Chapter 1433: The Emperor's Will Remains Unchanged

"As for the Wanyan tribe, let us reply and handle it thus for now! Ma Renyu submitted three matters, did he not? What is the third? Let us hear it all at once!" Emperor Liu turned his gaze to Cao Bin, his tone growing somewhat heavier, as if his mind was stirred.

This left the assembled ministers of the Great Han rather taken aback — was it not merely the Wanyan Jurchen? Why such gravity? Of course, it was best not to speculate recklessly about the Emperor's thoughts, and even if one harbored guesses, one should not let them show.

Cao Bin, however, kept his expression unchanged and reported in his usual measured manner: "Ma Renyu memorializes that the northeast is presently in turmoil, with various tribal powers contending for dominance. If we wish to preserve peace in Liaodong, the imperial army must act. He requests that the court approve continued advance, to exterminate the disobedient, pacify the disloyal, and thoroughly eliminate the chaos of the northeast!"

"It seems our Grand General Ma's fighting spirit remains undiminished! Beyond Huanglong Fortress, his blade already points — naturally, how could he be willing to hand Huanglong Fortress over to the Jurchen? Such is the attitude of our soldiers on the front lines!" Emperor Liu's expression shifted again, as if the earlier gravity had never existed, and he spoke with a smile and a sigh, even casting a glance at Wang Qiwu.

Feeling that gaze upon him, Wang Qiwu's aged face twitched slightly. Clearly, this too was Emperor Liu's true attitude — it seemed his own thinking ran contrary to the Emperor's after all. Even in considering His Majesty's dignity, he had misread the imperial intent. Whether this would cause Emperor Liu to form some other opinion of him, Wang Qiwu could not say; his face remained calm, but his heart could not help but throb painfully several times.

As for Ma Renyu's request, Emperor Liu gave it little deliberation before looking at Cao Bin and stating directly: "Reply to Ma Renyu: penetrating deeper into the northeast requires caution; the continued advance is set aside for now. Huanglong Fortress was fought over for over two months, and the soldiers have labored hard — let them rest and recuperate well, and for the time being secure public order and root out remnants in Huanglong Fortress and its surroundings.

As for the various tribes of the northeast, let chaos be chaos — so long as they do not offend the Great Han, we shall not trouble them for now. Regarding affairs of the northeast, the court will have its policies; the military and civil administration of Liaodong need only act in coordination with the will of the central court.

Tell Ma Renyu that he now presides over the military affairs of Liaodong and indeed the entire northeast, and the stability of Liaodong is what he must consider first. The court has already paid a tremendous price to take Liaodong, and henceforth the priority is recovery and development — he must safeguard and support the governance of the Liaodong Administration Commission!"

"Yes!" Cao Bin acknowledged.

Emperor Liu then instructed Pan Mei: "Verify the merits of the soldiers in this campaign as quickly as possible, and have the Finance Commission issue rewards with all speed!"

Emperor Liu was highly satisfied with the outcome of the Battle of Huanglong Fortress, and toward those with merit, toward matters that gladdened the army's spirit, he was naturally generous. Of course, he had never been stingy in this regard — except during the difficult early years of Qianyou.

As they deliberated, the imperial meal was already prepared. At Emperor Liu's nod, the palace eunuchs swiftly yet carefully laid the cooked dishes upon the tables. The solemn atmosphere of Chuigong Hall was soon broken by the fragrance of fine food, and the aroma of wine began to permeate the air.

"This wine — let it toast the good news from Liaodong, and may the Great Han grow ever more prosperous and flourishing. Ministers, please!" Emperor Liu raised his cup to his chest, swept his gaze around the room, his eyes carrying authority, his tone brimming with confidence.

"Your Majesty, please!"

Fine wine and delicacies always lift the spirits. As the highest ministers of the Great Han, they were hardly lacking in such pleasures, but to share a table with Emperor Liu also proved that they still enjoyed the Emperor's trust and remained at the center of court power — this was what truly mattered.

"Minister Zhao, that Xiao Siwen has arrived in the capital, has he not?" Emperor Liu, head bowed over the imperial desk, leisurely deboned a piece of fish as he asked casually.

Upon the question, Zhao Pu set down his chopsticks, looked at Emperor Liu, and with a slight curl of his lips replied: "To answer Your Majesty, Xiao Siwen and his party arrived in the capital ten days ago and are presently lodged at the Protocol Hostel. This man came with his entire household — besides guards and attendants, he brought a great quantity of furniture and property, and all his sons and daughters are with him.

Furthermore, according to intelligence, the Liao sovereign sent envoys and escorts with him, but all of them vanished before crossing the border — replaced entirely by soldiers of the Xiao clan. It can be surmised that the Liao sovereign's men were all killed along the way!"

"Heh heh! Now this is interesting!" Emperor Liu chuckled twice, his expression turning amused, and he teased: "It seems the various Liao ministers and Khitan nobles intend to make their homes in the Great Han!"

"It is said that during his time in the capital, Xiao Siwen has indeed sent family members to search the wards of the Western Capital, wishing to purchase a residence — making no effort to conceal his actions!" Zhao Pu smiled as well.

"Oh?" Emperor Liu raised an eyebrow, his interest deepening: "It seems Xiao Siwen is revealing his true intentions to the court!"

"Your servant has also given it some thought and believes that Xiao Siwen has the heart to submit to the Han!" Zhao Pu said.

"This is a good thing!" Emperor Liu looked at Zhao Pu and said with a smile: "If it is indeed so, then our court should welcome him with open arms. Such honored guests are not easy to come by. They are travelers from afar, unfamiliar with the capital — the officials of the Protocol Hostel should render them every assistance!"

"Your servant will convey your instruction to the Protocol Hostel!" Zhao Pu nodded, then with a hint of amusement in his tone, continued: "However, your servant, along with the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prince of Qin, once held discussions with Xiao Siwen, and this man did not express any intention of submitting — he only wished to discuss a peace agreement between Han and Liao!"

"How did the talks go?" Emperor Liu asked.

Zhao Pu: "Xiao Siwen conveyed the Liao sovereign's intent on his behalf, aiming for the two states to cease hostilities and restore amity. Liao proposes that the two states take their current respective territories as the border, with mutual non-aggression. Liao is willing to provide the Great Han annually with two thousand horses, five thousand cattle, and ten thousand sheep, while also opening the border for Han merchants to travel freely without restriction!"

"Heh heh!" Emperor Liu commented: "I must say, Yelu Xian is a man of understanding, and quite wise — he recognizes reality. His terms are clear and direct, with no excessive hopes or demands. The tribute is modest, but it sufficiently demonstrates sincerity!"

"If Your Majesty would but grant a small measure of grace, even at greater cost, the Liao sovereign would agree!" Zhao Pu said.

"Given Liao's current condition, even if I were soft-hearted and lenient, opening a door of mercy and agreeing to peace — could he actually deliver those cattle, sheep, and horses mentioned above?" Emperor Liu said with a look of rueful reflection: "Is this still the Great Liao Khitan of old? Can such a paltry gesture even be offered?"

"If the Great Han did not press from without, the Liao sovereign could concentrate his efforts on suppressing internal rebellion and restoring order — compared to that, all else is of little account. The Khitan have already fallen to their present state, precarious as a pile of eggs — how could they care about a bit of face? From the Liao sovereign's decision to send envoys south, it is already clear he has resolved to bow his head to the court!" Zhao Pu said.

"A pity!" Emperor Liu shook his head and said: "The principle that striking a snake without killing it brings harm upon oneself — I understand it well. The remnants of the Khitan may bow their heads and lie low, but I have no intention of giving them that chance!"

With that single simple sentence, Emperor Liu's attitude toward the peace talks was made perfectly clear: he would not consent, would not accept this goodwill. In truth, Liao had already lost the qualification to sit at the same negotiating table as the Great Han; Emperor Liu's agreement to receive and discuss was merely out of regard for their past standing.

But no matter how Liao wished to swallow humiliation or curry favor, Emperor Liu's will to beat the drowning dog was not to be shaken. Popping the deboned piece of fish into his mouth and chewing slowly, Emperor Liu gave his instruction on the spot: "Negotiate? There is nothing to negotiate. By comparison, it is that Xiao Siwen who arouses my interest more.

The Great Han's policy toward Liao remains unchanged. All policies and actions along the borders toward the steppe shall continue as before — not relaxed, but strengthened! I intend to sit and watch the day Liao completely collapses, and when that day comes, perhaps I may yet give the Khitan a chance to survive."

"Yes!" Feeling Emperor Liu's powerful will, Zhao Pu immediately acknowledged.

None of the assembled ministers were surprised by this, and no one raised any objection — even Wang Qiwu, who had grown increasingly conservative, had no complaint. At least the posture the Great Han currently maintained was within acceptable bounds; so long as there was no great mobilization of arms, he would not oppose Emperor Liu's policies. The Great Han's room for maneuver was simply too vast.

"Xiao Siwen is likely waiting for me to return to the capital before he fully reveals his intentions! I shall give him that chance — arrange for him to come to the palace tomorrow. I want to see him and hear what he has to say!" Emperor Liu added.

"Yes!"