Song Xiu

Chapter 119 A Step-by-Step Approach to Benevolence: Nanping Without a King (Bonus Chapter!)

Zhao Dexiu observed Gao Baoyin's performance.

Realizing that the reprimand was sufficient, Zhao Dexiu personally helped Gao Baoyin up.

Zhao Dexiu's actions calmed Gao Baoyin's panicked emotions considerably.

Many people speak highly of the benevolent King of Taiyuan, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved.

Gao Baoyin knew that Zhao Dexiu had been giving him a warning earlier.

After all, Gao Baoxu had been disrespectful before, so it's not surprising that Zhao Dexiu wanted to give him a warning.

If it were an ordinary person, when their side had the upper hand, they wouldn't simply resort to a reprimand to deal with disrespect.

Zhao Dexiu's verbal intimidation was enough to demonstrate his magnanimous character.

After calming Gao Baoyin down, Zhao Dexiu pointed to the several carts of valuables Gao Baoyin had brought and said in front of the generals:

"This was given to me by your country."

Then may I ask, what about the supplies your country provided to our army?

Gao Baoyin was taken aback when Zhao Dexiu said this.

Gao Baoyin quickly realized what was happening and cupped his hands in greeting, saying:
"Rest assured, Your Majesty!"

"After I return to Jiangling, I will certainly advise the Prince of Nanping to prepare wine and meat to reward the army."

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu had a request, Gao Baoyin became even more reassured.

Before arriving, Gao Baoyin's biggest fear was that Zhao Dexiu would chop him up with a knife at the slightest provocation.

Secondly, Gao Baoyin was worried that Zhao Dexiu had no demands.

If Zhao Dexiu had no demands, it meant that Gao Baoxu's disrespect would remain in his mind forever.

This puts the Kingdom of Nanping in grave danger.

Zhao Dexiu intended for the Nanping Kingdom to reward the army, which was a way for Gao Baoxu to atone for his mistakes with meritorious service.

It would be best if they could atone for their sins with good deeds.

Hearing that Gao Baoyin was quite savvy, Zhao Dexiu nodded in satisfaction.

"We should host a banquet to welcome the envoy from Nanping."

After speaking, Zhao Dexiu took Gao Baoyin's hand and walked towards the commander's tent.

Being held by Zhao Dexiu's hand made Gao Baoyin feel flattered.

As Zhao Dexiu led Gao Baoyin into the tent, he spoke up:
"The suppression of the rebellion is of utmost urgency. I am concerned that Zhou Xingfeng may be reckless and lead his troops in a surprise attack on your country."

To protect your country, and given the urgency of the situation, we have taken the drastic measure of sending troops into the country. We hope the envoy understands our intentions.

With the previous demonstrations already in full swing, every bit of goodwill that Zhao Dexiu now shows will be magnified infinitely in Gao Baoyin's mind.

Faced with Zhao Dexiu's explanation, Gao Baoyin hurriedly said:

"The King of Taiyuan's concerns are justified."

"After I return to Jiangling, I will certainly explain the hidden truth to the Prince of Nanping."

After a night of revelry, Zhao Dexiu sent his deputy Cao Bin to personally escort Gao Baoyin out of the camp early the next morning.

Zhao Dexiu's actions deeply moved Gao Baoyin.

After Gao Baoyin left, Zhao Dexiu heard that Pan Mei outside the tent had something to ask to see him.

Zhao Dexiu had someone bring Pan Mei in.

After Pan Mei entered the tent and found no one else inside, he cupped his hands in greeting to Zhao Dexiu and said:
"Did the Prince of Taiyuan personally lead his army to Jingmen just to pass through?"

Upon hearing Pan Mei's question, Zhao Dexiu looked at him with interest and said:
"Zhongxun, what good plan do you have? Why don't you tell me?"

After speaking, Zhao Dexiu gestured for Pan Mei to sit down.

After sitting down, Pan Mei quickly said:
"After Gao Baorong's death, Gao Baoxu succeeded him to the throne, but he became obsessed with sensual pleasures and neglected state affairs, which aroused dissatisfaction among many ministers in the country."

The people of Nanping were restless and almost in a state of uproar.

Furthermore, observing the behavior of the garrison at Jingmen the day before yesterday reveals that the Prince of Taiyuan wields considerable power and influence within Nanping.

In my humble opinion, now is the perfect opportunity for our army to seize Jingmen.

The information Pan Mei mentioned was all obtained through his previous on-site investigations in Nanping.

Pan Mei's words made Zhao Dexiu laugh:

“How could I not know what Zhongxun said?”

Taking Jingmen will not be difficult for our army.

However, if Jingmen is lost, Gao Baoxu will be even more terrified and may defend Jiangling to the death.

Jiangling is a fortified city. Taking it might not be difficult, but it would damage the morale of our troops.

In addition, Gao Baoxu will definitely seek Zhou Xingfeng's help in order to protect himself.

If the two countries join forces and garrison Jiangling City, the situation will be unfavorable for our army.

The fate of Jingmen rests in my hands; there's no need to rush.

What I'm after is Jiangling.

When our army first entered Nanping, Gao Baoxu was deeply wary of it.

The most important task for our army at present is to lower their guard.

When their wariness dissipates, that will be the opportune moment for our army.

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's words, Pan Mei gradually relaxed.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu disregarded Jingmen, Pan Mei thought that he only entered Nanping to pass through.

This speculation made Pan Mei somewhat uneasy.

As the army of the king, a righteous cause and a legitimate claim are indispensable.

However, in chaotic times, the greatest use of righteousness and prestige is as a fig leaf.

As the commander-in-chief of an army, one cannot truly uphold righteousness as the guiding principle and thus be hesitant and restrained in the course of war.

Zhao Dexiu didn't blame Pan Mei for misunderstanding, after all, the two hadn't known each other for very long and Pan Mei didn't understand him very well.

Those who know him will not have this concern.

From the moment he led his army into Jingmen, the demise of the Nanping Kingdom was already on the countdown.

Gao Baoyin also felt more relaxed.

Upon returning to Jiangling City, Gao Baoyin immediately went to pay his respects to Gao Baoxu.

In front of Gao Baoxu, Gao Baoyin strongly testified to Zhao Dexiu's intentions.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, the Prince of Taiyuan led his troops into the country this time out of concern for Zhou Xingfeng, and has no other intentions."

Gao Baoyin's words eased Gao Baoxu's fear considerably.

Gao Baoyin was his own brother; he couldn't possibly be helping Zhao Dexiu deceive him.

Seeing that Gao Baoxu's complexion had improved, Gao Baoyin continued:

"The King of Taiyuan wants our country to reward its troops."

Upon hearing this, Gao Baoxu even showed a hint of joy on his face.

If Zhao Dexiu wants money, that's easy to do.

Although the territory of Nanping Kingdom only consists of three prefectures, all three prefectures are prosperous lands. After years of peace, Nanping Kingdom could easily provide some of the Song army's provisions.

"We must do our utmost to fulfill the King of Taiyuan's request."

After saying this, Gao Baoxu ordered someone to summon Sun Guangxian.

After Sun Guangxian arrived, Gao Baoxu gave the following order:

"The matter of rewarding the Song army will be entirely handled by the two of you."

When Sun Guangxian was about to retire with Gao Baoyin, Gao Baoxu kept him behind alone.

"When you deliver the grain and meat to Jingmen, please help me find out the Song army's intentions again."

Upon receiving this secret order, Sun Guangxian bowed and departed.

A few days later, under Gao Baoyin's supervision, a large amount of grain, meat, wine and water had been prepared.

Subsequently, Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian, carrying the supplies for the army from Nanping, traveled north to the Song army camp.

After leaving behind supplies to reward the troops, Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian were led by soldiers to the outside of the commander's tent.

Upon hearing of Gao Baoyin and his companion's arrival, Zhao Dexiu resorted to his old tricks again.

Sun Guangxian was carefully observing everything in the Song camp when he suddenly saw a young man walking towards him.

"That is the King of Taiyuan."

After learning Zhao Dexiu's identity from Gao Baoyin, Sun Guangxian was so frightened that he lowered his head and dared not look directly at him.

The news that the song "Tan Lai" had resonated throughout Jingmen had long been known throughout Jiangling.

Having witnessed the military might of the Song army, Sun Guangxian dared not show the slightest disrespect.

Soon after, Zhao Dexiu arrived in front of Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian.

Seeing that there was an extra envoy today, Zhao Dexiu immediately guessed Gao Baoxu's intention in sending Sun Guangxian here. "This is the deputy envoy, Sun Guangxian, beside me."

Upon learning that this person was Sun Guangxian, Zhao Dexiu's eyes lit up.

Pan Mei once mentioned that Sun Guangxian had served as the Prince of Nanping for three generations and held a high position of power in Nanping.

High position and great power are very good.

This means that every word Sun Guangxian sends back will directly affect Gao Baoxu's judgment.

With a smile on his face, Zhao Dexiu led Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian into the tent.

Sun Guangxian was unaware of the true meaning behind Zhao Dexiu's smile; he simply assumed that Zhao Dexiu was kind and gentle by nature.

After entering the tent and taking their seats, Zhao Dexiu said to Sun Guangxian:
"I have heard that you have long been in charge of the affairs of Nanping, which has led to a smooth and harmonious society in Nanping. You are truly a good minister."

Zhao Dexiu's praise flattered Sun Guangxian.

Sun Guangxian was eager to get up and politely declined Zhao Dexiu's undeserved praise.

However, Zhao Dexiu indicated to Sun Guangxian that there was no need for such formalities:

"Our distinguished guest has come from afar; we shall now prepare a banquet to entertain him."

Sun Guangxian was deeply moved by Zhao Dexiu's attention.

Zhao Dexiu was courteous and respectful to scholars; how could one discern even a trace of hostility towards the Nanping Kingdom?

Before he knew it, Sun Guangxian had already formed a conclusion in his mind.

A few days later, Sun Guangxian's secret report was delivered back to Gao Baoxu.

In his secret report, Sun Guangxian, like Gao Baoyin, believed that the Song army's garrison at Jingmen posed no danger.

To lend credibility to this inference, Sun Guangxian stated in a confidential report:
"In my observation, every soldier in the Song army is like a tiger or wolf."

The garrison at Jingmen feared the King of Taiyuan like a tiger.

If the Prince of Taiyuan intended to be an enemy, the city of Jingmen would have long been in the hands of the Song army!

This argument was so compelling that it greatly pleased Gao Baoxu.

Now that he knows the Song army has no ill intentions and that tens of thousands of Song soldiers are protecting him in Jingmen, resisting Zhou Xingfeng's invasion, what does Gao Baoxu have to worry about?

Then play music, then dance!
Once he was free of worries, Gao Baoxu quickly reverted to his old ways.

Under Gao Baoxu's orders, a large number of new prostitutes began to re-enter the palace.

When Gao Baoxu relapsed into his life of wine and women, his last conscious thought was:
"I wonder if the Prince of Taiyuan experiences the same kind of joy?"

What is good above will be replicated below.

Seeing that Gao Baoxu was no longer worried about the Song army, the ministers in Jiangling City had no reason to think too much.

As a result, Jiangling City, which was originally under martial law, reopened its gates to welcome local merchants and people.

Looking at the wide-open gates of Jiangling, and then at the lazy guards on the city walls, and the Song scouts hidden in the shadows, he suddenly spurred his horse and headed towards Jingmen.

Upon receiving the latest intelligence about Jiangling City, Zhao Dexiu's face showed a hint of a smile.

He ordered someone to summon Pan Mei.

Upon receiving the summons, Pan Mei quickly arrived in front of Zhao Dexiu.

After Pan Mei arrived, Zhao Dexiu handed him the intelligence he had in his hand.

As Pan Mei was reviewing the intelligence, Zhao Dexiu laughed.

"Looking at it today, is it the Jingmen Yi Diagram or the Jiangling Yi Diagram?"

After reading the intelligence, Pan Mei's face immediately showed excitement.

Judging from her expression, one could tell Pan Mei's answer.

Seeing that Pan Mei was eager to try, Zhao Dexiu said directly:
"To strike when the enemy is unprepared depends on timing."

Tonight you may lead several thousand elite cavalry and march south with Li Hanqiong under cover of darkness.

Zhao Dexiu's words moved Pan Mei to rise and bow in gratitude:
"This humble general will certainly not fail in his mission!"

With such a great achievement already made, who can remain calm?

After Pan Mei finished her prayers, Zhao Dexiu gave her some instructions:
"Taking Jiangling is a great national undertaking, but the people are innocent."

Jiangling is a prosperous place. After you lead your army south, you must ensure that military discipline is maintained.

Do not disturb the people, and do not indiscriminately kill.

"If you disobey this order, regardless of whether Jiangling is captured or not, I will execute you first!"

Zhao Dexiu's instructions made Pan Mei's face turn solemn.

"I will obey my orders."

Pan Mei's solemn expression made Zhao Dexiu nod.

The reason why Pan Mei was chosen to lead the army south was that Zhao Dexiu valued Pan Mei's abilities.

No matter how good the strategy is, the executor is also crucial.

On the other hand, Zhao Dexiu knew that Pan Mei was insightful and could understand his good intentions.

After Pan Mei accepted the order and left, Zhao Dexiu ordered someone to summon Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian.

After the banquet that day, Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian did not return to Jiangling; instead, they chose to stay in Jingmen City.

Zhao Dexiu saw through their thoughts at a glance.

They simply wanted to keep a close watch on their own army from within Jingmen City.

If there is any unusual movement on our side, we must immediately report it to Gao Baoxu.

Knowing this, Zhao Dexiu naturally wouldn't forget them tonight, as it was a crucial night.

In Jingmen City, after Gao Baoyin received another invitation to a banquet from Zhao Dexiu, he couldn't help but smile and say to Sun Guangxian beside him:
"The Crown Prince of the superior nation is truly extraordinary in his dealings with people."

Recently, Zhao Dexiu has invited them to banquets several times.

After several pleasant banquets, Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian had a very good impression of Zhao Dexiu.

The good impression left Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian with no suspicion whatsoever.

After bringing some gifts, Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian arrived at the Song army camp on time.

Once inside the banquet, Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian were overwhelmed by the many enthusiastic Song generals.

Then bursts of laughter and chatter filled the banquet.

After a while of laughter and chatter, Zhao Dexiu arrived at the table.

As soon as Zhao Dexiu arrived, everyone stopped crowding together and took their seats according to their assigned places.

After everyone was seated, dishes were served one after another under the supervision of the master of ceremonies.

With the delicious food served, how could we be without the beautiful music?

As the enchanting music began to play, graceful dancers entered the room like fairies descending to earth, immediately attracting the attention of Gao Baoyin and Sun Guangxian.

During the chaotic Five Dynasties period, the social environment south of the Yangtze River was relatively stable compared to the turbulent Central Plains.

For example, the Kingdom of Nanping had enjoyed peace for many years, and the country was filled with the sounds of string and wind instruments.

The sounds of string and wind instruments are pleasant to listen to, but they also invisibly wear down the character of the civil and military officials of Nanping.

Sun Guangxian watched the dance while continuously sipping fine wine.

Gradually, a sense of intoxication filled Sun Guangxian's eyes.

In contrast, Gao Baoyin was already drunk and passed out on the food table.

As Sun Guangxian put down his wine glass, intending to take a nap at his desk, he didn't realize that the music at the banquet had stopped sometime earlier.

Meanwhile, Zhao Dexiu had already learned that Pan Mei had led his troops away.

Upon hearing this news, Zhao Dexiu put down his wine glass.

"Meng Wen, there is something I don't understand. Please explain it to me."

These words made Sun Guangxian look up at Zhao Dexiu.

"The King of Taiyuan, please ask..."

A mixture of intoxication and drowsiness made Sun Guangxian's consciousness somewhat hazy.

But he will soon come to his senses.

Is there a king in Nanping today?

At first glance, Zhao Dexiu's question was quite interesting.

Of course, the Kingdom of Nanping had a king; wasn't Gao Baoxu one?
However, Sun Guangxian gradually realized that something was wrong.

To this day, the Song Dynasty has not recognized Gao Baoxu's throne!
Upon realizing this, Sun Guangxian was jolted awake from his daze.

When the Qingming Festival was restored, Sun Guangxian looked at the Chairman again, and what he saw made him feel a chill.

The gentle smile on Zhao Dexiu's face was gone, replaced by solemnity.

The next moment, an undeniable statement resounded throughout the room:
"After Bao Rong, Nanping had no king. How can a country stand without a king?"

(End of this chapter)