Du Fu, Northern Campaign (Beizheng) – Opening Excerpt:
"A bleak wind blows from the northwest, / grim and dark it follows the Huihu.Their king desires to aid the rightful cause, / their customs are skilled in sudden raids.They send five thousand troops, / and drive ten thousand steeds.These men are not low-born, / their valor is admired across the land.All they use soars like eagles, / breaking enemies faster than arrows.The sacred heart yet hesitates, / public opinion weakens his will."
Commentary – Strategic Philosophy from Lüshi Chunqiu (Master Lü's Spring and Autumn):
In the chapter On Decisive Victory (決勝), it is said:"In the art of war, there are fundamental principles: one must be righteous, wise, and brave."Now that Li Heng has ascended the throne in Lingwu and become Emperor Suzong of Tang, he prepares his forces and horses — and surely, his campaign bears the weight of legitimacy and righteousness.The Tang and Yan courts now stand opposed. Who shall prevail depends on the leader's resolve. As the saying goes:"Heaven cannot have two suns; earth cannot hold two kings; a household cannot have two masters."And Lüshi Chunqiu further declares:"The brave can make decisive judgments.When decisive, they strike like thunder and wind, like mountain collapses and floodwaters.Like raptors swooping, the strike kills or shatters."Thus it is said:"He who holds strategy in heart — who can defeat him? Throughout the ages, only the ruler is the true hero."
Imperial Audience:
The Emperor rose and said,
"Wu Qing, do you know why I summoned you today?"Wu Tong replied:"It must concern the Tang army's counterattack to retake Chang'an."The Emperor nodded:"Indeed. As you say, the Yan cavalry at Yeluochuan are fierce beyond measure.In such short time, the Tang cannot raise a cavalry to match them.Hence, I have resolved to borrow troops from the Huihu (Uyghurs) to suppress the rebellion."
Wu Tong replied:
"Your Majesty is wise. Your subject shall obey the sacred command."But the Emperor's face turned grave:"Wu Qing, do you know how I have secured this alliance? Why would the Huihu lend us troops?"Wu Tong responded:"This I do not know."
The Emperor sighed:
"I have made an agreement with the Huihu:When the city is reclaimed, the lands and commoners shall return to the Tang, but all treasure and women shall belong to the Huihu."
Even a seasoned warrior like Wu Tong was struck with horror at these words. He stood shocked, unsure how to respond.
The Emperor continued:
"Wu Qing… Generals Feng Changqing, Gao Xianzhi, and Geshu Han have fallen.Luoyang and Chang'an have both been lost.Chancellor Fang Guan sought to recover Chang'an with chariot formations at Chentao Slope, but the entire Tang force — forty thousand strong — was annihilated.I had no choice left.
I have even decreed that Princess Ningguo be married to the Huihu Khan.Today, I had Eunuch Li escort you into the palace for this very reason.In a few days, you shall travel with Prince of Han, Li Yu, to the Huihu court.I have heard your wife is a heroine in her own right. For this mission, you and she shall serve as personal bodyguards to ensure the Princess's safety."
Historical Reflection:
Even as emperor, what sorrow can he speak of — and to whom?The affairs of the world rarely go as planned.To borrow foreign aid to quell domestic chaos — such was the necessity of the moment.According to historical accounts, the Tang Emperor's condition to the Huihu was:
"On the day the city is reclaimed: lands and people return to the Tang, but gold, silver, and women belong to the Huihu."
To permit pillage in exchange for military support — this was the cost Emperor Suzong accepted to preserve the Li family's reign.Yet to posterity, this act invited severe criticism and reproach.But that is a tale for another time.
Rewards and Departure:
No sooner had Wu Tong returned to his residence than a young palace eunuch arrived with a procession of attendants, bearing trunks of imperial gifts.Unloading them inside, he unrolled an imperial edict and read aloud:
**"By Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:Wu Tong, leader of the Loyal and Righteous Hall, rendered great service in aiding the southern army's supply lines through Xuzhou.His merit upholds the state and is worthy of honor.He is hereby rewarded with:
One thousand taels of gold
Two thousand taels of silver
Five hundred shi of grain
One thousand bolts of silk
Dozens of luminous pearls
Five jade braceletsTo express the imperial favor. Thus decreed."**
Once the attendants had left, Wu Tong consulted with his wives regarding the journey west.Lady Li Qian, now pregnant, would stay in the Loyal and Righteous Hall residence in Fengxiang under Zhao Rou's care.Wu Tong would travel to the Huihu with Liu Yun and Ling Xian'er, setting off the next morning.
The Farewell at Fengxiang:
That day, Emperor Suzong personally led the court officials to bid farewell to Prince of Han Li Yu and Princess Ningguo at the gates of Fengxiang.The marriage procession was escorted by General Pugu Huai'en and five hundred elite guards.Wu Tong and his two companions concealed themselves among the bridal retinue.
When the Emperor saw the Princess off at the gate, he could no longer contain his sorrow.Tears streamed down his cheeks.The Princess, moved, cried aloud:
"Father, take care. The nation weighs heavy on your shoulders.Though I marry into a foreign land, I do so without regret."
Hearing this, Emperor Suzong wept bitterly.Yet he had no choice.
Faced with a desperate internal and external crisis, Emperor Suzong lacked the time and patience to execute alternate strategies.Though strategist Li Mi had unorthodox plans, they were never adopted.
At this moment, the Emperor had to concentrate all efforts on swiftly reclaiming Chang'an and Luoyang, the twin capitals that symbolized the heart of the realm, in order to reassert the legitimacy of the Tang Dynasty and his own reign.
Concluding Verse (Translation of Final Quatrain):
Fierce horsemen now arrive,Restoration shines in sight.The parting grows bitter and grim,Through tears, she speaks of a nation in peril.