Chapter 1312: Goryeo Reaches Out

"Your servant pays respects to Your Highness!" Seeing Duke Jin of the State, Liu Xi, leading people over during the imperial tour, Yan Tuo greeted him with a spring-like smile. Toward the princes, especially those granted noble titles and given their own establishments, he was always attentive and careful.

Although Liu Xi always presented himself as idle and carefree, with a weak presence, having stayed by Emperor Liu's side for so many years, Yan Tuo was one of the few who understood that this Third Prince was not as simple as he appeared on the surface. In comparison, among the princes, the one who truly pursued freedom and ease, with a life goal of playing through life, was actually the Fifth Prince, Duke of Qi, Liu Yun.

"Is His Majesty in? Does he have any free time?" Looking at Yan Tuo, Liu Xi maintained his usual lazy tone.

"Reporting to Your Highness, His Majesty is currently receiving the Commissioner of the Wude Office. He has instructed that when the Goryeo envoy arrives, he may have an audience directly!" Yan Tuo replied.

After marrying, Liu Xi had clearly matured considerably. A hint of sexy stubble had grown on his chin, yet his bearing still carried that calm, unhurried temperament. Since the imperial tour began, Liu Xi had been quite at ease, lazily going through the motions.

However, Liu Xu had been sent by Emperor Liu to inspect the Yan Mountains circuit, and so Liu Xi's carefree days came to an end. He was arranged by Emperor Liu to serve at his side, handling sundry affairs and mundane matters. This time, the Goryeo envoy's visit to court was also to be received and introduced by him.

Liu Xi turned around and, with a light laugh, said to a young nobleman in Goryeo court attire who stood with utmost respect: "Vice Minister Xu, His Majesty is waiting for you. Go and have your audience!"

"I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare! Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness!" The Goryeo envoy wore an expression of humble deference, his posture extremely low, his upper body nearly parallel to the ground.

The Goryeo envoy was named Xu Xi. Born into an official family, he was a rising star within Goryeo—a young talent. Before even reaching thirty, he had been sent by the King of Goryeo as an envoy to the Great Han.

Liu Xi had briefly conversed with this man and found him impressive—clear-headed, eloquent, quick-witted. He was a man of talent.

Inside the hall, Emperor Liu was listening to Li Chongju's reports on intelligence from all quarters. During this period, he had become the minister who frequented the imperial tour headquarters most often.

"Xu Xi, envoy of Goryeo, pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Han!" Entering, Xu Xi maintained his humble deference.

"Rise! No need for ceremony!" Emperor Liu sat up straight and raised his right hand slightly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Appraising Xu Xi—though his attitude was humble, his demeanor was calm, unhurried, and composed—Emperor Liu smiled slightly: "The envoy is very young!"

"Your servant is of shallow virtue, bearing my king's commission, trembling with awe and trepidation!" Xu Xi responded.

"Is the King of Goryeo well?" Emperor Liu asked again.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. My king is well, though in recent years he has been anxious, having received little of the Celestial Court's instruction or Your Majesty's guidance!" Xu Xi replied.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu laughed and said: "The Great Han and Goryeo have long been friendly neighbors with deep ties of amity. Those vulgar formalities need not be minded! The Great Han is currently in a time of many troubles, and I have little leisure. If I have neglected Goryeo, please forgive me!"

"Your Majesty speaks too gravely!" Xu Xi hurriedly said: "It is my humble country's etiquette that has been lacking. Your servant has come to court precisely to offer apologies!"

Seeing how Xu Xi's every word and action was full of reverence, how he lowered himself extremely and exalted the Great Han, Emperor Liu found it merely amusing. Though envoys from Goryeo had come to court before and had been even more servile, this Xu Xi was different—his mouth spoke flattering, accommodating words, yet his eyes never wavered, and he showed no shame in it.

"It seems the King of Goryeo has discovered a rare talent—to have a minister like Vice Minister Xu!" Emperor Liu said.

Not waiting for Xu Xi to continue displaying his modesty, Emperor Liu said directly: "I shall not be verbose but speak plainly—what purpose does the King of Goryeo have in sending you to court?"

Emperor Liu's sudden directness caught Xu Xi off guard for a moment, but his solid caliber allowed him to adjust quickly. He immediately bowed and responded: "Previously, upon receiving the Great Han's state letter, my king led his civil and military officials in active response—conscripting troops and raising military supplies. Now that troops, horses, and provisions are prepared, we are poised to dispatch forces to assist the Great Han in jointly attacking the Khitan. My king has specially sent me to report this matter..."

"Heh heh..." After Xu Xi finished speaking, the hall suddenly fell cold for a moment, then Emperor Liu burst into hearty laughter—laughter tinged with a hint of amusement and mockery.

Looking at Xu Xi, Emperor Liu said: "If I remember correctly, the state letter calling for war against Liao was delivered to Goryeo as early as the third month of this year. Now the Mid-Autumn Festival has already passed! Heh heh..."

Emperor Liu's laughter seemed to pierce straight through to one's heart. Hearing it, Xu Xi dared not meet his gaze, and for the first time, a somewhat embarrassed smile appeared on his face. After all, this was Xu Xi's first visit to court, his first time facing Emperor Liu directly—this emperor of the Great Han whose might spread across the four seas. How could he not carry a burden in his heart? He had merely concealed it well.

However, once Emperor Liu displayed his aggressiveness, under the influence of that imposing aura, Xu Xi found it difficult to maintain his watertight performance.

"I dare not deceive Your Majesty, nor will I conceal my country's shortcomings. Within Goryeo's court, there is no shortage of timid and conservative types who have caused no small obstruction to war preparations. Yet my king, mindful of Your Majesty's years of guidance and support, has made a firm resolution to sweep aside dissent and steadfastly support the Great Han's campaign against Liao!" Xu Xi's tone grew impassioned, as if trying to mask his unease.

"Oh?" Emperor Liu's face wore an ambiguous half-smile. He raised a hand to straighten his sleeve and said leisurely: "May I ask how many troops Goryeo has prepared for the campaign against Liao?"

Xu Xi immediately reported: "In reply to Your Majesty, my country has prepared a hundred thousand troops on land and sea, of which seventy thousand infantry are already stationed at the Liao-Goryeo border. The navy can also sail north to fight at any time!"

As he said this, Xu Xi's tone could not conceal his pride and excitement, and that trace of emotion was keenly detected by Emperor Liu, exposing some of this Goryeo fellow's psychology.

"That is indeed quite a lot!" Emperor Liu narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning sharp, and remarked.

"My king beseeches Your Majesty—Goryeo's hundred thousand troops stand ready at Your Majesty's command to march north and assist the Great Han in battle!" Xu Xi continued in an emphatic tone.

"And what if I do not agree?" Emperor Liu suddenly said with an air of indifference.

"This..." Xu Xi was stunned. He finally looked up at Emperor Liu, his face full of astonishment. Though he had a silver tongue, facing Emperor Liu's indifferent gaze, a chill ran through his heart, and the words rising to his throat became difficult to utter.

"Your Majesty, Goryeo has long been a vassal of the Celestial Court. My court's sovereign and ministers are full of zeal, willing to serve as your attendants. I beg Your Majesty to show compassion and grant Goryeo an opportunity to pledge loyalty to Your Majesty and repay the Celestial Court!" Steadying his mind, Xu Xi knelt again, prostrating himself before Emperor Liu, nearly flat on the ground.

"The King of Goryeo shows such warmth and sincerity—I am nearly moved! When you return to Goryeo, convey my thanks to Wang Zhao on my behalf!" After staring at him for a good while, Emperor Liu finally withdrew his gaze, waved his hand, and said flatly: "The envoy has traveled far and worked hard. Go rest at the guest house for now! As for Goryeo's request, I shall discuss it with my ministers and reply in due course!"

"Your Majesty..." Xu Xi rose, wanting to make further efforts, but was suppressed by a killing glare from Emperor Liu. He could only change his words: "Yes! Your servant takes his leave!"

Emperor Liu had no intention of speaking further with this Xu Xi and directly signaled someone to escort him out. Once he had left, Emperor Liu sneered: "Speaking humble words while his ambition is plain to see! Who gave Goryeo the courage, at a time like this, to want to meddle in the Han-Liao war? What do they want? To pick the peaches and take advantage?"

"What do you think?" Emperor Liu directly asked Liu Xi.

Liu Xi had been waiting there with a composed expression. This son of his—if you didn't call on him, he wouldn't move. However, when Emperor Liu asked, he still slowly and deliberately clasped his hands and offered his view:

"Since the Kaibao era began, Goryeo and the Great Han have always maintained a distant relationship, with repeated frictions, and even in civilian trade, there have been many conflicts! That envoy's impassioned plea is meaningless—no need to take it seriously!

The Han-Liao war has already been underway for half a year. Goryeo is within arm's reach of Liaodong, yet has remained motionless throughout—their intention to sit and watch is obvious. Now that the situation in Liaodong is settled, they can no longer sit still!

At present, the Laiyuan region has not yet submitted, and it is also the city closest to Goryeo. Their target is likely those prefectures and cities in southern Liaodong. If the court were to completely pacify the area, they would have no excuse to get involved!"

"A fine calculation, but if Goryeo wants to stick its hand into Liaodong, it had better not fear getting burned!" Emperor Liu said coldly.