Song Xiu

Chapter 110 Cao Lu's Defeat and Territorial Expansion

In times of chaos, it is common practice for envoys to carry weapons when leaving the capital.

Li Congjia was unsure whether Lu Duoxun's concealed dagger was a threat.

However, Li Congjia, who had been pampered since childhood, dared not gamble.

Left with no other choice, Cao Bin "held" Li Congjia's hand and walked towards the ship docked at the port.

As soon as Li Congjia moved, Han Xizai behind him realized something was wrong.

As a close advisor to Li Congjia, Han Xizai had heard Li Congjia privately complain about the arrogance of the Central Plains on several occasions.

Li Congjia's impression of the Central Plains regime began with Emperor Shizong of Zhou.

In the past, when Emperor Shizong of Zhou conquered Huainan, he defeated the Tang army and Li Jing wrote a letter expressing his willingness to serve Emperor Shizong of Zhou as an elder brother.

It should be noted that Li Jing was much older than Emperor Shizong of Zhou.

Unexpectedly, Emperor Shizong of Zhou showed no compassion for this almost humiliating request. He remained aloof and ignored the request, instead sending troops to launch a fierce attack on the Tang army.

They were indeed very arrogant.

Li Congjia had little affection for the Central Plains regime. He would have simply escorted the Song envoy to the port, so why would he have taken the initiative to send the envoy onto the ship?
Han Xizai was quick-witted and was the first among the ministers to notice something amiss.

However, Han Xizai was a step too slow. By the time Han Xizai realized that something was wrong and tried to stop Li Congjia, Li Congjia had already been taken to the ship by Cao Bin.

This made Han Xizai stomp his feet anxiously, and with a final step, he stepped onto the boat through the plank.

Once aboard the ship, Han Xizai, now facing Li Congjia, noticed fear on Li Congjia's face.

This expression further confirmed Han Xizai's deduction.

But now that Li Congjia was in Cao Bin's hands, Han Xizai had no choice but to step forward and say:
"Envoy Cao, His Highness has shown the utmost courtesy and has personally escorted you to the ship."

It's getting late, Your Highness should return to the city with us.

Han Xizai's words of help filled Li Congjia with joy.

At this point, Ludoson no longer needed to hide.

Ludoson bowed to the north as he spoke:
"The King of Taiyuan of my dynasty has long admired the King of Wu of your country for his exceptional poetry and prose."

The sun is shining brightly today, so why don't we invite the King of Wu to accompany us to Huainan?

This will satisfy the admiration of the Prince of Taiyuan.

Lu Duoxun's words caused Han Xizai to sway involuntarily.

They knew the Central Plains were arrogant, but they never imagined it had developed to this point!
"The King of Wu is the crown prince of our country and has already moved into the Eastern Palace."

"What kind of crown prince would so easily leave the capital?"

When Han Xizai said these words, his tone already carried a hint of anger.

Han Xizai, who believed he was in the right, refused to believe that Cao Bin and Lu Duoxun would dare to "forcibly seize the crown prince" under the bright light of day.

What Han Xizai didn't know was that he was facing Lu Duoxun.

Back then, Lu Duoxun was able to leave Wang Renzhan speechless when facing a court full of heroes from the Central Plains, let alone a mere minister from a vassal state.

"The King of Wu is actually the Crown Prince of your country?"

Ludoson seemed to be hearing this astonishing news for the first time, his face filled with shock.

“Your country regards our dynasty as its suzerain. According to the rites, the selection of your country’s crown prince must be reported to and approved by our dynasty.”

The ceremony for the King of Wu to move into the Eastern Palace also required the presence of our dynasty's envoy.

Now that your country neither reports to us nor requests our envoys, do you still regard our dynasty as worthy of your attention?

As he said this, Ludoson flicked his hand, holding a Chinese book.

With this official letter, the tributary relationship between the Song Dynasty and the Southern Tang Dynasty is irrefutable.

Lu Duoxun's words caused Han Xizai and Li Congjia's expressions to change drastically.

Seemingly feeling that the deterrent effect was not enough, Lu Duoxun turned to Cao Bin and asked:
"What crime is it to establish an heir apparent without reporting to the suzerain state?"

When Lu Duoxun's gaze fell upon him, Cao Bin naturally spoke up in agreement:

"capital offense!"

Upon hearing Cao Bin's cry of "Death sentence!", Li Congjia's face turned deathly pale.

Han Xizai's expression wasn't much better.

Seeing that he could no longer use the reason of the crown prince to prevent Cao Bin from leaving with Li Congjia, Han Xizai found another excuse:

"Our king is currently in Hongzhou, overseeing the relocation of the capital."

Although the King of Wu was not the crown prince, he was still a prince of our country.

I hope the King of Taiyuan will reconsider his desire for an audience. At least wait until I have submitted a memorial to the King before sending an envoy to escort the King of Wu north.

With Lu Duoxun's intelligence, how could he not realize that Han Xizai was stalling for time?

Unfortunately, the Southern Tang Dynasty had far too many weaknesses.

"Moving the capital?"

Ludoson's tone inevitably rose a few decibels.

"Moving the capital is a major national event, no less important than the emperor's ascension to the throne."

Such a momentous event, yet our dynasty was unaware of it.

"Well, so your country, as a vassal state, has kept so many things from our dynasty!"

After reprimanding Han Xizai, Lu Duoxun looked at Cao Bin and asked again:

"What crime is it to fail to report the major event of relocating the capital to the suzerain state?"

Cao Bin spoke with indignation:

"Still a capital offense!"

Upon hearing Cao Bin's words, Li Congjia's legs went weak.

Han Qing, are you here to save me or to harm me?
Han Xizai had vaguely hinted at this matter when Cao Bin and Lu Duoxun first arrived in Jinling, in order to test their attitude.

Since the official letter had not yet arrived, Cao Bin and Lu Duoxun naturally brushed it off with a laugh.

Things are different now; the tributary relationship has been established.

Some things may seem insignificant on the scale, but once weighed, they can be incredibly valuable.

Upon hearing the words "death sentence" twice, Han Xizai was in utter turmoil.

In his utter confusion, Han Xizai was about to speak again when he was unexpectedly met with a rebuke from Li Congjia:
"Enough, Han Qing!"

I am willing to accompany the imperial envoy northward.

Although Li Congjia was passionate about poetry, he was not foolish.

When Li Congjia was first taken hostage by Cao Bin, he was panicked, but he believed that if he did not resist too much, Cao Bin would not harm him in public without cause.

As a result, within a short period of time after Han Xizai boarded the ship, he was charged with two capital offenses.

Having a criminal charge changes the situation considerably.

If Han Xizai continues, what will become of us!

Under Li Congjia's reprimand, Han Xizai finally shut his mouth with a bitter expression.

Sensing Han Xizai's bitterness, Cao Bin said:
"Lord Han need not worry, if the King of Wu can sincerely help the King of Taiyuan to study poetry."

Bin hereby guarantees that the King of Wu will return to his country unharmed.

Cao Bin was confident in Zhao Dexiu's character.

Li Congjia's rebuke, coupled with Cao Bin's assurances, left Han Xizai with no choice but to retreat back to the shore.

Seeing Han Xizai retreat alone, the officials on the shore were greatly alarmed.

Most of the ministers, though not as quick-witted as Han Xizai, eventually realized something was amiss as time went on.

It was thought that Han Xizai, having been on the ship for so long, would be able to bring the King of Wu back safely with his wisdom, but he failed.

"How to do how to do!"

"Quickly send someone to inform the king!"

"The ship is moving! The ship is moving!"
Amidst the chaotic discussions on the shore, the Song Dynasty envoy's ship gradually sailed away from the port.

As he watched the ships recede into the distance, Han Xizai felt a deep sense of regret and resentment.

Weak nations have no diplomacy; this is a stark reality today!

A feeling of regret and resentment also arose in Li Congjia's heart on the ship.

After the ship left the shore, Li Congjia gazed mournfully in the direction of Jinling.

Seeing Li Congjia's look, Cao Bin assumed that Li Congjia was worried about his future.

"King Wu, do not worry. My lord is kind and benevolent and will not harm you."

Cao Bin's words of comfort had no effect. Even Emperor Shizong of Zhou, known for his benevolence, was ruthless in his rebukes of the Southern Tang envoys.

Seeing that Cao Bin's attempts to comfort him were ineffective, Lu Duoxun, believing he had guessed Li Congjia's thoughts, chimed in:
"If the King of Wu's journey north can help the King of Taiyuan complete his plans, the King of Taiyuan will surely write to His Majesty to establish the King of Wu as the Crown Prince of Southern Tang."

Lu Duoxun thought that Li Congjia was attached to the power and position in Nanjing, and that this attachment was perfectly normal.

Unexpectedly, Li Congjia's next words completely astonished Lu Duoxun:
"Now that I am leaving Jinling, I do not know when I will be able to see the city's prosperity again."

The lyrics and music I composed for Ehuang are not yet finished.

As the crown prince of a country, what is he so attached to?

Ludosen was defeated.

After Lu Duoxun's defeat, Li Congjia's voice rang in Cao Bin's ears again:

"How much sorrow can one have?"

It's like an autumn river flowing eastward.

Autumn."

Li Congjia felt that his fate of heading north was irresistible, so he might as well settle down for the time being.

After feeling somewhat at ease, the lyricist and composer Li Congjia, inspired by his lament, spontaneously uttered two lines of lyrics.

Li Congjia, who felt the character "秋" (autumn) was not good, turned to Cao Bin and asked:

"I wonder, Your Excellency, what you think is the best way to replace the character '秋' (autumn)?"

Seeing that Li Congjia still had the mind to compose poems, Cao Bin was directly defeated.

After Lu Duoxun and Cao Bin left, Li Congjia reached out and patted the mast, singing in response:
"Who understands me best but the King of Taiyuan?"

If there are missions from the south going to Huainan, how could there not be from the north?

The Khitan delegation, sent south on the orders of Yelü Wuzhi, has entered the territory of Luzhou.

The chief envoy of the Khitan delegation was Han Kuangsi, who was then serving as the Khitan General of the Valiant Guard.

Han Kuangsi was originally a Han Chinese from Hebei. He was skilled in medicine and served as the personal physician of Shulu Ping (the founding empress dowager of the Khitan) in his youth, where he was deeply trusted by her.

With the favor of Empress Shulü Ping, Han Kuangsi enjoyed a very successful official career in the Khitan.

With his official career progressing smoothly, Han Kuangsi remained loyal to the Khitan.

When the Khitan delegation arrived outside Shangdang City, many members of the delegation heard about the new changes that had taken place in the Song Dynasty.

A young man rode up to Han Kuangsi and said:
"Father, I have heard that in the present-day Luzhou area, the Song Dynasty official in charge of government affairs is called the Transport Commissioner."

This young man was none other than Han Derang, the son of Han Kuangsi.

"Transport envoy?"

Han Kuangsi couldn't help but ponder this title.

In Han Kuangsi's mind, the governor should be the one who governs a region in the ancient land of China.

Han Derang's subsequent report only intensified Han Kuangsi's curiosity.

"After we entered Luzhou, the Song army that guarded us all the way was said to be from the Luzhou Military and Pacification Commission."

"The Pacification and Pacification Commission?"

"Is there no military governor within the territory of Luzhou?"

Han Kuangsi couldn't help but ask.

Upon hearing Han Kuangsi's question, Han Derang replied:
"The military governor of Zhaoyi Army is Li Jixun."

However, Li Jixun's primary objective in stationing troops in Anyang was to guard the border; he had no authority to interfere in the military and political affairs of Luzhou.

Han Derang's answer made Han Kuangsi keep this news in mind.

It seems that some interesting changes are taking place in the Central Plains dynasties.

Much intelligence can be obtained through spies.

However, seeing is believing, and it is essential to witness the changes in the Song Dynasty firsthand.

Just as Han Kuangsi was absorbing the intelligence, a young girl dressed in bright red Khitan noble attire rode up to him from a distance, cheering.

This girl was Xiao Yanyan.

As the sound of hooves stopped in front of Han Kuangsi, Xiao Yanyan's clear voice rang in his ears:

"The South is truly a wonderful place!"

The weather in September was surprisingly bright and sunny.

If my Khitan warriors can graze freely in the south, then my Khitan people can thrive and multiply forever.

Xiao Yanyan may be young, but her thinking is not as naive as that of an average young girl.

Han Kuangsi and Xiao Siwen had a very close personal relationship, and Han Kuangsi treated Xiao Yanyan like his own daughter.

Looking at Xiao Yanyan, who was beaming with excitement, Han Kuangsi smiled.
"In the future, this beautiful land will all belong to us!"

The Khitan state was growing stronger, while the Han Chinese in the south were still plagued by internal strife.

Han Kuangsi was confident in his judgment.

As soon as Han Kuangsi finished speaking, a strong young man in the group rode up to him.

“Li Chuyun, the prefect of Luzhou, sent someone to invite us into the city to rest, but I refused.”

The person who said this was Yelü Xiuge, the deputy envoy of the Khitan delegation.

After reporting this matter, Yelü Xiuge continued:

"According to news from Bianjing, Zhao Dexiu is in charge of receiving us Song officials this time."

And Li Chuyun was his father-in-law.

It's Zhao Dexiu again!

Since Han Kuangsi entered the Song Dynasty's borders, this was the name he heard most often.

The Battle of Luzhou was related to him, and the new policies in Luzhou were also related to him.
This prince from the Central Plains is becoming increasingly famous.

"Originally?"

Having just calmed down from her excitement, Xiao Yanyan quickly seized this key point.

"Is he unwilling to receive us?"

Xiao Yanyan asked in confusion.

In response to Xiao Yanyan's question, Yelü Xiuge replied:

"I heard there was a rebellion in Huainan, and he was leading the army to quell it."

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu hadn't finished causing trouble in the north and was now running off to the south, Xiao Yanyan couldn't help but mutter:
"That fellow had time to quell a rebellion before even receiving us?"
If you're so capable, let's see you expand your territory before you even host us!

Then I will respect him as a hero.

The Xiao family was extremely prominent in the Khitan, and Xiao Yanyan's status was not much lower than that of a princess.

No matter how precocious Xiao Yanyan's mind is, she has not yet fully matured.

The pride that comes with her noble status makes Xiao Yanyan dislike being ignored.

As soon as Xiao Yanyan said this, everyone around her burst into laughter.

Suppressing a rebellion is not guaranteed to succeed, and expanding territory is not so easy.
In the military camp outside Chuzhou City, Zhao Dexiu held a lantern and looked at the map of the world on the wall.

After observing for a long time, Zhao Dexiu sighed in front of Yang Ye:
"The territory of our dynasty is still not large enough."

It's not just not big enough; in Zhao Dexiu's own words, it's incomplete.

The kingdoms of Western Shu, Southern Tang, Southern Han, Wuping, Nanping, and Northern Han, like nails, divided the land of China into many pieces.

Zhao Dexiu was very displeased with what he saw.

Yang Yejun's military strategy was extraordinary, and Zhao Dexiu's remarks drew his attention.

"What are you thinking?"

Seeing Yang Ye's thoughtful expression, Zhao Dexiu asked.

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's question, Yang Ye replied:
"I am pondering the purpose of the Prince of Taiyuan in summoning Li Congjia to Huainan."

Your Majesty, I believe that the Prince of Taiyuan's elaborate efforts are not solely for quelling the rebellion in Huainan.

Yang Ye's words made Zhao Dexiu burst into laughter.

"Of course not."

No matter how many nails there are, I will pull them out one by one until they are all gone.

After saying this, Zhao Dexiu slammed his hand heavily on a spot on the map:

That's the land of Hunan!

(End of this chapter)