第三十九回 四烈士杀身惊番帅 三名词对策破金兵 (Chapter 39: Four Martyrs Startle the Barbarian Commander with Their Sacrifice; Three Ministers Counter and Rout the Jin Troops)

Now, Jin troops launched a massive invasion southward, their momentum unstoppable as they pressed straight toward the Central Plains. Hearing the news, every one of the Liangshan heroes was filled with righteous indignation, eager to avenge their country.

Song Jiang and Wu Yong conferred and decided to divide their forces to meet the enemy. Guan Sheng and Lin Chong led as vanguards, commanding five thousand cavalry and ten thousand infantry, advancing directly to the front lines.

The two armies faced off. The Jin troops commander, Helise, brandished his sword and charged forward on horseback to issue a challenge. Enraged, Guan Sheng spurred his horse to meet him. They fought over fifty rounds with neither gaining the upper hand.

Suddenly, loud shouts arose from behind the enemy formation. It turned out that Zhang Shun and Shi Qian, leading the naval forces, had attacked the Jin troops camp from the flank, setting fire to the grain supplies.

The Jin troops were thrown into chaos. Helise hastily withdrew his troops to rescue the camp. Guan Sheng seized the opportunity to press the attack, and the Jin troops suffered a major defeat.

Unfortunately, Zhang Shun, Shi Qian, and others had penetrated deep into enemy territory and were surrounded by the Jin troops. They fought valiantly but perished. When the news reached them, the heroes of Liangshan Marsh were deeply grieved.

Seeing the Liangshan heroes so fierce in battle, the Jin troops commander Helise grew fearful and dared not advance rashly.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of Eastern Capital, the three ministers Li Gang, Zhong Shidao, and Zhang Shuye hurried to the palace overnight for an audience with the emperor, presenting their strategy to defeat the enemy.

Li Gang said, "Although Jin troops are strong, they have advanced deep into enemy territory with insufficient supplies. We can strengthen our defenses, scorch the earth to cut off their retreat, and then attack from all sides. Victory is certain."

Zhong Shidao added, "The righteous warriors of Liangshan Marsh are loyal to the country. We can order them to harass the Jin troops' rear, preventing them from coordinating their front and back lines."

Greatly pleased, the emperor immediately issued an edict, commanding all forces to act according to the plan.

Upon receiving the order, the Liangshan heroes divided their forces into two routes under Song Jiang and Lu Junyi, maneuvering to the rear of the Jin troops to cut off their supply lines.

With their grain and fodder completely lost, the Jin troops' morale crumbled, and Helise had no choice but to order a retreat.

The Song army pursued the victory, joining forces with the Liangshan heroes to attack from both front and rear. The Jin troops were utterly routed, and Helise barely escaped with his life.

This battle greatly boosted the nation's prestige, and the contributions of the Liangshan heroes were indispensable.