Do you know: I am the crown prince

Chapter 485 Acting
As if he could see Zhao Xing's worry, Zeng Gongliang smiled and said, "Your Majesty, are you worried about the three parties' alliance? Are Hehuang and Xixia up to something?"

"Not bad!"

Zhao Xing nodded and said, "If the three parties jointly send troops, the Song Dynasty will be the greatest threat to the Liao Dynasty. Once Hehuang and Xixia fail to contribute, the Song Dynasty will become the main target of the Liao Dynasty."

Although it is said that one should pick on the weak, if Hehuang and Xixia are just pretending, Yelu Yixin would be happy to cooperate with them and use heavy troops to guard against the Song Dynasty.

Whether the Hehuang Xixia wanted the Song Dynasty to tie up most of the Liao Dynasty's military forces so that they could take advantage, or they had other plans, it would be very disadvantageous to the Song Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, the division of Liao among three states is only the most ideal outcome. In fact, for the Song Dynasty, there are three possible outcomes to pursue in this military expedition. As for which outcome to pursue, it depends on the movements of Western Xia and Hehuang." Zeng Gongliang said with a smile.

"Which three?"

"The first result is that all three parties will just pretend to do so. Although they will not gain any real benefits, it will prevent the Liao Kingdom from interfering with the construction of the Great Wall in the north."

"The second is to take advantage of the fact that the Liao Kingdom has not yet recovered its vitality and greatly weaken its strength."

"And the third option is to destroy Liao!"

Zeng Gongliang said: "No matter what the result is, it will be good for the Song Dynasty."

"My dear Zeng, you are still thinking long-term. I am only thinking about whether I can destroy Liao." Zhao Xing said self-deprecatingly.

"Your Majesty is too modest. After all, recovering the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun was the last wish of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong. That is why Your Majesty is determined to destroy Liao in this way." Zeng Gongliang said with a smile.

"I didn't expect Mr. Zeng to be such a flatterer."

Zhao Xing smiled and waved his hand, saying, "But I really haven't thought that much. My dear minister, do you think the court officials can agree?"

"There won't be many people in the court who agree to send troops, but as long as Your Majesty is willing to put on a show, it won't be difficult to get the court officials to agree to send troops."

"What drama?"

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager Xiao and others made their identities clear when they entered the territory of the Song Dynasty. The Liao envoys should be on their way now."

Zhao Xing pondered for a while, then smiled and said, "I understand."

The Liao envoys came simply to ask the Song Dynasty to hand over Empress Dowager Xiao and others.

The so-called play was to not hand over the people, but to make the Liao envoys mistakenly believe that the Song Dynasty was going to send troops.

When Yelu Yixin learns about this, he will certainly send more troops to the border for defense.

In this case, since the Liao Kingdom provoked first, it would be natural for the Song Dynasty to contact the Hehuang area of ​​Western Xia and send reinforcements to the border at the same time.

…………

Empress Dowager Xiao and others were placed in a royal villa in the inner city.

Given her status, it was not appropriate to arrange her in the Honglu Temple.

After coming out of the palace yesterday, Empress Dowager Xiao told Xiao Asu that the Emperor of the Song Dynasty had agreed to send troops, but he just needed to convince the court officials.

Xiao Asu thought there would be results today, but after waiting for a whole morning, there was no news. He sent people out to inquire about the news, but they didn't get any.

"Sister, we can't keep dragging this on. Once Yelu Yixin learns that we have come to the Song Dynasty, he will definitely send people to negotiate with the Song Dynasty. Once the benefits promised by Yelu Yixin impress the Song Dynasty, the Song Dynasty may use us in exchange for benefits." Xiao Asu said.

"Then does elder brother have any good ideas?" asked Empress Dowager Xiao.

"The people of Song are greedy. I want to give some gifts to the officials of the Song Dynasty. I don't need their help, as long as they don't stop me." Xiao Asu said.

"Are you crazy? I angered the Emperor of Song because I gave gifts to the officials of Song Dynasty. Let's not talk about what the Emperor of Song Dynasty would think. Do you think the officials of Song Dynasty dare to accept them now?"

"Don't the Han people have a saying that goes 'one situation at a time, another situation at a time'? The Emperor of Song has agreed to send troops, and we are cooperating with him by doing this."

When they escaped from Shangjing, they still brought some gold, silver and treasures with them. Although not much, it was enough for giving gifts.

What's the point of keeping the money if you don't need it now?

Empress Dowager Xiao was about to say something when she heard the voice of a palace maid outside the door.

"Reporting to Empress Dowager Xiao, His Majesty has sent someone to bring Empress Dowager Xiao into the palace."

"understood."

Empress Dowager Xiao replied, and whispered, "You go out first. I'll change my clothes. As for other matters, I'll go to the palace to ask Emperor Song's opinion first."

"Yes!" Xiao Asu bowed and retreated.

Empress Dowager Xiao called in the palace maids and asked them to help her change into the phoenix robe of the Empress Dowager of Liao.

The Liao Dynasty was influenced by the Han Dynasty, and the formal attire of the empress and the queen mother was also very heavy.

Except for more formal occasions, it is generally not worn.

She arrived in Bian Jing yesterday and went straight into the palace, wearing only casual clothes.

When leaving, Zhao Xing reminded her to wear formal clothes when they met next time.

Although the Liao Dynasty court costumes were influenced by some Han culture, they were generally not as heavy as the formal dress of the Empress Dowager of the Song Dynasty.

Wearing formal clothes does not affect walking.

After Empress Dowager Xiao changed her clothes, she left the villa and got on the carriage.

The carriage drove all the way to the side door of the palace and drove directly into the palace.

They stopped not far from Yeonbokgung Palace, Zhao Xing's sleeping palace.

"Reporting to Empress Dowager Xiao, we have arrived." Liu Sanshi bowed as he went to meet Empress Dowager Xiao.

Empress Dowager Xiao got out of the carriage and entered Yanfu Palace under the guidance of Liu Sanshi.

Liu Sanshi led Empress Dowager Xiao all the way to the door of the palace and bowed, saying, "Empress Dowager Xiao, please come in!"

Empress Dowager Xiao walked into the room, walked around the screen, and saw Zhao Xing lying on his side on the Luohan bed with his head propped up.

When Zhao Xing saw what Empress Dowager Xiao was wearing, his eyes lit up.

Empress Dowager Xiao wore a golden crown with a golden phoenix carved on it and tassels on the collar.

The style of the clothes did not change much from yesterday, but it was a yellow robe embroidered with dragon patterns, and he wore mink boots.

Dressed like this, she does not look as elegant and graceful as the formal dress of the Empress Dowager of the Song Dynasty. Instead, she looks very majestic, like an empress.

Zhao Xing suddenly thought of a rumor that most of the Liao emperors died earlier than their empresses.

Therefore, the Empress Dowager of Liao often ruled the country from behind the scenes and admired Wu Zetian even more.

Therefore, the formal dress of the Liao Dynasty Queen was changed several times and its style completely became a female dragon robe.

At first, Zhao Xing didn't quite believe it, but after seeing it now, he completely believed it.

Judging from his clothes alone, the servants of this Song Dynasty official seemed shabby compared to those of Empress Dowager Xiao.

Seeing Zhao Xing staring at her intently, Empress Dowager Xiao felt very pleased and said with a smile, "Your Majesty is the ruler of the country, how can you be like someone who has never seen a woman before?"

"Haha."

Zhao Xing came to his senses, stood up and walked towards Empress Dowager Xiao.

"I have seen so many beauties, many of whom are prettier than my sister-in-law, but my sister-in-law's identity is too attractive to me."

As he spoke, Zhao Xing walked to Empress Dowager Xiao, put his arms around her waist, and with a little force, the two of them pressed tightly together.

Zhao Xing raised his other hand and gently stroked Empress Dowager Xiao's face. Finally, he held her chin and bent down to kiss her.

Wearing formal clothes is very tempting, but it also has disadvantages.

First, it is relatively thick, and you can’t feel it through clothes.

The biggest disadvantage is that it cannot be torn.

However, Empress Dowager Xiao is wearing formal clothes, which makes her look very majestic, but it can unlock other ways of playing.

Zhao Xing sat on the Arhat bed, looking at Empress Dowager Xiao who was kneeling beside him, busy with her work with her head down, and felt an unusual sense of conquest.

…………

"Your Majesty, how is the situation?" Empress Dowager Xiao leaned in Zhao Xing's arms and said lazily.

"Talking about this right now will ruin the atmosphere. What's your girlfriend's name?"

"Girl's name?"

Empress Dowager Xiao was stunned for a moment and said, "I haven't used it for many years. If Your Majesty hadn't told me, I would have almost forgotten it. I think it was called Guanyin."

"Guanyin? Xiao Guanyin? What a nice name." Zhao Xing praised.

Empress Dowager Xiao held down Zhao Xing's mischievous hand and said, "Your Majesty, I am the empress dowager of Liao. How can you treat me like this? What about the things you promised me?"

"What do you mean by humiliation? I see you are enjoying it."

Zhao Xing turned over, looked down at Empress Dowager Xiao and said, "It is still uncertain whether the restoration of the country can be achieved. It is better for you to stay in the palace. I will ensure that you will be rich and prosperous for the rest of your life."

Empress Dowager Xiao put her arms around Zhao Xing's neck and chuckled, "If Your Majesty is willing to make me the queen, abolish the crown prince, and make our child the crown prince, I can agree to it.

After all, your majesty is in good health, and I like him very much."

"Don't be ridiculous, you know this is impossible."

"Isn't this your Majesty's joke first?"

Empress Dowager Xiao raised her head and kissed the corner of Zhao Xing's mouth, then smiled charmingly and said, "But I am not joking."

Although she was the Queen Mother in the Liao Dynasty and had unparalleled power, she was indeed unsure that she might not be able to restore the country.

If Zhao Xing was willing to make her the queen and enthrone their child as the crown prince, it would mean that Zhao Xing really liked her, and not just her body and status.

Then it is not impossible to stay in the Song Dynasty.

"Okay, no kidding."

Zhao Xing lay down and said, "I have received news that the Liao envoys have entered the Song Dynasty and should arrive in Bianjing in the next few days. Most of the court officials are unwilling to send troops. If we want to persuade them, we need your cooperation."

"How to cooperate?" asked Empress Dowager Xiao.

"Stay in the palace for a few days."

"How many days?"

Empress Dowager Xiao frowned and said, "This is impossible. Do you know how much of an impact it will have on me if the news reaches the Liao Kingdom?"

She stayed in the palace for a few days, which was equivalent to making the matter between the two of them public.

"Didn't you say that Liao doesn't care about these things?"

"Not caring and being upright are two different things." Empress Dowager Xiao shook her head.

The Liao Dynasty did not care about such things. The fact that the empress dowager had kept male favorites was not a secret among the upper echelons of the Liao Dynasty.

But the common people at the bottom don’t know this, not to mention that raising a child is one thing and giving it away is another.

If Yelu Yixin knew about this and spread it widely in Liao, saying that she slept with the Emperor of Song and instigated Song to attack Liao, how could the people of Liao look down on her?

"Then there is nothing we can do. Most of the court officials do not agree to send troops."

"I have heard in Liao that Your Majesty has been very powerful since he ascended the throne and has killed many officials. Your Majesty has the final say on all matters in the court. It is ridiculous for Your Majesty to refuse to send troops with this reason now, isn't it?" Empress Dowager Xiao sneered.

"The officials' reasons for opposing are not wrong. You should also know that the Song Dynasty is spending a lot of money to build the Great Wall in the north. The treasury is empty and it is unable to send troops. Am I going to kill people for this?"

"If that is the case, why would Your Majesty support sending troops?"

"It is true that the treasury is empty. If we really want to send troops, we can only increase taxes on the people. It is precisely because of this that I cannot be too tough, otherwise I will lose the support of the people."

Zhao Xing shook his head and said, "You stay in the palace for a few days. When the envoy sent by Yelu Yixin arrives, I will send him away. By then, Yelu Yixin will think that I have been deceived by you and will definitely send troops. To prevent this, he will naturally send more troops to the border. Then I will have an excuse to send troops. I have already told you the solution. Whether you are willing to see me or not, I will not force you. If you want to leave the palace, you can get dressed and leave now, and someone will take you out of the palace."

Empress Dowager Xiao frowned when she heard this. If she stayed in the palace, Yelu Yixin would get the news and would definitely use this incident to ruin her reputation.

Although there were some ministers in Liao who were loyal to the royal family, they could not accept the reinforcements she obtained in exchange for sleeping with them.

But if they are not kept, the Song Dynasty will not send troops in a short time.

The longer it drags on, the stronger Yelu Yixin's control over the Liao Kingdom will be. Even with the help of the Song Dynasty, it will be difficult to restore the country.

After a long silence, Empress Dowager Xiao's hand slipped down and grasped Zhao Xing's vital points.

"Your Majesty, have you rested well?"

"I don't need to rest at all, I just want you to rest."

Zhao Xing laughed, and moving music rang out in the house again.

…………

The news that Empress Dowager Xiao stayed in the palace overnight naturally could not be concealed from the civil and military officials in the court.

Although Zhao Xing felt that this was to bring glory to the Song Dynasty and to avenge the people on the border who were killed and humiliated by the Liao Kingdom.

However, from the perspective of civil and military officials, this kind of thing is difficult for them to accept.

However, for the sake of Zhao Xing and the Song Dynasty's reputation, no one dared to mention or discuss this matter.

But in the next few days, Zhao Xing ignored the affairs of state, which made the civil and military officials no longer able to sit still.

In the eyes of some officials, Empress Dowager Xiao was a woman like Daji and Baosi, and Zhao Xing had been bewitched by her.

After all, there were so many concubines in the harem, and Zhao Xing had never ignored the affairs of state because of any of them.

At most, when the queen gave birth to a child, Zhao Xing ignored state affairs for a few days.

Moreover, Empress Dowager Xiao was the Empress Dowager of Liao. What if Zhao Xing fell under her spell and sent troops to help her restore her country?
Many officials found Han Zhang and asked him to lead all the officials to meet with the emperor and give advice.

But Han Zhang did not agree, and stayed at home to recuperate.

While cursing Han Zhang, all the officials urged Yu Xianggong, Shen Xianggong and others to take the lead.

Prime Minister Shen, Prime Minister Yu and others were also filled with worries, and after being persuaded by all the officials, they finally agreed.

……

Yeonbokgung Palace Main Hall

Zhao Xing lay on the couch, enjoying being fed by the big and small dogs while watching Empress Dowager Xiao dancing, feeling very comfortable.

He had ignored state affairs for the past few days and acted like a licentious and incompetent ruler, which made Zhao Xing understand why there were so many incompetent rulers in ancient times.

"His Majesty!"

Sanshui walked to Zhao Xing's side, bowed and said, "Several ministers have led most of the officials in the court to ask for an audience outside the Chuigong Palace."

"Tell them that I'm not feeling well and need to rest for a few days. No see you!" Zhao Xing waved his hand.

"Yes!"

Sanshui retreated in response.

After Empress Dowager Xiao finished her dance, she came and sat down beside Zhao Xing, then lay in his arms.

"Your Majesty, when will Yelu Yixin's men arrive?"

"Anxious?"

Zhao Xing smiled slightly, put his hand into the loose collar, and said, "I see that you seem to be enjoying yourself these days."

"Hmm~"

Empress Dowager Xiao groaned and twisted her body to make it more convenient for Zhao Xing.

"I am just worried that Your Majesty has not attended court for many days and the court officials must be dissatisfied." said Empress Dowager Xiao.

"I already have one, and he's asking for a meeting outside now." Zhao Xing said indifferently.

(End of this chapter)