Chapter 994: The Treaty Concluded, Preparations for Pacifying the South

The man is willing, and the woman is agreeable—both the Great Han and Liao actually desired temporary peace. After several rounds of negotiation between Tao Gu and Xiao Husi, a consensus was quickly reached, and a new Han-Liao peace treaty was thus promulgated, marking the formal establishment of a new East Asian order.

The terms of the treaty differed somewhat from the peace treaty of the fourth year of Qianyou, but the general direction was consistent. Mutual non-aggression was the basic condition, with trade and commerce being merely incidental.

At the same time, for the first time, both sides carved up the world and divided their spheres of influence, essentially based on their actual territories, while also accommodating the smaller surrounding forces and tribes. On the Great Han's side, the Guiyi Army, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Wenmo, and other forces along the Hexi Corridor were all directly assigned to their sphere. Xiao Husi strongly objected, but a consensus was ultimately reached on the condition that the Great Han would not interfere in northeastern affairs—though this naturally did not include the Ding'an Kingdom, which had already submitted to the court.

Over the years, the Great Han's spies had done considerable agitation work among the subsidiary forces within Liao. In the northeast especially, the Ding'an Kingdom, established by Bohai nobles and remnants, had made some noise after receiving support from the court, and had been particularly active during the "Bohai Rebellion."

One somewhat special issue was that the grasslands, lands, and lakes south of the Yin Mountains proved difficult to reach a consensus on. The Great Han insisted they were inherent territory of the dynasty, while Liao maintained they had been under their administration for many years. In the end, the matter was shelved—neither side would station troops there, and the area would serve as a buffer zone between the Han and Liao, with the people and tribes of both nations free to trade and interact.

Overall, this treaty was more detailed, yet more unstable. Neither side was truly satisfied; the contradictions remained sharp. It was merely an expedient measure adopted because both sides, constrained by circumstances, wished to avoid conflict. And when the time came, it would be torn up all the same.

Additionally, to demonstrate sincerity and draw closer relations, there was another clause: a marriage alliance between the two sides. Liao proposed that the emperors of both nations become in-laws, developing their relationship from brother nations into marriage nations.

Liu Chengyou and Yelu Jing were similar in age, but whereas Liu Chengyou had a house full of children, Yelu Jing had none. As for Liu Chengyou, his princesses were still young—they would have to wait until they grew up. And it was estimated that Emperor Liu would not be willing to send his own biological daughters to marry into the Khitan; he would likely select a daughter of the imperial clan or a palace maid, bestow upon her the title of Princess, and send her over.

Yelu Jing, on the other hand, had no choice but to select a princess for the marriage alliance from among the nobles of the Four Inner Tribes. Regardless, the betrothal was settled.

By the twenty-fifth day of the third month of the fifteenth year of Qianyou, the Han and Liao formally concluded the peace treaty in Kaifeng. Thereafter, the Han emperor dispatched Vice Minister of War Wang Zhaoyuan as principal envoy and Yulin General Zhang Qiong as deputy envoy to Liao as a return courtesy. Wang Zhaoyuan, a surrendered minister of the Meng Shu, had found his value anew in the Great Han court. Even though many still despised and looked down on him, as long as the Great Han emperor was willing to give him a chance, he remained willing to offer his strategies and serve the Great Han.

With the signing of the treaty between the two nations, the three years of peace on the northern frontier gained a certain continuity. Though this treaty was not particularly reliable, it still held positive significance in establishing the new East Asian order.

For the common people of both sides, it allowed them to truly catch their breath, and economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations might see further development. For the leaders of both sides, beneath the veneer of peace, wariness and scheming remained ever-present—but they could maintain a basic peaceful environment to pursue their own strategies and prepare for the next conflict and war.

Speaking of which, the current Liao—especially its upper echelons—had been deeply steeped in Han culture. Such strategic thinking, rationality, and tenacity were truly rare.

Summoned for an audience, Tao Gu walked with light steps, his old face beaming like a flower. During this period, as the minister presiding over the Han-Liao peace treaty, he had certainly made his presence felt, and it was hard not to be flushed with success.

However, upon seeing Emperor Liu, he immediately resumed a proper and composed demeanor, bowing with clasped hands: "Your Majesty!"

"I am very satisfied with the results of the peace negotiations. Minister Tao has worked hard during this time!" Looking at Tao Gu, Liu Chengyou spoke with a smile, his tone gentle, affirming his work.

Hearing this, Tao Gu's face showed a delighted expression, though his words were naturally modest: "This is this minister's duty—I dare not be negligent!"

Upon investigation, it was confirmed that while hosting Xiao Husi, Tao Gu had indeed accepted some gifts and consequently spoken a few words on his behalf. However, during the treaty negotiations, he had not made any concessions because of this, nor had there been any further private meetings. Tao Gu had stood entirely on the court's position, arguing and fighting for the Great Han's interests.

Seeing that he still had principles on matters of major right and wrong, Liu Chengyou temporarily suppressed his slight displeasure. Tao Gu was always like this—infuriating, yet always demonstrating his usefulness. Of course, for a favored minister, this was not necessarily the way to survive, but he was clever enough to know what could be accepted and what could not.

"Merit must be rewarded—that is what I have always advocated. This time, well, gold, silver, and valuables—you surely don't lack those, so I won't give any!" Liu Chengyou cast a meaningful gaze at Tao Gu, waved his hand, and said casually: "Wuyue has sent me a batch of fine wine, seafood, and ginger melons. I've had some prepared—take them back to your residence and enjoy them!"

Hearing this, Tao Gu was first taken aback, then quickly understood. A trace of embarrassment appeared on his old face as he gave an awkward smile and bowed with clasped hands: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Clearly, with Tao Gu's shrewdness, he had sensed the warning hidden in the emperor's words.

After delivering the verbal admonishment, Liu Chengyou let the matter drop and changed the subject, saying to Tao Gu: "There is another matter I summoned you for—I need to discuss it with you!"

Seeing this, Tao Gu hastened to respond with an eager posture: "Please instruct me, Your Majesty. Whatever this old minister is capable of, I will not refuse!"

"Wuyue has sent me tributes, quite abundant. I was thinking I should send a gift in return, and to show proper regard, I intend to dispatch a senior minister of the court as envoy to travel south to Liangzhe!" Liu Chengyou said.

"This minister is willing to go!" The moment the emperor finished speaking, Tao Gu immediately volunteered with remarkable alacrity. He naturally understood the meaning behind the Son of Heaven's words.

Moreover, Hangzhou was a place as prosperous as Jinling. He, Tao Gu, had enjoyed the splendor of Jinling, but had yet to experience the scenic beauty of Qiantang. Going to Hangzhou as an envoy of the court—this was a plum assignment.

Liu Chengyou was not surprised by Tao Gu's quick wit, and asked: "Minister Tao, as a chancellor of the Great Han, your status and ability are more than sufficient—that is also my intention. However, Minister Tao, what do you think is my purpose in sending you to Hangzhou this time?"

At the question, Tao Gu calmed his mind. It couldn't just be to build relations, could it? After thinking for a moment, he ventured: "May I ask Your Majesty—is this related to the pacification of the south?"

Ever since that year when he had been demoted for speaking recklessly about state secrets because he couldn't keep his mouth shut, Tao Gu had become much more careful. He chose his words based on the person and the matter. Regarding the pacification of the south, though everyone knew about it and Tao Gu understood part of it, he never delved into the specific details.

"Minister Tao truly has a sharp mind!" Liu Chengyou revealed a smile and stopped beating around the bush: "Your mission to Hangzhou has one main purpose—to borrow passage and borrow troops, coordinating with the imperial army to campaign against Jiangnan. After arriving in Hangzhou, you may remain there temporarily, serving as the liaison and coordinator for the allied forces!"

Hearing this, Tao Gu's expression turned serious and earnest. This was a great responsibility being entrusted to him. Without a moment's hesitation, he rose and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty entrusts me with such a great matter—this minister will repay it with utmost sincerity!"

"I still have faith in Minister Tao's abilities!" Liu Chengyou's expression also returned to warmth.

As summer approached, Liu Chengyou began to intensify his arrangements on the grand strategy of pacifying the south, quickening the pace of his moves.

In the summer of the fifteenth year of Qianyou, in early April, a modest banquet was held in Wansui Hall. There were no others in attendance—only Zhao Yanjin, Guo Tingwei, Pan Mei, Cao Bin, Qin Zaixiong, and the soon-to-be-dispatched generals Liu Guangyi, Shi Yande, and others—eleven men in total.

This was a farewell banquet, and it had already reached its end. Liu Chengyou, who had drunk little, raised his wine cup and walked to the center of the hall, scanning the room as he declared: "You gentlemen are about to depart for the front lines, fighting for the nation and achieving great merit. I hold this banquet as a farewell—it is somewhat modest, so do not take offense. But I will say this now: when you return to court, I will surely prepare a banquet in Chongyuan Hall to celebrate your achievements!"

These words stirred the blood of all the generals. The unification war had progressed to this point—this might be the last opportunity to easily earn merit and fame. How could they not be invigorated?

After the banquet ended, the generals departed one by one, leaving the capital and heading separately for the southeast and Jinghu, marking the Great Han's war preparations entering a new phase.

That same night, Liu Chengyou summoned Duke of Chan Guo Rong to the palace. The sovereign and his minister spoke for two hours, and the very next day, an edict appointed Guo Rong as Inspector of the Northwest, sending him far to the northwest. Liu Chengyou granted Guo Rong three thousand imperial guards to accompany him, with his field headquarters temporarily established in Lingzhou.