The Han Dynasty had a clear understanding of the internal and external difficulties of the Liao Kingdom. Emperor Liu also asked his military and political ministers to discuss what measures the Liao court would take to solve such a situation.
According to the constant coming of new news and new situations from the north, the Han court also discussed it more than once, each with their own ideas, and each time they came to different conclusions.
But there is one thing that the important ministers of the Han Dynasty have reached a consensus on, that is, for the Khitan, foreign troubles outweigh internal worries. If the threat of the Han Dynasty is not eliminated, the chaos in Mobei will never stop.
And this point seems to be another unsolvable problem. The big man from the other side is too late to watch the fire. Seeing the excitement, how can he let it end so easily.
Cao Bin suggested that the Lord of Liao might send envoys to sue for peace and pay tribute as ministers, in order to first resolve external worries and then eliminate internal strife. But this requires humiliation, humiliation, and more importantly, Emperor Liu's extra kindness. However, Emperor Liu is not a kind and soft-hearted person.
However, Emperor Liu agreed with Cao Bin's idea to a certain extent. Between the Han and Liao Dynasties, fighting and peace were normal. There were two formal peace talks, and there were also intermarriages. Even if the blood feud was deep, in order to save the country from crisis, even if it lowered its head to the enemy and sought a chance to survive, With the capabilities of the Liao monarchs and ministers, it may not be impossible to do it.
Therefore, Emperor Liu really watched the Liao Kingdom's decision and reaction with a little expectation. However, after such a long time, the Liao Kingdom seemed to have no intention of surrendering. On the one hand, it was prepared for the invasion of the Han Dynasty, and on the other hand, it actively quelled the civil strife.
In fact, even if the Lord of Liao really chooses to surrender, Emperor Liu may not agree. He will not imitate his husband and give others the opportunity to take advantage of others. What he enjoys is the psychological satisfaction brought to him by his enemy's surrender. However, Yelvxian seems to be a little unethical.
This time, when he suddenly heard that an envoy from Liao was coming, Emperor Liu subconsciously felt that Yelvxian couldn't bear it anymore and sent someone to beg for peace.
"Xiao Siwen? This is a famous figure!" Emperor Liu smiled playfully: "The former Han and Liao Dynasties negotiated peace twice, and it was Xiao Husi. Why is it replaced by Xiao Siwen this time? Did you express your intention?"
Zhang Yong replied: "What Xiao Siwen said on the table was that he came south to negotiate peace on the order of the Lord of Liao!"
"Haha!" Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu laughed immediately, with an obvious look of satisfaction on his face, and then said lightly: "I thought Yelvxian's bones were hard, and he would rather die than surrender!"
"However, the memorial also said that Xiao Siwen is acting strangely!" Zhang Yong said again.
"What's different?" Emperor Liu couldn't help asking.
"According to reports from Yanshan Road, Xiao Siwen was accompanied by hundreds of retinues and many vehicles!" Zhang Yong reported.
"What's the difference? But the pomp is a bit bigger. Xiao Siwen is not only a high-ranking official of the Liao Kingdom, but also a Khitan noble. What's weird about bringing more people? Furthermore, there is no peace within the Liao Kingdom, so prepare more retinues as a Protection is not surprising!" Emperor Liu said.
"Among these hundreds of troops, including Xiao Siwen's family members and descendants, Zhao Xiangyan said, Xiao Siwen seems to have moved his family south this time!" Zhang Yong said.
"Oh!" Emperor Liu suddenly woke up and obviously noticed something was wrong. He said leisurely: "It seems that there is something fishy in it. I am more interested in this person's purpose!"
After thinking for a while, Emperor Liu pointed out: "I remember that the Wude Department and the Military Intelligence Department reported on the internal situation of Liao Dynasty before. They all mentioned that after Yelvxian returned to Linhuang Mansion, he was somewhat dissatisfied with Xiao Siwen and repeatedly criticized him. Privy Xiao's life in the Liao court was not so easy!"
"What does your Majesty mean?" Zhang Yong understood and asked.
"There is no need to guess, and I don't want to guess!" Emperor Liu raised his hand slightly and said: "Since the person is here, what is the situation and what is the purpose, sooner or later it will surface!"
"How do you respond to this memorial from the Zhengshi Hall?" Zhang Yong asked for instructions.
"If there are guests coming from the south, just greet them!" Emperor Liu ordered: "Let Zhao Pu and the others receive them according to normal etiquette, and let the officials along the way prepare supplies. If it is really about negotiating peace, then talk to Xiao Siwen. Talk and let Zhao Pu make the decision!
In addition, I will stay in Songshan during this period. I will return to the capital after the autumn cools. When it comes to affairs, the prince and Zhao Pu will still be in charge! That’s it, prepare and send it out! "
"Yes!" Zhang Yong responded.
"By the way, the Enke Examination is about to begin!" Emperor Liu said: "This is the most important event for the imperial court in the second half of the year. There is no room for negligence. The Political Affairs Hall should pay special attention to it, especially the martial arts examination. This is the founding of the country. In the first case, be sure to do it properly and thoughtfully!”
"yes!"
"Go ahead! I'll have a few more drinks!" Emperor Liu waved his hand.
"My lord, please retire!" Zhang Yong stood up and bowed out.
...
Thousands of miles away, on the official road from Yanshan to Hebei, a convoy of hundreds of people was driving slowly, the wheels rattling. The attendants of the motorcade were all dressed in Yiyu costumes and had very distinctive Khitan hairstyles. They were all silent and walking in a low profile. The atmosphere seemed a bit dull.
This team is naturally Xiao Siwen and his party from the south. Outside the team, there is a group of Han official cavalry, leading the way in front and pressing the road behind. Of course, it is inevitable to monitor these Khitan people, even if they have the title of envoys.
The journey under the scorching sun was unpleasant. The officers and cavalry were under orders and did not dare to delay, but they could not help but get angry. Many of the Khitan people looked at them with evil eyes, and they were under strict surveillance.
It was not until dusk that the motorcade finally stopped when it was about to reach the post station. An officer leading the team whipped up his horse and galloped to one of the carriages. He raised his head slightly and shouted loudly: "Mr. Xiao!"
The car curtain opened, and a tired and weathered old face poked out. It was Xiao Siwen, the old Khitan chieftain. Looking at the officer, Xiao Siwen didn't care about his arrogant attitude and said with a smile: "General Zhang, what do you have to say?"
The team general stared at Xiao Siwen, pointed forward, and said: "We have reached the Taoist realm. If we go further, we will reach Hebei. Our brothers will send you here. Let's part ways! After the people from Hebei have handed over, we will It’s time to return and resume your life!”
"Thank you Captain Zhang!" Xiao Siwen said immediately after hearing this.
"Thank you! You are a big shot, a guest of the imperial court. We are just soldiers, just following orders!" the captain said calmly.
You can feel the dissatisfaction in the team general's tone. Although the sun is getting late and the summer breeze is blowing, the weather is still hot. Xiao Siwen didn't pay attention to this, turned around, took a small box from the carriage, handed it to the captain, and said: "If you have trouble, Captain Zhang will escort you all the way. Thank you for your hard work. It's just a small gift to show your appreciation. I hope you can accept it." !”
The team general raised his eyebrows when he heard this, and his eyes were immediately attracted to the box. He leaned forward to take it, but Mogami was very polite: "You are so polite, Mr. Xiao, there is no need for it!"
He took it, opened the box a little, and took a look inside. He suddenly smiled and the resentment on his face disappeared. He smiled and said: "How can I afford this? If the higher ups find out, I'm afraid they will ask I'm sorry, Commander Xiao made me make a mistake!"
Although he said this, the captain quickly put the box into a basket on his horse and covered it with a gray cloth. Seeing his actions, Xiao Siwen's expression remained as usual, and he just said kindly: "It should be! From the south of Dading Mansion, the team and the officers and soldiers escorted us for hundreds of miles. It is indeed not easy. Our group also received a lot of care. I have my heart Thanks, nothing else!”
After hearing what he said, the team general became more and more pleased with the old chief Xiao Siwen. He immediately raised his hands and said: "This is the river post. Xiao Shijun and his party will rest here for the night. After I explain to the people from Hebei, I will escort you tomorrow." Go south!”
"Everything will be arranged by the team leader!" Xiao Siwen also bowed his hand and returned the greeting.
"Xiao Shijun, please sit down for a moment!"
After saying this, the team general rode away with his horse's hooves seeming to be playing happily. Looking at his back, the smile on Xiao Siwen's face gradually disappeared. Looking to the south, he could faintly hear the sound of the rushing river, which was the Juma River.
"I wonder if Ambassador Xiao Hu Sinan had the same experience back then!" Xiao Siwen looked deep and sighed in a low voice, then lowered the curtain and retracted into the car.
