You have truly caused me great suffering!

Honglu Temple.

Taira no Tadamori knelt down, looking at the Enryakuji high monk Eiyu sitting cross-legged opposite him, and said in an excited tone, "I never expected that this Prince Dai would value us so much!"

In his view, sending eight hundred eminent monks was already the highest level of protocol.

Rong nodded and said with some anticipation, "A few years ago, the Dazaifu once considered sending someone to the Song Dynasty to request the Tripitaka and a new calendar, but the plan was abandoned due to the opposition of the Fujiwara clan. Now that the Prince of Dai values ​​us so much, why not take this opportunity to ask for a reward?"

Taira nods. His family, the Taira clan, is based in the Seto Inland Sea and has close ties with Song merchants.

The first thing the caravan did upon setting sail was to contact him.

He spoke well of Chen Shao in secret, not entirely out of selfless motives, but out of fear that Rong You would go back and speak ill of him to Emperor Toba, causing him to refuse to open the sea.

Japan is still quite closed off today.

Meanwhile, the Taira clan secretly traded with caravans in Fukuhara and Hakata, accumulating astonishing wealth in just six months.

Hearing that Rong had a chance to obtain the Tripitaka and the calendar, and offered no other opinion, Taira no Tadamori was secretly delighted.

Rong Youxuan chanted a Buddhist prayer, "It has been a long time since our Yanli Temple has witnessed the brilliance of eminent monks from the Central Plains."

During the Tang Dynasty, the two sides maintained close ties, especially the Buddhist community.

Now, that place has become increasingly isolated.

This forced many powerful clans to secretly send out ships to trade, and the Taira clan was one of them.

The two discussed for a while longer when footsteps came from outside. Taira no Tadamori heard the voice of the Fujiwara clan's envoy and fell silent.

They knew that the Fujiwara clan had also sent envoys, and that the other side was aware of their existence.

The two sides are engaged in open and covert struggles, but neither side wants to make the first move. The best course of action is to pretend they don't know anything and avoid each other.

With the New Year of the Great Song Dynasty approaching, they could only wait here until spring warmed up before returning to report.

Having witnessed the prosperity of Bianliang, Ping Zhongsheng closed his eyes slightly and listened to Rong You's chanting, but he felt no peace.

All that remains is a restless ambition.

The foolish Fujiwara clan and Emperor Toba are still arrogant on their secluded island.

When will they ever witness such prosperity on the territory they've been fighting over?
-
On New Year's Eve, many government offices in Bianliang, the capital of the Song Dynasty, were already closed.

It didn't snow today, but the snow on the ground hadn't completely melted, and walking on it made a soft "crunching" sound.

As soon as Chen Shaogang entered the courtyard, he heard the window being pushed open, and Chun Tao was smiling at him and waving vigorously.

A reproachful voice came from inside, seemingly annoyed that she had opened the window and let in the cool air.

Chen Shao walked quickly and stomped his feet in front of the door.

A warm current flowed through the room. Li Shishi seemed to have just taken a bath; her fair skin was flushed, her cheeks were rosy, and she was lightly covered with a layer of fragrant sweat. Her hair was half-wet and half-dry, and she was combing it with an ivory comb.

No wonder she scolded Chuntao for opening the window.

The youngest daughter, Chen Haohao, was squatting on a scarlet velvet carpet, playing with a jade plate in front of her containing various small wooden animal carvings.

When she saw Chen Shao come in, she looked up and called out "Daddy" in a soft, sweet voice, then lowered her head and continued playing.

Chen Shaogang had just returned from outside, and his body was cold all over. He didn't dare to hug her, so he held Chun Tao's hands to warm them.

Li Shishi walked over, handed him a hand warmer, and asked, "Didn't you say you'd have nothing to do before the New Year and could relax? Why did you go out again?"

Chen Shaodao said, "The Japanese envoy has arrived, and I went to see him."

"Japanese devils?" Chun Tao stared wide-eyed. "Are you seeing a ghost?"

Chen Shao pinched her cheek but didn't explain.

Li Shishi nudged her arm and said, "Go pour him a cup of hot tea to warm him up."

Chuntao said "oh" and went to make tea.

When she returned, she saw her sister already sitting in her seat. She wasn't angry. After putting down her teacup, she moved a chair and sat on the other side of Chen Shao.

And she immediately grabbed his arm, rested her chin on his shoulder, and listened to him speak.

Li Shishi pursed her lips, looking rather helpless.

Soon everyone will be going to Chen Shao's room to keep watch with all his family members, so there is no food prepared in the room.

Of all the years, Chen Shao felt this year was the most relaxed.

The major enemies weighing on his mind have all been suppressed, including the Jurchens, who are no longer able to threaten the Central Plains in the short term.

At this time, the vast desert grasslands were at their weakest point in history. It should be known that the foreign tribes in the desert, once united, became the mortal enemies of the Central Plains.

If they become too powerful, they will inevitably covet the Hetao region, a place rich in water and grass, suitable for both farming and grazing.

If the Hetao region is truly taken away, or if the control over the Hetao region is not thorough, it will threaten the Silk Road in Hexi.

The military strength of the Northwest is now the strongest in history, and the nomadic tribes of the grasslands are no match for it.

Due to the oppression by the Khitan and Jurchen, they have been weakened to this day.

However, Khabul has emerged out of nowhere, and it seems that he intends to unify the various tribes of the steppe.

It can be said that after defeating the Jurchens, the Central Plains ushered in the most peaceful and prosperous period in a thousand years.

This was perfect opportunity for Chen Shao to realize his ambitions. Once he achieved his goal, the gap in productivity would be so large that it would be irreparable, and the northern desert would no longer be a threat.

And he would not allow a Mongol Empire to rise as it had in history.

As evening approached, Chen Shao put on his cloak, personally carried his daughter, and led the people in the courtyard to the family banquet.

When he returned, he found the room full of people.

Everyone was gathered around the tables, chatting and laughing. When they saw them come in, they all stood up.

Chen Shao smiled and invited them to sit down. He then went to Zhai Rui and gently comforted her.

The youngest daughter, Chen Haohao, who had just been put down, immediately went to play with her older sister.
-
In a house not far from Zhaode Lane in Bianliang, Maode sighed softly and lowered the bamboo curtain at the window.

Her eyes were fixed on Genyue.

After sitting by the window for a while, her pretty face and delicate hands felt cold. She turned around and Li Qingzhao, who had been behind her, handed her a censer. Maode took it and smiled gently to express her gratitude.

Maode still possessed that same elegant and beautiful appearance; charm and purity seemed to be perfectly combined in this married woman.

Her large eyes always seemed to be filled with a gentle, alluring charm.

One glance from him seems to grab you like a hook, making it impossible to break free.

This kind of woman is a natural beauty, truly the most beautiful woman since the Song Dynasty.

However, in recent days, her appearance has become slightly thinner, and she seems somewhat troubled.

When she came to Bianjing this time, she only said that she was going to Genyue to see the Emperor Emeritus, and Cai Tiao immediately dared not follow her.

They even subtly suggested that she shouldn't come, for fear of offending Chen Shao.

Maode was displeased by this. She wanted to tell the prince consort that Chen Shao was not such a petty person, and was much more magnanimous than him.

Today is New Year's Eve, and she couldn't help but feel a little bitter about the fact that she couldn't be with her father and mother, nor with her man.

Li Qingzhao seems to have been free from these troubles.

Although they are all women, they are still different.

After Li Qingzhao was taken by Chen Shao, they only met occasionally. She had many interests and hobbies, including reading, epigraphy, poker, and mahjong. She had plenty of fun.

Maode was different; after getting together with Chen Shaohao, she became somewhat attached to him.

Having not seen her for so long made her feel uneasy.

This person is about to seize our family's empire, and he hasn't even come to see me yet? Maode frowned and bit his lip. Although he knew he was being unreasonable, he just couldn't calm down.

Living here, I'm always inexplicably restless and agitated. That guy, however, would never think of a poor woman like me.
He only indulged in his own body, but now that he's busy usurping power, he's naturally forgotten about it.

I was just confused for a moment!
We shouldn't let him succeed!
Thinking deeply, Maode sighed softly.

Turning her head, she saw Li Qingzhao curiously looking at both sides of the chair. "Last time at the Prince of Dai's mansion, I saw this on his chair too. It wasn't very comfortable to use as a pillow. What was it for?"

Maode blushed and spat, "Who told you it was a pillow?"

"Huh?" Li Qingzhao tilted her head, thinking for a while without finding a solution. "What is it used for?"

"For lying on top!"

Li Qingzhao's mind was immediately filled with some unpleasant images, and she blushed deeply. She was about to tear her apart when she saw her. Maode's mood improved slightly after her outburst.

After arguing for a while, the two separated.

Li Qingzhao suddenly said in a low voice, "You royal nobles are truly licentious. Have you ever used them?"

Just then, the door opened and Song Shi walked in. Mao De suddenly laughed and said, "I haven't used it, but sister-in-law has."

Song asked, bewildered, "What did I use?"

Maode pouted, and when Song saw her looking in that direction, she stamped her foot and said, "Zhao Fujin is the worst kind of person!"

Li Qingzhao tightened her clothes and asked in confusion, "Isn't this uncomfortable?"

"You don't understand him. He just enjoys seeing people suffer; it's his pleasure," Maode chuckled.

Maode's "madness" hadn't been a recent development; the two had long been used to her saying whatever came to mind. As gentle as she used to be, she was now as unrestrained as ever, though in public she remained the same as before.

The three of them, along with the maids, kept watch around the tea stove in this secluded courtyard.
-
The first day of the first lunar month.

Baotian Temple outside Thang Long City.

Upon seeing the letter from Bianliang, Wu Jie nodded, already knowing what to do.

He summoned his men and ordered them to act according to the King of Dai's decree.

A group of soldiers came to the room where Li Qiande was being held.

After kicking the door open, I found that the rice that had been delivered was still in the bowl, and I hadn't eaten a single bite.

The person at the head of the bed had disheveled hair and bare feet, and his clothes were tattered but still embroidered with gold thread patterns. It was none other than Li Qiande, the king of Da Yue.

When Li Qiande saw them enter, he sat up and said, "I am the emperor of a country, the Prince of Nanping, bestowed by the Emperor. Why are you treating me so poorly, without even wine or food?"

"Why is the meal just a bowl of coarse rice again? Not even a piece of pickled vegetable! When I was in Thang Long, my lunch always included sashimi, roasted venison, fragrant rice, and fine wine. How can I eat vegetarian food like a monk every day?"

Upon hearing this, the soldiers all sneered and remained silent.

Only one old soldier, seeing him still putting on airs, couldn't help but spit and curse, "You old scoundrel! Do you think you're the emperor sitting on the dragon throne? Do you even know why we're here?"

Li Qiande was taken aback, feeling somewhat uneasy. He whispered, "Is he sending me to Bianjing to meet the Emperor? The Emperor of the Great Song is benevolent; he will surely grant me a residence and provide for me in my old age... Or will he not even offer me a sip of wine?"

The soldiers laughed loudly: "Meet the Emperor? Meet my ass! Our King Jun has already given the order to have you, you old scoundrel, sliced ​​into three thousand six hundred pieces to appease the spirits of the people of Yongzhou! Still thinking about fish sashimi and jade liquor? When we slice you later, the blood that flows three feet will be your 'jade liquor'!"

Li Qiande trembled violently, his face turning deathly pale. His knees buckled, and he fell from the bedside, screaming, "Impossible! I... I have already submitted my surrender document. The Great Song Dynasty has always been benevolent; how could they treat me like this!"

"You call yourself the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty?" a captain said coldly. "The officials of the Great Song are weak, but our Prince of Dai is different. He is a tough man from the Northwest. You have audacious courage and have committed countless evil deeds, slaughtering the people of Guangnan. Don't you know that the Prince of Dai hates this the most? Today, I will dismember you not for personal revenge, but for the sake of justice!"

After saying that, she stepped forward, grabbed him, and pulled him outside.

The once fertile land of Cochin Annam—the Red River Plain—now has very few people left.

After Wu Jie ordered Li Qiande to be executed by slow slicing, his head was cut off and then displayed throughout the southwest.

First, they traveled north from the Red River to Dali, then entered the Song Dynasty via the Temo Road, and spread the news in Guangnan and Lianglu, so that the people would know.

The entire royal family of the Joseon Dynasty was beheaded, wiping out their descendants.

When Zhang Boyu was summoned to Wu Jie's central command headquarters, he had just witnessed the scene of the royal family being slaughtered outside, and he felt a mix of emotions.

Anyway, it wasn't a very pleasant experience.

However, at this point, he had no way out and could only obey the Northerners' arrangements.

Upon arriving at Wu Jie's ancestral hall, Zhang Boyu clasped his hands in greeting.

Wu Jie stood up and said with a smile, "Brother Zhang, please sit down!"

He was always quite polite to Zhang Boyu, but the latter was very wary of him because he was too ruthless.

Historical records state that during the Qin Dynasty, Marquis Bai Qi of Wu'an massacred 400,000 Zhao soldiers. Zhang Boyu had never witnessed this and did not know if it was true or not.

But this person killed more than 400,000 people, which he witnessed with his own eyes, and no more.

Zhang Boyu used to think he was a pretty ruthless person, but compared to this guy, he was practically a great benefactor.

“Congratulations, Brother Zhang! The Prince of Dai was greatly pleased to learn of your heroic act of opening the city gates.” Wu Jie stood up again as he spoke of Chen Shao, saying, “The Prince of Dai has recommended Brother Zhang to be the Prince of Dingnan, Protector-General of Annam, and Military Governor of Jinghai!”

"Don't dare!"

Wu Jie said with a stern face, "The matter decided by the Prince of Dai is of imperial authority and cannot be changed."

Zhang Boyu hesitated and dared not speak.

He really didn't want to be this puppet. He was just thinking of avoiding trouble by pushing the Du family to be the unlucky one when he was silenced.

If I don't accept it, I'll probably be the next one to be subjected to slow slicing.

He sighed inwardly. Since he had no other choice, he might as well work for a few days.

I hope they'll be kind enough not to kill me after they've used me.

Wu Jie was very satisfied and said with a smile, "Good, congratulations, congratulations! Today I will host a banquet and invite Grand Commandant Wang to join us in celebrating Brother Zhang's success!"

"I believe the imperial edict will arrive in a few days. Brother Zhang, you should quickly assemble your team and take control of Annam and Jiaozhi as soon as possible."

Wu Jie looked at Zhang Boyu and thought to himself, "You're lucky. The Prince of Dai is always kind and honest."

If you just play the puppet for a few days, remembering your contribution in opening the city, the King of Dai won't treat you badly after he becomes emperor. (End of Chapter)