I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 199 The Treaty of Yanjing between Song and Liao
...

Emperor Yelü Yanxi and his ministers were very afraid that Zhao Yu would not keep his word, so after they paid the annual tribute and interest, they refused to negotiate peace.

Good luck!

No sooner had the Liao Dynasty paid its last annual tribute than Emperor Zhao Yu kept his promise and sent Han Zhongyan, Zhao Liangsi, Lü Yihao, and Li Chuwen as the Song Dynasty's representatives to negotiate peace with the Liao Dynasty.

Upon learning that the Zhao Song Dynasty was willing to negotiate peace, the Liao Dynasty quickly dispatched Yelü Chun, Xiao Changge, Xiao Fengxian, and Zuo Qigong as its representatives to discuss the peace talks.

In the post station within Yanjing city.

Han Zhongyan, representing Zhao Yu, briefly explained the Zhao Song Dynasty's position, saying, "The Yan-Yun region was originally Han territory, but it was occupied by your dynasty during the Five Dynasties period. Now our dynasty wishes to reclaim it. I wonder what your dynasty's opinion is?"

The Liao Kingdom was clearly well-prepared for this, and Yelü Chun, who came to negotiate peace, argued forcefully: "Gubei and Songting were originally the domains of the Xi people, so how can they be considered Han territory?"

Zuo Qigong, that lackey, also said: "Gubei and Juyong were originally Xi lands. Before the Five Dynasties, many Khitan and Xi tribes had already lived in the Yanyun area. The so-called old Han lands were already places where Hu and Han lived together. My ancestors lived in Yanjing since the Tang Dynasty, which proves that the claim that the Yanyun area was originally Han lands is pure fabrication and a misconception."

Xiao Changge also said: "In the first year of Tianfu of the Later Jin Dynasty, Shi Jingtang, the founding emperor of the Later Jin, rebelled against the Tang Dynasty and established his own state, and sought help from our Great Liao. Our Great Liao sent troops to help him establish the Later Jin. Emperor Taizong of our Great Liao and Shi Jingtang swore an oath of father and son. Shi Jingtang gave the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun to our Great Liao. This land was rightfully acquired by our Great Liao. Since then, the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun have been the territory of our Great Liao. Over the generations, the people have lived in peace and prosperity, and the cultures have blended and coexisted. They are now inseparable. Now your dynasty mentions that this is the ancient land of the Han people. This is to ignore the changes in history and the will of the people. You are unworthy of being a great power."

Li Chuwen said unhurriedly, “During the Han and Tang dynasties, the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were the ancestral lands of our Han people, which is indisputable. Before the outbreak of the An Lushan Rebellion, a large number of nomadic peoples from the north continuously migrated into the Central Plains. The Tang court settled these assimilated people in border prefectures such as You, Ji, Yun, and Shuo, which is why there is the saying that your Gubei and Songting were originally Xi family clans. If you have always been assimilated subjects of our Han dynasty, you can live here. However, not only did you Khitan not keep to your own ways, but during the chaos of the Later Jin dynasty, you took advantage of the situation to plunder and seize our Han territory by trickery and force, turning the tables and forcibly occupying our Han territory. This left the Central Plains wide open, and the people suffered greatly from the war. Our cultural treasures were also tragically destroyed. Such behavior is intolerable to Heaven and the people are outraged. How can we allow you to occupy our Han territory again?”

Zhao Liangsi then argued forcefully, "Shi Jingtang was a Shatuo, originally a Shatuo Turk, who also absorbed Hu people, Shepi people, and Uyghurs from the Six Prefectures. He was not one of our Han people. The Shatuo people migrated inland under the leadership of Zhu Xie Jinzhong and Zhu Xie Zhiyi, and gradually rose to prominence, establishing the Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Northern Han dynasties during the Five Dynasties period. None of these were Han dynasties. How can you represent our Han people to cede the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun to you, the Khitan?"

Xiao Fengxian said, “Our Khitans are also descendants of Emperor Yan. Our ancestor admired Emperor Gaozu of Han, so Yelü also called himself Liu. Our Khitans and the Han people share a common cultural origin. Both our families are descendants of Yan and Huang. Why should we hurt our harmony over land disputes?”

When Yelü Abaoji established the Liao Dynasty, he hoped to demonstrate the shared cultural origins of the Khitan and Han peoples by having the Yelü clan also adopt the surname Liu, thereby highlighting the Liao Dynasty's legitimacy in politics and culture. At the same time, Yelü Abaoji also admired Xiao He's assistance to Liu Bang in establishing the imperial dynasty, so he bestowed the surname "Xiao" upon his mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and other maternal ancestors.

Before Xiao Fengxian could finish speaking, Zhao Liangsi interrupted him: "Although we share the same cultural origins, national boundaries should not be confused. The river of history, though its branches converge and eventually flow into the sea, cannot deny the independent course of each river. Although the Khitan admired the Han culture, they also established their own country, implemented their own policies, and had their own borders. The territory of the Han dynasty has existed for thousands of years, and we should not forget its roots because of temporary changes."

Lu Yihao took over the conversation, his tone gentle yet firm: "Our Great Song Dynasty, inheriting the legacy of the Han and Tang dynasties, has always taken it upon itself to restore the Central Plains and unify the world. The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun have been the shield of the Central Plains dynasties since ancient times. Losing this land has left the Central Plains wide open, and the people have suffered greatly from the invasions of foreign tribes. Now, our dynasty wishes to reclaim the lost territory, not for our own selfish interests, but for the sake of all the people. We hope that your country can understand the will of the people, follow the trend of history, and return Yan and Yun, so that our two countries can coexist peacefully for a long time and share a peaceful life."

Xiao Changge said, "The ownership of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun has changed hands through several dynasties and is no longer something that a single ethnic group can enjoy alone. Today, the people of the Song and Liao dynasties live in peace and prosperity, and their cultures are intertwined and coexisting. Isn't this a scene of great prosperity? If we were to reignite the flames of war due to a momentary dispute, causing widespread suffering and cultural destruction, wouldn't that go against the trend of historical development and the original intention of peaceful coexistence pursued by our ancestors?"

Next, the two countries argued endlessly about the legitimacy of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun and their ownership.

After arguing for a long time, neither of them could win the argument.

This matter is actually impossible to resolve in any debate. If the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun could be reclaimed through mere verbal sparring, wouldn't the many eloquent scholars of the Song Dynasty have already done so long ago?

Finally, Han Zhongyan said, "The truth of the matter will be judged by posterity. We are here not to dredge up old scores, but to seek peace and well-being for the people of both countries. His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty is compassionate and does not wish for our two countries to fight again, causing further suffering. He sincerely wishes to promote peace and jointly build a peaceful border. If your country returns the Yan-Yun region and the three prefectures of Ping-Luan-Ying, and manages the passes, the Great Song Dynasty is willing to provide many conveniences in trade and cultural exchange, creating a win-win situation."

Without even considering it, Xiao Changge shook his head: "These places are also related to the very foundation of our Great Liao Kingdom. If we lose them, our Great Liao Kingdom will exist in name only. Therefore, we cannot comply with your proposal."

Seeing this, Zhao Liangsi said with a hint of threat, "If your dynasty insists on its own opinion and refuses to back down, I'm afraid the flames of war will break out again, and it will be the common people who suffer in the end. Furthermore, your dynasty should also know that the strength of our Great Song Dynasty is growing day by day, and our army is strong and powerful. If we really have to fight, your dynasty will be in danger. Why not take this opportunity to negotiate peace, take a step back, and work together to seek development? That would be the best policy."

Now that the Song Dynasty has almost destroyed the Western Xia and has also defeated the Liao Dynasty to the point that they dare not retaliate, if they were to actually use force to seize the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, the Liao Dynasty's chances of winning would be slim. Thinking of this, Xiao Fengxian coughed lightly, trying to ease the atmosphere: "What you all say is reasonable. Peaceful coexistence is truly a blessing for the people of both countries. However, this matter is of great importance, and we need to allow us to return and discuss it with my emperor before making a decision."

Subsequently, Yelü Yanxi and his ministers discussed the matter for a long time and concluded that their demands for territorial concessions from the Song Dynasty were completely unsatisfactory and that they would definitely not be able to pass this test.

Ultimately, Yelü Yanxi and his ministers decided to cede the nine prefectures behind the mountains—namely, Xinzhou, Guizhou, Ruzhou, Wuzhou, Yunzhou, Yingzhou, Huanzhou, Shuozhou, and Weizhou—to the Zhao Song Dynasty in exchange for peace.

However, the Liao Dynasty did not give away the Nine Provinces behind the mountains to the Song Dynasty for nothing. Having lost this large grain-producing area, Yelü Yanxi and his ministers hoped that the Song Dynasty would sell more grain to the Liao Dynasty each year, and at the same time open up trade with the Liao Dynasty in tea, wine, silk, porcelain, and metal products.

Having obtained these conditions, Yelü Chun, Xiao Changge, and Xiao Fengxian applied to go to Xiongzhou to see Zhao Yu, wanting to petition him in person.

Upon learning that the Liao Dynasty intended to cede the Nine Provinces behind the mountains to the Song Dynasty, Han Zhongyan immediately sent someone back to report this good news to Zhao Yu and asked whether Yelü Chun and others should go to Xiong Prefecture to meet the emperor.

The successful recapture of the Nine Provinces beyond the mountains had far exceeded Zhao Yu's expectations. Feeling that he had achieved his goal and unwilling to force the Liao Dynasty into a life-or-death struggle with the Song Dynasty, Zhao Yu allowed Yelü Chun and his entourage to come to Xiong Prefecture for a meeting. Upon meeting Zhao Yu, Yelü Chun and the others discovered that Zhao Yu was actually younger than Yelü Yanxi, only in his early twenties.

This surprised Yelü Chun and the others. They found it hard to believe that Zhao Yu, who had broken the century-old balance between the Song, Liao, and Western Xia dynasties and forced the Liao to cede territory, pay reparations, and marry a princess to sue for peace, was so young. What was even more unbelievable was that this young emperor not only possessed a maturity and wisdom beyond his years, but also an aura of dominance and composure that looked down upon the world.

Gazing at Zhao Yu seated on the dragon throne, his brocade robes both luxurious and dignified, his eyes deep and penetrating as if he could see through everything in the world, Yelü Chun couldn't help but think: "He will probably remain on the throne for another several decades. At that time, can we really preserve the Liao dynasty in his hands?"

Thinking of Yelü Yanxi's incompetence and decadence, his indulgence in hunting and recreation, his neglect of state affairs, and the decline of the country, Yelü Chun couldn't help but feel a sense of sorrow and helplessness.

Yelü Chun and others faced Zhao Yu and knelt down, presenting the official letter, the list of matters, and the draft oath one by one.

The Emperor of Liao Dynasty sends a letter to His Majesty the Emperor of Song Dynasty:
I have heard that Heaven cherishes life, hence the sun and moon shine together and all things flourish; when benevolence and virtue are widely spread, war will cease forever and the people will live in peace. Now, the Song and Liao states are neighbors, and should join hands to protect the common people. However, the turmoil in Yan and Yun has caused generations of turmoil, resulting in the suffering of the border people. Whenever I think of this, I cannot help but shed tears of sorrow.

Today, Your Majesty, with your compassionate heart, has sent envoys to negotiate peace, which is truly a blessing for both nations and for all people. I am mindful of the suffering of the people and also wish to end the war. Therefore, I wish to cede the nine provinces beyond the mountains to the Great Song Dynasty as a sign of my sincerity. Although these nine provinces are important territories of the Liao Kingdom, I would rather relinquish the security of the land than the peace of the people.

We humbly beseech Your Majesty to take pity on the Liao Kingdom's dire situation of food shortages after losing these nine provinces. We hope the Great Song Dynasty will broaden its grain supply routes and increase the annual grain exports to us to alleviate the urgent needs of our people. Furthermore, we implore Your Majesty to relax restrictions on trade in tea, wine, silk, porcelain, and metal products, allowing merchants from both countries to exchange goods and services, so that the people may all prosper. In this way, the Song-Liao border will be transformed from hostility to peace, and the bustling sounds of tea-horse trade will surely replace the clash of swords and horses.

I also wish to make a covenant with Your Majesty, to maintain friendly relations for generations to come, and to never invade or attack. If anyone breaks this covenant, may Heaven and Earth punish them. I hereby dispatch Yelü Chun, Xiao Changge, and Xiao Fengxian as envoys to respectfully present this letter, humbly hoping that Your Majesty will consider it and settle a peace agreement as soon as possible, so as to bring peace to the people of both countries.

After reading Yelü Yanxi's letter of state, Zhao Yu said, "Now that your dynasty has been defeated by me, in principle, all the cities and passes of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun and the three prefectures of Pingluanying should belong to me. However, considering that your emperor sincerely seeks peace and that the Yan region is indeed the foundation of your dynasty, if our dynasty were to recover it, your dynasty would be in danger of losing its stability. Therefore, I hereby grant your dynasty the temporary permission to lend Youzhou, Tanzhou, Shunzhou, Jizhou, Jingzhou and the three prefectures of Pingluanying to you. There is only one condition: since your dynasty has returned Yizhou and Zhuozhou and the nine prefectures behind the mountains to our dynasty, Jinpo Pass between the two places shall also be returned to me. As for the other unresolved matters, you two may discuss them with our prime ministers."

Fearing that the Liao Dynasty would not be willing to give Jinpo Pass to the Zhao Song Dynasty, Zeng Bu said from the side, "If we were not unwilling to fight again, our dynasty would have already obtained the small Jinpo Pass. Why would we need to ask your family for it?"

Yelü Chun and others knew that after the Liao Dynasty gave the Nine Provinces behind the mountains to the Zhao Song Dynasty, the Zhao Song Dynasty, which had already obtained the Yi and Zhuo provinces, would definitely want Jinpo Pass. Otherwise, it would be too troublesome for the Zhao Song Dynasty, and the Liao Dynasty could not stop them. Therefore, they agreed.

Fearing that the Zhao Song Dynasty might break its promise in the future, Xiao Fengxian emphasized: "Although there is no oath made today, the heavens and the gods are watching over the world, and it cannot be revoked."

Zhao Yu nodded in agreement and sent Zeng Bu, Han Zhongyan, Su Zhe, and Cai Bian to discuss the specific details of the peace treaty with Yelü Chun and others.

After much discussion and negotiation, the two sides finally reached the following peace agreement:
The Liao Dynasty shall cede the nine prefectures behind the mountains, as well as Yizhou, Zhuozhou, and Jinpo Pass, to the Song Dynasty within sixty days of the signing of this treaty. Upon handover, the official seals, household registration records, and military facilities of the prefectures shall be transferred in their entirety.

The Song Dynasty temporarily lent five prefectures in Yan and three prefectures in Pingluanying to the Liao Dynasty until the Liao Dynasty was destroyed.

The Song Dynasty sold no less than two million shi of grain to the Liao Dynasty each year. The price was based on the market price agreed upon by both sides at the beginning of each year in Xiongzhou. Liao Dynasty merchants were allowed to exchange livestock, furs, mountain products and other goods for equivalent value.

The Song Dynasty lifted trade restrictions on tea, wine, silk, porcelain, and metal products, and established fixed trade markets on the border, which were open on the fifth day of each month. Liao Dynasty merchants could freely travel and trade with their travel permits, and the Song Dynasty was not allowed to cause them any trouble without reason, only levying a 10% tax on the value of the goods as a commercial tax.

The Song and Liao dynasties were separated by the Lai River to the west, the Huliang River in the middle, and the Baigou River to the east, all within the territory of Yan.

The Song and Liao dynasties became brother states, with Song as the elder brother and Liao as the younger brother.

The Song and Liao dynasties formed a permanent alliance, agreeing not to invade each other's territory. If one side was attacked by a third party, the other side would be required to provide supplies and intelligence support, but would not directly intervene militarily unless otherwise agreed upon by both sides.

After the signing of this peace treaty, both parties shall erect a monument at the border and inscribe it to all people and the world. Anyone who violates this treaty shall be considered to have betrayed Heaven and Earth and their ancestors, and shall be punished by both gods and men, and their nation shall not prosper.

After both the Song and Liao dynasties confirmed that there were no problems with the peace treaty, Zhao Yu and Yelü Yanxi signed and affixed their seals respectively.

The Treaty of Yanjing between the Song and Liao dynasties was formally concluded.

After the Liao Kingdom handed over Jinpo Pass, and Yelü Yanxi arranged for the envoy to cede the land to the Nine Provinces beyond the mountains, Zhao Yu ordered all Song troops to withdraw to Song territory and redeploy their defenses.

After that, Su Zhe was left to lead Zhao Liangsi, Lü Yihao and others to hand over the nine provinces behind the mountains, while Guo Cheng, Zhong Pu and others led the Northern Auxiliary Army, the Eastern Auxiliary Army and the Western Auxiliary Army to guard the border and cooperate with Su Zhe and others in handing over the nine provinces behind the mountains. Zhao Yu led the Shenji Vanguard Army, the Shenji Rear Army and the Shenji Left Army in triumph...

……

(End of this chapter)