I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 408 My Beloved Concubine's Little Mouth is So Sweet
...

Although Zhao Yu wished he could tear Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Zongwang to pieces, he had no desire to play cat and mouse. Instead, following Zhang Chun's suggestion, he had both families torn to pieces at the crossroads without even seeing them.

During the execution, a large banner was erected: "Those who offend the might of our Great Song Dynasty, though far away, shall be punished!"

Slicing into a thousand pieces is an extremely cruel form of punishment. There are many ways to carry out this punishment, including but not limited to cutting flesh, peeling skin, gouging out eyes, cutting out tongue, severing tendons, severing hands, severing feet, disemboweling, cutting off feet, and piercing the collarbone.

The execution of this punishment is extremely painful and usually results in the victim suffering enormous physical and psychological trauma.

During the execution, the victims are cruelly tortured until they are tortured to death.

At the crossroads, the crowd surged like a tide, with men, women, and children all craning their necks, eager to witness this awe-inspiring scene.

On the execution platform, the executioners, blades in hand, gazed coldly, like messengers from hell. Their movements were practiced and precise, each cut landing precisely on the victim's body, eliciting screams of agony.

The screams, like the mournful cry of an owl, pierced through the noisy crowd, reaching the depths of everyone's hearts, turning many pale and filling them with an indescribable fear.

Wanyan Zonghan, Wanyan Zongwang, and their families, some tried to escape the fishing net that had trapped them and avoid the rain of blades; others stared wide-eyed at the sky, as if praying to the distant gods for release; still others had been tormented by pain to the point of losing their minds, howling madly, their voices filled with endless despair and resentment.

Wanyan Zonghan was quite tough; despite having been stabbed dozens of times, he remained silent.

However, Wanyan Zonghan's descendants and clansmen all begged for mercy, especially his two sons, Wanyan Sheyema and Wanyan Xiebao, who were originally quite brave on the battlefield. They cried and begged for mercy, while repeatedly expressing their willingness to submit to the Song Dynasty and help the Song Dynasty attack the Jin Dynasty.

Wanyan Zonghan's younger brother, Wanyan Zongxian, was not good at fighting, but was good at literature and politics. He was a rare scholar-aristocrat in the early Jurchen period. He promulgated Jurchen script and was selected to enter school at the age of sixteen. He was proficient in both Khitan script and Chinese characters and could talk about profound principles in a very logical way.

Now, Wanyan Zongxian was crying more miserably than anyone else, begging for mercy the loudest, and using words that were more touching than anyone else's.

Wanyan Zonghan ignored the poor performance of his descendants and clansmen.

How many people can face death calmly, especially when they face the cruel torture of being torn to pieces?

The key point is that Wanyan Zonghan himself was putting on a brave face, so how could he have the right to reprimand others?
The Wanyan Zongwang family performed even worse.

With just one cut, Wanyan Zongwang and his sons screamed in agony, and the weaker ones began to beg for mercy.

However, most of these Jurchens did not speak Chinese, and in their haste, their speech was unclear, so the executioners could not understand a word they were saying.

Even if the executioners could understand what these golden figures were saying, they would certainly ignore it.

Let's set aside the fact that this is a matter of professional ethics.

To put it simply, for these executioners, everyone is an executioner. If everyone else had to make one or two thousand cuts before the person being tortured died, but you only made three or five hundred cuts, or even less than a hundred, and then you killed the golden statue in your hand, how would your colleagues laugh at you if you said that? How could you ever work as an executioner again?
Therefore, the executioners had no time to care what the Jin people were saying; they had to concentrate on dismembering them and couldn't kill them immediately.

The onlookers, especially the Liao people mixed among the Han Chinese, felt extremely pleased and clapped their hands in celebration, finally feeling their anger had been satisfied.

It should be understood that after these Jurchens rose to power, they not only killed and enslaved the men of the Liao people and seized their women, but also desecrated their ancestral graves, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities. Countless innocent people died under their iron hooves, and countless families were torn apart as a result. It can be said that they did all sorts of evil deeds.

Now, seeing these Jurchens, especially the wicked Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Zongwang, receive their just deserts, how could they not feel immense satisfaction?!
As for those who think that it's one thing for Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Zongwang to suffer such retribution, but whether their sons will be spared, they simply don't know, their sons are no better.

Historically, Zhao Ji's fourteenth daughter, Princess Xunde (Zhao Fujin), and his thirty-third daughter, Princess Chunfu (Zhao Jinling), both fell into the hands of Wanyan Zonghan's eldest son, Wanyan Sheyema. Zhao Ji's twenty-fifth daughter, Princess Huifu (Zhao Zhuzhu), was taken away by Wanyan Zonghan's second son, Wanyan Xiebao. Both brothers were direct participants in the Jingkang Incident and the ones who benefited the most.

As for Wanyan Zongwang's son, he even drew his sword against the enemy in order to seize a royal princess of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Historical records state:
At that time, Lu Dushen, the commander of the city's defenses, killed his brother Shang Fuzao.

Lu Dushen and Shang Fuzhao were both sons of Wanyan Zongwang.

These two brothers share a common hobby: they are extremely lecherous and have a particular fondness for beautiful women, especially royal beauties.

Although Lu Dushen was still young, he could not resist the sight of a beautiful woman and would always ask his parents for her.

His parents refused, so he asked his older brother, Shang Fuzao, for permission.

At that time, Shang Fuzhao was in charge of guarding the Nanxun Gate and lived in a large mansion. Shang Fuzhao also hid the beauties that Lu Dushen had abducted in this mansion for his own enjoyment.

This made Lu Dushen very angry.

So, taking advantage of his brother Shang Fuzao's drunkenness, Lu Dushen killed him and then took all the most beautiful women from his clan (a total of seventeen princesses and wives who had been abducted by Shang Fuzao) and fled back to the camp.

These beasts, once captured by Zhao Yu, how could Zhao Yu not make them pay for the crimes they committed in history?

Three days later, Wanyan Zonghan, Wanyan Zongwang, their sons, and their clansmen all suffered the punishment they deserved.

……

In Zhao Yu's harem.

Tang Kuo Hui'er, who had served Zhao Yu the previous night, along with a dozen or so daughters of the Jin royal family, clan, and nobles, were now obediently serving Zhao Yu as he washed and dressed.

It's clear that these Jin women weren't skilled at serving a Han emperor, even though they were once Jin noblewomen and well-informed young ladies.

Tang Kuo Hui'er's fingertips, gripping the plain silk handkerchief, were so tight they turned white, as if afraid the cool fabric would brush against Zhao Yu's hand and provoke a silent expression of displeasure.

She is the principal wife of Wanyan Wugumai, the crown prince of the Jin Dynasty, the future empress of the Jin Dynasty, and currently the woman with the highest status in the Jin Dynasty.

For some reason, Tangkuo Hui'er was always cautious and respectful in front of Zhao Yu, not daring to show the slightest disrespect, let alone disobey him. This was something she had never done when she was with Wanyan Wuqimai, even though Zhao Yu had been quite gentle with her last night.

Behind Tangkuo Hui'er, a dozen or so Jin women, who had once held titles such as "princess," "princess," and "eldest daughter of a certain family," lowered their eyes and served Zhao Yu clumsily and cautiously. This time alone, three or four thousand women had been escorted from the Jin Kingdom. Including them, Zhao Yu's harem already had nearly twenty thousand women.

It's impossible for all these women to be masters, even if they originally held very high status.

—The truth is actually quite the opposite. Their actual status in the Song Dynasty was that of prisoners of war. To be precise, they came from very low social status and arrived relatively late, so the vast majority of them would become low-ranking concubines or even low-ranking palace maids, serving others.

From frugality to luxury is easy, from luxury to frugality.

Having grown accustomed to a life of luxury and ease, they would certainly not want to become servants who have to wait on others.

If they were to be asked to serve the Jin women who were originally their servants, it would be even more unacceptable to them.

The one who could best determine their new identities was none other than Zhao Yu.

It could be said that a single thought from Zhao Yu could determine their future fate in the palace. Would they continue to enjoy wealth and luxury in Zhao Yu's harem, or would they be reduced to lowly palace maids, performing arduous tasks every day, struggling in dust and sweat, forever severed from their former life of opulence? It all depended on Zhao Yu's single decision.

These women from the Jin dynasty all came from prominent families, or even from the imperial palace, and were well-versed in such matters. They knew that to secure their place in the complex harem, they had to perform well in front of Zhao Yu.

Tang Kuo Hui'er secretly glanced at herself in the bronze mirror: the red gold hairpin with jade inlay that she used to use to tie her hair was now replaced by a plain silver hairpin; her shoulders and back, which used to be relaxed and comfortable, were now unconsciously hunched over, as if straightening them even slightly would touch the invisible boundaries of the Song Dynasty palace rules.

Tang Kuo Hui'er knew that her performance was still good. As for the others, some held their breath the moment the comb teeth caught a strand of hair when they were combing Zhao Yu's hair, for fear of waking Zhao Yu who was resting with his eyes closed in front of the mirror; some used too much force when they were massaging Zhao Yu's legs, for fear of hurting Zhao Yu and making him think they were crude, and used too little force, for fear that Zhao Yu would suspect that they were not working hard enough.

In short, these once high-ranking princesses of the Jin Dynasty are now filled with anxiety because they are "not serving a Han emperor well".

Is it hatred?
Perhaps they did hate that the Song Dynasty's iron hooves trampled the glory of the Jin Dynasty, and hated themselves for falling from the clouds into the mire.

But more than anything, they were filled with fear—fear of the future. After all, the demise of the Jin Dynasty was almost a foregone conclusion. They were still young and had to look forward.

After the Jin women, under the guidance and instruction of the female officials, helped Zhao Yu wash and dress, Zhao Yu opened his eyes, took the handkerchief from Tangkuo Hui'er's hand, wiped his hands, and said nothing.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yu's actions and silence weighed heavily on Tang Kuo Hui'er and all the golden maidens in the hall, making them afraid to raise their heads. They could only straighten their backs more forcefully and move their feet more carefully, trying to use this almost humble subservience to persuade Zhao Yu not to take his anger out on them.

After wiping his hands, Zhao Yu casually put the handkerchief into the basin.

Seeing that the emperor had personally handled even this small matter, the women of the Jin Kingdom became even more apprehensive.

With a quick glance, Zhao Yu knew exactly what these Jin women were afraid of.

Zhao Yu didn't explain, but instead took Tang Kuo Hui'er's small hand and gently pulled her into his lap.

Zhao Yu slapped Tang Kuo Hui'er on the pretty face and laughed, "Don't be afraid, I'm not a good person."

When the Jin women saw Zhao Yu embrace Tangkuo Hui'er and kiss her, they thought the matter was over.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yu said, "I am not a good person," which left them completely baffled.

'What exactly does the Song emperor mean by this?!' The Jin women were really unsure of Zhao Yu's attitude.

Tang Kuo Hui'er reacted quickly. She took the opportunity to put her arm around Zhao Yu's neck and said cautiously, "Your Majesty, please don't tease him. If Your Majesty is not a good person, then where in the world are there any good people?"

Even a fool could tell that Tang Kuo Hui'er was flattering him, not telling the truth.

Furthermore, as a time traveler, Zhao Yu was very clear that "good person" was not necessarily a compliment.

But it doesn't matter, Zhao Yu wouldn't bother with an insignificant woman.

Therefore, upon hearing this, Zhao Yu's lips curled into a playful smile, and his fingers gently traced Tang Kuo Hui'er's cheek, as if he were tasting the truth or falsehood in her words, or perhaps enjoying this moment of tenderness.

"My beloved concubine has such a sweet tongue."

After speaking, Zhao Yu kissed Tang Kuo Hui'er's little mouth again.

Then, Zhao Yu changed his tone: "Since my beloved consort is so eloquent, then I shall ask, will my personal expedition today result in a great victory?"

To be honest, Zhao Yu was putting Tang Kuo Hui'er in a difficult position.

After all, the Jin Kingdom was her homeland. Even though she was now Zhao Yu's concubine, how could she easily sever the deep affection and feelings she had for her homeland? At this moment, Zhao Yu's direct question about whether the imperial expedition against the Jin Kingdom could be victorious put her in a dilemma.

Tangkuo Hui'er was slightly taken aback, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She knew very well what Zhao Yu wanted to hear and how to answer in her best interest. Moreover, things had come to this point, and there was no need for her to be impulsive. Therefore, she immediately forced a bright smile and said:
"Your Majesty's might is boundless, invincible, and unstoppable. This time, with Your Majesty personally leading the expedition, we are sure to achieve a resounding victory and a swift success."

Zhao Yu nodded with satisfaction, then asked the other Jin women, "What do you think?"

The Jin women showered Zhao Yu with compliments, and those with exceptional literary talent even sang his praises:
"When I was in Jinyuan, I heard the people of the border say that Your Majesty is divinely mighty: when you quell internal rebellions, you strike with lightning speed; when you bring peace to the people, you shower them with blessings. Now that Your Majesty is personally leading the expedition, the soldiers will surely feel grateful for Your Majesty's grace and fight bravely. Even if the Jurchens are stubborn and rebellious, they are like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. Your Majesty will surely return victorious and unify the land!"

"Your Majesty is both benevolent and powerful, possessing not only unparalleled military might but also boundless virtue. The Jurchen people, long suffering under oppressive rule, will surely flock to submit upon hearing of Your Majesty's arrival. This is not a victory in war, but a victory in virtue! Your Majesty firmly believes that this campaign will be a triumphant one, your name will be etched in history, and your name will be praised for generations to come!"

Zhao Yu laughed heartily and bestowed gifts upon a group of Jin women, and also heavily rewarded Tang Kuo Hui'er and the two Jin women who were particularly adept at flattering him.

After breakfast, Zhao Yu ordered the prepared troops to "set off!" and then boarded the train to Dengzhou.

Zhao Yu once again embarked on his journey...

……

(End of this chapter)