Mid-March in the southwestern mountains. The weather was gloomy, with low-hanging clouds. The soil seemed saturated with moisture, and the roads, trampled by the army's feet, quickly turned into annoying mud. Soldiers stumbled along, sometimes slipping and falling down the slopes on either side of the road, their bodies soaked in mud. Climbing back up was a struggle.

The soldiers from the north were struggling with the southern rain and wind. Some caught colds and sought refuge in makeshift field hospitals by the roadside. The bloated, retreating army continued to move forward daily, but even when they stopped, they wouldn't be left too far behind. The army had begun its retreat on the sixth of March, and by the eighteenth, only one or two thousand vanguards had reached the Yellow River County and Rainwater Creek, the central line of the battlefield.

The Chinese army couldn't allow the Jurchen forces to cross the retreat line and leave everyone behind, so the rearguard battles erupted at every point along the retreating, snake-like line of troops. After Xie Bao's death, the Jurchen forces lost most of their initiative in these rugged southwestern mountains. Relying on prior reconnaissance, the Chinese army used elite troops to cross difficult small paths and launch attacks on every weakly defended mountain road.

If it was an easy target, they would resolutely launch an attack. If they encountered Jurchen elites with strong will and combat power, they would harass them in the nearby forests, making them irritable and exhausted. If the Jurchen soldiers tried to pursue them into the mountains, it would play right into the Chinese army's hands.

Having left the relatively easy-to-traverse roads, every point in this mountain range could be turned into a fortress, impregnable to ten thousand men. Breaking through the Chinese army's coordinated defenses required several times the number of troops. In reality, even with several times the number of troops, it was impossible to deploy an attack formation in the mountains. The soldiers in the rear could only watch their comrades in front die under the Chinese army's crossbow fire.

This was the most frustrating battle. The pain of comrades dying was intertwined with the fear of never returning. If wounded, the pain became even more despairing.

For the highly motivated Jurchen forces, none of this could have been foreseen. Especially before entering the southwest, they had advanced triumphantly, with hundreds of thousands of Jurchen troops burning, killing, and looting, destroying the settlements of tens of millions of Han people and seizing countless treasures. Less than a hundred miles of mountain road, so close, yet many would not return.

Some found it hard to understand the decisions of the upper echelons. The defeat at Wangyuan Bridge could no longer be concealed within the army. But even if thirty thousand were defeated by seven thousand, it didn't necessarily mean that one hundred thousand would be completely lost to the Chinese army. If… In adversity, grumbling was inevitable, and with grumbling came immense regret.

When the Jurchen state was still weak, those who emerged from the mountains and went to the battlefield, facing death, would not have such regret. It was merely a matter of "a man dies, a bird faces the sky," a rogue's attitude of not fearing death. But now, facing the possibility of death, people couldn't help but think of the treasures they had looted along the way, of the good life in the north. Such regret not only arose, but also multiplied.

But at the moment, no Jurchen troops had chosen to surrender and beg for mercy. Everyone knew what their side had done on this southward journey, and the Jurchen soldiers were also aware of what had happened in the past decade of conflict.

Having done these things, if the enemy fell into their hands, they would be skinned and dismembered.

And in recent days, what the Chinese army had shown in the southwestern mountains was precisely that strong will to skin and dismember the entire Jurchen army at all costs. They were not afraid of the hatred of the strong. After defeating Xie Bao, Ning Yi directly killed Xie Bao in front of Zong Han and threw the mangled head back. Initially, it naturally aroused the anger of the Jurchen troops, but gradually people were able to chew on the meaning behind the action.

Especially in these ten days, small units of the Chinese army had repeatedly intercepted the Jurchen army's advance. They were not facing a smooth pursuit battle. Each time, they had to withstand the Jurchen troops' hysterical attacks and pay a huge price to pin down the retreating army for a while. But these attacks were becoming more intense, and their eyes showed the most resolute killing intent.

In the face of deep-seated hatred, no one would care about your so-called future revenge.

The balance of war was tilting. In the past ten days, they had lost more battles than they had won, and the entire army had advanced less than thirty miles. Of course, there were occasional victories. After his brother's death, Wanyan Sheyema, wearing white robes, once surrounded a Chinese army of several hundred soldiers and wiped them out in a series of attacks. When only a dozen of them were left, Sheyema tried to recruit and humiliate them, having people shout in front of the mountain: "Did you expect this day when you killed my brother?!"

The Chinese soldiers on the mountainside, half-covered in blood and supporting each other, laughed loudly and gnashed their teeth: "If wearing mourning clothes makes you powerful, you'll see white everywhere – none of you should ever think about going back –"

The shouts were firm and bloody. The day after this unit was wiped out by Sheyema at a cost of several times their number, on March 19, Qu Zhengyan led Mao Yishan and other elite assault teams, in coordination with the launch of a dozen rockets, broke through the Rainwater Creek position, cutting off the Jurchens' road home.

…

The spring rain fell from the sky.

A warhorse passed through the muddy mountain path, carrying Wanyan Sheyema towards the mountain ridge opposite. This nameless ridge was where Wanyan Zong Han's temporary camp was located, still eleven miles from Yellow River County. The surrounding mountain terrain was relatively gentle, and the scouts' defensive network could extend outwards, preventing the commander's camp from being attacked by firearms in the middle of the night.

In the drizzling rain, the morale of the soldiers gathered around the tents and under the rain shelters was low, some looking dejected, others fanatical. Neither was good. The ideal state for soldiers was calm and composed, but… it hadn't been seen for more than half a month.

As the "crown prince" of the Western Route Army, Wanyan Sheyema's armor was stained with patches of blood. His fighting figure encouraged the morale of many soldiers. On the battlefield, the resoluteness of the general often transformed into the determination of the soldiers. As long as the top echelon didn't fall, there would always be a chance to return.

Wanyan Sheyema's small team didn't stop in front of the main camp. The guiding soldiers led them to an inconspicuous small tent not far away. Sheyema dismounted, lifted the tent flap, and entered. Wanyan Zong Han and Han Qixian were discussing around a crude sand table.

"Father, Lord Han." Sheyema greeted the two. Zong Han waved his hand, and he stood up. "I heard about the Rainwater Creek incident."

Zong Han nodded: "What you did the day before yesterday lacked prudence. Life-and-death struggles are not about words."

Sheyema was silent for a moment: "…Your son was wrong."

The tent was quiet for a while. During this period of the Jurchens' tenacious retreat, many generals had bravely taken the lead, trying to boost the morale of the army. Sheyema's complete annihilation of the two hundred-odd Chinese soldiers the day before yesterday was originally news worth publicizing, but in the end, the reaction it caused was quite subtle.

Part of the reason for this subtle reaction was the words Sheyema shouted at the end. Since his brother's death, his heart had been stifled beyond compare. He had planned and ambushed for more than ten days, finally seizing the opportunity to trap the two hundred-odd people with no way to retreat. Only when a dozen or so were left did he shout, which was also a kind of venting in extreme frustration. But the hatred of these Chinese soldiers who participated in the attack was too deep. Even with only a dozen or so left, none of them begged for mercy, but instead made a generous response.

If wearing mourning clothes makes you powerful, you'll see white flags all over the mountains.

Partly out of hatred, and partly out of the awareness that being captured by the Jurchens would be worse than death, the two hundred-odd people fought to the last man, also taking nearly six hundred Jurchen soldiers with them. No one surrendered. The words of response then quietly spread among the Jurchen army. Although the upper echelons reacted and issued a gag order shortly after, it didn't cause too much of a stir for the time being, but in any case, it didn't bring much benefit.

“…Ning Yi is known as a heart demon, and some of the things he says are not wrong. Among these people in the southwest today, countless have lost family members and relatives. If you die a brother today, and I, Wanyan Zong Han, die a son, and we make a big fuss here, thinking we've suffered a great injustice, then we'll be laughed at. Most people would probably think you're a child.”

Zong Han looked at the sand table, and his somewhat hoarse voice sounded again: "This time we fight back, and in the future there will be a war of extermination between you and the Black Flag Army. In the end, one side will probably be completely wiped out. You'd better… correct this mindset now."

"…Yes." In the tent, this sound echoed extremely heavily. Only then did Zong Han turn his head to look at him: "Did you come here to say something?"

"The Chinese army has the upper hand and is not afraid of death. In recent days, in your son's opinion, the morale of the army has been shaken severely." In recent days, the generals in the army had been somewhat hesitant to talk about this matter, but in front of Zong Han, after being instructed earlier, Sheyema no longer avoided the topic. Zong Han nodded: "Everyone knows this. Tell me what you think."

"Your son requests to attack Rainwater Creek." Sheyema said, "In your son's opinion, the terrain of Rainwater Creek is different from that of Yellow River. The terrain there is complex, and the defense line is not narrow. The Chinese army is attacking with elite forces. On the surface, they have occupied the place, but in reality, if they want to defend, they may not have enough manpower. If your son leads people to counterattack, it would be best to attack from both sides. We have the advantage in numbers. At Rainwater Creek, whether the Chinese army expands the battle or transfers after fighting for a while, it will be beneficial to us."

Zong Han looked at the map without speaking. Han Qixian then opened his mouth: "Actually… it wouldn't matter much even if we temporarily give up Rainwater Creek. The Chinese army is taking advantage of the early reconnaissance of the terrain. They are able to take risks and advance through the mountains outside the main roads, thus causing us these troubles. What they control most strongly is still the section of road before Rainwater Creek and Yellow River County. Yellow River County to Jiange is still in our hands. At the beginning of the retreat, the commander arranged for General Gao to go to the rear to familiarize himself with the mountain environment and set traps on various small paths. Therefore, as long as we can pass Yellow River, the difficulty of retreating will be greatly reduced."

Zong Han and Sheyema were father and son, and Han Qixian was a close advisor. Seeing Sheyema volunteering to take risks, he came out to comfort him. In fact, Wanyan Zong Han had been fighting all his life. At a time when the entire army was struggling to advance, how could he not have any countermeasures in his hands? After saying these things, seeing that Zong Han hadn't expressed his opinion yet, Han Qixian added a few more sentences.

"In addition, the commander's setting up camp here is also to cut off the possibility of passage between the mountains on both sides to the greatest extent. Currently, the possible paths for seven or eight miles in the mountains on the east side have been blocked by our side. The possibility of the Chinese army bypassing us to strike our front lines or attacking Yellow River County is no longer high. In two more days, our speed of passage will increase. At this time, even if we spend some effort to take Rainwater Creek, the role it can play will only be better than nothing."

Sheyema shook his head, and on his serious face, he showed a slight smile to Han Qixian: "Lord Han doesn't need to be like this. Lord Han should be clearer about the internal situation of our army than I am. Speed aside, our army's morale is being cut down knife by knife by that Ning Yi, and it's a question whether everyone can reach Jiange alive. The most important thing now is how to boost the morale of the army. If I lead the troops to attack Rainwater Creek, regardless of victory or defeat, it will show the commander's attitude. Moreover, tens of thousands of people are blocking the road, stopping and going. Rather than letting them do nothing, it's better to have a lively fight in front. Even if the battle is fierce, they'll at least have something to do."

His white turban stained with yellow mud, his armor stained with blood, Wanyan Sheyema's words did reveal extraordinary insight and courage. In fact, after following Zong Han in battle for half his life, Great Lord Wanyan Sheyema was now a man approaching forty. He was brave in battle, had made many military achievements, and had killed countless enemies, but being with outstanding figures such as Zong Han, Xiyin, Gao Qingyi, and Han Qixian for a long time, he was always somewhat inferior in some areas.

It wasn't until Xie Bao died and the Jurchen army was also in trouble that the qualities in him were more apparent. In fact, whether Wanyan Sheyema led troops to attack Rainwater Creek and defeated the Chinese army, or temporarily forced them back from Rainwater Creek due to insufficient troops, would be the greatest benefit for the Jurchens. Sheyema in the past would have definitely made such plans, but now his words were much more conservative, appearing more stable.

Han Qixian no longer retorted, and Zong Han on the side slowly sighed: "If I let you attack, what if you can't take it for a long time?"

"Your son… should prioritize preserving strength. If we can win, we will fight for victory. If we can't win, we will try to hold back the Chinese army as much as possible, with the goal of making them invest more troops in Rainwater Creek and easing the surrounding situation."

Zong Han glanced at Han Qixian, who shook his head slightly, but Zong Han also shook his head at him: "…If you answered as you used to, saying something about taking the lead and offering your head, then there's no need to go. Qixian, you go out first, I have something to say to him."

Han Qixian obeyed and went out.

In the camp, Zong Han stood in front of the sand table, his hands behind his back, and was silent for a long time before speaking: "…In the great battles in Xiaocang River in the northwest, Lou Shi and Ci Bushi were lost one after another. Gu Shen and I knew then that one day the Chinese army would become a major threat. We prepared for the southwest war for several years, but today's events show that we still underestimated the enemy."

Sheyema opened his mouth: "…It's difficult to communicate news from all over the world. Your son believes it's not a crime of war."

"Fighting a war won't tell you these things." Zong Han smiled at Sheyema, reached out and let him stand closer, and patted him on the shoulder. "No matter what the crime is, you have to bear the responsibility for defeat. Gu Shen and I wanted to take this opportunity to settle the southwest and allow my Jurchens to develop smoothly, but now it seems that it won't work. As long as the Chinese army digests the results of this battle in a few years, they will sweep the world. No matter how far the north is, they will definitely attack it."

Sheyema clenched his fists without speaking.

Zong Han slowly said: "In the past, the court talked about the Eastern Dynasty and the Western Dynasty, and your father scoffed at it and didn't defend it, because my Jurchens had won great victories all the way, and these things were not a problem. But with the defeat in the southwest, our army has been greatly weakened. Looking back, these things will become a problem."

"Even with fewer people, your son is not necessarily afraid of Zong Fu and Zong Bi."

"It's not about Zong Fu and Zong Bi, Zhenzhu. After this battle, even Baoshan can't go back. Is your vision only these things?" Zong Han's eyes stared at him, at this moment, kind but also firm. "Even if Zong Fu and Zong Bi can show off for a while, what can they do? The real trouble is this Black Flag Army in the southwest. What's terrible is that Zong Fu and Zong Bi won't know how we were defeated. They only think that Gu Shen and I are old and can't fight anymore, while they are still young and strong."

Zong Han sighed for a long time: "…My Jurchens can no longer fight between the east and west sides. The original intention of launching this fourth southward campaign was to judge heroes by their achievements. Now that I have lost and he has won, in the future my Jin Dynasty will be up to them. It doesn't matter."

"Father!"

"Listen to me!" Zong Han sternly interrupted him. "Your father has repeatedly thought about this matter. As long as we can return to the north, all major matters should be focused on preparing for the Black Flag Army. Zong Fu and Zong Bi have won, but as long as Gu Shen and I are still there, all the old officials and generals in the entire court will have to give us some face. We don't want anything from the court, we'll give up the power that can be given up. I will persuade Zong Fu and Zong Bi to put all their strength into preparing for the Black Flag. I will give up all the benefits. They will agree. Even if they don't believe in the strength of the Black Flag and smoothly take over my Zong Han's power, it's better than fighting each other!"

"In this way, perhaps we can leave a chance for my Great Jin to continue."

"I'm telling you these things because if this retreat from the southwest is not smooth, either you or I, father and son, may not be able to return to the north." Zong Han said word by word. "You are still young. In recent years, there were still many shortcomings. You seem calm, but in reality, you have more courage than strategy. Baoshan seems rough and reckless on the surface, but he is actually delicate and quick-witted, but he also has unrefined areas… never mind."

Speaking of the dead Xie Bao, Zong Han shook his head and didn't talk more: "After this great battle, you have grown. After returning, you should be able to barely take over the inheritance of the Royal Palace. In the future, if there's anything, you should think more about your brother. This retreat, although I have countermeasures, Ning Yi will not easily let go of my southwestern army. Next, there will still be dangers everywhere. Zhenzhu, if only one of you and I, father and son, can survive this time back to the north, you must firmly remember today's words. Whether it's enduring humiliation or swallowing your anger, this is your responsibility for the rest of your life."

"Father, I will definitely not–" Sheyema's eyes turned red, and Zong Han's big hand grabbed over and suddenly pulled on the iron helmet on his body: "Don't be like a woman, acting like a daughter. Victory and defeat are common in military affairs, but you have to admit defeat when you're defeated! You can't guarantee anything today! It's not a pity if I die, and it's not a pity if you die! Only the future and destiny of my Jurchen clan are worth your concern—"

Sheyema's eyes were bloodshot, and the expression on his face became firm. Zong Han released his helmet: "Go, give me a proper battle, don't be reckless, don't underestimate the enemy, try to live, and boost the morale of the army. That would be a great help."

Sheyema took two steps back and knelt on the ground.

"—Yes!!!"

Outside the camp, the spring rain was still falling. Sheyema led the team out of the camp. Soon after, he selected elite soldiers and headed towards Rainwater Creek. It was the afternoon of March 20. Sheyema's heart was generous and fearless, but he was also controlled by strong reason. He considered several battle plans.

The mountain roads were difficult to travel, and there were often troops blocking the road in front and behind. It wasn't until the morning of the 21st that Sheyema arrived near Rainwater Creek and conducted a close reconnaissance. In this battle, he would face Qu Zhengyan, the most difficult general in the Chinese army, but fortunately, the other party should only be leading a small number of elites, and the rain had also erased the advantage of firearms.

Before long, the scout who had gone to the front to investigate returned, stammering.

"Ning, Ning Yi… is here, and seems to be stationed at Rain… Rainwater Creek…"

…

Sheyema's bloodshot eyes slightly froze, and the heavy rain fell.

…

"I f…f*** your mother…"

…

On the afternoon of the 21st, Sheyema launched an attack on Rainwater Creek…