Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 201 Jurchen Intentions, Old Madam He Falls Seriously Ill

Xiongzhou was the frontier of the Zhou-Liao border.

Since the Treaty of Chanyuan, Xiongzhou has become an important port for the exchange of envoys and documents between the Zhou and Liao dynasties.

The imperial court stationed a large number of troops and spies here year-round to respond to conflicts and gather intelligence on the Liao Kingdom's movements.

Inside the palace, Gu Tingye, clad in armor, clasped his hands in a salute. For several months, he had been training his troops and building fortifications here.

He looked much thinner than he had in the capital, with dark stubble on his chin, but his eyes remained bright and piercing.

"Zhonghuai, there's no need for such formalities. Has the Liao Kingdom made any unusual moves lately?" Zhao Han sat calmly at the table.

Gu Tingye chuckled twice and waved his hand, "There's no unusual activity. It's just a normal troop deployment to set up defenses."

"The Jurchens have already raised an army and are gaining momentum. Shouldn't we also begin preparations? Based on my observations over the past few days, the Liao army's strength is no longer what it used to be,"

After the Treaty of Chanyuan, there was no war for a century. The military strength of the Zhou Dynasty continued to weaken and its military preparedness fell into disrepair. The same was true for the Liao Dynasty.

The enormous profits brought by the border trade led to the Khitan nobles living extravagantly, with gold, silver and jade artifacts filling their mansions and banquets and dances continuing day and night.

The pursuit of martial arts was gradually replaced by the pursuit of pleasure.

Any army that has not been tested by large-scale war for a long period of time will inevitably see a decline in its command system, tactics, soldiers' quality, and fighting will.

In recent years, Yelü Hongji has favored civil administration and neglected military preparedness.

The internal struggles within the court were severe, and the royal family, the Yelü clan, and the empress's family, the Xiao clan, were also at odds with each other, constantly sabotaging each other.

The Liao Kingdom is no longer comparable to what it used to be, and the same is true for the Great Zhou now.

After weighing the options for a moment, Zhao Han nodded slightly, then picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote a letter from the Great Zhou Emperor to the people of the Yan and Yun prefectures.

"I have inherited the Mandate of Heaven and ruled over the Central Plains. I am diligent and conscientious day and night, always thinking that all the people under Heaven are my children. The land of Yan and Yun is the homeland of the Han people, and the descendants of generations still cherish their traditional clothing and customs."

The royal army is now pointing north, not out of a desire for war, but because it truly wishes to relieve our suffering and restore our territory. I know that you have been captives for a hundred years, and although you have become accustomed to their customs, you have not forgotten your roots.

I am deeply saddened whenever I see the harshness of corvée labor and the rampant levies imposed by the Pishi Army.

This decree is hereby issued: all people who sincerely submit shall retain their land and houses, be exempt from taxes for three years, preserve the northern customs of marriage and funerals, continue to operate markets and trade offices as usual, and continue to offer incense at temples and Taoist monasteries.

If they stubbornly refuse to comply, and the heavenly army breaches the city, it will inevitably result in total destruction, not to mention the Liao Kingdom's declining strength..."

After finishing writing in great detail, Gu Tingye, who was standing to the side, took the document, glanced at it lightly, and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty is wise!"

"I will immediately send someone to secretly send this document to Zhuozhou, Youzhou and other places."

When Yelü Hongji first ascended the throne, he was quite diligent in governing and attending to state affairs.

However, his good fortune did not last long. Within a few years, he became preoccupied with politics, became addicted to hunting, worshipping Buddha, and gambling, and embarked on large-scale construction projects, building Buddhist temples.

The number of monks increased year by year, and the taxes and corvée labor levied on the people became heavier and heavier. If anyone was even slightly late in paying, they would be subjected to severe punishment to force them to pay. Public resentment had long been rising.

Within half a month, the edict from the Great Zhou Emperor to the people of the Yan and Yun prefectures gradually reached their ears.

Immediately, there was much discussion and strong reactions, and the number of people who wanted to submit to the cause was increasing.

At the same time, this document also indicated to Yelü Hongji and other Liao officials that the Great Zhou's military campaign was aimed at recovering Yan and Yun.

In the eastern part of the Liao Dynasty, beside the Anchuhu River, was the settlement of the Jurchen Wanyan tribe.

Wanyan Helibo wore a supple and shiny left-fastening robe, his animal-skin boots were covered in mud and grass clippings, and a thick braid hung down the back of his head.

At this moment, he was sitting around a blazing fire with his two younger brothers, Wanyan Polashu and Wanyan Yingge, the firelight casting flickering shadows on their faces.

A skewer of venison sizzled and dripped with oil as it was grilled, the flames crackling occasionally.

"Those people sent by the imperial court are nothing but good-looking but useless good-for-nothings; they are no match for us."

"The Southern Dynasty emperor is determined to obtain the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. This situation presents us with a golden opportunity that we must not miss."

“In my opinion, we should go with the flow and form an alliance with the Southern Dynasty to work together,” Wanyan Yingge said, turning to look at Wanyan Helibo.

Wanyan Pola spoke first, "That makes sense. Once a winner is decided, the court will definitely regard us as a potential threat."

"If they win, they'll wipe us out to eliminate any future troubles; if they lose, they'll take their anger out on us and shift the blame. If we don't join forces with the Southern Dynasty now, when will we ever get another chance?"

"Last year alone, no fewer than three or four hundred of our people were killed or injured in the hunt for sea pheasants, and countless women were forcibly abducted."

"I cannot swallow this insult from the imperial court, no matter what."

Wanyan Helibo picked up a piece of perfectly roasted venison and slowly put it into his mouth.

After a long silence, he said in a deep voice, "The emperor of the Southern Dynasty is no ordinary person. An alliance is feasible."

"He probably wants us to keep the court in check, but in the long run, it may not be a good thing."

Wanyan Yingge clenched her fists, looking at him with resentment, "What do you mean by long-term or not? If we can't successfully start a rebellion this time, I'm afraid there won't even be a future!"

"Brother, no matter what, you have to find a way out for Uyashu and Aguda!"

"Are you going to just stand by and watch them suffer the same mistreatment from the court as we have in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Wanyan Helibo looked up at the sky and sighed deeply, then suddenly raised his hand and slammed it on the blue stone beside him.

"Very well, I will draft a secret letter and have my trusted confidant deliver it to the Southern Dynasty emperor tonight, saying that my Wanyan tribe is willing to act as the vanguard to help him contain the Liao Dynasty!"

"But the Southern Dynasty must also help my Wanyan tribe to successfully raise an army, so that they will no longer be subject to the Liao Dynasty!"

“With your words, elder brother, I am willing to lead my troops to fight against the Liao cavalry!” Wanyan Yingge suddenly drew the sword from her waist, her eyes resolute.

It was already early September. After discussing the matter with Gu Tingye, Zhang Fu, Fan Chunren, and others, Zhao Han quickly reached an alliance with Wanyan Helibo.

To demonstrate her strength, Wanyan Yingge won her first battle against the Liao army and even intercepted one of their supply convoys.

Gu Tingye, Zhang Fu, and Zheng Xiao led their troops in three separate routes, each advancing with unstoppable momentum, showcasing the full power of their firearms.

The Liao Kingdom has indeed developed firearms in recent years, but both their casting technology and lethality are far inferior to those of the Great Zhou.

Meanwhile, in Bianjing (Kaifeng).

With the assistance of Zhao Jing and his ministers, everything in the court was proceeding smoothly without any mishaps.

Outside the Duke of Wei's mansion, Old Madam Sheng, dressed in a dark-patterned brocade robe, slowly stepped into the carriage with the help of Sheng Hong.

Her full head of silver hair was neatly combed, and her demeanor remained calm and dignified.

"Mother, slow down. Do you really not want Madam or Hui'er to come with you?" Sheng Hong asked, his voice full of concern as he held onto the carriage shaft.

Grandma Sheng lifted the carriage curtain and said gently, "Grandma He is seriously ill. This trip may be the last time we see her. What are we going there for?"

“Especially Hui-jie, she is still young, how can she withstand such a scene of life and death?” “If she is frightened or catches a disease, it would be inappropriate. I will go alone, quietly talk to her for a few words, that will be enough.”

"You're still sick, go back home, don't let anyone see you."

"Yes, yes, Mother is right. I will go back to recuperate now." Sheng Hong nodded repeatedly.

To avoid the limelight, he took leave three days ago, citing a cold he had caught, and stayed home to recuperate, refusing to see any visitors.

Zhao Jing, being astute, naturally understood Sheng Hong's meaning and specially dispatched an imperial physician to examine his pulse and assist him in recuperating properly.

After the carriage curtain was lowered, it slowly headed towards the He residence, and Sheng Hong led Dong Rong back to the study.

Madam Fang picked up a thick fox fur blanket and covered the old lady's legs, saying softly, "The wind is strong in late autumn, and it's even colder when the carriage is moving."

"The He residence isn't close by. The old lady should take good care of herself and stay warm. If anything happens to her, Consort Chen will be very worried."

The old lady scolded, "That girl seems insightful and open-minded, but she's actually prone to overthinking and always worrying about me for no reason."

"Sixth Miss is concerned about the old lady," Madam Fang said sincerely. "Ever since the young lady came to live with her, she has received her careful guidance."

“Although Madam Wei is a good person, without the old lady, there would be no young lady today. The young lady is only thinking about the old lady because she is always grateful for this kindness.”

The old lady smiled calmly. She had raised quite a few children in her life, but when it came to thoughtfulness, care, and pure sincerity, no one could compare to Minglan.

About an hour later, the carriage came to a steady stop outside the vermilion gate of the He residence.

Several maids were already waiting there. After curtsying, they led them to the backyard to see the bedridden Old Madam He.

The room was filled with the aroma of medicine, and the doors and windows were tightly closed.

Grandma He leaned against the soft pillows, her face sallow, and she only managed to look somewhat energetic with a ginseng slice in her mouth.

Upon seeing Old Madam Sheng, she immediately tried to sit up, saying, "Old sister, you've finally arrived! My body is too weak to do anything right now."

"Don't say that. Good people are always blessed. Besides, Wen-ge'er hasn't come back yet. You should at least hold on until next year."

Grandma He gave a bitter smile, "Don't forget what I do for a living. I know my own body well. I can't possibly hold out until then."

"Brother Wen has a promising future and a son and a daughter. Even if he were to close his eyes now, I wouldn't have any worries."

He Hongwen's mother had passed away from a serious illness several years ago, and Cao Jinxiu had no one to rely on, so Madam Cui would no longer show her any mercy.

They had long ago found a pretext to lock her in a side courtyard, forbidding her from coming out even a step.

After learning about her daughter's situation, Cao Jinxiu's mother tried several times to go to her daughter's home to demand an explanation.

He Hongwen had long seen through the true colors of the Cao family, and had previously been tolerant of them out of consideration for his mother.

Now that he had no more reservations, he directly told Cao's mother that if she didn't want to see Cao Jinxiu suffer, he would write a letter of release and take Cao Jinxiu home.

Cao's mother immediately fell silent and had not visited the He family for a long time.

Grandma Sheng reached out and tucked the blanket around her, comforting her, "In that case, you should relax and take good care of yourself."

Grandma He nodded gently, took the hot water bottle handed to her by the maid, and smiled. "I know, so don't waste your breath on me."

"Don't you know what kind of person I am?"

“My background is not as good as yours, and my marriage is not as good as yours, but I am more capable than you. Those dirty affairs in the mansion can never hold me back.”

"Back when that young lady Hong had Sheng Huaiyuan completely infatuated with her, I wrote to you several times and sent you medicine so that you could quietly get rid of her and eliminate any future trouble."

"But you are too soft-hearted to be ruthless. You have suffered so much at such a young age, raising a son born out of wedlock, and others cannot see how much hardship you have endured."

"Fortunately, Heaven has eyes. Your eldest daughter has become the Empress, and your sixth daughter has also entered the palace as a concubine. They are constantly favored, and your suffering has finally come to an end."

Grandma Sheng sighed softly and shook her head.

Back then, she was the only daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi and the adopted daughter of Empress Jing'an. She married the top scholar in a grand wedding procession, and she disdained to compete with concubines for favor, let alone those underhanded methods.

I originally thought that Sheng Huaiyuan was just confused for a moment.

Once the novelty wears off, he will eventually remember the bond between husband and wife and the dignity of his family. I never expected him to be so utterly muddle-headed and beyond redemption.

It wasn't until nightfall that the two old sisters reluctantly parted ways.

In her words, Old Madam He repeatedly asked Old Madam Sheng to take care of He Hongwen for her sake in the future.

In terms of medical talent and future prospects, neither the He family nor his maternal family could match him.

-

Half a month later, on the northern border, Gu Tingye took the lead in winning the first victory, forcing the Liao army to abandon their armor and weapons and retreat in defeat. Now, his troops are at the gates of Yingzhou City, and the fall of the city is just around the corner.

Zheng Xiao and Zhang Fu's two routes also reported frequent victories, capturing thousands of Liao army deputy generals and soldiers, greatly reducing the morale of the Liao army and increasing their decline.

In the Zhaode Hall of the Shangjing (upper capital) of the Liao Kingdom, the table was piled with military intelligence reports from the border.

Yelü Hongji's expression was solemn, and the dark circles under his eyes were becoming more and more obvious.

He raised his hand and frowned, feeling a wave of dizziness before his eyes. Under Yelü Yixin's scheme, Crown Prince Yelü Jun successfully died of illness.

"How could someone who was perfectly healthy suddenly pass away from illness?"

Upon hearing this, Yelü Yixin feigned deep sorrow and replied in a deep voice, "Like Your Majesty, I was struck by lightning upon hearing this news, and my heart remains uneasy to this day."

"The imperial physicians and coroners examined him and confirmed that he died suddenly from a heart attack, and it was definitely not caused by external force."

"The border war is currently intense, and the Jurchens are pressing forward step by step, leaving us attacked from both sides. Although the matter of the Crown Prince is painful, I hope Your Majesty will take care of your health and find some solace."

Yelü Hongji looked utterly helpless, his hands resting limply on the table. He had issued an edict to demote Yelü Jun to a commoner and imprison him for life.

But no matter what, he was his only prince, so it was impossible not to feel heartbroken. Fortunately, Yelü Jun still had a grandson, Yelü Yanxi.

"I understand what the Grand Tutor means."

"The Southern Dynasty has broken its promise and torn up the century-old alliance. They are coming with great force and plotting to seize Yan and Yun. We must not let them succeed!" Yelü Hongji said through gritted teeth.

Yelü Yixin stood in the hall, his brows furrowed. The Liao army had suffered repeated defeats, its strength was severely depleted, and its morale was low. It was no match for the Southern Dynasty's army if they relied solely on brute force.

Not to mention the Jurchen rebellion. Although their numbers were small, they were all brave and fierce. Even when offered three years without tribute and high-ranking official positions and generous salaries, they refused to surrender.

They're really difficult to deal with!

However, he did not tell Yelü Hongji these things at this moment, but only cupped his hands and said, "Your subject obeys!"

(End of this chapter)