Empress Dowager Xiaoxuan

Chapter 42

"Yan Yan, I can't sleep, I miss you!"

Xiaoxuan blushed and chuckled, "We've been together for so many years, and we already have a bunch of kids. You still say things like that? What's there to think about?"

“I just want to!” Yelü Xian said, then walked to Xiao Xuan’s side, took her hand, and looked at her carefully.

Not knowing why he would behave so unusually, Xiaoxuan lowered her head in embarrassment.

"By the way, Yan Yan, aren't you being a bit too harsh on Longqing? I just heard you tell him to remember the difference between elders and juniors for the rest of his life. Longqing is still young and doesn't understand many things. He also likes to command his troops. I think he's very promising. You should praise him more today."

Hearing this, Xiaoxuan sighed and said, "If he were an ordinary family's child, I wouldn't have said anything to him; I would have praised him for playing well and having spirit. It's a pity he was born into an imperial family. Everyone says being an emperor is good, but who knows the price one has to pay? Longqing is arrogant, Longxu is tolerant, and Longyu is still young. If I don't say something harsh today, I fear that one day, a hundred years from now, the throne of the Liao Dynasty will be contested again. Xian, you mentioned to me that you wanted to pass the throne to Longxu, ending the long-standing chaos of the Khitan throne being passed from one tribe to another." "The chaos will solidify the next clear line of the royal bloodline. Since you have this intention, I must consider the children's well-being. Longqing is indeed exceptionally talented, but he is arrogant and disdainful of others. One day, when we are both buried beneath the yellow earth, I fear he might do something drastic. Each of my children is precious to me, and I hope they will all be well. However, the throne is too tempting; I fear that one day they will succumb to its allure and turn against each other. My strictness towards them today, if it can prevent such a calamity in the future, will actually be a good thing."

Empress of Khitan - Chapter Seventy-Eight: Pride

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:08 Word Count: 3133

After listening to Xiaoxuan's words, Yelü Xian gripped her hand even tighter. He was amazed that she had considered things so far ahead and so deeply. He had established a series of systems for the country's affairs, hoping that after his death, Longxu could face the affairs of the Liao Dynasty more easily. He hadn't expected that she was also planning and considering things for the children.

"Anyway, I can't sleep right now. Come with me to the Nanjing city wall and watch the sunset," Yelü Xian said softly to Xiao Xuan.

Seeing that Yelü Xian was no longer arguing with her about the child, Xiao Xuan nodded and said, "Okay." Then she and Yelü Xian walked out of the study one after the other and headed out of the mansion.

As Yelü Xian walked, he would occasionally turn back to look at Xiao Xuan, a genuine smile of relief spreading across his face. "Yan Yan, with the children here, I can rest assured."

Yelü Xian and Xiao Xuan arrived at the city wall and climbed it. Looking at the clear blue sky and the vast earth, they were filled with emotion. "Children," they thought, "when you grow up, how many of you will understand the painstaking efforts of your father and mother?" Since ancient times, royal power has been the most coveted thing, yet also the most harmful. For it, families turn against each other, brothers kill each other; before it, people become incredibly cruel. Every crown, every imperial seal, is soaked in blood. He knew this all too well. As a child, it cost him his family, and he almost became a sacrifice in a rebellion. After seizing the throne, he almost lost his family again—his wife, his children. Sometimes, he even hated the throne; it made his life exhausting, yet he couldn't live without it, because he was a man. A man desires an empire, a vast territory. On that empire, on that territory, he would carve his name.

Yelü Xian and Xiao Xuan rested in Nanjing for a few more days until the city's inhabitants had settled down before leading their troops back to Shangjing. Upon returning to Shangjing, Yelü Xian rewarded the meritorious soldiers. Han Derang was appointed Military Governor, Yelü Xuegu was appointed Military Governor of Baojing, and Yelü Xiuge and Yelü Xiezhen were both given military command. Although Yelü Sha's attempt to aid the Han army failed, his contributions in the war against the Song Dynasty were considered equal, and he was not punished.

After bestowing rewards, Yelü Xian made another decision: to prepare his armor and weapons for a major campaign against the Song Dynasty to avenge the siege of Nanjing.

That night, Xiaoxuan and Yelü Xian had an argument.

"Why do we have to fight? When will this fighting ever end?" Xiaoxuan said unhappily.

"It was the Song people who attacked our Great Liao first, not me who wanted to fight them!" Yelü Xian said. "Hmph, if I swallow my anger, wouldn't that only make the Song people look down on me even more and think that our Great Liao is easy to bully!"

"How many people will die in this war? How many women will be widowed? How many children will be fatherless? Have you thought about that?" Xiao Xuan questioned Yelü Xian.

"Yan Yan!" Yelü Xian grabbed Xiao Xuan's shoulder and said, "Do you think I am a person who likes war and killing? If that were the case, why would I have bothered to be on good terms with the Song Dynasty and exchange gifts with them all these years? If the Song Emperor hadn't forced me to this point, do you think I would have abandoned you and the child and led the whole army to attack the Song Dynasty?"

"Xian, since that's the case, why not give in one more time?"

“Yan Yan, you’re just talking like a child. If we keep giving in, he’ll think we’re easy to bully and he’ll attack us again sooner or later. On the battlefield, it’s always the ruthless one who gets to call the shots. If you let him know how powerful you are, he’ll be wary of you in the future and behave himself.”

"Sigh!" Xiao Xuan sighed softly, gently stroking Yelü Xian's chest as she said, "Your mind is made up, and I can't persuade you no matter what I do. I just hope that you will let those Song people know how powerful the Khitan are, and then come back quickly. The children miss you, and I will miss you too."

Grasping the hand across his chest, Yelü Xian smiled gently and said, "I know what I'm doing."

Xiao Xuan nodded upon hearing this, and the two of them quieted down and lay down to sleep. Yelü Xian pretended to be asleep, but after hearing Xiao Xuan's even breathing, he slowly opened his eyes and looked at her.

Yan Yan, you don't know, I'm doing this for you and the child. I'm still by your side now, able to avenge you, but what will become of you, a widow and orphan, once I'm gone? If the Song Dynasty attacks again, won't you and your child be in danger? If anything happens to you, I won't rest in peace! Let me do as much as I can for you while I'm still alive.

Unfortunately, despite Yelü Xian's good intentions, his military campaign did not go smoothly because he chose a short-sighted man, known for his medical skills but unsuitable for leading troops, as his commander. This man was Han Derang's father, Han Kuangsi.

A few days later, Han Kuangsi, who had been enfeoffed as the Prince of Yan, led his army south as commander-in-chief, along with Yelü Sha and Yelü Xiuge, who served as military supervisors. They soon arrived at the western outskirts of Mancheng and assembled. The Liao army was remarkably well-disciplined and disciplined.

Upon hearing the news, Song officials, including Cui Han, the Commander of the Palace Guard, once again showcased Zhao Guangyi's unique military tactics. Facing the Khitan cavalry, they forced the vastly outnumbered Song army to regroup, their formations disjointed and unable to coordinate. Seeing the Liao army's overwhelming strength and numbers, while their own forces were so rigidly arrayed, morale plummeted. Fortunately, not all Song generals were like Cui Han, disregarding the enemy's situation and resolutely carrying out Zhao Guangyi's orders. Among them was Zhao Yanjin, a general who had followed his father in the campaign against Wang Jingchong and later fought alongside Emperor Shizong of Zhou, Chai Rong, in his campaigns.

Looking at the spirited Khitan soldiers before him, Zhao Yanjin and Cui Han discussed changing their formation.

Cui Han feared that he would be punished by Zhao Guangyi for the defeat, and he could not bear the blame. So he asked Zhao Yanjin, "What if His Majesty finds out that we did not deploy our troops according to his military strategy and becomes angry and punishes us?"

Zhao Yanjin stared at Cui Han and the others and said, "With a formidable enemy at hand, how can we disperse our forces without considering the situation? The Khitan army already outnumbers us. If we disperse our forces now, we will likely suffer a crushing defeat. It would be better to concentrate our forces in one place and launch a strong attack. Perhaps there is still a chance to turn the tide. If His Majesty blames us, then Yanjin is willing to bear all the responsibility."

Hearing his words and seeing that the Khitan were indeed strong and well-equipped, everyone felt uncertain and simply rearranged their battle plan according to Zhao Yanjin's instructions. On one hand, they gathered their troops, and on the other hand, they sent someone to deliver a letter of feigned surrender to Han Kuangsi.

The Battle of Nanjing made Han Derang famous throughout the court and the country. Seeing his son bring such glory to the family and make him proud, Han Kuangsi was overjoyed. This time, Yelü Xian intended to promote the Han family and summoned him to lead troops. After the army was stationed, he paced back and forth in his tent, thinking about how to win a brilliant battle and how to further glorify the Han family. Just then, a soldier brought him a letter of surrender from a Song general.

"Hahaha, Heaven has truly been kind to me, Han!" Han Kuangsi was overjoyed as he looked at the surrender document. He hadn't expected to win this battle without sending a single soldier. His face beaming with delight, he immediately ordered his men to inform the supervising officer and others.

Upon learning this, Xiu Ge rushed to Han Kuangsi's tent. Looking at Han Kuangsi's beaming face, he said, "Commander-in-Chief, I believe this is a feigned surrender by the Song army. There must be a conspiracy involved."

Han Kuangsi was happily sipping his tea when he heard Xiu Ge's words. His expression changed drastically, and he said with displeasure, "Xiu Ge, this isn't the first time I, Han Kuangsi, have led troops into battle. Do you think I can't tell if this is a feigned surrender? Our Liao army is strong and well-equipped, with many soldiers. How many soldiers does the Song Dynasty have right now? They have no intention of fighting against our Great Liao. You shouldn't be so suspicious. Doing so will only cause you to miss such a good opportunity."

“Lord Han, Brother Xiu is not being paranoid. Although the Song army is small, the troops are well-organized and their morale is high. They show no signs of defeat. Why would they suddenly want to surrender?” Brother Xiu said, expressing his opinion.

Han Kuangsi grew increasingly displeased. "You, Yelü Xiuge," he thought, "you only gained His Majesty's favor by relieving the siege of Nanjing. Besides, without the Empress's support, how could you possibly be on equal footing with me, Han Kuangsi, in this campaign?" He then said, "General Yelü, I know you are a capable fighter. With the Song army's surrender, you haven't had the opportunity to fight and earn merit, which is why you said those words. But endless fighting and pointless sacrifices—humph, what's the point?"

Xiu Ge was furious upon hearing this, but Han Kuangsi was the commander-in-chief, and this military expedition had to be under his command. Even if Xiu Ge had objections, he was powerless to do anything about it. He immediately turned and left the tent, pondering a countermeasure. Meanwhile, Han Kuangsi impatiently gathered his troops, preparing to accept the surrender of the Song general.

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter 79: Pleading for Mercy

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:08 Word Count: 3140

Seeing him lead his troops out of the camp, Hugh was furious. He quickly gathered his men, left the camp, and retreated to a high place to hide.

Han Kuangsi and Yelü Sha led their troops towards the surrendered Song army. The Song soldiers knelt down in unison, their expressions extremely respectful. Han Kuangsi, seeing this, was even more pleased and led his army deeper into the camp. Suddenly, a loud bugle call rang out from all sides. The kneeling Song soldiers immediately grabbed their weapons and thrust them at the still bewildered Liao soldiers. Instantly, screams and the neighing of horses filled the air as the Liao army descended into chaos. Han Kuangsi, alarmed, disregarded his command and was the first to ride out of the Song camp. Without a leader, the Liao soldiers were even more chaotic, fleeing hastily. In the ensuing chaos, many Liao soldiers died. The Song army, having feigned surrender, had prepared numerous traps around their camp. Many Liao soldiers fell into these traps as they fled, instantly losing their lives. Those trampled to death in their haste to escape, those impaled in traps, and those who couldn't escape were all numerous.

Seeing victory within his grasp, Zhao Yanjin immediately ordered a pursuit of the fleeing Liao army remnants. This chase terrified Han Kuangsi, who lamented that his horse didn't have more legs. They were in a sorry state, losing armor and weapons, and were on the verge of being caught by the Song soldiers. Just as Han Kuangsi was about to resign himself to his fate, he heard a deafening shout ahead. A column of troops stood on a high hill, led by General Yelü Xiuge. He quickly spurred his horse and fled with his remaining troops towards Xiuge.

The pursuing Song army, seeing the well-organized troops and the banners of Yelü Xiuge, were filled with dread. This Liao general, wounded and battered, who had pursued the Song emperor during the Battle of Nanjing, was renowned throughout the Song army. Upon seeing his men, the soldiers halted and retreated to their camp, thus saving Han Kuangsi's life.

Yelü Xian, who was in the capital, was furious upon hearing the news. He was just about to set off when news of the defeat came from the front lines. This was a disgrace to him! He waited day and night for Xiuge, Yelü Sha, and Han Kuangsi to return so that he could punish them severely.

Upon hearing of the defeat, Xiao Xuan knew that Yelü Xian must be furious. Remembering that she had stopped Yelü Xian before the soldiers went to war, she was afraid that he would feel embarrassed if he saw her, so she stayed in the children's room to minimize the chances of meeting Yelü Xian, intending to comfort him after the matter had passed.

That day, she was resting alone in the back garden when she heard a cry of "Mother, Mother!"

Xiao Xuan turned around and saw her eldest son, Long Xu. She quickly went to greet him.

"Mother, you're here! I've been looking for you for ages!" Longxu said, his face flushed and panting.

Seeing his anxious expression, Xiao Xuan quickly asked, "Longxu, why are you in such a hurry? Has something happened?"

"Mother, it was Han De who sent Lord Han to find you," Longxu said breathlessly.

"Lord Han? Does he have urgent business with Mother?" Xiao Xuan asked Long Xu. Long Xu nodded, took Xiao Xuan's hand and said, "Mother, come! Come with me!" After saying that, he pulled Xiao Xuan and ran all the way to the study where the princes were studying.

Xiao Xuan looked around and saw Han Derang sitting in the center of the study, his eyes red and swollen.

After thinking for a moment, Xiaoxuan said to Longxu, "Longxu, be good. You must be tired from running around. Go play."

"Hmm!" After glancing at his mother and then at Han Derang, who was always kind and gentle to him, Longxu ran out of the study.

"Lord Han, you wanted to see me?" Xiao Xuan asked Han Derang.

Han Derang stood up and looked at Xiao Xuan, then suddenly knelt down and said, "Please, Your Majesty, save my father."

"Get up. What's wrong? Get up and tell me." Xiao Xuan's face flushed red as she looked at Han Derang kneeling on the ground.

"His Majesty has issued an edict to kill my father and Lord Yelü Sha. I know my father's crime is unforgivable, but..." Han Derang could not continue speaking, tears streaming down his face.

"Go back and wait for news." Xiao Xuan couldn't bear to see him shed tears, so she quickly turned around, left the study, and walked towards the main hall.

Over the years, although Xiao Xuan had been acting as regent with Yelü Xian's tacit approval, those were all domestic affairs of Liao. She had never been involved in matters of foreign warfare, nor did she want to. She knew that the defeat in this expedition was caused by Han Derang's father, Han Kuangsi, but she hadn't expected Yelü Xian to kill the high-ranking Prince of Yan, Han Kuangsi. It seemed he was furious this time. What should she do? She had never liked getting involved in such matters... Sigh, Xiao Xuan sighed and forced herself to enter the main hall where court affairs were being handled.

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived."

With the shout, Xiao Xuan appeared before Yelü Xian and his ministers. Yelü Xian was taken aback, and as he looked at Xiao Xuan walking slowly towards him, he tried his best to soften his expression.

Xiao Xuan walked to the front of the civil and military officials, looked at Yelü Xian sitting high in the hall, gave a slight bow, and said, "Xiao Chuo greets Your Majesty."

Yelü Xian was taken aback upon hearing this.

What's wrong with her today? Why isn't she sitting beside me, but standing with the officials? I quickly said, "Yan Yan, rise."

Looking at Yelü Xian sitting high in the main hall, Xiao Xuan smiled slightly and said, "I heard that His Majesty wants to kill two ministers of the court, so Xiao Chuo came here to plead for them."

Yelü Xian frowned upon hearing this and said, “Yan Yan, you came here specifically to plead for mercy? I understand your good intentions, but this time I cannot grant your request. Han Kuangsi ignored all advice, readily believed the enemy's words, and after falling into their trap, he even fled on his own, forgetting that he was the commander-in-chief, abandoning his soldiers and running away like a rat, causing the deaths of countless soldiers of our Great Liao! Yelü Sha is also to blame. Last time, when he was defeated by the Song Dynasty while rescuing the Han Dynasty, he should have been punished. I spared his punishment because of his merit in relieving the crisis in Nanjing. This time, as the supervisor, he blindly followed Han Kuangsi's command, resulting in an unfavorable start and a defeat in the first battle. They have completely disgraced our Great Liao! This time, if it weren't for Xiu Ge's quick thinking, the entire army that followed them would have been wiped out. Yan Yan, if I don't kill them, it will be difficult to convince the people!”

The ministers knew that Yelü Xian loved this empress the most, and that he always spoke to her in a soft and gentle voice. But now, facing the empress in the main hall, he spoke in a loud and indignant voice, which meant that he was really angry. They all stood aside with their heads down and remained silent.

"Your Majesty, please calm down! Yan Yan came here not to say that they were without fault and should not be punished. Yan Yan just remembered something." Xiao Xuan saw that Yelü Xian's face turned red as he spoke, and knew that he must be very angry at the moment, so she gently comforted him.

Hearing Xiao Xuan's gentle voice, Yelü Xian realized he had lost his composure, so he lowered his voice and said, "Someone, bring a seat for the Empress."

After Xiaoxuan sat down, Yelü Xiancai said, "Yanyan, you speak."

"Lord Talie passed away recently, and Lord Xianshi is now seriously ill. Your Majesty, look at all the civil and military officials in the court. How many are old and frail, and how many are still in their prime? Although we have no shortage of young and promising generals, when it comes to the experience of governing the country and ensuring its prosperity and well-being, how can they compare to these veteran ministers? Even when it comes to leading troops into battle, their knowledge may not be as rich as that of the veteran ministers." Xiao Xuan said this, and the ministers understood that she was advising Yelü Xian. They found her words to be reasonable, and many of them nodded in agreement.

Xiao Xuan continued, “No one is perfect. Han Kuangsi and Yelü Sha have indeed committed serious offenses this time, but Your Majesty is also aware of what they have done for the Liao Dynasty. They have defended cities, led troops into battle, and reported victories. It is easy for someone to make a mistake, but difficult for someone to achieve merit. It is like a tall tower; there are many ways to make it collapse, but there is only one way to make it stand tall: to continuously build up and strengthen its foundation. Your Majesty, the Liao Dynasty is that tall tower, and the ministers in the court are the bricks and stones used to strengthen the foundation and thicken the tower. If the bricks and stones become fewer and fewer, then even if you have the desire to build a tall tower, you will no longer have the opportunity. Now the court is in need of capable people, and Your Majesty must not execute veteran ministers out of anger. This will only do harm to the Liao Dynasty. So many soldiers have already died in battle; why add two more fierce generals?”

"Your Majesty, please have mercy!" As soon as Xiao Xuan finished speaking, all the officials in the hall knelt down. Xiao Xuan's analogy was very pleasing to everyone, and they all knelt down to plead for the Empress.

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan, Chapter 80: Death

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:23 Word Count: 3153