Usurpation of Mongolia: My father-in-law is Genghis Khan

Chapter 217 Executing Song officials at the Meridian Gate, declining three times, the first time!
Xuan Zeng set off from Lin'an to Zhongdu to urge Zhao Shuo to ascend the throne. His journey was not fast; in fact, it could be described as very slow.

The logic is quite simple: the Southern Song Dynasty's true aim was not to genuinely support Zhao Shuo as emperor, but rather to incite conflict within the Mongol Empire. Therefore, the greater the publicity, the better; the more people who knew about it, the better—ideally, it should be common knowledge.

Thus, Xuan Zeng and his party of forty-nine people set off from Lin'an, dawdling along the way, constantly praising Zhao Shuo's wisdom and greatness, how much the Southern Song court loved him, and how rightfully he should ascend the throne in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people. It took him a full four months to reach Zhongdu.

Zhao Shuo seemed to attach great importance to his arrival, and personally received him in the Da'an Hall of the Zhongdu Imperial Palace.

Not only that, Zhao Shuo summoned all fourteen 10,000-household commanders of the Han army's eight banners, seven pacification commissioners of the seven provinces, officials of the fifth rank or above in Zhongdu, and 1,000-household commanders from the grasslands to this place.

"Xuan Zeng, the envoy from the State of Song, who is also the Vice Chancellor and Privy Councilor, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Boom boom boom!
Although he was paying homage to the king, Xuan Zeng performed the three bows and nine kowtows ceremony of the emperor.

Zhao Shuo's face showed no emotion, and he calmly asked, "Xuan Zeng, what is the purpose of the Song court sending you here?"

"Your Majesty was born of noble birth, rising from the grasslands. Wielding a three-foot sword, you swept away the villains, nurtured the people, and are praised by all. Now, Your Majesty possesses a territory of twenty thousand li and commands an army of a million. The Song Dynasty court, and indeed the entire nation's military and civilians, all believe that Your Majesty should follow the will of Heaven and the people, and ascend the throne as Emperor. Therefore, we have specially dispatched foreign officials as envoys to express our sentiments!"

Become!

As soon as she finished speaking, Xuanzeng felt a surge of joy.

Initially, Shi Miyuan wanted to select a distant member of the imperial family from among the common people to be the new emperor of the Song Dynasty. Xuan Zeng put in a lot of effort to make Zhao Yun the emperor.

Based solely on this achievement, as long as Zhao Yun remains in power, no matter how corrupt or lawless he may be, he will be given a dignified reputation.

Now, with the added merit of persuading Zhao Shuo to become emperor, wouldn't he be able to sit firmly on the throne no matter how the world changes?
Zhao Shuo remained noncommittal, his authoritative gaze sweeping over the assembled officials as he asked, "What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, do not hesitate any longer, declare yourself emperor! Who does not know that Ögedei used despicable means to kill Tolui Khan? He is not worthy to be the Great Khan! Your Majesty has no need to continue to be a subject of the Mongol court!"

"The Han Chinese Plain Red Banner only knows the King, not the Mongol Great Khan, and they are all willing to support the King as Emperor!"

"Our Han Army, the Plain Blue Banner, is also one!"

"The people of Shandong have long wanted Your Majesty to be the emperor! If Your Majesty is not the emperor, what will become of the common people? What will become of the world?"

……

For the Han Chinese Eight Banners, the desire for advancement was insane. Who didn't yearn for titles and privileges for their wives and children? Without Zhao Shuo as emperor, how could they possibly be granted ranks?

As for the civil officials, needless to say, how could they possibly miss the opportunity to persuade the emperor to ascend the throne?
For the steppe warriors, Zhao Shuo exempted them from taxes and brought them more spoils of war. Although they were grateful to Zhao Shuo, this was not enough to make them support the division of Mongolia.

But didn't Ögedei Khan kill Tolui? Didn't Ögedei Khan bully the widow and orphans left behind by Tolui?

If Ögedei could treat Tolui this way, why couldn't he treat Zhao Shuo this way?

Zhao Shuo naturally gained a legitimate reason to deal with Ögedei.

If he can do the first day of the month, Zhao Shuo can do the fifteenth!

Ultimately, the systems of Mongolia and the Central Plains were different.

Who is the Khan of the Steppe?

The one who can guarantee the interests of the steppe nobles and lead them to obtain even more benefits is the Great Khan.

Not only could it not guarantee the interests of the steppe nobles, but it also infringed upon their interests, so the steppe nobles had no psychological barriers to rising up in rebellion.

No one else would think there was anything wrong with it.

At that point, it will just come down to which knife is faster.

Since the chieftains of the grasslands present were Zhao Shuo's vassals, how could they possibly side with outsiders? That would be something the grassland nobles would despise!
"In my opinion, Your Majesty is not only fit to be emperor, but also to be the Great Khan of the Mongols! Your Majesty, do not hesitate! Anyone who dares to oppose you, I will cut off their head!"

The one who shouted the loudest was Mo Chibieduwen.

Not only was he unruly, but he also had a foul mouth, which even Genghis Khan couldn't stand. He didn't grant him a hereditary title of commander of a thousand households and sent him to Zhao Shuo's side instead.

Now, Mochibieduwen is the military judge of the entire army, a position even higher than that of the Eight Banners' commanders. Anyone who dares to oppose Zhao Shuo is Mochibieduwen's greatest enemy!

Zhao Shuo was fully aware of the generals' thoughts but did not express his opinion.

Only when the generals' voices gradually subsided did they look at the three people who had remained silent until now.

The foremost military general, Shi Tianni, the banner lord of the Plain Yellow Banner of the Han Army.

Yelü Chucai, the foremost civil official and Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

Zhao Shuo's eldest son, Crown Prince Zhao He.

"Shi Tianni, what do you think?" Zhao Shuo asked first.

Shi Tianni bowed slightly and said, "I am a military man, and I only know how to be loyal to the king, to devote myself to the cause until my dying breath, and I know nothing else!"

"If Your Majesty wishes to become emperor, wherever your banners point, that will be the advance of my Plain Yellow Banner! To seal the wolf's lair and trample the Khan's court, I can do it! If Your Majesty does not wish to become emperor now, with a single decree, anyone who dares to speak out will be beheaded by Your Majesty!"

Zhao Shuo's face remained expressionless as he looked at Yelü Chucai and said, "Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, what do you say?"

Yelü Chucai frowned, gritted his teeth slightly, and said, "I believe...it is unacceptable!"

"Oh why?"

"Because now is not the time. The world today is in an era of unprecedented strife, with all nations involved. If Your Majesty and the Mongol court unite, who in the world can rival you? The unprecedented achievements Your Majesty has made will likely surpass even those of the ancient sages Yao and Shun!"

"But if Your Majesty were to declare yourself emperor now, you would inevitably be vying with the Mongol court for supremacy. Whether it results in mutual destruction or a situation where you inflict heavy losses on both sides, Your Majesty would miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Please consider this carefully, Your Majesty!"

Boom!
As soon as he finished speaking, Yelü Chucai knelt down and touched the ground with his head.

Now, persuading Zhao Shuo to declare himself emperor is undoubtedly the safest course of action. Even if Zhao Shuo is unwilling to become emperor, everyone is acting in the best interests of the people, isn't that right? Moreover, if the court officials don't actively express their support for Zhao Shuo's ascension to the throne, wouldn't it make Zhao Shuo look bad?

Yelü Chucai, however, took the initiative to speak out against it, risking great danger.

However, you have treated me as a national hero, and I will repay you as a national hero!

At the time, Zhao Shuo sacrificed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Zhongdu to secure Yelü Chucai's loyalty. Later, Zhao Shuo appointed Yelü Chucai as the Grand Secretary, placing him at the head of the civil officials.

How could Yelü Chucai not repay such kindness with his life?
Since he believed that now was not the right time for Zhao Shuo to declare himself emperor, and since too many people had already expressed their support, he figured one more wouldn't make a difference, so of course he had to speak out against it now.

"Get up!"

Zhao Shuo waved his hand, signaling Yelü Chucai to stand up.

Then, looking at Crown Prince Zhao He, she said, "Your Highness, what do you say?"

He did not address himself as "Heir" but as "Crown Prince," meaning that the formal court inquiry was correct.

Zhao is twenty-four years old this year. With ample nutrition and good genes, his physique is in no way inferior to that of the exceptionally talented Zhao Shuo.

Her appearance also inherited the best features of Hua Zheng and Zhao Shuo. The high cheekbones characteristic of Mongolians were softened by her Han Chinese ancestry, resulting in gentler lines. Her nose bridge was completely like Zhao Shuo's, high and straight, with sharp, distinct angles as if carved by a knife. Her lips were thin and well-defined, and her jawline was strong, outlining a heroic profile.

From a young age, he received martial arts instruction from Altana, literary instruction from Lu Zibu, and personal teaching from Zhao Shuo during his downtime from campaigns. He later joined the Han Chinese Eight Banners, fought in the campaigns against the Western Xia, and destroyed the Jin Dynasty, personally beheading over fifty enemy soldiers!

I recently spent over a year following Yelü Chucai in handling political affairs, accumulating experience in governance.

Whether in terms of bravery, wisdom, vision, or magnanimity, Zhao He stands at the pinnacle among his peers.

Hearing Zhao Shuo's words, Zhao He stood solemnly, his gaze fixed, and said, "Whether Father declares himself emperor or not is another matter. What I find strange is, is the Song Kingdom truly so loyal to Father? What are their true intentions in urging Father to declare himself emperor? And most importantly, does Father need the support of the Song Kingdom to become emperor? It's utterly ridiculous!" "Haha! He'er speaks well!"

Zhao Shuo smiled upon hearing Zhao He's reply.

In fact, Zhao Shuo had many talented people under his command. How could he not see that the Song state's envoys were not well-intentioned in persuading Zhao Shuo to declare himself emperor, but rather intended to sow discord?

However, they believed that compared to this matter, it would be more appropriate to discuss whether Zhao Shuo should immediately declare himself emperor.

Zhao He, as the crown prince, held a higher position and thus had a clearer understanding of the situation.

With his current strength, Zhao Shuo could declare himself emperor whenever he wanted, it would be a simple matter of a word. There's no need to rush at all.

However, the Song state's active involvement in Mongolian internal affairs should not be allowed to continue.

If the State of Song dares to urge Zhao Shuo to ascend the throne today, will it not dare to urge Zhao He to ascend the throne tomorrow?
Did they even persuade Zhao He's other brothers to join? Did they instigate internal strife within Zhao Shuo's organization?
Moreover, when did Zhao Shuo ever need the support of the Song Dynasty to declare himself emperor? With Zhao Shuo's current strength, he neither needs the support of the Song Dynasty nor cares about its opposition when he wants to become emperor! The Song Dynasty can only obediently accept it!

Zhao Shuo continued, "Whether I declare myself emperor or not has nothing to do with the Song Dynasty. In the end, the Song Dynasty is just trying to provoke a war between me and the Mongol court so they can take advantage of the situation. Their intentions are despicable! He'er!"

"exist!"

"What do you think should be done with this envoy from the Song Kingdom?" Zhao Shuo casually raised his hand and glanced at Xuan Zeng.

Zhao He remained calm and said, "He should be taken out of the Meridian Gate and cut in half at the waist as a warning to others!"

"very good!"

Zhao Shuo nodded.

He was very satisfied with Zhao He's decisiveness in killing.

Throughout history, the most worrying issue for founding emperors has always been the problem of succession.

The founding emperors were all great rulers who built their empires through hard work and decisive battles, without a trace of indecisiveness or womanly sentimentality.

However, the second generation, raised by women in the inner palace and inevitably influenced by renowned scholars, was far less decisive and ruthless than the first generation, and was even utterly useless.

Although Zhao He was taught literature by Lu Zibu when he was young, he was also taught by the pure Mongolian general Artana and influenced by Zhao Shuo.

After growing up and undergoing years of training in the Eight Banners Army, he became accustomed to war and killing, and was no longer so indecisive or unnecessarily merciful.

Immediately, Zhao Shuo shouted, "Guards!"

"exist!"

"Do as the Crown Prince says!"

"Yes!"

A palace guard stepped forward, dragged the silk robe away, and left.

"Your Majesty! You can't!"

"Even when two countries are at war, they do not kill their envoys. How much less should I, who am merely an envoy urging the other to advance?"

"Your Majesty will become the emperor sooner or later. Aren't you afraid that it will tarnish your reputation?"

"Your Majesty, I know I was wrong! I will never dare to do it again, and neither will the State of Song!"

"Please, please spare me this time!"

……

Now that things have come to this, Xuan Zeng is filled with deep regret.

The people of Song all thought that urging Zhao Shuo to ascend the throne was a desirable position. Although this move was suspected of instigating a civil war among the Mongols, didn't Zhao Shuo also want to be emperor?
Didn't his men want Zhao Shuo to become emperor?
Even if Zhao Shuo disagrees, he will still appreciate the sentiments of the Song state and even the envoy.

Who would have thought that Zhao Shuo would be so disgusted by the Song Dynasty's involvement in the internal struggles of the Mongols? And how utterly disdainful he would be of the Song Dynasty!
Had I known this would happen, I would never have dared to come to Zhongdu, even if you beat me to death!
Of course, what Xuan Zeng thinks is irrelevant. Since he dared to sow discord, he must bear the consequences!
Xuan Zeng was beheaded, but the matter is not over yet.

Hedaheibatuer, a straightforward man who only knew how to fight on the battlefield, still asked, "Does Your Majesty think that you should declare yourself emperor now?"

Zhao Shuo did not answer directly, but looked at the ministers and asked, "What do you think is the reason I have achieved my current power and position?"

"It's thanks to the bravery of our soldiers!"

"Your Majesty is invincible in every battle!"

"Your Majesty wishes to share the world with the Han and Mongol peoples!"

"Your Majesty's wisdom shines brightly, and your virtue extends to all living beings!"

……

Civil and military officials all spoke.

Zhao Shuo nodded slightly and said, "What you all say makes some sense, but it's also somewhat one-sided. In the end, I have achieved my current position because of your loyalty, the bravery of the Eight Banners soldiers and the grassland warriors, the support of my people, and the stability of the local areas by my civil officials! As long as these things remain, my position will be as stable as Mount Tai. Don't you think that makes sense?"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

"In that case, I believe that maintaining unity with the Mongol court is of paramount importance. The matter of declaring oneself emperor need not be mentioned for the time being!"

"According to the order!"

Zhao Shuo made his stance clear, and the officials had no choice but to submit. The matter was thus settled.

However, there was always a slight sense of resentment.

“Ah! We were so close! I know the strength of the steppe warriors very well. Our Han army alone has 140,000 Eight Banner soldiers. Even if Your Majesty were to become emperor, the Mongol court might not dare to turn against you. Banner Chief Shi, tell me, if it weren't for the Song envoy urging you to ascend the throne today, and if you had clearly expressed your support for Your Majesty becoming emperor, wouldn't it have been a success?”

After the court assembly, Mochibieduwen asked Shi Tianni a question.

Although he was arrogant and foul-mouthed, he still admired Shi Tianni, who could easily surpass him in both literary and martial arts.

Shi Tianni raised an eyebrow and said, "So, you're blaming me?"

"No, that's not it. It's just a bit of a pity," Mochibieduwen said.

"There's nothing to regret; His Majesty will not agree to this today."

"why?"

Shi Tianni explained, "The matter of the Central Plains emperor is different from that of the steppe khans. There's a rule of declining the throne three times; there's no reason to accept it after just one offer. The king must decline at least three times before he can formally ascend the throne."

Mochibieduwen's eyes lit up, and he said, "So, this is His Majesty's first refusal? If he declines twice more in the future, His Majesty will grant it?"

"That's about right. Besides, don't you think this is a good idea?" Shi Tianni smiled and said, "The world is so vast, and there are countless lands to conquer. Why should Your Majesty act rashly and risk war with the Mongol court, making yourself a laughingstock for the rest of the world? Your Majesty's choice is a great 'surprise' for the rest of the world!"

This is true.

The intense internal conflicts within Mongolia are common knowledge.

Now, Zhao Shuo directly executed Xuan Zeng, the Southern Song envoy who had advised him to declare himself emperor, by cutting him in half at the waist, demonstrating his attitude of maintaining internal unity.

The whole world was shocked!
(End of this chapter)