Chapter 220. Return — A Conversation with Zongwang
"There are broadly four branches: the Palace Guard Army, the Tribal Army, the Five Capitals Local Troops, and the armies of subordinate tribes and vassal states. The Liao was originally a nomadic state, where the Khitan tribes gathered on horseback whenever war broke out. But as the state grew and came to rule over many peoples—Bohai, Han Chinese, Xi, Shiwei, Jurchen, and others—it changed into a system that also used the emperor's direct guard troops and the provincial forces of the Five Capitals.
"First, there is the Palace Guard Army. The most reliable troops are the emperor's own direct forces. These include the Great Tent Pishi Army and the Shushan Army created by Empress Yingtian. They guard the emperor's side, and on the battlefield they are sent first to urgent places as elite mobile troops. They are forces that can be deployed immediately.
"The roots of Liao are the Khitan tribes. Each tribe normally lives in its own pastureland and settlement, but when war breaks out, they provide cavalry under the command of tribal chiefs and nobles. It is strongly marked by nomadic mobilization. When the court issues an imperial order, the great men of each tribe, the military governors, and the commanding officers gather the able-bodied men of their own tribes. Horses, bows, armor, and provisions are largely prepared by each tribe and noble house. From this point on, it takes time.
"Third, there are the Five Capitals Local Troops. Liao had the Five Capitals system: the Supreme Capital, Eastern Capital, Central Capital, Southern Capital, and Western Capital. In those capitals and the surrounding prefectures and counties, there were many settled peoples such as Han Chinese and Bohai people. The Liao court drew soldiers from these settled communities and made them the Five Capitals Local Troops. If the Tribal Army is the strength on horseback, then the Five Capitals Local Troops are the strength that guards walls, granaries, and roads.
"Troops who guarded city walls, transported military grain, shot crossbows and bows, and handled siege engines also came from there.
"And then there are the forces of subordinate tribes, vassal states, and the frontier. These include the Xi, Shiwei, Jurchen, Bohai-descended groups, and various border tribes. They are useful as guides, scouts, pursuers, mountain and forest fighters, river defenders, and naval forces. Their loyalty may be weaker than that of the central guard troops, but they know the terrain and tribal relations well."
Youngwu heard the long explanation on horseback.
Some of it was already known to him, but this was the first time he had heard it in such detail.
Yet it was strange.
In the past, when he listened to a long explanation, he would often forget what had been said at the beginning. Now it all entered his mind clearly and in order.
"Frontier troops do not move with a single imperial order. Favor, marriage ties, hostages, trade, and fear all move together. When a Liao general called them together, he did not merely show them a military tally. He also had to calculate salt, silk, iron cauldrons, and the price of horses."
"Hm. So it is not free."
"Moving an army is all money. An enormous amount of money."
Youngwu repeatedly thought that his own thinking had been far too simple.
"First, the court issues a military order. Military affairs are handled through the Northern Administration, and the emperor's command is sent down to the tribes, the Five Capitals, and frontier commanders. Military affairs belong to the Northern Administration.
"Second, the Palace Guard Army prepares first. The emperor's guard cavalry, such as the Pishi Army and the Shushan Army, move as the vanguard.
"Third, each tribe provides troops. Tribal chiefs and nobles gather their own men and horses under their banners.
"Fourth, infantry, transport troops, and siege troops are drawn from the Five Capitals and the prefectures and counties. Han Chinese and Bohai-descended settled troops are assigned to city defense, grain transport, and the operation of siege equipment.
"Fifth, the forces of the frontier subordinate tribes join. The Xi, Shiwei, Jurchen, and others enter the army as guides, scouts, auxiliary cavalry, and mountain and forest troops depending on terrain and the operation."
Youngwu's head grew complicated.
But he understood why it took time, and he discovered where there were gaps in the Liao army's mobilization.
"The subordinate tribal troops may not join them."
"That is correct. That is why submission is important. That is also why we share spoils with them. The subordinate tribes that have submitted to us will not answer Liao's call. In a sense, this war is about who can turn more of the subordinate peoples to their side."
"From their point of view, I suppose the winning side is their side."
"That is true. That is why it is easy for them to side with Liao. But after several victories, they have become thoroughly intimidated. Not only the frontier subordinate tribes, but even the major tribal armies are reluctant to move."
"They have difficulties of their own, then."
"In any case, the military order has now gone out. This is the beginning."
Youngwu lowered his head.
At such an urgent time, he had left them. How bewildered they must have been.
They may even have thought of it as betrayal.
Youngwu himself had thought that those who refused to listen to his request were betraying his trust.
If the tribal armies did not gather, it meant they could not raise more troops.
The reason those people came was the price of victory.
The right to take spoils freely.
That was the price.
Youngwu once again realized how childish his own argument had been. Even so, he could not stand with such wicked men.
No matter how well they treated their own people, he could not stand with those who committed oppression and atrocities against other countries.
Youngwu said,
"If we win, will they eventually all bow their heads and come over to us?"
"That is true, but without them, victory will be difficult. Of course, it will also be difficult without Lieutenant General Yi, the immortals, and Goryeo's help."
Only then did Youngwu blink.
"Ah. His Majesty the King of Goryeo spoke of three matters."
"First, send an envoy to Song. A Goryeo envoy is probably waiting to go together right now. That was agreed upon. Their role will concern cooperation between Jin and Song. The main issue is which side attacks first. Take as much as you can from them. Hm. Since they want to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, perhaps we can give them that. You must bring the agreement that far. The envoy must have authority, must be of the Wanyan clan, and must have the power to make decisions on the spot."
Zongwang smacked his lips.
There were many people, but very few who could do such work.
If it had to be someone of the Wanyan clan, then the choice had to be made from five men: Zongwang, Zonghan, Xiyin, Yinga, and Saligal.
His uncle Wuqimai could not be sent.
But Wanyan Zonghan had a rough temperament and was fundamentally a hard-liner. He could not be sent as a diplomatic envoy. He would argue for destroying Song rather than making peace with it.
Wanyan Saligal had achieved brilliant military merit in the early days, but after being wounded his activity had weakened.
Wanyan Yinga was leading the integration of the tribes, so he had many roles to play before the war. He could not leave.
Wanyan Xiyin was the finest strategist. He stayed beside the Great Khan and handled many matters.
In the end, Zongwang himself would have to go.
His head grew complicated, but for now he had to listen.
"And?"
"A Goryeo envoy will come. That concerns discussions on cooperation between the two states. I think Lord Wuqimai should handle that. The most important part is arranging a direct meeting between the Great Khan and the King of Goryeo. Since the war is urgent, I cannot ask him to go all the way to Gaegyeong. In my opinion, Seonchunryeong Fortress may be suitable.
"The location is important, but the matters to be discussed there must be coordinated in advance. This must not be merely diplomacy with Goryeo. A military cooperation agreement must be made. If Goryeo merely sends troops from Liao's rear, Liao will have to divide its army in two. The important thing is to form a long-term cooperative relationship.
"They were originally brother nations, so the problem will be the vested interests. The vested interests of Goryeo will likely want to refuse when it comes to sharing power. What about here? Who will oppose it?"
Youngwu ended his long speech with a question, leaving the thought lingering.
This was not a conversation to have on horseback.
Yet many political decisions in Jin were made on horseback.
If they waited for another opportunity or a better meeting place, the opportunity would be lost.
He had to speak now, on the road back.
After thinking for a long while, Zongwang asked,
"Is there more?"
"Yes. We must divide their great army. We must infiltrate agents and shake their rear. It would be best if a rebellion broke out immediately after they march."
Zongwang gave a hollow laugh.
This man had gone home and returned with a greatly weakened sense of reality.
"Can such a thing be done just because we wish it?"
"At the very least, it must be attempted. If it fails, there is nothing to be done. The argument should be this: Yelü Yanxi no longer has the ability to handle affairs. To save the empire, he must be deposed, and Yelü Chun must be enthroned. Originally, Emperor Daozong intended to make Yelü Chun crown prince, but because of opposition from the officials, Yelü Yanxi was made crown prince. If Yelü Chun had become emperor, things would never have reached this point. We must spread the word of Yelü Yanxi's incompetence. We must send people who can infiltrate the political circles of Liao and carry out the operation."
"A stratagem to sow discord, then."
"It destroys the trust between ruler and subject and leads them to ruin themselves. It induces internal rebellion. We must find loyal officials and spread this argument through them. They must shout that Liao is losing the war."