I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 375 The most troublesome one is Ye Shiyun
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When Wanyan Wule led the royal daughters, clan daughters, and noble daughters of Goryeo into Zhao Yu's harem, they were given a grand welcome.

— Zheng Xiansu personally led five women and more than ten imperial concubines, more than one hundred virtuous and gentle concubines, and a group of concubines to welcome Wanyan Wule and other Goryeo women.

Among them were Empress Qinxian (née Heshilie), Consort De (née Pushan), Consort Yuan (née Wugulun), Consort Chong (née Xiao), and Lady Dunuke, all daughters of the Jin dynasty's royal family, imperial clan, and nobles.

The reason why Jeong Hyeon-suk made such a grand display was not because Wanyan Wole was the Queen of Goryeo.

In Zhao Yu's harem, there were more than ten empresses, including those who had been empresses in history.

How important could a mere Goryeo queen be? How could she possibly warrant such a large-scale mobilization from Jeong Hyeon-suk?

The reason why Zheng Xiansu made such a grand welcome to Wanyan Wule was mainly because she had made great contributions, enabling the Song army to capture Kaesong without bloodshed and obtain all the wealth and resources accumulated by Goryeo over the past two hundred years.

Zheng Xiansu did this primarily to establish a clear example of "profiting from surrender" in the harem and even the entire court.

Zheng Xiansu knew that the Song Dynasty needed to subdue various forces at the lowest possible cost. Goryeo was not the end. In the future, more tribes and small countries might face choices. As a key link connecting these forces, the attitudes and outcomes of royal women had a strong demonstrative effect.

Placing Wanyan Wule, a meritorious official who brought core resources of Goryeo to surrender, in the highest rank of the imperial harem was actually sending a signal to all potential surrenderers: as long as they actively submit and offer sincerity and value, the Song Dynasty will not only not treat them unfairly, but will also give them honors far exceeding expectations.

This honor was not a temporary privilege, but rather a solidified model that could be emulated through explicit recognition at the harem level and the ritualistic welcoming ceremony of the Empress herself. Today, Wanyan Wule was greeted by more than ten imperial concubines and over a hundred concubines, and tomorrow, other representatives of forces who brought resources to submit could use this as a reference to foresee their own treatment.

More importantly, this display was also intended for the benefit of the inner palace.

Zhao Yu's harem had more than ten women who had served as empresses, making the social hierarchy complex. By welcoming them, Empress Zheng not only demonstrated her authority as the leader of the harem but also subtly established a "value judgment standard": the honor of the harem was no longer determined solely by birth or previous status but also by whether one could bring actual benefits to the Song Dynasty.

This guidance helps women from all sides who later enter the harem understand that instead of clinging to their former masters' identities, they should actively serve the Song Dynasty. Only by creating value can they gain a foothold in this complex harem and earn genuine respect.

Ultimately, Zheng Xiansu's "mobilization of troops" was a political maneuver disguised as etiquette, with self-interest at its core. She wanted to deeply ingrain the impression that "surrender brings honor" in people's minds, to let more people see the practical benefits of submitting to the Song Dynasty, thereby reducing resistance and increasing the number of those who voluntarily surrendered in the future process of subjugation, and ultimately achieving the Song Dynasty's strategic goal of low-cost expansion.

Wanyan Wule never expected that Zheng Xiansu would put on such a grand show to welcome her. More importantly, among those welcoming her were Wanyan Aguda's empress, Empress Qinxian, of the Heshilie clan; her elder sister-in-law, Wanyan Zongjun's wife, Empress Huizhao, of the Pucha clan; and her elder sister, Wanyan Wulu, all women whose status in the Jin Dynasty was higher than hers.

Wanyan Wule dared not be presumptuous, and hurriedly paid his respects to Zheng Xiansu and others, presenting them with gifts and behaving very respectfully.

Zheng Xiansu personally led Wanyan Wule and other Goryeo women to the Goryeo Palace, arranged for them to stay, and rewarded them with a feast of whole roasted lamb.

After meal.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Zheng Xiansu instructed Empress Qinxian (née Heshilie), Empress Huizhao (née Pucha), Wanyan Wulu, and others to show Wanyan Wule and other Goryeo women around on his behalf.

Led by Jin women, including Empress Qinxian of the Heshilie clan, Goryeo women, including Wanyan Wule, arrived at a super-large stadium comparable to a first-class stadium in later generations.

The moment Wanyan Wule and her entourage of Goryeo women stepped into the gymnasium, their pupils contracted sharply, and they instinctively stopped in their tracks. Within their sight were hundreds of palace women dressed in barely covering underwear and close-fitting tube tops, their skin glowing healthily in the sunlight, leaping and bounding across the open field.
Such revealing attire would be unthinkable even on the grasslands, let alone in the imperial palace of the Song Dynasty, a country known as the "Land of Etiquette."

The Goryeo women were instantly stunned, their eyes filled with shock and bewilderment at their unfamiliarity with the world. Even Wanyan Wule, who grew up in a Jurchen tribe and had a more open lifestyle, was dumbfounded.

When the Goryeo woman looked at her like this, Empress Qinxian, of the Heshilie clan, and the Jin woman beside her exchanged a smile. Their smiles contained no disdain, but rather a knowing look of someone who had been through it all.

Not only these Goryeo women, but all the other women who had just entered the palace and witnessed such a scene were equally astonished.

"This attire is not unruly, but rather appropriate for training," Wanyan Wulu explained with a smile, noticing the strange expressions on the faces of the Goryeo women. He then pointed to the field, "Look at them, these women are doing high jumps, long jumps, and playing football. If they were wearing ordinary clothes with wide sleeves, how could they leap so freely?"

That is true.

Everyone present quickly realized that loose clothing would only restrict movement during exercise, especially in the height of summer.

Thin sportswear is the best choice because it reduces resistance and helps dissipate heat.

But Wanyan Wule still had doubts. She asked softly, "What's the use of them practicing this skill so diligently?"

Upon hearing this, Wanyan Wulu smiled and said, "His Majesty has always been fond of such competitions, and has specially issued an imperial edict: the winner of the competition will be rewarded with gold, silk, and jewels; the second and third place winners will also receive rewards. More importantly—" He paused, then emphasized, "His Majesty personally bestows upon the top three winners the right to serve in his bedchamber."

In fact, these sports were not invented by Zhao Yu, nor did he have the time or inclination to do so.

Ye Shiyun did all of these things.

Most of the six people who traveled through time, including Zhao Yu, were ambitious and wanted to do something meaningful to change the era.

However, one of the six was an exception.

This person is Ye Shiyun.

Ye Shiyun transmigrated here to enjoy life, eating, drinking, having fun, and doing whatever makes her comfortable.

As for "inventing" the "Ye Shiyun Medical Canon," helping Zhao Yu manage the Song Dynasty's finances and economy, frankly, these were all things Ye Shiyun did incidentally.

It's no exaggeration to say that with Ye Shiyun's intelligence and economic acumen that was a thousand years ahead of the Song Dynasty, she could probably have done these things in a tenth of the time and effort, especially since she was good at being lazy, only taking on the big tasks and leaving all the small ones to Cai Jing and others.

In this way, Ye Shiyun would have plenty of time, so she would definitely find something to do to pass the time.

As a result, Ye Shiyun "invented" many games.

In the early days, Ye Shiyun invented small games such as Mahjong, Poker, and Werewolf.

Later, as she became more and more familiar with Zhao Yu, and saw that Zhao Yu was really accepting of her and truly doted on her, Ye Shiyun became bolder and bolder as long as she didn't cheat on Zhao Yu.

In this way, Ye Shiyun "invented" all the sports that would become popular in later generations, including basketball, football (not Cuju, but football in the modern sense), volleyball, tennis, high jump, long jump, running, swimming, and so on.

Not only that, Ye Shiyun also hired palace servants to practice and even set up competitions with rewards to promote it.

Of course, no matter how much effort Ye Shiyun puts in, she can't possibly get these events going.

Later, Zhao Yu learned of this and helped promote Ye Shiyun.

Zhao Yu helped Ye Shiyun promote this matter because
Firstly, because Zhao Yu particularly enjoyed watching sports, especially women's sports. He didn't care what the event was, as long as the participants were beautiful women.

—Okay, Zhao Yu just likes beautiful female athletes, especially the kind who are tall, have long legs, and have good figures.

Secondly, many women in the imperial harem died young not only because of the poor medical standards of the time, but also because they lacked exercise. Otherwise, they would not have died so young. Promoting exercise would have helped them improve their health.

Thirdly, Zhao Yu had too many women in his harem. Although he was powerful, he inevitably neglected most of them. He only played with many women once or twice and never touched them again. This inevitably made some of them feel empty, lonely and cold. Finding some hobbies for them could be considered as a kind of compensation from Zhao Yu.

Fourthly, with something to do, the women in the harem wouldn't be constantly scheming against each other and causing trouble for Zhao Yu.

In short, Zhao Yu felt that it was a good thing for Ye Shiyun to promote these sports, and that it would also please him, so he helped her promote them vigorously.

"King Qi loved purple robes, and there were no other women of similar color in the kingdom; King Chu loved slender waists, and many starved to death in the palace."

Since ancient times, the preferences of the monarch have been a barometer for the women in the harem.

Since Zhao Yu favored sports and competitions, the women of the harem would be eager to train even if they were naked, let alone dressed lightly. "Furthermore, in the harem, only the Emperor is a man; even eunuchs and princes are not allowed to enter this area. We are all the Emperor's wives, so what's wrong with our simple clothing here?" Wanyan Wulu continued.

Some Goryeo women secretly grumbled, 'To allow palace women to show their faces in public like this is far too debauched. Aren't they afraid it will affect the stability of the country?'

As if seeing through the women's thoughts, Wanyan Wulu added, "The Emperor encourages the palace women to exercise, which, though driven by personal interest, is not without public good. Exercise can strengthen the body, reduce illness, and prolong life, which is truly beneficial for the palace women. Moreover, the women in the inner palace often live secluded lives, with little to do and little interaction with others, which can easily lead to mental illness over time. Practicing sports can help them pass the time, allow them to spend time with their sisters, bring them joy, and reduce their loneliness."

Previously, some officials who had heard about the affairs of the inner palace had submitted memorials to Emperor Zhao Yu, saying that such actions "violated the rules of propriety" and "corrupted the teachings of etiquette," and earnestly requested that he restrain the palace women.

However, Zhao Yu turned a deaf ear to this, and even stated directly in court: "I will accept any advice that is beneficial to the country; I am also willing to listen to family matters that affect the stability of the court. However, the palace is my private domain, and no one has the right to interfere."

Over time, the civil and military officials of the Song Dynasty also figured out Zhao Yu's temperament.

Although this emperor indulged in pleasures in the harem, he never let his private affairs interfere with state affairs; in reality, it was not a serious matter.

Moreover, Zhao Yu was never bound by Confucianism and regarded scholars as tools for governing the country, rather than teachers of etiquette who could interfere in his private life. If they said too much, they might be punished by Zhao Yu.

Since Zhao Yu's attitude was firm and he had not committed any actual wrongdoing, no one kept an eye on Zhao Yu's harem. In any case, Zhao Yu's harem was another world, a world that belonged only to Zhao Yu. What big deal could it be if Zhao Yu did whatever he wanted?
Wanyan Wule and the Goryeo woman listened, still puzzled. 'It's just a competition; even winning first place isn't something to brag about. Is being in the top three really that important?'

This is something that Wanyan Wule and the Goryeo women, who were new to the area, couldn't understand.

Little did they know that Zhao Yu's harem already had tens of thousands of beauties, while he was the only man available—it was a case of far more wolves than sheep.

Moreover, Zhao Yu's harem also included Zheng Xiansu, the Five Women, Wang Yisu, Guo Ting, Li Qingzhao, and other women of high status and favored by Zhao Yu, such as empresses, imperial concubines, and princesses from various countries. They always took more than their share.

Therefore, for most palace maids, court ladies, and singers of humble origins, rigorous training in sports and competitions was definitely one of the shortcuts to rise above their circumstances.

Such examples are commonplace: as long as one can enter the top three in any competition, one can not only receive generous rewards, but also be guaranteed the opportunity to be served in bed.

—Zhao Yu always kept his word and never broke his promise.

And as long as one has the opportunity to serve the emperor, there is a possibility of conceiving a child with the emperor.

Once a prince is born, or even just a princess, one's status will undergo a qualitative leap, and one will no longer need to worry about making a living in old age.

What's even better is that some group projects have a large number of participants.

For example, in football, a team has eleven official players and four substitutes. In a single match, the champion, runner-up, and third-place winners can have a total of forty-five women who can receive honors and the opportunity to serve the emperor.

Even if you fail to conceive the first time, you can continue to compete. With enough attempts, you will eventually get another chance.

Even if they don't make it into the top three, it's not entirely hopeless.

When Zhao Yu had time, he would also go to the stadium to watch the games. If a woman showed a unique charm on the field—perhaps a beautiful shot, a tenacious defense, or just the spirited way she ran—she might catch Zhao Yu's eye and thus gain an extra opportunity to serve him in bed.

This is why many women in the imperial harem regarded "intensive training in competitions" as their top priority.

Wanyan Wulu led two young women, around sixteen or seventeen years old, forward from among the Jin women beside Empress Qinxian, Heshilie.

Both women were tall and slender with full hips and long legs, attracting the attention of Wanyan Wule and his entourage, who were from Goryeo.

Wanyan Wulu smiled and said to Wanyan Wule, "Hui'er and Shigu are the pride of our Jurchen people."

As she finished speaking, she first pointed to Tudan Hui'er on the left, who was the wife of Wanyan Zongbi (Jin Wuzhu) in history: "Hui'er is an excellent swimmer and has won the championship five times in the pool."

After saying that, she gently brushed her fingertips across the other person's abdomen, which was covered with eight-pack abs, and said with admiration, "She is pregnant with her second child. Her first child was a prince for the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Tu Dan Hui'er smiled shyly, appearing both sunny and gentle.

Then, Wanyan Wulu pointed to Wanyan Shigu (Wanyan Zongwang) on ​​the right: "Shigu is no less skilled, having won three consecutive badminton championships."

She also stroked the other woman's well-defined abs and belly, laughing lightly: "She is also carrying the emperor's child."

Unlike Tudan Huier, who was reserved and demure, Wanyan Shigu's pride was written all over his face, open and undisguised.

Tudan Huier and Wanyan Shigu were both familiar to Wanyan Wule. Before they were captured, they often played and chatted together.

In Wanyan Wule's memory, both Tudan Huier and Wanyan Shigu were very proud women who said they would not marry anyone but a hero.

Ok.

Zhao Yu, who nearly surpassed Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Taizong of Tang (in fact, with his overseas fiefdoms, he surpassed both Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Taizong of Tang), was naturally a hero, and one of the greatest heroes throughout history.

The problem is that Wanyan Wule realized that Tudan Huier and Wanyan Shigu did not hold high positions in Zhao Yu's eyes. They were not even concubines, let alone principal wives.

However, even so, Tudan Huier and Wanyan Shigu still had an inexplicable sense of pride, and seemed to enjoy such flattery.

Wanyan Wule didn't recognize Tudan Huier and Wanyan Shigu. She couldn't understand where they came from.

Did they win those so-called swimming and badminton events?

Or would they bear children for Zhao Yu, their enemy in the Jin Dynasty?

Moreover, it wasn't just Tudan Huier and Wanyan Shigu who were like this; other Jurchens seemed to be the same, even Empress Qinxian, of the Heshilie clan, seemed to be no exception.

'What is it about the Song Dynasty emperor that makes her so captivated?'

Just then, a soft sound came from outside the gymnasium. A group of women of various figures filed in. Some had cascading blonde hair, some had honey-colored blonde hair, some had sandalwood-colored brown hair, some had jet-black hair, some had chestnut-colored amber hair, and some even had fiery red hair. Their skin was either snow-white like porcelain or had a healthy tan, and they all exuded a strong exotic charm. They were all wearing briefs and tube tops that barely covered their chests, and their appearance immediately captured the attention of all the women present.

Wanyan Wule and the other Goryeo women were secretly astonished, 'Could there really be such strange women in the world?!'

Wanyan Wulu's gaze fell on the group of white European women, and he explained to the Korean woman, "They are Europeans. The Crusades are currently raging in Central Asia. They were bought by small countries or maritime merchants and presented to the emperor..."

'Europe?'

'Central Asia?'

'The Crusades?'

These words were completely incomprehensible to Wanyan Wule and the other Goryeo women; when put together, they were even less able to understand them.

Before Wanyan Wule could ask any further questions, the European women had already scattered and begun their training.

Among the crowd, a blonde woman stood out. Tall and slender, with a face as sweet as a spring rose, a waist as delicate as a willow, and skin as white as jade, she first walked to the high jump mat, took a run-up, soared through the air, and cleared the bar with movements as graceful as a swan spreading its wings. Then she moved to the long jump sandpit, bent her knees, pushed off the ground, and leaped out, her posture as elegant as flowing clouds. Even more astonishing was that her high jump and long jump times far surpassed those of her fellow trainees, leaving others far behind.

"Her name is Alice. Her crusade was defeated, she was captured, and later handed over to the emperor by a small Central Asian country." Wanyan Wulu's gaze followed the blonde figure intently, his tone tinged with envy and jealousy. "This woman has exceptional athletic talent. Not only has she repeatedly won championships in high jump and long jump, but she is also proficient in many other events. Therefore, she is highly favored by the emperor, making others envious..."

……

(End of this chapter)