I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 218 A Little Palace Intrigue

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Zhang Chun knows how to make empty promises.

The prospect of compiling the "Hongwu Encyclopedia" immediately made Li Qingzhao, who was already eager to organize and translate Tibetan, Yan-Yun, and Western Xia documents, even more enthusiastic about the matter.

Li Qingzhao was well aware that compiling the Hongwu Encyclopedia could effectively showcase the Zhao Song Dynasty's strong national power and rich cultural resources, demonstrate the Zhao Song Dynasty's strength in politics, economy, and culture to both domestic and international audiences, and consolidate the Zhao Song Dynasty's status and influence.

Furthermore, the systematic organization and compilation of a large number of ancient books can help to inherit and promote the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation, preserve and pass on many precious documents, and promote the inheritance and development of culture.

Compiling the Hongwu Encyclopedia also helps to enhance people's sense of identity and belonging to Chinese culture, strengthen national cohesion, and consolidate national unity at the ideological and cultural level.

Crucially, the compilation of the Hongwu Encyclopedia demonstrated an emphasis on and construction of cultural order. It established official standards for the collation and interpretation of cultural classics, regulated the direction of academic thought and cultural inheritance, and was conducive to creating a stable political and cultural environment and maintaining social and ruling order.

In Li Qingzhao's view, this was the preservation and promotion of culture.

Therefore, upon receiving the task, Li Qingzhao felt an unprecedented surge of passion and a sense of mission. She knew that this was not only a rescue of ancient documents, but also a profound remembrance of the nation's memory.

However, Li Qingzhao was also aware that as the person in charge of such a major cultural project that would surely be recorded in history, there would be countless scholars and even great Confucian scholars of the time who would want to compete with her.

Li Qingzhao's advantage was that she could organize and translate documents from Tibet, Yanyun region and Western Xia before the project of compiling the Hongwu Encyclopedia was officially launched. As long as she did a good job in this matter that was related to and similar to the compilation of the Hongwu Encyclopedia, she would have experience in compiling large-scale cultural projects that other scholars and Confucian scholars did not have.

Of course, as long as Li Qingzhao did not fall out of favor, she had an even greater advantage—Zhao Yu's strong support.

Thus, even though Li Qingzhao was a woman, she had the opportunity to accomplish this monumental feat, to be remembered for generations, and to occupy a place in the male-dominated cultural sphere!
Despite her excitement, Li Qingzhao remained calm. She knew that if she wanted to compile the Hongwu Encyclopedia, even if it was just to organize and translate documents from Tibet, the Yan-Yun region, and the Western Xia, she would still need the support of one person.

This person is Zheng Xiansu.

To accomplish this, it would require mobilizing a large number of concubines and palace maids in the harem, and specifically, mobilizing the most talented ones.

It's common knowledge that talented people are often a bit arrogant, and women are no exception. They don't just listen to everyone, and Li Qingzhao was no exception.

Leaving aside others, Cai Xuan and her group would definitely not buy into Li Qingzhao's opinion, nor would the women of Liao and Western Xia.

There are only two people in this world who can make all these women obedient.

One of them was Zhao Yu, the man they both loved.

The other one is naturally their mistress, Zheng Xiansu.

Zhao Yu, on the other hand, was busy with countless affairs every day and rarely paid attention to the people and matters in the harem.

The one who truly managed the people and affairs in the harem was Zheng Xiansu.

Although Zheng Xiansu has become increasingly low-key recently, and a large number of beauties from the Liao, Western Xia, and Western Regions have entered the harem, making the environment more complicated than before, Li Qingzhao, as an elder in the harem, knows very well that no one can shake Zheng Xiansu's position. Zheng Xiansu is absolutely capable of straightening out everything in the harem and making all the women in the harem, no matter who they are, obedient to him.

If Li Qingzhao could gain Zheng Xiansu's support, she could at least lead the concubines and palace maids in Zhao Yu's harem to organize and translate the documents of Tibet, Yanyun region, and Western Xia.

To put it simply, in Zhao Yu's harem, dragons had to coil up and tigers had to lie low; otherwise, Zheng Xiansu would definitely teach them a lesson.

This was not just Li Qingzhao's perception, but a consensus among all the women in Zhao Yu's harem, including Zhang Chun, Li Lin, Ye Shiyun, Ma Xiaojiao, and Yuan Qingcheng, who were all highly favored by Zhao Yu.

In short, after separating from Zhang Chun, Li Qingzhao went to Kunning Palace to visit Zheng Xiansu, report the matter, and ask Zheng Xiansu for help.

To Li Qingzhao's surprise, Zheng Xiansu actually had guests.

This is a woman dressed in Western Xia clothing, but she has an oval face with strong facial features, distinct contours, and high cheekbones, giving her face a certain three-dimensionality, which is different from the facial features of the Western Xia people.

Upon closer inspection, her eyes were long and narrow, like phoenix eyes, with slightly deeper eye sockets than those of people from the Central Plains, and brown irises; her eyebrows were thin and long, her nose was high and straight with a relatively long upper end; her lips were relatively thin. Although she was not as tall as Guo Ting or Wei Shi, she was still much taller than most women (about 1.77 or 1.78 meters).

The well-informed Li Qingzhao could tell at a glance that the woman was a Khitan, but she was wearing the everyday clothes of a Western Xia woman, so her identity was self-evident.

Empress Yelü Nanxian of Western Xia!

Li Qingzhao did not greet Yelü Nanxian first, but went straight to Zheng Xiansu.

Upon approaching, Li Qingzhao gracefully bowed and said warmly, "Greetings, elder sister!"

Zheng Xiansu didn't exchange pleasantries with Li Qingzhao, but went straight to the point and asked, "Are you here to organize and translate documents?"

Li Qingzhao smiled and said, "Sister, you are very perceptive. I have come here for this very reason."

Zheng Xiansu smiled and said, "This matter should have been my concern, but I've been too busy here, so I've troubled you for me. In the future, if you need my help, feel free to come to me. Hmm... this is too much trouble..."

After thinking for a moment, Zheng Xiansu said to a young woman of about seventeen or eighteen years old who looked seven or eight parts like her, "Meiniang, help me issue an imperial edict, instructing all concubines and palace maids to obey the command of Consort Li, and assist her in organizing and translating documents."

After giving Zheng Meiniang his instructions, Zheng Xiansu turned to Li Qingzhao and said, "I will also teach Meiniang to be your assistant to help you coordinate the trivial matters. The two of you must not fail the Emperor's trust."

Zheng Meiniang was Zheng Xiansu's niece, and her rank was not much lower than Li Qingzhao's. She had already served the emperor and had even given birth to a daughter for Zhao Yu. Her status and background were not low.

Li Qingzhao knew very well that Zheng Xiansu wanted Zheng Meiniang to share in the credit so that she could be promoted in the future.

Li Qingzhao understood immediately and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Sister Meiniang."

Zheng Xiansu smiled even more broadly and said, "Why are you being so polite with her?"

Only then did Zheng Xiansu introduce Yelü Nanxian to Li Qingzhao: "This younger sister is Yelü Chongyuan. You will need her help in this matter."

Zheng Xiansu then introduced Li Qingzhao to Yelü Nanxian: "She is Consort Li, the emperor's favorite concubine, the most talented woman in our Song Dynasty. Her poems are unique in style, delicate in emotion, and fresh and natural in language, and are widely circulated in our Song Dynasty."

"You two should exchange pleasantries and get to know each other, and look after each other in the future." The title "Chongyuan" evolved from "Chonghua" of the Southern Dynasties. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Jin, Chonghua was the last of the Nine Concubines; during the Southern Song Dynasty, she was demoted below the Nine Concubines; and during the Sui Dynasty, she was reinstated as one of the Nine Concubines, ranking thirteenth in the harem. In the early Tang Dynasty, she was renamed "Chongyuan," a title adopted by the Zhao Song Dynasty. In the Zhao Song Dynasty's concubine ranking system, Chongyuan was the lowest of the Nine Concubines, belonging to the second rank.

Judging solely by rank, Yelü Nanxian's status doesn't seem low.

However, considering that Yelü Nanxian was originally a Khitan princess and the empress of Western Xia, but now she has only barely become one of the nine concubines, it is quite a pity.

However, considering that the Western Xia dynasty has fallen and Yelü Nanxian is now essentially a prisoner of war, it is already a great act of magnanimity on the part of Zhao Yu and Zheng Xiansu to make her a concubine.

Moreover, as soon as she entered, Li Qingzhao noticed that Yelü Nanxian came to see Zheng Xiansu, the empress of the Zhao Song Dynasty, but did not wear the clothes of the Zhao Song Dynasty. Instead, she wore the clothes of the Western Xia Dynasty. This clearly showed that she still had feelings for her former country, and it could also be said that she did not respect Zheng Xiansu.

Under these circumstances, the fact that Zheng Xiansu could still grant Yelü Nanxian a concubine title and even feign politeness towards her shows that Zheng Xiansu was magnanimous and considered Yelü Nanxian's original status. Otherwise, he might not have even given her a concubine.

Having grasped the key point, Li Qingzhao nodded politely but deliberately with a distance to Yelü Nanxian, and said in a businesslike manner, "I am responsible for organizing and translating Western Xia documents. Please forgive me if I disturb you in the future."

Yelü Nanxian never expected that Li Qingzhao had such high literary skills, and she never expected that Zhao Yu would entrust the task of compiling and translating Western Xia documents to Li Qingzhao.

In addition, Zheng Xiansu was very enthusiastic towards Li Qingzhao.

Yelü Nanxian, who was unaware of the depths of Zhao Yu's harem, did not mind Li Qingzhao's estrangement, but said warmly, "If there is anything I can do to help you, please speak frankly, Your Highness."

The three chatted for a while longer before Zheng Xiansu served tea and saw the guests off.

After Li Qingzhao and Yelü Nanxian left Kunning Palace, Yelü Nanxian chatted with Li Qingzhao very warmly.

Li Qingzhao could tell that Yelü Nanxian intended to befriend her and Zheng Xiansu, and that he had no intention of being unruly.

After a moment's hesitation, the outspoken Li Qingzhao couldn't help but offer Yelü Nanxian a suggestion: "Why does Chongyuan wear a left-fastening robe?"

Upon hearing this, Yelü Nanxian hesitated, her expression changing. She replied, "A loyal minister does not serve two masters, and a virtuous woman does not marry two husbands. Western Xia is my homeland, and its ruler was my former husband. My homeland has fallen, and my former husband is imprisoned. I atoned for the sins of my homeland and my former husband by surrendering to China and becoming Your Majesty's concubine. Now that I am a Song citizen, whatever Your Majesty commands me to do, I will do without hesitation, even at the cost of my life. My loyalty to the Great Song and to Your Majesty is just as unwavering as my loyalty to my homeland and my former husband. However, I would never do anything that would betray my roots. If I were to harbor any rebellious thoughts towards my homeland and my former husband, what would I have left to be loyal to the Great Song and to Your Majesty?"

Yelü Nanxian then spoke up, saying, "I have already told Her Majesty the Empress that I am a barbarian from afar. Today, I have received the great grace of Heaven and Earth, and I swear to serve my Great Song Dynasty, His Majesty, and Her Majesty to the death. Even if I have to brave boiling water and fire, face blades and be shattered to pieces, I will do it willingly. Whatever your command, I will carry it out with the determination to die for it. I hope you will convey my wishes to His Majesty."

After saying this, Yelü Nanxian burst into tears.

Li Qingzhao never expected that Yelü Nanxian would think this way.

At first glance, Yelü Nanxian's words did not seem unreasonable.

But if you think about it carefully, no matter how nicely Yelü Nanxian spoke, wasn't she still two-faced?
Moreover, while the Western Xia dynasty was gone, the Liao dynasty was not.

'Could it be that she still harbors feelings for her homeland?'

Thinking of this, Li Qingzhao gave a self-deprecating smile. 'If I can think of this, how could the Emperor and Empress not? Besides, this is the harem of my Great Song Dynasty; she is merely His Majesty's plaything. Even if she longs for her homeland, what use is it?'

Li Qingzhao was wrong.

Yelü Nanxian's insistence on wearing Western Xia clothing wasn't entirely without purpose. She was doing it for the Western Xia women who still longed for their homeland.

As long as Yelü Nanxian makes such a gesture, that is, she takes up the banner of Western Xia, and with her status as the Empress of Western Xia, she can gain the support of the women of Western Xia and become their leader.

In this way, Yelü Nanxian gained her own power in Zhao Yu's harem.

If Yelü Nanxian could persuade Zhao Yu to acknowledge her "loyalty," and even better if she praised her actions, then her public image would be firmly established.

By then, Yelü Nanxian would not only be able to solidify her position in Zhao Yu's harem, but also influence Zhao Yu's decisions to a certain extent, especially in matters involving the remnants of Western Xia or diplomacy with the Liao Dynasty.

In other words, if Yelü Nanxian's "loyalty" could gain Zhao Yu's appreciation, it would undoubtedly become a powerful political trump card in her hands, allowing her to have a place in the deep palace, and even potentially become the leader of the Western Xia people and the representative of the Liao Dynasty in the Song Dynasty.

It must be said that Yelü Nanxian's wishful thinking was truly brilliant.

Li Qingzhao was not interested in this, nor was it something she should worry about.

Seeing that Yelü Nanxian was unappreciative, Li Qingzhao said nothing and parted ways with Yelü Nanxian.

Immediately afterwards, Li Qingzhao went to see Xiao Puxian.

Li Qingzhao was unsure of Yelü Nanxian's future or whether she could become the leader of the Western Xia women. However, she was well aware of Xiao Puxian's status among Liao women and even among Hu women. If she wanted to successfully organize and translate the documents of Tibet, Yanyun region, and Western Xia, she would certainly need Xiao Puxian's help and cooperation.

Soon, Li Qingzhao arrived at Xiao Puxian's residence, but to her surprise, the people in Xiao Puxian's palace said that Xiao Puxian was working in the East Warm Pavilion of the Chuigong Hall.

Li Qingzhao then went to the Chuigong Hall, intending to go to the East Warm Pavilion to find Xiao Puxian.

When Li Qingzhao arrived, she happened to run into Zhang Chun, who had just arrived at the East Warm Pavilion.

Knowing Li Qingzhao's purpose, Zhang Chun led her directly into the East Warm Pavilion.

As soon as they entered, Zhang Chun and Li Qingzhao heard Xiao Puxian advising Zhao Yu: "The women of Western Xia are all women of a fallen kingdom, yet they refuse to admit defeat, still wearing Western Xia clothing and showing no intention of surrendering. This trend must not be allowed to grow, and such women must not be allowed to form a power in the palace. Otherwise, it may shake the stability of Your Majesty's harem and even affect Your Majesty's decisions regarding the remnants of Western Xia and diplomacy with the Liao Kingdom."

Zhao Yu said, "The Empress will decide this matter. You can go and discuss it with her."

Empress Xiao said, "I have already discussed this matter with Her Majesty the Empress. Her Majesty said, 'To shoot a man, shoot his horse first; to capture a thief, capture his king first.' I request Your Majesty to visit Yelü Nanxian first. As for the rest, I can take care of it."

Zhao Yu was taken aback; no one else could do this for him...

……

(End of this chapter)