The autumn sun was low, unable to hide the loneliness. In the miserable wind, a figure bound its hands and feet, standing respectfully in front of the Chongzheng Hall, like a hanging pine tree, motionless.
Under the hall, the servants lowered their eyebrows and the guards stood upright. They were indifferent to the other people and just stuck to their posts. The people who came were also very calm and waited quietly. They looked very magnanimous.
When Zhao Pu arrived, he saw this person and couldn't help but take a second look. The waiter's eyes, which were originally low-brow and submissive, immediately sharpened. When he discovered Zhao Pu, he immediately became energetic and greeted him diligently: "
I’ve met my husband.”
"Yes!" Zhao Pu did not act like a prime minister to these internal servants serving in front of the emperor. He smiled, nodded, and asked, "Is your majesty here?"
Emperor Liu's whereabouts are still very mysterious to the outside world. Zhao Pu also knew that Emperor Liu often left the palace these days, and did not dare to confirm that he would be able to meet the emperor when he came.
Maybe you know it in your heart, but it's hard to show it. As a minister, you have to pay attention to the emperor's whereabouts, but if you know it too clearly, it would be a taboo.
"Back to your Majesty, Your Majesty has just returned to the palace not long ago!" the chamberlain responded, "I'll report it right now!"
"Thank you!" Zhao Pu nodded.
Then, he also went to the front of the hall and stood with the man just now. When he saw Zhao Pu, he also showed a friendly smile. He was not resentful because of the different treatment. He cupped his hands and said, "I have seen Prime Minister Zhao!"
Zhao Pu stood up naturally, tilted his head and looked at the old man with a dark complexion and a long beard, and responded with a smile: "You don't have to be polite, Mr. Xiao. When did you arrive in Tokyo?"
This person was none other than Xiao Siwen, a Khitan surrender minister. He was not among those accompanying him on this eastward tour, but now he suddenly appeared and was waiting to be seen in front of the palace. Zhao Pu was naturally curious and could not help but feel a little inquiring.
Upon hearing the question, Xiao Siwen replied: "It's early in the afternoon and I came here to see His Majesty."
"Did something happen to the north?" Zhao Pu asked.
A look of admiration appeared on Xiao Siwen's face, and he said with admiration: "Prime Minister Zhao is indeed as wise as a torch and has a keen eye for fire. As he said, a piece of news came from Khitan, and I thought it might be useful to the court!"
After Xiao Siwen fled south to the Han Dynasty, he was awarded the title of Minister of War. He was given a high position, but he did not have any real power. However, he was still of great value to the Han Dynasty. There was no doubt that he was an expert on Khitan affairs of the Han Dynasty. He was valuable.
Complete, much better than Wang Zhaoyuan who became a monk halfway.
Therefore, Xiao Siwen's position in the Han Dynasty was to be an adviser to Khitan affairs. He could be summoned by Emperor Liu from time to time to consult on grassland affairs. Of course, in order to give full play to his role, Emperor Liu also assigned him a position as Wu
Everyone knows about Desi Prairie Office.
Of course, this is still a false position with no real power, and it is still under the supervision of the Wude Division. But even so, Xiao Siwen also provided the court with important information through his understanding of the grassland conditions and some relationships in Khitan.
Little useful information.
Since the Khitan moved north and escaped to Mobei, it has become even more difficult for the Han to spy on the Khitan. Xiao Siwen promptly supplemented the Han's lack of information on the Khitan, and he was also very active.
, has entered the Han Dynasty, vowed not to look back, and went further and further on the promising career path of Liao traitor.
"Oh? What's going on? Have you ever told me something about it?" Zhao Pu frowned slightly and asked.
The Han Dynasty was at a critical juncture. He didn't want any more problems to arise in the north. The most important issue in the north was the Khitan, and Emperor Liu had always wanted to get rid of the Khitan and then go quickly.
"That's natural!" Xiao Siwen did not refuse, but sighed, and then responded: "It's not a top secret. Not long ago, the Khitan Taiping King Yelu Sage died!"
"What's the hidden secret?" Zhao Pu immediately sensed the key point. If only a Khitan clan prince had died, Xiao Siwen wouldn't have been asked to rush to Tokyo to report it.
Xiao Siwen looked a little serious and said: "According to reports, it was the clan ministers and subordinates gathered by Yelu Sage who wanted to launch a rebellion, depose the Khitan Lord, and take back the throne of Taizong Yelv Deguang. But the plan was not kept secret, and for the Khitan Lord
I feel that suppression is punishable by death. Although the matter calmed down quickly and was blocked with all efforts, some news still came out, and what I have seen, it is believed to be true!"
Zhao Pu frowned even more tightly. He was not worried about the situation inside the Khitan, but he was worried about how Emperor Liu would react to his decision. After thinking about it, he sighed: "It seems that the Khitan is still not peaceful! Mobei is not completely safe yet."
An Ding, there is another dispute over the throne within this clan."
In turmoil, internal problems are often magnified. If the Khitan can maintain its national destiny, with Yelvxian's ability and skill, some internal problems can still be properly solved, and even a slight disturbance can lead to catastrophe. After all,
It seems that Yelujing was so unpopular when she was in power, so she stayed firmly on the throne.
But the reality is that under the persistent and strong pressure of the Han Dynasty, the once glorious Liao Kingdom fell apart, collapsed, and even fled to Mobei in great shame to avoid the edge.
Under such circumstances, it is extremely difficult to maintain internal unity. Back then, because of Yelujing's defeat in the Northern Expedition, the Khitan's internal opponents raised their troops and rebelled in Shangjing.
The situation in the Khitan under Yelvxian's rule was even worse. During the chaos in Mobei, Emperor Liu once wondered why only the tribes in Mobei resisted and stood up for themselves, while the Khitan clan fell silent. This was obviously not true.
It's normal, and it's not in line with their usual culture of infighting.
After all, when Yelv Xian came to power, it was due to the timing of the day, people, luck, and many accidents. Even so, there are still suspicions of conspiracy to seize the throne. How can the descendants of Yelv Deguang be truly convinced, especially in the
After Yelvxian led Liao into the abyss of decline, the dissatisfaction and confrontation will only increase, not decrease.
Now it seems that the struggle for the throne that has troubled the Khitan for decades is still going on, and Yelvxian has not been able to solve it. It is just that it has not been fully expressed, or Yelvxian has suppressed it properly.
Soon, the chamberlain hurried out of the palace and shouted loudly. Emperor Liu announced that Zhao Pu and Xiao Siwen were here. In the palace, Emperor Liu was in high spirits. He had just returned from a trip to Daxiangguo Temple. The emperor and his ministers sat down and shared some of the trip with them.
After seeing the news, I feel deeply about the growing prosperity of Tokyo's Jingmiao Street.
After a few words of greeting, Xiao Siwen also briefly told the news about the Khitan and some of his judgments. Emperor Liu really showed interest in this.
With a little schadenfreude in his mood, Emperor Liu said: "This news has answered the doubts in my heart. The Khitan is internally restless and has difficulty joining forces. This is indeed a good thing for the Han Dynasty. The concubine of Yelv Deguang and Yelv Bei
The battles between people seem to be endless!"
Listening to Emperor Liu's words, Xiao Siwen said: "Yelu Kuang Sage is really a man of great ambition and talent. He is never willing to be subordinate to others and has often rebelled against others. When the former Khitan master was in power, he conspired to depose him. After being demoted, he still refused to do so.
I want to repent and amassing power in Mobei, but if I don't have enough power, I will be easily suppressed by the First Lord."
"However, Yelvxi Sage is too useless. After suppressing it for so long, it was easily settled and only caused a small stir. More than ten years ago, Yelvxiyin rebelled, causing turmoil in Beijing and causing casualties.
Countless!" Emperor Liu said, his tone full of regret.
Xiao Siwen said: "When Yelu Xiyin rebelled, it coincided with the Northern Expedition of the Han Dynasty. The Khitan suffered a disastrous defeat, leaving the country empty. Now, Yelu Sage is plotting a rebellion under the nose of the Khitan leader and is not keeping things secret. Failure is inevitable.
matter!"
"What a pity!" Emperor Liu sighed with emotion. Emperor Liu was always wary of the Khitan who was hiding in Mobei to recuperate, and he would laugh at anything that made him uncomfortable.
"Xiao Qing, if I remember correctly, Yelu Sage is your son-in-law!" Emperor Liu suddenly realized and pointed out.
Hearing this, Xiao Siwen's body suddenly tensed, and then his old face showed a little bitterness, and he sighed: "The eldest daughter of the minister, Hu Jian, was married to Yelu Sage in her early years. After the death of Yelu Sage, the younger daughter also died...
.”
After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu looked strange, looked at Xiao Siwen, and said in a gentle tone: "In this case, it will be difficult for Xiao Qing!"
"Since I am a minister of the Han Dynasty, I will completely separate myself from the Khitan and serve your Majesty wholeheartedly and serve the Han Dynasty!" Xiao Siwen responded.
Even Zhao Pu couldn't help but look with surprise at this Khitan surrender who showed his loyalty to Emperor Liu. This caliber was truly extraordinary.
If Emperor Liu hadn't mentioned it, he would have ignored it. Looking at Xiao Siwen's appearance just now, there was no trace of grief for the loss of a daughter. It would be a miracle if such a person did not become successful.