I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 173 If we win, this is how we have to talk.

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Xiao Fengxian and Zuo Qigong were taken back to Xiongzhou by Zheng Yunzhong and Ma Zheng and arranged to rest at a family's house.

There used to be a post station in Xiongzhou City, but it was occupied by the Pacification Commissioner. Of course, this was on the premise that a temporary palace was built for Zhao Yu.

Therefore, Xiao Fengxian and Zuo Qigong could no longer stay at the post station when they came to Xiongzhou on their mission.

However, apart from that, the Song Dynasty had all the other proper etiquette.

This put Xiao Fengxian and Zuo Qigong at ease a little.

at dusk.

Zheng Yunzhong was ordered to ask Xiao Fengxian for the official documents: "Your Excellencies, my chief minister wishes to borrow the official documents. I hope you will grant us this favor."

Zuo Qigong said, "The letter should be presented to His Majesty the Emperor of your country; I dare not look at others first."

Unexpectedly, Zheng Yunzhong didn't even look at Zuo Qigong, the Han deputy envoy, but instead looked at Xiao Fengxian, the Khitan chief envoy.

"Han'er" was originally a term used by ethnic minorities to refer to Han people. For example, there is a poem in the Han Yuefu that says, "I am a barbarian child, I do not understand the songs of Han people." There is also a line in Tang poetry that says, "Han people speak the language of barbarians, yet they curse Han people from the city wall."

At that time, the term "Han'er" was synonymous with "Han people" and had no positive or negative connotation.

However, after the Liao Dynasty acquired the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, especially during the confrontation between the Liao and Northern Song Dynasties, the names used by the Liao and Song Dynasties for the Han people who belonged to their respective territories began to change.

The Liao people referred to the Han people within the territory of the Song Dynasty as "Southern People," while they referred to the Han people within their own territory (mainly the Yan-Yun region) as "Han People."

The Song people also referred to the Han people within the Liao territory as "Han'er" and sometimes even cursed them as "Fanren".

The Liao, Song, and later Jin dynasties all consistently referred to the Han people in the Yan-Yun region as "Han'er".

This indicates that "Han'er" had evolved into a derogatory term, reflecting the distrust that the Liao, Song, and Jin dynasties held towards the Han people in the Yan-Yun region.

Historically, Emperor Huizong and his ministers wanted to restrain Guo Yaoshi and the Changsheng Army to prevent them from becoming too powerful. So they asked Tan Zhen to select 100,000 strong Han men to form the Yisheng Army. At the same time, they hoped that the Yisheng Army could take on the responsibility of protecting the country and recover and defend the nine provinces of Yundi behind the mountains.

To this end, Emperor Huizong spared no expense in improving the treatment of the Yisheng Army, spending a great deal of financial and material resources and paying a heavy price.

However, when faced with battle, these men showed no loyalty to the Song Dynasty and rebelled one after another.

This was mainly because the Song people openly insulted these Han people by calling them "foreigners."

It is evident that the Song people lacked a sense of identity with the Han people, and their feelings of viewing the Han people as "not of our kind" were very strong.

This inevitably made it impossible for the Han people to find a sense of belonging among the Song people.

As a result, the Han people began to have second thoughts and eventually betrayed the Song Dynasty and surrendered to the Jin Dynasty.

Later, the Jin army's southward advance, and even the subsequent Jingkang Incident, were largely caused by the defection of these Han Chinese.

In the subsequent war between the Jin Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty, a large number of Han Chinese were conscripted by the Jin Dynasty to participate in military operations against the Southern Song Dynasty.

These Han Chinese, using their familiarity with the local geography and some Han customs, served as guides, provided intelligence, assisted the Jin army in battle, and even became Jin soldiers themselves during the Jin army's southward march.

This enhanced the Jurchens' military capabilities to some extent, which had a very negative impact on the Southern Song's defenses.

It could even be said that to a large extent, the war against the Jin dynasty in the Southern Song dynasty involved fighting these very men.

Tragically, although many Han Chinese were willing to serve as lackeys of the Liao and Jin dynasties, many others remained loyal to the Song dynasty. As a result, neither the Liao nor the Jin dynasties ever truly trusted the Han Chinese, merely using them.

Of course, in the history of the Song Dynasty, because a large number of Han Chinese were loyal to the Liao and Jin dynasties, the Song Dynasty did not trust these Han Chinese.

In a sense, these men, caught in the middle, were neither accepted by their homeland nor truly trusted by their new country. Like abandoned children of fate, they drifted aimlessly in the long river of history. Whether out of necessity or pressured by the times, they were forced to submit to powerful forces in order to survive. However, the price of this survival was the distortion of their souls and the loss of their sense of belonging.

Zuo Qigong was a typical Han Chinese, and a typical traitor who was loyal to the Hu people.

Before heading north, Zhang Chun, who was well-versed in history, had discussed the issue of the Han people with Zhao Yu.

Later, Zhao Yu discussed the issue of the Han people with Zeng Bu and others.

Ultimately, Emperor Zhao Yu and his ministers reached a consensus that Han'er should be treated differently.

In other words, Han Chinese like Zhao Liangsi and Li Chuwen, who were loyal to the Song Dynasty, should be fully accepted and trusted; while traitors like Zuo Qigong, who were loyal to foreign powers, should be resolutely cracked down on, shown no mercy, and even eliminated as soon as possible.

Through his observations along the way, Zheng Yunzhong had determined that Zuo Qigong was the traitor the Zhao Song Dynasty wanted to eliminate, so he showed no kindness to Zuo Qigong, who was destined to die.

Besides, how could the chief envoy be entangled with the deputy envoy in the presence of the chief envoy?

This is a major taboo in negotiations.

Xiao Fengxian was very easy to talk to; he immediately took out the official letter and handed it to Zheng Yunzhong.

Upon receiving the official letter, Zheng Yunzhong immediately handed it over to the four chief ministers: Zeng Bu, Han Zhongyan, Su Zhe, and Cai Bian.

When Zeng Bu and his three companions read it, they found that Yelü Yanxi's letter to Zhao Yu contained long passages of arrogant and rebellious words, mostly accusations and rebukes:

For example, “Your dynasty has failed to consider its own strength and morality, and has not taken into account the timing of events and human affairs. Now you are at war with the Western Xia, and you still dare to offend the might of my Great Liao. You are courting death!”

For example, it says, "The Liao and Song dynasties have enjoyed a century of peace thanks to the Treaty of Chanyuan. The Song dynasty is a nation of etiquette, yet it disregards this friendly alliance and has taken the lead in raising troops northward. Military action should be justified; why have the Song troops come to this?" Or, "Now your dynasty has taken the lead in raising troops on our border, seizing land and people, and violating the treaty. Our Great Liao will surely retaliate in kind, with an eye for an eye, and raise an army to punish you with overwhelming force, upholding the principles of Heaven. We urge you to rein in your actions, quickly withdraw your troops, return the occupied cities and territories, and then discuss a peace treaty. Otherwise, Heaven's wrath is unpredictable, and you will bear the consequences!"

If the Liao Dynasty had presented such a letter of credence to threaten the Song Dynasty before the Song army's great victory over the Liao army, it might have indeed put some pressure on the Song Dynasty. After all, the Song and Liao dynasties had not yet officially clashed at that time, and the Liao Dynasty's deterrent power was still intact.

However, in the two battles three days ago, the Song army won two great victories and even captured Yelü Wotera alive. Not to mention Zeng Bu and Cai Bian, the two pro-war factions, even the conservative Han Zhongyan couldn't help but say when he saw such a letter of state: "How dare we present such a letter of state? Let's return it to the Liao envoys and let them go back, rephrase it, and come back to negotiate peace."

Even Su Zhe said, "The Northern Dynasty boasts of its large army, but Heaven's will is not on their side, and their people have no fighting spirit. In the battle the other day, they were dealt a heavy blow by our army, suffering heavy losses, losing their armor and weapons, and their commander was captured and fled in disarray. Today, they present such a letter of state, which only makes them a laughing stock."

Zeng Bu, however, spoke a fair word: "Before these two arrived, the Liao army had not yet suffered this defeat, so they were fearless and thus sent this letter of state. After this defeat, if the Northern Dynasty were to revise the letter of state, they would certainly not dare to do so."

Cai Bian said with a disdainful tone: "Since Xiao Fengxian knew the current situation, he should have decisively destroyed the letter to avoid escalating the conflict and bringing disaster to the Northern Dynasty. Unexpectedly, he lacked even such wisdom. It is pitiful and lamentable that such a person could become a pillar of the Northern Dynasty and be valued by the Northern Emperor. It is only right that our Great Song Dynasty should be revived."

The four discussed it and decided that showing such a letter of state to Zhao Yu would be meaningless.

Therefore, Zeng Bu, on behalf of the other three prime ministers, went and explained the contents of the state letter to Zhao Yu in a very tactful manner.

After listening, Zhao Yu said to Zeng Bu, "You can handle this as you see fit."

If Zeng Bu lost the battle, it would be understandable if he didn't know how to negotiate.

If Zeng Bu still can't negotiate after winning this battle, then he has wasted decades of his career in officialdom.

Subsequently, Zeng Bu summoned Zheng Yunzhong and Ma Zheng, gave them instructions, and then asked them to take the Liao state's letter to see Xiao Fengxian and Zuo Qigong.

Upon seeing Xiao Fengxian and Zuo Qigong, Zheng Yunzhong and Ma Zheng returned the official letter to Xiao Fengxian without saying anything else.

That idiot Zuo Qigong, seeing that Zheng Yunzhong and Ma Zheng remained silent, actually had the nerve to ask, "What are your thoughts after reading the official letter?"

Zheng Yunzhong said coldly, "What do you think? I'll cut off your two heads right now, then lead my troops north to destroy your dynasty's ancestral temples and altars."

Zuo Qigong was immediately rendered speechless by Zheng Yunzhong's retort!

Zuo Qigong wasn't unwilling to speak up for the Liao Kingdom, but the problem was that Zhao Yu had personally led the expedition, first recapturing Yizhou and then inflicting a major defeat on the Liao army—his achievements were verifiable. If Zuo Qigong were still blatantly lying at this point, he would probably be courting death.

Although he couldn't openly defend the Liao Kingdom, Zuo Qigong still said tactfully, "Matters between two great powers should be discussed. Why is this happening now?"

Zheng Yunzhong said, “Your dynasty insists on interfering with our dynasty’s recovery of the former territory of Western Xia, and often threatens to send troops, which has been successful time and time again. Now you have amassed a large army in Hedong, making it seem as if you are going to attack our Hedong or reinforce Western Xia. It is like a sword hanging over our heads. You have also detained our envoys and have not returned them yet. This is too much. Now our army has been mobilized and the two sides have already started fighting. What is there to discuss?”

Ma Zheng, playing the good cop, said, "If you're in a hurry, we can discuss it, but your dynasty needs to do some planning."

Seeing that Ma Zheng had spoken, Xiao Fengxian hurriedly asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Zheng Yunzhong glared at Ma Zheng, playing the bad cop, signaling him not to speak recklessly and ruin the important affairs of the Zhao Song Dynasty.

Xiao Fengxian hurriedly took out two egg-sized Northern pearls and stuffed them into Zheng Yunzhong and Ma Zheng's hands before tentatively asking, "Your Majesty the Emperor of your country has repeatedly mentioned raising troops. What is your intention?"

Although he had accepted Xiao Fengxian's Northern Pearl, Zheng Yunzhong still replied firmly, "The army has already started, and there is no need for further discussion. His Majesty the Emperor of our dynasty has personally led the expedition, determined to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun and pacify the Three Prefectures of Luanying. Now the army has marched north and will soon be at the gates of Yanjing."

Listen to the sound of gongs and drums, and listen to the tone of voice.

Although Zheng Yunzhong's words were unpleasant, he still revealed the "trump card" of the Zhao Song Dynasty to Xiao Fengxian and Zuo Qigong.

Upon hearing the Zhao Song Dynasty's outrageous demands, Zuo Qigong couldn't help but say, "The two dynasties have agreed on many things, yet now they've started an army without even giving us a heads-up. What kind of logic is this?"

Ma Zheng replied, "This is only because your dynasty has acted irrationally. I advise your dynasty that if you do not wish for your dynasty to perish, you should make plans as soon as possible."

Zuo Qigong couldn't help but argue, "Weapons are instruments of destruction, and Heaven abhors them. Your dynasty has swallowed up much of Western Xia's territory, yet you are still not satisfied and insist on destroying their dynasty. How absurd! Now, you disregard your previous agreements and oaths and launch the first attack, only to achieve some minor victories. My Great Liao is a great nation with a vast world and abundant military and civilian resources. If the court were to realize its mistakes and make slight changes, how easily could you approach us? I just don't know when the war will end!"

Zheng Yunzhong glared at Zuo Qigong, this traitor, his veins bulging. He bluntly warned Zuo Qigong:

"People are of different races; one cannot become a Khitan simply by willingly being a dog."

"Even if you are loyal to the Khitan, in the eyes of the Khitan people, you are just a dog, not a human being."

"Since the founding of the Khitan state, they have invaded our Han territory and seized our Han cities. The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun have not yet been recovered. Instead of thinking about recovering our old lands for the Han people, you have forgotten your ancestors, aided and abetted the tyrant, and willingly become a lackey of the Khitan. How shameless you are to speak so brazenly about the way of heaven and humanity!"

Zuo Qigong was so angry that he lost his composure and pointed at Zheng Yunzhong, saying, "You!"

Unexpectedly, Zheng Yunzhong directly threatened, "Say whatever you want to say, and see if I can grant your wish to be loyal to the Northern Dynasty."

Zuo Qigong was speechless, his face flushed red, and his usually calculating eyes now gleamed with indescribable humiliation and resentment. He knew that in this verbal battle, he had been completely outmaneuvered, and any further argument would only make him look more pathetic, or even cost him his life.

The air seemed to freeze, broken only by the occasional neighing of warhorses in the distance. Seeing this, Xiao Fengxian quickly stepped forward, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere. He coughed lightly, his tone carrying a hint of pleading and compromise:
"Lord Zheng, why be so aggressive? War is no child's play. Once it begins, countless lives will be lost. What have the people done to deserve this? Wouldn't it be better if our two families worked together to find a peaceful solution?"

Zheng Yunzhong said, "If His Majesty the Emperor of our dynasty were afraid of the affairs of your dynasty, why would he personally lead a large army north? Now the proclamation is about to arrive, and you two ministers will also see it."

Ma Zheng continued, playing the good cop, saying, "Now that things have come to this, why are we arguing amongst ourselves? If the two ambassadors could persuade His Majesty the Emperor of your dynasty not to interfere with the Song Dynasty's recovery of Western Xia, return the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun to us, and cede the three prefectures of Ping, Luan, and Ying, with the Great Wall as the boundary between the two dynasties, and preserve your dynasty's ancestral temples and altars, then that would be a service to the country."

Xiao Fengxian said leisurely, "How easy is it to talk about this! It seems that your dynasty listens to wild and absurd words and regards our dynasty as the fallen Western Xia. I'm afraid you will bring great trouble upon yourselves in the future!"

Zheng Yunzhong retorted sharply, "Your dynasty was at fault to begin with, which is why things have come to this. If you correct your mistakes in time, there is still hope for redemption. However, if you remain stubborn and refuse to change your ways, you may bring great trouble upon yourselves in the future!"

Seeing that they could no longer continue the conversation, Xiao Fengxian and Zuo Qigong left Xiongzhou and headed north, preparing to return to Yanjing to report to Yelü Yanxi on the attitude of Emperor Zhao Yu and his ministers that they had discovered during their trip...

……

(End of this chapter)