The prince is more stable

Chapter 446: Liao Envoy Enters the Audience
Being promoted to a prince is a great joyous event. No matter how you look at it, a promotion in title will always bring honor to the family.
Probably the ancestors in the netherworld would not take it seriously. After all, they were all emperors. If a descendant in the world of the living was promoted to a prince, for the ancestors, at most adding a meat dish to dinner would be considered a celebration.

But for mortals in the world, Zhao Xiaoqian's title of Prince of Jin was huge news.

When Zhang Shangying announced the decree, he was followed by a group of imperial guards and onlookers. The news of his title as Prince of Jin quickly spread throughout the city like a plague.

In the Song-Liao War, the Dragon Guard Camp won a great victory, which had a far-reaching impact. The people of Zhending Prefecture undoubtedly felt it more directly than those in Bianliang.

The people still enjoy discussing it today, from the general situation of the world to local security, from the emperor and his ministers in the court to the government and state affairs. Throughout history, the lower the status of people, the more they enjoy talking about the affairs of the upper class.

After the great victory, the mood among the people of Zhending Prefecture suddenly changed. An indescribable atmosphere filled the border town of Zhending, and the smiles on the faces of officials and civilians became more relaxed.

If we have to summarize this inexplicable change, the word is simply "safety".

The border town, which had once been frequently harassed by the Liao people, redefined the borders between Song and Liao after a great war.

Zhao Xiaoqian ordered the Dragon Guard Camp to advance the border of the Song Dynasty fifty miles northward. This order redefined a strategic buffer zone for the people of Zhending Prefecture, and what followed was a full sense of security for the people.

Yes, the world situation has changed, and the Song Dynasty will have a day to be proud of itself.

What is certain is that if the Liao people dare to harass the border of the Song Dynasty again in the future, they will have to bear serious consequences. As long as Zhao Xiaoqian is still in office in Zhending Prefecture, the Liao people will never dare to risk their lives by attacking the border again.

What does an ancient poem say?

"If only the flying general were in Dragon City, the Hu horse would not be allowed to cross Yinshan Mountain."

Isn’t the current situation of Zhending Prefecture exactly what the poem says?

Today, the imperial edict arrived in Bian Jing, and the Duke of Zhao was promoted to the King of Zhao. When the people of Zhending City heard about it, they were even happier than Zhao Xiaoqian himself.

He expelled foreign aggression, fought against the Liao army, worked for the benefit of the people, and brought honor to the Song Dynasty. Prince Zhao deserves to enjoy such wealth and honor. This is what His Royal Highness the Prince deserves.

The emperor is wise and the prince is mighty, so the whole city should celebrate with singing, dancing, wine and food.

So, inexplicably, Zhending City became lively again.

All the restaurants, taverns, and brothels in the city were packed with guests and friends. Everyone's face was filled with joy, as if they were the ones who had been promoted to the title. Neighbors, whether they knew each other or not, all gathered together to toast and drink.

The entire city celebrated just for one person, which is a rare event throughout history. The grand occasion is enough to be recorded in history.

At Zhao Xiaoqian's residence, after hearing that their husband was conferred the title of Prince, the three girls, Nianiao, were overjoyed. They worked together to cook and prepared a table full of sumptuous food and wine.

Although he was a relative of the clan and was granted the title of a prince, Zhao Xiaoqian was different from other relatives of the clan. The most important difference was that Zhao Xiaoqian held real power.

Not only does he control the politics of a region, he also controls the military power. He is in a high position and has a bright future.

It was a family dinner with only Zhao Xiaoqian and his three daughters. Niao Niao was so happy that she toasted him frequently. Zhao Xiaoqian was too lazy to restrain himself and drank it all in one go. He had not taken many bites of the dishes on the table when he was already drunk.

"Don't worry, Niaoniao. When I return to the capital and meet the emperor, I will definitely seek a status of concubine for you. The concubine of a prince can also receive a monthly salary from the court..." Zhao Xiaoqian said while being a little drunk.

Niao Niao smiled slightly and said softly, "Sir, I am committed to you and do not ask for any status."

"I come from a humble background. If I were to be made a concubine of a prince, there would inevitably be criticism from both the court and the public. I might even be impeached by court officials, and your reputation would be damaged. I cannot, for the sake of my own reputation, involve you in this."

Holding Zhao Xiaoqian's arm, Niao Niao said deeply: "I only wish that you will be with me till old age. It is enough for me to have your love for me for a lifetime. Even if I have to follow you for a lifetime with no clear purpose, I will be happy with it."

The two Japanese sisters beside them nodded in unison: "Your Excellency, we don't seek any official status, but..."

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes turned: "Just what?"

Ping gritted her teeth, lowered her head, and whispered, "We sisters have served the Duke our entire lives. We only ask that when he's free... he visit Japan and our family. After all, we need to give an explanation to our elders."

Zhao Xiaoqian was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, I agree, but the current situation does not allow it."

The two sisters said happily, "As long as the prince agrees, it can be done anytime."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "It's really hard to go to Japan right now. The Song and Liao are at war right now. Besides, there are the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun between Zhending Prefecture and Dengzhou Port. If I, the Duke of the Song Dynasty, want to travel, I can't go around the Liao Kingdom, right? I can't afford to lose face."

Niao Niao looked at him in surprise: "Master, do you mean to take back... the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun first?"

Zhao Xiaoqian blinked: "Maybe?"

Niao Niao stared at him for a long moment, then smiled. "If that day ever comes, you will be the greatest contributor to the Song Dynasty since its founding. History books will even open a separate page for you."

Then Niao Niao paused, then smiled and sighed, "There's no need to wait until Yanyun is recovered. Your achievements now are enough to open a separate page."

The two Japanese sisters also hurriedly nodded in agreement.

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed, "The road ahead is long and arduous. Let's focus on the things before us first. I will do my best to fulfill the affairs of the world. I don't know how far I can go in this life, but I only hope that I have truly changed history, and that those humiliating paths will never happen again..."

The three women looked at him in confusion, not understanding what he meant.

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't explain, but laughed, and there was a hint of lingering in his smile.

"Today I have been promoted to the title of Duke of a County. How do you all congratulate me?"

The three girls, Nian Nian and others, were quite understanding of the ways of the world. Upon hearing this, they covered their mouths and giggled softly.

"Sir, how would you like us sisters to congratulate you?" Niao Niao gave him a charming and seductive look.

Zhao Xiaoqian said seriously, "Of course we should fire a salute to celebrate." "How many shots are needed?"

"When the bullets are exhausted, stop."

…………

The next day, Zhao Xiaoqian rubbed his aching waist, got up, dressed, and sat alone in front of the mirror, feeling sad.

I am only in my early twenties, but I have been harmed by alcohol and sex and have become so haggard.

Starting today, quit drinking!

After washing up and having a meal, he was planning to walk around the city streets to get a feel for the people's sentiments, but he heard Chen Shou come to report that an envoy from the Liao Kingdom had arrived.

The envoy was a stranger named Yelu Zhong, who was ordered by Yelu Chun to meet Zhao Xiaoqian.

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled immediately when he heard this.

Old man, you finally sent someone. I thought you didn't care about the Crown Prince anymore. If it dragged on any longer, Zhao Xiaoqian was going to let Yelu Yanxi eat bran. After all, he didn't pay for the food, so why should he eat and drink for free?

But Yelu Chun is an old and experienced man, and he is very patient.

Zhao Xiaoqian immediately smiled and said, "Please ask this Liao envoy to sit in the front hall and treat him well."

Chen Shou obeyed the order and left.

Not long after, Chen Shou came slowly with a young man. Zhao Xiaoqian was sitting in the yard, squinting at him.

The young man has a handsome appearance, slightly dark skin and a beard. Perhaps this is the gene of the nomadic people. He looks rough and bold, and always gives people the impression that he will sing and dance to express his feelings in the next second.

Arriving before Zhao Xiaoqian, Yelu Zhong placed one hand on his chest and bowed, speaking in rather awkward Central Plains Mandarin: "The Liao envoy, Yelu Zhong, pays his respects to His Highness the Prince of Song."

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed and said, "I was promoted to the title of Duke yesterday, and you in Liao have heard about it today?"

"No, I just heard about it after entering the city today. I would like to congratulate His Royal Highness the Prince on his promotion to the rank of Duke."

Zhao Xiaoqian narrowed his eyes and said calmly, "My title was achieved by stepping on the corpses of you Liao people. Aren't you angry?"

Yelu Zhong said calmly, "Everyone serves their master and is loyal to their mission. Why should I be angry? Besides, this foreign minister is the personal envoy of His Highness Yelu Chun, the Prince of Beiping, the Great Liao. He is not an envoy of a specific country. The number of Liao casualties is not part of my agenda on this trip."

"What brings you to see me, Your Excellency?"

"I dare not conceal the truth from you. I am here only for His Highness Yelü Yanxi, the Grandson of the Liao Emperor. Your Highness should understand what I am talking about. His Highness Yelü Chun said that Your Highness the Prince of Song should be able to set the conditions."

Zhao Xiaoqian said calmly, "I want the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun. Will Yelu Chun give them to me?"

Yelu Zhong shook his head: "Even if I want to give it, I can't. Your Highness should know that Yelu Chun is only a prince, not the Emperor of Liao. He can't make this decision."

"Then let Yelu Chun withdraw his garrisons from the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun. The Great Song will seize the opportunity to occupy them. I will cooperate with Yelu Chun. I will escort your Crown Prince out of the country with courtesy and swear a solemn oath to keep this matter secret. How do you say that?"

Yelu Zhong still shook his head. "Your Highness, you should know that this is unrealistic. Your Highness Yelu Chun does not have that much power. Even if he really has the power to withdraw the Yanyun garrison, Your Highness Yelu Chun will be executed. Since this is a dead end, why send foreign ministers here to negotiate?"

Zhao Xiaoqian's expression turned cold. "This won't work, and that won't work either. Yelu Chun doesn't have any leverage, so what am I supposed to negotiate with him about? Do you think I should send Yelu Yanxi back for nothing?"

Yelu Zhong said seriously, "Your Highness can propose other conditions, such as money to redeem the person, or civilians, cattle, sheep, and horses in exchange for the person. Your Highness, please state a figure, and I will agree to it on behalf of Your Highness Yelu Chun."

Zhao Xiaoqian sneered, "Civilians, cattle, sheep, and horses... Ha, I'm going to trade you for these? My Song army is currently encamped within your Liao territory. If they want these things, can't they just go and get them themselves? After all, Yelu Chun still has no bargaining chips. Is he planning to play a game of getting something for nothing with me?"

After saying this, Zhao Xiaoqian stood up and said loudly: "Chen Shou, show the guest out!"

It’s not that Zhao Xiaoqian is not interested in chatting, but it’s a negotiation strategy.

He knew very well that Yelu Chun could not and did not have the power to agree to the conditions he had just proposed, so the conditions he had just proposed were actually exorbitant and a sky-high price.

In negotiations, the first thing to do is to suppress the other party's arrogance, and then you can talk about something practical. Asking for an exorbitant price is most likely to cause a fierce backlash from the other party and destroy his morale.

Sure enough, seeing Zhao Xiaoqian showing no interest and getting up to see him off, Yelu Zhong finally lost his patience.

After all, Yelu Zhong was just a close confidant of Yelu Chun. His loyalty was unquestionable, but loyalty and ability were two completely different things.

Yelu Zhong couldn't sit still anymore when Zhao Xiaoqian used some tricks.

"Your Highness, wait a minute. His Highness Yelu Chun said that if Your Highness is interested, he is willing to give you a military achievement to help you achieve a brighter future."

Zhao Xiaoqian stopped and turned to look at him. After a long moment, he chuckled and said, "Now that we're talking about this topic, I'm not sleepy anymore. Please expand on it."

As he spoke, he saw Chen Shou standing there posing stupidly. Zhao Xiaoqian glared at him and shouted, "What are you doing standing there like an idiot? A distinguished guest has come from afar, where is the etiquette?"

"Tea, serve tea, good tea."

Yelu Zhong, who was usually calm and composed, couldn't help but be stunned at this moment.

The legendary Prince of Song's expression changed from being arrogant at first to being respectful later so naturally.

Is he really a prince?

(End of this chapter)