Chapter 131: Zheng Empress Gives Birth

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August 8th.

The northwest tribes of the Liao Kingdom raided the border; the Liao's Southwest Road Commander Eteler led troops and inflicted a crushing defeat upon them.

At month's end, Yelu Hongji sent envoys to Dongjing Bianliang to present the victory.

Though framed as a victory offering, Yelu Hongji's true intent was to warn Zhao Yu: the internal rebellions in Liao had ended, and Liao no longer feared war with the Zhao Song dynasty.

Zhao Yu suspected it was merely because Yelu Hongji's health was failing; otherwise, he would have used forceful diplomatic language to compel Zhao Yu to halt the war against Qingtang Tubo.

Do not forget: Dongzhi's principal wife, Xiling Jiemu, was the daughter of Emperor Xingzong of Liao, who married Dongzhi in the fourth year of Qingning under the title of a Khitan princess.

In other words, behind Qingtang Tubo stood not only Xi Xia, but also Liao, and even the western kingdoms—do not forget, a Uyghur princess had also married the king of Qingtang Tubo.

To put it vividly, present-day Liao was like a certain powerful nation in later eras: seeing China grow strong, it supported all of China's adversaries to weaken it.

It is thus clear that Liao was Zhao Song's greatest enemy—at least for now.

In fact, over these years, Xi Xia had continuously waged war against Zhao Song primarily because Liao had instigated and supported it from behind.

Thus, it is not without reason that historically, Zhao Ji chose to break the Treaty of Chanyuan when Liao was on the verge of collapse and settle accounts with Liao.

The only fault lay in how extravagantly Zhao Ji had squandered Zhao Song's resources during those years, turning a heavenly opportunity into a great disaster.

That's enough digression.

Although Zhao Yu had previously rebuffed Yelu Hongji's interference in the Song-Xia war, Liao had not abandoned its dominance over the northwest situation.

This time, Liao's victory offering was likely the prelude to Yelu Hongji's intervention against Zhao Yu's campaign to destroy Qingtang Tubo.

In truth, Zhao Yu, Zhang Dun, and Ceng Bu had already discussed this: not only Liao, but also Xi Xia, would inevitably intervene to stop Zhao Song from annihilating Qingtang Tubo.

Precisely because of this, Zhao Yu had not recalled Zhang Jie to court, but instead ordered him to guard against Xi Xia.

Fairly speaking, Xi Xia could not afford to refrain from intervening in Zhao Song's destruction of Qingtang Tubo.

Zhao Song had already seized Hengshan, a region vital to Xi Xia, plunging Xi Xia into extreme disadvantage.

If Zhao Song now seized Qingtang Tubo, Xi Xia would be completely encircled.

Meanwhile, once Zhao Song secured the Silk Road and blocked trade at the state-run markets with Xi Xia, Central Asian merchants would bypass Xi Xia entirely and trade directly with Zhao Song, causing Xi Xia's economy to collapse.

Under this dual military and economic assault, Xi Xia's destruction was inevitable.

This is why, while Li Qianshun bowed before Zhao Yu, paid tribute, and professed gratitude, he simultaneously continued supporting Qingtang Tubo's resistance against Zhao Song.

Even last year, taking advantage of the Song army's focus on attacking Qingtangcheng, Li Qianshun dispatched a hundred thousand troops to join Qingtang forces in seizing Huangzhou, still under Zhao Song control.

Fortunately, the veteran Wang Min fearlessly led over two thousand poorly equipped Song soldiers in fierce resistance, repelling the Xia-Tubo alliance multiple times and holding Huangzhou, upholding our nation's prestige.

But after the Song-Xia peace treaty this year, Xi Xia again mobilized, cooperating with Qingtang forces, and ultimately reclaimed the regions of Shanzhou, Huangzhou, and Guozhou—forcing Zhao Yu to tighten his belt and replay this campaign once more.

In short, the diplomatic and even military contest between Zhao Song, Xi Xia, and Liao kept repeating itself, never ceasing despite Zhao Song's earlier diplomatic victory over Liao through peace with Xi Xia.

On the very day the Liao envoy arrived in Bianliang, Zheng Xiansu went into labor.

Before Zheng Xiansu, four women had already borne Zhao Yu four sons.

After Zheng Xiansu, over a dozen women still waited in line to bear Zhao Yu children.

The key point: Zhao Yu was only seventeen, vigorous and strong.

Logically, under these circumstances, Zhao Yu had no reason to be nervous—he lacked neither sons nor concubines.

Yet the fact was, Zhao Yu was genuinely nervous.

Zheng Xiansu and her unborn child meant too much to Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu's harem included women from the New Party, women from the Old Party, women from Qingtang and the Western Regions, and even the five time-traveling women: Zhang Chun, Li Lin, Ye Shi Yun, Ma Xiao Jiao, and Yuan Qing Cheng—it was anything but simple to manage.

To be honest, Zhao Yu might not even be able to handle these women.

But so far, Zheng Xiansu had managed them exceptionally well.

For example, under Zheng Xiansu's management, neither New Party nor Old Party women dared interfere in politics.

For example, the women from Qingtang and the Western Regions initially struggled to adapt to Zhao Yu's harem; Zheng Xiansu built them a Buddhist hall, and they immediately looked to Zheng Xiansu as their leader.

The hardest to manage were still Zhang Chun and the other five.

Yet even they held Zheng Xiansu in deep reverence.

Even Zhang Chun, who coveted Zheng Xiansu's position as Empress, behaved obediently before her.

Take last time, when Zhang Chun tried to replace Empress Dowager Xiang in managing the Old Party.

Zhao Yu didn't even want to speak to Zhang Chun.

Her idea was far too naive.

What was the Old Party?

The Old Party was the conservative faction.

One thing they staunchly opposed was imperial harem interference in politics.

Of course, politicians had no morals to speak of.

If Zhang Chun truly possessed the political power of Empress Dowager Xiang, and if Zhao Yu truly despised the Old Party as Zhao Xu had, perhaps the Old Party would ally with Zhang Chun.

But that required one precondition: Zhang Chun herself had to be part of the Old Party, or at least not part of the New Party.

Yet Zhang Chun, who understood historical trends, would inevitably push hard for reform and change—she was a pure, unadulterated New Party member.

How could the Old Party possibly ally with Zhang Chun?

Especially those censors.

When it came to ideological positions, they cared nothing for brotherhood or honor. Moral gentlemen could be utterly immoral at times.

At the point of bitter conflict, they would oppose simply for the sake of opposition, refusing all reason.

Under these conditions, Zhang Chun—a New Party member—dreaming of leading the Old Party and controlling those censors was pure fantasy.

What were censors?

They claimed themselves the pure stream of the court, guardians of morality; they wielded their pens as swords and ink as blades, fearless of power, undaunted by storms, targeting the emperor's faults and exposing ministers' failings.

Their very existence seemed to prove that, in this whirlpool of power, there still existed a pure stream unwilling to sink with the tide, steadfast in its rare, even childish, integrity and courage.

Zhang Chun, as a member of the New Party, attempting to control these hard-headed Old Party members, was no different from trying to make a deal with a tiger.

To speak plainly, they delighted in impeaching others and took pride in speaking bluntly—how could they possibly submit to a woman whose political views opposed theirs?

Perhaps they would remain silent for now, but only because the timing was not right; once they found a suitable excuse, they would surge like a tide, using their sharp words to dissect every idea and action of Zhang Chun until nothing remained.

But Zhao Yu could not tell Zhang Chun this directly.

First, Zhang Chun had worked so hard to please him—even abandoning her dignity to organize and personally participate in that whole affair—how could he possibly accept her favors without gratitude?

Second, Zhang Chun had always served him with utmost dedication; even if rewards were to be distributed according to merit, he owed her an opportunity.

Yet in truth, Zhao Yu disliked imperial consorts interfering in state affairs—and crucially, he had to keep Zhang Chun in check, lest she grow too powerful and enact her "Empress Dowager Plan."

This was troublesome.

Fortunately, Zhao Yu had Zheng Xiansu.

Zhao Yu did not even need to say anything; a mere hint to Zheng Xiansu was enough for her to understand perfectly.

The next day, Zheng Xiansu casually spoke with the Old Party members about their ideals and gave them a subtle hint: should the need arise, she would advise Zhao Yu.

The Old Party promptly abandoned Zhang Chun.

Don't blame the Old Party for being ungrateful.

It was simply that Zhang Chun could not compare to Zheng Xiansu.

First, Zheng Xiansu was the genuine Empress—her status was undeniable, unlike Zhang Chun, who didn't even hold a proper imperial consort title.

Second, Zheng Xiansu was not of the New Party; strictly speaking, she was a thoroughly legitimate Old Party member.

In fact, after Empress Dowager Xiang lost power, Han Zhongyan, Su Shi, and Su Zhe first considered Zheng Xiansu as their political ally—not Meng Xiang, who had no influence and could not even speak to Zhao Yu, or anyone else.

Yet Empress Dowager Xiang had firmly insisted that Zheng Xiansu was unreliable—that she would blindly follow Zhao Yu, whereas Meng Xiang was more stable.

Added to which, Zheng Xiansu had no interest in interfering in politics.

That was why the Old Party never allied with Zheng Xiansu.

Now, Zheng Xiansu had offered them an opportunity—on the sole condition that they abandon Zhang Chun, who was not even in their camp.

What choice would the Old Party make?

Thus, what Zhao Yu could not resolve himself, Zheng Xiansu solved effortlessly.

How could Zhao Yu possibly afford to lose Zheng Xiansu?

Most importantly, if Zheng Xiansu were gone, who else could Zhao Yu make Empress?

Zhang Chun?

Zhao Yu would never forget Zhang Chun's nickname: Empress Dowager Chun!!

'If I don't set up a reliable firewall in front of me, what if one day Empress Dowager Chun, full of ambition, goes berserk? I'd be in danger. So, anyone could become Empress—except Empress Dowager Chun, who absolutely cannot!'

In truth, none of the others were Zhao Yu's ideal Empress either—at least, he didn't know who else could replace Zheng Xiansu.

So Zhao Yu certainly did not want to lose Zheng Xiansu.

And if Zheng Xiansu could give Zhao Yu a son this time, Zhao Yu's imperial succession problem might be resolved.

Yes.

Zhao Yu also wished to choose a virtuous and capable son to pass down his Jiangshan, ideally expanding it further.

But Zhao Yu also knew that for thousands of years, the principle of 'passing to the legitimate heir, not the illegitimate; passing to the eldest, not the most capable' had prevailed for good reason.

Moreover, Zhao Yu felt his sons would not be few.

If there were truly no legitimate heir and the succession came down to choosing the most capable, it might lead to chaos like the Rebellion of the Seven Princes, the Rebellion of the Eight Princes, the Jingnan Campaign, or the War of the Nine Princes.

Therefore, if Zhao Yu had even one decent legitimate eldest son, and could smoothly pass the throne to him, it would be the best possible outcome.

Both the large and the small matters were of great concern and deep anxiety to Zhao Yu.

How could Zhao Yu not be tense?

This tension was no less than when Ma Xiao Jiao gave birth.

The difference was, Ma Xiao Jiao, sensing Zhao Yu's anxiety, gave birth quickly.

But this time, Zheng Xiansu's labor, though not as prolonged as Shen Fuling's, still lasted over half an hour.

Seeing this, even the composed Zhao Yu could not help pacing back and forth outside the door.

Far away, Zhang Chun said enviously: 'Finally, I see him anxious.'

Ma Xiao Jiao asked: 'Wasn't he anxious when I gave birth to Zhao Di?'

Li Lin said: 'He was anxious. He personally inspected the birthing tools and medical equipment I and Shi Yun brought—twice—and even planned to go supervise the sterilization area himself.'

Ye Shi Yun continued: 'But before the water even boiled, you gave birth.'

Hearing Li Lin and Ye Shi Yun say this, Ma Xiao Jiao was satisfied.

Yuan Qing Cheng said: 'You're his precious treasure—he couldn't help being anxious about you.'

Ma Xiao Jiao replied: 'Don't act like you're not his precious treasure—you get a million guan in research funding every year, more than five times what I get!'

Yuan Qing Cheng blushed and quickly defended herself: 'My operation is large-scale, and personnel are dispersed across many regions nationwide, so expenses are higher. If you needed that much funding too, he wouldn't hesitate.'

During this year's spring plowing, Ma Xiao Jiao's inventions—the Mu Niu Liu Ma irrigation cart, the improved curved-plow, the modified seed drill, the Mu Niu, and the substitute plow frame—saved considerable labor, enabling a bountiful harvest in the Jingji region, for which Ma Xiao Jiao was largely responsible.

Moreover, Ma Xiao Jiao's tools shone brightly during the Yellow River management. Her bicycle, modeled after the African wooden bicycle, and her improved chicken cart saved a significant portion of manpower.

At present, the court has already dispatched personnel to vigorously promote these new farming tools and devices in the Jingji region—they will surely make this world better.

By the way, Zhao Yu has already ordered the planting of a thousand mu of cotton.

Once harvested, Zhao Yu can have the Palace Household Department build a factory to spin cotton cloth.

Given how useful Ma Xiao Jiao's inventions are, how could Zhao Yu possibly be stingy with her research funding?

Ma Xiao Jiao knew this perfectly well—she didn't need Yuan Qing Cheng to tell her.

'Qing Cheng is so intelligent—she must understand this. Then why is she making small talk?'

Ma Ma Xiao Jiao asked bluntly, "Qingcheng, why do I feel like something's a bit off about you today?"

Yuan Qingcheng said, feigning composure, "Nothing's wrong, you're imagining it."

Just as Zhang Chun, Li Lin, and Ye Shi Yun also wanted to see what was off about Yuan Qingcheng, Zhao Yu suddenly waved the five of them over.

Seeing this, the five women hurried over.

Zhao Yu said to Li Lin and Ye Shi Yun, "You two get ready."

Li Lin and Ye Shi Yun understood — Zhao Yu was worried that Zheng Xiansu wouldn't be able to deliver on her own.

Zhang Chun said to Zhao Yu, "My lord need not worry. This concubine has already divined it — the Empress will surely give birth smoothly."

Zhao Yu also knew that the Zheng Xiansu who, in history, had borne Zhao Ji one son and five daughters should be able to deliver this child safely.

But the problem was, isn't this just a case of caring too much and losing one's head?

Li Lin and Ye Shi Yun didn't dare be careless; they hurried to make a final check, then prepared to go in.

But just as Zhao Yu was telling Li Lin and Ye Shi Yun, "If it can't be done, save the mother," a clear, crisp baby's cry suddenly rang out from the birthing room:

"Wah…"

……

(End of chapter)