Chapter 199: The Song-Liao Treaty of Yanjing

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Yelu Yanxi and his ministers feared Zhao Yu would break his word, refusing to negotiate peace after they paid the annual tribute and interest.

Fortunately!

Barely had Liao delivered its final tribute payment when Zhao Yu honored his promise by sending Han Zhongyan, Zhao Liangsi, Lyu Yihao, and Li Chuwen as Zhao Song's envoys to negotiate peace with Liao.

Upon learning Zhao Song wished to negotiate peace, Liao swiftly dispatched Yelu Chun, Xiao Changge, Xiao Fengxian, and Zuo Qigong as its envoys to discuss the terms.

At the imperial guesthouse within Yanjing.

Han Zhongyan, representing Zhao Yu, briefly stated Zhao Song's position: "The Yan-Yun region was originally Han territory, seized by your dynasty during the Five Dynasties. Now our dynasty seeks to reclaim it—what is your dynasty's stance?"

Liao's side had clearly prepared thoroughly; Yelu Chun countered firmly: "Gubei and Song Ting were originally Xī clan territories—how can you call them Han land?"

The sycophant Zuo Qigong added: "Gubei and Juyong were always Xī land. Long before the Five Dynasties, numerous Khitan and Xī tribes inhabited the Yan-Yun region. The so-called 'ancient Han land' had long been a mixed Han-Hu settlement. My ancestors lived in Yanjing since the Tang dynasty—this proves the claim that Yan-Yun was ever purely Han land is pure fiction, a mistaken legend."

Xiao Changge said: "In the first year of Tian Fu of Later Jin, its founding emperor Shi Jingtang rebelled against Tang and sought aid from our Great Liao. Our Great Liao sent troops to help him establish Later Jin; our Great Liao's Taizong and Shi Jingtang swore father-son bonds, and Shi Jingtang ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan-Yun to our Great Liao. This land was lawfully acquired by us. Since then, Yan-Yun has been Liao territory for generations; its people live in peace, its cultures have merged and coexisted, and it is now inseparable. For your dynasty now to claim it as Han ancestral land is to ignore historical change and popular will—an act unworthy of a great nation."

Li Chuwen spoke calmly: "During Han and Tang, the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan-Yun were unquestionably Han ancestral land. Only before the An Lushan Rebellion did large numbers of northern nomadic groups migrate into the Central Plains, and the Tang court resettled these assimilated peoples in border prefectures like You, Ji, Yun, and Shuo—hence your claim that Gubei and Song Ting were Xī clan territories. Had you always remained loyal subjects of our Chinese Han dynasties, you might have stayed. But your Khitans did not remain content; during the Shi Jin rebellion, you took advantage of chaos, seized land by force, turned guests into masters, and forcibly annexed Han territory—leaving China's gates wide open, its people suffering endless war, its cultural treasures ravaged. Such acts defy heaven and earth, provoke universal outrage—how can you still occupy Han land?"

Zhao Liangsi then argued: "Shi Jingtang was a Shatuo—originally a Shatuo Turkic, later absorbing the Six Prefectures' Hu Ren, Shepi, and Uyghurs. He was not Han. Under Zhu Ye Jinzhong and Zhu Ye Zhiyi, the Shatuo migrated inward and rose to power, founding Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Northern Han—all non-Han dynasties. How could they represent the Han people in ceding Yan-Yun to your Khitans?"

Xiao Fengxian said: "Our Khitans are also descendants of Yan Di. Our founder admired Emperor Gao of Han, so the Yelü clan adopted the Liu surname. Our Khitans and Han share a common cultural origin—we are both children of Yan and Huang. Why must we fight over land and damage our harmony?"

—When Yelü Abaoji founded Liao, he wished to show the Khitans shared cultural roots with the Han by adopting the Liu surname, thereby asserting Liao's political and cultural legitimacy. He also admired Xiao He's aid to Liu Bang's rise to empire, so he granted the surname "Xiao" to his mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Before Xiao Fengxian finished speaking, Zhao Liangsi interrupted: "Though our cultural roots are shared, national borders cannot be confused. The river of history may have tributaries that converge, yet ultimately flows to the sea—this does not negate each stream's independent course. Though the Khitans admire Han customs, they have established their own state, enacted their own laws, and defined their own borders. Han territory, preserved for a thousand years, cannot be forgotten because of temporary change."

Lyu Yihao took up the thread, his tone gentle but firm: "Our Great Song inherits the legacy of Han and Tang, and has always regarded restoring the Central Plains and unifying the world as our duty. The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan-Yun have, since ancient times, been the shield of the Central Plains. Losing them leaves China's gates exposed, its people suffering constant foreign raids. Now our dynasty seeks to reclaim lost land—not for selfish gain, but for the welfare of all. We hope your dynasty will heed public sentiment, follow the tide of history, return Yan-Yun, and allow both nations to coexist peacefully in lasting harmony."

Xiao Changge said: "The ownership of Yan-Yun has shifted through many dynasties—it can no longer be claimed by any single ethnic group. Today, the people of Song and Liao live in peace, their cultures intertwined and thriving—is this not a true golden age? If we reignite war over momentary pride, causing mass suffering and cultural destruction, would we not defy historical progress and betray the ancient sages' original ideal of peaceful coexistence?"

Thereafter, the two sides argued endlessly over legitimacy and the ownership of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan-Yun.

After much shouting, neither side could prevail.

In truth, this debate could yield no result. If mere rhetoric could reclaim Yan-Yun, Zhao Song's countless eloquent scholar-officials would have won it back long ago.

Finally, Han Zhongyan said: "Right and wrong will be judged by posterity. We sit here not to reopen old grievances, but to seek peace and welfare for our peoples. Our Emperor Zhao Yu, compassionate and unwilling to see further war and suffering, sincerely seeks peace and wishes to jointly build border tranquility. If your dynasty returns Yan-Yun and the Sanzhou of Pingluanying along with their passes, our Great Song will grant you many conveniences in trade and cultural exchange—creating a mutually beneficial outcome."

Xiao Changge shook his head without hesitation: "These lands are vital to our Great Liao's very existence. Losing them would render our state name without substance—your proposal is impossible to accept."

Zhao Liangsi, seeing this, warned: "If your dynasty insists and refuses to yield, war may reignite—and the people will suffer. Moreover, your dynasty must know: our Great Song grows stronger daily, our troops mighty and well-equipped. If we truly wage war, your dynasty is doomed. Why not seize this peace opportunity to compromise and jointly pursue development? That is the wisest path."

Zhao Song had nearly destroyed Xi Xia and crushed Liao into silence. If Zhao Song used force to seize Yan-Yun, Liao's chances were slim. Thinking of this, Xiao Fengxian cleared his throat, attempting to ease tensions: "Your words are reasonable—peaceful coexistence truly benefits both peoples. But this matter is grave; we must return to our emperor for consultation before deciding."

After long deliberation, Yelu Yanxi and his ministers realized they could not possibly satisfy Zhao Song's territorial demands.

Ultimately, Yelu Yanxi and his ministers decided to cede the Nine Prefectures West of the Mountains—Xin, Gui, Ru, Wu, Yun, Ying, Huan, Shuo, and Weizhou—to Zhao Song in exchange for peace.

Yet Liao did not give these Nine Prefectures away for free. Having lost this major grain-producing region, Yelu Yanxi and his ministers demanded Zhao Song increase annual grain sales to Liao and lift trade restrictions on tea, wine, silk, porcelain, and metal goods.

With these terms secured, Yelu Chun, Xiao Changge, and Xiao Fengxian requested to meet Zhao Yu at Xiongzhou to petition him in person.

Learning Liao intended to cede the Nine Prefectures West of the Mountains, Han Zhongyan immediately sent word back to Zhao Yu with the good news and asked whether to permit Yelu Chun and others to meet the emperor at Xiongzhou.

Zhao Yu, already far beyond his expectations in regaining the Nine Prefectures West of the Mountains, felt he had gained enough and did not wish to drive Liao into desperate resistance—he granted permission for Yelu Chun and the others to come to Xiongzhou.

When they met Zhao Yu, Yelu Chun and the others discovered he was even younger than Yelu Yanxi—only in his early twenties.

This startled them deeply. They could scarcely imagine that Zhao Yu—the man who shattered the century-long balance among Song, Liao, and Xi Xia, forcing Liao to cede land, pay tribute, and offer a princess in peace—was so young. Even more astonishing was the young emperor's bearing: beyond his years in composure and wisdom, radiating an aura of supreme authority and calm mastery over all under heaven.

Watching Zhao Yu seated upon the dragon throne, clad in splendid yet dignified brocade, his gaze deep as if seeing through all things, Yelu Chun could not help thinking: "He may reign for decades more—how can we possibly preserve our Great Liao's realm and ancestral altars under his rule?"

Thinking of Yelu Yanxi's incompetence, his obsession with hunting and pleasure, his neglect of state affairs, Yelu Chun felt a pang of sorrow and helplessness.

Yelu Chun and the others kowtowed before Zhao Yu and presented the imperial letter, the terms, and the draft oath.

The Emperor of Great Liao writes to His Majesty the Emperor of Great Song:

I have heard that Heaven favors life; thus the sun and moon shine together, nourishing all things. Benevolence extended widely brings ceaseless war and peace for the people. Now Song and Liao, neighboring states, should join hands to protect all life. Yet the matter of Yan-Yun has plagued us for generations, bringing suffering to border folk. Whenever I think of this, I weep bitterly.

Now, moved by Your Majesty's compassion, you have sent envoys to negotiate peace—this is the fortune of both nations and the blessing of all people. Thinking of the people's suffering, I too wish to end war and cease hostilities. Therefore, I am willing to cede the Nine Prefectures West of the Mountains to Great Song as a sign of sincerity. Though these prefectures are vital to Liao's foundation, I would rather sacrifice land than the peace of my people.

I humbly beg Your Majesty to pity our Great Liao's grain shortage after losing these prefectures. I pray that Great Song will open its grain routes, annually increase grain sales to us, and alleviate our people's hardship. I also beg Your Majesty to lift trade restrictions on tea, wine, silk, porcelain, and metal goods, allowing merchants of both nations to exchange goods freely, so each people may obtain what they need. Thus, the Song-Liao border shall turn weapons into jade and silk, the clamor of tea-horse markets replacing the clatter of spears and horses.

I also vow with Your Majesty to establish eternal friendship, never to invade or attack. Should either side break this covenant, may heaven and earth jointly punish them. I now send Yelu Chun, Xiao Changge, and Xiao Fengxian as envoys, respectfully submitting this letter, and humbly beg Your Majesty to accept it, swiftly conclude peace, and bring peace to our peoples.

Zhao Yu read Yelu Yanxi's letter and said: "Your dynasty has been defeated by me. Logically, all sixteen prefectures of Yan-Yun and the three prefectures of Pingluanying—including all cities and passes—should belong to me. But considering your emperor's sincere desire for peace, and recognizing Yan as your dynasty's vital foundation, if I reclaim it, your dynasty's survival would be threatened. Therefore, I permit your dynasty to temporarily retain You, Tan, Shun, Ji, Jingzhou, and the three prefectures of Pingluanying. One condition: since your dynasty returns Yi and Zhuoerzhou to us, you must also return the Jinpo Pass. All other unresolved matters, you may negotiate with my ministers."

Fearing Liao would refuse to surrender Jinpo Pass, Ceng Bu added: "Had we not wished to avoid further bloodshed, we would have taken the tiny Jinpo Pass long ago—why would we need to ask you for it?"

Yelu Chun and the others knew that after Liao ceded the Nine Prefectures West of the Mountains, Zhao Song—having already regained Yi and Zhuoerzhou—would inevitably demand Jinpo Pass; otherwise, Zhao Song's position would be untenable. Liao could not stop it, so they agreed.

Fearing Zhao Song might later break the agreement, Xiao Fengxian emphasized: "Though no oath has been sworn today, heaven, earth, and spirits witness all—this agreement cannot be broken."

Zhao Yu nodded and ordered Ceng Bu, Han Zhongyan, Su Zhe, and Cai Bian to negotiate the treaty's specific terms with Yelu Chun and the others.

After further debate, the two sides finally agreed to the following treaty:

Liao shall cede the Nine Prefectures West of the Mountains, Yi Prefecture, Zhuoerzhou, and Jinpo Pass to Song within sixty days of signing this treaty. At handover, all official seals, household registers, and military installations must be fully transferred.

Song shall temporarily lend Liao the Five Prefectures of Yan and the Sanzhou of Pingluanying until Liao's dynasty collapses.

Song shall annually sell Liao no less than two million shi of grain, priced according to the market rate agreed upon each year's beginning at Xiongzhou. Liao merchants may exchange livestock, furs, mountain goods, and other commodities at equivalent value.

Song shall lift trade restrictions on tea, wine, silk, porcelain, and metal goods, establishing fixed border markets open on the fifth day of each month. Liao merchants may freely cross the border with official travel permits; Song shall not unjustly obstruct them, levying only a ten percent tax on goods.

The Song-Liao border shall run west along the Lai River, center along the Hu Liang River, and east along the Bai Gou River.

Song and Liao shall become brother states, Song as elder, Liao as younger.

Song and Liao shall forever maintain peace, never invading each other. If one is attacked by a third party, the other shall provide grain, supplies, and intelligence—but shall not directly intervene militarily unless otherwise agreed.

Upon signing this treaty, both sides shall erect stone monuments at the border, proclaiming it to heaven, earth, and the people. Any violator shall be deemed a traitor to heaven, earth, and ancestors, punished by gods and men, and doomed to dynastic ruin.

After both Song and Liao confirmed the treaty terms, Zhao Yu and Yelu Yanxi signed and affixed their seals.

The Song-Liao Treaty of Yanjing was formally concluded.

After Liao surrendered Jinpo Pass and arranged its envoys to complete the handover of the Nine Prefectures West of the Mountains, Zhao Yu ordered all Song troops to withdraw to Song Jing and reposition their defenses.

Thereafter, Su Zhe remained to oversee the handover of the Nine Prefectures West of the Mountains with Zhao Liangsi, Lyu Yihao, and others; Guo Cheng, Zhong Pu, and others led the Northern, Eastern, and Western Auxiliary Armies to guard the border and assist Su Zhe; Zhao Yu led the Divine Mechanism Forward, Rear, and Left Armies in triumphal return…

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(End of Chapter)