Building a Harmonious Song Dynasty

Chapter 19

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Some people have guessed that Yue Fei was injured, what a great idea! I also want to write about him like that! It's a pity that Yue Fei is not yet 14 years old and his skills are not yet proficient enough to appear on screen. Don't worry, everyone, it'll be here soon!

Volume 1: Fate Determined 037: Secretly Sending an Envoy for Help

Although there had been no war for more than a hundred years since the Song and Liao signed the Treaty of Shanyuan, the Song Dynasty had to send tribute to the Liao Dynasty every year. Such humiliation was deeply buried under the appearance of peace and stability. How could the two countries be truly friendly?

At this moment, the eldest son of the Liao emperor appeared here without warning while envoys from various vassal states were coming to the Song Dynasty. How could this not alert Zhao Gou?

Zhao Gou's face was tense. The two people opposite him obviously knew Zhao Gou's identity beforehand. They were also very uneasy, glancing at Zhao Gou from time to time and at Wu Nian from time to time.

Seeing the tense atmosphere and Wu Nian's lack of intention to speak, Qin Zhen had no choice but to break the deadlock. She nudged Zhao Gou with her round, bun-like hand and said, "His Highness Prince Jin has come to Bianjing secretly to discuss something. Why don't you sit down and have a good talk with him?"

When Zhao Gou saw Qin Zhen address Ao Luwo as "Your Highness," he suddenly felt very angry, but seeing her injured hand... he had no choice but to bite the bullet and sit down in front of Ao Luwo.

Seeing that the two were seated, Wu Nian prepared to leave: "This humble monk is going out to check on the two madmen who are sleeping soundly in the courtyard. You gentlemen, you may discuss this matter at your leisure."

The burly man, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up: "What's there to discuss with this child?"

Hearing the Liao people's contempt, Zhao Gou straightened his back and retorted, "What is there to say to a boorish person like you?"

Seeing that the two had started arguing, Qin Zhen became extremely anxious and quickly grabbed Zhao Gou, who was about to storm off, saying, "This is a matter of national importance; you can't act rashly!"

Before even stepping out the door, Wu Nian frowned and looked at Ao Luwo, saying, "I can't do what you want me to do. You should discuss it with them; there might still be a chance. The opportunity is in front of you; you decide for yourself."

Ao Luwo looked at Wu Nian seriously and said, "Since you say so, then I believe you."

Then Ao Luwo sternly said to the burly man behind him, "Ada, apologize to the Ninth Prince!"

A'da's bull-like eyes widened like copper bells as he stared incredulously at his master, finally yielding to Ao Luwo's persistent gaze. He lowered his head to Zhao Gou, who was holding his head high, suppressing his anger, and said, "Please forgive my rudeness, Ninth Prince!"

Zhao Gou glanced at A'da slightly, and seeing that he had already bowed his head in apology, he sat back down. He was not one to act impulsively. He knew that Qin Zhen had brought him to see the Liao prince for a reason, but if the Liao people thought he was young and easy to bully from the start, then the two sides would not be able to negotiate on an equal footing.

Seeing that the two had sat down again, Wu Nian closed the door of the meditation room and went to check on the person who had attacked Qin Zhen earlier.

Ao Luwo glanced at Wu Nian's retreating figure, took a deep breath, and said, "My secret trip to Song was originally for private matters, so I deliberately kept it a secret from Song officials. But since my second uncle asked me to discuss this with you, then..."

"Second Uncle?" Zhao Gou interrupted him, asking in confusion.

Qin Zhen quickly explained from the side, "Well... my sixth senior brother was originally a prince of the Liao Kingdom, but after something happened, he was stripped of his title by the Liao royal family, and all traces of his existence were erased..."

Ao Luwo lowered his head and said, "This is a family scandal, so I won't go into details. The real reason I came here was to invite my second uncle back to court, but he insisted on refusing. I really have no way to help him."

"So that's how it is? What's the use of telling me this?" Zhao Gou pointed at Qin Zhen and said to Ao Luwo, "If you beg her, she might be able to help you bring your second uncle back, after all, they are fellow disciples."

Ao Luwo said with a wry smile, "We already asked Miss Qin to persuade her, but it was to no avail."

Zhao Gou glared at Qin Zhen, his eyes wide as if to say: You brat, when did you sneak out of the palace again!

Ao Luwo continued, "I'm sure the Ninth Prince has already heard about the Jurchen rebellion. The Emperor invited Second Uncle back precisely so that he could quell the rebellion and bring peace to the country."

"Does your Liao Kingdom have no generals left to use?"

Zhao Gou's tone was slightly contemptuous, and A'da's fist clenched. Ao Luwo seemed oblivious to his sarcasm and calmly said, "If it were an ordinary rebellion, our country wouldn't need to go to such lengths. However, several months ago, I received reports from spies that the Jurchens had sent envoys to the Song Dynasty, infiltrating the Goryeo delegation, attempting to negotiate a joint attack on our country. We are very worried about this and have no choice but to ask our second uncle, a peerless general, to lead the expedition again, just in case."

Liao and Jin... Although Aoluwo tried hard to conceal the fact that he was being pressured by the Jin, Zhao Gou couldn't be completely unaware. The latest news he received was that Yelü Yanxi had personally led an expedition but was routed by the Jin and forced to flee in disarray. It seems the Jin had really pushed the Liao to its limits!

Zhao Gou suddenly remembered what Qin Zhen had said at Liquan Temple last year. Did she know back then that the Jin Dynasty would grow so rapidly? He was indeed unaware that the Jin Dynasty had secretly sent envoys to the Song Dynasty. Now that Ao Luwo had mentioned it, he gradually realized the seriousness of the matter. It would be a terrible decision for the Song Dynasty to get involved in the war at this time!

He glanced at Ao Luwo and asked with a deliberately mocking smile, "Are you perhaps trying to persuade us not to ally with the Jin Kingdom?"

Upon hearing his meaning, Ao Luwo hurriedly said, "The Liao and Song dynasties are brotherly states. How can you collude with those hungry wolves, the Jurchens?"

"Haha, how ridiculous! Would the Brotherhood seize my land and plunder my wealth? Cooperating with the Jurchens would not only exempt us from paying tribute, but more importantly, it would allow us to reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. Tell me, why would I refuse such a good deal?"

Ah Da could no longer contain his anger and roared, "Ignorant brat!"

This time, Zhao Gou was not angry. Instead, he smiled at A'da and said, "Ignorant child? But now you are asking an ignorant child for help."

Volume 1: Destiny's Fate 038 - Old Ginger is Spicy

A'da was about to say something, but Aoluwo stopped him. The situation in Liao was indeed extremely bad. In addition to the fierce Jurchens, there were undercurrents within the court, and people from all sides were rising up in rebellion. This decline forced Aoluwo to lower his head and consider the overall situation.

“I understand what the Ninth Prince means. The conflict between Liao and Song is nothing more than the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. I will bring your message back to the court. If... if there is room for negotiation regarding the Yan and Yun region, could you temporarily refrain from agreeing to the Jin Kingdom's request?”

Zhao Gou was extremely excited. The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun! That was a strategic territory that the Song Dynasty had wanted to reclaim for hundreds of years. Could it really be taken back by him? He suppressed his excitement and said indifferently, "That depends on your sincerity."

Ao Luwo nodded: "Before next spring, our Great Liao will send an envoy. Please make preparations in advance, Your Highness, after all..."

Zhao Gou saw Ao Luwo's worries; wasn't he just worried that Ao Luwo couldn't make the decision? Although this matter was difficult to handle, it wasn't entirely impossible, so he braced himself and said, "Worried that I can't make the decision? Rest assured, as long as the Liao Kingdom shows the sincerity of a brotherly state, I can guarantee that your rear will be secure."

"Then it's settled!"

—

With a sharp "crack," the shattered celadon teacup on the floor revealed Zhao Kai's fury; his heart was burning with rage. The butler, cowering in the corner, watched Zhao Kai with fear, thinking, "My master's temper has gotten much worse lately; he loses his temper at the drop of a hat. He's extremely dangerous!"

Zhao Kai, his chest heaving, retorted, "A mistake? Three people couldn't handle two children under ten? Are you kidding me?"

The steward licked his chapped lips and said, "The three of them lost contact after entering Xiangguo Temple, and the Ninth Prince's carriage is already on its way back to the palace, so I suspect they've failed..."

Zhao Kai slammed his fist on the table in anger again. How could this be? How could this be?

He had sent three highly skilled assassins, though he felt it was a waste to use them to deal with two children. But to be on the safe side, he made the arrangement. Now, however, he received news that Qin Zhen and Zhao Gou had returned to the palace safely! Zhao Kai suddenly trembled. Only then did he truly realize that the enemy he was facing had exceeded his imagination, and the situation was completely out of his control!

"Prepare the carriage, I am going to the palace to pay my respects to my mother!"

As if granted a pardon, the steward quickly prepared a carriage for him, and soon set off for the inner palace of the Forbidden City.

The late autumn sun was slightly cold, shining on the smooth, round glazed tiles and reflecting a dazzling array of colors. In the fragrant hall, an ornately dressed concubine stirred the jade Guanyin statue that bobbed up and down in her cup, a cold smile playing on her lips.

Zhao Kai suppressed his impatience and sat upright below Consort Wang, waiting for his mother to speak to him. He finally waited until she put down her water cup, but Consort Wang then ordered the palace maids to trim her already perfect nails.

The sight of her full, crimson fingers was dazzling to Zhao Kai. He rushed to the palace to pay his respects to his mother, but she showed no sign of wanting to talk to him in detail!

The last wisp of steam rose from the remaining tea in the cup, and Consort Wang lazily said to the palace maid, "Take away the tea, and go to the Imperial Kitchen to order a few more good dishes. My son, please stay for dinner tonight."

After the palace maids left, only the mother and son remained in the hall. Before Zhao Kai could speak, Consort Wang raised her phoenix eyebrows and asked, "My son, have you not calmed down yet? So impetuous, what great things do you still want to do?"

Zhao Kai was struck by a slap in the face by Consort Wang and suddenly realized that he had unknowingly lost himself. Where had the usually calm and steady Zhao Kai gone?

"Mother... Your son knows he was wrong..."

Only then did a smile appear on Consort Wang's face. She reached out and pulled Zhao Kai closer, saying, "My son, don't be anxious. The outcome is yet to come. Who knows who will emerge victorious?"

"But... Mother, what is Qin Zhen's background? My three top experts can't do anything to her!"

Consort Wang pondered for a moment and said, "This girl is quite capable. I underestimated her at first!"

"How is she?"

“When she first entered the palace, she was informed by her spies that the two brothers, Zhao Huan and Zhao Gou, treated her with special favor. Later, before the Cai You incident, news came that she had taken Zhao Huan and Zhao Gou out of the palace to meet Cai Jing. I didn’t believe that such a young child could have any great abilities, but who knew that Cai You would actually get into trouble in the end. Not long after, there was also trouble with Wang Fu, and she was involved in all of these things. I had to believe that she was indeed extraordinary.”

Zhao Kai frowned, feeling quite displeased. Seeing her son's worry, Consort Wang said, "Although the Qin father and daughter are somewhat peculiar, they are not entirely without hope. Just remember one thing: the final decision rests with your father, the Emperor. As long as you remain his most beloved son, you will be invincible!"

"But this time, Father Emperor entrusted the important task of receiving foreign officials to the Crown Prince, and I had no chance to stand out."

"Foolish." Consort Wang sneered, "Don't you know what kind of person your father is? So what if he handles politics well? If you don't share his interests, even the best minister in the world won't catch his eye! Your calligraphy and painting skills are inherited from him. Zhao Huan is no match for you in this respect!"

Zhao Kai nodded, then heard Consort Wang change the subject, saying reproachfully, "You've ended up in this passive position entirely of your own making. You need to reflect on your actions when you get back, and you must not be so soft-hearted as to show any more compassion!"

"I...didn't..." He was about to retort when Consort Wang, her phoenix eyes slightly wide, retorted, "If you hadn't failed to eliminate Zhao Gou earlier, none of this trouble would have arisen today. Don't just see Zhao Huan and ignore that brat!"

This wasn't the first or second time; Consort Wang had repeatedly urged Zhao Kai to take action against Zhao Gou as soon as possible. Although he had plotted to assassinate Zhao Gou before, he had never taken it seriously. Today, Zhao Kai had no choice but to ask Consort Wang why she valued Zhao Gou so much.

"I didn't want to tell you this, for fear that it would put too much pressure on you, but now it seems that as long as I don't tell you the truth, you will never understand who your opponent really is!"

"Please tell your son everything, Mother!"

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Today is Arbor Day. Did everyone plant a tree or go out for a spring outing?

Volume One: Fate Determined 039 - What is the Interpretation of the Warning and Prophecy?

Two updates as a token of my gratitude!!!

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Consort Wang lifted her wide sleeves, revealing a string of sandalwood prayer beads on her fair wrist.

“This is…” Zhao Kai remembered seeing his mother wearing this string of Buddhist beads since he could remember, but he didn’t know what was so special about it.