Chapter 1251: Emperor Liu Has Arrived at Chang

"Could Yelu Sagei's attitude have changed? Does he truly not care about the bond between Emperor Shizong and his father?" Hearing Yelu Xian's words, Nüli expressed confusion, and even a hint of anger.

Among those present, the one who most wanted Yelu Xian to succeed to the throne was him. As long as Yelu Xian ascended quickly, he could reap the fruits of victory—then wealth, honor, power, and beautiful women would all be his.

Yelu Xian's expression was calm. He could not help coughing twice, took out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, and said: "That is, after all, a matter between our fathers. No matter how deep the bond, after so many years, how much can remain?"

Yelu Xian looked at the assembled ministers, remaining unhurried and unflustered: "Yelu Sagei sent me a letter, saying that the duty of the Pishi Army is to guard the Emperor and protect the Great Liao. They should only be loyal to the Emperor and obey the Emperor's commands—beyond that, they will not participate! When the late Emperor was assassinated, the Pishi Army could not escape blame. He feels deep shame and remorse, and will return to the camp, restrain the officers and men, and strictly guard the camp gates. When the new Emperor ascends, he will submit himself for punishment..."

"This... what does this mean?" Hearing Yelu Xian's account, Nüli asked blankly.

At this, Xiao Siwen sighed with emotion: "Sagei is a clever man! He does not wish to participate in the struggle for the throne, only to follow the ultimate victor—this is playing it safe! However, this is fine as well. If he can remain impartial and neutral, and not be won over by the Prince of Yue, then with the Great King's current prestige and strength, you will surely succeed to the throne!"

Hearing this, Nüli could not help saying: "Had we known it would come to this, we should not have hesitated and delayed back then. We ought to have swiftly supported the Great King's succession, without giving others time to react, and avoided today's troubles.

Great King, the palace guards are still in our hands, and Yila dare not harbor any dissent. Why not lead troops into the palace, summon the imperial clansmen and ministers, and succeed to the throne before the coffin, settling the matter of legitimacy early. As for any who oppose—kill them!"

"No!" Before the others could speak after his suggestion, Yelu Xian stated his position seriously and resolutely.

After a moment of deliberation, Yelu Xian said: "A military coup is a last resort. Unless absolutely forced, we must not act rashly! Otherwise, even if we succeed, it will be hard to win people's hearts, and the troubles will be endless. If it provokes internal strife, it will surely endanger the Great Liao. If it leads to civil war within the Great Liao, I would rather not be this Emperor!"

Yelu Xian's insight and attitude showed great magnanimity. Yelu Xianshi greatly approved, and immediately cupped his hands in praise: "The Great King is wise!"

After deliberating for a while, Yelu Xianshi said solemnly: "Now, the throne sits vacant and hearts are restless. This is not a long-term solution—we must settle the overall situation early. The Great Liao's current circumstances are not safe; we have even reached a critical moment. The Great Han to the south is always watching covetously, and we cannot give them an opportunity. The struggle for the throne cannot be dragged on—the dispute must be ended. If unity cannot be achieved, then even if we must use the military, we will do so without hesitation!"

Both Yelu Xian and Yelu Xianshi were outstanding figures of the current Liao state, with extraordinary ability and insight. United together, they represented a very high likelihood of success.

The reason Yelu Xian could gain the support of so many was not merely a matter of his status. The core lay in his outstanding personal charisma and ability. Otherwise, if he were a mediocrity, Yelu Xianshi and the others would never have chosen to support him in this way.

"Make the arrangements—I will personally visit the Great King of the Southern Division shortly!" Yelu Xian's expression shifted several times, and he stood up, as if making up his mind.

"We must also watch the movements of the Prince of Yue!" Yelu Xianshi said, though with a hint of doubt in his tone: "However, during this period, the Prince of Yue has remained silent, devoting himself entirely to the national mourning, not focusing on this matter. It seems he has no interest in the struggle for the throne..."

"The Prince of Yue's actions are merely a facade, meant to deceive people! With so many supporting him and the throne before him, how could he not be tempted?" Nüli said with a cold laugh.

"I will go see the Great King of the Southern Division first!" After a moment of silence, Yelu Xian said.

"Great King, your minister believes you should also go see two others!" Xiao Siwen spoke up at this time.

"Who?" Yelu Xian looked at Xiao Siwen, slightly curious.

"Grand Commandant Han Kuangsi and Chief Minister of the Southern Administration Gao Xun!" Xiao Siwen said: "Among the Han officials, these two are the most esteemed. The Han family has deep roots in the Great Liao, and Gao Xun's achievements are outstanding. If you gain their support, you will also gain the support of the Han ministers. At this time, the influence of these Han officials cannot be underestimated! In the southern city of the Supreme Capital, there are many Han troops and Han civilians!"

"Were it not for the Director of the Chancellery's reminder, I might have overlooked this point and ruined a great matter!" Yelu Xian's eyes lit up, and he said with some excitement: "Gao Xun can be bought with high office and noble rank. As for the Han family, I have good relations with Han Derang—that man is also a great talent. I can have him speak on my behalf. The Han family's younger members also hold important positions throughout the Great Liao. If I gain their aid, there should be nothing to worry about!"

While the Supreme Capital of Liao was caught in the vortex of succession struggle, Emperor Liu was still on his way back to the capital. Along the route, he still maintained the pretense of an inspection tour, but it was merely a cursory glance, a formality, with almost no stops.

The pace was very fast—nearly sixty li per day. After rendezvousing with Crown Prince Liu Yang, who was on inspection in Qinzhou, they abandoned a large amount of baggage and accelerated with light equipment.

In just half a month, they had already passed Fengxiang Prefecture. It was exhausting, truly exhausting. The field headquarters personnel were nearly worn to death. This tour was probably the harshest "ordeal" for those accompanying the imperial carriage—the intensity of the march rivaled that of a military campaign.

Perhaps feeling that the accompanying personnel had endured enough, after entering Jingzhao Prefecture, Emperor Liu finally issued an edict to halt temporarily, giving everyone a day to rest.

"What a pity!" In the Chang'an traveling palace, Emperor Liu was lamenting over someone's death.

Of course, it was not the death of the Liao Emperor. News had come from Luoyang that Han Xizai had died of illness. Han Xizai had once been famous throughout the realm, but he was not active in the Great Han's political scene—his status as a surrendered official was the greatest limitation. Yet in the limited time he had, amid countless criticisms, he still accomplished a great task for the Great Han court: the rectification of the southeast.

That was also the period in Han Xizai's life when he could most freely and unhinderedly display his talents—the warmest spring of his political career, even though it drew much hostility, opposition, and abuse.

After stepping down as Pacification Commissioner of the Southeast, Han Xizai returned to court and was given the nominal post of Remonstrance Advisor. This was not Emperor Liu killing the donkey after it had finished grinding—on the contrary, it was to protect him.

Two years ago, Emperor Liu had intended to bring him back into service, but the man was already old and had contracted some illnesses, so the idea had to be abandoned, and he was left to rest and recuperate.

Who would have thought he would rest all the way to his death...

As for Han Xizai, it was obviously impossible to have any deep feelings for him. Therefore, Emperor Liu did not show any grief—he merely uttered a simple sigh.

"Issue an edict: posthumously grant Han Xizai the titles of Director of the Chancellery, Chief Minister, and Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall. Grant favor to his sons, and employ them according to their abilities!" Emperor Liu put away a posthumous memorial from Han Xizai, then turned to Chancellor Li Ye and palace eunuch Yan Tuo and instructed: "I hear his large family has no small expenses and is not easy to support. Take ten thousand strings of cash from the imperial treasury and give it to his family, to be used for his funeral arrangements. Make it dignified—and whatever remains can supplement the household expenses!"

"Yes!" The two acknowledged the order.

"In this posthumous memorial, Han Xizai said many things. He also recommended a man to me—Pan You—saying he is a capable official and hoping he could be put to good use. Who is this man? Do you know?" Emperor Liu asked.

Seeing the Emperor's gaze fall upon him, Li Ye showed a trace of embarrassment on his face, cupped his hands, and replied: "Your Majesty, this is a man of no repute. Forgive your minister's ignorance—I have never heard of him."

Emperor Liu's brow furrowed slightly. Seeing this, Crown Prince Liu Yang took the initiative to rescue Li Ye from his predicament, saying: "Your minister knows this man!"

"Oh?" Emperor Liu looked at Liu Yang with surprise, gesturing for him to elaborate.

Liu Yang said: "Back when Lord Han served as chancellor in Jiangnan, he once presided over a reform of laws and institutions. Pan You was one of the most capable men under him. After the pacification of the south, your minister happened to hear of this man and specially summoned him for a conversation. This man has an extremely thorough understanding of law and institutions. When discussing matters, he often cuts to the heart of the issue, pointing directly at the crux..."

"If he is such a capable official, why is he only a minor Sima of Suzhou?" Emperor Liu smiled and directly instructed: "Since the Crown Prince says this man is talented, and Han Xizai also recommended him in his posthumous memorial, have the Ministry of Personnel assess him and promote him!"