I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

Chapter 112 Zhao Ji is very angry

The following day, at the Zichen Palace.

The grand court ceremony began, with banners and ceremonial guards arranged in a solemn manner. Civil and military officials stood respectfully on both sides according to their rank, creating a dignified and solemn atmosphere.

Emperor Huizong and Empress Dowager Xiang had already taken their seats.

Besides routine administrative affairs, the most important item on today's court agenda is to receive the delegation from the Western Xia Kingdom who are congratulating the new emperor on his ascension to the throne and requesting peace talks.

"The chief envoy of Xuanxia Kingdom, Wei Mingji, and the deputy envoy, Yeli Yulong, deputy commander of Xiangyou Military Command, ascend the palace to pay their respects."

'

As the eunuch in charge of ceremonies drew out the greeting, Wei Mingji, dressed in the purple silk official robes of the Western Xia Kingdom and wearing a golden crown, and Ye Liyulong, dressed in military attire and with a burly build, slowly walked into the Zichen Hall under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites.

The two men went down the steps of the palace, knelt down according to etiquette, and addressed each other.

"The Xia Kingdom's envoy, Wei Mingji (Yeli Yulong), pays his respects to His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty, wishing His Majesty good health and the eternal prosperity of the nation! He also congratulates the Empress Dowager on her good health!"

"The Xia envoy has come from afar and must be tired. Rise," Zhao Ji said, waving his hand.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The two expressed their gratitude and stood at the foot of the imperial steps.

Wei Mingji lowered his eyes and looked respectful.

Yeli Yulong slightly raised his eyes, quickly glanced at the officials in the hall and Zhao Ji on the throne, and then lowered his gaze.

Wei Mingji, as the chief envoy, spoke first, his voice gentle and clear, filled with sorrow and respect.

"Your Majesty, before I departed, my lord repeatedly instructed me to convey to Your Majesty the deep sorrow of the Xia people for the passing of the late Emperor."

During the reign of the late Emperor, his civil and military achievements benefited all regions. Although our Xia Kingdom is located in the western border, we deeply appreciate the awe-inspiring power and benevolence of the late Emperor.

"Upon hearing of the passing of our late Emperor, the entire nation mourns. We sincerely hope that under the new Emperor's rule, the Song Dynasty will prosper even more, and that our Xia and Song nations may forever cease hostilities, each safeguarding our territory and sharing in peace."

This opening statement was extremely humble and sincere, giving Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) a great deal of face.

Many officials nodded slightly, feeling that the Xia envoy had indeed shown courtesy.

Wei Mingji changed the subject and got to the point, his tone becoming more earnest.

"However, in recent years, the border has been unstable, with minor frictions causing great suffering and displacement of people in both countries."

My lord has just ascended the throne and is of benevolent nature. He truly cannot bear to see war again. Therefore, I have specially dispatched our foreign ministers to come, firstly to congratulate Your Majesty on your new reign, and secondly to plead on behalf of the people of both nations. We earnestly request Your Majesty to consider the plight of the people, cease hostilities, and restore our former friendly relations.

Wei Mingji paused slightly, observed the reactions of the person on the throne and behind the curtain, and continued.

"To demonstrate the sincerity of our Xia Kingdom, our lord wishes to reaffirm the alliance and remain our vassal state forever."

However, for the sake of lasting peace on the border, this humble subject risks his life to plead with Your Majesty to grant several requests:

Firstly, the newly built fortresses and stockades on the border in recent years should be dismantled to prevent mutual suspicion between the Song and Xia dynasties and the outbreak of war.

Secondly, the Hehuang region was originally inhabited by the Tubo people. The Han and Tubo peoples lived together, which made it difficult to govern and costly. It would be better to follow the old practice and let our Xia state and the various Tubo tribes in the Hehuang region live separately, which could also serve as a shield for the Song state.

Thirdly, we humbly request Your Majesty to understand the barrenness and poverty of our Xia Kingdom and to appropriately increase the annual tribute to alleviate the suffering of the border people. Finally, if Your Majesty were to grant your grace and reopen the border markets, allowing trade in tea, horses, and silk, the border people would benefit, and the disputes would naturally cease. If these four matters are accomplished, then harmony between Xia and Song can be expected for a hundred years. We humbly submit our sagacious decision to Your Majesty!

This statement, though seemingly gentle, is actually quite harsh, using the guise of "seeking peace" and "for the people" to impose extremely demanding conditions:

The Song dynasty's border fortifications were dismantled, the newly expanded territory of the Hehuang region was returned, annual tributes were increased, and border markets were reopened.

In particular, the "return of the Hehuang region" touched upon the Song court's greatest military achievements and political correctness in recent years.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Many officials looked indignant, especially Zeng Bu and others who were either involved in border affairs or had a tough stance.

Emperor Huizong frowned slightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest of his throne. He did not immediately express his opinion, but instead turned his gaze to Zeng Bu, the Privy Councilor.

"Minister Zeng, what do you think of the request made by the Xia envoy?"

Zeng Bu stepped forward, his eyes filled with indignation; he had long since stopped listening.

"Your Majesty, the Xia envoy's words, though seemingly earnest, actually harbor malicious intentions and must not be permitted!"

Zeng Bu's gaze swept across Wei Mingji and Ye Liyulong with lightning speed.

"If we dismantle the fortresses, the border defenses will be weakened, which is tantamount to opening the door to thieves! The Hehuang region was won by the late emperor through bloody battles, and prefectures and officials have been established there. How can we just abandon it?"

This is not only the territory of our Great Song Dynasty, but also the land stained with the blood of our soldiers! Increase the annual tribute? Our dynasty already has established regulations for annual tributes. The Xia Kingdom has repeatedly violated our borders in recent years; not punishing them is already lenient. How can there be talk of increasing it? As for the border markets…”

Zeng Bu snorted coldly, "If the Xia Kingdom can abide by the alliance and not disturb the border, merchants will naturally come and go. Why should we set up a special border market and give others a handle to use against us?"

Your Majesty, I believe that if the Xia state truly desires peace, it should immediately cease hostilities, diligently maintain its existing borders, and send envoys to apologize. Only then can it demonstrate its sincerity. To make such a presumptuous request is nothing but wishful thinking!

Zeng Bu took a hard line and refused to budge an inch, completely rejecting all of the Xia envoy's demands and even turning the tables on him.

Many New Party officials in the hall nodded secretly.

Wei Mingji's expression remained unchanged, and he continued to be respectful.

Yeli Yulong, who was standing next to him, seemed unable to contain himself. He suddenly looked up, his voice loud and his tone rough and dissatisfied.

"Prime Minister Zeng is mistaken! Our Xia state sincerely seeks peace, which is why we have made this request."

If your country continues to be domineering and treats my Xia Kingdom as nothing, do you think my Xia Kingdom's iron-fisted swords are not sharp enough? The minor defeat at Black Stone Beach was a momentary oversight. My Xia Kingdom has 100,000 archers, and twice that number of armored soldiers, plus the Liao Kingdom as an ally! If you push too far and restart the war, it will not be a good thing for either of our countries!

These words, laced with a threat of force, were like cold water poured into boiling oil, instantly creating a tense atmosphere within the Zichen Palace.

Emperor Huizong's face darkened, his hand on the armrest clenched slightly, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes. Empress Dowager Xiang behind the curtain seemed to move slightly as well.

"Yeli Yulong! How dare you!"

Wei Mingji promptly and sternly rebuked Ye Liyulong, then turned and glared angrily at him.

"This is before His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty! How dare you speak so arrogantly! You should immediately apologize to His Majesty!"

Wei Mingji put on a convincing performance, turning around and bowing deeply to the throne, his tone filled with fear.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger! My deputy envoy is merely a military man, of a rough and impetuous nature, who spoke rudely and offended the imperial authority. This is truly the fault of a foreign official who failed to properly discipline his subjects! Our Xia Kingdom has absolutely no intention of threatening the superior nation, and our desire for peace is as clear as heaven and earth! I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

As he spoke, Wei Mingji tugged at Ye Liyulong's sleeve.

Noriyuki feigned indignation and snorted, but he also took the opportunity to bow to the throne and said in a gruff voice.

"This humble general misspoke; please forgive me, Your Majesty."

His tone of voice was hardly respectful.

The two of them, working in perfect harmony, vividly portrayed the act of testing and pressuring.

This demonstrates both the "sincerity" of seeking peace and a subtle display of flexing one's muscles.

Emperor Huizong was already displeased, but he suppressed his anger and turned his gaze to Han Zhongyan, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

"Han Qing, what are your thoughts?"

Han Zhongyan stepped forward with a solemn expression. He first nodded slightly in the direction of the Xia envoy as a response to Wei Mingji's "respect" before speaking.

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, what Chancellor Zeng said is indeed for the sake of the country and its territory, and his heart is commendable."

However, weapons are instruments of destruction, and even sages use them only as a last resort. Now that the new dynasty has just been established and the Empress Dowager is ruling from behind the curtain, the primary task is to secure domestic stability and strive for peace. Border matters should be deferred if possible, and peaceful resolutions should be pursued if possible.

Han Zhongyan paused for a moment, then proceeded to analyze the situation meticulously.

"The Xia envoy's request is indeed somewhat excessive, but upon closer examination, it is not entirely without room for maneuver. If the annual tribute were slightly increased, it could bring several years of peace to the border, and the savings in military expenditure would be far more than that."

If some border fortresses are indeed newly built and pose no significant threat to defense, dismantling one or two would demonstrate our sincerity and perhaps dispel the Xia people's doubts. As for the border markets…

Han Zhongyan glanced at Empress Dowager Xiang behind the curtain, and seeing that she nodded, he then spoke.

"If the two countries can truly live in peace for a long time, reopen the border markets, and exchange goods, it will be of great benefit to the border people. It will also allow the Xia people to gradually be influenced by the Chinese culture of the Central Plains and return to the rule of the king. In the long run, it may not be a bad thing."

At this point, Han Zhongyan's tone became meaningful.

"As for the Hehuang region—Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, this old minister speaks frankly: this region is newly annexed, with a mix of Yi and Han people, and the people's hearts are not yet settled. Stationing troops and cultivating land there would consume a huge amount of money and grain, and the region is remote and difficult to control."

If we pursue temporary gains in territory and empty titles, while long-term draining national strength and tying down the court's energy, leading to poverty in the heartland and neglect of internal affairs, this would likely be a poor strategy. It would be better to temporarily set aside the disputes, maintain the status quo, and wait until national strength is replenished and the people's hearts are won over before making further plans. For now, allowing the people to rest is the fundamental priority.

Han Zhongyan's long speech seemed to be a mature and strategic talk about the country, with every word showing his concern for the court's economy and the people's well-being.

In reality, it was full of compromise and concessions, and it almost completely accepted the Xia envoy's negotiation framework, only the degree of bargaining was a matter of scale.

These words immediately garnered tacit support from many old-party members and war-weary officials.

Behind the curtain, Empress Dowager Xiang spoke slowly, her voice coming through the gauze curtain, calm and carrying a sense of finality.

"Minister Han is a wise and experienced strategist who has a far-reaching vision. The new dynasty should indeed prioritize stability. It would be best if border conflicts could be avoided."

The Empress Dowager's words were undoubtedly a clear endorsement of Han Zhongyan's proposal.

The former party officials in the palace were greatly encouraged.

Zeng Bu could no longer hold back and stepped forward to protest.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! I cannot agree with Chancellor Han's words! The annual tribute is a national disgrace, how can it be lightly imposed? Fortresses are part of national defense, how can they be destroyed?"

The Hehuang region was won through bloody battles by our soldiers; how can it be treated as worthless? If we follow this proposal, not only will we fail to achieve peace, but we will also embolden the Xia people and demonstrate our weakness and vulnerability! If we yield one step today, they will dare to advance ten steps tomorrow! At that time, the border troubles will be even more intense; how will we deal with that?

Have you not heard the saying, "To appease Qin with land is like carrying firewood to put out a fire; the firewood will never be exhausted, and the fire will never be extinguished?"

Han Zhongyan's face darkened: "Prime Minister Zeng! What I'm saying is for the long-term benefit of the nation and for the well-being of the people! How can it be out of fear of war or weakness? If we blindly pursue strength and aggression, dragging the country into endless border conflicts and exhausting the people's strength, that would truly be a disservice to the nation!"

"Han Zhongyan—" Zeng Bu was furious, seeing that the two prime ministers were about to argue in front of the emperor.

"That's enough!"

Emperor Huizong finally spoke, but his voice was filled with suppressed anger.

He looked at the arguing ministers in the prince's court, and then at the Xia envoys with their various expressions, and felt extremely irritated.

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) had only recently ascended the throne and lacked experience in handling such complex diplomatic situations. He also disliked the scene of his ministers arguing in court.

He knew that it would be difficult to make a decision today, and he was even less willing to continue to expose the court's differences in front of the Xia envoy.

Zhao Ji took a deep breath, barely managing to maintain his composure, and addressed the Xia envoy.

"I am aware of what the Xia envoy said. This matter is of great importance and requires me to discuss it in detail with my ministers. The Xia envoy should return to the post station to rest. I will inform you of the decision once it is made."

Wei Mingji and Ye Liyulong exchanged a glance, knowing that today's probing had achieved half of their objective, at least in understanding the clear division between the pro-peace and pro-war factions within the Song court.

The two men quickly rose and bowed, saying, "We, your humble servants, take our leave and await Your Majesty's good news."

After the Xia envoy left, Zhao Ji had no intention of discussing other matters and hastily adjourned the court, his face grim. The officials, each with their own thoughts, filed out of the Zichen Hall.

During the court discussion, Zhao Mingcheng, as the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, sat at the specially set-up historian's seat on the side of the hall, holding paper and pen, listening attentively and quickly recording the questions and answers, words and actions of the emperor.

In his writing, he not only recorded the original text of the dialogue, but also used concise words to depict the expressions and tones of each person.

In particular, he recorded the remarks of pro-peace officials such as Han Zhongyan in a subtle and derogatory manner.

Shortly after the court session ended, Zhao Mingcheng was led by an eunuch to a side hall of the Funing Palace.

Emperor Huizong was pacing irritably in the palace when he saw Zhao Mingcheng and immediately waved his hand to dismiss those around him.

"Defu! Did you hear everything today? Han Zhongyan, and those old party members! What nonsense were they spouting! You led the people to stabilize the Hehuang region, how many soldiers shed their blood on the battlefield, and they just casually call it a 'burden' or a 'good deal' and want to give it away?! They even want to increase the annual stipends, dismantle the fortresses, and withdraw the garrisons! This—this is simply—outrageous!"

Zhao Ji grew angrier with each word: "And that other Xia envoy, so incredibly arrogant! My mother, she's the same—alas!"

He couldn't directly complain about Empress Dowager Xiang's statement, but his dissatisfaction was evident.

Zhao Ji was only 20 years old this year; the younger version of him had not yet become the cowardly figure he later became.

Young men in their early twenties are usually hot-tempered, and Zhao Ji was no exception.

Zhao Mingcheng waited for him to vent for a few minutes before calmly speaking.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The Xia envoy's words, though seemingly arrogant, actually reveal his cowardice beneath his fierce exterior."

"Oh? How do you know?" Zhao Ji stopped in his tracks.

-

Zhao Mingcheng analyzed the situation for Zhao Ji.

"The new ruler of Xia, Li Qianshun, was installed by Liao. He was not yet twenty years old and had just stabilized the country. Moreover, he served Liao as his maternal uncle, and the veteran generals in the country harbored resentment."

In the battle of Heishitan in Hehuang last year, their elite troops suffered over a thousand casualties, their commander was seriously injured, and their morale was dampened.

At this time, the Xia Kingdom was more afraid of war than we were. They needed more time to stabilize their internal affairs and appease the various tribes. This mission, ostensibly to seek peace, was actually a test.

Their mission was to test the Emperor's resolve, to gauge the court's willingness to negotiate or fight. Their apparent strength was merely a bluff; they were outwardly tough but inwardly weak.

As Zhao Ji listened, his anger subsided, and he began to ponder.

"You mean, they're actually afraid of war?"

"Exactly," Zhao Mingcheng affirmed. "They fear that Your Majesty, being young and impetuous, might inherit the will of the late Emperor (Zhezong) and continue to wage war on the western frontier."

So they first tried to curry favor, then threatened, using both soft and hard tactics to figure out the official's temperament, hoping to gain some benefits out of thin air and win without a fight.

If the officials take a firm stance, they will back down; but if the officials hesitate or yield even slightly, they will become even more aggressive.

Zhao Ji nodded slowly, feeling that Zhao Mingcheng's analysis was thorough, and his mind became much clearer. He then asked another question.

"Defu, in your opinion, how should I deal with this? Han Zhongyan and the others—"

Zhao Mingcheng resolutely blocked the railway.

"Your Majesty, the Hehuang region is a strategically vital area and must not be abandoned! This was the will of the late Emperor and also the plan for the defense of the Great Song Dynasty's borders for a hundred years!"

As for the garrison troops in the fortified villages, not only should they not be withdrawn, but they should be reinforced in key locations! Only by demonstrating strength and resolve can we force Xia to back down and ensure the safety of our borders and people! Blindly appeasing and yielding will only nurture a future threat!

These remarks were made with a clear stance, based entirely on the actual interests of the country and border security, and completely devoid of Han Zhongyan's empty rhetoric of "rest and recuperation" and "frugality." They were more in line with Zhao Ji's current state of mind, which was both frustrated and eager to make a difference.

Zhao Ji felt a surge of joy upon hearing this and clapped his hands in celebration.

"What Defu says is absolutely right! I was foolish to have been so easily swayed by the words of those pedantic scholars. Alas! If I had known this would happen, I should have given you a position as an official who could participate in confidential matters and speak frankly about strategies, so that those people would have heard your words!"

Zhao Mingcheng was a compiler, and his job was to be a historian, not a censor, which is why he did not have the right to speak at court meetings.

Zhao Mingcheng bowed slightly.

"Your Majesty flatters me. As a court official, recording court discussions is my duty, but—"

He abruptly changed the subject, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"In my opinion, the arrival of the Xia envoy to the court this time is not only an opportunity to express our attitude towards Xia, but also perhaps a good opportunity to rectify the old faction's outdated and pedantic arguments in the court."

Zhao Ji's spirits lifted: "Oh? What brilliant plan does Defu have?"

"I have recorded all the speeches made at court today."

Zhao Mingcheng took out a manuscript from his sleeve, which was the draft of the calendar he had recorded in the Zichen Palace that day, and presented it with both hands.

"Your Majesty, please take a look. I have recorded in detail the words of Minister Han and others who advocate abandoning land, increasing annual rewards, and withdrawing defenses. Their words and deeds are evident between the lines."

Zhao Ji took it and quickly glanced at it.

I don’t know, I’m scared.

In today's record, Zhao Mingcheng directly labeled the old party's remarks as selling out the country for peace and surrendering national sovereignty (though it's not entirely a label; it could also be considered a matter of fact).

Normally, historians would try to save face when recording the words and deeds of ministers.

However, Zhao Mingcheng did not think so. He felt that these people were living too comfortably and it was indeed time to teach them a lesson. This time, he would use the pen of history as a sword to launch a proactive attack on the old party's pro-peace faction.

Emperor Huizong of Song did not fully understand Zhao Mingcheng's meaning and asked.

"Defu, what do you mean by writing this?"

Zhao Mingcheng cupped his hands in greeting.

"Your Majesty, at the next court meeting, if you permit, I would like to take the initiative to speak in my capacity as the Imperial Attendant and former Pacification Commissioner of the Hehuang region."

I will not discuss abstract principles, but will only state the importance of the geography of the Hehuang region, the hardships faced by the soldiers, and the fickle nature of the Xia people. In due time, this record can also serve as corroborating evidence.

"I want them to know that some words spoken in the imperial court carry consequences! The blood of soldiers on the frontier is not a bargaining chip for them!"

Zhao Mingcheng looked at Zhao Ji with clear eyes.

"As long as Your Majesty first sets a tough stance against Xia, then I am willing to be Your Majesty's vanguard, refute fallacies, and establish order in court! At that time, whether to fight or make peace, to advance or retreat, will be decided solely by Your Majesty, without any further hindrance!"

Looking at the record in his hand, which seemed to have a sharp edge, and then at Zhao Mingcheng, whose gaze was firm and whose strategies were profound, Zhao Ji felt a surge of pride, and the frustration and hesitation of the past few days vanished.

He patted Zhao Mingcheng on the shoulder heavily, his eyes full of trust and determination.

"Very well! Defu, as you say! At the next court assembly, I will let you speak! I want to see how those arguments that would lead to the downfall of the country can stand in the face of the meritorious officials of the Hehuang region and the irrefutable facts!"

The emperor and his minister looked at each other, their eyes both sharp and piercing.

Inside a side hall of the Funing Hall, a proactive counterattack against the old party's compromising rhetoric and a declaration of a tough stance towards foreign powers quietly began.

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