“Should we start crossing the river?” In the Chuigong Hall, Liang Feng stood in front of the sand table, looking towards the rocky shore with small flags inserted.
The reports of the battle kept coming day and night, transmitted from the east of the river. First, the navy entered the estuary straight to Jingkou, and then both navy and army advanced, pressing towards Ruxu. Both sides fought vigorously, but everyone knew that only by crossing the Yangtze River with infantry and cavalry could this war be concluded.
Unfortunately, Wang Dun probably couldn’t figure out how they would cross the river, no matter how much he racked his brains.
“If a pontoon bridge succeeds in this battle, there will be no insurmountable barriers in front of the royal army in the future!” On the side, Liang Rong also stared at the sand table, excited.
Building a bridge with boats to transport troops was such a magnificent feat. If successful, the Zhao army would no longer have to worry about the obstacles of rivers and streams.
Liang Feng smiled, “Pontoon bridges have existed since ancient times, but they must be adapted to the specific circumstances.”
Indeed, the real secret weapon of this southern expedition was the construction of the Yangtze River pontoon bridge. In history, when the Song Dynasty conquered the Southern Tang, they built a pontoon bridge to cross the river from the rocky shore. Although it was a thousand years later in the Song Dynasty, Liang Feng was once worried about the feasibility of the technology. To his surprise, upon studying historical records, he found that using pontoon bridges to cross rivers was not a novel idea.
In the “Book of Songs,” there is a record of the story “welcoming on the Wei River, building boats as bridges.” Not to mention the distant past, just nearby, didn’t Du Yu of the Western Jin Dynasty build the pontoon bridge, which still stands on the Yellow River? Building a pontoon bridge is not technically difficult; the challenge lies in diverting the enemy’s attention, allowing the first batch of landing boats to reach the shore and establish a bridgehead.
It was precisely because of this that the two large-scale decoy battles of Jingkou and Ruxu took place.
Now that the layout was complete, it all depended on whether this landing battle could be successfully completed.
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“There is an enemy maneuvering boats to cross the river!”
With such a commotion on the opposite bank, the defenders of the rocky shore would naturally not overlook it. However, with the current garrison either heading east or west, where could they find the strength to block? The defending general gritted his teeth, sending five hundred men to intercept. With not many enemy boats, intercepting halfway might indeed halt them.
Hundreds of elite soldiers clad in armor emerged from the camp, aiming to catch the enemy off guard. However, on the bamboo rafts approaching through the waves, there were already more than two hundred Zhao troops, raising their bows and crossbows.
The bowstring vibrated with a “buzz,” and arrows flew like locusts, penetrating flesh and pinning the enemies to the ground. Several rafts dropped heavy iron anchors, stabilizing the vessels, and setting up a crossbow formation. The remaining soldiers, wielding sturdy iron knives, leaped into the water amidst the arrow rain, advancing towards the shore.
The shallow ford was the most perilous. Just arrows and crossbows alone could claim countless lives in the river. However, now, armored and armed with shields and blades, what difference did it make even if they entered the range? These were the elite “Flying Leopards,” with heavy crossbows covering their backs, swiftly charging ashore!
The Jin army was thrown into disarray by the enemy’s chaotic barrage, almost losing formation. Now, over a hundred ferocious enemies stormed onto the mudflats, making it challenging to respond. Long knives slashed, crossbow bolts thrust; in the blink of an eye, the small formation was disrupted. There was no thought of holding ground; the remaining Jin troops retreated step by step, scrambling back to their camp in a sorry state.
The Zhao troops seizing the beach didn’t pursue. They unloaded war implements such as barricades and bed crossbows from the bamboo rafts, constructing fortifications along the river. The rest of the soldiers started digging deep pits, preparing to anchor the floating bridge with sturdy ship piers.
The anxious commanding general in the camp exclaimed, “Even if the enemy intends to cross the river here, it will take them several days. Hurry, report to the Prime Minister, ask him to send troops to block…”
Before the words could fully leave his mouth, dozens of bamboo rafts entered the water on the opposite bank. This time, instead of crossing, the rafts anchored intermittently in the middle of the river. Some individuals leaped into the water, using long iron chains to string the bamboo rafts together, followed by numerous wooden boxes firmly secured on the chains.
In an instant, a makeshift rope bridge was erected in the middle of the river. Among the enemy forces, over a thousand soldiers stepped onto the bridge, laying down broad wooden planks. Sandbags were tossed into the turbulent river, stabilizing the bridge and preventing the wooden boxes from swaying.
The commander on the city wall watched with eyes almost bursting, teeth grinding audibly, “Out, out of the city! Destroy that bridge!”
It was imperative to destroy this bridge! If it was completed, tens of thousands of troops would cross the Yangtze River in an instant, and there wouldn’t be time to send reinforcements!
Unfortunately, it was too late.
A stronghold had already been established at the beachhead. Five hundred soldiers stood behind trenches and anti-cavalry barriers, each equipped with double crossbows and five bed crossbows capable of shooting up to three hundred paces, their silver arrowheads gleaming with deadly sharpness. Further away, the vanguard had already reached the rope bridge, marching forcefully towards the southern bank.
Any attempt at probing became a moth rushing into the flame. The defending Jin army launched two consecutive attacks, both repelled. Feigning defeat couldn’t make these Zhao soldiers leave their camp. By nightfall, a fortress had risen by the river, with three thousand vanguard troops guarding the bridgehead, rendering all nocturnal assaults futile.
“We can’t keep fighting.” The commander’s back was drenched in cold sweat. If they ventured out of the city again, the bridge might not be captured, but his fortress could be overtaken by the enemy. “Has the news been sent out? Summon the Prime Minister to bring ships! Only with fire attack can we destroy that bridge!”
Ten messengers were dispatched throughout the day, but it was uncertain when reinforcements from Ruxu would arrive. Whether it was fire ships or paddlewheel boats, just two vessels could dismantle the pontoon bridge!
However, a sleepless night passed, and the Jin army never received reinforcements. As the sun rose again, Yiyan, stationed in the central army, issued the command, “Cross the bridge!”
The pontoon bridge, constructed in a single day, was now over ten feet wide. Not only soldiers but also supply wagons could traverse without obstruction. The well-prepared army swiftly ascended the bridge, stepping onto the opposite bank, and gradually expanding their encampment. When the speckled white horse also set foot on the solid ground of the southern bank, Yiyan raised his whip and pointed forward, “Attack the front camp!”
On that day, Caishi Cliff changed hands.
Wang Dun naturally received the report from Caishi Cliff. However, no matter how urgent he felt, he couldn’t spare any forces! Just yesterday, the enemy fleet, like a raging tide, destroyed the navy and began transporting troops to the southern bank. Countless ships were also rushing towards Caishi Cliff for reinforcement.
Send the navy to destroy the bridge? Deploy infantry and cavalry for a fierce assault? He couldn’t produce any of them! When he heard that tens of thousands of enemy troops were crossing the river along Caishi Cliff, capturing the fortress, Wang Dun retreated two steps, collapsing onto a seat.
How far was Caishi Cliff from Jianye? How could he defend the royal city? Was Great Jin on the verge of collapse?
“…Withdraw. Return to Jing County!” Wang Dun hoarsely declared.
He refused to concede just like this! With Jing County still in his hands, and the cover of Yunmeng Lake in Jiangling and Wuchang, the lake water extends to the sky, and the terrain is complex. If he defended resolutely, he could make the Zhao army return empty-handed! As long as he held onto half of Jing County, there was no need to worry about finding an opportunity for a comeback. He couldn’t throw all his forces behind the Sima clan… as for Wang Dao, this guy repeatedly ruined his major plans, and letting him perish was also fine!
Having quickly settled on this idea, Wang Dun ordered a retreat. This surprised many, but Wang Dun’s forces in Jing County were already substantial, and the enemy had already crossed the river, undoubtedly heading towards Jianye. To rush to the rescue at this moment would be like delivering oneself into the jaws of a tiger. The fierce attacks by the Zhao army in the past two days had frightened many. Therefore, with a single command, no one resisted, and the large army turned around, fleeing towards Jing County.
However, no one anticipated that the Zhao army, having crossed the river, did not deploy towards Jianye but instead chased after Wang Dun’s large army.
The Jin army lacked horses, while the Zhao army had twenty thousand cavalry alone. This pursuit immediately plunged the large army into a siege.
Seeing there was no escape, Wang Dun remained resolute. He ordered the army to set up camp, intending to fight the enemy to the death. After all, this was the heartland of the Jin Kingdom. As a daring warrior, how could he be willing to flee the battlefield?
However, this time, another heavy blow struck.
“Prime Minister! The right wing has been defeated!”
In just two days, the main force of the Zhao army caught up with the cavalry. Setting up camp took another day. By the third day, the two armies lined up, ready for a battle. In less than two hours, the Jin army suffered a massive defeat!
Without courage, without conviction, and even abandoning the emperor, what could they use to resist the enemy’s onslaught?
Wang Dun’s eyes turned bloodshot, and he angrily shouted at his trusted aides, “Hold off the enemy with me!”
The right wing was just made up of ordinary soldiers, not his personal troops. Even if they scattered, he wouldn’t be distressed. What mattered now was the withdrawal of the central army, preferably boarding warships and sailing straight to Jing County.
However, this time, the response to him was a deathly silence.
Staying behind to face the enemy, is there any hope for survival?
“What’s the matter? Do you all want to defy orders?” In his rage, Wang Dun also sensed that something was amiss, placing his hand on his sword.
Several close aides who had previously encouraged him to seize power exchanged glances. Someone stepped forward, respectfully saying to Wang Dun, “Prime Minister, with weak arrows at our disposal, fleeing is of no use. Why not surrender to the Zhao army?”
“Surrender to Zhao? Would I still have my life?” As the prime minister of a country, even if he hadn’t usurped power, he held too many things in his hands. Others could surrender, but he couldn’t!
“Fleeing back to Jing County, how many more days can you cling to life?” The man sneered, “Since the Prime Minister insists on going against the tide, don’t blame us for offending you…”
“Do you dare…”
In the central army tent, the sound of weapons clashing echoed. Before long, a person, covered in blood, walked out of the camp, carrying a head in his hand. “Traitors beheaded, follow me to welcome the royal army!”
The central army turned traitor, the supreme commander was assassinated, becoming the final straw that crushed the Jin army. The large army fled, and more than five thousand defected soldiers kneeled before the Zhao army.
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“The prime minister abandons the emperor and flees; this is a sign of the downfall of Great Jin!”
In Jianye City, chaos had already erupted. Upon learning that the Zhao army had crossed the river and Wang Dun had fled to Jing County, many ministers in the court wailed.
Wang Dun led none other than the six armies of the emperor. If even he had fled, would they rely on the city garrison to resist the large army?
“Grand Tutor! Let’s surrender. Heaven’s will is with Zhao!” someone shouted in a hoarse voice.
“Ridiculous! The chaotic army has only crossed the river; Jingguang provinces are still in our hands. We better escort the emperor southward and plan for the restoration of our country…” another person declared loudly.
Seeing the chaos in the court, Wang Dao extended his hand and gently pressed down, “Even if we relocate the capital, we must first block the Zhao navy. There are still more than thirty warships near Jianye. I am willing to personally lead the navy to defend the capital.”
Unexpectedly, Wang Dao had the intention to personally join the battle, and immediately someone shouted, “Grand Tutor, you must not!”
However, Wang Dao’s expression became solemn, “The dynasty is on the verge of collapse, and it is a time to show loyalty. Who is willing to join me?”
A resounding “show loyalty” moved people to tears, and some stepped forward.
“This subordinate is willing to go!” “This junior officer is also willing to go!”
A slight smile appeared on Wang Dao’s lips, “With your cooperation, we can surely repel the enemy. At that time, you can escort the emperor southward.”
Was this the best choice? No one knew. However, Wang Dao stepping forward did bring some order to the chaotic court. Armaments were loaded onto warships one after another, preparing for the final battle. Jianye had no city walls, and the palace walls were low and pitiful. Once the enemy crossed the river defense line, no one could escape. This desperate battle unexpectedly carried a desolate momentum.
Wearing battle armor, Wang Dao came to bid farewell to the emperor. The young emperor, only six years old, had tears in his eyes, holding onto Wang Dao’s sleeve and not letting go, “Grand Tutor cannot go. I want Grand Tutor to accompany me…”
Tears also welled up in Wang Dao’s eyes as he gently held the small hand of the emperor, “Your Majesty, do not worry. I am willing to sweep away obstacles for Your Majesty and ensure Your Majesty’s lifelong peace.”
Taking a step back, he knelt before the emperor, performing a deep bow. Afterward, Wang Dao stood up, adjusted his robe, and walked out of the imperial palace without looking back.
However, just as Wang Dao boarded the flagship, the navy set sail, an urgent report was delivered to the desk. Wang Dun was plotted against by his subordinates, and his head was offered to the Zhao army. The entire army collapsed.
How far was Ruxu from Jianye? Even if they won this battle, could they escape the pursuit of the Zhao army?
Wang Dao calmly folded the military report, ordered the confinement of the messenger, and sealed the news. According to the original plan, the fleet sailed out of the water fortress.
Standing on the watchtower at the bow of the ship, the winter breeze blew, sending chills through one’s body. A subordinate asked in a low voice, “Grand Tutor, why go to battle? As long as you surrender, there is a way out…”
“Liu Yi, the Han emperor, found a way out, but what about the other noble Xiongnu figures?” With his hand on the railing, Wang Dao gazed into the distance, looking at the densely packed water formations ahead. Zhao’s navy had boats passing through the canal, explaining how they managed to completely crush the defenses at Jingkou.
“He is a Han! Grand Tutor is the head of the officials of Great Jin! He is the foremost figure in Jiangnan!” the subordinate argued.
“It’s the same.” Wang Dao chuckled lightly.
When the Great Zhao was founded, it never acknowledged the legitimate status of Emperor Sima Rui. The rumors about plotting against the young emperor were not baseless. For the sake of the throne, how many emperors had they harmed?
Now, they were at the end of the road. If they surrendered, others would have a way out. Only Wang Dao and Wang Dun, who had promoted Sima Rui to the throne, would undoubtedly face death. The deaths of these two would doom the Wang family of Langya to irreparable ruin. For ambition, for the family legacy, his hands were already stained with blood, much like his elder brother. Now was the time to use this passion to cleanse away the stains.
He would not return to Jianye alive. Similarly, those who refused to surrender to Zhao, those who resisted stubbornly, would all die in this defensive battle. When the Zhao army entered the city, no one would think of fleeing; they would only surrender and present the young emperor. Would a six-year-old child make the revered ruler of Zhao wary? Probably not. Sima Xi would spend his remaining days peacefully in Luoyang.
This was his debt to the late emperor and to the Wang family. A loyal minister who sacrificed himself was enough to earn the respect of the enemy. The Wang family might lose its past glory but would not be completely destroyed. The deaths of him and his cousin would be the life-saving talisman for the other descendants of the Wang family.
He had truly believed that he could join forces with his cousin, assist the late emperor in rectifying the realm, and alleviate the suffering of the people…
A hint of regret flashed in his eyes, but Wang Dao still stood tall, as proud as ever. The northern wind blew, rustling the cloak draped over his shoulders.
The war drums resounded.
Once again, the navy of Jiangdong engaged in battle, facing the Zhao army. However, with scattered morale and an overwhelming enemy, after two days of skirmishes, the flagship was sunk by the enemy. With Wang Dao’s death, the navy collapsed.
Five days later, the gates of Jianye opened wide, welcoming the Zhao army. The Emperor of Jin surrendered, and the country fell.
Author’s Note:
In history, Wang Dun died of illness, and his adopted son secretly buried him. After the chaos was quelled, his corpse was beheaded.
Wang Dao, on the other hand, served three emperors and ended up as the prime minister.
