Chapter 1428: Xiao Siwen

For Liao's internal and external troubles, the Great Han saw them as clearly as a fire watched from across the river. Emperor Liu had also convened his key military and civil ministers to discuss what measures the Liao court might take to resolve such a situation.

As new intelligence and fresh developments continued to arrive from the north, the Han court had discussed the matter more than once, each minister holding his own views, and every discussion yielding different conclusions.

But one point on which the Great Han's senior ministers reached consensus was this: for the Khitan, external threats outweighed internal troubles. If the Great Han's menace were not removed, the chaos in Mobei could never be brought to an end.

And this, it seemed, was an unsolvable dilemma. The Great Han was only too glad to watch the fire from across the shore — seeing such a lively blaze, how could it allow the show to end so easily?

Cao Bin suggested that the Liao sovereign might send envoys to sue for peace, offering submission and tribute in order to first resolve the external threat, then quell the internal disorder. But this would require swallowing shame and enduring humiliation, swallowing hatred and abandoning vengeance — and more importantly, it would require Emperor Liu to extend special mercy. Yet how could Emperor Liu be a soft-hearted, lenient man?

Still, Emperor Liu did grant a measure of approval to Cao Bin's thinking. Between Han and Liao, alternating war and peace was normal — there had already been two formal peace negotiations, along with marriage ties. Even if the blood feud ran deep, to rescue the nation from crisis, even lowering one's head slightly before an enemy to seek a chance at survival — given the caliber of Liao's sovereign and ministers, it was not beyond them.

Thus, Emperor Liu genuinely held a trace of expectation, watching Liao's choices and reactions. Yet after all this time, Liao seemed to show no sign of softening — on one hand guarding against the Great Han's incursions, on the other actively pacifying its internal rebellions.

In truth, even if the Liao sovereign truly chose to submit, Emperor Liu might not have agreed. He would not emulate King Fuchai and give anyone the chance to sleep on firewood and taste gall. What he enjoyed was the psychological satisfaction that an enemy's capitulation brought him. However, Yelu Xian seemed somewhat unwilling to play along.

This time, suddenly hearing that a Liao envoy had arrived, his mind stirred by anticipation, Emperor Liu instinctively assumed that Yelu Xian could no longer hold out and had sent someone to beg for peace.

"Xiao Siwen? Now there's a famous name!" Emperor Liu smiled with relish. "In the previous two Han-Liao peace negotiations, it was Xiao Husi both times. Why has it been changed to Xiao Siwen this time? Has he stated his purpose?"

Zhang Yong replied: "Xiao Siwen's memorial states that he comes south by order of the Liao sovereign to negotiate peace!"

"Haha!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu burst into laughter, a look of obvious self-satisfaction spreading across his face, then said calmly: "I thought Yelu Xian's backbone was hard, that he would rather perish than yield!"

"However, the memorial also says that Xiao Siwen's arrival carries certain irregularities!" Zhang Yong added.

"What irregularities?" Emperor Liu could not help but ask.

"According to reports from the Yan Mountains road, Xiao Siwen has over a hundred mounted attendants accompanying him, and a great many carts!" Zhang Yong reported.

"What's strange about that? It's merely a larger entourage. Xiao Siwen is a high-ranking official of Liao and a Khitan noble — what's odd about him bringing more people? Besides, things are unsettled within Liao; having extra attendants for protection is hardly surprising!" Emperor Liu said.

"Among these hundred attendants are Xiao Siwen's family members and children. Chancellor Zhao says it appears Xiao Siwen is relocating his entire household southward!" Zhang Yong said.

"Oh!" Emperor Liu suddenly snapped to attention, clearly sensing something amiss, and said slowly: "It seems there is indeed something suspicious here. I've become even more interested in this man's purpose!"

After thinking for a moment, Emperor Liu pointed out: "I recall that previous reports from the Wude Office and the Military Intelligence Office on Liao's internal affairs both mentioned that since Yelu Xian returned to Linhuang, he has been somewhat displeased with Xiao Siwen, repeatedly reproaching him. This Commissioner Xiao's days at the Liao court have not been easy!"

"Your Majesty means...?" Zhang Yong caught on and asked.

"No need to guess, and I don't care to guess!" Emperor Liu raised a hand slightly and said: "Since the man has already come, whatever the situation, whatever his purpose — it will surface sooner or later!"

"Then regarding this memorial, how should the Hall of State Affairs respond?" Zhang Yong sought instruction.

"A guest comes from the south — receive him as befits one!" Emperor Liu instructed: "Let Zhao Pu and the others receive him according to proper protocol. Have the local authorities along the route make adequate provisions. If he truly comes for peace talks, then talk with this Xiao Siwen — how to talk, let Zhao Pu judge for himself!

"Also, I will be staying at Song Mountain for this period, returning to the capital only after the autumn cools. All affairs shall continue to be managed by the Crown Prince and Zhao Pu! That's all — draft and dispatch the edict!"

"Yes!" Zhang Yong acknowledged the order.

"By the way, the special imperial examinations are about to begin!" Emperor Liu said. "This is the most important affair of the court in the latter half of the year — no room for negligence. Have the Hall of State Affairs pay particular attention, especially the military examination, which is the first of its kind since the founding of the dynasty — it must be handled properly and thoroughly!"

"Yes!"

"You may go! I'll have a few more cups of wine!" Emperor Liu waved his hand.

"Your servant takes his leave!" Zhang Yong rose and bowed in farewell.

A thousand li away, on the official road leading from the Yan Mountains to Hebei, a convoy of over a hundred people was slowly making its way, wheels rumbling. All the attendants wore Khitan-style clothing with distinctly Khitan hairstyles, each silent and low-key as they traveled, the atmosphere somewhat oppressive.

This procession was naturally Xiao Siwen's party heading south. Outside the convoy, there was also a squad of Han official cavalry — leading the way in front, guarding the rear — and, inevitably, keeping watch over these Khitan, even though they bore the title of envoys.

Traveling under the scorching sun was no pleasant experience. The official cavalrymen, under orders, dared not delay or slacken, but resentment inevitably brewed within them, and their gazes at these Khitan were far from friendly — their surveillance was indeed strict.

Only when dusk fell, nearing the posting station, did the convoy finally stop. A military officer leading the group raised his whip, spurred his horse to one of the carriages, tilted his head up slightly, and called out loudly: "Governor Xiao!"

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a weary, weathered old face peered out — it was none other than Xiao Siwen, this old Khitan chieftain. Looking at the officer, Xiao Siwen paid no mind to his arrogant bearing, and said with a smile: "Captain Zhang, what instructions do you have?"

The captain stared at Xiao Siwen, pointing ahead, and said: "We've reached the boundary. Ahead lies Hebei. My brothers and I will escort you only this far — we part ways here! Once the Hebei men arrive to take over, we'll return to report our mission!"

"Thank you, Captain Zhang!" Xiao Siwen said promptly upon hearing this.

"No thanks needed! You're a great man, an honored guest of the court. We're just soldiers following orders!" the captain said flatly.

Xiao Siwen could sense the dissatisfaction in the captain's tone. Though dusk had fallen and a summer breeze blew, the weather remained hot. Unperturbed, Xiao Siwen turned around, took a small box from inside the carriage, and handed it to the captain, saying: "I'm grateful to Captain Zhang for clearing the way and escorting us all this journey. It's been hard work. A small token of appreciation — please accept it!"

The captain's brow rose at the words, his gaze immediately drawn to the box. He leaned over to take it, though his words remained courteous: "Governor Xiao is too kind — there was no need!"

Taking the box, he pried it open just a crack, peered inside, and immediately broke into a beaming smile, all resentment vanishing from his face. He chuckled: "How could I presume to accept this? If my superiors found out, I'd be held to account — Governor Xiao is making me break the rules!"

Though he said this, the captain deftly stowed the box into a saddlebag on his horse, covering it with a gray cloth. Watching his movements, Xiao Siwen's expression remained unchanged, and he said amiably: "It's only proper! Coming south from Dading, the captain and your men have escorted us several hundred li along the way — no easy feat. Our party has been well looked after, and this old man is truly grateful. There's no other intention!"

Hearing this, the captain found this old chieftain Xiao Siwen increasingly agreeable, and immediately clasped his hands and said: "This place is the River Post Station. Governor Xiao's party may rest here for the night. After I've handed things over to the Hebei men, I'll escort you south again tomorrow!"

"I shall follow the captain's arrangements entirely!" Xiao Siwen also clasped his hands in return.

"Governor Xiao, please wait a moment!"

With that, the captain rode off, his horse's hooves seeming to prance with extra cheer. Watching his retreating figure, the smile on Xiao Siwen's old face gradually faded. He looked toward the south, where the faint roar of rushing river water could be heard — that was the Great Horse River.

"I wonder if Xiao Husi had the same experience when he went south as envoy back then!" Xiao Siwen murmured with a deep, somber expression, then lowered the curtain and withdrew back into the carriage.