I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 143 Li Qingzhao gave birth

...

Another day.

General Zhong Pu and Supervisor Sun Lu of the Northern Auxiliary Army; General Wang Shan and Supervisor Zhang Xun of the Western Auxiliary Army; General Gao Yongnian and Supervisor Fan Chun Cui of the Eastern Auxiliary Army; General Wang Min and Supervisor Sun Lan of the Southern Auxiliary Army, along with their main generals and supervisors, also came to the Privy Council to receive instruction from the radiant Li Lin.

This time, Zhao Yu had Li Lin train a group of generals from the Zhao Song Dynasty. In addition to improving their abilities and cultivating them into campaign-level generals capable of large-scale operations, he also wanted them to familiarize themselves with the enemy's map.

Zhao Yu wasn't just making things up; sometimes you really can't overestimate the abilities of people in this era.

Many people believe that the Western Xia Dynasty was nothing more than the Ningxia, Gansu, northeastern Qinghai, western Inner Mongolia, and northern Shaanxi regions of later times; the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun of the Liao Dynasty were merely the Beijing area and Datong area of ​​Shanxi in later times; and even the Northeast where the Jurchens lived was just the Heilongjiang region in later times.

Furthermore, even though these regions were separated from the Song Dynasty by the Khitans, Tanguts, and Jurchens, they were still under the control of the Central Plains dynasty during the previous dynasty, namely the Tang Dynasty.

Although the Tang and Song dynasties seem to be separated by a long period of time, in reality, the Tang and Song dynasties were only 53 years apart.

If you look at a map of the previous dynasty, fighting in the enemy's territory is practically the same as going back to your own home.

But this is not the case.

Take, for example, the period when Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) recovered the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun.

At that time, Guo Yaoshi, a man who had served three masters, had just surrendered to the Northern Song Dynasty, and the gift he presented to Emperor Huizong and his ministers was the capital city of Yanjing.

At that time, Yanjing City was extremely empty, with only a little over a thousand palace guards.

Guo Yaoshi suggested a strategy of attacking from the outskirts: send a light cavalry force eastward secretly, cross the river at Gu'an to Anci, and then strike directly at Yanjing. The Han Chinese within Yanjing, upon learning of the imperial army's arrival, would surely become internal allies, thus allowing Yanjing to be captured.

As Guo Yaoshi had predicted, they successfully captured Yanjing City.

However, who could have imagined that Liu Guangshi, who was supposed to be part of the reinforcements, would get lost and fail to reach the enemy for three days?

Furthermore, Yang Keshi and his men, who entered the city first, were a bunch of reckless fools. Their mishandling of the situation aroused the hatred of the Khitans in Yanjing.

In addition, Yelü Dashi led two thousand reinforcements back to the rescue two days later.

Several thousand Song soldiers were completely annihilated, with only a handful of people, including Yang Keshi and Guo Yaoshi, managing to escape by being lowered down the city walls.

Imagine if Liu Guangshi had arrived in time to reinforce the Song army, and the Song army had captured Yanjing on its own instead of the Jin army picking up Yanjing and handing it over to the Song Dynasty, wouldn't the Jingkang Incident have been avoided?
Do you think this is just an isolated case?

It's really not.

Not only were the soldiers on the front lines unfamiliar with the enemy's geography, but even Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was unfamiliar with it.

When the Song and Jin dynasties signed the Alliance at Sea, Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) wrote a personal letter to Wanyan Aguda, in which he voluntarily requested Yanjing (Beijing) and the prefectures and counties under its jurisdiction.

In Zhao Ji's mind, this was the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun that his Zhao family had longed for for nearly two hundred years.

Little did they know that the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun were divided into seven prefectures in front of the mountains and nine prefectures behind the mountains. In order to completely keep the barbarians out of the pass, the Central Plains dynasty would have to acquire the three prefectures of Ping, Luan, and Ying.

Actually, these are three places.

Yanjing (Beijing) governed prefectures and counties, but it was only the Nanjing Circuit of the Liao Dynasty, which consisted of only seven prefectures.

The Nine Provinces behind the mountains were the Western Capital Circuit of the Liao Dynasty.

Ping, Luan, and Ying prefectures were part of the Pingzhou Circuit of the Liao Dynasty.

It's obvious that Zhao Ji wanted less.

This foreshadowed the later falling out between the Song and Jin dynasties and the humiliation of the Jingkang Incident.

Imagine that even Emperor Huizong of Song, who sent envoys to the Liao Kingdom every year, did not know the geography of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, let alone those rough and uneducated generals on the front lines.

It was precisely because of this consideration that Zhao Yu specifically instructed Li Lin to teach these generals and military supervisors who might one day invade enemy countries geographical knowledge, and to summarize the mistakes made by their predecessors in order to avoid repeating the same errors.

Just as Liu Zhongwu and others had previously looked down on Li Lin, Sun Lu and others, who were more senior and had more brilliant achievements, also looked down on Li Lin, this "little eunuch," when they first met her.

Fortunately, with Zhao Yu backing Li Lin up, no one dared to act recklessly, no matter how much they underestimated her.

Once Li Lin demonstrated her extraordinary abilities, even the most unruly people could only obediently listen to her lessons driven by their thirst for knowledge.

Later, Zhao Yu simply stopped coming and instead had Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu take turns in his place, so that they could also hear what Li Lin had to say...

……

When Li Qingzhao first entered the palace, she was really not used to it and even felt a little sorry for herself, especially after she was slept with by Zhao Yu in a daze.

During that period, Li Qingzhao was very confused.

Unfortunately, Zhang Chun was keen on throwing surprise parties for Zhao Yu, and she always dragged Li Qingzhao along.

Li Qingzhao was at a loss; she dared not disobey Zhao Yu; and she was blinded by lust. So she followed Zhang Chun and indulged herself for a period of time.

As a result, Li Qingzhao became pregnant by accident.

This left Li Qingzhao even more confused and at a loss.

Fortunately, Han Yu, Chao Min, and Zhao Mai were in similar situations to Li Qingzhao.

Objectively speaking, Han Yu and the other two came from far better families than Li Qingzhao.

Especially Han Yu. Her great-grandfather was Han Qi, who served as prime minister for ten years and three reigns, making significant contributions to the prosperity and development of the Song Dynasty. He was known as "Fu Han" alongside Fu Bi, and Ouyang Xiu praised him as "a minister of state who, when faced with major events and making important decisions, remained calm and composed, ensuring the stability of the nation." Her grandfather, Han Zhongyan, is the current leader of the old party and vice prime minister, second only to Zhang Dun. She truly comes from a prestigious family.

Even Chao Min and Zhao Mai's family background far surpassed Li Qingzhao's.

Seeing that Han Yu, Chao Min, and Zhao Mai were exactly the same as her, what else could Li Qingzhao say?

The key is that people are afraid of comparisons.

Looking at Zhang Chun and Li Chun, they were always at the forefront, blocking most of Zhao Yu's attacks, but they couldn't conceive and were disappointed time and time again. Li Qingzhao was relieved and even glad that she was fertile.

Furthermore, in the imperial harem, a pregnant woman is the best adornment, commanding respect and awe from everyone. If she were to give birth to a fine son, her life would be secure.

Surrounded by such thoughts, Li Qingzhao didn't even dare to drink wine, focusing solely on giving birth to a healthy son.

It's worth mentioning that there were many women in the harem, and given Li Qingzhao's personality, she certainly had no shortage of friends. She spent her days calling on friends, doing whatever she pleased, composing poems and playing cards, and living a rather interesting life.

In short, although Li Qingzhao was somewhat unwilling when she first entered the palace, she actually lived quite well because things went smoothly in the harem. It can be said that Li Qingzhao had long since made peace with herself.

Today, the imperial court has decided that Han Zhongyan will serve as the envoy to the Empress Dowager's mausoleum. A group of Han Yu's friends came to comfort her, hoping that the soon-to-be-born Han Yu would not suffer any further mishaps.

Li Qingzhao was among them.

However, to Li Qingzhao and the others' surprise, Han Yu remained calm and seemed unconcerned about Han Zhongyan's loss of power. She even organized a mahjong game and entertained the women.

"Eighty thousand."

"One tube".

"It's useless."

"Nine strips." "Eat nine strips."

"Peng Jiutiao".

"If I don't eat it, you won't touch it either, right?"

"I have two nines, I'm definitely going to play them."

"You two don't need to argue anymore, I've won, Thirteen Orphans."

"Ah~! I set off another firecracker."

Just then, a female official came to inform the women: "Ladies, His Majesty has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Li Qingzhao and others thought of getting up to greet the emperor.

To Li Qingzhao and the others' surprise, the female official said, "His Majesty specifically instructed that the pregnant ladies need not go to greet him."

Thus, only Li Chun went to greet Zhao Yu, while Li Qingzhao and the others stood at the door to welcome Zhao Yu, supported by their respective personal maids.

Shortly after, Zhao Yu, accompanied by Li Chun, walked in from outside.

Seeing Li Qingzhao and the other three pregnant women who were about to give birth standing at the door waiting for him, Zhao Yu scolded them, "I told you all not to greet me. Why are you being so polite? Times have changed. You should be more careful now."

As they spoke, Zhao Yu put one arm around Zhao Mai's waist and the other around Chao Min's waist, helping them walk into the inner room.

This simple, ordinary gesture brought Zhao Mai and Chao Min to tears of happiness.

Li Qingzhao couldn't understand it at all, thinking, "Is it really necessary?"

Soon, Zhao Yu and the others entered the hall, and Zhao Yu also saw the mahjong tiles that the women had not yet put away.

"Playing mahjong?" Zhao Yu asked.

"My money has all been won by Consort Li. Your Majesty, you must do me justice," Chao Min said to Li Qingzhao.

"Very well, I will avenge you," Zhao Yu declared confidently.

Seeing Zhao Yu's confident demeanor, Li Qingzhao thought that Zhao Yu was also a mahjong master, even a mahjong master like Ye Shiyun, whom she would find difficult to beat.

Therefore, Li Qingzhao was eager to prove herself and Zhao Yu superior.

To everyone's surprise, Li Qingzhao was dumbfounded when the fight broke out.

Zhao Yu is no mahjong master; he's clearly a money-giving prince.

Ever since Zhao Yu came to power, no one else has lost. Not only did Li Qingzhao win more money, but Han Yu and Zhao Mai also won quite a bit.

After playing only four rounds of mahjong, Li Qingzhao and the others won several months' worth of monthly wages.

Seeing that it was getting late, Zhao Yu gave all the remaining money to Chao Min as a reward, and then personally gave Li Qingzhao and the other pregnant women who were about to give birth some instructions before leaving with Li Chun.

After Zhao Yu had walked away, Li Qingzhao said, "Your Majesty's mahjong playing is..."

Li Qingzhao wanted to say that Zhao Yu was terrible at mahjong.

But when the words were about to come out, Li Qingzhao changed them to: "It's too complicated to explain in a few words."

Unexpectedly, as soon as Li Qingzhao said this, Han Yu and the other women covered their mouths and chuckled!

"What are you laughing at?" Li Qingzhao asked, puzzled.

"Do you really think the officials are playing mahjong with a few of us?" Zhao Mai said.

"Otherwise what?" Li Qingzhao retorted.

“The Emperor is worried that we are living in poverty, so he specially sent us money. Otherwise, why would the Emperor give us money every time he loses a single hand?” Chao Min said.

Li Qingzhao suddenly realized.

Then, Li Qingzhao asked, puzzled, "Why doesn't the Emperor just give me a few directly? Why go through all this trouble?"

Han Yu poked Li Qingzhao's forehead with his index finger: "Silly! Are you happier when the Emperor rewards you with this money, or when the Emperor spends so much time playing mahjong with you, deliberately letting you win?"

Li Qingzhao thought about it and realized that it was indeed true.

Although she felt indifferent to Zhao Yu and didn't consider him her man, to be honest, Zhao Yu actually sat across from her and played mahjong with her for a while, winning at her hand time and time again. She was happier than ever before.

'It would be even better if Han Yu and the others weren't here.'

Li Qingzhao quickly shook her head secretly, trying to banish this inappropriate thought from her mind.

Li Qingzhao was very clear-headed. She knew that Zhao Yu had Zheng Xiansu, Zhang Chun, Li Lin, Ye Shiyun, Ma Xiaojiao, Yuan Qingcheng, and so many other concubines, female officials, and palace maids in his heart. If she rushed forward like these women, given her sentimental and righteous nature, she might end up badly injured.

Now, her relationship with Zhao Yu is going very well; they only talk about getting what they need and don't talk about feelings.

In this way, she wouldn't be hurt by Zhao Yu, and wouldn't end up like Han Yu and the others, who would be happy for a long time if Zhao Yu showed them some affection, but would lose their appetite and become depressed if Zhao Yu ignored them for a while.

Li Qingzhao knew that in the deep palace, the word "love" was as light as a feather or as heavy as Mount Tai pressing down on one's head. She did not want to fall into that endless waiting and sorrow.

Seeing that Han Yu was in a good mood, Li Qingzhao then asked, "The Emperor appointed Minister Han as the envoy to the Empress Dowager's mausoleum. I wonder what his intention is?"

Upon hearing this, Han Yu smiled and said, "A woman follows her husband after marriage, so I should naturally follow his lead. Moreover, Your Majesty is wise and insightful, knows how to appoint people, and is magnanimous. If you really do not employ my grandfather, you must have a plan in mind. Your actions must be for the sake of the Song Dynasty, or perhaps my grandfather is not capable enough to serve as prime minister."

After a pause, Han Yu continued, "I am merely a woman confined to the palace, and I know little about these matters of the court. How dare I presume to interfere in the Emperor's grand plans?"

Han Yu gently stroked the mahjong tiles on the table, a tender look in her eyes, as if reminiscing about the past and calmly accepting the future.

Li Qingzhao and the others did not expect Han Yu to have such an attitude.

But upon closer examination, Han Yu's approach is the smartest choice.

Li Qingzhao even wondered, 'The Han family sent her to the palace; they must have some grand scheme in mind… Could it be that they want her to become empress?'

Li Qingzhao thought about it more and more and felt that this was possible. In her opinion, Han Yu's behavior was clearly that of an empress.

Then think about it, what if Jung Hyun-suk never manages to have a son, but Han Yu does manage to have an outstanding son? Then Han Yu might actually have a chance to replace Jung Hyun-suk.

Li Qingzhao dared not think about it anymore, and she felt that whoever became empress was none of her concern; 'I just need to do my best.'

Back at her lodgings, Li Qingzhao had just sat down when she felt herself urinate.

After a moment's thought, Li Qingzhao immediately realized that her water had broken and she was about to give birth.

Li Qingzhao said urgently, "Cuiyu, quickly send someone to inform the Emperor that I am about to give birth..."

……

(End of this chapter)