Song Xiu

Chapter 121 A Heart of a Tiger Can Also Smell a Rose
The next day, the good news of Pan Mei's capture of Jiangling reached Zhao Dexiu.

When Sun Guangxian and Gao Baoyin learned of this news, knowing that the situation in Nanping was hopeless, they together persuaded the garrison in Jingmen to surrender.

The successive recapture of Jingmen and Jiangling brought the Nanping Kingdom's army almost entirely under the control of the Song army.

This means that it is only a matter of time before the Song army takes over all the three prefectures of Nanping, and there will be no major obstacles.

In early October, Zhao Dexiu led the Song army south from Xiangzhou. The Song army had been in Nanping for less than half a month.

In a short period of time, Zhao Dexiu cleverly devised a plan to help the Song Dynasty take over the entire territory of Nanping almost without bloodshed.

When this achievement is reported back to Bianjing, one wonders how happy Zhao Kuangyin will be.

What will happen in the future is unknown. For Zhao Dexiu now, the important thing is to appease the people and scholars in Nanping.

Two days later, Zhao Dexiu led his army to the outskirts of Jiangling City.

After estimating the approximate time of Zhao Dexiu's arrival, Pan Mei waited outside the city gate to greet him.

As soon as Zhao Dexiu arrived at the foot of Jiangling City, Pan Mei, along with several generals, dismounted:

"This humble general pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

After Pan Mei paid his respects, Zhao Dexiu jumped off his horse.

Zhao Dexiu personally helped Pan Mei up, saying with approval:

“It is you, Zhongxun, who have shown the world my faith and righteousness!”

Zhao Dexiu's praise stemmed from the fact that Pan Mei had strictly adhered to his military orders after the Song army took control of the entire city.

The Song army, while stationed in Jiangling, neither disturbed the civilians nor looted the treasury; their military discipline was strict, and they deserved the title of a royal army.

Zhao Dexiu wanted to stabilize the morale of the people in Nanping as soon as possible, and the actions of the Song army in Jiangling laid a solid foundation for his subsequent series of measures.

Faced with Zhao Dexiu's praise, Pan Mei appeared humble and unworthy of the praise.

Then Pan Mei reported something to Zhao Dexiu:

"The Gao family and their entire clan are temporarily imprisoned in the Prince's Palace, awaiting the King's judgment."

Upon hearing Pan Mei bring up this matter, Gao Baoyin, who was standing behind Zhao Dexiu, trembled.

Zhao Dexiu promised not to kill him, but never said he would spare his clansmen.

Because of his family ties, Gao Baoyin really wanted to plead for leniency.

But considering the numerous precedents, Gao Baoyin wisely kept quiet.

To save his own life, Gao Baoyin even wanted to change his surname and completely sever ties with the Gao clan.

After reporting, Pan Mei carefully observed Zhao Dexiu's expression.

In Pan Mei's heart, he hoped that Zhao Dexiu could show leniency towards the Gao family and their cronies.

After observing, Pan Mei failed to discern Zhao Dexiu's thoughts.

Zhao Dexiu remained noncommittal; perhaps in his mind, those hundreds of people were already dead.

"Take me to the Prince's Palace."

After saying this, Zhao Dexiu mounted his horse and, led by Pan Mei, slowly headed towards the Prince of Nanping's residence.

During the journey, Zhao Dexiu recalled something that had happened earlier.

When Zhao Dexiu led his troops to garrison Xiangzhou, he once wrote to Zhao Kuangyin asking how to deal with the deposed emperor and his clan if he could successfully destroy the country.

Such an important matter could not be decided by Zhao Dexiu alone.

It was assumed that Zhao Kuangyin would clearly state his decision in his reply, but unexpectedly:

"As the commander-in-chief of the three armed forces, one must often make decisions on the spot. What benefit would it bring to the country if one consulted the emperor on every matter?"
"You do it, and I will observe."

Recalling Zhao Kuangyin's reply, Zhao Dexiu smiled faintly.

Now, my father isn't going to hide anything from me during his investigation.

However, since his father was willing to delegate authority, he decided to act according to his own ideas.

As he pondered this, Zhao Dexiu spurred his horse to the outside of the Prince's Mansion.

Not long after dismounting and entering the Prince's Palace, Zhao Dexiu saw a large number of prisoners in a disheveled state.

The numerous prisoners lying on the ground, bound by chains, resembled pieces of meat laid out on a chopping board.

As soon as Zhao Dexiu arrived at the scene, the Song soldiers guarding the area all saluted him.

Song Jun's actions revealed Zhao Dexiu's identity to Gao Baoxu, which excited him.

He dragged the heavy chains, moving his body step by step with difficulty on the ground, but before he had gone far, a sharp blade was held to his head.

The sharp blade stopped Gao Baoxu in his tracks and caused him to cry out in a trembling voice:
"King of Taiyuan, this humble subject knows his crime, this humble subject knows his crime!"

After several days of detention, Gao Baoxu had long since put the past behind him.

What Prince of Nanping? Now he's just a "lowly commoner" begging for his life.

Faced with Zhao Dexiu's imposing presence, Gao Baoxu didn't even dare to utter the words "Spare my life."

He kept confessing his guilt, hoping to awaken some kindness in Zhao Dexiu.

As soon as Gao Baoxu cried out, hundreds of people in the audience realized that the person who could decide their fate had arrived.

A moment later, hundreds of loud pleas for mercy rang out in unison, which annoyed Cui Han, Li Hanqiong, and the other generals.

The next moment, apart from a few people like Pan Mei, most of the Song soldiers drew their weapons and pointed them at the prisoners to intimidate them.

Under the intimidation of numerous gleaming blades, the crying gradually subsided, leaving only barely suppressed sobs.

Looking around at the men, women, and children in the room, Zhao Dexiu's gaze finally settled on a child.

Everyone was watching Zhao Dexiu. They noticed her gaze was drawn to a delicate-skinned child, and many began to speculate:
"I've heard that some high-ranking officials and nobles have a penchant for toying with young children."

Upon hearing this conjecture, the mother holding the child immediately looked despairing.

What no one knew was that what attracted Zhao Dexiu was the rattle drum in the child's hand.

It is likely that because the Song army's surprise attack was too swift, the child was still playing carefree just moments before he was captured.

Besides being a toy, the rattle drum was also a common court musical instrument during times of peace.

It would be easy for Zhao Dexiu to kill these hundreds of people. Based solely on the charge of "Gao Baoxu usurping the throne," the Gao clan and their supporters would be wiped out.

Zhao Dexiu gave a signal, and Huyan Zan stepped forward and picked up the child.

Seeing that her suspicions were gradually coming true, the child's mother dared not stop them and could only collapse to the ground in grief.

As for the others, their faces were ashen, and they all lowered their heads in fear.

Zhao Dexiu doesn't even spare children, how could he possibly spare them?

When Huyan Zan held the child close, Zhao Dexiu reached out and took the rattle drum from the child's hand.

Soon, the crisp sound of the rattle drum rang in everyone's ears.

As Zhao Dexiu played with the rattle drum in her hand, she whispered to the child:
“I’ve taken your rattle, but I’m not taking it for nothing.”

"I'll give your life back to you."

Upon hearing this, the child's eyes widened, and his sobs gradually subsided.

After Huyan Zan put the child down, amidst the sound of drums symbolizing peace, a question suddenly rang out:

Where is Gao Jichong?

Upon Zhao Dexiu's questioning, Li Hanqiong, who was prepared, stepped forward and dragged out a young man.

This man is Gao Jichong, the eldest son of Gao Baorong.

He is the rightful heir to the Nanping Kingdom as Zhao Dexiu described him.

Seeing Gao Jichong, who was pale with fright, Zhao Dexiu said loudly:

"The Gao family has made great contributions to the defense of the land."

I will petition His Majesty to allow you to succeed to the position of Military Governor of Jingnan.

The Prince of Nanping is destined to disappear.

However, the hereditary title of Military Governor of Jingnan held by the Gao family could be given to Gao Jichong.

When many prisoners thought they were doomed, they heard these words, which made them look up in surprise.

After hundreds of pleading eyes once again gathered around him, Zhao Dexiu declared loudly:
"Except for Gao Baoxu, you are all innocent. The Gao family shall be moved to Xiangzhou."

Those who are not members of the Gao clan are all allowed to return home!

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the room.

The prisoners seemed incredulous.

A moment later, a series of loud cries of gratitude broke the silence.

"Thank you, Prince of Taiyuan!"

"I will never forget Your Majesty's kindness!"
Everyone present couldn't help but bow and kowtow to Zhao Dexiu in gratitude.

They thought they were going to die, but suddenly they were given a chance to live, and they were not even guilty of any crime. How could the prisoners not be extremely grateful to Zhao Dexiu?

The act of releasing animals is a great act of kindness, and no gift is too much to give.

Zhao Dexiu's decision brought tears of joy to the prisoners, but left some Song generals puzzled.

Destroying a country is not the same as quelling a rebellion. If the royal family of Nanping and its supporters are not wiped out, there is no guarantee that they will not rise from the ashes in the future.

During the Battle of Funiu Mountain, the Prince of Taiyuan was as fierce as a tiger, showing no mercy whatsoever. How has he changed today?

Seeing the puzzled looks on some of the generals' faces, Zhao Dexiu turned his gaze to them.

next moment:
"Your Majesty is wise!"

Those Song generals bowed directly and praised Zhao Dexiu's decision.

Li Hanqiong, with his hand on his weapon, surveyed the scene, looking for anyone who dared to question the decision of the King of Taiyuan.

Hearing the praise and gratitude around her, Zhao Dexiu turned and left, holding her rattle drum.

A group of officials and Pan Mei followed closely behind.

As they walked, Pan Mei could no longer suppress her admiration and sincerely praised Zhao Dexiu from behind:

"From this day forward, who in the world will not praise the benevolence of the King of Taiyuan?"
A peaceful era begins today!

Pan Mei spoke with great emotion, her words devoid of any flattery.

These words truly reflected Pan Mei's thoughts.

Although Zhao Kuangyin did not persecute the Zhou royal family and court officials after he became emperor, the situation was different from today.

According to official accounts, the Great Zhou Dynasty passed its legitimacy to the Great Song Dynasty through abdication.

At least on the surface, it's a bloodless, peaceful evolution.

Zhao Dexiu destroyed a country by force, yet he still showed mercy to the nobles of the fallen state, which is almost the first case in the world.

If there is a beginning, will there be no end?
Pan Mei saw in Zhao Dexiu the hope that the world could return to peace.

Upon hearing Pan Mei's praise, Zhao Dexiu turned to look at him.

Then Zhao Dexiu gave the rattle drum in his hand to Pan Mei as a token:
"I hope that one day, all children in the world will have this toy."

To comfort children's innocence and to celebrate peace.

I present this to you now, hoping we can both strive together!

Zhao Dexiu's words stirred Pan Mei's blood.

Shouldn't the throne of the Great Song Dynasty be inherited by the Prince of Taiyuan?
Pan Mei solemnly accepted Zhao Dexiu's gift:
"I accept your order."

Although the rattle drum is small, the aspirations it contains are very lofty.

Pan Mei's acceptance of this act set the stage for a legendary tale of a ruler and his subject that would be celebrated for generations to come:

"A gift of a rattle to my friend!"

Wuping Kingdom, Tanzhou.

Tanzhou is the Changsha of later generations.

In the military governor's mansion in Tanzhou City, Li Guanxiang of the Wuping Army was summoning Yang Shifan.

Previously, Zhou Xingfeng had stayed at home under the pretext of illness to avoid Pan Mei.

Unexpectedly, after Pan Mei left, Zhou Xingfeng actually caught a cold.

Zhou Xingfeng's health had always been poor, so catching a cold wasn't something to panic about.

But just at this moment, Li Guanxiang received news from the north:
"The Song Emperor ordered the Prince of Taiyuan to lead a southern expedition!"

This news greatly alarmed Li Guanxiang.

During his convalescence, Zhou Xingfeng was often confused, so he entrusted Li Guanxiang with handling important military and political affairs.

Upon learning this news, Li Guanxiang immediately sought out Yang Shifan to discuss it.

Among the officials in Wuping, Zhou Xingfeng trusted Li Guanxiang the most in political affairs, while Yang Shifan was the most trusted in military affairs.

When Yang Shifan first learned of the Song army's intention to launch a southern expedition, his initial reaction was no better than Li Guanxiang's.

However, after the initial panic, Yang Shifan quickly came up with a solution.

"We should immediately send an envoy to Jiangling to form an alliance with the Nanping Kingdom."

Yang Shifan knew that Zhao Dexiu had not mentioned the Nanping Kingdom in his proclamation, which was his concern about the two countries uniting.

Whatever the enemy is most worried about, that's exactly what we should do.

Wuping sent out three waves of envoys in total, spanning more than half a month.

However, the Nanping Kingdom has never given a clear answer.

Today, Li Guanxiang summoned Yang Shifan to the general's mansion again to discuss this matter.

When Yang Shifan arrived, Li Guanxiang said worriedly:

"Nanping Kingdom has been slow to respond to our army's requests."

Scouts reported that the Song army had entered the territory of Nanping and was now stationed outside Jingmen City.

I am very worried that Nanping will be the first to be captured and destroyed by the Song army.

Upon hearing Li Guanxiang's concerns, Yang Shifan offered words of comfort:
"Gao Baoxu was licentious, but he would not disregard the legacy of his ancestors."

If the Song army in Jingmen were to harbor any intention of plotting against the Southern Ping Kingdom, Gao Baoxu would likely impose martial law on Jiangling.

Jiangling is a fortified city, high in elevation and heavily fortified, making it difficult to attack. If the Song army insists on a strong assault, it will actually be an opportunity for our army.

Yang Shifan's words of comfort greatly eased Li Guanxiang's worries.

Then he added:

"Even if the Song army does not intend to attack Nanping, what if Gao Baoxu, intimidated by the Song army's power, asks to pass through their territory?"

Seeing Li Guanxiang's concern about this, Yang Shifan appeared even more relaxed.

"If Zhao Dexiu were to advance so rashly, the Song army's southern expedition would surely fail."

"At that time, as long as we send envoys to Gao Baoxu to explain the advantages and disadvantages, how can the Song army's supply lines be secured?"

After stating his two points of consideration, Yang Shifan, in order to completely dispel Li Guanxiang's concerns, continued:
"To put it another way, even if Zhao Dexiu had some trick up his sleeve, he could still launch a surprise attack and destroy the Nanping Kingdom."

If the royal family and nobles of Nanping were to die at the hands of the Song army, the hearts of the people in the three prefectures of Nanping would inevitably be unsettled.

If the three provinces are in turmoil, the grain supply lines will be unstable, and our nation will have no worries.

Yang Shifan made this assertion with great confidence.

However, despite saying that, Yang Shifan did not believe that Zhao Dexiu could really launch a surprise attack and destroy the Nanping Kingdom.

After calming Li Guanxiang down, Yang Shifan picked up the teacup on the table and savored the sweet tea.

Just then, an urgent report arrived from the north:

Two days ago, the Song army had already conquered and destroyed the Nanping Kingdom.

This urgent report, like a tiger's roar, shattered Li Guanxiang's newly settled state of mind in an instant.

As for Yang Shifan

With a "pfft," a stream of tea sprayed straight from Yang Shifan's mouth.

The fortified city of Jiangling fell in just a few days?
　Chapter 24, before midnight~

　　
　
(End of this chapter)