Chapter 182

…

This imperial campaign northward to contain Liao, preventing it from interfering with Zhao Song's recovery of Xi Xia, has progressed far more smoothly than Zhao Yu imagined.

From the start of the campaign until now, less than twenty days have passed, and the Song army is about to breach Yanjing City.

Anyone would be blinded by such immediate victory.

Zhao Yu is no exception.

Fortunately, Zhao Yu knows this history and is clear on who his true existential threat is.

That man could be Li Qianshun, who in history implemented a series of measures to achieve remarkable development in Xi Xia's politics, economy, culture, and diplomacy, propelling Xi Xia toward revival; or Wanyan Aguda, whose legendary and far-reaching influence stemmed from extraordinary courage and strategy, superior military command, and astute political wisdom—he founded Jin Chao and swallowed Liao whole; or Temujin, who possessed exceptional leadership and military acumen, sharp strategic vision and decisive decision-making, unified the Mongol tribes, ended prolonged fragmentation and warfare on the steppe, and led Mongol cavalry to sweep across Eurasia, establishing the vast Mongol Empire. It certainly cannot be Yelu Yanxi, utterly foolish and incompetent, terrible in appointing officials, possessing not a single redeeming quality.

During this undeveloped period, Zhao Yu prefers his neighbor and enemy to be Yelu Yanxi, not Li Qianshun, Wanyan Aguda, Temujin, or any other steppe hero.

Zhao Yu has never forgotten that Zhao Song still has a host of internal problems; its ability to crush Xi Xia and Liao relies on a credit-fueled strategy, exploiting its own people—this cannot last. If this isn't ended quickly, internal rebels like Song Jiang and Fang La will rise up and destroy the foundation of his rule.

At that point, Zhao Song will spiral out of control, and Zhao Yu will be too distracted to care about the warlords vying for dominance on the northern steppes. Then, one of them—Wanyan Aguda, Temujin, or some other ruler Zhao Yu knows nothing about—will unify the steppes and march south to confront Zhao Yu and his troubled Zhao Song in a final showdown.

Moreover, if Zhao Yu eliminates this fool Yelu Yanxi, Liao won't vanish overnight—what if Liao replaces him with a wise ruler like Yelu Dashi?

Then Liao will surely wage unrelenting war against Zhao Song for having killed Yelu Yanxi and seized the crucial Yan-Yun Sixteen Prefectures.

Once both Song and Liao are exhausted, Jin Chao will profit from their weakness, and history may well return to the Jingkang Humiliation.

Precisely because he understands all this, Zhao Yu ignores the aggressive glares of Ceng Bu and others, turns to Han Zhongyan, and says: "Minister Han, go negotiate with the Liao envoys. If the Liao emperor is sensible and we reach an agreement, order the frontline troops to halt the siege. If he is not sensible, storm Yanjing City tonight."

Though Zhao Yu said they would attack only if talks failed, clever men like Ceng Bu understood perfectly: Zhao Yu intends to stop here, does not wish to breach Yanjing City, nor to fully reclaim the Yan-Yun Sixteen Prefectures—he still maintains strategic patience, prioritizing the recovery of Xi Xia above all, at most seeking additional war reparations from Liao.

Ceng Bu and the other hardliners were deeply disappointed.

Han Zhongyan, Su Zhe, and other conservatives breathed a sigh of relief.

Han Zhongyan, Su Zhe, and others cried out loudly: "Your Majesty is wise!!!"

After dismissing the others, Zhao Yu kept only Han Zhongyan and Zhao Liangsi behind to give them secret instructions: "Have the Liao emperor leave the city to negotiate peace… first demand horses, then weapons…"

Zhao Yu's intent was that while Yelu Yanxi and his court were now trapped, lingering threats remained: the city still held vast stocks of horses and weapons, ready to be mobilized; if cornered, Yelu Yanxi's faction could use cavalry mobility and shock power to break out of Yanjing City; also, reinforcements might arrive at any moment to relieve the city.

Zhao Yu aimed to eliminate these threats, leaving Yelu Yanxi and his court utterly defenseless, helpless to resist as he bled them dry.

After hearing Zhao Yu's instructions, Han Zhongyan and Zhao Liangsi were stunned by Zhao Yu's deep planning and foresight.

At this moment, Han Zhongyan and Zhao Liangsi finally understood: whether Ceng Bu and the hardliners or themselves, the conservatives, all were far inferior to Zhao Yu—Zhao Yu was the true master.

As for Yelu Yanxi, he was no match whatsoever for Zhao Yu. In military, political, and diplomatic confrontations, Zhao Yu had been utterly dominating Yelu Yanxi.

Han Zhongyan and Zhao Liangsi were immensely grateful their emperor was Zhao Yu, not Yelu Yanxi—otherwise, they would be the ones suffering now.

After instructing Han Zhongyan and Zhao Liangsi, Zhao Yu summoned Lin Shu, commended him for his mission, rewarded him, and then sent him to join Han Zhongyan and Zhao Liangsi in negotiations with Xiao Fengxian and the other Liao envoys…

…

While Zhao Yu was finalizing strategy with his ministers, Xiao Fengxian and others waited anxiously, especially as the sun sank further westward.

At this moment, Xiao Fengxian and his group were like ants on a hot pan, their eyes darting between anxiety and dread.

Song banners flapped loudly in the wind, each one seeming to proclaim that Liao's end was imminent.

Song patrol units moved like a woven net, iron armor clanking, steps synchronized—each footfall struck upon Xiao Fengxian's heart, deepening their turmoil.

Crucially, the situation in Yanjing City was like a massive hammer hanging over a thousand jun weight, ready to fall at any moment and shatter their last shred of hope.

Soon after, Lyu Yihao arrived, ordered to escort Xiao Sese and the three hundred girls of various ethnicities.

Xiao Sese never imagined Zhao Yu would not even see her, not ask her a single question, but simply lump her and the three hundred "gifts" offered by Yelu Yanxi's court into his harem as one.

This left Xiao Sese's heart a tangle of emotions: humiliation from being dismissed, terror at her unknown fate. She had once been one of Liao's three imperial consorts, noble and exalted—now she was treated like a common plaything, disposed of at Zhao Yu's whim. The fall was suffocating.

Lyu Yihao read Zhao Yu's edict with a blank face, showing not a trace of sympathy. He gestured to his men to take Xiao Sese and the girls away, as if they were insignificant objects.

Xiao Sese bit her lower lip hard, forcing back her tears. She knew weakness now would only make her more pitiful.

She did not scream or rage—first, because she was not that kind of woman; second, because Yelu Yanxi's court and everyone in Yanjing City were now fish on Zhao Yu's chopping block, including her son, her kin—how could she provoke Zhao Yu and risk him slaughtering them all?

In the end, Xiao Sese could only obediently enter Zhao Yu's harem with the three hundred girls of various ethnicities.

What grieved Xiao Sese most was that Xiao Fengxian and the other Liao envoys didn't even glance at her or the women.

Clearly, Xiao Fengxian and the others regarded Xiao Sese and the three hundred girls as insignificant gifts, unworthy of notice or pity.

Xiao Sese couldn't help thinking: 'It is precisely because our Great Liao is filled with such incompetent, heartless men that we now face this shattered land and broken rivers—our future as drifting duckweed is entirely your doing, you foolish monarchs and treacherous ministers!'

Xiao Sese's heart burned with grief and fury, yet she understood that resentment now was useless—she could only silently endure the endless humiliation brought by her nation's fall and family's ruin.

After Xiao Sese and the three hundred girls departed with Lyu Yihao, Xiao Fengxian and the other Liao envoys waited a while longer, finally meeting Han Zhongyan, Zhao Liangsi, and Lin Shu just before sunset.

Han Zhongyan and the others led Xiao Fengxian, Xiao Bodi, and Liu Yanzong into a tent.

There, Zhao Liangsi first introduced Han Zhongyan to the three Liao envoys.

Learning Han Zhongyan was among Zhao Song's top three chancellors, Xiao Fengxian, despite his own rank being roughly equal, immediately bowed to Han Zhongyan and flattered him:

"Your father served as chancellor for a decade, aiding three emperors. When facing great crises, he made momentous decisions, stood with dignity, unmoved, securing the realm as stable as Taishan. A tiger's father produces no dog's son—surely Minister Han is a pillar of Great Song, capable of stabilizing heaven and earth, rebuilding the foundation of peace between our two courts. We humbly beg Minister Han to consider the people's welfare and facilitate this accord…"

Before Xiao Fengxian finished speaking, Han Zhongyan suddenly raised his hand to cut him off, his fingertip tapping the table with a dull thud: "Enough of these formalities, Minister Xiao. We both know—if we fail to reach an agreement, by nightfall, my army will resume the siege, and Yanjing City will fall without doubt. Time is short. If you have anything important to say, say it now—do not misjudge your position."

Upon hearing Han Zhongyan's words, Liu Yanzong realized: Han Zhongyan was an extremely formidable negotiator—no one else would so immediately pressure Xiao Fengxian with the threat of force.

Yet simultaneously, Han Zhongyan had signaled something else: there was still a chance to save Yanjing City through negotiation.

Liu Yanzong was from Daxing Wanping. His distant ancestor Liu Peng served as Military Governor of Lulong during the Tang Dynasty. When Shi Jingtang ceded Youyun Sixteen Prefectures to Liao, Liu's family held office for six generations, successively serving as chancellors. Liu Yanzong's father, Liu Xiao, now holds the post of Governor of Zhongjing. Liu Yanzong passed the imperial examination with second-class honors—he was exceptionally capable.

Historically, Liu Yanzong was heavily utilized by Liao for his talent. Amid the chaos of Emperor Tianzuo's flight and Yelu Nielie's self-proclamation, he held office. After surrendering to Jin Chao, he advised Wanyan Zonghan during the campaign against Northern Song, drafting ten offensive strategies that profoundly influenced Jin's military and political decisions, helping Jin successfully engineer the Jingkang Humiliation and destroy Northern Song.

The Jin History praised Liu Yanzong: during military campaigns, he managed civil administration, organized agriculture, stockpiled grain, supplied the capital internally, and sustained supply lines externally—demonstrating real ability and contribution in local governance and economic development, supporting Jin's stable rule.

Historically, Liu Yanzong served both Liao and Jin, surviving and thriving in complex political environments, eventually becoming one of Jin's Yanqing Meritorious Ministers despite being Han—proving his political insight and adaptability, his ability to read the times and safeguard his own and his family's future.

Overall, during the Liao-Jin transition, Liu Yanzong leveraged his talents to achieve great feats for Jin's rise and development, making significant contributions in politics, military, and economy—he was unquestionably a formidable figure.

After receiving Han Zhongyan's signal, Liu Yanzong immediately gave Xiao Fengxian a subtle glance, urging him to stay calm, not to be intimidated by Han Zhongyan.

But Xiao Fengxian didn't even look at Liu Yanzong—he hurriedly said: "Before coming, His Majesty clearly stated: if we cease hostilities, everything is negotiable."

Seeing Xiao Fengxian reveal his hand so quickly, Liu Yanzong's heart sank. He knew Han Zhongyan and the others would demand exorbitant terms.

Indeed!

Hearing Xiao Fengxian say this, Han Zhongyan immediately said, "Since Grand Coordinator Xiao is so forthright, I won't hold back either. My court's conditions have never changed. If your court wishes to negotiate peace, you need only do two things. First, return the tribute my court paid your court, principal and interest. Second, invite your court Emperor out of the city to discuss the treaty face-to-face with my court Emperor. If your court agrees to these two things, we can cease hostilities."

Hearing the conditions Han Zhongyan raised, Liu Yanzong thought to himself, 'This is bad. The Song Ren are using the Son of Heaven to command the lords. If Your Majesty leaves the city and is detained by them, not only will Yanjing's wealth be plundered, but I'm afraid the wealth of the other four capitals will also be hard to preserve.'

Liu Yanzong hurriedly shook his head at Xiao Fengxian, warning Xiao Fengxian he absolutely must not agree to such conditions.

Although Xiao Fengxian hadn't thought as far ahead as Liu Yanzong, he knew Yelu Yanxi was timid and cowardly, and would absolutely not dare meet Zhao Yu under such circumstances.

Therefore, Xiao Fengxian hurriedly stated: "The tribute shall naturally be returned. It's only the matter of asking my court Emperor to leave the city to negotiate peace — please show some flexibility on that."

Han Zhongyan heard this and said blandly: "Asking your court Emperor out of the city is to discuss important matters with my court Emperor. If you make excuses, how does that demonstrate your court's sincerity?"

Although Han Zhongyan's reasoning was very sound, Xiao Fengxian simply would not agree to let Yelu Yanxi leave the city to meet Zhao Yu.

Seeing this, Han Zhongyan said: "Your court only says it's willing to return the tribute, yet in one day you can return at most one or two million in gold, silver, and silk. Tens of millions in gold, silver, and silk would take at least over a month to return. By then, your court's reinforcements will have arrived, and if your court goes back on its word, coordinating from within and without, won't my court fall right into your court's scheme to stall for time?"

In fact, Yelu Yanxi and his ministers truly were planning exactly this.

Moreover, Han Zhongyan was being conservative. Right now, at the very beginning, Yelu Yanxi and his ministers were eager to perform, and the high officials, noble families, gentry clans, and wealthy households in Jingcheng, fearing the Song army would sack the city, were willing to ship out gold, silver, and silk so readily. Once the gold, silver, and silk in their hands grew less and the crisis was resolved, how could they possibly ship out gold, silver, and silk so quickly? One could even say whether Jingcheng even has these tens of millions in gold, silver, and silk is still unknown.

On top of that, when the time comes the weather will also have turned cold, and the advantage might well shift to the Liao army, who are better adapted to harsh cold weather.

Therefore, let alone a month, I'm afraid even two or three months won't be enough for them to hand over all the gold, silver, and silk.

This is also one of the reasons Yelu Yanxi and his ministers agreed so readily to return the tribute.

Little did they expect that Yelu Yanxi and his ministers' little trick was seen through by Han Zhongyan at a glance.

Xiao Fengxian wanted to argue, but Han Zhongyan simply looked at him blandly, then glanced at the sun about to set behind the mountains.

Seeing this, Xiao Fengxian gritted his teeth and said: "As long as my court Emperor is not made to leave the city, all other matters my court can agree to."

The moment these words left Xiao Fengxian's mouth, Liu Yanzong secretly thought, 'It's a trap!'

At this moment, Han Zhongyan, who had been waiting for Xiao Fengxian to say exactly this, revealed his true aim: "In that case, let your court give my court another two hundred thousand horses…"

……

(End of this chapter)