The Cold Door Hero

Summary

Zhong Shi Dao celebrated the Song army's victory with a three-day rest and a reward for the troops. He then ordered his brother, Zhong Shi Zhong, to lead an army westward towards Western Xia. The terrain included a hilly area crucial for threatening enemy divisions, but Linzhou's defense was historically against the Liao Kingdom to the north. The Jurchens had weakened Liao forces, allowing Zhong Shi Zhong to march with twenty thousand troops through Tuma Chuan valley. They discovered that the Western Xia military outposts were largely empty, confirming intelligence that only a small number of troops were present. After securing the first outpost, Zhuo Lun Zhai, Zhong Shi Zhong continued southward towards Shizhou, aiming to coordinate with the main Song forces. The Song army, having captured Yinchuan City, prepared to attack Shizhou City, which was vital for controlling the eastern half of Western Xia. Zhong Shi Dao held a meeting with high-ranking officials, including Li Yan Qing, to strategize for the upcoming battle.

Full content