The water of Wenyu River originates from the foothills of Jundu Mountain, passes through Juyongguan, and flows continuously to the southeast. It is clear and clean, and you can almost see the bottom, which shows that the water quality is excellent. Just outside the south entrance of Juyong Pass, at a relatively hidden beach, Zhao Siwan saw his target, Xiao Husi, the Privy Councilor of the Northern Liao Dynasty who was returning from a mission to the north.
"Privy Privy Xiao!"
"General Zhao!"
"I came down late. I'm rude. Please forgive me, General Zhao!" Xiao Husi looked at Zhao Siwan with a gentle smile on his old face and a familiar tone in his tone.
Xiao Husi was sent to Tokyo with the title of Privy Envoy to Northern Liaoning. He was originally a censor. During the years he served Emperor Yelujing of Liao, he was quite flattering and never disobedient. He also acted in accordance with Yelujing's wishes in combating those clans and nobles who usurped power and caused chaos. Therefore, he was very popular. Reuse and trust.
Last winter, he passed through Youzhou and headed south to Tokyo. After all, it was the "country of brothers" of the Han Dynasty. King Zhao Kuangzan of Yan also paid enough attention to it. In addition to sending the royal palace chief Shi to Beijing with him, he also asked Zhao Siwan to personally escort him out of Yan. territory. It was around that time that the two people really connected.
Facing Xiao Husi, Zhao Siwan was also very formal. She restrained her usual arrogance and arrogance. She cupped her hands and said, "Privy Privy Xiao is returning from an envoy to the north. He has been tired from the journey. I bother you to go into remote places and meet you here." , but I didn’t think carefully!”
Hearing what he said, Xiao Husi laughed loudly: "General Zhao's reputation is far and wide, and his voice is so impressive that I, a Khitan man, have great admiration for you. I have long heard that you are brave, fearless and unruly, and now you are so considerate and courteous by the general." Wait, from this point of view, the rumors are not trustworthy!"
"Make Privy Xiao laugh! My King Yan is a well-educated person. Although Zhao is a rough man, he has learned something from following the king for so many years. However, Zhao really disdains these red tapes. Of course, Privy Xiao They are distinguished guests and friends, so I should treat you seriously!" Zhao Siwan replied.
"General Zhao is indeed a sweetheart, so cheerful and open-minded. We Khitan people like to make friends with a strong man like you!" Xiao Husi smiled even more.
Zhao Siwan made an invitation gesture towards Xiao Husi and pointed to the river beach. Zhao Siwan said, "I originally planned to go to Juyongguan to meet the Privy Council, but I thought it would be too ostentatious, so I gave up. How about we just sit on the ground and talk?"
Xiao Husi looked very graceful and responded: "The mountains and rivers here are beautiful and the scenery is bright. The general has chosen a good place!"
The two people, who were not very familiar with each other, exchanged pretentious greetings, their buttocks fell to the ground, and their expressions gradually became serious. In comparison, Xiao Husi was more calm. He looked at Zhao Siwan and asked calmly: "I wonder what the general has to say about such a secret meeting? Are you here to represent King Yan, or... "
"Privy Privy Xiao must have had some guesses in his mind, so I'll just say it bluntly. This is what I, Zhao Siwan, mean, and it has nothing to do with King Yan! I'm here to conspire with Daliao on big things!" Zhao Siwan's reaction was very direct.
Hearing this, Xiao Husi couldn't help but look at Zhao Siwan, and saw something called "ambition" in his cold eyes. The curiosity in his heart increased even more. Xiao Husi raised the corner of his mouth and said, "The general's words really surprise me! What big deal is the general referring to?"
Seeing that Xiao Husi seemed to be suspicious, Zhao Siwan thought for a while and expressed his intention that he had been considering for a long time: "I am willing to serve as an internal response, welcome the Daliao cavalry to enter the pass, capture Youzhou, and go straight to Hebei!"
The meaning was clear. Xiao Husi's whole body tensed up. Instead of being happy, the suspicion in his eyes intensified. He stared at Zhao Siwan and said in a deep voice: "Now, Han and Liao live in harmony and are brothers. General Zhao is the one who desires." Start a war in the north?"
Xiao Husi showed an extremely cautious attitude. Upon seeing this, Zhao Siwan said: "Privy Privy Xiao may not mean what he said! At that time, the Liao Emperor led an army of one hundred thousand and wanted to march south, but unexpectedly there was a fire god lake. The change was due to the current ruler of Liao. If not for the change of that year, the Han-Liao War would have broken out as early as the fourth year of Qianyou. The peace negotiation between the two countries was only a temporary measure!
Nowadays, Daliao's national power is increasing, and so is the Han Dynasty. It is constantly eroding the separatist forces in the south, and unification of the world is imminent. I don't believe that Daliao has no idea about this. Furthermore, in the past half a year, there have been frequent border conflicts between the two countries. Doesn’t this also mean that Daliao is also afraid of the imperial court? "
After hearing what he said, Xiao Husi was silent for a moment. How could the Liao Kingdom not have any ideas? He was sent to Tokyo as an envoy and stayed in the Han Dynasty for nearly five months. Why, wasn't it for the purpose of testing and occasionally investigating the military and political situation of the Han Dynasty? He wanted to find out the truth and provide more information for the Liao Kingdom to adjust its policy towards the Han Dynasty. useful information.
"Never thought that General Zhao would have such insight?" Xiao Husi said.
Hearing this, Zhao Siwan touched his flamboyant beard and said lightly: "That's because everyone looks down on Zhao and regards me as a despicable man! Although I am a rough man, after thirty years of military service and fighting in the north and south, I have nothing to do with this." There is some understanding of the world’s human heart!”
"I wonder what Privy Xiao thinks about my proposal?" Zhao Siwan was still as direct as ever, staring at Xiao Husi and asked.
Xiao Husi still looked cautious and prudent, met his gaze and replied: "What General Zhao has discussed is of great importance, so you should know that it is not something I can make the decision on!"
"I know!" Zhao Siwan said immediately, "I only hope that after Privy Xiao returns to the court, she can tell Emperor Liao about my feelings!"
After looking at Zhao Siwan for a while, I felt that his expression and eyes were so calm. However, being conservative and prudent by nature, he was still unwilling to express his position easily. The most important problem is that the communication is shallow and the words are deep. In the absence of communication and trust, it seems reckless to express one's thoughts so straightforwardly and does not look like someone who has achieved great things.
Seeing that Xiao Husi still had doubts, Zhao Siwan raised her eyebrows and said: "Da Liao has lost the land of Youzhou for a long time, does it mean that it has no intention of regaining it? After the shame of the Battle of Luancheng, the monarchs and ministers of Daliao have no ambition to conquer the snow? These In the year, the Central Plains and Hebei gradually recovered and became increasingly prosperous, so Daliao had no ambitions?"
After hearing Zhao Siwan's bewitching words, Xiao Husi reacted indifferently. Han and Liao are now the two most powerful forces in East Asia, one in the south and the other in the north. The order of East Asia is also built around the two countries. If a war breaks out between the two parties, the impact will be incalculable. There are pros and cons in this process. Thoughtful and weighed.
Xiao Husi's unmoved reaction finally wore away Zhao Siwan's patience. He looked sullen and said, "Privy Xiao, Zhao has already taken great risks by coming here, and his ambition has been strengthened." , his heart has been decided. It depends on whether Daliao is willing to accept me!"
Zhao Siwan stared at him, Xiao Husi quickly comforted him and said, "General, don't be anxious!"
After pondering for a while, he asked slowly: "General Zhao, I don't understand something. I wonder if you can clear up the doubts?"
"Just tell me!"
"The general served two generations of kings of Yan for more than twenty years. Now he is also one of the best generals in Youzhou. He leads elite troops and is powerful in the north and south of Yan Mountain. He is favorably treated by the king of Yan. How did he give birth to the desire to surrender to the Liao Dynasty?" Xiao Husi ask.
Zhao Siwan said: "Privy Privy Xiao still doubts my sincerity?"
"I'm just curious!" Xiao Husi chuckled and waved his hand: "Besides, the general is willing to risk his life, what does he want to gain?"
After hearing the question, Zhao Siwan couldn't help but remain silent for a moment, but a look of determination quickly appeared on Dao Scar's face and he said: "Prince Yan and his son have treated me well, but I have been on horseback for twenty years, and I have also fought with my life to repay him.
I don't hide it from the Privy Council. In the past two years, King Yan has promoted his relatives and weakened my military power. It has almost made the newcomers equal to me, which is quite chilling to me. If not, I will not take the risk and unite with Daliao to find another way out!
Furthermore, King Yan is elegant and respectful to the Han court, but I don't think so. Judging from the Han court's local policies in recent years, through restructuring and taking away power, sooner or later the target will be Youyan. If we don't seek change, warriors like me will sooner or later be harmed by it! "
After saying that, she raised her eyes to look at Xiao Husi and saw that he was listening seriously. Zhao Siwan continued: "As for what I ask for, it's nothing more than power, fame and wealth. The Liao Dynasty was so kind to the old King of Yan, if I can help him regain Youzhou." , Hebei, or even attack and destroy the Han Dynasty, you won’t treat me lightly if you think about it!”
Zhao Siwan's meaning was very clear. He wanted the treatment that the Khitans gave Zhao Yanshou back then. In fact, in Zhao Siwan's view, betraying the imperial court and betraying the Han Dynasty was not a big deal, let alone any psychological pressure. In his early years, he also followed Zhao Yanshou to join the Khitan and fought for them. In the battle with the later Jin Dynasty, he worked hard for it and killed many Jin people.
"I am extremely grateful for the general's frankness! I already understand the general's intentions. After returning home, I will definitely report it to my lord!" Xiao Husi stood up, handed over to Zhao Siwan, and solemnly responded: "This matter is important, please be patient. Si, don’t be impatient!”
"I understand! Thank you so much, Privy Councilor Xiao!" Zhao Siwan finally showed a smile.
After a quick glance, Xiao Husi couldn't help but add: "General, we have only a very small relationship with each other, so you can be so frank and tell all important things. Aren't you afraid that I will betray you?"
Zhao Siwan was full of pride and said: "Zhao is such a person! Once he has made up his mind, he will not hesitate! If he keeps trying to contact us, he is afraid that problems will arise, so it is better to tell the truth frankly like Privy Xiao.
Besides, I am also willing to play a game! If something goes wrong, even if you die, you can only blame others! "
After hearing what he said, Xiao Husi smiled heartily and praised him: "The general is really a hero!"
"I'm not a hero!" Zhao Siwan said, "I'm just a man from Youzhou!"
"I had a lot of fun meeting the general! What we discussed today is of great importance, so we should keep it confidential!" Before leaving, Xiao Husi glanced at the soldiers who followed Zhao Siwan and reminded him.
Hearing this, Zhao Siwan said confidently: "Privy Minister Xiao, don't worry, they all climbed out from the pile of dead people with me. Their lives have been entrusted to each other for a long time. There will definitely be no problem! On the Privy Council's side..."
Noticing Zhao Siwan's gaze on his entourage, Xiao Husi also responded: "Don't worry, general! These are all raised by my family, and they only have to be loyal!"
"Farewell!"
"Farewell!"
