The prince is more stable

Chapter 536: Merits Surpass the Former Emperor
Zhao Xiaoqian was a man of extraordinary talent. Not only could he create firearms that were ahead of the world, he also knew the original trajectory of history.

If there was no him in this world, the ending of the Song Dynasty would be very regrettable.

There are too many enemies outside and they are too powerful.

The Song Dynasty court thought that the strongest opponent in the world was the Liao Kingdom. No one expected that the Liao Kingdom was actually a small fry compared to other enemies.

The rise of the Jurchens and Mongols ultimately played the death swan song for the Song Dynasty.

The exact year and month are not very clear, but Zhao Xiaoqian roughly estimated that Wanyan Aguda of the Jurchen tribe had probably already emerged and was about to unify the Jurchen tribes.

Once the Jurchen tribes were unified, when they united, the Liao Kingdom was no match for the Jurchens.

Because the Liao Dynasty was in decline, and the Jurchens had been suppressed by the Liao Dynasty for many years, all the young and old men in the tribes bore a deep blood feud, and fought against the increasingly declining Liao Dynasty with the determination to die. No one expected the final result. The Jurchen tribes actually won, and the Liao Dynasty collapsed under the iron hoof of the Jurchens.

These real historical events give people an absurd sense of fate.

The Liao Dynasty did not fall to its long-time enemy, the Song Dynasty, but was unexpectedly destroyed by a nomadic tribe living in the forests and grasslands of the northeast.

When the Jurchen tribe changed its country's name to Jin and gradually became stronger, the Song Dynasty was at a historical crossroads. Unfortunately, the Song Dynasty made the wrong choice.

It chose to ally with Jin to fight against Liao.

At that time, the Song and Liao dynasties still looked down on the already very powerful Jin Dynasty. They all thought that the Jin Dynasty was a country bumpkin, and as long as they joined forces with it to destroy their long-time enemy, they could easily destroy the Jin Dynasty.

Who could have imagined that this country bumpkin was actually a man-eating tiger. The Jin Dynasty not only destroyed the Liao Dynasty, but also posed a great threat to the Song Dynasty.

Later, Han Shizhong, Zong Ze, and Yue Fei all shone with personal brilliance in the history of the anti-Jin war, but they could not escape their destined fate.

Zhao Xu was incredulous at Zhao Xiaoqian's reminder. He stared at him with wide eyes for a long time before chuckling, "Zi'an, stop making a fuss. Military and national affairs are not to be joked about."

Zhao Xiaoqian said seriously: "I am not joking."

Zhao Xu frowned. "The Jurchen tribe? They're just a bunch of savages living in the jungle. You say they're a formidable enemy of the Song Dynasty?"

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded. "Yes, if nothing unexpected happens, the Jurchen tribes are now extremely powerful. However, under the suppression of the Liao Kingdom, they are hiding their strength and waiting for an opportunity to strike."

"Their combat power is stronger than that of the Liao army?" Zhao Xu still couldn't believe it.

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed, "The Jurchen tribe has been suppressed by the Liao for many years. Every man and woman in the tribe bears a deep hatred for their lives. How can a tribe determined to die, fighting a desperate battle against the Liao, which is on the decline, not win?"

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Song Dynasty should pay full attention to the Jurchen tribes and properly utilize the conflicts between the Liao Kingdom and the Jurchen tribes. We should not only profit from them, but also be vigilant and suppress them to prevent them from becoming too powerful."

When Zhao Xiaoqian said this, Zhao Xu sat up straight with a solemn expression. At this time, he finally took it seriously.

"If the Jurchen tribes are already powerful, why are they still enduring?"

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed, "Perhaps they need a perfect opportunity, or perhaps they haven't yet achieved internal unity. They need an outstanding leader to lead them out of the forest and destroy the Liao Kingdom."

Zhao Xu fell silent, pondering for a long time before slowly saying, "To be honest, I still find it hard to believe it, but Zi'an always keeps his word. Since you say the Jurchen tribes have risen, I believe you. Not in this matter, but in you as a person."

Zhao Xiaoqian said gratefully, "I thank the emperor for his trust."

Zhao Xu frowned in thought, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table. After a long pause, he suddenly said, "The Song Dynasty must be on guard against any future events. The Imperial City Division should continue to infiltrate the Liao Kingdom's northeast, deep into the Jurchen tribes' territory, and establish spies ahead of time."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded: "I think that is exactly what should be done."

After a pause, Zhao Xiaoqian continued, "I would like to mention another name. It's Wanyan Aguda, who should be in his twenties or thirties now. He is a man of great talent. If possible, I would like the Imperial City Bureau to convey a message to him. I would like to meet with Wanyan Aguda. The Song Dynasty can join forces with the Jurchen tribes to destroy the Liao Dynasty."

Zhao Xu asked curiously, "Why is Zi'an so familiar with the Jurchen tribe so far away? He even knows the specific people in their tribe?"

Zhao Xiaoqian twitched the corner of his mouth.

This is a hard question to answer. I can't tell Zhao Xu that I'm actually a cheater from a thousand years in the future...

After thinking about it, Zhao Xiaoqian came up with a reasonable reason.

"Does the emperor still remember Xiao Guangjing? When he was sent as an envoy to the Song Dynasty, I tricked him into submission. Now, the father and son of the Xiao family have pledged their allegiance to the Song Dynasty."

Zhao Xu nodded and glanced at him with a complicated look. "Zi'an's 'little calculation' is too modest. You are not a human being. If Xiao Guangjing knew the truth of that year, he would probably fight you to death."

Zhao Xiaoqian waved his hands hastily: "It's not that serious, just a harmless joke..."

Zhao Xu's expression became increasingly strange: "Arranging for him to fall into the cesspool is harmless?"

Zhao Xiaoqian said sternly, "This matter has nothing to do with me. Your Majesty, please do not mention it again." Zhao Xu chuckled, pointed at him and laughed, "You, when you're being immoral, you really are hated. Don't come up with such dirty ideas again. It's disgusting."

Zhao Xiaoqian continued, "Xiao Guangjing's father, Xiao Wuna, was the Liao Kingdom's Northeastern Route Commander-in-Chief last year, specifically responsible for suppressing the Jurchen tribes. Most of what I know about the Jurchen tribes came from what Xiao Guangjing told me."

Zhao Xu thought for a moment and said, "If the Jurchen tribe is truly that powerful, then Zi'an can make the final decision. If the Song Dynasty can secure an alliance with the Jurchen tribe, the Liao Kingdom will be caught in a disadvantageous position, being attacked from both north and south. This will make it easier for the Song Dynasty to capture Yanyun."

Zhao Xiaoqian added, "This is only the one time the Song Dynasty and the Jurchen tribes have joined forces. We must not place too much trust in them. The Jurchens are destined to be the Song Dynasty's enemies, and they are extremely powerful. If possible, after destroying the Liao Kingdom, we should immediately attack the Jurchens and eliminate them."

Zhao Xiaoqian then said, "However, this will probably happen many years from now. Your Majesty, please listen to me for now and remember what I said today. It may become the overall strategic direction of our foreign policy in the future."

In fact, Zhao Xu still did not pay enough attention to the Jurchen tribe. He just believed in Zhao Xiaoqian as a person, and did not believe in his heart that a nomadic tribe could cause much trouble.

Zhao Xu smiled nonchalantly and said, "I have Zi'an to assist me in my preparations, so I have nothing to worry about. I told you that everything is up to you. Whether to join forces with the Jurchen tribe or turn against them is entirely up to you. I believe your decision will be correct, because you have never made a mistake."

After finishing the business, the king and his ministers raised their glasses and drank leisurely.

Zhao Xu smacked his lips and said, "It's just the two of us in the palace, so drinking would be a bit bland. How about calling the Taichang Temple for some singing and dancing to liven things up?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled bitterly and said, "Your Majesty, you really aren't afraid of being impeached by the court officials at all. The sharp words of those pedantic scholars are extremely unpleasant. Your Majesty, there's no need to create discord between the emperor and his ministers and incur your own anger just for the sake of a momentary pleasure."

Zhao Xu snorted coldly, "I've accomplished so much, even comparable to Taizu and Taizong. As a wise and valiant man, what's wrong with me drinking and entertaining people with singing and dancing? Can't I just enjoy myself?"

Zhao Xiaoqian was stunned.

He is floating, this guy is definitely floating.

A few dishes, so drunk.

What do you mean by "achieved such great achievements"? How great are your achievements to dare to compare with those of Taizu and Taizong? Not to mention whether you can compare with them or not, if outsiders hear this, they will definitely accuse you of being "unfilial and unkind, and disrespectful to ancestors", which will make you sick to death.

Of course, strictly speaking, Zhao Xu's words were not exaggerated. At least under his rule, considerable achievements were indeed made.

The fact that the situation between Song and Liao had changed from defense to offense was enough for him to show off.

Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't help but advise: "Your Majesty, the facts are the facts, but you can't say it like this. If outsiders hear it..."

Zhao Xu said nonchalantly, "So what if outsiders hear me? Even if I'm wrong? The Liao Kingdom is already extremely wary of the Song Dynasty and wouldn't dare to touch it lightly. Based on this alone, who among the previous emperors before me has ever achieved this?"

Zhao Xiaoqian raised his cup and interrupted, "Your Majesty, I toast to you. Come on, there's nothing more to say. It's all in the wine."

As the emperor and his ministers drank together, Zhao Xu smacked his lips and smiled again, "By the way, Zi'an's return to the capital this time is quite a coincidence. It's just the right time to join in the fun. Concubine Liu is about to give birth. The imperial physician said it will be in the next few days. It's a good opportunity for you to stay in Bianjing and see the birth of my first prince, your nephew."

Zhao Xiaoqian was stunned. "Are you so confident? Is your Majesty sure it's a prince, not a princess?"

Zhao Xu said proudly, "I know best what I'm going to produce. This one must be a prince, otherwise Concubine Liu will be in great trouble!"

"what?"

Zhao Xu's face turned cold, and he said angrily, "Zi'an, you don't know, this Concubine Liu has been acting so unruly since she became pregnant. I have wanted to put a rope around her neck and hang her outside the palace gate for public display. If it weren't for the fact that she might be pregnant with a prince... humph!"

Zhao Xiaoqian immediately shut his mouth tightly.

As an outsider, he must be extremely careful with his words and actions regarding palace affairs and must not interrupt. This matter is too sensitive and taboo.

Zhao Xu paused for a moment, then suddenly looked at Zhao Xiaoqian, looking him up and down with a strange look.

Zhao Xiaoqian's scalp tingled, and he shifted uncomfortably. "Your Majesty, do you think I look particularly handsome today?"

Zhao Xu uttered a spitting sound, then said maliciously, "Speaking of which, Zi'an has been married for two years, right? And I heard that Zi'an is a playboy. Not only does he have a wife, but he also has quite a few concubines. Even when he was appointed to the Zhending Prefecture, you weren't idle, were you?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled shyly: "They all rushed towards me. I've always been used to being passive..."

Zhao Xu uttered another "Pooh" sound and said, "He has married so many wives and concubines, why hasn't Zi'an had any offspring yet?"

Zhao Xu's eyes became more and more strange as he spoke: "Could it be that Zi'an has a hidden illness? You must take this matter seriously. I will help you find a royal physician to take a look. Don't be afraid to seek medical treatment. Early detection means early treatment..."

Zhao Xiaoqian was immediately furious. If Zhao Xu's status was not different, if someone else dared to say this, Zhao Xiaoqian would have overturned the table and rushed over to beat him up.

"Your Majesty, there is nothing wrong with me!" Zhao Xiaoqian said gritting his teeth.

Zhao Xu smiled. "If there's nothing wrong, then hurry up and have the baby. It doesn't matter whether it's a boy or a girl. Zi'an is such a talented person. I really want to know how he will raise his own child."

(End of this chapter)