Chapter 143: Li Qingzhao Gives Birth

…

The next day.

The Northern Garrison's Commander-in-Chief Zhong Pu and Supervisor Sun Lu; the Western Garrison's Commander-in-Chief Wang Zhan and Supervisor Zhang Xun; the Eastern Garrison's Commander-in-Chief Gao Yongnian and Supervisor Fan Chuncui; the Southern Garrison's Commander-in-Chief Wang Min and Supervisor Sun Lan — along with the principal generals and supervising officers under their command — had all come to the Bureau of Military Affairs to receive instruction from the radiant-faced Li Lin.

This time, Zhao Yu had Li Lin train this group of generals of the Zhao Song dynasty not only to elevate their abilities and cultivate them into campaign-level commanders capable of large-scale operations, but also to let them become thoroughly familiar with the enemy's geography.

Zhao Yu wasn't doing something pointless — one truly cannot overestimate the abilities of people of this era.

In many people's view, Western Xia was nothing more than what in later times would be Ningxia, Gansu, the northeastern part of Qinghai, western Inner Mongolia, and the northern part of Shaanxi; the Liao's Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were merely the later Beijing area and the Datong area of Shanxi; even the northeast where the Jurchens lived was nothing more than the later Heilongjiang region.

Moreover, even though during the Song these regions had been split off by the Khitans, the Tanguts, and the Jurchens, in the previous dynasty — the Tang — these places were still under the control of the Central Plains dynasty.

And although the Tang and Song dynasties appear to be separated by a great span of time, in fact only fifty-three years lie between them.

So flipping through a map of the previous dynasty and campaigning inside enemy territory — wasn't that just like coming home?

But the facts were not so.

Take as an example the period when Zhao Ji historically set out to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun.

At that time, Guo Yaoshi — the thrice-turned traitor who had just defected to the Northern Song — offered Zhao Ji and his court the gift of Yanjing city.

At the time, Yanjing city was extremely empty, with only a little over a thousand palace guards.

Guo Yaoshi proposed a plan: strike at a weak point; dispatch a light cavalry force to slip east, cross the river from Gu'an to Anci, then drive straight into Yanjing. The Han people inside Yanjing city, upon learning the royal army had arrived, would surely serve as inside support, and thus Yanjing could be taken.

Events unfolded exactly as Guo Yaoshi had predicted, and they took Yanjing city quite smoothly.

Yet who could have imagined that Liu Guangshi, who was supposed to be the relief force, actually got lost and failed to reinforce them for three whole days.

On top of that, Yang Keshi and the others who had entered the city first were nothing but a bunch of hot-headed louts; their mishandling of the situation roused the hatred of the Khitans inside Yanjing city.

And then, two days later, Yelu Dashi arrived in time at the head of two thousand relief troops to come to their aid.

Several thousand Song troops were actually annihilated; only Yang Keshi, Guo Yaoshi, and a handful of others escaped by sliding down ropes from the city walls.

Imagine — if Liu Guangshi had reinforced them in time, and the Song army had taken Yanjing city themselves rather than having the Jin army pick up Yanjing city and hand it to the Song, wouldn't the later Jingkang Disaster have been avoided?

You think this was an isolated case?

It really wasn't.

Not only were the soldiers at the front unfamiliar with enemy geography, even Zhao Ji the Emperor himself was unfamiliar with enemy geography.

When Song and Jin signed the Haishangzhi Alliance, in the jade tablet (that is, the personal letter) Zhao Ji gave to Wanyan Aguda, he himself took the initiative to request Yanjing and the prefectures and counties under its administration.

In Zhao Ji's mind, this was the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun that the Zhao clan had been pining after for nearly two hundred years.

He had no idea that the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were divided into the Seven Prefectures before the mountains and the Nine Prefectures behind the mountains, and that to keep the barbarians entirely shut out beyond the passes, the Central Plains dynasty would also need to obtain the three prefectures of Ping, Luan, and Ying.

And these, in fact, were three separate places.

Yanjing and the prefectures and counties under its administration were merely the Liao's Eastern Capital Circuit — only seven prefectures.

The Nine Prefectures behind the mountains were the Liao's Western Capital Circuit.

And the three prefectures of Ping, Luan, and Ying were the Liao's Pingzhou Circuit.

Zhao Ji had plainly asked for too little.

This also planted the seeds for the later Song-Jin falling-out and the Jingkang Disaster.

Just imagine — Zhao Ji, who year after year dispatched envoys to the Liao, didn't even know the geography of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun; how much less could those rough, uncultured generals at the front be expected to know?

It was precisely because he had taken this point into consideration that Zhao Yu specifically had Li Lin thoroughly teach these generals and supervising officers — who might in the future be leading troops into enemy territory — geographical knowledge, and also have them carefully sum up the mistakes their predecessors had made, so as to avoid repeating them.

Just as Liu Zhongwu and the others had previously looked down on Li Lin, Sun Lu and the others — who were even more senior and had even more glorious records — at the outset of their contact with Li Lin looked down on this "little eunuch" even more.

Fortunately, with Zhao Yu backing Li Lin, no one — no matter how much they despised her — dared to act wantonly.

And once Li Lin had demonstrated her extraordinary abilities, even the most unruly and untamable of them could only, driven by the desire for knowledge, obediently come and attend Li Lin's lessons.

Later, Zhao Yu simply stopped coming in person, and instead had Zhang Dun and Ceng Bu take turns standing in for him, letting them listen to what Li Lin had to say as well…

…

When Li Qingzhao first entered the palace, she truly had a hard time adjusting; she was even a little self-pitying — especially after she had, in a muddled fashion, been slept with by Zhao Yu.

During that period, Li Qingzhao was very confused and lost.

Yet Zhang Chun was keen on throwing surprise parties for Zhao Yu, and always dragged Li Qingzhao along.

Li Qingzhao — first, didn't know what to do; second, didn't dare defy Zhao Yu; third, was bewitched by desire — went along with Zhang Chun and, for a time, gave herself over to indulgence.

As a result, through one careless moment, Li Qingzhao conceived in secret.

This left Li Qingzhao even more bewildered and at a loss.

Fortunately, there were others in circumstances similar to Li Qingzhao's: Han Yu, Chao Min, and Zhao Mai.

Speaking purely on the merits, the family backgrounds of Han Yu and the other two were far better than Li Qingzhao's.

Especially Han Yu. Her great-grandfather was Han Qi — who served as Chancellor for ten years, assisted three reigns, made tremendous contributions to the prosperity and development of the Zhao Song dynasty, was paired with Fu Bi as "Fu and Han," and was praised by Ouyang Xiu with the words, "Facing great affairs, deciding great questions, with hanging sashes and upright tablet, not stirring a sound or a look, he settled the realm into the stability of Mount Tai — truly a minister of the altar of soil and grain." And her grandfather was today's leader of the Old Faction, Vice-Chancellor Han Zhongyan, whose position was second only to Zhang Dun. A genuine scion of a great and noble house.

Even Chao Min's and Zhao Mai's family backgrounds left Li Qingzhao's in the dust by a wide margin.

Seeing that Han Yu, Chao Min, and Zhao Mai were in exactly the same boat as her, what could Li Qingzhao possibly say?

The key is, when it comes to people, the worst thing is comparison.

Then look at Zhang Chun and Li Chun — weren't they always charging to the very front, taking the brunt of Zhao Yu's "firepower," only to end up unable to conceive, suffering disappointment after disappointment? Li Qingzhao was instantly relieved, and even felt grateful that she had an easily-conceiving constitution.

Moreover, in the rear palace, a swollen belly was the finest adornment; everyone had to look at you with a measure of respect and awe, and if you then went on to give birth to a good son in one go, your life would be secure.

Surrounded by such thoughts, Li Qingzhao didn't even dare drink, devoting herself wholeheartedly to bearing a healthy son.

It is worth mentioning that, with so many women in the rear palace, given Li Qingzhao's temperament she naturally was not short of friends; every day she called friends over, did as she pleased, composed poetry and played cards, and got along quite merrily.

In short, although at the very beginning of entering the palace Li Qingzhao had been somewhat reluctant, because things went smoothly in the rear palace, she was actually doing quite well — one could say she had long since made peace with herself.

Today, the court had already decided that Han Zhongyan would serve as the Burial Commissioner for Empress Dowager Xiang; Han Yu's many friends came to comfort her, telling the heavily-pregnant Han Yu not to suffer any further mishap.

And Li Qingzhao was among them.

Only, what Li Qingzhao and the others hadn't expected was that Han Yu behaved very calmly, seemingly unconcerned about whether Han Zhongyan had lost his position or not; she even busied herself arranging a game of mahjong to entertain the ladies.

"Eight of wan."

"One bamboo."

"Useless again."

"Nine bamboos."

"Chow nine bamboos."

"Pong nine bamboos."

"I won't chow, and you won't pong, right?"

"I have two nine bamboos—I definitely have to pong."

"You two don't argue—I've won. Thirteen Orphans."

"Ah~! I just fired again."

At that moment, a lady-in-waiting came to inform the women: "My ladies, Your Majesty has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Li Qingzhao and the others rose to greet him.

To Li Qingzhao's surprise, the lady-in-waiting said: "Your Majesty specifically instructed that any of you ladies who are pregnant need not come to greet him."

Thus, only Li Chun went out to meet Zhao Yu, while Li Qingzhao and the others stood at the doorway, supported by their personal maids.

Not long after, Zhao Yu entered, accompanied by Li Chun.

Seeing the four women, all near term, standing at the door waiting for him, Zhao Yu scolded: "I told you not to come out to greet me—why be so formal? Times are different now; you must be careful."

As he spoke, Zhao Yu wrapped one arm around Zhao Mai's waist and the other around Chao Min's waist, guiding them inside.

Such a simple, ordinary gesture made Zhao Mai and Chao Min nearly burst into tears from happiness.

Li Qingzhao could not understand this at all: "Is it really that much?"

Soon, Zhao Yu and the others entered the hall, and Zhao Yu noticed the mahjong tiles still on the table.

"Playing mahjong?" Zhao Yu asked.

"Your Majesty, all my money has been won by Lady Li—please avenge me," Chao Min said, looking at Li Qingzhao.

"Fine, I'll avenge you," Zhao Yu declared grandly.

Seeing Zhao Yu's confident expression, Li Qingzhao assumed he was a mahjong master—even one as skilled as Ye Shi Yun, whom she herself could not beat.

So Li Qingzhao rolled up her sleeves, ready to challenge Zhao Yu to a decisive match.

But once they began playing, Li Qingzhao was stunned.

Zhao Yu was no mahjong master—he was clearly a prince of giving away money.

Ever since Zhao Yu joined, no one had lost; not only did Li Qingzhao win even more money, but Han Yu and Zhao Mai also won substantial amounts.

After only four rounds, Li Qingzhao and the others had each won several months' worth of monthly stipends.

Seeing the hour was late, Zhao Yu gave all his remaining money as a gift to Chao Min, then personally instructed Li Qingzhao and the other pregnant women on precautions before leaving with Li Chun.

After Zhao Yu had gone far away, Li Qingzhao said: "Your Majesty's mahjong playing…"

Li Qingzhao wanted to say Zhao Yu played terribly.

But at the last moment, she changed it to: "It's simply hard to describe."

To her surprise, upon hearing this, Han Yu and the other women all covered their mouths and giggled uncontrollably.

"Why are you laughing?" Li Qingzhao asked, puzzled.

"Do you really think Your Majesty was playing mahjong with us?" Zhao Mai said.

"Then what else?" Li Qingzhao retorted.

"Your Majesty is afraid we're living too poorly, so he's deliberately giving us money. Otherwise, how could he lose every single hand, firing for each of us?" Chao Min said.

Li Qingzhao suddenly understood.

But then she grew puzzled again: "Then why not just give us the money directly? Why go through all this trouble?"

Han Yu poked Li Qingzhao's forehead with her index finger: "Foolish! Would you be happier if Your Majesty simply gave you the money—or if he spent time playing mahjong with you, deliberately firing for you?"

Li Qingzhao realized it was true.

Although she felt nothing for Zhao Yu and did not consider him her man, she had to admit—when he sat across from her, playing mahjong with her for so long, firing for her one tile after another, she had never been happier.

"If only Han Yu and the others weren't here, it would be even better."

Li Qingzhao quickly shook her head inwardly, banishing that forbidden thought from her mind.

Li Qingzhao was clear-eyed: she knew Zhao Yu's heart belonged to Zheng Xiansu, Zhang Chun, Li Lin, Ye Shi Yun, Ma Xiao Jiao, Yuan Qing Cheng, and countless other concubines, ladies-in-waiting, and maids. If she rushed forward like them, with her emotionally weighty nature, she might end up shattered.

Now, her relationship with Zhao Yu was perfect—only mutual benefit, no emotions.

That way, she would not be hurt by Zhao Yu, nor fall into the same fate as Han Yu and the others: when he gave them a scrap of affection, they rejoiced for days; when he ignored them for a while, they lost their appetite, their joy, and sank into gloom.

—Li Qingzhao understood well: in this deep palace, emotion was as light as a goose feather, yet when heavy, it crushed like Taishan. She refused to trap herself in endless waiting and sorrow.

Seeing Han Yu in good spirits, Li Qingzhao asked: "Your Majesty appointed Lord Han as the Imperial Tomb Commissioner—what is his intention?"

Han Yu smiled and replied: "A wife follows her husband; naturally, I follow his lead. Your Majesty is wise, discerning, magnanimous—if he truly does not employ my ancestor, it must be for some grand plan concerning the stability of our Great Song's realm. Or perhaps my ancestor lacks the ability to serve as Chancellor."

She paused, then added: "I am merely a woman of the inner palace, unfamiliar with court affairs—how could I presume to interfere with Your Majesty's grand strategies?"

Han Yu gently stroked the mahjong tiles on the table, her eyes soft with nostalgia—for the past—or quiet acceptance of the future.

Li Qingzhao and the others had not expected Han Yu to respond this way.

But upon reflection, Han Yu's response was the wisest choice.

Li Qingzhao even wondered: "Did the Han family send her into the palace with some deep design… perhaps hoping she becomes Empress?"

The more she thought, the more plausible it seemed. In her view, Han Yu's demeanor was unmistakably that of an Empress.

And if Zheng Xiansu never bore a son, while Han Yu gave birth to an outstanding one, perhaps Han Yu truly had a chance to replace Zheng Xiansu.

Li Qingzhao dared not think further. She decided it didn't matter who became Empress—"I just need to be myself."

Back in her quarters, Li Qingzhao had just sat down when she felt herself "wet."

After a moment's realization, she understood: her water had broken—she was about to give birth.

Li Qingzhao cried urgently: "Cuiyu, send someone at once to inform the imperial court—I'm going into labor…"

……

(End of Chapter)