Chapter 337

The northern sky is vast and lofty.

The envoy team led by Fan Zhi, the Northern Pacification Commissioner of Great Chen, proceeded north along the ancient post road.

The farther north they went, the more desolate the scenery became.

The expansive grassland stretched like a green sea to the horizon; wind bent the grass, and occasionally herds of cattle and sheep could be seen, as well as distant herdsmen on horseback.

The air also carried a coarse scent, mixed with grass and livestock, quite different from that of Zhongyuan.

Fan Zhi was advanced in years; long hours on horseback left his face somewhat weary, but his eyes remained clear and resolute.

He sat in the carriage, occasionally lifting the curtain to observe the terrain and local customs along the way.

The deputy envoy, Han Wei, rode horseback beside the convoy, younger, energetic, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings, maintaining high vigilance.

"Lord Fan, according to the schedule, in another three or five days we will reach the Khitan royal court," Han Wei said, riding up to the carriage and speaking softly.

Fan Zhi gave a slight nod:

"Hmm. What we have seen along the way shows that the Khitan tribes live by herding and hunting, their folk are fierce, their cavalry skilled with bow and horse—indeed a force not to be underestimated."

"Yet among the various tribes, they are not entirely united."

He noticed details: different tribes' banners, camp sizes, and herders' attire varied, and when they met, the atmosphere was not always harmonious.

Han Wei nodded in agreement:

"The Ministry of Personnel also had prior intelligence that within Khitan, Yu Yue Yelü Wuzhi and the Southern Palace Prince Yelü Tali have long been at odds, and their attitudes toward our southern conflict with the False Song also differ."

"Perhaps we can start from here."

A flash of approval crossed Fan Zhi's eyes:

"Doctor Han, your insight is extraordinary. In diplomacy, knowing the other side is key, as is sowing division and winning over allies; if we can gain support, we will achieve twice the result with half the effort."

He already had a plan in mind; upon reaching the court, he needed to quickly ascertain the political leanings of the Khitan nobility's main figures.

The party continued onward, and after several days they finally arrived at the Khitan royal court.

It was not a Zhongyuan-style city but a vast encampment area; countless white felt tents were scattered like clouds over the riverside grassland, while in the center stood several exceptionally tall golden-topped tents adorned with splendid patterns.

Shouts of people and neighing of horses filled the air, banners fluttering, brimming with the vigorous vitality and wild power of the nomadic people.

The arrival of the Great Chen envoy caused quite a stir.

Khitan horsemen rode around, curiously scrutinizing this neatly dressed, ceremonially orderly Zhongyuan contingent.

Soon, Khitan protocol officers came to receive them, placing Fan Zhi, Han Wei, and the others in a designated area for welcoming envoys.

Their attitude was not overly warm, but they observed basic etiquette.

Fan Zhi understood deeply that on this grassland, strength is the foundation for earning respect.

He did not rush to seek an audience with the Khitan Emperor Yelü Jing (the real one); instead, he first presented, according to protocol, the state letter of Chen Wen and that heavy gift list.

When the contents of the gift list, especially that batch of fine iron and armaments, became known to the Khitan protocol officers and were reported, the atmosphere within the court noticeably underwent some subtle changes.

That very night, a distinguished guest arrived uninvited and secretly visited Fan Zhi's grand tent.

The visitor was none other than the Southern Palace Prince, Yelü Tali.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, his face rugged, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, his whole bearing exuding the authority of long-held power and the fierce spirit of a steppe overlord.

"Envoy Fan," Yelü Tali said in somewhat stiff but understandable Chinese, getting straight to the point, "Your emperor sent this envoy and brought such generous gifts—what exactly is the purpose?"

Fan Zhi remained composed, invited him to sit, and offered the fine tea he had brought along.

"Your Highness, with clear judgment. Our Great Chen emperor has long admired the heroes of the steppe, wishing to become friendly neighbors with Khitan, to end warfare forever and exchange what we have."

"This visit serves two purposes: first, to extend courtesies; second, to discuss concrete matters such as bilateral trade and demarcating pastures, aiming for mutual benefit."

Yelü Tali gave a hehe laugh, tinged with amusement:

"'Mutual benefit'? That sounds nice. But perhaps... you came because of that 'Song' to the west?"

Fan Zhi's expression unchanged, he frankly admitted:

"Your Highness speaks frankly; I, too, have no secrets to keep. The False Song occupies the Mirror Image lands, relies on the evil Iron Crow, acts contrary to reason, and is truly a public enemy of the world."

"They too have sent envoys westward, hoping to bewitch your Mirror Image and carry out deeds detrimental to both our states."

"Our emperor believes that rather than listening to a puppet's words, it is better to join hands with the true Great Chen and plot genuine gain."

Yelü Tali's eyes flickered; he pondered for a moment:

"The Iron Crow Army... I have also heard of it; it is indeed strange and unfathomable."

"That 'Song' to the west, however, is generous in its offers, the terms it proposes quite tempting."

His words were both a probe and a pressure.

Han Wei, standing aside, interjected:

"What the False Song promises is nothing but mirages and castles in the air; its foundations are unstable, relying on evil forces—how could that be a lasting way?"

"Great Chen, firmly rooted in Zhongyuan, grows stronger each day; the trade benefits we offer are real and tangible, obtainable year after year."

"Moreover, that batch of fine iron and bows—you, Your Highness, surely know their worth."

Yelü Tali stroked the short beard on his chin, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Fine iron and armaments are highly attractive strategic resources for any steppe tribe.

This carries more weight than mere silk and silver.

"This matter is not for me to decide alone," Yelü Tali said slowly. "His Majesty (Yelü Jing) remains ambiguous, while Yu Yue (Yelü Wuzhi) over there seems more inclined toward the terms offered by the west, believing them to be the mandate of heaven, and that following old precedent is safer."

Fan Zhi's heart stirred; he had caught the key information.

Yu Yue Yelü Wuzhi leans toward the False Song! The reason, surprisingly, is the "Mandate of Heaven" and "old precedent"!

This sounds as if it covertly aligns with the Iron Crow Army's intention to safeguard the "historical juncture."

"The Mandate of Heaven is not constant; it resides with the virtuous," Fan Zhi said solemnly. "Our emperor has cleared the realm of heroes, pacified Zhongyuan, and won the people's hearts—this is the true Mandate of Heaven."

"To cling to illusory 'old precedent' while ignoring present tangible national strength and sincerity—is that not the act of a fool?"

"I hope Your Highness can clearly discern the pros and cons, and explain them plainly before your king."

Yelu Talie stared at Fan Zhi for a long moment, then suddenly burst out laughing:

"Envoy Fan truly lives up to his reputation; his insight is extraordinary. I will carefully consider this matter."

"However, the envoy from the west is also said to be arriving soon. By then, there may well be another lively scene."

He smiled meaningfully, rose, and took his leave.

Seeing Yelu Talie off, Han Wei frowned tightly:

"Master Fan, it seems the Khitans are divided; Yu Yue's Yelu Wuzhi is a trouble. Moreover, the False Song envoy is indeed on the way."

Fan Zhi stroked his beard, his eyes deep:

"No problem. This man Yelu Talie values practical gains over empty fame; the military strength and trade benefits our dynasty has shown have already moved him."

"As for Yelu Wuzhi… he believes in the so-called 'Mandate of Heaven' and 'ancient customs', which precisely exposes his possible collusion with the Iron Crow Army, or at least an ideological affinity."

"This instead gives us a target to attack."

"What we need to do next is to fully exploit the contradiction between Yelu Talie and Yelu Wuzhi, while waiting for that western 'guest' to arrive."

He paused, then added:

"Have the people below get ready; once the False Song envoy arrives, there will surely be a tough battle to fight."

……

Almost at the same time that Fan Zhi and Yelu Talie were secretly communicating:

In the Khitan royal court on the Mirror Grassland, another reception was underway.

The False Song envoy team, after enduring hardships, finally passed through that unstable route and reached their destination.

Their arrival likewise attracted attention, but the treatment they received was slightly different from that of the Great Chen envoy team.

Receiving them was none other than Yu Yue, who favors the 'ancient customs', Yelu Wuzhi (the mirror counterpart).

Yelu Wuzhi's attitude was more reserved, even carrying a hint of scrutiny.

He seemed not surprised by the False Song envoy's tribute condition—mainly silver silk—and instead showed an expression of "as it should be."

"Your Majesty's sincerity, I am fully aware of it." Yelu Wuzhi said slowly, "Following the ancient customs, each guarding its borders and exchanging what they lack, is naturally good."

"But… the 'Chen State' on the eastern land has also recently sent envoys, with considerable presence, and the terms they offer are quite different."

The False Song envoy's heart tightened, knowing the real contest had begun.

He forced himself to stay calm, using the prepared remarks from before departure, began to disparage the Chen dynasty as "rebellious" and "a variable", emphasizing that only the False Song is the Zhongyuan "orthodoxy", and that its actions are "carrying out Heaven's mandate."

Two grasslands, two royal courts, two envoy teams.

A fierce contest over the future pattern, amid clinking glasses and sharp words, quietly entered a white-hot phase.

And the outcome of this contest will directly affect the fates of the two dynasties on either side of the light curtain.