The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 416 The Emperor and Empress Set Off for the Eastern Expedition, Dragon Banners Fluttering Towards the Northern Desert

Although both armies exercised restraint during the conflict at Daqingshan, the shadow of war loomed over both the Ming and Jin dynasties like an ever-growing dark cloud.

Within the Ming Dynasty, the Xuande Division intensified its propaganda efforts, making the story of "Xiao Jilie's death in battle" a hot topic.

In the barracks, the soldiers sat together during training breaks, listening to the Xuande Division personnel recount the story of Xiao Jilie's death in battle, and they were all filled with patriotic fervor.

"To be honest, it's King Xiao's son who has guts."

A weathered old soldier slapped his thigh and said in a loud voice, "Like father, like son! How glorious it was when King Xiao led us to fight against the royal court and the Naiman people!"

"Now Prince Xiao has also sacrificed his life for the country, and has not disgraced the old man."

The young soldiers beside him nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with admiration.

Even noble sons can die on the battlefield, so ordinary soldiers should fight even harder for the Ming Dynasty.

In the fields, farmers rested with their hoes, and their conversation inevitably turned to Xiao Jilie.

"I heard that Prince Xiao is the Empress's nephew, and his status is very noble, but he is not spoiled at all. He went to the border to guard the frontier."

An old farmer wiped his sweat and said, "The Jin people are despicable. They attack without warning. Our Ming Dynasty cannot let this go."

The people around him chimed in, "Exactly."

"The court has said that His Majesty will definitely avenge Prince Xiao. When that happens, we should also donate some grain to support the army in fighting the war."

The market was even more lively, with the storyteller's stall surrounded by a huge crowd.

"It is said that at the Daqingshan border market, the Jin people broke their promise and suddenly launched an attack. Prince Xiao, holding a long sword, slashed left and right, killing the Jin soldiers who cried out for their fathers and mothers."

The storyteller clapped his gavel, spittle flying everywhere: "But the Jin army was numerous and powerful, and Prince Xiao eventually exhausted himself. Before he died, he shouted 'Long live the Ming Dynasty!' The scene was so moving that it brought tears to people's eyes."

A strong reaction erupted from the crowd, with many calling Xiao Jilie a hero who should be remembered forever by the people of the Ming Dynasty.

Thus, Xiao Jilie, who died a pathetic death, was given a golden statue due to the political needs of the Ming Dynasty, and thus left his mark on history.

And there are many people like him throughout history.

The real history is far more complex than what is recorded in history books.

Xiao Jilie's bravery moved the people, and some even threw out copper coins, shouting, "Well said! Tell us more about the story of King Xiao back then!"

Several newly arrived immigrants from Guanzhong huddled at the back of the crowd, whispering among themselves, "Who is Prince Xiao? Is he that powerful?"

A veteran from northern Xinjiang overheard this, turned around, and said with admiration in his eyes, "It's normal that you don't know since you've just arrived."

"Prince Xiao was the Grand Prince of the Six Courts of the Liao Kingdom back then, and he is also the current Empress's own brother."

“Back when our Great Ming Dynasty was still called the Northern Frontier, Prince Xiao led our Northern Frontier army to fight against the Liao Kingdom’s court and won many battles.”

"Later, the Liao court was no match for us, so they used tricks and schemes to kill King Xiao."

"And then what happened?" the new immigrant pressed.

The old soldier sighed, then revealed a proud expression: "Later, His Majesty led us to avenge Prince Xiao and destroy the Liao royal court."

"Now Prince Xiao has died for the Ming Dynasty. Both father and son of the Xiao family are heroes of our Ming Dynasty."

The new immigrants nodded repeatedly, their eyes filled with more respect.

……

In the Dragon City Palace, the candlelight in the sleeping quarters cast a warm glow, creating a cozy atmosphere.

On two small beds, one on the left and one on the right, the twins Xuanjia and Xiyue were fast asleep.

Li Xiao sat on the edge of the bed, watching Xiao Yanyan cover them with blankets.

Xuanjia and Xiyue have just turned six years old this year, inheriting Li Xiao's heroic spirit and Xiao Yanyan's tall and beautiful appearance.
Xuanjia, in particular, already has the appearance of a little adult, and spends his days wielding swords and spears, clamoring to go to the battlefield like his father.

"Xuanjia has reached the age to enter the military academy."

Xiao Yanyan sat down next to Li Xiao and said softly, "In a few days, he will be leaving home to live at the school, just like his brothers."

Li Xiao nodded, his tone tinged with satisfaction: "Boys should be tough and resilient; they shouldn't be so delicate."

"You can learn skills at the military academy so that you can serve the Ming Dynasty in the future."

He paused, looked at the sleeping Xiyue, and his eyes softened considerably: "Xiyue is still young, so she should stay with us for a few more years."

Xiao Yanyan smiled. She knew that Li Xiao doted on his eldest daughter the most, and Xiyue usually got whatever she wanted.

Although Xuanjia and Xiyue were born on the same day, Li Xiao felt that Xiyue was still young, while Xuanjia was already grown up and should go out and explore, and gain some experience.

Xiao Yanyan made no attempt to hide her love for her daughter, but she understood that Li Xiao truly valued his sons.

After the two children fell asleep, the couple went to the adjacent bedroom, washed up, and then lay down on the bed.

Xiao Yanyan slowly opened her mouth, her tone tinged with a hint of probing: "I've read the report from the Grand Council today, regarding Xiao Jilie's matter..."

Li Xiao looked up at her but didn't say anything.

Xiao Yanyan is a clever woman. Over the years, while Li Xiao personally led the expeditions, she oversaw the country in Longcheng, managing the government affairs in an orderly manner. Her political ability and skills are no less than those of men.

She could naturally guess that Xiao Jilie's death was not so simple.

"I know you have your reasons."

Xiao Yanyan didn't press further, but simply said softly, "I'm not close to those illegitimate sons of the Xiao family. Xiao Jilie and Xiao Cigu are both too ambitious, and they'll get into trouble sooner or later."

"only……"

She paused, then softened her tone: "Xiao Tubanla, that child, has a good character; he seems honest and reliable."

"Although I don't like his mother very much, it's only because she's too weak-willed and doesn't resemble a typical Khitan woman at all."

"But the mother and son were law-abiding citizens and never caused any trouble..."

Li Xiao understood what she meant. Xiao Simo had a brilliant life, but he only had three children left.

Now that Xiao Jilie is dead and Xiao Cigu is restless, only Xiao Tubanla remains as an honest man, so he must leave a bloodline.

He held Xiao Yanyan's hand and said softly, "Xiao Tubanla is currently working in the Commander's Office of the Seventh Garrison in Lingzhou as a clerk. Although there are many things to do, they are all miscellaneous tasks and there is no danger."

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will remain in a second-tier position until he retires."

He paused, then added, "I've already asked people to keep a close eye on him, and they'll report back promptly if anything happens."

"Don't worry, I will protect the Xiao family bloodline."

Xiao Yanyan nodded, but neither of them mentioned Xiao Cigu.

They all knew that Xiao Cigu was ambitious and unruly. Now that Xiao Jilie was dead, if he still didn't restrain himself, he would eventually follow the same path.

Some endings are predetermined from the very beginning.

The moonlight in the bedchamber was gentle. Li Xiao's fingertips lightly stroked Xiao Yanyan's hair. Suddenly, he changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious: "After the New Year, we will take action against the Jin Kingdom."

Xiao Yanyan was slightly taken aback, then nodded in understanding.

She had long known that Li Xiao would never let the shadow of war linger for too long.

"Xiao Jilie's matter is indeed a good excuse," she replied softly, her eyes revealing a hint of clarity.

“The Jin state will never hand over Wanyan Chun, after all, Prince Yue, Wanyan Yonggong, holds military power, and Wanyan Yongji dares not really force him to rebel.”

"Since the Jin Kingdom refuses to hand over the real culprit, then when the time comes, our eastern expedition will have a legitimate reason to be launched."

"you're right."

Li Xiao nodded and smiled slightly, his tone full of control over the situation.

"Ever since the triumphant return from the western expedition, I have been preparing for the eastern expedition."

"The supplies, weapons, and troop reorganization will all be almost complete in a few months."

"Besides, you've seen the intelligence that the Embroidered Uniform Guard sent from the Jin Kingdom, haven't you?"

"Locust plagues and droughts came one after another, and the Yellow River even breached its banks. The people of the Jin Kingdom were displaced, resorting to cannibalism, and grain prices soared to astronomical levels."

"Their war potential has long been exhausted, and now is the best time to strike."

Xiao Yanyan looked at him, her eyes filled with admiration and worship.

This man seemed born for war; his entire life was spent either fighting or preparing for war.

From a small force in Jinzhou to the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he carved out an empire with just a sword.

"Your Majesty, please go forth with confidence. I will take care of Dragon City."

She said firmly, "Just like before, I will oversee the country from the rear, manage the affairs of state, take care of my family, and ensure that Your Majesty has no worries."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiao couldn't help but pull her closer to him, teasingly saying, "Speaking of which, the days I spent as emperor in Longcheng are not even a fraction of the time you spent overseeing the country."

"If outsiders didn't know, they would say you are the empress, and I would be your general."

Xiao Yanyan was amused by him and gently punched him: "Your Majesty is joking. Without you fighting on the front lines, how could I, your humble servant, be able to peacefully oversee the country from the rear?"

The couple smiled at each other, and the atmosphere in the bedroom instantly became much more relaxed.

After laughing, Li Xiao's expression gradually turned serious: "For this eastern expedition, I want to take the Golden Saber with me to gain some experience."

Xiao Yanyan's heart stirred.

Jin Dao is their eldest son. He has been studying at the military academy for four years now. Although he has not graduated, he has mastered a lot of military strategies and tactics, and his martial arts and archery skills are also quite good.

"What's taught in school is all dead theory; nothing beats the practical experience on the battlefield."

She wholeheartedly agreed, her tone devoid of any ordinary mother's worry, but instead full of anticipation.

Khitan women admired the survival of the strong. Li Xiao's willingness to take his son to war showed his respect and, more importantly, his intention to nurture him.

"A fledgling eagle is destined to spread its wings and fly high; if it stays in the nest, it will never become a majestic eagle soaring through the sky."

"Jin Dao is the son of the Ming Emperor, so he should go to the battlefield and see blood instead of staying in the palace and the capital."

"A life of extravagance and pleasure will only extinguish Jin Dao's fighting spirit and prevent him from growing."

Hearing her words, Li Xiao smiled gently.

Xiao Yanyan was no ordinary woman. Although she felt sorry for the Golden Knife, she understood even more clearly that Li Xiao's willingness to take the Golden Knife on his eastern expedition showed how much he valued it.

This will be more beneficial for the future of Jin Dao.

"Don't worry, I will protect the golden knife," Li Xiao said softly, holding her hand.
“This time, I won’t send him to the battlefield. I’ll keep him by my side and let him learn how to deploy troops and handle military affairs. He’ll learn some practical experience first.” He paused, his eyes becoming exceptionally serious: “Jin Dao is our eldest son, the most honorable person in the Ming Dynasty besides you and me.”

"This child is smart and strong-willed, like you, and like me."

"As long as he stays true to himself and does his job well in the future, this position will be his sooner or later."

These words were like a reassuring pill, instantly bringing tears to Xiao Yanyan's eyes.

She had followed Li Xiao since he was a nobody, and as a princess of the Liao Kingdom, she helped him win over the forces in Jinzhou and helped him grow stronger step by step.

Later, when Li Xiao was away fighting battles for many years, she was the one who oversaw the country in Longcheng, managing state affairs and taking care of her parents-in-law.

She never expected anything in return, but Li Xiao's promise made her feel that all her efforts were worthwhile.

He not only appreciates her good qualities, but also wants to give her and their child a stable future.

"However, I will not appoint Jin Dao as Crown Prince now."

Li Xiao changed the subject, his tone becoming more deliberate.

"The position of Crown Prince is too heavy, and the pressure it brings is not something that ordinary people can bear."

"Jin Dao is still young and not an adult yet. There's no need to burden him with these responsibilities too early."

"Besides, in our Great Ming Dynasty, titles have always been earned through military merit."

"My second uncle and sixth uncle will be crowned kings, and they will earn it through one victory after another."

"My sons would have to achieve military merits to be enfeoffed as kings, let alone the position of crown prince."

"Jin Dao has a long way to go."

Xiao Yanyan nodded vigorously, her eyes full of agreement: "You're right."

"He is your son, Li Xiao, and carries the most noble bloodline of the Li and Xiao clans."

"He won't let us down. In the future, he will definitely earn his own glory through his own abilities."

Li Xiao looked at the light in her eyes and nodded gently.

He wouldn't be stingy with what was meant for Jin Dao.

Li Xiao would not show any mercy if it was something he had to fight for himself.

The candlelight in the bedchamber gradually went out, and moonlight shone through the window lattice onto the two people embracing.

That night, Xiao Yanyan became exceptionally frantic.

She wanted to bear more sons for Li Xiao, to pass on their best bloodline, and to cultivate more heirs for the Ming Dynasty.

Stand by him and protect the land he has conquered.

Meanwhile, nobles and dignitaries throughout the Jin Kingdom gradually learned of the conflict in the northern desert and the possibility of war, and panic began to spread.

Everyone knows that once the Ming army marches south, the border prefectures will be the first to be hit.

With internal and external troubles looming, it remains to be seen whether the Jin state can win this war.

In the past, they would have said that the Great Kim would surely win.

However, the previous Battle of Guanzhong, with its fierce and powerful fighting force of the Ming cavalry, had already shattered their arrogance.

In their eyes, the Ming Dynasty had become a powerful force no less than that of the Jin Dynasty.

Therefore, no one is certain whether they can win the potential war in northern Mongolia.

This panic quickly spread to Qufu, but this ancient city, which carries the cultural heritage of China, was shrouded in another invisible gloom.

Inside the main hall of the Qufu County Government Office, the contemporary Duke Yansheng, Kong Yuancuo, sat in the main seat.

His fair complexion was accentuated by his blue scholar's robe, and his brows exuded the refined elegance characteristic of a scholar. Only the melancholy in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.

He just turned thirty this year. When he was nine, he was appreciated by Emperor Zhangzong of Jin for his outstanding talent and inherited the title of Duke Yansheng.

Although he now holds a minor official position in the Jin Dynasty, his focus remains on the ancestral worship and family affairs in Qufu.

The magistrate of Qufu County, Zhao De, who sat at the lower end of the table, was not surnamed Kong, but was the son-in-law of the Kong family. He was respectful to Kong Yuancuo and held a document in his hands.

His tone carried a hint of anxiety: "My lord, this is a message I just received."

"The rebels have been very active lately, and have already captured three towns around Yanzhou. Judging from their movements, they are probably heading towards Qufu."

Kong Yuancuo took the document, his expression remaining calm, and slowly said, "What they're eyeing is the Kong family's grain."

That hits the nail on the head.

Shandong has suffered from continuous disasters in recent years. Locust plagues have devoured crops, droughts have cracked the land, and the Yellow River has breached its banks, flooding large areas of fertile land.

The people were starving, and even grass roots and tree bark were dug up. Taking advantage of this, bandits in Shandong rose up, and the Red Coat Army grew in number despite repeated suppression efforts.

Desperate people joined the rebels, hoping to find a way to eat.

Qufu, under the strong rule of the Confucius family, was relatively stable, and the grain stored in the mansion became a "fat piece of meat" in the eyes of the rebels.

"Your Excellency is wise."

Zhao De nodded quickly: "It is a year of great famine, and although our Kong family is opening granaries to provide relief."

"But the number of disaster victims is like an ever-growing tide. If this continues, even if the Kong family has a lot of food, they won't be able to hold on!"

Kong Yuancuo picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and said with a hint of helplessness, "As descendants of a sage, it is our duty to provide relief to disaster victims."

"But in chaotic times, the words 'benevolence and kindness' can sometimes backfire."

“We can’t ignore the disaster victims; but if we do, it will only attract more people. If the rebels use the disaster victims as cover to attack, Qufu will be in real danger.”

The Confucius family in Qufu is not just a cultural symbol.

From the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty onwards, the magistrate of Qufu County was either concurrently held by the head of the Kong family or recommended by him. The Jin Dynasty continued this practice in order to demonstrate its legitimacy.

Today, in Qufu, which aspect of civil affairs, taxation, and public security is not under the control of the Confucius family?
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Qufu the 'Kingdom of Confucius'.

What's even more frightening is that most of the land in Qufu belonged to the Kong family, making them one of the largest landowners in the north.

Moreover, the Kong family enjoyed the privilege of tax exemption and exemption from corvée labor. Many people came to become tenants and servants of the Kong family in order to avoid disaster.
The number of people housed in the prefecture was more than the number registered by the imperial court.

In terms of financial resources and manpower, the Kong family was one of the most powerful families in Shandong, but the Red Coat Army was not afraid of these things.

A group of people who were about to starve to death, as long as they had something to eat, they would dare to brave even mountains of knives and seas of fire.

Zhao De's face was full of worry: "My lord, what should we do? We can't just sit here and wait to die, can we?"

"The rebels are getting closer and closer, but the imperial army is tied up at the border and can't take care of Shandong at all."

A sharp glint flashed in Kong Yuancuo's eyes, and his tone was no longer calm: "Continue to provide relief to the disaster victims, but limit the number of people and the amount of relief provided each day to prevent the disaster victims from flooding in without restraint."

"Secondly, there are many strong men among the tenant farmers of the Kong family. A thousand of them were selected, equipped with weapons and armor, and led by members of the clan, to be responsible for the defense of Qufu City, guarding the city gates and granaries."

"Thirdly, send someone to deliver some 'gifts' to General Wanyan, who is stationed in Jizhou—one hundred taels of gold."

“Select a few maids from the manor who are skilled in music and send them over, and ask him to send a troop of soldiers to help us defend Qufu.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao De hesitated: "Sending gold and maids... wouldn't that be too ostentatious? What if we get impeached by the imperial censors..."

"Impeach?"

Kong Yuancuo sneered, his tone laced with sarcasm: "Now that the Jin Kingdom is struggling to protect itself, its borders are being pressured by the Ming Kingdom, and rebellions are erupting all over the Central Plains, how can the court possibly have the mind to care about these things?"

“General Wanyan holds military power. As long as he is given enough benefits, he will naturally be willing to send troops. After all, if Qufu is lost, he, as the garrison commander of Jizhou, will also be held responsible.”

Zhao De suddenly realized what was going on and quickly stood up, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect: "Your Excellency is truly insightful. I will make the arrangements immediately."

Zhao Degang straightened up and was about to turn and leave when a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.

A steward dressed in a short blue cloth jacket rushed in, looking flustered: "My lord, something terrible has happened! We just received news that the imperial army and the Ming army are about to fight on the northern border."

"What? They're going to fight so soon?"

Kong Yuancuo suddenly stood up from his seat, his previously calm face instantly filled with shock.

"Where did you get this information? Is it accurate?"

Zhao De, who was standing to the side, was also stunned. His original anxiety was replaced by a deeper panic.

If the Ming and Jin dynasties were to go to war, the already chaotic situation in Shandong would only worsen.

The steward nodded hurriedly, his tone somewhat urgent: "It's definitely accurate. It was a letter sent overnight by the Second Master of Zhongdu."

Kong Yuancuo's heart sank. Many members of the Kong family held positions in Zhongdu, especially his second elder brother Kong Yuanli, who held the highest position and had access to core information of the court.

The letters he sends are never false.

"Quickly, tell me in detail what else Second Brother said in the letter?" He took a step forward, his eyes fixed on the steward.

The steward swallowed hard and said, "Second Master only heard from people in the court that there was trouble at the border market."

"Our Jin army killed several Ming soldiers at the border market, but one of them happened to be an unusual person, the nephew of the Ming Empress."

"When the Ming emperor learned of this, he was furious and issued an ultimatum, demanding that our Great Jin hand over Prince Wanyan Chun, the heir of the Yue Kingdom, or he would send a large army south to attack us."

"The court in Zhongdu is now in complete chaos."

The steward continued, "His Highness the Prince of Yue and His Majesty had a huge argument in the hall. The Prince of Yue refused to hand over the crown prince no matter what, and said that he would fight to the death with anyone who dared to touch his son."

"Second Master said that all the civil and military officials are now discussing that this battle is probably unavoidable."

Kong Yuancuo stood there, his brows furrowed in worry. He never imagined that a border conflict in the northern desert would escalate into the trigger for war between the Ming and Jin dynasties.

The murder of the Empress's nephew was no small matter, and the Ming Dynasty would certainly use it as an excuse to make a fuss.

On the Jin side, the Prince of Yue, Wanyan Yonggong, was extremely powerful, and even the emperor had to give him some leeway. How could he possibly be willing to hand over his own son?

"Wanyan Chun will never be handed over."

Kong Yuancuo muttered to himself, his tone resolute: "The King of Yue is currently at the height of his power. If he can even abandon his own son, who among his men would dare to follow him?"

“Losing his son is a small matter, but losing the hearts of the people is a big matter. He would rather go to war with the Ming Dynasty than admit defeat.”

Thinking of all this, Kong Yuancuo turned around and left the county office: "Quickly, back to the prefecture."

At the same time, he instructed the steward, "This concerns the life and death of the Kong family. Immediately inform the clan elders and have them come to the ancestral hall to discuss the matter."

(End of this chapter)