Chapter 51: The Battle of Zhendin (Seeking Recommendations)

Zhong Shidao flashed a mysterious smile and said to Wang Yan, "No, follow my instructions tomorrow. Success or failure hinges on this moment."

Wang Yan was bewildered by Zhong Shidao's words, unable to grasp their meaning, but he agreed regardless, chalking it up to Zhong Shidao's drunken ramblings.

The night passed uneventfully, and soon dawn broke.

The Jin army was once again challenging outside the city, as if the scene of yesterday repeated itself.

Yet, circumstances had changed dramatically. This time, the Song army did not keep the Jin waiting. Led by Wang Yan, they launched an attack against their foes.

It was the first time in so many days that the Song had chosen to strike first.

Seeing this, Yelü Yuanyi was not afraid but delighted; he led his cavalry at the forefront and charged ahead.

Wanyan Yuanchun, witnessing the scene, was overjoyed and said to Wanyan Chang, "General, the Song army deploys exactly as we expected. Fortunately, your prior arrangements are in place."

Wanyan Chang felt a surge of pride. Yesterday, his hesitation had allowed the Song army to retreat, leaving him with regret. During the previous night's council, a new strategy was set: should the Song army repeat yesterday's tactics, the Jin would press in with full force, determined to ensure the Song would never return!

The vanguard units of both armies soon clashed. Wang Yan and Yelü Yuanyi, like two sharpened blades, met head-on. Over the past fortnight, they had fought no fewer than ten times, each claiming victories and defeats, their skills evenly matched.

"Word has it the Eight Character Army is made up of heroes, fearless and bold. Yet, seeing how you flee when the tide turns, I say 'cowards' suits you better," Yelü Yuanyi taunted, deliberately provoking Wang Yan, hoping to make him reckless.

As the leader of the Eight Character Army, Wang Yan was no fool. He recognized Yelü Yuanyi's tactics. Ordinarily, he would have felt stifled and remained silent, but today he carried Zhong Shidao's secret order: he must cling tightly to the Jin army. So he retorted, "Since that's how it is, I'll play along today and show you what your 'Grandpa Wang' is truly capable of."

With that, Wang Yan increased his speed and his moves grew fiercer.

Yelü Yuanyi had not expected such a reply. He was slightly surprised, but Wang Yan's intensified assault left him little time to ponder. He quickly adjusted to defend.

Over seventy thousand Song soldiers and more than a hundred thousand Jin troops fought fiercely north of Zhen Ding City. The Song soldiers, suppressed for days, now burst forth like tigers released from their cage, each charging desperately at the Jin.

The Jin had long looked down upon the Song, so when faced with such desperate resistance, they were caught off guard and forced to retreat. Only after Wanyan Yuanchun reorganized his men did the Jin resume their attack.

This time, the Song did not sound the gong to retreat. Led by Wang Yan, they charged ahead without fear of death, like a spear thrust deeply into the Jin ranks.

"General, that man is Wang Yan, leader of the Eight Character Army," Wanyan Yuanchun told Wanyan Chang.

Wanyan Chang nodded. The Jin revered martial prowess and respected strength, even if that man had slain many Jin warriors. Pointing to Wang Yan, Wanyan Chang said, "If we could recruit him, it would be a great gain for our army."

Wanyan Yuanchun shook his head. "General, winning him over is impossible." He then explained to Wanyan Chang about the characters carved into Wang Yan's head.

After hearing this, Wanyan Chang nodded. Although he admired Wang Yan's talent, he declared, "If he cannot serve our army, he must be eliminated. Otherwise, he will be a scourge to our Jin soldiers."

Wanyan Yuanchun nodded and reassured him, "Rest easy, General. I have already ordered Yelü Yuanyi to ensure Wang Yan does not leave today. I trust Yelü Yuanyi will have no trouble dealing with him."

Wanyan Chang nodded, relieved to leave the matter in Wanyan Yuanchun's hands.

"Don't worry, General. Our forces have locked the Song army in place. Even if they wish to retreat now, it is impossible," Wanyan Yuanchun said to Wanyan Chang.

Wanyan Chang nodded, but he still felt uneasy, though he could not pinpoint the cause of his anxiety.

Zhong Shidao stood atop the city walls of Zhen Ding, observing the battlefield. Though he was not present on the field, he understood the situation well. Seeing the intertwined formations of Jin and Song, Zhong Shidao knew the matter was settled.

Yelü Yuanyi and Wang Yan had fought three hundred rounds without a clear victor. Yelü Yuanyi was growing increasingly pleased, knowing that as time passed, his chances of victory rose. Feeling confident, he said, "Wang Yan, you have already lost. I advise you to surrender and come with me to see the General. If you agree to join Jin, all your past deeds will be forgiven."

"To hell with you! Your Liao was destroyed by Jin; you've become a nation of slaves, and instead of striving for revenge, you serve the Jin thieves. But I, Wang Yan, am a man who stands to relieve himself—I could never betray my country. If you want me to serve Jin, you'll have to kill me first!" With these words, Wang Yan's attacks grew even more ferocious, clearly enraged by Yelü Yuanyi's provocation.

Yelü Yuanyi paid Wang Yan's words no mind, replying, "Among our Khitan people, strength is respected above all. Unlike you, I don't cling to stubborn words at such a time. Even if your bones are hard, you should consider your brothers. Look behind you at the state of your Song army."

Yelü Yuanyi's words made Wang Yan's heart sink. For once, he spoke the truth: this was not a duel, but a battle between armies, where individual valor mattered little to the outcome.

Wang Yan glanced around with the corner of his eye, shocked to find himself surrounded by Jin troops. Except for himself, the Song soldiers had been pushed back, barely holding on.