The Han Dynasty was well aware 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 the situation.
According to the constant coming of new news and 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 are greater than 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 an 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 proposed that the Lord of Liao might send envoys to sue for peace and pay tribute, in order to first resolve external worries and then eliminate internal strife. But this would require humiliation and humiliation, and more importantly, Emperor Liu's special kindness.
However, Emperor Liu was not a kind-hearted and soft-hearted person.
However, Emperor Liu agreed with Cao Bin's idea. Fighting and peace were normal between the Han and Liao Dynasties. There were two formal peace talks, and there were intermarriages. Even if the blood feud was deep, it was for the benefit of the country.
In such a crisis, even if you lower your head to the enemy and seek a chance to survive, it may not be impossible for the Liao monarchs and ministers to do so.
Therefore, Emperor Liu really watched the Liao Kingdom's decisions and reactions with a little expectation. However, after such a long time, the Liao Kingdom did not seem to be willing to surrender. On the one hand, it was on guard against the invasion of the Han Dynasty, and on the other hand, it was actively quelling 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 endure hardships. What he enjoys is the psychological satisfaction brought to him by the enemy's surrender. However, Yelu
Xian 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 handle 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 contentment 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 but ask.
"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 in the Liao Kingdom, but also a Khitan nobleman. What's weird about bringing more people? Furthermore, the Liao Kingdom is not peaceful internally, so prepare more retinues for them.
Protection is not surprising!" Emperor Liu said.
"Among these hundreds of troops, including Xiao Siwen's family members and descendants, Zhao Xiangyan, 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, "Now that the person is here, what is the situation and what is the purpose, sooner or later it will surface!"
"How can the Zhengshitang respond to this memorial?" 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 provide 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. The prince and Zhao Pu will still be in charge of the affairs! That’s it, let’s prepare and distribute it!”
"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 thoroughly!”
"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 convoy attendants were all dressed in Yiyu costumes and had very distinctive Khitan hairstyles.
Silent and walking in a low profile, the atmosphere seemed a bit dull.
This team is naturally Xiao Siwen and his entourage from the south. Besides the team, there is a team of Han official cavalry, leading the way in front and pressing the road in the back. Of course, it is inevitable to monitor these Khitan people, even if they hang envoys
title.
The journey under the scorching sun was unpleasant. The officers and cavalry were under orders and did not dare to delay or neglect, but they could not help but get angry. Many of the Khitan people looked at them with evil eyes. They were under strict surveillance.
It was not until dusk that the convoy finally stopped when it was about to reach the post station. An officer leading the convoy whipped up his horse and galloped to one of the carriages. He raised his head slightly and called out 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 want to teach me?"
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.
"No need to thank you! You are a big shot and a guest of the imperial court. We are just soldiers, just following orders!" the captain said calmly.
You could feel the dissatisfaction in the captain's tone. Although it was already dusk and the summer breeze was blowing, the weather was still hot. Xiao Siwen didn't care about this. He turned around, took a small box from the carriage and handed it to the captain.
Said: "Thank you for your hard work, Team Zhang will escort you all the way. It's just a small gift, just to express your gratitude, I hope you will 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 looked inside. He suddenly burst into laughter, 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 questions."
I'm sorry, Mr. 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: "That's right!
Coming south from Dading Prefecture, the team and officers and soldiers escorted us for hundreds of miles. It was indeed not easy. Our group also received a lot of care. I am grateful and have no other intentions!"
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 that, the team general rode away, and the horse's hooves seemed 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.
Horse 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 put down the curtain and retracted into the car.