I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 331 Good news arrives in Bianjing! The humble king of Liao Kingdom

July 18th, afternoon.

The sun is shining brightly and the weather is hot.

The streets of Bianjing are filled with the sound of cicadas and the cries of drink vendors all over the streets.

There are nearly half as many pedestrians on the road as before.

Inside the Chui Gong Hall.

There are four large ice basins placed in the corner.

But the foreheads of Zhao Zhen and Zhu Xianggong were still covered with fine beads of sweat.

Zhao Zhen sat in front of the throne with an anxious look on his face. From time to time he looked at Su Liang's imperial censor's uniform hanging on the side.

All the ministers kept looking towards the entrance of the hall.

Zhao Zhen took a long breath, a smile gradually appeared on his face, and said excitedly: "Xiongzhou has a great victory, Long Yu's army captured the Liao army commander Yelu Chongyuan alive, Fu Yanguo and Su Jingming have made a great contribution!"

Zhang Fangping stood up and said: "Guan family, after Yelu Zhongyuan is arrested, the Liao Kingdom will definitely send envoys to negotiate. Next, we will have an absolute advantage. I suggest that we draw up a new contract immediately, abolish the annual gift, and keep the discussion to avoid an all-out war.”

Zhao Zhen felt uneasy.

After saying that, Zhao Zhen handed the document to Prime Minister Wen Yanbo on the side.

All the ministers also held their breath and did not dare to move.

present.

Swish!
The king and his ministers stood up at the same time.

Just as he was about to open the document, he suddenly stopped again.

Zhang Fangping and Song Xiang on the side had even thought of words to comfort Zhao Zhen.

"Guan family, the strategy of establishing heavy cavalry is really correct. If the government wants to increase the number of heavy cavalry in the future, I will try my best to raise enough military expenses!" Wang Yaochen, the envoy of the Third Division, said with a cup of his hands.

When they saw the Xiongzhou garrison taking the initiative to attack, using light cavalry to inflict casualties on the Liao siege troops, and then using heavy cavalry to attack and capture Yelu Chongyuan alive, they couldn't help but get excited.

"Officials, annual gifts can be abolished, annual gifts can be abolished! I...I, the Song Dynasty, finally don't have to endure this humiliation!" Wen Yanbo looked excited.

Zhao Zhen nodded in approval.

At this time.

Today's military briefing should be about what happened two days ago. According to the time, it should be almost here.

……

This battle was the first battle between the Song Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom since the Chanyuan Alliance.

For the Song Dynasty, which had always been humble and seeking peace, this was really a relief.

Unexpectedly, it was not just a big victory.

All the ministers became nervous.

Zhao Zhen's hands were trembling, and there were tears in his eyes.

He also captured Yelu Zhongyuan alive, the enemy coach and the brother of Emperor Yelu Zongzhen of the Liao Kingdom.

Not long after.

This time, the five hundred dragon feather troops were indispensable for capturing Yelu Chongyuan alive.

"Uu——"

It even greatly affected the national destiny and reform process of the Song Dynasty.

Fu Bi would submit a military report every other day.

After Zhao Zhen hesitated for a few breaths, he slowly opened the document and read it carefully.

A post soldier ran in holding a document wrapped in sheepskin and said: "Officials, urgent report from the border!"

The best result they thought of was that the Song Dynasty would win a small victory and repel the enemy.

Almost turned over in one battle.

Wen Yanbo and other ministers gathered around and read the documents carefully.

Fan Zhongyan stood up.

If they win, it will be good for the Song Dynasty in every possible way.

at this time.

If you lose, it will be very bad and the consequences are unimaginable.

The small yellow door at the door quickly took the document, removed the sheepskin package outside, and presented it to Zhao Zhen.

Significance.

soon.

A small yellow doorman at the door shouted: "Guan family, hurry up and deliver it!"

They knew that the war in Xiongzhou City had begun, but they didn't know what the outcome would be.

"Officials, I believe that abolishing the annual gift is only the bottom line of this negotiation. According to the current situation of the Liao Kingdom, we do not dare to fight anymore."

"I suggest that we don't draw up a new contract for now, but wait until the Prime Minister, Jing Ming and Liao negotiate with each other before making a decision based on their feedback. With these two here, we won't suffer any loss."

"I second the proposal!" Wu Yu stood up.

"I also second the proposal!" Zeng Gongliang also stood up.

A smile appeared on Zhao Zhen's face.

"I understand what you mean. Let's not make up our mind yet. We will discuss everything after negotiation."

In the past, the imperial court strictly controlled military power, preventing generals from conducting wars freely.

This time.

Fu Bi and Su Liang played freely and won a big victory.

Fan Zhongyan thought about letting Fu Bi and Su Liang talk first, and then the court would make a decision. Depending on the abilities of these two people, they might be able to create surprises for the court.

After Zhao Zhen thought for a while, he added: "The situation of this battle can be told to the world, so that everyone in the Song Dynasty will know."

"I obey!"

All the ministers raised their hands at the same time, with smiles on their faces.

Naturally, the whole Song Dynasty would know about this unprecedented joyous event.

……

soon.

The people of Bianjing were the first to learn about the conflict between Song and Liao at the border, and then the Song Dynasty Long Yu's army captured Liao army commander Yelu Chongyuan alive.

"Is this... is this true? Slap me quickly, slap me quickly, we... we actually defeated the Liao soldiers, and... we still... used cavalry? It's incredible!"

"We won! We won! Xixia is not our opponent, and Liao is not our opponent. If we go to the border to do business in the future, I don't see how those Khitans can win!"

"We actually captured the brother of the Emperor of Liao. Mr. Fu and Yushi Su are really powerful. Next, I am afraid that Liao will beg for peace from us!"

……

The people puffed out their chests, ran around telling each other, and killed chickens and sheep, just like celebrating the New Year.

Some people were carrying a bamboo basket of copper coins and throwing money on the street. Some people were shouting in the restaurant: I will treat you this afternoon. Some people have reserved a place in a brothel...

All people in the Song Dynasty who had dealt with the Liao people understood this.

What does this victory mean?

……

Liao Kingdom, the palace hall.

When Yelu Zongzhen learned that Yelu Chongyuan violated his orders and took the lead in launching a war against the Song Dynasty, which not only caused the loss of all 50,000 elite soldiers, but also caused him to be captured.

He was so angry that he broke more than ten large porcelain bottles.

After a while.

Liao officials gathered together.

Yelu Zongzhen looked gloomy and said below: "Let's discuss how to save my stupid imperial brother?"

A Liao minister came out and said: "Your Majesty, I think that this time it is not that we are inferior to the Song soldiers, but that the nine kings (Yelu Chongyuan, ninth) underestimated the enemy."

"The Song army told us to find a speaker to redeem the Nine Kings, which shows that the Song people do not want to go to war with us. I suggested that we send an envoy to talk about the matter as a misunderstanding and put all the blame on the Nine Kings. Your Majesty, please apologize to Su Liang, the minister of the Southern Dynasty. After all, this incident all started because of Su Liang. The people of Song Dynasty just want to save face, and they must also want to continue to maintain peace between Song and Liao Dynasties." Yelu Zongzhen shook his head.

"It's impossible for me to apologize to a Song minister! It's absolutely impossible!"

"Your Majesty, this war started because I offered a reward to the businessman to assassinate Su Liang. If I don't apologize, it may be difficult to end. After all, the Nine Kings are in their hands. We...we have to bow our heads!"

"Your Majesty, the civil strife in our country is serious at present, and the expenditure due to the reform is very large. In ancient times, King Gou Jian of Yue lived on his salary and tasted gall. I hope your Majesty will not take face seriously. This is just an apology, and it is not a loss. When we recuperate and have a strong army and horses in a few years, We can send troops south again, and Yixue will be humiliated. By then, your majesty can kill Su Liang with a thousand swords!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is best to de-emphasize this matter. If the fight continues, although both sides will suffer losses, we are less able to withstand it than the Song soldiers, and... and the party members have taken advantage of the danger and pulled the army away. Arrived at our border!”

……

All Liao officials advised Yelu Zong to sincerely apologize and give the Song Dynasty enough face.

Yelu Zongzhen thought for a moment, raised his head and said, "Okay, I am willing to lower my head and apologize to Song Chen. This is also my bottom line. If Song people have other demands, I will never agree!"

Immediately, Yelu Zongzhen asked again: "Who do you think is more appropriate to send to negotiate?"

Swish!
All the civil servants and generals in the hall looked at one person.

The man is of medium build and has a gray beard.

He looked into everyone's eyes, strode out, raised his hands towards Yelv Zongzhen and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go!"

He is the son of Liu Shenxing, the former prime minister of the Northern Prefecture of the Liao Kingdom. Liu Liufu, the current third envoy of the Liao Kingdom, also served as Tongping Zhangshi.

Back then, when Qingli increased coins, he was the one who negotiated with Fu Bi.

He was an old acquaintance of the Song Dynasty. He was thoughtful and always advocated peaceful coexistence between the Liao and Song Dynasties.

Yelu Zongzhen nodded.

"The three envoys stay, the others should disperse!"

……

After a while.

Only Yelu Zongzhen and Liu Liufu were left in the hall.

Yelu Zongzhen stood up and said solemnly: "Third Minister, in this negotiation, the Song people will definitely make some harsh and unreasonable demands. I can bow my head and apologize to the Song officials, but if they ask for compensation or cession of land, I will refuse them directly!"

"I am willing to bow my head because the current civil strife in our country is serious and it is not suitable to start a full-scale war with the Song Dynasty, not because Yelu Zhongyuan. Although he is my biological brother, compared to the country of Liao, he is insignificant and not It’s worth my sacrifice, do you understand?”

Liu Liufu folded his hands heavily and said, "I understand."

Yelu Zongzhen continued: "In addition, I will ask Zha La (ie Yelu Hongji) to go with you with 10,000 horseback troops. If anything happens, you will discuss it and report it to me."

"My lord, I obey." Liu Liufu handed over his hand again.

Yelu Hongji and Yelu Chongyuan were at odds with each other in face and heart.

Yelu Zong really ordered Yelu Hongji to go, obviously he did not intend to spend too much money to rescue Yelu Chongyuan.

……

Inside Xiongzhou City.

Yelu Chongyuan was imprisoned in a house.

Two meals a day.

Every meal consists of two steamed buns, a bowl of rice porridge, and a piece of pickle dumpling.

Day one.

Yelu Chongyuan was still very arrogant, refused to eat or drink, cursed Fu Bi and Su Liang, and shouted that he should be treated according to the standards of a prince.

But seeing that Fu Bi and Su Liang ignored him at all, they couldn't help but eat pickles the next day.

Day three.

Fu Bi and Su Liang saw that the king's temper had calmed down a little, and they couldn't help but come to him.

When Yelu Chongyuan saw Fu Bi and Su Liang, he glared and said: "Fu Bi, Su Liang, let me go quickly, otherwise our Daliao cavalry will go south. How can you Song soldiers stop us? The Pishi Army rushed to Bianjing City, it will be too late for you to regret..."

After listening to his bragging, Su Liang smiled and said, "King Yelu, you really overestimate yourself!"

"For the time being, regardless of the serious civil strife in Liao, the treasury is empty, and there is no power to fight against the country. Do you think that for the sake of you, Yelu Zong will really send a large army to attack the Song Dynasty?"

"Why not? I am the king of the Liao Kingdom. My brother has to discuss all the important matters in the court with me!"

Fu Bi shook his head.

"King Yelu, if you die, I'm afraid your imperial brother will be the happiest, followed by your nephew Yelu Hongji, because no one cares about the throne of Liao anymore. In the eyes of their father and son, you are just an outsider. "

These words.

Suddenly he came to Yelu Zhongyuan's pain point.

"That's nonsense. The current Liao Kingdom is absolutely inseparable from me, Yelu Zhongyuan!" Yelu Zhongyuan said, clenching his fists.

Immediately, he looked at Fu Bi and Su Liang.

"You absolutely don't dare to kill me. You just want to exchange me for the benefits you want. What do you want?"

Su Liang smiled and said: "King Yelu, we do want to exchange you for some benefits, but if you think about it carefully, you may not be of much value in the eyes of your royal brother."

"Ask yourself, if you were to be traded for a city, would the Yelv Sect really trade it? I'm afraid he wants you to die more than we do!"

Yelu Zhongyuan opened his mouth to speak, but he didn't know how to refute.

Yelu Zong is really extremely selfish.

There is a high probability that it will be impossible to save him at a huge cost.

At this moment, Yelu Zhongyuan wanted to die.

At this time.

Su Liang waved his hand.

A soldier at the back brought a set of pen, ink, paper and inkstone.

"King Yelu, we do intend to use you in exchange for something valuable, but we feel that your brother will not give it to you. It would be disgusting if we really smash it into our hands. We have no interest in your life at all."

"Now, you have a chance. If you have anything to say, write it to your imperial brother. It would be best to highlight your value and make Yelu Zong really willing to pay a huge price to save you!"

Yelu Zhongyuan thought for a while and snorted coldly.

"Hmph, do you think this king is stupid? You asked me to write this letter just to better blackmail Daliao. If I don't write it, I won't do anything for you until our envoys arrive. .”

Fu Bi and Su Liang smiled at each other.

Fu Bi said: "Jingming, when do you think he will write it at the latest?"

Su Liang said with a smile: "I'm afraid I won't survive tonight. Otherwise, if Yelvzong really doesn't give the order in time, the Liao envoy may just abandon him. Then we can only take him back to Bianjing City and hand him over to the officials. If there really is a fight, use him as a sacrificial flag!"

Fu Bi thought for a while: "I think the latest is tomorrow at noon."

"Bet ten dollars."

"no problem."

……

The two left talking and laughing, while Yelu Zhongyuan turned black with anger.

This conversation is so insulting!

It was already embarrassing to be caught.

Fu Bi and Su Liang still felt that he had little use value.

"What a shame! What a shame! I didn't expect that this king would be so humiliated!" Yelu Zhongyuan shouted in the yard.

An hour later.

Yelu Zhongyuan picked up the pen.

In his eyes, his own life is naturally the most important thing.

He must tell Yelu Zongzhen of his important value to the current Liao Kingdom, otherwise he may really be abandoned.

An hour later.

Yelu Zhongyuan's autograph letter appeared in Su Liang's hands.

The letter stated his value to the Liao Kingdom and his future help to the Liao Kingdom, and then implored Yelu Zongzhen to redeem him.

Immediately, Su Liang handed the letter to the soldiers below.
Give this letter to the Liao soldiers on the other side of the Baigou River, who will quickly deliver it to Yelu Zongzhen.

(End of this chapter)