Chapter 194: Satiety Breeds Lust

…

For the ambush on Zhao Yu's imperial camp by Xiao Xiamo, Yelu Yanxi had been certain of success, eagerly anticipating good news of a decisive victory by dawn.

Yelu Yanxi even fantasized that Xiao Xiamo would capture several of Zhao Yu's concubines for him, allowing him to vent his rage over Zhao Yu's seizure of Xiao Sese.

But as dawn approached, fierce combat erupted first near the sacrificial palace.

Immediately after, fierce fighting broke out at Xiao Xiamo's western encampment, with flames soaring into the sky.

The military experts beside Yelu Yanxi immediately concluded that Xiao Xiamo's encampment had been cut off, deducing that Xiao Xiamo had likely fallen into a trap.

Yelu Yanxi was terrified and immediately sent messengers to notify Yelu Hulüwan to rush reinforcements to Xiao Xiamo.

——Immediately after, Yelu Yanxi dispatched orders to Xiao Sixian to prepare for evacuating him from Yanjing City.

Although Yelu Hulüwan was furious that Yelu Yanxi and Xiao Xiamo had ignored his advice and launched the ambush, resulting in falling into the Song army's trap, he still immediately sent Yelu Chun at the head of fifty thousand troops to support Xiao Xiamo.

But Xiao Xiamo was already dead; Yelu Chun could only join forces with Yelu Yudu and engage in a fierce battle against the pursuing Jing Sai Army, Shenji Front Army, and Shenji Rear Army.

To Yelu Chun's shock, his fifty thousand troops, plus Yelu Yudu's thirty thousand, plus the few thousand remnants of Xiao Xiamo's forces, could not overcome the Song army's mere sixteen thousand; worse, they were shattered by the Jing Sai Army and decimated by the Shenji Army's arrows.

The Shenji Army was tolerable—though deadly, as infantry they lacked mobility and posed no real threat to the Liao cavalry.

But the Jing Sai Army, though heavily armored cavalry, rode five horses per man, rotating mounts to maintain high speed—like a swarm of fast-moving heavy tanks, they held overwhelming superiority over the Liao light and heavy cavalry.

Leading them, the Yang brothers, Yang Keshi and Yang Kesheng, drove their three thousand Guanzhong rangers into a frenzy of slaughter.

In the heat of battle, Yang Keshi was struck by a barbed arrow that pierced his bone, blood soaking his boots; enraged, his hair stood on end, his eyes bulging as if ready to burst. He discarded his arm guards, exposing his agile limbs to fight, then, finding single-handed combat insufficient, he bit his reins and fought with both hands, losing two teeth in the process, his chest riddled with arrows—yet he personally killed dozens more.

Incomplete records estimate Yang Keshi killed at least two hundred men in this battle alone.

Yang Keshi, known as "a match for ten thousand men," lived up to his reputation.

This second battle raged until nearly noon, during which the Jing Sai Army killed several thousand more.

Undoubtedly, the Jing Sai Army had become the undisputed protagonist of this battle—the Shenji Army could not compare.

Later, seeing how formidable the Jing Sai Army was, Yelu Chun ordered the Liao forces to disperse and retreat, relying on their superior speed and maneuverability to escape the battlefield…

Upon learning this outcome, Yelu Yanxi was horrified. He never imagined Xiao Xiamo's ambush would backfire, that the Liao side would suffer total defeat in these engagements, with catastrophic losses—truly, they had gained nothing but lost everything.

Yelu Yanxi swiftly issued an edict ordering the army to retreat ten li, while arranging an ordu (royal encampment) at Wangjing—he would no longer remain in Yanjing City.

Before Yelu Yanxi could flee, Zhao Yu sent Zhao Liangsi and Lü Yihao to demand an explanation: why had the Liao army attacked the imperial camp, especially his own? Was this a declaration of open war? If so, let them come.

Learning Zhao Yu intended full-scale war, Yelu Yanxi hurriedly ordered Xiao Baoxian to appease Zhao Liangsi and Lü Yihao, then urgently convened a court meeting to deliberate a response.

This failed ambush, now exploited by the Song army for a devastating counterattack, dealt Yelu Yanxi a crushing blow.

Practice seemed to prove that the path advocated by Xiao Baoxian and the Zhuhe Sect was correct.

Xiao Baoxian and the Zhuhe Sect ministers thus regained prominence and rewon Yelu Yanxi's trust.

Xiao Baoxian and the Zhuhe Sect ministers argued that the ambush must be blamed on rogue generals acting independently, denying any connection to Yelu Yanxi or the Liao court, and must find ways to mitigate the negative impact on Liao's reputation.

Xiao Baoxian's proposal aligned perfectly with Yelu Yanxi's thoughts.

But now there was a problem: Xiao Xiamo, the one who was to shoulder the blame, was dead; blaming everything on a corpse would likely not convince Zhao Yu.

Moreover, the Liao had already given Zhao Yu everything they could—hard to erase the negative impact of these events.

To resolve this, only territorial cession remained as a viable path.

In truth, Yelu Yanxi and his ministers well knew that the Zhao Song Dynasty most desired Yan Yun Sixteen Prefectures and Pingluan Sanzhou—this had been the lifelong obsession of every Zhao Song emperor.

Indeed, if the Liao were willing to cede Yan Yun Sixteen Prefectures and Pingluan Sanzhou, they need not pay any tribute; on the contrary, the Zhao Song Dynasty would pay them.

In fact, long ago, the Zhao Song Dynasty had sought to buy back Yan Yun Sixteen Prefectures and Pingluan Sanzhou with gold and silk.

Yet Yan Yun Sixteen Prefectures and Pingluan Sanzhou were equally vital to the Liao—losing this economic, grain, population, and strategic heartland would bring the Liao to the brink of collapse.

Thus, the Liao would never relinquish Yan Yun Sixteen Prefectures and Pingluan Sanzhou.

Ultimately, Yelu Yanxi and his ministers decided to proactively cede Yi and Zhuoerzhou to the Zhao Song Dynasty, continue paying annual tribute and interest, and deliver the additional fifty thousand horses Yelu Yanxi had promised—immediately settling the remaining interest (the horses), and dispatching envoys at once to Liao's Western, Central, Eastern, and Upper Capitals to collect silver and gold for tribute, without further delay.

Yelu Yanxi also wrote a personal letter to Zhao Yu, shifting all blame onto Xiao Xiamo, accusing him of greed and treachery, and explaining that prior tribute had ceased because all silver, silk, jewels, and antiques in Yanjing had been exhausted.

Yelu Yanxi added that the remaining tribute, including unpaid silk, would now be paid entirely in silver and gold, hoping the two states could restore peace and coexist harmoniously.

Yelu Yanxi also wrote: "Peace is paramount; having received Zhou Xuan's goodwill, I earnestly hope it endures…"

After drafting the letter, Yelu Yanxi decided to send another envoy to the sacrificial palace to explain the situation.

But no minister dared accept the mission—everyone knew the Zhao Song side was now in a fury, and in their rage, they might do anything.

Finally, Zuo Qigong stepped forward and bravely accepted the task.

Seeing that at this critical moment, a Han had stepped up, Yelu Yanxi was deeply moved, even beginning to reconsider his views on the Han.

But one Han envoy alone was clearly insufficient; Yelu Yanxi still felt uneasy.

Understanding Yelu Yanxi's thoughts, Xiao Baoxian nominated his younger brother, Xiao Baoxian, as chief envoy.

Xiao Baoxian's selfless act moved Yelu Yanxi profoundly—he felt that in these turbulent times, having a minister so wise, courageous, and responsible was a great fortune for the Liao.

Yelu Yanxi gazed solemnly at Xiao Baoxian, his voice trembling slightly, saying: "Minister, you are truly the pillar of the state; I am deeply comforted."

Xiao Baoxian bowed: "For Your Majesty and for our great Liao, I shall give my all, even unto death!"

Xiao Baoxian's tone shifted: "At this moment of peril, words alone are insufficient—we must deliver the horses tomorrow to demonstrate our sincerity for peace…"

To be honest, Yelu Yanxi still hesitated.

Had the Zhao Song Dynasty not previously extorted vast numbers of horses from the Liao, the Song army would never have won so easily—indeed, even if they had won, they could never have achieved such results.

Now to give the Zhao Song Dynasty another hundred thousand horses—wouldn't the Song army then march to Fenglangju Xu and reach our Khagan's City?

Later, Yelu Yanxi and his ministers agreed to substitute horses with oxen, sheep, camels, donkeys, and draft or old horses from the armies—ensuring the interest and the fifty thousand horses were paid, while minimizing the enhancement of Song military strength.

Yelu Yanxi agreed to all.

Xiao Baoxian and the Zhuhe Sect ministers further emphasized that under current circumstances, they must resolutely pursue peace, without the slightest wavering—otherwise, they would be betraying the state.

Yelu Hulüwan was present and argued that last night's battle had indeed been a heavy loss, but total casualties amounted to only several tens of thousands; they still had over six hundred thousand troops, and their forces near Yanjing far outnumbered the Song army. If they stationed infantry to defend Yanjing and other strongholds, deployed cavalry for external defense, and continuously harassed the Song army, the Song could never achieve further gains—once their grain ran out and they grew weary of harassment, they would naturally retreat.

Yelu Hulüwan also argued that victory and defeat are common in warfare; they must not lose courage because of one defeat, but must retain the will to fight again.

Yet Yelu Yanxi ignored all of Yelu Hulüwan's suggestions—he was timid by nature, ignorant of military strategy, and dared not again confront the Song army.

Xiao Fengxian further pointed out that the Song army now had more provisions than they did, and if they continued to stall, it was uncertain who would break first.

What Xiao Fengxian said was indeed true.

As early as this year's autumn harvest, the Song army had acquired vast quantities of grain—enough to last until next spring—and the Zhao Song dynasty could continuously supply the front lines with provisions.

Moreover, the Zhao Song dynasty had now acquired large numbers of horses, cattle, sheep, camels, mules, and donkeys, all of which could serve as provisions.

In comparison, most of Yan's grain had been seized by the Zhao Song dynasty; the reinforcements brought by the loyalist forces had to surrender many of their cattle, sheep, camels, mules, and donkeys to the Zhao Song dynasty, and crucially, their numbers were greater than those of the Zhao Song dynasty.

It was truly hard to say who would break first.

Thus, Yelu Yanxi, aware of this situation, fell silent again.

……

Xiao Baoxian and Zuo Qigong, their hearts uneasy, arrived at the Fasting Palace.

Outside the Fasting Palace, smoke curled everywhere, and some areas still burned; amid the broken walls and ruins, traces of last night's fierce battle remained—ashes and blood intertwined, telling of the night's horror.

Not far away, the bodies of Liao soldiers were piled together, layer upon layer like autumn leaves, silently singing the lament of defeat. Crows circled overhead, crying shrilly, adding further sorrow and desolation to the battlefield.

The flags of the Zhao Song dynasty flew high above the ruins, proclaiming the victor's stance.

Xiao Baoxian and Zuo Qigong walked across this devastated land, their hearts filled with mixed emotions…

Not long after, Xiao Baoxian and Zuo Qigong met Han Zhongyan.

Han Zhongyan was no longer as courteous as before; he spoke coolly: "The two states are seeking peace, yet you raided our camp—why?"

Xiao Baoxian quickly explained: "It was all due to Princess Xia's greed for glory; the three armies wished to fight, but it was not the court's intention."

Then Xiao Baoxian and Zuo Qigong took turns offering further excuses.

Their eloquence was good.

Crucially, Han Zhongyan did not wish to let the talks collapse, so he ignored the gaps in their words.

In the end, Han Zhongyan warned them: "I hope your Excellencies have brought good news; otherwise, next time, it will not be me who receives your state's envoys."

Having dealt with him so many times, the Liao side had long known that Han Zhongyan was a conservative and member of the Zhuhe Sect of the Zhao Song dynasty, and that the Zhao Song dynasty still had many radical, pro-war factions.

Thus, Xiao Baoxian and Zuo Qigong clearly understood that Han Zhongyan meant: if their Liao state did not show sincerity this time, even if war did not break out immediately, the Zhao Song dynasty would replace him with radical, pro-war officials to negotiate with them—then, war between the two states would be inevitable, with no room left for mediation.

Xiao Baoxian promptly relayed Yelu Yanxi's and his court's intentions to Han Zhongyan in full detail.

After listening, Han Zhongyan visibly relaxed; he told Xiao Baoxian and Zuo Qigong: "I will go and seek the Emperor's imperial decree."

Han Zhongyan then went to the Fasting Palace to request an audience with Zhao Yu.

At this moment, Zhao Yu was catching up on sleep.

Last night's crucial battle—though Zhao Yu did not personally command it—how could he possibly sleep?

Moreover, Zhao Yu had to prepare for retreat should the tide turn against them.

Yes.

Yelu Yanxi and his court were utterly absurd: before even launching the raid, someone had erected three large banners beside Minzhong Temple, inscribed with "Report of Victory to the Emperor," and placed an "Imperial Tent" atop Desheng Gate, awaiting Yelu Yanxi's carriage to arrive and receive the captives; moreover, after Xiao Xiama led the raiding force out of the city, all of Yan's citizens crowded along the streets to watch.

Under such circumstances, even if the Jin Yi Wei had not planted countless spies in Yan, even those Han people close to the Zhao Song dynasty would sneak over to warn them: Xiao Xiama was coming to raid Zhao Yu's imperial camp, aiming to "capture the leader first," and seize Zhao Yu to present to Yelu Yanxi.

Crucially, Yelu Yanxi and his court had prepared for three days, giving Zhao Yu and his ministers ample time to learn of the plan and prepare.

How could such a battle be lost?

More crucially, since the Emperor's personal campaign began, Zhao Yu had sternly warned all generals and supervisors to guard against Liao raids. Fearing complacency among commanders and supervisors, whenever he had time, Zhao Yu would conduct surprise inspections of troops; sometimes, following Li Lin's teachings, he personally tucked blankets over soldiers to win their loyalty—meaning that since marching north, especially after entering Yan, the Song army had remained constantly alert and tightly vigilant.

Precisely because of this, Zhang Chun and Li Lin had not withdrawn from Xiongzhou but had stayed at the Fasting Palace to watch the spectacle, for they had complete confidence in the Song army.

Yet, on the other hand, while Zhang Chun and Li Lin could be carefree, how could Zhao Yu be entirely at ease?

After all, nothing in this world is 100% certain.

So Zhao Yu had not slept at all last night.

Fortunately, the outcome proved Zhao Yu had overthought it—the battle had progressed far more smoothly than he imagined, and by noon today, the victory was final and decisive.

Once he knew the result, sleepiness immediately overwhelmed Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu no longer held out; he casually grabbed a palace attendant as a pillow and fell asleep.

Before sleeping, Zhao Yu had specifically instructed Zhang Chun to wake him if there was urgent business—especially if the Liao side sent envoys to apologize.

Thus, after Han Zhongyan explained his purpose, Zhang Chun woke Zhao Yu.

After hearing Han Zhongyan's report on Yelu Yanxi's and his court's stance, Zhao Yu considered: a thousand birds in the forest are worth less than one in hand—he would rather secure what he had.

Han Zhongyan agreed.

Still uneasy, Zhao Yu summoned Ceng Bu, Su Zhe, and Cai Bian.

This time, even Ceng Bu and Cai Bian agreed: even if they continued fighting the Liao, they must first secure these horses—otherwise, the Liao army would fight if they could win, flee if they could not, and without horses, the Song army could only watch helplessly.

The Zhao Song side had rarely reached such consensus; Zhao Yu immediately ordered Han Zhongyan to finalize the matter with Xiao Baoxian and Zuo Qigong, and assigned Su Zhe to organize personnel to receive the horses and the gold and silver to follow.

Then Zhao Yu instructed Ceng Bu to personally inspect the deployment and equipment of all armies—whatever was lacking must be replenished swiftly, always ready for a major battle and tightly guarding against night raids, and to recheck all winter equipment for Yan, ensuring no oversight.

Zhao Yu also instructed Cai Bian to compile a full record of the soldiers' achievements last night and to issue promotions and rewards promptly, to boost morale.

After assigning all tasks, Zhao Yu, now free of burdens, felt the stirrings of lust—he remembered Xiao Puxian. He turned to Zhang Chun and asked: "How have you trained Xiao Puxian? May I have her…?"

……

(End of Chapter)