Song Xiu

Chapter 103 Khitan's Response: Uncle, Take Your Time
After the Battle of Luzhou, Zhao Kuangyin bestowed comprehensive rewards upon the Imperial Guards.

They take care of money, clothing, food, and other aspects, emphasizing thoughtfulness and attentiveness.

However, the Imperial Guards are numerous, and the amount of rewards for each unit varies due to differences in merit and status. As a result, the matter of rewarding the Imperial Guards has not yet been fully completed to this day.

In Zhao Dexiu's view, although the Huainan rebellion urgently needed to be quelled, it was not too late to postpone the expedition until the Imperial Guards had finished receiving their full rewards.

Otherwise, the morale of the Imperial Guards would easily become unstable.

Fortunately, Zhao Guangyi had a good elder brother. If this had happened in the early Five Dynasties period, and someone dared to go on a campaign without sufficient rewards, it would have caused a major disaster.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu was taking this matter seriously, Tian Chongjin continued sullenly:
"If the Prince of Taiyuan were leading the troops, he probably wouldn't be so hasty."

Zhao Dexiu and Zhao Guangyi were both members of the imperial clan, and both were leading troops for the first time. When Zhao Kuangyin issued the edict, many people in the Imperial Guards naturally compared the two.

After the Battle of Luzhou, thanks to the words of thousands of soldiers in the Imperial Guard, the reputation of "King Taiyuan will always reward those who have rendered meritorious service" had already spread throughout the Imperial Guard.

When the two were compared, Zhao Guangyi was already inferior to Zhao Dexiu in some aspects, even before he had led his troops into battle.

Seeing Tian Chongjin's somewhat aggrieved look, Zhao Dexiu chuckled and scolded:
"You were like a demon when you were killing enemies on the battlefield, why are you acting so aggrieved here with me?"

I do not yet understand your meaning.

You don't need to worry. If I didn't know about this, so be it. But since I do know, I won't just sit idly by.

I will advise His Majesty to postpone his expedition for a few days, citing the reason that the Marquis of Donghai should attend my wedding.

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's words, Tian Chongjin was overjoyed.

Tian Chongjin deliberately brought this up in front of Zhao Dexiu, wasn't it precisely because of Zhao Dexiu's attitude?
Although Tian Chongjin was a confidant of Zhao Kuangyin, a confidant is ultimately not as close as a relative.

If Tian Chongjin were to rashly offer advice to Zhao Kuangyin, it might cause unnecessary trouble.

Zhao Dexiu is the most suitable person to do this—no matter how close a younger brother is, he can't compare to a son.

Tian Chong quickly stood up and bowed to Zhao Dexiu, saying:

"On behalf of tens of thousands of imperial guards, I thank the King of Taiyuan."

After Tian Chongjin finished thanking them, Zhao Dexiu waved for him to sit down.

With Tian Chongjin's mention of this matter as a starting point, it became easier for Zhao Dexiu to say what followed.

"Although the Marquis of Donghai is well-versed in military strategy, this is, after all, his first time on a campaign."

I hope you will look after the Marquis of Donghai as you did for me back then.”

"promise!"

Zhao Kuangyin appointed Tian Chongjin as Zhao Guangyi's deputy general with this in mind.

Therefore, Zhao Dexiu's instructions did not surprise Tian Chongjin.

Seeing that Tian Chongjin was taking it seriously, Zhao Dexiu then continued:

“I have studied Li Chongjin’s past battles. He is good at raids and taking risks.”

Huainan is crisscrossed by rivers, and Li Chongjin has a geographical advantage; he might take advantage of this.

After you lead your army into Huainan, pay close attention to the flanks and rear of your main force.

Given the impression that Zhao Dexiu's words were often accurate during the Battle of Luzhou, Tian Chongjin carefully kept Zhao Dexiu's judgment in mind.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I've got it."

Seeing Tian Chongjin's solemn expression, Zhao Dexiu felt much relieved.

As time went by, the outcome of the Battle of Luzhou spread beyond the area south of Yan and Yun.

The military intelligence regarding the Battle of Luzhou had already fallen into the hands of Yelü Wuzhi, the Northern King of the Khitan, thanks to the relay of scouts.

However, after receiving the military intelligence, Yelü Wuzhi temporarily only dispatched a cavalry force to defend the Yan-Yun border because Xiao Siwen, the garrison commander of Yanjing, had returned to Shangjing to bring his family south.

Xiao Siwen has recently returned to Yanjing, and Yelü Wuzhi ordered someone to summon him.

When Xiao Siwen arrived, Yelü Wuzhi handed the military intelligence to him and carefully observed the changes in his expression.

As Yelü Wuzhi had expected, he saw a look of surprise on Xiao Siwen's face.

Then a soft gasp escaped from Xiao Siwen's mouth:
"Zhao Dexiu?"

In the military intelligence regarding the Battle of Luzhou, Zhao Dexiu was undoubtedly the most outstanding figure, making it hard for Xiao Siwen not to notice him.

Upon hearing Xiao Siwen recite the name, Yelü Wuzhi added:

"He is the eldest son of the emperor of the Central Plains, and is now the Prince of Taiyuan in the Central Plains."

As a staunch advocate of Sinicization in the Khitan court and well-versed in Han Chinese culture, Xiao Siwen recognized the significance of Zhao Dexiu's identity.

While Xiao Siwen was pondering, Yelü Wuzhi continued:

"After the battle of Funiu Mountain, I thought he would lead his army north to plot against Taiyuan."

When hunters are injured, they often become arrogant and focus their attention on the prey in front of them, ignoring the dangers around them.

At that time, I had already ordered Xiu Ge to lead a cavalry force to the border, so that when he led his army north, we could cut off his supply lines in one fell swoop.

But he didn't. Instead, he sent a general named Yang Ye to scout out our whereabouts along the border.

After saying this, Yelü Wuzhi's eyes narrowed involuntarily.

"Is he treating us like prey as well?"

As a Khitan elder, Yelü Wuzhi was an excellent hunter.

Upon seeing Yelü Wuzhi's narrowed eyes, Xiao Siwen realized that this excellent hunter was plotting his prey.

"For the sake of the great cause of the Khitan."

I do not want to see a unified Han Chinese dynasty.

Unfortunately, His Majesty does not wish to wage war.

In front of his longtime friend, Yelü Wuzhi revealed his deepest thoughts.

In recent years, the Khitan emperor Yelü Jing has been indulging in hunting and fine wine, neglecting state affairs for a long time.

As the greatest contributor to Yelü Jing's ascension to the throne, Yelü Wuzhi is now only the Northern Court King, but he can still make decisions on many matters of the court.

Seeing that Yelü Wuzhi had become interested in the emerging southern dynasty, the "Song," Xiao Siwen immediately offered his advice:
"We should send a delegation south under the pretext of establishing friendly relations."

There is a saying among the Han people: "Know yourself and know your enemy."

Under the guise of establishing friendly relations, the mission was able to probe the strengths and weaknesses of the Han people in the Central Plains.

After listening to Xiao Siwen's advice, Yelü Wuzhi thought for a moment and then agreed:
"As you say."

It just so happens that Brother Xiu also wants to see the scenery of the Central Plains.

Yelü Xiuge?

Xiao Siwen remembered that he was a rare rising star in the Khitan royal family.

Yelü Wuzhi even publicly praised him for having the talent of a high-ranking official.

"Then let Han Kuangsi be the chief envoy, leading the delegation south to Bianjing to observe the true state of the Central Plains!"

After Yelü Wuzhi settled the matter, Xiao Siwen smiled.

He couldn't help but recall the promise he had made with Xiao Yanyan.

On the 23rd day of the seventh month of the first year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty, the wedding of the Prince of Taiyuan of the Song Dynasty was held as scheduled in the Zichen Palace.

According to the established rites, Zhao Dexiu's wedding should have been held in his palace.

However, Zhao Kuangyin had his own way.

Before Zhao Dexiu's wedding took place, a minister submitted a memorial:
"The emperor, being of supreme status, should not leave the palace lightly."

"The eldest son of the royal family must be present at the wedding banquet."

Unable to leave the palace, yet also unable to allow Zhao Dexiu's wedding to be without elders, Zhao Kuangyin, caught in a dilemma, could only compromise and hold Zhao Dexiu's wedding in the Zichen Palace.

On that morning, the resounding sound of cannon salutes echoed throughout the entire city of Tokyo.

Along Zhuque Avenue in the capital city of Kaifeng, every ten steps, large red lanterns were hung by the yamen runners of Kaifeng Prefecture. Countless red lanterns lined both sides of Zhuque Avenue, immersing the entire city of Kaifeng in a festive atmosphere.

To celebrate with the people, three days before the wedding, Zhao Kuangyin issued an edict to bestow grain and cloth upon the people of the capital city of Kaifeng.

After receiving tangible benefits, the people will naturally be willing to sincerely wish the newlyweds well today.

Outside the Zichen Palace in the imperial city, Zhao Dexiu, dressed in a crimson silk robe, stood quietly at the foot of the palace steps.

An autumn breeze occasionally swept by outside the palace, causing the jade plaques on Zhao Dexiu's jade belt to flutter. The crisp sound of the jade pieces striking each other was incessant, revealing his joyful mood that day.

Zhao Dexiu was waiting for his new bride, Li Duruo.

When Zhao Dexiu looked again toward the Nazheng Gate not far away, he finally saw his new bride, who was walking towards him with light, quick steps on the red carpet.

Li Duruo was dressed in a pheasant-patterned robe, with lifelike phoenixes embroidered on the blue silk gauze. Zhao Dexiu's gaze was drawn to a phoenix hairpin on her black hair, which was styled into a court bun.

Looking at the phoenix hairpin, Zhao Dexiu couldn't help but smile.

Two high-ranking ladies helped Li Duoruo to Zhao Dexiu's side. As the master of ceremonies gave a loud "Welcome!", Zhao Dexiu's hand and Li Duoruo's hand were clasped together.

Then Zhao Dexiu led his new bride step by step up the palace steps and into the Zichen Palace.

The altars for Heaven and Earth had already been set up in the Zichen Hall, and the fragrance of burning sandalwood on the incense table filled the entire hall.

A group of civil and military officials sat on both sides of the hall, their eyes all fixed on the newlyweds.

As Li Duruo was being watched by so many eyes for the first time, beads of sweat gradually appeared on her palms.

Noticing Li Duruo's nervousness, Zhao Dexiu said softly:

Don't panic.

They are all your husband's subordinates.

The slightly proud words of reassurance brought a smile to Li Duruo's face, who had been looking down, and her nervousness vanished completely.

The emperor, dressed in an ochre-yellow dragon robe, sat on his throne, watching the bride approach him, tears welling in his eyes.

He recalled the scene of his marriage to Empress Xiaohui.

Zhao Kuangyin, who came from humble origins, was essentially a person with rich emotions.

Zhao Kuangyin cast longing glances toward Yongchang Mausoleum more than once.

Compared to Zhao Kuangyin's feelings, Empress Wang, sitting on the right, had a smile on her face, while Empress Dowager Du, sitting on the left, had a solemn expression, maintaining the "demeanor" of an empress dowager.

After Zhao Dexiu led Li Duoruo to stand in the center of the main hall, the newlyweds began to bow to heaven and earth under the guidance of the master of ceremonies' command of "Bow".

After paying homage to Heaven and Earth, they then turned to pay homage to the Emperor and Empress.

After the Emperor and Empress finished their prayers to Heaven and Earth, eunuchs presented the newlyweds with a jade cup filled with fine wine.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the bride and groom raised their glasses. When the master of ceremonies announced "Let's drink together," Zhao Dexiu reached out and intertwined her arm with Li Duoruo's, and they both raised their glasses.

The sweet wine was never tasted.

After the nuptial ceremony is completed, there is only one most important step remaining:
The rites of the Duke of Zhou.

After attending the banquet in the Zichen Palace, Zhao Dexiu, led by a palace attendant, re-entered the Yande Palace.

Several months later, Yeondeokgung Palace remained unchanged.

After all the eunuchs had left, Zhao Dexiu stepped into the bridal chamber, which was wrapped in red silk and candlelight.

Li Duoruo, sitting gracefully on the edge of the couch with a red veil covering her head, was quietly waiting for the groom to arrive.

The new house was filled with fragrance.

Following the fragrance, Zhao Dexiu, with a light sheen of sweat on his forehead, walked to the edge of the bed.

As if sensing Zhao Dexiu's arrival, Li Duruo's body trembled slightly.

As her breathing became increasingly rapid, the red veil covering her head swayed gently.

Zhao Dexiu reached out and lifted the red veil, revealing Li Duruo's flawless face in the warm yellow candlelight.

Li Duruo's cheeks flushed pink, a mixture of nervousness, shyness, and anticipation.

Li Duoruo's shy demeanor stirred Zhao Dexiu's heart.

"Officer."

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu made no further move, Li Duruo raised her trembling eyes and looked at him.

That one word, "My lord," and those eyes made it impossible for Zhao Dexiu to control himself any longer.

As the figure in red landed, Li Duoruo's soft gasp echoed in the room:
The candlelight has not yet gone out.

Li Duoruo's reminder only made Zhao Dexiu speed up his movements.

"My husband likes to light lamps."

As the clothes were gradually removed, Zhao Dexiu, whose words seemed to have a hidden meaning, gently laid the snow-white body down on the couch.

As a cry of pain rang out, the figures of the two newlyweds intertwined in the candlelight.

A tender and lingering romance is the main theme tonight.

After the wedding of the Prince of Taiyuan, the suppression of the rebellion in Huainan was officially put on the agenda.

At the end of July in the first year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty, outside Kaifeng, Zhao Dexiu, who was ordered by the emperor to see off the army, handed a cup of wine to Zhao Guangyi, who was dressed in military uniform.

Although Zhao Guangyi was unable to personally visit Zhao Kuangyin, he felt some regret.

However, the fact that Zhao Kuangyin could have Zhao Dexiu see him off is enough to show how much he valued him.

Energetic Zhao Guangyi accepted the wine offered by Zhao Dexiu and drank it down in one gulp.

Thanks to the good genes of the Zhao family, when Zhao Guangyi put on military uniform, he did indeed have the heroic spirit of a battlefield general.

Especially seeing the confident and triumphant look on Zhao Guangyi's face, Zhao Dexiu nodded slightly.

However, Zhao Dexiu felt that something in the scene before her was not harmonious.

When Zhao Dexiu's gaze fell on the donkey carts among the supply train in the distance, he immediately understood.

"The weather in Huainan is unpredictable, and warhorses are prone to disease."

If the warhorse falls ill, it will become irritable, which may be detrimental to the Marquis of Donghai.

If necessary, please use other means of transportation.

On the surface, Zhao Dexiu's words were full of concern.

At least Zhao Guangyi didn't detect anything unusual; he simply assumed that Zhao Dexiu wanted him to ride in the carriage more often.

In response to Zhao Dexiu's concern, Zhao Guangyi laughed and said:
“I am from a military family, how could I not even control a warhorse?”

"Prince of Taiyuan, rest assured, I am not a delicate person. When I am on a campaign, how can the commander of an army travel by carriage?"

Speaking passionately to his generals behind him, Zhao Guangyi was a man of great spirit.

Surprisingly, Zhao Guangyi's words garnered praise from many of his generals.

Some words should be said only when they are sufficient.

To be honest, Zhao Dexiu didn't think Zhao Guangyi's expedition to Huainan would cause any trouble this time.

Fifty thousand elite imperial guards, plus spies around Li Chongjin.

After the farewell ceremony, Zhao Dexiu watched as tens of thousands of imperial guards embarked on their journey.

Uncle, take care.

　Chapter 12 will be released before midnight today.

　　I'll eat first, and then I'll start writing.

　　The average order is now 3000. Thank you all for your support.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)