Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 202 Peace Negotiations, Good News Returns

It was already the fifteenth year of Hongwu's reign, in mid-April, the height of spring.

The Liao army suffered a crushing defeat, retreating step by step. Gu Tingye led his troops forward swiftly and unstoppably, capturing three cities in just a few days.

At the same time, Zhao Han ordered that after the army entered the city, it was strictly forbidden to burn, kill, loot, or disturb the people. Anyone who broke into a private residence or forcibly took a person's property was to be punished.

Regardless of rank, all will be dealt with according to military law without exception.

He also ordered all prefectures to immediately set up tents and distribute porridge to relieve the people who had been displaced by the war, in order to reassure the people.

For the people of Yanyun who rise up in resistance, the reasons must be ascertained before taking any action.

Those who were misled by the remnants of the Liao army and forced to participate in the resistance will be forgiven after surrendering their weapons and will continue to receive relief grain as usual.

Inside Bianjing City, the matriarch of the He family passed away.

Since she moved from the old Baishitan residence to the capital with He Hongwen, she has made many friends and relatives. The number of officials' wives whose health has been improved by her is too many to count on one's fingers.

For a time, people came to pay their respects in an endless stream.

He Hongwen, who was far away in Xiongzhou, was deeply saddened upon hearing the news.

He could only kneel and pray in the direction of Bianjing from his tent, and write a letter home with tears in his eyes, instructing his two uncles and his wife, Cui, to take good care of his grandmother's funeral.

Inside the Shou'an Hall of the Duke of Wei's mansion, candlelight flickered.

Grandma Sheng held a cup of hot tea, her eyes slightly downcast, her expression listless.

The old lady of the He family was originally surnamed Zhang. Her family was a well-known family of doctors in Jinling. The two could be considered as close friends who grew up together.

Although their contact decreased after they got married, their friendship never changed.

"Birth, aging, sickness and death are the natural order of things in the world, and no one can escape them. Mother, don't be too sad. Taking good care of your health is the most important thing."

“Recently, there have been successive reports of victories in the north. In my opinion, the war should be over by the end of the year at the latest.”

Sheng Hong sat upright in a round-backed chair, stroking his beard, secretly thinking that when Sheng Changbai returned, he would most likely get a position as a third-rank official in the Ministry of Personnel.

He was already over fifty years old. According to the regulations of the current dynasty, civil officials could retire and return to their hometowns when they reached the age of seventy, but this was not absolute.

Many officials died of illness before reaching the age of seventy, and some even used minor illnesses as an excuse to submit memorials seeking early retirement in order to avoid partisan strife.

Some senior officials who were highly trusted by the emperor and in good health, even if they were over seventy years old, not only did not have to retire, but were also entrusted with important tasks to balance the power in the court.

In his view, when Sheng Changbai donned the purple robe, he might be able to submit a memorial to resign, stay at home to read books, practice calligraphy, and enjoy a few years of peaceful retirement.

After all, it's rare to see someone like the elderly lady in my family who is nearly eighty years old and still so energetic.

Old Madam Sheng put down her teacup and said gently, "The restoration of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun is a cause for celebration throughout the land."

"In the end, it was the current emperor's wisdom and skill that made this momentous event, which will be recorded in history, possible."

"Talented horses are common in the world, but discerning judges of talent are rare. Changbai has studied diligently for many years, and with such a wise ruler in power, he will have a place to use his talents."

"By the way, how is Cang-ge'er?"

"This morning, a maid from Changbai Courtyard came to report that the patient has been restless at night for the past few days, crying frequently. Should we send a letter to invite the imperial physician to take a look?"

Hai Chaoyun gave birth to her third child with Sheng Changbai a month ago, named Shengcang, which means a prosperous and peaceful family.

Sheng Hong's brows relaxed, and he waved his hand, saying, "Madam has already sent someone to invite a doctor. If he is still not well in a few days, it will not be too late to invite the imperial physician. Mother, you don't need to worry too much."

"That's good." The old lady nodded gently, raised her hand to rub her temples, and stood up with the help of her mother.

"I'm a little tired. You should go back first. Keep an eye on things at Changbai Courtyard. Have someone report to me immediately if there's any news."

"Yes, son understands." Sheng Hong bowed respectfully.

Meanwhile, in the Liao Kingdom, in the capital city of Shangjing, Linhuang Prefecture, inside the Xuanzheng Hall.

Yelü Hongji was dressed in the robes of a Khitan emperor, his brows furrowed, his face bearing an unprecedented gloom.

The ministers looked at each other, holding their breath, none daring to speak first. The silence in the hall was somewhat eerie.

About half an incense stick's time later, Yelü Hongji gritted his teeth and said, "Is there really no hope of resisting? My Great Liao cavalry has dominated for a hundred years, how could we have fallen to such a state!"

"Do you know that the Yan-Yun region is crucial to the foundation of the nation? The salt tax from Nanjing alone accounts for more than 40% of the annual revenue."

"Losing Yanyun is like losing an arm for our Great Liao!" After saying this, he looked up at the sky, his face ashen.

Yelü Yixin's eyes flickered slightly. He exchanged glances with the officials beside him, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, our dynasty is currently besieged on all sides and cannot attend to both ends."

"The Southern Dynasty is gaining momentum, and the border troops have suffered repeated setbacks, resulting in low morale."

"The Jurchens have sworn a blood oath and joined forces to raise an army. News came back from Ningjiang Prefecture yesterday that the Jurchen cavalry have been besieging the city day and night, and the city's defenses have been breached in many places. I'm afraid they won't be able to hold out for more than a few days."

"If we do not find a way to end the war with the Southern Dynasty, our Great Liao Dynasty will be in grave danger! We urge Your Majesty to make a decision as soon as possible!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I also second the proposal!"

"..."

As soon as he finished speaking, several ministers stepped forward with their hands clasped in greeting.

Yelü Hongji looked at them, feeling a lump in his throat, neither able to breathe nor able to calm down.

He was well aware of the critical situation, but it would be humiliating to simply bow down and negotiate peace with the Southern Dynasty. However, if he did not negotiate peace, he might not even be able to preserve his ancestral legacy.

"Grand Tutor, what conditions do you think we should offer to negotiate peace with the Southern Dynasty?"

Yelü Yixin pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "The purpose of the Southern Dynasty's military campaign this time is obvious; it is for the sake of Yan and Yun."

"It would be better to offer Yingzhou, Huanzhou, Shuozhou, Weizhou, and Yizhou as bargaining chips in negotiations with the Southern Dynasty."

"The first four are all concentrated in the western part of Yanyun, which are all mixed agricultural and pastoral areas, far from the core of our dynasty, and troops have to be stationed there year-round."

"Ceding it out will not only not shake our dynasty's control over the core area of ​​Yanyun, but will also free up troops to consolidate our defenses."

"As for giving up Yizhou, it is to appease the Southern Dynasty and show our dynasty's sincerity in negotiating peace."

After silently weighing the options in his mind, Yelü Hongji turned his attention to the other ministers.

"I believe that the Grand Tutor's suggestion is feasible."

"I second the proposal."

"..."

"In that case, let's do as the Grand Tutor says for now. Draft a letter of state immediately and send an envoy to deliver it to the emperor of the Southern Dynasty overnight. If they do not agree, we will make other plans."

After saying this, Yelü Hongji flicked his long sleeves, got up, and left.

-

Half a month later, Gu Tingye, Sheng Changbai, Fan Chunren and several others were all in the Xiongzhou Palace.

After reading the letter of state presented by the Liao envoy, Gu Tingye sneered and spoke first: "Ying, Huan, Shuo, and Wei are all our country's possessions. Trying to fob us off with these is clearly a case of them trying to put on airs after a defeat!" Sheng Changbai frowned slightly, straightened his back, and bowed.

"The Northern Dynasty may appear to be ceding territory as a gesture of goodwill, but in reality, it is trying to exchange peripheral lands for a chance to breathe. I believe that these alone are not enough to reach a peace agreement with them."

Zhao Han picked up his teacup, took a sip with a calm expression, and said, "Summon the Liao envoy."

Before long, the Liao envoy Xiao Shisan appeared before everyone.

This man was the Deputy Privy Councilor of the Northern Court. He had close ties with Yelü Yixin and was one of the masterminds behind the plot to assassinate Yelü Jun.

"Xiao Shisan, the envoy of the Northern Dynasty, is here on the orders of my lord to pay homage to His Majesty of the Southern Dynasty!" Xiao Shisan bowed deeply, his expression solemn.

Gu Tingye crossed his arms, revealing a nonchalant expression, and said in a low voice, "If your country wants to negotiate peace, you should at least show some decent sincerity."

"To be honest, Envoy Xiao, our dynasty currently has ample gunpowder and provisions, and the morale of our army is high. The five prefectures mentioned in the letter of state can be conquered by our army within three months."

"Your country is doomed to defeat and is besieged on all sides. If you want to preserve your foundation, you must offer the entire Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun as a bargaining chip."

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed across Xiao Shisan's eyes.

On his way here, he had considered that the Southern Dynasty would make exorbitant demands.

Having suffered defeat first, the Liao Kingdom had little confidence in negotiating peace, and it was within his expectations to take the opportunity to demand some money and some peripheral land.

But he didn't expect that this person would go straight for Yan Yun Sixteen as soon as he opened his mouth, and there was no guarantee that there would be even more outrageous conditions later.

"This... Your country broke the alliance and rashly sent troops first, and even demanded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. Isn't that too domineering?"

"Our dynasty still has hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry ready for battle, and they are by no means easy targets." Xiao Shisan said through gritted teeth, his brows furrowed.

Gu Tingye looked disdainful. "Hundreds of thousands? Is Envoy Xiao joking? We already know exactly how many troops your country has."

"If we insist on fighting, the fish will only die, and there will be no way the net will break!"

“You…” Xiao Shisan’s heart pounded slightly.

Zhao Han's gaze darkened slightly, and he said slowly, "The land of Yan and Yun is originally our dynasty's homeland. It's just returning it to its rightful owner."

"In the north of your country, the Jurchens are rebelling, and their strength is gradually growing. If they continue to be locked in a stalemate with our dynasty, I fear the consequences will be unimaginable."

"I am not willing to beat around the bush with your country. If you wish to negotiate, in addition to the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, you shall provide 100,000 warhorses and 8 million taels of silver."

"Only then can we slightly make up for the century-long pain of our dynasty losing its homeland."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Shisan abruptly looked up, his pupils trembling slightly. "This...this is simply..."

“It’s sincerity!” Gu Tingye interrupted him loudly.

"Envoy Xiao, you may take my words back with you. If your country agrees, we will choose a date to sign the alliance. If not, my army may march north at any time."

Zhao Han glanced at him and then said, "Envoy Xiao must be tired from your journey. Why don't you have lunch before you set off?"

"The imperial chefs accompanying the envoy are highly skilled, which will allow the envoy to taste the delicacies of Bianjing."

Xiao Shisan took a deep breath, bowed respectfully, and turned to leave.

After he left, Gu Tingye had a faint smile on his face. "That guy's face turned pale and then red just now. I couldn't have been happier watching him!"

Sheng Changbai nodded in agreement.

At that time, he couldn't help but hope to return to the capital as soon as possible and see his third son, who had just been born.

After leaving the imperial palace, Xiao Shisan traveled day and night back to the capital and told Yelü Hongji the conditions Zhao Han had set out for him.

Ceding Yanyun Sixteen was something I could grit my teeth and accept, but 100,000 warhorses and 8 million taels of silver...

This isn't peace talks, it's outright robbery!
During the Treaty of Shanyuan, the Southern Dynasty only paid tribute of 100,000 taels of silver and 200,000 bolts of silk annually.

As for the 100,000 warhorses, the total number of warhorses in the Liao Kingdom is only about one million.

Taking away one-tenth at once is a bit too much...

"This is outrageous! This is outrageous! This is taking advantage of someone's misfortune!" Yelü Hongji's eyes were bloodshot, he muttered to himself, and his heart was pounding.

Yelü Yixin had anticipated that the Southern Dynasty would want the Sixteen Empresses of Yanyun, but the latter two conditions were truly beyond his expectations.

However, Ningjiang Prefecture has now been occupied by the Jurchen Wanyan tribe, and is now considered one of the two kingdoms with the Liao Kingdom. We really can't afford to continue this stalemate.

"Your Majesty, I believe we should grant the request immediately. The Jurchens have already gained considerable strength. Let's first secure a truce, allow them to recuperate for a few years, and then resolve this major threat."

"If we stockpile more grain and train more warhorses, we might be able to march south again in the future and recoup our losses with interest!"

“It will take the Southern Dynasty far more than two or three years to govern the Yan-Yun region well!” Yelü Yixin said, forcing himself to speak.

Yelü Hongji looked up at the sky and sighed, slowly closing his eyes, filled with resentment. "Just as the Grand Tutor said, it is important to stop the war. The Southern Dynasty is no longer what it used to be."

"The Grand Tutor and his ministers can discuss and draft the many details."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Yelü Yixin bowed respectfully.

The peace negotiations proceeded quite smoothly.

The Liao Dynasty agreed to cede the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, 100,000 warhorses, and 8 million taels of silver, to be delivered within six months. In addition, border trade between the two countries will continue.

Zhao Han specifically ordered Gu Tingye and Sheng Changbai to personally oversee the Yan Yun region and verify the household registrations and maps with Liao officials one by one.

When the news reached Bianjing, the imperial court was filled with joy.

At each city gate, notices of peace negotiations were posted, and crowds of onlookers gathered around the documents, which were written in black on a red background.

Several literate scholars were blocked in the middle, repeatedly shouting the contents of the document.

Inside the Ninghui Palace in the inner palace, the air was filled with fragrance, and Minglan sat gracefully on a soft couch by the window.

She wore a light purple brocade dress, her cheeks were radiant, and her eyebrows and eyes were curved.

After counting the days on her fingers, she said softly, "In that case, His Majesty will be able to return in triumph in a month or so at most!"

"He wasn't lying to us; we agreed to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival together, and we actually made it!"

Standing to the side, Xiao Tao nodded vigorously, holding the soft cheese that the imperial kitchen had just handed her. "Yes, the palace will definitely be lively then!"

Yanran put down her needlework, looked at Minglan with a smile, and deliberately dragged out her words.
"When His Majesty returns, I will definitely tell him that we have been missing him terribly, tossing and turning at night for many nights, just hoping that..."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Minglan sat up straight and blurted out her rebuttal, her cheeks flushed slightly.

Yanran playfully raised her chin at her, "Whether I'm talking nonsense or not, you know best in your heart."

Minglan snorted and ignored her. She opened the chest, took out a pair of red gold necklaces, and handed them to Danju, instructing her to go out of the palace and personally deliver them to Liu Xiaodie.

Liu Xiaodie became pregnant not long after her marriage.

Today is her child's third-day celebration, and Minglan and Wei Shuyi have prepared a generous gift long ago, just waiting to send it over today.

(End of this chapter)