Song Xiu

Chapter 137 Public Sentiment Surges, Initial Formation of a Silent Campaign
The following day, while Shi Shouxin was making efforts to contact the generals, Liu Wensou arrived at the Court of Ceremonies with the emperor's message.

The Court of State Ceremonial was under the jurisdiction of the Court of State Ceremonial and was a place specifically used to receive envoys from various countries.

Besides the Court of State Ceremonies, the Court of State Ceremonies also oversaw the Huaiyuan Hall.

The establishment of Huaiyuan Hall began with Zhao Dexiu's southern expedition.

Upon learning that the royal family of Nanping had been captured, Zhao Kuangyin, who was always frugal, issued an edict to build a place that could accommodate the royal families of various countries.

According to sources, the Huaiyuan Pavilion covers a very large area, with each country having its own designated area.

Currently, people from the Nanping Kingdom and the Wuping Kingdom have already checked into the Huaiyuan Pavilion.

Emperor Zhao Kuangyin of the Song Dynasty's penchant for "stamp collecting" is quite evident.

Upon learning of Liu Wensou's arrival, Han Kuangsi, as the Khitan's chief envoy, personally greeted him.

Upon meeting Han Kuangsi, Liu Wensou conveyed the imperial decree:
"Your country's request for a polo match will be held in the palace in three days."

Your country should make thorough preparations.

Upon hearing this imperial decree, Han Kuangsi's face lit up with joy.

Upon seeing Han Kuangsi's smug expression, Liu Wensou, who was always very polite, almost couldn't help but want to curse.

The Khitan and the Central Plains had a deep-seated national and personal grudges.

When the Later Jin dynasty was destroyed by the Khitan, Emperor Taizong of Liao ordered the entire army to carry out the "grass raiding" campaign.

Raiding was a common tactic used by the Khitan army to plunder the Central Plains.

However, after the fall of the Later Jin dynasty, Yelü Deguang, who aspired to be the ruler of the Central Plains, institutionalized this practice.

During the frenzied raids, countless innocent people were killed, and countless others were displaced. The tyranny of the Khitans sparked continuous resistance from the people of the Central Plains.

Originally, when the Khitan entered the Central Plains, most local warlords expressed their submission. However, after the raids, the warlords in various places directly raised the banner of rebellion and spontaneously attacked the Khitan army.

It was amidst this chaos that Liu Zhiyuan seized the opportunity to rise up and eventually establish the Later Han Dynasty.

Many of Liu Wensou's clansmen died at the hands of the Khitan army.

Fortunately, Liu Wensou knew that he represented the Song Dynasty, and he managed to suppress his anger and curses.

After conveying the imperial decree with a cold expression, Liu Wensou turned and left the ceremonial compound.

After Liu Wensou left, Han Kuangsi summoned Han Derang and Yelü Xiuge:

"The emperor of the Central Plains has fallen for my provocation."

Three days later, a polo match will be held in the palace, with the Han Chinese team led by their Prince Zhao Dexiu.

I have heard that Zhao Dexiu is skilled in riding and archery.

"At that time, you two will lead a group of Khitan warriors and make sure to thoroughly crush the arrogance of the Han people in front of all the officials of the Central Plains!"

When Han Kuangsi said these words, his tone was a mixture of expectation and apprehension.

In the third year of the Jinglong era of the Former Tang Dynasty, the Tibetans sent envoys to compete with the Tang Dynasty in polo skills. The Tang Dynasty's representatives suffered repeated defeats, resulting in a great loss of face.

Upon hearing Han Kuangsi's instructions, Han Derang spoke first:
"The people of the Central Plains are good at infantry warfare, but how can they be a match for our great Khitan warriors in cavalry warfare?"

Zhao Dexiu's mastery of horsemanship and archery is useless.

Han Derang's tone was full of confidence.

Despite being called a polo match, it was actually a mounted combat contest between two countries.

Although Yelü Xiuge did not speak, his face was full of fighting spirit.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanyan came to Han Kuangsi's side.

Xiao Yanyan tugged at Han Kuangsi's sleeve and said:

"I want to participate too!"

Upon hearing Xiao Yanyan's request to fight, Han Kuangsi laughed loudly:

"They are men, unlike you."

You can watch the battle with me and cheer for the Khitan warriors.

Han Kuangsi's words displeased Xiao Yanyan.

Who says women are inferior to men?

Men can serve their country, and women are no exception.

During the early Tang Dynasty, many noble ladies accepted the challenge; if they could do it, so could I!

Xiao Yanyan spoke with unwavering resolve, and in an attempt to persuade Han Kuangsi, he cited the example of the former Tang Dynasty.

But Xiao Yanyan overlooked her age.

"You are still young. When you are older, you will be able to serve the Khitan."

Xiao Yanyan's riding skills are not bad, but she is still young, and polo is a high-intensity competition that requires a lot of physical strength.

Han Kuangsi's words made Xiao Yanyan straighten her youthful face.

Despite her young age, she already understands the importance of prioritizing the bigger picture.

"understood."

At this moment, for the first time, Xiao Yanyan desperately wanted to grow up quickly.

In late February of the second year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty, banners were already fluttering outside the polo field in the imperial city.

The imperial guards, clad in gleaming armor, stood in a circle around the perimeter, adding to the somber atmosphere.

The platform outside the polo field was already packed with people.

On the throne on the high platform, the Emperor and Empress sat solemnly, with civil and military officials and envoys from various countries seated on both sides according to their status, followed by the families of all the ministers. Their eyes were all focused on the center of the field.

Before the mounted combat officially began, a question was posed first:
"Are those Yelü Xiuge and Han Derang of the Khitan?"

On one side of the field, a dozen or so Khitan knights, dressed in narrow-sleeved Hu-style clothing and belts around their waists, rode magnificent northern horses.

The two leaders were particularly eye-catching:

Yelü Xiuge had a chiseled face and exuded the fierce aura of a valiant general on the battlefield.

Han Derang, standing beside him, was tall and slender with long legs, clearly a skilled archer as well.

The question came from Zhao Dezhao.

As the second son of the emperor, Zhao Dezhao had just been enfeoffed as the Marquis of Wugong County and was in his youthful and impetuous years.

As soon as Zhao Dezhao asked the question, Zhao Guangmei, the Marquis of Tianshui sitting next to him, nodded and said:
"It should be."

Zhao Guangmei's face showed a serious expression.

After the Khitan delegation entered the capital, rumors circulated that there were two talented young men in the delegation.

After receiving Zhao Guangmei's response, Zhao Dezhao looked at Han Derang, whose appearance differed somewhat from that of the Khitans, and chuckled, saying:

"Han Derang is quite handsome."

Zhao Dezhao stayed by Zhao Dexiu's side and learned many new words.

As soon as Zhao Dezhao finished speaking, bursts of laughter erupted from the members of the imperial clan on both sides.

Even when Zhao Kuangyin looked at Zhao Dezhao, his gaze was less stern.

The phrase "acting like a human but a dog" is easy to understand.

Zhao Dezhao was satirizing Han Derang, who looked like a Han Chinese, for choosing to be a dog for the Khitans.

After mocking Han Derang, Zhao Dezhao turned his admiring gaze to the other side.

Zhao Dexiu and other sons of noble families of the Song Dynasty wore fitted brocade robes, which were magnificent and showcased the beauty of Chinese clothing.

The horses ridden by the sons of noble families in the Song Dynasty had bright coats, making them even more dashing.

Zhao Dexiu, holding a golf club, stood on his horse, exuding heroic spirit.

Behind him stood Shi Baoxing, Murong Deye, Wang Chengyan, Gao Chugong, Zhang Hao, and others, all of whom were skilled horsemen among the sons of noble families, and they were all eager to show their skills.

After both sides were on high alert, the eunuch struck the gong to signal the start of the game.

Suddenly, the drums and music began, and the first two fast horses charged out like arrows released from a bow.

On the Khitan side, Yelü Xiuge took the lead, his black horse rearing up high. He used his polo mallet as if it were an extension of his arm, gently flicking it against the horse's belly, and the crimson ball was flicked onto the mallet's tip.

Even as he galloped away on his horse, the polo ball on his staff never fell off.

"it is good!"

Han Kuangsi, Xiao Yanyan, and other envoys from other countries in the stands were the first to offer their praise.

While the Song Dynasty personnel in the stands did not offer any praise, Murong Yanzhao, Zhang Yongde, and others already showed signs of seriousness on their faces.

This mounted archery skill is indeed superb.

Seeing Yelü Xiuge charging towards them on horseback, Zhao Dexiu remained calm.

He lightly squeezed the horse's belly with his legs, and the horse charged diagonally forward. His polo stick, like a nimble snake emerging from its hole, struck at Yelü Xiuge's stick.

With a gentle tap, Zhao Dexiu sent the red ball flying.

As the red ball soared into the air, Han Derang, behind Yelü Xiuge, immediately spurred his horse to meet it.

Han Derang swung his club, and the red ball flew towards the Song Dynasty goal at a tricky angle.

Upon seeing this, Shi Baoxing, from the Song Dynasty, gave a soft shout and then leaned down to press his neck against the horse's neck.

His baton, though delayed, arrived first, stopping the red ball in front of the goal. Then, with a flick of his wrist, the red ball flew back into the field.

Seeing this, Zhao Dezhao in the stands was the first to excitedly shout:

"Well done, Brother Baoxing!" Led by Zhao Dezhao, a series of enthusiastic cheers rang out from the stands.

Seeing his son's excellent performance, Shi Shouxin stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

As cheers resounded from the stands, the battle on the field intensified.

In an instant, the sound of horses' hooves on the field was as loud as a torrential downpour.

The sounds of clubs striking each other and horses neighing echoed throughout the field.

The Khitan knights' horsemanship was indeed as good as their reputation.

Led by Yelü Xiuge, several Khitan knights charged forward like hungry wolves descending a mountain, their clubs whistling as they swung, breaking through the goal several times.
As for the Yanyun Warriors led by Han Derang, they focused on skillful maneuvering. They could easily send the ball to their teammates' feet by deftly turning the ball around on the court.

The Khitan knights, like a pack of wolves hunting, clearly demonstrated the Khitan's strength in mounted warfare.

Seeing that his side was gradually falling into a disadvantageous position, Zhao Dezhao became very anxious.

Zhao Dezhao ran to the edge of the stands and shouted loudly towards the field:

"That's how they harvested hay back then!"

"We are not Kusugani! Crush them! Attack them now!"

When Zhao Dezhao was young, he heard Zhao Kuangyin recount the tactics used by the Khitan army when they raided for grain.

Shouts like firecrackers erupted from Zhao Dezhao's mouth.

Upon hearing Zhao Dezhao's shout, the expressions of many ministers in the stands changed.

Many ministers had personally witnessed the numerous atrocities committed by the Khitans in the Central Plains when they raided for grain.

The first to respond to Zhao Dezhao was Liu Wensou, the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial.

The frail Liu Wensou was the first to stand up, waving his official tablet in the air as he spoke:

"Crush the Khitan dogs!"

At this moment, the imperial tablet, a symbol of court etiquette, was in Liu Wensou's hands, like a command flag for charging into battle.

One was a member of the royal family, and the other was Liu Wensou, who was always regarded as a kind old man.

With the two of them leading the way, the atmosphere in the stands was instantly ignited.

How could the Song Dynasty lose to the Khitan?
The Central Plains will never lose to the Khitan again!
One by one, the ministers, their hair and beards bristling, stood up and shouted with all their might:
"That's not the goal, that's the ancient land of Yan and Yun! Charge!"

"Beat the Khitan dog! Beat the Khitan dog!"

"If you win today, I will write your story into the annals of history!"

Almost every civil official rose up and cheered for the Song Dynasty nobles in their own way.

The astute civil officials, when it came to insulting the Khitans, did not use the official language, but rather the Kaifeng dialect.

If the civil officials were so indignant, how much more so the military officers?

Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, Wang Shenqi, and others, who had just been stripped of their military power, temporarily put aside their inner turmoil.

They stood up and threatened the crowd:
"If we lose today, I will sever our father-son relationship!"

"I wasn't afraid of the Khitans back in the day, what's there to be afraid of? Close your eyes and charge!"
The cheers of military generals are always unique, but they are also incredibly exciting.

Amidst the surging cheers, the sons of the Song Dynasty's noble families were greatly encouraged.

Team leader Zhao Dexiu was as steady as a mountain when controlling the ball, and no matter how fast the horse galloped, he always seemed to be glued to its back.

In addition, Zhao Dexiu and the sons of noble families in the field had practiced riding and archery together since childhood, and their tacit understanding was unmatched by ordinary people.

Yelü Xiuge struck the ball with great force, heading straight for the goal. Zhao Dexiu, on horseback, turned sideways, his club emerging from under the horse's belly, accurately blocking the ball and passing it back.

The ball flew out like flowing water, and finally, with a powerful strike from Zhang Hao, it landed straight into the Khitan goal.

This goal drew thunderous cheers from the stands, and even Zhao Kuangyin on his throne couldn't help but clap his hands.

Zhang Yongde's face showed a proud expression.

With perfect teamwork, a dozen or so Song Dynasty warriors charged toward the "former territory of Yan and Yun" like a fierce tiger in formation, scoring several red balls.

As the match drew to a close, both sides traded goals, resulting in a tight score and a draw.

Every knight on the court was drenched in sweat, yet their eyes shone brightly, their fighting spirit burning even brighter.

Just as the gong signaling the end of the match was about to sound, Han Derang, who had the ball, seized the opportunity.

He made a brilliant pass, sending the ball to Yelü Xiuge.

After receiving the ball, Yelü Xiuge rushed towards the Song goal like an arrow. Two Song riders tried to intercept him, but he used his horsepower to forcefully knock them aside.

As Yelü Xiuge got closer and closer to the goal, shouts of "Watch out!" rang out from the stands.

Even Zhao Kuangyin, who had been sitting upright the whole time, couldn't help but feel nervous.

If they concede a goal at this crucial moment, their defeat is inevitable.

Just then, Zhao Dexiu arrived on his steed, but he did not raise his pole to stop Yelü Xiuge on horseback.

Zhao Dexiu suddenly pulled on the reins and swung the golf club in his hand toward the legs of Yelü Xiuge's horse.

"Grandpa Yue's horse-slaying leg tactic is here!"

In the blink of an eye, Yelü Xiuge was about to swing his club to shoot when he sensed danger in his horse's leg. Out of a knight's instinct, he spurred his horse to retreat to the side.

This retreat reduced Yelü Xiuge's shooting accuracy, and the red ball he struck flew towards the goal before finally hitting the goalpost.

Yelü Xiuge reined in his horse, turned around to look at Zhao Dexiu, and his eyes flashed with anger.

As Yelü Xiuge stopped his horse and glared angrily, Zhao Dexiu seized the opportunity and led the noble sons to launch a counterattack on the Khitan goal.

Wang Chengyan passed the ball he had stolen to Murong Deye, who was intercepted by three Khitan knights as he galloped away.

Murong Deye suddenly flicked the ball high into the air, and Shi Baoxing behind him immediately understood. He spurred his horse to follow up, and before the ball hit the ground, he sent it to the midfield with a side pass.

Zhao Dexiu had already steered his horse ahead of time, heading towards the landing point of the red ball.

This time, instead of taking a roundabout approach, he faced the Khitan goal and swung his club with full force.

The red ball, once hit, traced an arc in the air.
"In!"

As Zhao Kuangyin stood up in the stands, the red ball flew through the goal like a shooting star and landed with a thud.

"The Song Dynasty has won! The cavalry has won!"

The drumming stopped abruptly, and a deafening roar of cheers erupted outside the stadium.

Zhao Kuangyin was overjoyed and laughed loudly:
"Today's participating sons of noble families will all be promoted to generals!"

Upon seeing their victory, the sons of nobles joyfully rode their horses to Zhao Dexiu's side.

A chorus of joyful discussions surrounded Zhao Dexiu:

"Today's battle was truly exhilarating."

"The Khitan cavalry is nothing special."

"Are we now able to serve Your Highness?"
Amidst the joyful discussions, there were also cautious probes.

Just as Zhao Dexiu was about to make a promise, Yelü Xiuge, unwilling to give up, rode up on horseback.

After dismounting and approaching Zhao Dexiu, Yelü Xiuge said in a deep voice:
"That's not how mounted combat is fought."

In Yelü Xiuge's view, the Khitan warriors did not lose in today's cavalry battle because of their horsemanship.

Seeing Yelü Xiuge's resentment, Zhao Dexiu, surrounded by the sons of nobles, looked at Yelü Xiuge and said:

"I will personally assemble a cavalry force called the Silent Frontier Army."

The backbone of the military are the people around me.

How to fight on horseback will be revealed in time!

Zhao Dexiu's words implicitly challenged Yelü Xiuge, while also answering the questions from the noble sons beside him.

Zhao Dexiu's answer delighted the noble sons around him, but made Yelü Xiuge narrow his eyes.

"Okay, I'll be waiting for you in Youyun!"

The cheers from the stands continued unabated. Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, and others on the stage looked at their own disciples surrounding Zhao Dexiu with reluctance on their faces.

"It's time to go!"

Shi Shouxin was the first to express his feelings.

Shi Shouxin's remark prompted Murong Yanzhao to continue:

"With successors in place, what is there to regret?"

After hearing what Shi Shouxin and Murong Yanzhao said, Wang Shenqi laughed loudly:

"Why are you being so fussy? I've been wanting to focus on recovering from my injury for a long time."

I want to live a few more years and take a few more concubines.

As soon as Wang Shenqi finished speaking, a burst of laughter erupted around him.

In the past few days, they were all filled with resentment.

But at this moment, their laughter was filled with relief.

Ultimately, the era will be handed over to the young people.

After laughing, Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, Wang Shenqi, and the others leaned on each other and gradually walked away.

Unbeknownst to them, a dignified gaze was fixed intently on the direction they had departed.

"Brothers, wait a moment!"

(End of this chapter)