Chapter 461: Chasing and killing from New Song Gate to Ansu Gate [Bowing in thanks

The first day of the third lunar month,

The day the Bianjing city opens the Jinming Pool.

Northern Liao

Zhongjing Dading Prefecture

As one of the five capitals of Northern Liao,

The layout of Dading Prefecture imitated Bianjing city, with three layers of city walls: the Imperial City, the Inner City, and the Outer City.

The southeast corner of the Outer City of Northern Liao's Zhongjing has a large river cutting through the corner, so a large chunk of the Outer City wall is missing there.

Also because the southeast corner is adjacent to the large river, which is convenient for irrigation, the polo field of Zhongjing is also in this southeast corner of the Outer City.

At this time today, spring has long arrived in this northern land, and foreign merchants dressed in various styles can be seen everywhere in the city.

There are Great Zhou people, Dali people, Ü-Tsang people, Mongols, and sometimes merchants dressed in Bai Gao style can be seen.

Although the prosperity is not as good as the large cities of Great Zhou in the south, the lively atmosphere and scene already have a considerable scale.

Chen hour (8:00 AM)

The noisy and clamorous sounds from the city in the distance came vaguely,

Yelu Sun, wearing a purple-red outfit, sat in the luxurious large tent on the south side of the polo field,

In the tent, one table was filled with young men dressed as Mongol nobles, while the other side had few guests.

Watching the pale yellow morning light shining obliquely from the east,

Under the pale blue sky in the distance,

Flags fluttered on the dark inner city wall,

There were guards standing solemnly holding long spears, and the gleaming spearheads and armor were shining silver in the sunlight.

Looking further into the distance,

The large white Buddhist pagoda built by Northern Liao officials stood majestically,

Making the guards on the city wall look even more tiny.

Withdrawing his gaze from the distance,

Yelu Sun looked again at the two-zhang-high wooden partition on the side of the polo field, on which hung many signs of different materials.

The styles of the signs were sometimes luxurious and gorgeous, sometimes low-key and luxurious, all of which were showing the strength of the sign owner's family.

This was a popular way of playing polo that had spread from Bianjing in previous years,

Although a few years had passed, many Northern Liao nobles were still tireless in competing for the ranking of their own signs on the wooden partition.

Watching the wooden partition on the side of the field,

Yelu Sun thought of the polo field west of Bianjing city, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

At this time,

A personal guard attendant dismounted outside the tent and walked over.

If Xu Zaijing or Qingyun were here, they would definitely be able to recognize that this personal guard attendant was one of the personal guards who accompanied Yelu Sun at the Jinyang Mountain stronghold back then.

The personal guard entered the tent,

Yelu Sun said directly: "How is it, which families are in the top three of the wooden partition?"

"Replying to Your Highness, the first place is Zhao Weigan, the fifth son of the Zhao family of Lu Long, Ge'er; the second place is Han Honglie, the second son of the Han family of Yutian, Lie Ge'er; the third place is Jun Ge'er, the third son of the Liu family of Changping."

Yelu Sun nodded with a smile: "So it is them."

"The Zhao family has been military generals for generations, and their family-inherited military strategy and martial arts have a long history. It is within expectations that they can take first place in polo."

After finishing, Yelu Sun turned to use the Mongol language:

"Although the skills on horseback of all the righteous brothers are very powerful, compared to playing polo, you all still need to ask for more advice from these young masters of the Yan land families."

Hearing Yelu Sun's words, the young Mongol nobles on one side all had disdainful looks on their faces, among whom the young man closest to Yelu Sun smiled: "Anda, who is truly powerful will have to be revealed on the field."

Yelu Sun nodded with a smile: "Righteous brother's words are reasonable. By the way, did Uncle's tribe receive the tea leaves sent by Great Zhou some time ago?"

The Mongol young man's smile became even more intense: "Received, received! According to people from the tribe, the tea leaves sent by the Xu family of Marquis Yongyi, who is in the mutual market, are of very good quality, better than the most expensive tea leaves before! Those tea leaves transported back to the tribe will definitely be able to earn more cattle and sheep!"

"Father also wants me to thank Anda for this matter, come!"

As he spoke, the Mongol young man raised his wine bowl.

"The most important thing is still the decision of the Khatun." Yelu Sun smiled and raised his bowl to reply.

The Khatun in Yelu Sun's mouth is his own sister, Yelu Ying.

Everyone drank a bowl of wine,

Another personal guard bowed and stroked his chest at the side of the tent: "Your Highness, the young masters and relatives of the Han, Zhao, Liu, and Ma families and other officials have already entered the polo field."

"Oh? Let's go and welcome them."

As he spoke, Yelu Sun stood up with a smile and walked towards the outside of the tent.

At the entrance of the polo field,

A group of young masters of high-ranking Northern Liao officials with Han surnames were riding fine horses, accompanying their own carriages into the field, and not long after walking, they saw Yelu Sun riding over with a smile.

These young masters hurriedly dismounted, cupped their hands, bowed, and stroked their chests to salute the Northern Liao Crown Prince Yelu Sun.

Although they were performing Northern Liao etiquette, the clothing of these noble young masters was biased towards the Great Zhou style.

Subsequently, the noble ladies and noble girls in the carriages also dismounted one after another and saluted Yelu Sun with folded hands.

Yelu Sun mostly nodded and returned the salute with a smile,

His gaze swept over, and these noble girls who followed their brothers, some had shy eyes, some had cold expressions, some lowered their heads and didn't speak, in short, their expressions were different.

And the expressions of the Mongol young men beside Yelu Sun looking at these Northern Liao noble girls were quite intriguing.

After everyone said a few polite words, they walked towards the large tent on the south side.

Between mounting their horses, Yelu Sun looked suspiciously at the woman who had lowered her head and didn't speak just now.

Everyone entered the tent,

After drinking a few bowls of wine, Yelu Sun's Anda stood up and said a few words in the Mongol language, the translator in the tent hurriedly conveyed it, and the last sentence also revealed the identity of this Mongol young man as Yelu Sun's righteous brother.

Zhao Weigan of the Zhao family of Lu Long, who was sitting in the second seat on the other side of Yelu Sun, smiled and also stood up: "Since you have invited me, then I will play with the distinguished guests..."

Before he finished speaking,

A figure appeared at the tent door.

Everyone hurriedly looked at the door, only to see the person at the door wearing a gray cassock, and one could vaguely see that the pattern on the cassock was embroidered with gold thread.

Seeing this person,

In the tent, whether it was Yelu Sun, the Mongol young men, or the Northern Liao official young masters, all put down their wine glasses, stood up, folded their hands, and bowed to salute: "Greetings, Master."

"All benefactors are blessed."

The middle-aged high monk at the tent door folded his hands and returned the salute.

The attendants in the large tent hurriedly placed a table and desk at a slightly lower position beside Yelu Sun's table.

The high monk wearing the cassock walked behind the table and desk and bowed: "All benefactors, please make yourselves at home."

"Yes, Master."

The few people who had agreed to play polo saluted again and then responded one after another and left the large tent.

Not far from Yelu Sun's large tent, the noble girls of several Northern Liao families gathered in two other tents.

These four great families of the Yan land were official families that had been officials for generations in the north during the previous dynasty. Although they surrendered to Northern Liao, they also had to learn both Northern Liao language and Han language.

But in private, they still spoke more Han language.

Watching their own brothers who came out of Yelu Sun's large tent mount their horses and play polo with the Mongol nobles, the noble girls in the tent talked about poetry at the table and desk.

The Liu family of Changping is a family of Northern Liao imperial examinations. Their ancestral home, Changping County, is very close to the Northern Liao Nanjing Xijin Prefecture and the northern border of Great Zhou. They can often see the works of Great Zhou literati and masters, and the literary style in the family is also very strong.

The few noble girls who were talking looked at the Liu family girl with a cold expression and said: "Sister Liu, have you had any new poetry these days?"

Hearing this,

The Liu family girl with a cold face nodded thoughtfully, and a trace of a smile floated on her face.

This smile was like a beautiful goddess in a temple mural suddenly coming to life. This appearance made the noble girls in the tent look at her, their eyes either jealous or envious.

"I did see a new poem in a book some time ago."

A hoarse voice that was somewhat different from her cold appearance came.

"Oh? Is it a poem by which talent in our Northern Liao?" The girl from the Han family of Yutian asked with a smile.

The Liu family girl shook her head gently: "It is a newly compiled poetry collection of Bianjing brought by the old steward of the family who went to Great Zhou to do business. It is said to be from the literary stationery shop of the Chai family in Cangzhou."

"Sister, tell us quickly!"

Looking at the people in the tent who were looking at him, the young lady looked out of the tent with eyes full of longing, as if she were standing on some street, and softly chanted: "The spring rain on the Heavenly Street is as moist as cream, far better than the imperial capital filled with misty willows."

The Northern Liao noble girls sitting in the tent were all from official families, and they still had the knowledge to evaluate the quality of a poem.

This made the tent quiet,

Only the shouts of playing polo outside the tent came from time to time.

"Sister, which Great Zhou master wrote this poem?"

The Liu family girl shook her head somewhat disappointedly: "There are only a few words heard at the February Poetry Meeting on that poetry collection, but it is not written who wrote it."

There was a sigh in the tent, and a girl said: "Alas! If we knew the name, we could let the steward in the family ask around more, maybe we could hear a few more..."

"By the way, speaking of this Chai family, I have seen a new incense formula from the Chai family. I heard it is very popular among the noble girls in Bianjing..."

In the male guest large tent,

The middle-aged monk who had already taken his seat looked at the crowd drinking and chatting,

Yelu Sun, who was sitting in the main seat, drank a cup of wine across the air with the Han family young master who toasted him from afar. After putting down the wine cup, Yelu Sun stood up and smiled: "I will go change clothes."

Everyone hurriedly saluted and respectfully sent him off.

Coming to the back of the large tent,

Yelu Sun waited here for a while with the personal guards who lived and died with him,

Very quickly, that middle-aged monk followed out.

Subsequently, the two walked towards the empty riverbank in the distance.

"Master, what important matter do you have coming to the polo field?"

Watching Yelu Sun's very respectful appearance, the middle-aged monk had an appreciative look in his eyes, folded his hands and said: "Replying to Your Highness, Maitreya protects! The Buddha Makeup Branch Platform within the Great Zhou territory has sent back definite news that in late February, Maitreya's first disciple has already set off for Bianjing."

Yelu Sun was stunned, looked at the middle-aged monk with some surprise in his eyes and said: "In this way, the plan of Sister and Master you has succeeded?"

The middle-aged monk nodded: "It was not in vain that our eleven Northern Liao benefactors rushed to the Maitreya Pure Land."

Hearing this, Yelu Sun hurriedly folded his hands, closed his eyes, and prayed while chanting words.

After a while, Yelu Sun put down his hands and looked at the gurgling river surface not far away: "Master, will that Maitreya's first disciple enter the palace to meet the Great Zhou Emperor?"

The middle-aged monk nodded affirmatively: "The ancestors of this Maitreya's first disciple were that one who was favored for a time many years ago..."

The monk's voice suddenly became low. It wasn't that Yelu Sun was close, he almost couldn't hear clearly.

After Yelu Sun finished listening, he exhaled: "In this way, it can be considered an extra preparation."

The middle-aged monk followed Yelu Sun's gaze and looked at the river surface, his eyes full of disappointment: "Everyone in the platform didn't expect that Great Zhou's attack on Bai Gao could be so fast, just like a butcher dismembering an ox..."

Yelu Sun also replied with some lingering fear in his eyes: "Great Zhou's military edge is too sharp... That Bai Gao Chuihuan Division's Division Minister, has the platform found his whereabouts?"

"Earthquake in Xingqing Prefecture, the secret stronghold of the Buddha Makeup Platform in the city has become ruins, and the personnel are also missing. That powerful opponent, the Chuihuan Division Minister..."

The monk shook his head and didn't continue.

"By the way, among the noble girls of the Yan land families who came today, which family is the one who lowered her head and refused to look at people?"

Yelu Sun asked suspiciously, looking at the monk.

The middle-aged monk frowned and thought for a while: "Alas! That is a girl from the Ma family. Previously, when the Emperor was defeated in the east, she was captured by the Jin Kingdom generals. The Ma family also spent a lot of effort, entrusting the Liu family to negotiate in Bianjing and the Jin Kingdom to exchange her back."

Yelu Sun nodded, and then a cold sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth:

"Heh!"

Previously, Yelu Sun also covered the retreat for the Northern Liao Emperor, but ended up being abandoned.

Yelu Sun relaxed his emotions,

"If the Great Zhou Prince Yan was still here..."

He said half a sentence, watching the monk close his eyes and turn the Buddhist beads in his hand, Yelu Sun stopped his words and changed his words:

"The scions of the noble families in Bianjing have arrogant and crazy personalities. They will resort to violence at the slightest stimulation. The strategy set by Sister and Master will definitely have some effect."

The monk opened his eyes, his eyes seemingly calm, but actually somewhat complacent, and nodded: "Just like the scions of our Northern Liao Yan land families who are granted official positions by shade are mostly the Emperor's personal guards and stationed in tents, that Maitreya's first disciple who has a deep connection with the Great Zhou Emperor will definitely be arranged in the same way."

"At that time, find an opportunity to find a few scions of Duke and Marquis families to establish prestige, heh..."

"But, Master, I have a doubt, will that Great Zhou Emperor really punish the noble scions because of that Maitreya's first disciple?"

The monk looked at the trees on the riverbank: "Your Highness doesn't know much about what happened back then, you don't know how favored that Imperial Consort was! That family competed with the Guo family for the position of Empress. After failing, they were fully suppressed by the Guo family. Many female officials and nannies in the mansion were sold. The Buddha Makeup Platform bought female officials from their family."

"According to this woman who has become an old crone, this Maitreya's first disciple and that Imperial Consort look extremely similar."

"Speaking of which, that Imperial Consort died at the most beautiful age. In the Great Zhou Emperor's heart, she never grew old. Seeing that face is seeing his own youth..."

Yelu Sun nodded as if he understood: "Looks are his death-free gold medal."

The monk smiled and turned the Buddhist beads in his hand: "That first disciple has always been smart. No matter what position he has, just find an opportunity to plant a few thorns in the Great Zhou Emperor's heart."

"So that's it! Master, this can also be considered the beauty trap in military strategy? It is my shallow knowledge. Listening to Master's words now, I feel that this matter will definitely succeed."

The monk in front of Yelu Sun had no smile, and his eyes unexpectedly had no complacency, just saying with some reminiscence: "Maitreya protects! I hope so!"

Watching Yelu Sun's inquisitive look, the monk said sadly:

"Your Highness, Great Zhou has a saying: 'Man proposes, God disposes.' Any matter might have some extremely unexpected situations."

"For example, a sickly person suddenly passes the imperial examination..."

Great Zhou Bianjing,

West of the city,

Jinming Pool Garden,

The Emperor sat on the dragon chair in the Linshui Palace with a frown,

Zhao Zilong, who was standing on the side, was whispering: "Your Majesty, the medical official who went to the Zhang family to take Pan Ge'er's pulse today came to report that after Pan Ge'er drank two doses of calming soup from yesterday to this morning, he is no longer in serious trouble."

"The arms of the personal guard attendant following Pan Ge'er... are not easy to recover."

The Emperor nodded,

Glanced at Xu Zaijing, who was sitting behind the table under the colored shed outside the palace with a dejected look: "Has the residence of the Zhang family child been changed for him?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, it has been changed."

Zhao Zilong also glanced at Xu Zaijing under the colored shed: "It must be somewhere ordinary people cannot find."

The Emperor nodded gently: "Hmm!"

Zhao Zilong bowed and retreated outside the palace.

The Emperor looked at the Empress who was talking to the noble ladies in the distance, and Zhao Fang, who was feeding fruit to his two younger sisters beside the Empress, and whispered:

"Hmph! Still asking where others live, what does he mean by this! Does he want to beat his way to their door?"

At this time, only the Great Eunuch holding a whisk stood beside the Emperor.

The Emperor frowned and whispered: "Speak!"

The Great Eunuch hurriedly bowed his head: "Your Majesty, the servant has also heard some of the process. According to the soldiers guarding the outer city wall, Jing Ge'er was shot at fiercely with a strong bow and sharp arrows, chasing and killing him from the New Song Gate all the way to the Ansu Gate..."

"If it weren't for Jing Ge'er's high martial arts, who knows how many arrows he would have been pierced with now."

"If Jing Ge'er were really injured, I don't know how sad the Empress would be."

The Emperor frowned and looked at the Great Eunuch on the side,

The Great Eunuch felt the gaze on his head but just lowered his head without speaking.

The Emperor helplessly looked outside again,

Just in time to see Xu Zaijing still sitting with his head down and looking dejected, but his hand was reaching for the fruit on the table in front of him.

The Emperor gritted his teeth and moved his gaze away,

When looking elsewhere,

He just happened to see Rong Xian, wearing a bright personal guard armor, talking to the young master of the Duke Xin Pei family. While talking, he was grimacing and crossing his hands, forcefully touching the arm guard on his arm.

After touching the arm guard, he laughed loudly,

After laughing, he forcefully pulled the red helmet tassel on the top of his helmet, pulling his whole face into a funny deformation by the helmet strap, as if he was reenacting a certain scene.

"Go, let Rong Xian roll over to me!"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 462 =====