I studied in modern times

Chapter 1034 Replacing the Cage with a New Bird and Yelü Hongji's Worries

A day later, the Liao supply fleet that had departed from Goryeo arrived.

They delivered all sorts of military supplies that Xiaobuda needed, as well as a new batch of Jurchen and Bohai volunteers.

Now, sending Jurchen and Bohai youths across the sea to Japan has become a national policy of the Liao Dynasty.

This was because the ruling group of the Liao Dynasty discovered that sending the able-bodied men of the Bohai and Jurchen tribes to Japan was extremely beneficial to the Liao Dynasty's rule.

Because, whether it is the various tribes of Bohai or the various tribes of Jurchen.

In fact, none of them were good subjects of the Liao Dynasty.

In particular, the tribes of Bohai, these guys miss their homeland every day and have a very low sense of identification with the Liao Kingdom. They often collude in Liaodong, secretly carry out various small actions, and occasionally stage a riot or uprising.

This has caused the people of Liaodong endless annoyance.

The straight women are slightly better off, but not by much.

In particular, the Jurchen tribes are mostly unruly and disobedient. When disaster strikes, they plunder the border walls and then hide in the mountains, where they can never be found!
The key is that they have a lot of offspring. A tribe of a few hundred people can expand to two or three thousand in ten or twenty years.

Let's fight it out; it'll be a huge waste of money and a losing proposition.

If you don't swat them, there will always be a swarm of flies buzzing around you. If you relax even slightly, they'll fly onto your face and make you feel nauseous for a long time.

The people of Liaodong have always been extremely troubled by this.

Since the Liao army crossed the sea, in order to conquer Japan, they have continuously conscripted large numbers of young men and women from Bohai and Jurchen regions.

The Liao dynasty's upper echelons gradually figured it out.

Japan is separated from Korea and the Liao Dynasty by the sea.

The young men and women of Bohai and Jurchen who crossed the sea to Japan, no matter what they did there, had no impact on the Liao Dynasty.

After these conscripted young men left one after another, the various prefectures in Liaodong immediately became peaceful.

All the troubles of the past seem to be disappearing rapidly.

What's even more remarkable is that after the young and strong men of the Bohai tribes and the Jurchen tribes left Liaodong...

The vacancies they left behind were quickly filled by Han Chinese from Youyan and by Han-assimilated Khitan and Xi people.

The Liao people offered a reward of "three years of exemption from rent, taxes and corvée labor," which attracted a large number of Han Chinese, Khitans and Xi people from the lower classes to Liaodong to take over the land left by the Bohai and Jurchen people.

Once the Liao nobles who had ascended to the capital understood these principles, they were all beaming with joy and immediately increased their recruitment efforts for the Jurchen and Bohai youths.

Every month, several thousand dollars are sent to Xiaobudaye.

This time, they sent over three thousand young men from the Bohai and Jurchen regions.

After accepting these newly arrived young men, Xiao Buda Ye sent people to load the already melted silver ingots and bars onto the ship's hold. At the same time, he led his men to select brave and skilled men from among the young men to serve as his followers.

Of course, there are also places for young and middle-aged people who are not selected.

Mining, smelting, logging, charcoal making, land reclamation...

There's always something for them to do.

The strait between Korea and Japan is only a few hundred miles wide, and it contains islands such as Iki, Tsushima, and Geoje, which serve as transit and safe havens.

Therefore, even prehistoric humans could cross the river in sampans when the weather was good.

Today, the Liao navy has completely gained control of the entire strait.

Thus, the Liao Dynasty's silver-carrying fleet departed from Japan, first arriving at Iki, then taking the Iki waterway and turning southwest. The journey was unimpeded, and several days later, the fleet arrived at Ganghwa Island off the coast of Pyongyang.

The silver ingots were unloaded here, and then a fast ship was dispatched to deliver Xiao Buda Ye Zai Zha Zi to Pyongyang.

Pyongyang dared not delay and immediately sent it by express messenger to Liaoyang Prefecture in Liaodong.

Three days later, Emperor Yelü Hongji of Liao, who had just finished the annual first fish banquet and led the palace army back to Liaoyang Prefecture, received a memorial from Xiao Budaye.

Yelü Hongji was delighted after reading only the beginning.

"More than 100,000 taels of silver and 2,000 taels of gold!"

"How long has it been?!"

"It really is a mountain of silver!"

"If the monk Chengxun were still alive that day, I would surely bestow upon him a purple robe and treat him as a state guest!"

Yelü Hongji is now incredibly grateful to that legendary Japanese monk who traveled to Song China to seek Buddhist teachings.

Without him, how could the Liao Dynasty have achieved its current national fortune?
So much silver could be unearthed from a single stone-covered silver mountain.

So, what about the other gold and silver mountains recorded by Cheng Xun?

For example, the Ikuno Silver Mine, which is comparable to the Iwami Silver Mine and the Sado Gold Mine, which produces gold, according to Naruhiko Records...

Just thinking about it made Yelü Hongji's breathing quicken.

With enough gold and silver, the Liao Dynasty will be invincible!
Because the experience of the past few years has proven one thing: as long as the money is right, the Southern Dynasty can sell anything!
Cloth, sugar, icing sugar, tea... even refined iron, and even tempered steel!
More importantly, the Liao Dynasty could also leverage the Song-Liao Jiaozi trade system to increase the value of its silver reserves.

One tael of silver, once sent to the Southern Dynasty, was converted into paper money and could be used as two or even three taels of silver!

Although it will require repayment in real money three years later.

But what does it matter?

The Liao Dynasty of today has conquered Japan.

The Iwami Silver Mine alone produces at least a million taels of silver annually!

Even more gold and silver mountains await exploitation!
With such mountains of gold and silver, why worry about repaying the debt?
Thinking of this, Yelü Hongji couldn't help but feel smug.

At this moment, Lady Wang, a beautiful woman serving beside him, saw Yelü Hongji's expression and knew that the emperor must have received some good news. She immediately clung to him in a coquettish voice and asked, "Your Majesty... is there some good news?"

Yelü Hongji was in a good mood at the moment, and seeing the beauty throw herself into his arms, he was filled with heroic spirit. He embraced Wang and kissed her on the cheek, saying, "This is a joyous occasion for the country and a celebration for the nation!"

"The Japanese envoy, Xiao Buda, has transported the gold and silver mined in Japan last month to Pyongyang!"

"My beauty, guess how much silver and gold you've brought back this time?"

Consort Wang's beautiful eyes sparkled, her allure like silk, as she cautiously asked, "With Your Majesty's great fortune, I imagine there should be at least ten thousand taels of silver and one hundred taels of gold, right?"

This was indeed the limit of what she could imagine.

It should be noted that even the largest silver mine in the Liao Dynasty could only produce around ten thousand taels of silver per year.

Yelü Hongji laughed heartily: "Ten thousand taels of silver, a hundred taels of gold?!"

"My dear consort, you have underestimated the Silver Mountain that the Japanese holy monk Naruhiro visited back then!"

Yelü Hongji held up one finger: "Xiaobudaye transported back the first batch of mined gold and silver this month, totaling more than 100,000 taels of silver and more than 2,000 taels of gold!"

Wang's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief, and she couldn't help but whisper, "There's so much gold and silver..."

Upon seeing the beauty, Yelü Hongji was overjoyed and embraced Wang's delicate body.

"Say it!"

"What does my beloved concubine desire?"

"I hereby order Yelü Ju to purchase these goods from the Southern Dynasty!"

"As long as my beloved consort is pleased, I will grant her any request!"

Yelü Hongji now resembles the protagonist of a modern urban tycoon novel.

He would give the beauty whatever she wanted!
Anyway... I have mountains of gold and silver, I can never spend them all!

Wang nestled into Yelü Hongji's arms, her red lips pursed seductively as she kissed the man, who was older than her father. Her burning lips whispered words that stirred Yelü Hongji's heart: "Your Majesty... I only desire Your Majesty's divine essence..."

Upon hearing this, Yelü Hongji felt his bones soften.

only……

Feeling the softness in his lower abdomen, he sighed inwardly, "After all, I'm getting old..."

He calmly pushed Wang aside and said solemnly, "I still need to attend to state affairs..."

"We'll discuss the reward for my beloved concubine tonight!"

Yes, he needs to find the imperial physician and get some medicine.

Otherwise, how could he possibly be a match for this beauty in her early twenties?
Wang Shi listened without getting angry, and still said with a charming smile, "Then this concubine will await Your Majesty's reward!" "Good!" Yelü Hongji nodded, embraced Wang Shi, and continued to read Xiao Buda Ye's memorial.

Upon seeing Xiao Buda's request, Yelü Hongji's expression gradually became serious.

After reading the memorial, Yelü Hongji slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Minister Xiao, you are truly a loyal minister of our Great Liao, and my right-hand man!"

Xiao Buda proposed to implement the Han Dynasty's system of military merit titles, land and housing in Japan under the guise of glorifying the ancestral system, which indeed scratched Yelü Hongji's itch.

Yelü Hongji immediately approved the edict and then summoned Hanlin Academician Zhao Xiaoyan, ordering him to draft an imperial edict. In the name of Xiao Budaye's meritorious contribution of tribute silver to the state, he was appointed as the Deputy Privy Councilor of the Southern Court, promoted to Marquis of Haidong, granted an additional 3,000 households of fief and 1,000 households of actual fief, bestowed with the Emperor's sword, and permitted to act expediently in Japan. Officials below the seventh rank were allowed to execute first and report later.

After Zhao Xiaoyan finished drafting the edict, Yelü Hongji reviewed it and then affixed his seal with a smile.

Then he said to Zhao Xiaoyan, "My acquisition of Marquis Xiao is like Emperor Gaozu's acquisition of Zhou Bo and Fan Kuai..."

"With Lord Xiao here, what is there to worry about in unifying the world or restoring the old capital?"

Zhao Xiaoyan immediately bowed and congratulated, saying, "Your Majesty is delighted to have gained a renowned general and received a silver mountain bestowed by Heaven. In the future, you will surely be able to return to the old capital and revive the Han Dynasty for the third time! Your subject congratulates the world!"

Zhao Xiaoyan, a Han Chinese scholar-official in the Liao Dynasty, was the most supportive political force within the Liao Dynasty for Yelü Hongji and his grandson.

Yelü Hongji's dream of restoring the capital to Luoyang and Chang'an, and of revitalizing the Han Dynasty, was also their dream and pursuit.

Because if that happens, they will all be instantly exonerated.

What barbarian minister?
Look carefully!

We are subjects of the Great Han!
Upon hearing this, Yelü Hongji burst into laughter.

He has grown increasingly fond of it lately, and his ministers wish him to return to the old capital and revive the Han Dynasty for the third time.

Therefore, during the Jitian ceremony for spring plowing this year, Yelü Hongji once again addressed the gods of heaven and earth in the prayer he wrote to them, using the name "your subject Liu Hongji".

With his smile fading, Yelü Hongji said, "Since the founding emperor of our Great Liao Dynasty, there have been auspicious omens of white horses and blue oxen. When this was passed down to me, the accumulated power finally burst forth, and the imperial aura became evident. As a result, our power extended throughout the land, and capable ministers and famous generals emerged one after another!"

"Thus, not only did Emperor Guangwu bestow the golden seal upon Japan, but it was also destined to be born..."

"And then there are the silver mountains and gold mountains of Japan, appearing by sheer luck!"

"Even the emperors and ministers of the Southern Dynasty were awestruck by the might of our Great Liao!"

"Therefore, through their trade, they established trade relations with our Great Liao, further strengthening our nation's power!"

"Heaven has ordained our Great Liao to unify the world, return to the old capital, and revive the Han dynasty!"

"On the day I return to the capital, I will inform the ancestral temple and acknowledge my ancestors!"

This is the promise that when the capital is returned to Luoyang and Chang'an, the country's name will be changed—from Liao to Han. We will also acknowledge our ancestors and return to our roots: I am a descendant of Emperor Gaozu of Han. I have entered China and ruled the world, in accordance with the mandate of Heaven and the prophecy of the Golden Knife of the Rabbit!

Zhao Xiaoyan immediately bowed again to offer his congratulations: "Your Majesty's grand ambitions are unprecedented in history, truly a great and wise ruler since our ancestors!"

"Hahaha..." Yelü Hongji laughed heartily, extremely proud.

He certainly has reason to be proud.

Because, under his rule, the Liao Dynasty is now flourishing day by day, with the country and its people thriving and all things thriving!

Even the Southern Dynasty, which had always been arrogant and wary of the Liao Dynasty, took the initiative to lower its stance and begin exchanges in the face of his divine might.

Countless goods from the Southern Dynasties were continuously imported into the country through the Song-Liao Jiaozi trade.

This not only fueled his war machine but also alleviated social conflicts within the Liao Kingdom.

As a result, although the Liao Kingdom has been waging war for years, the country is getting richer and the economy is getting better with each battle.

"Thanks to the goods from the Southern Dynasty!" Yelü Hongji couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Without the massive influx of goods into the country...

Where would we be today?

Thinking of this, Yelü Hongji ordered: "Scholar Zhao, send someone to inform the Grand Tutor that after receiving the gold and silver sent back by Marquis Xiao, the Grand Tutor need not send it to Liaoyang Prefecture, but directly send it by ship to Dengzhou in the Southern Dynasty!"

"Send another messenger to inform Yelü Ju, ordering him to negotiate with the Southern Dynasty to increase this year's supply of paper money!"

"At least five million strings of cash should be added!"

With Japan's vast gold and silver reserves, he no longer needs to worry about gold and silver.

Therefore, the issuance of paper money allowed the Southern Dynasty to act more freely.

"Yes, sir!" Zhao Xiaoyan bowed and accepted the order.

Yelü Hongji suddenly remembered something and called out to Zhao Xiaoyan, who was about to take his leave: "Scholar Zhao..."

"I'm here..."

"Today, while reading history, I came across a passage in the history of the Northern Qi Dynasty where Emperor Shenwu said to the Xianbei people: 'The Han people are your slaves. The husbands till the fields for you, the wives weave for you, and we provide you with grain and silk to ensure your basic needs are met. Why do you treat them so unfairly?'"
Emperor Shenwu then said to the Han people: "The Xianbei are your guests. They received a bushel of millet and a bolt of silk from you, and they fought off your bandits to bring you peace. Why are you so angry with them?"

"Is the relationship between our Great Liao and the Southern Dynasty not just like the relationship between the Xianbei and the Han people as Emperor Shenwu once described?"

Zhao Xiaoyan was taken aback for a moment, then prostrated himself and said, "Your Majesty is wise, that is indeed the case!"

Isn't this exactly how the Liao Kingdom views the current international situation?

The Liao Dynasty had hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry, making it the most powerful army in the world. However, it suffered from a depleted treasury and strained national resources. As a result, its brilliance was long obscured, and its brave warriors had no opportunity to use their skills.

The Southern Dynasty was wealthy, with the best commerce in the world, but its military was weak and its fighting strength was poor; it couldn't even defeat the Tanguts!

The city of Dazhou was even breached by the Jiaozhi people!
Since the Han and Tang dynasties, there has never been such shame!
However, since the Da'an period, the Song and Liao dynasties began to approach each other. The Song dynasty used the Liao dynasty's power to subdue the Dangxiang, Tubo, Jiaozhi and other Southeast Asian countries. The Liao dynasty used the Song dynasty's wealth to attack Goguryeo, conquer Japan, subdue the Zubu and Jurchen, and intimidate the Bohai people. They were invincible in battle and conquered every country!

Thus, it's a win-win situation!
Both parties made a fortune from this cooperative relationship.

The world was thus left to be carved up by the Song and Liao dynasties!
Last year, the Southern Dynasty mediated the war with Goryeo, which is the best proof of this.

Just ...

Zhao Xiaoyan looked at Yelü Hongji, not quite understanding why Yelü Hongji brought up this matter.

Then Yelü Hongji said, "However, the events of the Northern Qi are recorded in history and are vividly clear!"

"After Emperor Shenwu, the Xianbei and Han gradually drifted apart, became at odds, and even went to war against each other... ultimately allowing the Zhou people to reap the benefits..."

"I, too, am troubled by this!"

He was genuinely worried that after his death, Aguo (Yelü Yanxi) would be no match for the young emperor of the Southern Dynasty.

In particular, the trade in paper money between the Song and Liao dynasties will visibly flourish and grow even more.

This made Yelü Hongji feel uneasy.

Although he didn't know where his unease came from, he was also unsure.
However, as a monarch, one will instinctively become vigilant whenever there is suspicion of danger.

In other words, he was really reluctant to give up the benefits of the paper money, and even more so, he couldn't live without the goods from the Southern Dynasty.

Otherwise, he would definitely restrict or reduce trade.

Therefore, it is the nature of a monarch to rather kill three thousand innocent people than let one guilty person go free from anything that might threaten his rule!
As he spoke, Yelü Hongji looked at Zhao Xiaoyan and asked, "Scholar, you are learned in both ancient and modern times, a Confucian official of the state, and well-versed in history. Do you know anyone who can teach me?"

After listening, Zhao Xiaoyan thought for a moment, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have a plan that can relieve your worries..."

"Oh..." Yelü Hongji stood up, cupped his hands, and asked, "Please enlighten me, Scholar!"

"I dare not!" Zhao Xiaoyan bowed deeply, then offered a plan to Yelü Hongji.

Yelü Hongji listened intently, his gaze sharp and thoughtful.

This is a good strategy!

Just ...

What if the Southern Dynasty actually believed it?
After hearing Yelü Hongji's concerns, Zhao Xiaoyan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, what is there to worry about?"

"At that time, His Majesty can simply deny that such a thing happened and pin it all on Yelü Ju, saying that this humble subject misunderstood His Majesty's will..."

"That's it..."

"Very well!" Yelü Hongji made up his mind: "Let's proceed according to the scholar's plan!"

At worst, we can pin all the blame on Yelü Ju.

That's remarkable. If Yelü Ju were to die here in the future, he should be posthumously granted a more prestigious title.

(End of this chapter)