Chapter 1264: His Hands Trembled Uncontrollably

"Let us begin by rectifying the court's rules and regulations—the standards need to be re-established. Though I was still in my princely residence in past years, I had some understanding of the court's atmosphere, yet I never imagined the situation to be this severe. Affairs are handled with delay, governance is lax—this tendency must be sternly corrected! The late emperor governed with leniency, granting the ministers too much freedom. With over a decade without renewal, how could idleness not breed throughout the court?" Yelu Xian said to Han Derang, his tone carrying a forceful edge.

Seeing Yelu Xian's resolute demeanor, Han Derang smiled calmly and replied, "Your Majesty, in these years of studying literature and governance, I have also been observing the governance of the Southern Dynasty. I have noticed that Emperor Liu has ruled for twenty-three years, and every three to five years, he conducts a rectification of the court and the regions—whether purifying political conduct, combating corruption, or perfecting institutions.

In the process of implementing systems and governing the people, if any problems arise, they are promptly corrected, and sometimes even summarized and codified into established practice.

And over these twenty-odd years, the Southern Dynasty has continued to develop through this sustained process of adjustment and change. To this day, it maintains a clean political environment, with national strength rising ceaselessly, overawing the four seas, so that even the Great Liao dares not rashly contend with it.

Emperor Liu's power and prestige have also been steadily rising through this process..."

At this mention, Yelu Xian was clearly in high spirits, and said, "I know this too—I have observed it as well. Hearing of the Southern Dynasty's governance, I feel both admiration and apprehension! Emperor Liu is truly a troublesome opponent. Ever since he first made his name, the Great Liao has suffered repeated setbacks! Were it not for this man, perhaps the realm today would already see the Great Liao ruling the Central Plains, or even unifying all under heaven!"

His tone was full of lamentation. Looking back on history, there is always infinite regret, and one cannot help but indulge in fantasies of "what if." And standing from Liao's perspective, the key figure who reversed the situation between north and south and laid the foundation for the current pattern of the Central Plains was none other than Emperor Liu.

Of course, history had already taken its turn and embarked upon this brand-new path—dim for Liao, glorious for Han. What the Liao court and its ministers failed to understand was that even without Emperor Liu, Liao's entry into the Central Plains was nothing but a delusion. Even at its peak, facing the "weak Song," it would have struggled to succeed.

"The vast Central Kingdom, with its long and profound heritage, its outstanding people and blessed land—whenever crisis strikes, heroes always emerge, bold men rise together to turn the tide!" Yelu Xian sighed again: "I have never learned what Emperor Liu's name is. Minister Han, you are learned and deeply familiar with the Southern Dynasty's affairs—do you know?"

Meeting Yelu Xian's curious gaze, Han Derang said with a smile, "Emperor Liu's original name was Chengyou, with the courtesy name Yuanji. After ascending the throne, he changed his imperial name to Hao!"

"Minister Han's knowledge is indeed vast!" As he spoke, a hint of longing showed in Yelu Xian's eyes. "If the Great Liao wishes to enter the Central Plains and establish its rule over the realm, it must undergo deep reform and actively integrate!"

Yelu Xian glanced at Han Derang—this was yet another expression of his political philosophy. Of course, this was a conclusion reached after deep research and careful consideration.

In the thirty years of the Khitan's rise before Yelu Deguang founded Liao, even with the Central Plains in such chaos, they could hardly make a breakthrough. Li Cunxu, before destroying the Later Liang, had even struck back head-on from a corner of territory, forcefully crushing Yelu Abaoji's ambitions of marching south.

This forced Yelu Abaoji to turn his forces and move against Balhae. Even though annexing Balhae was a strategic advance and improvement for Liao, had they not suffered losses in the south, such a decision would never have been made. How could the so-called "Prosperous Kingdom of the Eastern Sea" compare to the vast and bountiful Central Plains?

Even Yelu Deguang's destruction of the Later Jin required repeated campaigns that exhausted the nation's strength, and even then, it was only possible because the Later Jin had problems of its own, and because Shi Jingtang had ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun.

Therefore, when Yelu Xian first ascended the throne and displayed his aspirations for reform, vengeance, and marching south into the Central Plains, Han Derang could only express appreciation and admiration, and would do his best to assist and offer counsel.

However, if one were to speak of Han Derang's true thoughts, he absolutely did not hold out hope. To occupy and enter China, to contend for the Central Plains, was far from being merely a matter of doing one's own part well or being strong enough—the most important thing was that the south had to give an opportunity.

But it was plainly evident that given the current state of the Great Han Empire in the south, Liao's designs upon it were essentially delusional. Even being able to defend the country and preserve the Great Liao's foundation under the Han's consistently aggressive posture in recent years would already be quite an achievement.

Han Derang did not voice this, so as not to dampen Yelu Xian's spirits. This young Son of Heaven had the resolve to change and the ambition to forge ahead, which was beneficial to Liao's development.

As he himself had said, the Great Liao had been sinking into decline in recent years!

Looking at Yelu Xian, Han Derang thought for a moment, then cupped his hands and offered his counsel: "Your Majesty's resolve to reform the court fills me with admiration. However, I believe that at present, Your Majesty has only just ascended the throne, the Supreme Capital has only recently been stabilized, and the realm is not yet at peace—it would not be advisable to act hastily. Most importantly, the Great Han in the south must be watched with stern vigilance and heightened readiness. If external affairs are unsettled, internal affairs cannot be at ease!"

When Han Derang finished speaking, Yelu Xian's brows immediately furrowed, his expression turning very grave as he asked in a low voice, "Minister Han believes the Southern Dynasty will make a move?"

Han Derang gently shook his head and said in a deep voice, "I dare not make a definitive judgment, but we must be on guard! I have observed the Southern Dynasty's actions since the Kaibao era—pushing west and campaigning south, expanding without cease. The old territories of the Southern Tang—all the rest are vassals of the Great Liao. Given Emperor Liu's ambition and aspirations, how could he sit idly by?

At present, among the Southern Dynasty's four borders, only the Great Liao has conflicts with Han, only the Great Liao can pose a threat to them. Given Emperor Liu's headstrong and forceful nature, how could he tolerate that?

Previously, although the Great Liao's governance was in disarray, the state was still at peace, and Han did not dare to act. Now that the late emperor was assassinated and Your Majesty has ascended the throne, with the transition between old and new, this is an opportune moment for war. Given Emperor Liu's past grasp of timing, he may very well conceive of a northern expedition!

Moreover, given Emperor Liu's authority in the Southern Dynasty, if he is determined, no one in the south can stop him!"

Hearing Han Derang's words, Yelu Xian's back unconsciously straightened, his expression gradually turning solemn as he murmured, "This matter must be handled with great care. Last year, after the late emperor hunted with Emperor Liu, he stated outright that the Southern Dynasty harbored designs upon us. When the late emperor passed, they did not send notice of the mourning, yet they proactively dispatched that Wang Zhaoyuan to come and pay respects. Previously, my imperial uncle also reported that Southern Dynasty spies were highly active in the Supreme Capital, probing frequently..."

"I have heard that Emperor Liu is still on his western inspection tour. Even if he has the intention, how could he launch an attack in such a short time? It is said that he always plans before acting, and before every campaign, he makes thorough preparations! As long as I and the Great Liao are given some time..."

Before Yelu Xian could finish speaking, a man appeared in haste, practically forcing his way into the hall despite the palace eunuchs' attempts to stop him. The newcomer was none other than Gao Xun, the newly appointed Commissioner of Military Affairs of the Southern Division. Seeing this, Yelu Xian's brow furrowed slightly.

Gao Xun came from an excellent family background—his father had held a lofty position in the Central Plains—and he himself was accomplished in both civil and martial arts. In his over twenty years in Liao, he had been quite favored and had rendered no small merit to the Liao state.

But great talent often breeds arrogance, and Gao Xun was exactly that—forceful and rude in his dealings with others. This time, having been promoted in rank and title for his role in supporting the succession, he was still unsatisfied, and even in facing His Majesty, his attitude was somewhat discourteous.

Gao Xun paid no heed to Yelu Xian's expression and directly reported, "Your Majesty, the Southern Dynasty has launched a northern expedition!"

"What!" Yelu Xian and Han Derang both changed color at the same time.

"Earlier, the border prefectures reported unusual movements on the Southern Dynasty's northern frontier, and I had already ordered increased reconnaissance. Just now, I received an urgent report—Emperor Liu has officially issued an edict for a northern expedition!" Gao Xun reported.

Taking a deep breath, Yelu Xian tried to steady his mind: "How many troops? What is their progress?"

"Five hundred thousand infantry and cavalry, advancing in four routes. The Southern Dynasty was clearly well prepared—they do not move unless they must, but when they do, it strikes like thunder. The Han army's troop movements may have begun as early as half a month ago..."

For a moment, whatever else Gao Xun said, Yelu Xian did not take it in. The information "five hundred thousand infantry and cavalry" flashed repeatedly through his mind. Though he was not lacking in depth, his expression could no longer hold at this moment—his face was visibly pale, and his hands, hidden within his sleeves, trembled involuntarily...

Beside him, Han Derang had also lost his usual composed demeanor. Whatever they had spoken of had indeed come to pass—and so suddenly, so suffocatingly.

"Your Majesty!" Noticing Yelu Xian's abnormal state, Han Derang called out softly.

Snapping back to himself, Yelu Xian shuddered, looked at Han Derang and Gao Xun, and forced a pale smile, saying, "Emperor Liu truly harbors designs upon us. Issue the decree—convene the court for deliberation..."