Song Xiu

Chapter 159 The Sleeping King Doesn't Sleep, the Wise King Isn't Wise
In the late autumn of the second year of the Jianlong reign of the Song Dynasty, the Zichen Palace in the capital city was filled with warmth.

The Khitan Emperor Yelü Jing leaned back on the dragon throne, holding a crystal-clear wine cup in his hand, the fine wine in the cup just entering his stomach.

Yelü Jing stared blankly at the empty wine cup:
How late did you finish drinking and having fun last night?

Yelü Jing didn't remember much about what happened last night. He only remembered that he had just gotten up and was drinking the fine wine of Yanyun again.

The Han people were incompetent at governing the country, but their winemaking skills were superb.

After a moment of blankness, Yelü Jing pointed the empty wine cup at the eunuch beside him. Upon seeing this, the eunuch instinctively stepped forward in fear to pour wine for Yelü Jing.

Only after the wine cup was refilled with fine wine did Yelü Jing's face show a smile. He lightly tapped the gold patterns on the armrest of the dragon throne with his fingers, and then glanced at the ministers below with interest.

His gaze was like that of a wolf eyeing its prey, causing the assembled officials to tremble slightly.

Upon seeing the assembled officials, Yelü Jing realized that there was a court assembly that day.

Although he has spent most of his time either hiding in the inner palace or traveling around hunting since ascending the throne, he is still willing to attend court assemblies occasionally.

Especially today, he prepared a grand gift for his ministers.

Why didn't anyone wake me up?

Yelü Jing's voice was hoarse from a hangover.

Today's court assembly was personally arranged by Yelü Jing the day before yesterday, but he drank too much last night and was still fast asleep when the time for the morning assembly arrived.

The eunuchs around him were already used to such things.

Having grown accustomed to it, the eunuchs had their own way of dealing with it—carrying the dragon bed into the Zichen Palace.

Yelü Jing slept well; even after being carried to the dragon throne by the eunuchs, he was still able to sleep soundly.

He even snored loudly while sleeping.

When snoring echoed in the solemn Zichen Hall, not a single minister dared to step forward and wake Yelü Jing, nor did they dare to show the slightest dissatisfaction on their faces.

All the ministers' eyes were focused on the corpse of a eunuch inside the hall.

The eunuch who had been pouring wine for the dazed Yelü Jing was only a fraction of a second slower than he had been beheaded in public.

With the scene of decapitation right before their eyes, Yelü Jing's questioning made the breathing of the thirty-odd officials in the hall become lighter.

Seeing that no one dared to answer, Yelü Jing shook his slightly dizzy head, as if trying to see the true faces of the officials in the hall.

As his thoughts became clearer, Yelü Jing remembered the things he needed to do that day.

He suddenly laughed, a laugh as sharp as an icicle hitting the ground:

"Where is my dear cousin, the King of Zhao?"

A question full of profound meaning was uttered, and the guards inside the hall immediately understood. A moment later, the guards who had come out of the hall brought a person back into the hall.

The man was covered in chains, and his body was covered in bloody welts from being whipped.

If it weren't for Yelü Jing's prior explanation, who would have associated this disheveled prisoner with the esteemed Prince Zhao, Yelü Xiyin?

Upon seeing Yelü Xiyin's miserable state, Yelü Jing's smile widened even further:
"My beloved brother, how have you become like this after only a few days?"

Yelü Xiyin's collarbone was chained, and every movement caused him to grimace in pain. Yelü Jing's feigned concern made him tremble with anger.

Without Yelü Jing's authorization, who would dare to torture him?
"You tyrant!"

Yelü Xiyin, who was frivolous in nature, would start by cursing.

Before he could finish his insults, Yelü Jing burst into laughter.

While laughing, Yelü Jing did not forget to say, "Slap him."

As soon as those two words were uttered, two burly guards immediately stepped forward and began slapping him across the face.

At first, Yelü Xiyin was cursing, but gradually, the cursing turned into sobs, and finally only the dull thud of teeth being knocked out remained.

The ministers all lowered their heads, none of them daring to look.

How could an ordinary emperor laugh when he was insulted?
When an emperor laughs heartily, how could he possibly impose a severe punishment?
No one has ever been able to understand Yelü Jing's temperament.

When Yelü Jing's laughter stopped, the bodyguard's slapping motion also abruptly ceased. At this moment, Yelü Xiyin's face was swollen beyond recognition, with blood and foam dripping from the corner of his mouth.

"Go ahead."

Yelü Jing picked up the freshly poured wine and took a sip with relish. "You secretly possessed three thousand sets of armor and weapons, intending to rebel. Who were your accomplices?"

"Or who is the mastermind?"

This question startled Yelü Xiyin so much that he spat out blood and foam from his mouth.

"You...how do you know?"

When Yelü Xiyin was arrested some time ago, he knew that his plot to rebel had most likely been exposed.

But to his surprise, Yelü Jing was able to accurately know the number of soldiers and armor he had secretly hoarded.

Yelü Xiyin's shock amused Yelü Jing.

How did I know?

"Do you think all the generals in your royal palace are willing to rebel?"

This statement subtly suggests that Yelü Xiyin had spies planted by Yelü Jing.

After making his sarcastic remarks, Yelü Jing took out a piece of paper from his pocket.

He threw the paper directly into the hall—it was a secret letter from Yelü Xiyin to Yelü Wenlie, the general of Shangjing, which read, “On the day of the winter hunt, use the smoke signal to capture the tyrant together.”

Yelü Xiyin was completely dumbfounded when he saw that Yelü Jing had actually obtained this secret letter.

Not only him, but the subtle glances of the other officials in the hall toward the dragon throne also began to change.

The hall fell into a deathly silence in an instant; even the crackling of the burning charcoal seemed jarring.

Only at this moment did the courtiers realize that this emperor, who was drunk all day long, had a thorough understanding of Yelü Xiyin's every move.

Yelü Xian and his cronies, among the assembled officials, couldn't help but gasp inwardly.

"Jointly capture the tyrant? You dare to challenge me?"

Reading the contents of the secret letter, Yelü Jing, holding a wine cup, stumbled towards Yelü Xiyin.

Although Yelü Jing's steps were unsteady, his subsequent questioning was quite clear:
"You've only been a king for a few years, how did you get the prestige to secretly gather three thousand soldiers?"

"Tell me who the mastermind behind this is, and I will pardon you."

Upon arriving at Yelü Xiyin's hiding place, Yelü Jing suddenly stepped on his fingers. As he gradually increased the force, the crisp sound of bones breaking mixed with Yelü Xiyin's screams made Yelü Xian, Han Kuangsi, and others nearby tremble.

The irrefutable evidence, coupled with the excruciating physical pain, prevented Yelü Xiyin from resisting for long before he cried out loudly:
"It was my father! My father ordered me to do it!"

"Yelü Lihu?"

After reading out the mastermind's name, Yelü Jing raised his leg with satisfaction.

Yelü Lihu was the third son of Yelü Abaoji. When Yelü Deguang was in power, he was appointed as the Crown Prince.

If it weren't for the "agreement to cross the river," Yelü Lihu would have been the one to succeed Yelü Deguang as emperor of the Khitan.

His motives for rebellion are very strong, and eliminating him would be very beneficial to oneself.

Having obtained the desired result, Yelü Jing immediately gave the order:

“Send troops to arrest Yelü Lihu and imprison him; he will not be released unless he dies.”

Yelü Lihu's status in the Khitan was far beyond that of ordinary royal families.

But so what?
At Yelü Jing's command, his personal guards immediately left the palace.

It seems that not long after, the last legitimate son of Emperor Taizu of Liao, Yelü Abaoji, will also disappear from the world. Yelü Jing's decisiveness and ruthlessness once again made the ministers in the palace uneasy.

Just when the ministers thought the storm would pass, Yelü Jing suddenly turned and walked towards Yelü Xian.

Wherever he went, his dragon robe trailed on the ground, like a gloomy dark cloud.

After the dark clouds cleared, Yelü Xian's breathing became rapid.

Yelü Xian did not know what Yelü Jing intended to do; he only knew that his life was currently in Yelü Jing's hands.

Hearing Yelü Xian's rapid breathing, Yelü Jing said softly:
"According to the confessions of Zhao Wang's cronies, Han Kuangsi was also an accomplice. What do you think I should do with him, my dear nephew?"

Upon hearing this, Han Kuangsi, who was standing behind Yelü Xian, was so frightened that he immediately knelt down on the ground.

Cold sweat was constantly pouring down Yelü Xian's face—this was a warning!
This warning is enough to show that Yelü Jing already knew that Han Kuangsi was his confidant.

Or perhaps Yelü Jing learned that he was plotting with Zhao Dexiu?

Yelü Jing's "question" threw Yelü Xian into a panic, a jumble of emotions flooding his mind, leaving him unable to answer.

As Yelü Xian was filled with fear and unease, a pair of hands touched his forehead, causing his body to stiffen instantly.

Yelü Jing "gently" wiped the sweat from his forehead:

"Although there are accomplices who have confessed, there is no concrete evidence. It would be better to dismiss Han Kuangsi from his post to silence public opinion."

What do you think, my dear nephew?

His dismissal was a warning, indicating that Yelü Jing did not want to take action against him for the time being.

Yelü Jing's words granted Yelü Xianru a general amnesty:
"Your Majesty is wise!"

Yelü Xian repeatedly bowed in praise.

Yelü Xian's respect made Yelü Jing laugh with satisfaction.

“That’s a good nephew.”

After laughing, Yelü Jing turned and returned to the dragon throne.

After refilling his wine cup, Yelü Jing took out a memorial from his robes. The edges of the paper were wrinkled from being crumpled by his fingers, indicating that he had read it repeatedly.

This petition came from Yelü Wuzhi.

"I have read this memorial from the Northern Court King several times."

The memorial stated that the Southern Song Dynasty was implementing new policies, and our dynasty could not sit idly by.

I think the Northern Prince has some merit in what he said.

Yelü Wuzhi was credited with the greatest contribution when Yelü Jing ascended the throne.

Therefore, after ascending the throne, Yelü Jing trusted Yelü Wuzhi very much.

"Since we cannot stand idly by, tell me, what should our dynasty do?"

Upon hearing Yelü Jing's question, some of the ministers exchanged glances, but none of them stepped forward without permission.

Many ministers gradually realized that Yelü Jing's personal interrogation of Yelü Xiyin in the palace today was likely to demonstrate imperial authority.

After displaying its authority, the next step is naturally to make absolute decisions.

As expected, seeing that his ministers wisely remained silent, Yelü Jing suppressed his drowsiness and said:
"The Northern King said in his memorial that he should be given the authority to act expediently."

I still think it makes a lot of sense.

Even though the ministers were mentally prepared, many of them still showed surprise when they heard the words "act expediently".

The phrase "acting expediently" is too broad; is this power too heavy?
The ministers' surprise did not change Yelü Jing's mind.

If you want a horse to run, you have to feed it well. This was Yelü Jing's way of governing the country.

Despite neglecting state affairs for many years, he was still able to firmly grasp imperial power because he never doubted capable and loyal ministers.

He had treated Xiao Siwen the same way before, but Xiao Siwen disappointed him greatly.

While the ministers hesitated, Yelü Jing spoke directly:
"From this day forward, Yelü Wuzhi, the Great King of the Northern Court, shall be in charge of all affairs on the border of Youyun, including diplomatic relations with the Dingnan Army, the Northern Han, and the southern states."

After issuing the imperial edict, Yelü Jing felt increasingly drowsy.

After yawning several times, he said in a warning tone before lying down:
"The matter concerning Song Fanglue is of paramount importance. If anyone dares to secretly obstruct him, I will execute them without mercy!"

As he said this, Yelü Jing scanned the entire room.

Yelü Jing was not unaware that the political struggle between the Sinicization faction and the conservative faction within the Khitan was intense.

He was well aware that if the Central Plains regime became too powerful, it would endanger the Khitan sooner or later.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have issued an edict back then, ordering Xiao Siwen to attack Bianjing, which was sparsely defended.

At Yelü Jing's warning, a chorus of "Your subjects obey the decree" echoed throughout the hall.

Upon hearing the response, Yelü Jing seemed to feel no more worries. He tilted his head back and drank the entire pot of fine wine, then collapsed onto the dragon throne and fell into a deep sleep.

Because he fell asleep so suddenly, Yelü Jing didn't even have time to dismiss his ministers.

Left with no other choice, Yelü Jing was carried back to his bedchamber by the eunuchs before the officials began to leave in twos and threes.

Seeing that no one was around, Yelü Xian, who was walking at the back, quickly caught up with Yelü Xian:
"Your Majesty, the matter you previously conspired with Minister Han should be delayed rather than rushed."

As Yelü Xianshi's trusted confidant planted in the palace, it is not surprising that Yelü Xianshi knew about this.

As he said this, Yelü Xianshi glanced at Han Kuangsi, who was hurrying away – after today's intimidation, Han Kuangsi would probably not dare to contact them again for some time.

Yelü Xian was also watching Han Kuangsi's back.

It was precisely because Han Kuangsi left in such a hurry that Yelü Xian had a different opinion:

"We can't delay!"

Yelü Xian decisively rejected Yelü Xianshi's suggestion.

Seeing that Yelü Xian seemed about to act rashly, Yelü Xianshi became anxious. He was about to persuade him again, but Yelü Xianshi stopped him with a gesture.

Yelü Xian pointed ahead, but Han Kuangsi's figure had already disappeared.

"If I remain indifferent today, threatening to break one of my arms, what about tomorrow?"

"After Han Qing, Xiao Qing and the others left me, I was truly at their mercy, like a fish on a chopping board!"

Perhaps sensing the growing threat from the south, Yelü Jing began to wake up more often.

If Yelü Jing is no longer the "Sleeping King," given his current performance, will he still have a chance in the future?

Yelü Jing is a wise man, but he made a mistake today:
He didn't know that Yelü Xian was also a smart man!
"Why should Yelü Wu be given hostage, and the power to quell the rebellion in diplomacy?"

After careful consideration, Yelü Xian came to a conclusion:
"Find me a trustworthy person; I need to send a great gift to the Prince of Jin in the south!"

Yelü Xian had heard Yelü Xian's murmur clearly, so when Yelü Xian said these words, his expression changed slightly.

"Your Majesty."

Yelü Xianshi wanted to speak up to stop him, but when he thought of the terrifying experience he had just had in the hall, he remained silent and instead sighed.

Seeing that Yelü Xianshi tacitly agreed, a smile appeared on Yelü Xianshi's face.

He had originally planned to discuss things slowly with Zhao Dexiu, but it seems that many things cannot be delayed.

To reclaim the throne, it was necessary to first undermine Yelü Jing's prestige.

What business is it of his whether the Dingnan Army lives or dies?

(End of this chapter)