Song Xiu

Chapter 78: Explaining the advantages and disadvantages, the great undertaking is accomplished.

The words "more money" were like a sweet spring, washing away the worries in Lü Qiu Zhongqing's heart.

Zhao Hua's willingness to sell is truly commendable.

Now that Zhao Hua had made his demands, Lü Qiu Zhongqing no longer concealed them.

"The person my husband wants to dismiss the Left Minister is Liu Jiye."

Lu Qiu Zhongqing spoke with a firm tone, but his words made Zhao Hua's expression change drastically.

"absurd!"

Do you know who Liu Jiye is?
He was a trusted minister of the late emperor, and I, along with him, was entrusted by the late emperor to assist the young ruler; we share the duty of being regents!

Zhao Hua slammed his hand heavily on the table to show his anger over the matter.

As Zhao Hua displayed his anger, several assassins hidden inside the room suddenly rushed out, drawing their swords and facing Lü Qiu Zhongqing.

Their posture made it seem as if they were about to swing their sharp blades at Lü Qiu Zhongqing at any moment.

Lu Qiu Zhongqing's request was far beyond Zhao Hua's expectations.

In the past, there have been many people who paid him to help them attack their political enemies.

Having done many similar things, Zhao Hua initially felt that Lu Qiu Zhongqing's request was not impossible.

However, after learning who Lu Qiu Zhongqing was targeting, Zhao Hua couldn't help but feel shocked and angry.

Zhao Hua instinctively resorted to threats.

Even with his life threatened, Lü Qiu Zhongqing remained calm.

This made Zhao Hua, who was gradually calming down, realize even more that Lu Qiu Zhongqing's background must be extraordinary.

"You go down first."

After ordering the few assassins to leave temporarily, Zhao Hua looked at Lü Qiu Zhongqing and asked the question that was currently on his mind:

Who is your husband?
If you utter even the slightest lie, I can take your life at any moment.

Even though Zhao Hua's words still contained threats, seeing that all the Zhao family's assassins had retreated, Lü Qiu Zhongqing knew that Zhao Hua's attitude of "selling everything" had not changed.

"Marquis of Taiyuan, Song Dynasty".

Feeling increasingly confident, Lü Qiu Zhongqing revealed the person behind him.

As the prime minister of the Northern Han Dynasty, Zhao Hua had recently reviewed a lot of military intelligence about Luzhou, and he knew who the Marquis of Taiyuan was.

After recalling Zhao Dexiu's identity, Zhao Hua quickly pondered for a moment and came to a deduction that made him sneer:

"Are you trying to make me betray my country?"

"Liu Jiye is leading his troops to confront the Song army at the front line, and it looks like the entire territory of Luzhou is about to fall into our country's territory."

If he were suddenly removed from office, wouldn't our country suffer a tremendous loss?

Zhao Hua's words were all about the country; to outsiders who didn't know better, he would have been considered a first-rate loyal minister.

But how patriotic can someone who can sell official positions and damage the foundation of the country be?

Some things are known in the heart but cannot be said directly. In response to Zhao Hua's treasonous words, Lü Qiu Zhongqing replied:
"Since ancient times, the legitimate successors of China have always been those who dominated the Central Plains."

The Northern Han had no territory in the Central Plains; it was called a state, but in reality it was nothing more than a local separatist force.

In chaotic times, it's not surprising that people serve their own masters; however, the phrase "Zhao Gong betrayed his country" is an overstatement.

Lu Qiu Zhongqing's words, in name, whitewashed his subsequent actions.

With this embellishment, Zhao Hua, a renowned scholar, softened his attitude considerably.

"Tea, please."

Sensing that Zhao Hua's attitude had softened, Lü Qiu Zhongqing continued:

“I have come today with a request, but I also have something to offer.”

One was offered as gold and silver, the other as a promise of a bright future.

"Oh?"

Lu Qiu Zhongqing's words piqued Zhao Hua's curiosity.

Offering gold and silver is nothing unusual, but as for offering one's future prospects, Zhao Hua would like to hear some insightful opinions.

Driven by Zhao Hua's curiosity, Lü Qiu Zhongqing asked:
"Compared to the territory of Song and Hedong, can Hedong be considered a tiny and insignificant state?"

Faced with the obvious, Zhao Hua answered affirmatively, "Yes."

Lu Qiu Zhongqing then asked: "Liu Jiye is known as 'invincible,' but can he single-handedly defeat all of our country's generals?"

"Of course I can't."

If Liu Jiye were truly invincible, Liu Jun would already be sitting in the Chongyuan Hall listening to the government's affairs.

"Is the supply of provisions in Hedong sufficient? Are the weapons of high quality? Are the soldiers numerous?"

"Struggling to make ends meet".

After three questions and three answers, a clear fact has been implicitly laid out between Zhao Hua and Lü Qiu Zhongqing.

While Zhao Hua was pondering this fact, Lü Qiu Zhongqing broke the ice and said:

"Hedong was poor and weak. It could be temporarily secured by the help of the Khitan, but such a situation could not last long."

Hedong was a strategic location fought over by military strategists, and in the next few years, the flames of war would inevitably strike Taiyuan again.

The crushing defeat at Gaoping and the siege of Taiyuan were only a few years ago. Has Lord Zhao forgotten them?

Lu Qiu Zhongqing's words reminded Zhao Hua of a battle several years ago that had caused him heavy losses.

Back then, Zhao Hua and several other important officials risked everything to support Liu Min's southern expedition.

Of course, in the end they almost lost everything.

The losses from that battle have left the Zhao clan still reeling. How could Zhao Hua possibly forget them?

While persuading Zhao Hua, Lü Qiu Zhongqing kept a close eye on his expression.

Lu Qiu Zhongqing could tell from Zhao Hua's gloomy expression that his persuasion was having an effect.

Zhao Hua's anger was not feigned, nor was it due to any concern for "the bond of serving in the same court."

Zhao Hua was furious because hastily dismissing Liu Jiye might harm the interests of his Zhao clan.

After all, on the surface, the Zhao family's interests are linked to those of the Northern Han, and Liu Jiye is leading his army to seize benefits for the Northern Han.

Knowing this, Lüqiu Zhongqing had to make Zhao Hua realize that the interests of the Zhao clan were not intertwined with those of the Northern Han.

The Zhao family deserves a better future.

"Lord Zhao is wise; he should know that the Liu family of Hedong is already a skeleton in a tomb, and their defeat and demise are only a matter of time."

Since defeat and destruction are inevitable, why should Lord Zhao bind himself with this?

Moreover, the Zhao family of Taiyuan originated from the royal family of the Warring States period, and their lineage has lasted for hundreds of years, with a distinguished reputation in Hedong.

Doesn't Lord Zhao ever think about the continuation of the Zhao clan?

Lu Qiu Zhongqing's words seemed to have a magical power, deeply moving Zhao Hua.

“Look at my great Song Dynasty, it is thriving.”

The Marquis of the Commandery was benevolent and wise, and was favored by the Song Emperor, who had high hopes for the stability of the state.

All of the above, if Zhao Gong observes more intelligence from the Central Plains, he will know whether what I say is true or false.

The Zhao family, like a towering tree, should naturally find its home beside a vast river. How can a mere, drying-up stream possibly sustain the Zhao family?

Wise people think things through, for that is the way to long-term success!

If Lord Zhao can assist my lord, I will first offer him wealth worth a million strings of cash to relieve his urgent crisis.

A million strings of cash?
Zhao Dexiu's generosity finally made Zhao Hua succumb to temptation, and he looked up at Lü Qiu Zhongqing:
"Will the Marquis of Taiyuan remember the help the Zhao family gave him today?"

Zhao Hua's words gave Lü Qiu Zhongqing a glimmer of hope for victory.

"I was originally an employee under Li Jun, and my status was lowly."

However, when I first came to serve the prefect, he trusted and valued me, and entrusted me with a large amount of wealth to accomplish my tasks.

If I can receive such favor from the Marquis of the County, how much more so from Lord Zhao?
If Lord Zhao can assist the Marquis, what Lord Zhao will gain in the future will far exceed the value of a million strings of cash.

Using oneself as an example is the most impactful approach.

Lu Qiu Zhongqing's words were like the last straw that broke the camel's back, making Zhao Hua make up his mind:
"Please reply to inform the magistrate that good news will arrive within ten days."

As one of the key figures who helped Liu Min ascend to the throne, Zhao Hua never lacked the courage to take risks.

As soon as Zhao Hua finished speaking, Lu Qiu Zhongqing's face lit up with joy.

The great mission is accomplished!

(End of this chapter)