Chapter 1435: Minister Xiao, Rise

On an autumn morning, cold dew hung bleak and chill, frost and mist filled the air, and the seasonal coolness pressed down upon the city of Luoyang and the scholars and commoners within it. Yet this slight chill meant nothing to Xiao Siwen—indeed, he rather enjoyed it.

Before the sky had fully brightened, without anyone needing to remind him, Xiao Siwen rose, washed and dressed, and even took several turns around the rear garden of the guest hostel, maintaining a full and vigorous state of mind throughout.

Walking on the path paved with cobblestones, even through the soles of his shoes, he could feel each stone clearly—said to be beneficial to one's health. At first, the walking brought some pain, but once accustomed to it, there was a unique sensation to be savored.

Xiao Siwen felt that his current choice was just such a path—perhaps rough and uneven, perhaps bringing some pain, but it was the right path, a path beneficial to body and mind, a path leading to a bright future.

When the first rays of morning light appeared over the capital, the guest hostel also awakened. The noise of voices somewhat spoiled the hostel's tranquil elegance, and even several foreign envoys appeared in the garden.

Xiao Siwen recognized them—envoys from some small southern kingdom, it seemed. They wore Han clothing and Han caps, yet could not even speak the Han tongue clearly—nothing more than monkeys dressed in robes.

A wave of contempt once again stirred in his heart. Xiao Siwen did not greet them, but immediately returned to his room, leaving behind a proud and aloof back. Back in his room, fatigue set in—after all, he was getting on in years. But when the hostel steward came with attendants bearing greetings, his spirits immediately lifted.

"Did Governor Xiao rest well last night?" The hostel steward was tall of stature, plump and prosperous-looking, if somewhat oily. He bowed to Xiao Siwen, a cordial smile on his face.

His surname was Huang, and he was the second steward to serve after the corruption case. Not long after taking office, because of his familiarity with the affairs of the various peoples and states, he had been transferred over from the Court of Dependencies. He had the backing of His Highness the Prince of Qin, and though his position was humble, it was an excellent vantage point for observation and intelligence.

"Very well indeed!" Xiao Siwen returned the bow, noticing the servants behind the steward bearing food and drink. He smiled: "I must thank Steward Huang for his care during this time!"

"Governor Xiao is too kind!" The steward replied modestly: "In a little while, someone from the upper court will come to escort you into the palace for an audience with His Majesty. I have taken the liberty of preparing a meal—I hope you will not disdain it!"

"Naturally not—thank you! Thank you!" Xiao Siwen felt that he would have no trouble at all integrating into the Great Han—at least in dealing with these Han court officials, he felt not the slightest discomfort.

Glancing at the still-steaming dishes, with both meat and vegetables in full array, Xiao Siwen could not help but ask: "The court's regulations are strict. I hear that many officials, when granted an audience with His Majesty the Emperor, do not eat beforehand, for fear of committing some impropriety before the sovereign!"

Hearing this, the steward waved his hand and laughed: "The Governor knows only one side of the matter, not the other. Such rumors may exist, but this is not a grand court session. Though the palace has many rules, they do not go so far. I have ordered some hot food prepared to fill your stomach—the Governor need not worry overmuch!"

"Then I thank you!" Xiao Siwen assumed an expression of understanding and offered his thanks once more.

What followed was a genuine experience for Xiao Siwen: gaining an audience with the Great Han Emperor was truly no easy matter. First, the palace was heavily guarded; second, the timing was hard to predict. When he set out, the sky was just beginning to lighten, yet by the time he saw Emperor Liu, the sun was already high in the sky.

It was not as though anyone could receive an eager audience from Emperor Liu at will. One had to be considered for the matter at hand and for the person involved. Under normal circumstances, officials seeking an audience had to wait in the waiting chamber or before the palace halls for their summons.

Still, Xiao Siwen was ultimately fortunate, for he was the first foreign official Emperor Liu received that day.

"Your servant Xiao Siwen kowtows before Your Majesty!"

In Chuigong Hall, Emperor Liu wore a stern expression tinged with hidden anger. He had just made a special trip to Wenhua Hall, conducting a surprise inspection of the princes' studies, and had caught the Thirteenth Prince, Liu Ye, playing about in the schoolroom. The Academician had been unable to control him, so the prince and the Academician alike had been punished together—and even now, his anger had not yet subsided.

However, when faced with Xiao Siwen's conscientious, respectful, and proper audience ritual, he could not help but reveal a hint of a smile. This Xiao Siwen had completely assumed the posture of a subject.

His official speech was quite authentic, his etiquette thorough and proper, his attitude perfectly submissive. He wore the robes and cap of a Han official, and had even changed his traditional Khitan hairstyle, which Emperor Liu found ugly.

"Governor Xiao, rise!" Emperor Liu raised his hand, gazing at Xiao Siwen prostrate on the ground.

Xiao Siwen rose and stood with a bow. Emperor Liu examined him for a few moments, then asked: "Governor, do you find these clothes comfortable to wear?"

Xiao Siwen was naturally a quick-witted man. Sensing that Emperor Liu's words carried hidden meaning, he immediately replied: "To answer Your Majesty, they are most comfortable. Your servant delights in the splendor of Han attire and likewise feels the dignity of Central Plains ritual!"

"Heh heh!" Emperor Liu found that this Xiao Siwen knew how to speak, and that his intentions were showing. He said: "If Governor Xiao likes them, then wear them. As a guest of the court, I shall grant you ten more sets of fine robes!"

"I thank Your Majesty!" Xiao Siwen's brows fairly radiated joy as he spoke at once. The Emperor's attitude was truly gratifying.

Waving his hand, a flash of majesty appeared in Emperor Liu's gaze. He leaned slightly forward, staring fixedly at Xiao Siwen: "You are a clever man, so I shall not beat around the bush.

I have received several memorials, all saying that your purpose in coming south this time is unclear. I have received you today precisely to hear your intentions.

The matter of peace talks between Han and Liao need not be raised again—I do not agree, and there is no room for discussion. Setting aside affairs of state, tell me your personal intentions!"

Some of his behavior had been deliberately performed. Xiao Siwen naturally knew that the sovereign and ministers of the Great Han would have sensed his purpose in coming, but when directly facing Emperor Liu's questioning, he could not help but feel nervous—especially under those two calm yet forceful gazes.

Carefully raising his eyes for a moment, Xiao Siwen calmed the slight ripples in his heart, lowered his body, and bowed again: "Your Majesty's vision is like a torch—your servant deeply admires it. I dare not conceal anything: your servant has brought his entire family south this time to seek refuge with the Great Han. I humbly beg Your Majesty to show a measure of compassion and accept us. If this comes to pass, your servant is willing to devote his loyalty to Your Majesty, to serve the court, unwavering for all eternity!"

Xiao Siwen was indeed decisive—the words of surrender came readily to his lips, without the slightest hesitation. Hearing this, Emperor Liu's face showed little change, though his eyes seemed to grow brighter. He chuckled lightly: "Governor Xiao's intentions are sincere, and I am deeply moved. However, I am somewhat curious. Though Liao suffered a great defeat at my hands and lost territory, it still commands the great desert, possesses a million people, and spans ten million li. I mean no offense, but you, Governor, are a high minister of Liao and a great clan of the Khitan—how could you think of betraying your state and defecting to the enemy?"

Emperor Liu's tone was relaxed, but Xiao Siwen dared not take it lightly. He knew full well that since ancient times, those who betrayed their masters and defected to the enemy were despised by all—and moreover, he was a "Hu barbarian."

His forehead pressed lightly against the smooth, mirror-like floor tiles of Chuigong Hall, Xiao Siwen spoke with earnest sincerity: "Your Majesty, though Liao is vast, there is truly no place left for your servant to dwell. To remain long would surely bring disaster upon him!"

With that, Xiao Siwen explained the dire circumstances he faced in the Liao court, then continued: "Even ants and insects cling to life—how much more so your servant's family of several dozen mouths! Moreover, the Han classics say: 'A fine bird chooses its tree to perch upon.' Though your servant is unworthy, he knows that the Khitan's collapse is not far off, and that they will ultimately be broken by the Great Han. This entire universe will ultimately submit beneath Your Majesty's feet. Therefore I bow my head in surrender, and beg Your Majesty to examine and judge my sincerity!"

Having spoken, Xiao Siwen assumed a posture of complete prostration, awaiting Emperor Liu's verdict on his declaration. As for Emperor Liu, his smile gradually faded. He gazed at Xiao Siwen for a long while, then remarked with feeling: "These words of yours do reveal a sincere heart!"

"Before Your Majesty, your servant dares not conceal or hold back anything!" Xiao Siwen replied.

"I have long known that the Khitan have been deeply sinicized, and that among Khitan subjects, those who follow Han classics and Han law are beyond counting. You, Xiao Siwen, are one of them. I have long heard of your reputation—I must say, you are a man of talent!" Emperor Liu said leisurely.

After considering for a moment, Emperor Liu said: "The prosperity of the Great Han requires the concerted contributions of all the peoples of the realm. I am the lord of all the world's people; though the Khitan have been disobedient, I likewise regard them as my subjects. Since Governor Xiao has taken the initiative to come south and offer his service, I have no reason whatsoever to refuse.

On the contrary, I am delighted and gratified. If all were as reasonable and wise as you, then the north and south of this realm would long ago have turned swords into plowshares. Still, with you as an example, I think true peace for the world is not far off!"

Emperor Liu's words were largely spoken offhand, and Xiao Siwen was an old fox who listened to flattery with due skepticism—but once Emperor Liu expressed his acceptance, the stone that had hung over his heart finally settled.

He immediately bowed his head again, wearing an expression of tearful gratitude: "Your Majesty's breadth of mind is as vast as the heavens, like the great rivers of antiquity that can receive a hundred streams. Your servant—your servant admires you beyond measure. Though old and humble, your servant is willing to ride before the king, to devote every effort, to serve Your Majesty with all his heart..."

"Haha!" Emperor Liu laughed, his eyes bright and piercing as he watched Xiao Siwen. Only after the man had finished his performance did he speak gently: "Xiao Qing, rise!"