I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 280 The Liao Kingdom Sends More Beauties to Zhao Yu
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Duting Post Station, located in the most prosperous part of Bianliang (Kaifeng), was the largest, best-equipped, and highest-level state guesthouse of the Song Dynasty. It was primarily used to receive Liao envoys. This was not only because the Liao Dynasty had been the most powerful neighboring state of the Song Dynasty for a long period before, but also because Liao delegations were numerous, with the largest number exceeding six hundred.

The Tongwen Hall, where the Jin envoy stayed during his visit to the Song Dynasty, was actually used by the Song Dynasty to receive envoys from Goryeo.

The Zhao Song Dynasty, especially after Zhao Yu became emperor, was very active in foreign relations, with many envoys from various countries visiting the Zhao Song Dynasty frequently.

In terms of reception, the Song Dynasty generally implemented a system of one guesthouse per country. For example, Liao Dynasty envoys were received at the Duting Post Station. Western Xia envoys were generally received at the Duting West Post Station or the Laiyuan Post Station. Goryeo envoys were received at the Tongwen Hall in the outer city. Envoys from Nanfan, Jiaozhou, Xifan, Dashi, and Kucha were all received at the Huaiyuan Post Station. Envoys from Tubo and Dangxiang were received at the Libin Court...

The reason why the Jin envoys were arranged to stay at the Tongwen Hall was because before this, the Jin state was just a small tribe and had never had any contact with the Zhao Song Dynasty. Therefore, they were temporarily arranged to stay at the Tongwen Hall, which was also located in the northeast and had previously housed Goryeo envoys.

This was mainly because at that time, the Zhao Song Dynasty had not yet decided how to deal with the Jin Dynasty, so it announced to the outside world that the Jin envoy was a Goryeo envoy, so as not to let the Liao Dynasty's spies know that the Song and Jin might unite to destroy the Liao.

Currently, the ruler of Goryeo is King Yejong. His name, "Wang Yu," also contains the character "Yu."

This can also be considered a kind of fate.

Furthermore, the Liao Dynasty was weak while the Song Dynasty was strong, and Goryeo had always preferred to submit to the powerful rather than the weak, recognizing the stronger one as its suzerain state.

This led to the peak of exchanges between Goryeo and the Song Dynasty in recent years.

From the eighth year of the Hongwu reign to the present twelfth year of the Hongwu reign, Wang Yu sent envoys to the Zhao Song Dynasty six times, averaging 1.5 times a year. Therefore, it would not arouse suspicion if he said that the Jin envoys were actually Goryeo envoys.

However, this was just the previous arrangement. The next time the Jin envoys came, the Zhao Song Dynasty would arrange for them to stay at Duting West Post Station or Laiyuan Post Station. In any case, since the Western Xia had already been destroyed, they no longer needed these two post stations.

In short, the Song Dynasty arranged for its envoys to stay in one guesthouse per country, which reflected both respect for the customs of the guests and the need for security and confidentiality.

The Liao Dynasty sent envoys Xiao Delidi and Han Fang this time.

Xiao Delidi was the elder brother of Empress Xiao Duolilan. He entered the core of power by virtue of his status as a maternal relative and had already risen to the position of Privy Councilor of the Northern Court. He was one of the important powerful ministers of the Liao Dynasty.

The fact that Yelü Yanxi was able to send Xiao Delidi shows that he was truly afraid of Zhao Yu, and even more afraid that Zhao Yu would support the Jin Dynasty. That's why he sent a high-ranking official as an envoy in the hope of changing Zhao Yu's mind.

Han Fang, courtesy name Gongmei, was a native of Yanjing. His ancestors served the Liao dynasty and his family had achieved high rank for generations. He was the Liao dynasty's new top scholar in the imperial examination this year.

Xiao Deli and Han Fang sent Zhao Yu ten cartloads of gifts, as well as one hundred beautiful noblewomen from the Liao Kingdom.

It is clear that the Liao Dynasty was not only much more generous than the Jin Dynasty, but also clearly understood better how to get along with the Zhao Song Dynasty, especially with Zhao Yu.

Moreover, once the Zhao Song Dynasty came to power, Xiao Deli and Han Fang began the practice of sending gifts.

The primary recipients of their gifts were the four Khitan princesses (including Empress Yelü Nanxian of Western Xia).

They also gave gifts to Xiao Sese and her daughter Yelü Yuliyan, without treating them as a stain on the Liao Kingdom.

Besides them, all the Liao women who married into Zhao Yu's harem from the Liao Kingdom received gifts.

In addition, the Liao Kingdom was obviously aware that Cai Jing, Liang Shicheng and others were important ministers and favorites of Zhao Yu, and they also sent gifts to each of them.

Of course, fearing that it would offend Zhao Yu and backfire, and also fearing that Cai Jing, Liang Shicheng and others would not accept it, the Liao side sent gifts to Cai Jing, Liang Shicheng and others that were both pleasing to them and acceptable to them. Cai Jing, Liang Shicheng and others even dared to report to Zhao Yu.

Through these actions, Xiao Deli and Han Fang soon learned that the Jin envoy had already visited, and that Zhao Yu had already conferred the title of Great Sage Emperor upon Wanyan Aguda, and had also sent envoys to the Jin Kingdom to discuss the details of their relations.

What did the Song Dynasty mean by this? Did they intend to form an alliance with the Jin Dynasty, so that the two countries could unite and destroy the Liao Dynasty?

To be honest, although the Jin Dynasty was very powerful, defeating the Liao Dynasty one after another and even capturing the Liao capital of Tokyo, the Liao people viewed it as just a local rebellion, similar to the previous rebellion of the Zubu tribe in the northwest of the Liao Dynasty.

—Zubu was a general term used by the Liao Dynasty to refer to Mongolian-speaking tribes in northern Mongolia, which included Turkic-speaking tribes such as the Naiman tribe.

There were two rebellions by the Zubu tribe.

Both rebellions were quelled by the Liao Dynasty.

Although this Jurchen rebellion was larger in scale than the two rebellions of the Zubu tribe, most Liao people were still optimistic that they could suppress the Jurchen rebellion just as they had suppressed the two rebellions of the Zubu tribe.

However, this is conditional: the powerful Song Dynasty must not ally with the Jin Dynasty to attack the Liao Dynasty.

Otherwise, the Liao Dynasty couldn't even defeat the Song Dynasty, let alone the Jin Dynasty, which was also a powerful and warlike state.

Han Fang immediately realized that things were in trouble. If the Jin Dynasty could really win over the powerful Song Dynasty as an ally, then the Liao Dynasty would surely perish.

Even the headstrong Xiao Deli was deeply worried, knowing that if they didn't handle things properly, the Liao Dynasty might be doomed.

After much hesitation, Sydrid decided to meet someone in person.

This person was Consort Xiao Puxian, wife of Emperor Zhao Yu.

In fact, the Liao Dynasty was completely unaware of the contact between the Zhao Song Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty.

Emperor Zhao Yu was worried for the Liao Dynasty because of its incompetent intelligence agencies.

Left with no other option, in order not to affect his strategic policy, Zhao Yu could only send Xiao Puxian to take the initiative to contact the Liao Kingdom and inform them that the Jin Kingdom had sent an envoy to the Zhao Song Dynasty to request investiture and intend to form an alliance with the Zhao Song Dynasty.

Only then did the Liao Dynasty belatedly send envoys to the Zhao Song Dynasty to prevent the Zhao Song Dynasty from forming an alliance with the Jin Dynasty.

Because Xiao Puxian sent messages to the Liao Kingdom, because she was Zhao Yu's Consort De and the most successful woman in Liao, because she was already the leader of the Liao women, and crucially, because she had given birth to three sons for Zhao Yu and had been helping him with government affairs and knew more than others, the Liao Kingdom regarded Xiao Puxian as their greatest asset to the Song Dynasty and considered her the highest-ranking "spy" to infiltrate the Song Dynasty.

Now that he has learned of the critical situation, Xiao Deli decided to send someone back to Liao to explain the seriousness of the matter to Yelü Yanxi as soon as possible. On the other hand, he decided to personally meet with Xiao Puxian to see if she had any good ideas for saving the country.
So Xiao Delidi sent a beautiful young woman from the Liao Kingdom who had just entered Zhao Yu's harem to deliver a message to Xiao Puxian, saying that he wanted to see Xiao Puxian and asking if she could think of a way to do so.

The next day, Xiao Puxian arranged to meet Xiao Delidi at Fanlou that evening.

Duting Inn was located in the bustling area in front of the Imperial Street. Every night, the brightly lit Fanlou could be seen from the inn. Fanlou was the most prestigious of the seventy-two large restaurants in Dongjing (Kaifeng). It was a complex of five three-story buildings—east, south, west, north, and central—connected by covered bridges, forming a unified whole. As night fell, Fanlou shone brightly, resembling a celestial palace from afar; up close, it was a feast for the eyes, with beauties everywhere. It offered the finest delicacies from land and sea, and was a favorite gathering place for high-ranking officials and nobles.

"The songs and dances of Liangyuan were full of elegance, and the fine wine was like a knife to cut through sorrow. I remember the many happy things of my youth, and the lights of Fanlou Tower were on late at night."

Fanlou is a microcosm of the prosperity and splendor of Bianliang City.

Although it was Xiao Deli's first time in Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital, he was still able to find Fanlou.

Accompanied by Han Fang, Xiao Deli arrived at the east gate of Fanlou.

Colorful lanterns hung high above the entrance, the Emperor's presence was dazzling, and carriages and horses moved in a bustling scene, with ceremonial canopies gathering in abundance. Upon entering the hall, the first thing that caught the eye was hundreds of heavily made-up singing and dancing beauties, who, like fairies descended to earth, gathered under the eaves, awaiting the guests' summons.

Xiao Deli's face was filled with excitement, his gaze constantly sweeping over the faces and bodies of the girls. He seemed completely captivated by their beauty, turning back to look at them again and again as he walked. He had seen beautiful women before, but he had never seen so many gathered together. He felt that the Song Dynasty was truly a treasure trove, and that its people lived in paradise every day.

Han Fang understood Xiao Deli's thoughts very well. He lowered his voice and said to Xiao Deli, "The important matter is the priority. Don't let a small matter cause you to lose sight of the bigger picture."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Deli quickly averted his gaze and entered Fanlou.

Upon seeing Xiao Deli and Han Fang appear, a clean-shaven man with a sharp face approached and asked, "Are you the person Lady Xiao invited?"

Xiao Deli quickly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "That's right."

The man without a need immediately invited Xiao Deli and Han Fang upstairs.

Zhao Yu and Xiao Puxian were waiting for Xiao Deli and Han Fang in a VIP room on the second floor of the west building of Fanlou.

Without Zhao Yu accompanying her, how could Xiao Puxian have left the palace, let alone come to this place of pleasure?

It's very quiet here; regular drinkers don't usually come up here.

The room was decorated elegantly, with hanging bamboo and floral patterns on the windows and curtains hanging down.

Two paintings and calligraphic works, both genuine works by famous artists, hang on the wall.

In order to promote Xiao Puxian, and also because they were worried that Zhao Yu would not be used to things outside the palace, and were concerned for Zhao Yu's safety, Liang Shicheng, Yang Jian, Yuwen Xuzhong and others ordered that all the wine and dishes on the table be removed and replaced with palace utensils.

Before Xiao Deli and Han Fang arrived, Zhao Yu was having a drink with Xiao Puxian in his arms.

After bringing Xiao Deli and Han Fang to the door, Li Yan straightened his clothes, then gently knocked on the door and said, "Wife, they've arrived."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu put down Xiao Puxian, took his wine cup, and went behind the screen to sit down.

At this moment, Xiao Puxian slowly put the wine pot back in its original place, sat down in the spot where Zhao Yu had just sat, and said softly, "Come in."

After hearing the signal given by Xiao Puxian, Li Yancai gently pushed open the door.

As soon as Xiao Deli and Han Fang entered the room, they were stunned by the exquisite porcelain on the dining table.

Xiao Deli stared intently at the lotus-petal-shaped porcelain wine warmer, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light. Although he didn't understand art appreciation, he was instinctively captivated by the beauty of the porcelain.

Han Fang had never seen such exquisite porcelain before, and he was also attracted by its warm, delicate texture and elegant refinement.

However, Han Fang's gaze quickly shifted from the exquisite porcelain to Xiao Puxian, who was sitting in the main seat.

She was graceful and lithe, exuding a unique exotic charm with every gesture. A magnificent Song Dynasty palace dress adorned her, yet it couldn't conceal the distinctive heroic spirit of a Khitan woman.

She had fair, snow-white skin, a delicate face with soft lines, and a dignified and elegant beauty. Her bright eyes were like deep lake water, and below her high nose was a delicate cherry-like mouth. Her lips were as bright as roses, and her slightly upturned lips always carried a faint smile, as if she were sizing up Xiao Deli and Han Fang.

Han Fang couldn't help but sigh inwardly, 'Such a beauty, and she's all been snatched away by the Song Dynasty. Is my Liao Dynasty truly doomed?'

At this moment, Xiao Deli also shifted his gaze from the exquisite Ru ware to Xiao Puxian.

Xiao Delidi and Xiao Puxian were related; if you really want to count them, Xiao Delidi was Xiao Puxian's cousin. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been sent as an envoy to the Zhao Song Dynasty and would not have been able to meet with Xiao Puxian.

However, given that Consort Xiao Puxian was now Zhao Yu's concubine and the Liao Kingdom needed her help, Xiao Delidi dared not be presumptuous in the slightest. He stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Xiao Puxian smiled and said, "Today is a family banquet, Ahe, there's no need to be so polite. You two, please sit down."

Xiao Deli was afraid that Xiao Puxian's daughter would not acknowledge him as a relative; if that were the case, they might not be able to find out anything about the Zhao Song Dynasty today.

Therefore, when Xiao Puxian called him "brother" and asked him to sit down, Xiao Deli breathed a sigh of relief and quickly sat down opposite Xiao Puxian.

Han Fang bowed and said, "Thank you for the seat, Your Highness." He then sat down to the left of Xiao Deli.

After they were seated, Xiao Deli began to chat with Xiao Puxian about everyday matters, such as the current health of Xiao Puxian's father, Xiao Degong, and how, although Xiao Puxian's brother had participated in Yelü Zhangnu's rebellion to install Yelü Chun as emperor, Yelü Yanxi had not punished him because of Xiao Puxian's influence, and so on...

After listening quietly, Xiao Puxian said, "It's not easy for me to leave the palace even once. Ah He, why don't we get down to business first?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Deli stopped his preamble and hurriedly asked the question that was also the biggest worry for all the Liao people: "Will the Great Song really form an alliance with the Jurchen?"

To Xiao Deli and Han Fang's dismay, Xiao Puxian nodded and said, "Your Majesty does indeed have this intention."

Xiao Deli quickly asked for advice: "Then how should our Great Liao respond..."

……

(End of this chapter)