no Tadashi immediately realized that the Jurchens were preparing to march directly to Naniwa in Settsu Province to seize the western gateway to the Kinki region, which was also an important transportation hub for Japan.
'Oh no! The Jurchens really want to take Japan!'
Fortunately, Fujiwara no Tadashi returned aboard a Song Dynasty warship.
Faced with dozens of massive Song warships equipped with new Li Lin cannons and ballistae, the Jin's small and medium-sized warships only dared to watch from afar and did not dare to go forward to their deaths.
Thus, under the escort of Song Dynasty warships, Fujiwara no Tadashi returned to Kyoto, Japan, without incident.
What made the Japanese even more emboldened was that the Song Dynasty navy did not take a new route, but instead brazenly followed the established route right under the noses of the Jin Dynasty navy, sailing all the way to Toba Port, the outer port of Kyoto, Japan.
Next, Fujiwara no Tadashi and the other Japanese envoys disembarked at Toba Port, then traveled north along the Shindo (New Road) to Rashomon Gate, the main gate of Heian-kyo (Kyoto), before going to see Emperor Shirakawa.
This Song Dynasty navy did not return to port, but instead stopped at Toba Port.
It is worth mentioning that this Song Dynasty navy also brought with it the Song Dynasty's Divine Machine Vanguard Army, as well as ample ammunition, provisions, and supplies.
Through the communication of Japanese envoys such as Fujiwara no Tadashi, Toba Port was temporarily lent to the Song Dynasty.
The Shenji Vanguard took over Toba Port and deployed its defenses separately.
This Song Dynasty navy and the Shenji Vanguard Army came here not only to escort Fujiwara no Tadashi and others back to Japan, but also for three other purposes.
The first purpose was to flex Japan's muscles and show them that the Song Dynasty was capable of rescuing them, that the Jurchens were no match for the Song army, so that Japan would be determined to hand over the 200 million taels of gold and silver it had promised to the Song Dynasty, as well as subsequently lease Tsushima Island to the Song Dynasty and fully open the island to free trade between the two countries.
The second intention was that once Japan handed over 200 million gold and silver, they would be responsible for escorting it back to the Song Dynasty, so that it wouldn't be transported by small Japanese ships and then robbed by the Jurchens or some other forces.
The third purpose was that, in case the Japanese could not withstand the Jurchen attack and were quickly driven to Kyoto, they would be responsible for sending the Japanese imperial family, royal family, and nobles back to the Song Dynasty, and most importantly, sending their property back to the Song Dynasty.
Furthermore, this can also be seen as the Song Dynasty's sincerity in sending troops to rescue Japan.
After Fujiwara no Tadashi and the other Japanese envoys returned to Kyoto and met with Emperor Shirakawa and a group of Japanese ministers, they presented the treaty he had signed with the Song Dynasty.
After seeing the humiliating treaty signed by Fujiwara no Tadashi, many Japanese ministers made outrageous statements, believing that they could never accept such a tyrannical treaty.
Emperor Toba even stood up and made a grand statement, saying that outsiders could not be relied on at all, and that Japan had to strengthen itself and drive out the Jurchens with its own abilities. Otherwise, even if they defeated the Jurchens with the help of the Song Dynasty's army, Japan would still become a vassal of the Song Dynasty and be constantly extorted by the Song Dynasty.
Emperor Retired Emperor Toba also stated that Emperor Shirakawa was too old and Emperor Sutoku was too young, while he himself was young and strong and willing to personally lead the samurai of the entire country to defeat the Jurchens and defend Japan.
Emperor Toba also submitted a petition to Emperor Shirakawa requesting permission to fight:
“Our Japanese archipelago is the abode of Amaterasu Omikami and the land of eight million gods. Since the founding of the dynasty by Jimmu, successive saints have succeeded each other. Although the territory is small, the spirit is firm; although the country is far away, loyalty and righteousness have never been extinguished.”
Today, the Jin Yuan barbarians are rampaging like boars and whales, attacking our Bodo, capturing our Tangjin, severing the arm of the nine provinces, eyeing the belly of the capital region, burning and looting cities, slaughtering people. The imperial regalia is in danger, the state is on the verge of collapse. This is truly a time of life and death!
Sun Wen said, "The weight of the nation's burdens is the responsibility of every citizen; the difficulties faced by the ruler and father are the duty of every subject."
The Retired Emperor is advanced in years, nurturing the sacred regalia; the Emperor is young, unable to withstand many hardships. I, your humble servant, am the Emperor Emeritus, blessed with the Emperor's grace, enjoying a hundred years of stipends, and bearing a heavy responsibility. How can I stand idly by while barbarians destroy my ancestral temples and dishonor my honor?
When Taira no Masakado rebelled, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi quelled it; when Abe no Seimei exorcised evil, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro pacified the border. We, the Yamato samurai, are renowned throughout the land for our bravery and fierceness; how could we fear the might of the Jurchen invaders?
Although the Great Song Dynasty has promised to send reinforcements, its demands are insatiable. It has ceded territory and paid tribute, which is in fact a treaty made under duress.
Bound by this, even victory is a disgrace; the fate of the nation will be controlled by it, and descendants will become subjects.
It would be better to rely on the strength of our nation, gather the troops of the entire country, and let Sun Yuan personally don armor, lead the army, and command the soldiers of the Six Guards and warriors from various countries to attack from the west.
With the spirit of Mount Fuji as our witness and the soul of the cherry blossoms as our banner, let the drums and horns resound throughout the region, let our blades point at the enemy's lair, and we will surely defeat the vile enemy in Hakata and restore our territory in no time!
Sun Wen said, "Heaven helps those who follow the natural order, and people's hearts return to righteousness."
Though the enemy is fierce and brave, an unjust army will surely be punished by Heaven; though our strength is weak, the people who protect our country will surely be blessed by the gods.
May His Majesty grant my request and bestow upon me the authority of an imperial envoy. I will serve on the battlefield to the death, living up to the expectations of my ancestors and the people.
Even if I fail to achieve my goal and die before my time, I will still become a loyal soul to protect our great harmony and peace for generations to come!
Tears stream down my face as I write this, humbly beseeching Your Majesty for Your Majesty's
Emperor Retired Toba bows his head a hundred times!
Emperor Toba was raised by Emperor Shirakawa, so how could he not know Emperor Toba's true worth?
Emperor Shirakawa thought to himself, 'You little brat, born and raised in the deep palace, raised by women, who has never even been in contact with an army or samurai, is used to palace maids performing their duties and female officials delivering imperial edicts. Have you ever seen the carnage of battle? How are the soldiers of the Six Guards trained? How are samurai from various countries deployed? How are provisions transported? How are armor distributed? You probably don't even know the basics! To send someone like you to lead troops against the Jurchen invaders is to push Japan into a fire pit!'
Emperor Shirakawa naturally understood Emperor Toba's thoughts. At present, the Japanese court and the country were in a state of panic, the samurai of the various domains had their own ambitions, and the central military power was scattered like sand. He definitely wanted to take advantage of the national crisis to consolidate military power under the pretext of "personally leading the army", gradually undermine his authority, and finally seize the supreme rule of Japan.
Emperor Toba's calculations were shrewd and precise, the abacus beads almost hitting Emperor Shirakawa's face. Having ruled for decades, Emperor Shirakawa had witnessed countless power struggles and intrigues, and he had never imagined that someone would be so focused on internal strife even on the brink of national collapse.
To be honest, Emperor Shirakawa was increasingly disappointed with Emperor Toba.
Amidst the lament, Emperor Shirakawa felt an overwhelming sense of regret. He thought how wonderful it would have been if Emperor Toba had truly been a war god, leading the Japanese to defeat the Jurchens. In that case, Japan would at least have avoided the risk of national annihilation, and their imperial family would not have faced the risk of extinction.
Emperor Shirakawa even thought that if Emperor Toba really had such abilities, what difference would it make if he gave Emperor Toba the highest power in Japan? After all, Emperor Toba was already over seventy years old and didn't have many years left to live.
Of course, Emperor Shirakawa was only thinking about it.
Having experienced being powerless and having to act according to the whims of his ministers, Emperor Shirakawa craved power more than anyone else. As long as he lived, no one else could ever hope to seize the highest power in Japan.
As for Emperor Toba's attempt to force the emperor to abdicate?
Emperor Shirakawa resolved the matter by asking Emperor Retired Toba three questions in public.
The first question: "An army marches on its stomach. Now you are leading 30,000 troops on a campaign. How much rice will be needed for the long march? How will you conscript laborers? If you encounter the enemy and run out of food, how will you survive for three days?"
The second question: "The army is encamped in a low-lying area by the river. A sudden rainstorm and flash flood are imminent. Would you prioritize protecting the armor, the provisions, or the soldiers? How would the military orders be relayed to each camp?"
The third question: "When the enemy cavalry launches a surprise attack and the formation falters, causing the vanguard to hesitate and want to retreat, do you decide to kill the enemy general to establish your authority, sound the retreat, or personally lead your personal guard to charge into the enemy lines? What are the costs of each of these three strategies?"
Emperor Toba was immediately dumbfounded. He opened his mouth, but couldn't answer a single question.
Emperor Shirakawa's three questions, though seemingly simple, actually hit the nail on the head regarding the core of military affairs: logistics, emergency response, and on-the-spot decision-making.
This is not something someone who doesn't understand military affairs could answer.
However, Emperor Toba was quick-witted. He suppressed his panic and argued, "Your grandson should just lead the troops into battle. The fighting will be handled by those who understand military affairs."
Emperor Shirakawa bluntly said, "An incompetent general can lead to the death of the entire army. If I were to lead troops into battle, there would inevitably be disagreements among the officers and soldiers. You do not understand military affairs, so how would you make a decision?"
Emperor Toba was speechless.
Emperor Shirakawa did not let Emperor Toba off the hook, but continued to add insult to injury: "Ask them who dares to lead troops with you to fight against the Jin invaders?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Toba looked at the group of Japanese military officials.
As a result, whoever Emperor Toba looked at would quickly lower their head, as if afraid that Emperor Toba would drag them to their deaths.
It was only at this moment that Emperor Toba realized that those Jurchens were probably far more capable of fighting than he had imagined; otherwise, these Japanese samurai and generals who were used to drawing their swords at the drop of a hat would never have behaved like this.
in fact--
Emperor Toba was only half right.
It is true that these Japanese ministers had learned from various sources how powerful the Jurchens were.
At the same time, they finally realized how weak they were.
The Japan of this era is actually quite different from the Japan that many people in later generations have in mind.
The main difference here refers to the size.
Simply put:
At this time, "Japan" more often refers to the two sides of Kyoto, one to the left and one to the right.
Elsewhere, the Japanese considered it "the countryside" or even "ghost lands."
The Japanese believe that visiting such places will bring bad luck, and they wish they could stay in the beautiful city of Kyoto, with its many Buddhist temples, forever.
The Hokkaido region, which would later become famous in Japan, was then inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people.
The Ōu region in northeastern Honshu (the area above Tokyo) was, at that time, a former indigenous group that had been conquered by the Yamato court and was essentially a colony. Only in recent years have the local people gradually completed the ethnic integration and assimilation with the Yamato people.
As for the southern part of Kyushu, it is also inhabited by wild men, who are only nominally included in the territory of Japan.
All of these places are filled with the "simple and honest charm" of primitive society...
Even in most areas under the rule of the Yamato court, the land was sparsely populated, slash-and-burn agriculture was practiced, and wild animals roamed the land. There was not even a decent city to be found.
To put it simply, the living conditions of the Japanese people in this era were probably worse than those of the serfs in medieval Europe.
This is mainly because Japanese civilization didn't emerge until the 2nd century AD. The rudiments of the Yamato court didn't take shape until the 6th century, and the Heian period began in the 9th century. Its development started far too late.
Therefore, even though the Central Plains dynasties were constantly introducing advanced culture to Japan, the Japanese did not evolve into a unified feudal state so quickly.
To put it more vividly, Japan at this time was roughly equivalent to China's Xia Dynasty.
That's fine, but you started late, so you should at least try to develop properly.
But the Japanese, or more precisely, the nobles and courtiers who ruled Japan in that era, did not.
They neglected the important tasks of expanding territory and strengthening the country, and devoted themselves to indulging in nature, burning incense and worshipping Buddha, reciting poems, studying calligraphy, cultivating their character, and doing things that were of little use.
Thus, the fighting strength of the Japanese can be imagined.
Unfortunately, the Japanese were facing the Jurchens, who were the most powerful military force in history at the time.
How are these so-called samurai generals of Japan supposed to fight this battle?
It was precisely because he understood all this that even though Emperor Baihe knew that asking the Song Dynasty for troops was tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin, he still had no choice but to ask the Song Dynasty to send troops to help them drive away the Jin people.
Because he had no other choice...
...(End of chapter)