Disco de doble caja

Capítulo 55

As the saying goes, speed is of the essence in war, and it seemed that Heaven was especially kind to the Empress Dowager. Before the main army even reached Yingzhou, Xiuge had already surrounded the Song army at Junziguan near Wangdu. The freezing weather had severely hampered the archers, who were usually the bane of the Khitan cavalry, making it difficult for them to draw their bows and significantly reducing their effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Liao soldiers, having recently achieved several victories and hearing that the Empress Dowager, seemingly blessed by the God of War, was on her way, were brimming with morale and charged into the Song army's ranks to fight.

Song general Zhong Yuqian Zhongzuo Shentong commanded Juye Sangzan, who was unable to withstand the attack and led his troops to flee, leaving Liu Tingrang's forces surrounded. The most hateful one was Li Jilong. Liu Tingrang had originally assigned him a contingent of elite troops to cover the rear, but instead of coming to his aid, he led his troops to retreat to Leshou.

Isolated and without support, Liu Tingrang and Li Jingyuan could only fight with all their might. Li Jingyuan was killed in battle, and Liu Tingrang managed to escape with only a few riders, breaking through the encirclement. The rest of them were killed in battle, and the entire army was wiped out.

Upon hearing that Liu Tingrang's vanguard general He Lingtu and Gao Yangguan's commander Yang Chongjin had also come to participate in the battle, Xiuge frowned and a plan came to mind.

He Lingtu was the most despicable man. Not only was he brave but reckless, he also loved to steal credit and stir up trouble. He had been stationed at the border for over ten years, and every time he went to court to report on matters, he would embellish the story, exaggerating the importance of the border and how diligently he had defended it. The border was indeed important, but his mistake lay in his short-sightedness. He advised that Nanjing was easy to take. He told Zhao Guangyi that the Empress Dowager of Liao was a widow who did not uphold traditional virtues, openly having affairs with ministers. A woman who did such despicable things would surely be unpopular, and everyone in and out of the court would despise her. He argued that the Liao people were currently demoralized, and if Nanjing were seized now, the Empress Dowager would lose prestige and be unable to command the troops. The Liao army was already a disorganized mess, and Nanjing would be within easy reach.

Zhao Guangyi found He Lingtu's words very reasonable, so he launched the previous invasion of Liaodong without hesitation. In that campaign, He Lingtu operated alongside Pan Mei's western army. During the Battle of Wutai against Yelü Xiezhen, his poor command resulted in a disastrous defeat, with countless casualties. Later, he and Pan Mei rallied their remaining troops and fought Xiezhen again at Feihu, suffering another defeat. In that battle, Yan Yu and Yang Ye lost their innocent lives, which cannot be said to be unrelated to General He.

Hearing that he was stationed nearby, Xiuge devised a plan. He wrote a secret letter and ordered it to be delivered to He Lingtu that very night. In the letter, Xiuge highly praised He Lingtu and said that he had offended Empress Dowager Chengtian and feared for his life, so he wished to surrender to the Song Dynasty and hoped that Lord He could offer some guidance. He Lingtu was overjoyed upon receiving the secret letter. He didn't consider that Xiuge, as the ruler of Yuyue and the King of Song, was highly regarded by Empress Dowager Xiao, so how could she easily kill him? He only thought that the immoral Empress Dowager Xiao was bound to be unpopular, and that it was inevitable that this Liao general would surrender to the Song. Overjoyed, he led several dozen cavalrymen to meet Xiuge.

Seeing He Lingtu fall for the trap, Xiuge laughed loudly: "He Lingtu, you villain, you always judge border affairs by your own narrow-mindedness. The border is engulfed in flames of war, and you are largely to blame. Today, I, Yelü Xiuge, will take your life!" With a command, he charged at He Lingtu with his broadsword, killing him instantly. He Lingtu's cavalry was also wiped out. Xiuge then gathered his men and marched straight to He Lingtu's camp. Yang Chongjin, inside the camp, put up a fierce resistance, but it was too late. Refusing to surrender, he fought to the death within his own camp, unable to escape, adding another tragic chapter to the history of the Song-Liao war.

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter 104 Male Concubine

Updated: 2008-09-23 16:41:16 Word Count: 2992

After this great victory, Xiuge led his troops to press on and march south, capturing Qizhou, Shenzhou, Dezhou and other places in one fell swoop before halting their advance and returning to the capital. It was already the seventh year of the Tonghe era.

Upon her triumphant return, the people of the Liao Dynasty admired Xiao Xuan even more, to the point that the entire country knew of this invincible Empress Dowager Chengtian.

Brother Xiu's achievements were great, and Xiao Xuan was pleased with him. In March, she held a ceremony for Brother Xiu to enter the divine tent and perform the rebirth ritual. This was an unparalleled honor for Brother Xiu.

Looking at Xiu Ge on the rebirth platform, Longxu was filled with admiration. He had hoped to achieve something this time, but unexpectedly, he had worried his mother again. Yu Yue, one day, Longxu would be as brave and invincible as you.

Not long after, Liu Tingrang launched an attack on Yizhou during the sweltering heat of summer. His army was large and his generals fierce, causing many Liao soldiers to fear him. Only Xiuge led his troops to fight him at the Shahe River, inflicting tens of thousands of casualties and capturing countless supplies. With each victory, Xiuge's reputation grew, while the Song Dynasty grew increasingly disheartened. After the Battle of Shahe, the Song army, having suffered several defeats, dared not advance north again.

Everyone knows about Brother Xiu's achievements, and Xiao Xuan once again set a precedent for him to be exempted from paying homage when entering the court.

Looking at her high above him, Hugh was deeply moved. He had never imagined that a woman could give him so much. She made his value infinitely discovered and amplified in this era, and she made his name a legend in Khitan history.

From then on, whenever there was war, Xiao Xuan would entrust the matter to Xiu Ge and Xie Zhen. The two of them always handled things very well, easing her burden considerably. During these days, Xiao Xuan cherished every day, spending more time traversing the land of the Liao Dynasty. She wanted to get to know the people living on this land, and enjoy the four seasons with Han Derang, basking in the love and respect of the people.

Time flies, and three or four years have passed in the blink of an eye. During these years, the Liao Dynasty has been peaceful and prosperous. The people live and work in peace and contentment. Every year during festivals, people would offer incense for the longevity and good health of their Empress Dowager Chengtian before the Buddha.

In the twelfth year of the unification, he passed away at the age of seventy-five in the underground chamber. Xiao Xuan posthumously conferred upon him the title of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. At the tomb of this minister who had always worked diligently and conscientiously for the Liao Dynasty and governed the country, she sent hundreds of white camellias.

My lord, you are someone I deeply respect. These hundreds of camellias represent my feelings, just as the white camellia symbolizes: you are worthy of admiration. Whether it was Xiao Chuo or Zhong Xuan, in my heart, you are the most worthy of respect.

In July of the same year, some tribes living on the northwestern border colluded, showing signs of rebellion. Empress Dowager Xiao Hulian was furious upon hearing this and requested permission from her younger sister to send troops to quell the rebellion. Looking at her elder sister, whose temples were already slightly graying, Xiao Xuan smiled and agreed to her request.

In August, Xiao Hulian bid farewell to Xiao Xuan. The two sisters embraced for a long time before finally parting ways.

"You have a good man by your side now, cherish your life." Xiao Hulian looked at Xiao Xuan, giving her these final words before leaving.

"Yes, I understand. Don't worry, eldest sister. But you must be careful and stay safe and sound. Don't let Yan Yan worry too much."

Xiao Hu Nian nodded, mounted his horse, and led 30,000 troops away from the capital. Watching her eldest sister disappear into the distance, Xiao Xuan felt increasingly lonely. It seemed that her eldest sister was right; she really needed to cherish the people around her.

Although Empress Xiao Hulian was a woman, she possessed an indomitable spirit. "You people still fear nothing more than peace and quiet, plotting rebellion and becoming kings! Fine! I'll show you the might of the Xiao family!" Leading 30,000 troops, Empress Xiao Hulian truly lived up to the Xiao family's reputation, and certainly didn't disgrace her sister, the Empress Dowager of Liao. She led her forces across the northwestern border, pacifying the tribes that had attempted rebellion, and stationed them in the northwest to monitor their movements.

One day, Xiao Hunian, who had nothing to do, went to the horse farm, intending to pick a horse to gallop across the grassland. He saw a handsome stable boy washing the horses.

Hu Nian carefully examined the stable boy. Although his clothes were tattered, his features were exceptionally handsome, with red lips and white teeth. What was even more remarkable was that despite his handsome appearance, he was very strong, and his powerful muscles could be vaguely seen through the tattered clothes.

Looking at him, Hu Nian's heart was deeply stirred. She had originally married the King of Qi when she was a young woman, but unfortunately, the King died early, leaving her a widow in the prime of her youth. Although her sister had hinted that she should find a suitable man soon, she had spent decades alone in her empty chambers, and no one she liked had ever appeared in her life. Her heart, which had grown indifferent, was rekindled upon seeing this slave.

"What's your name?" Xiao Hulian asked as he walked up to the stable boy.

The stable boy was startled when he heard someone speaking behind him. He turned around and saw the Empress Dowager. He was so frightened that he knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, my name is Dalan Abo."

Seeing Dalan Abo kneeling on the ground, his handsome face filled with fear and panic, Hu Nian was even more delighted. He then said casually, "Come to my tent tonight after you've washed up." Then he turned and left.

"yes!"

Dalan Abo secretly glanced at the departing Hu carriage, marveling to himself: So this noblewoman is none other than the Empress Dowager of our Great Liao Dynasty. I had heard she was stationed here with troops, and I had imagined her to be an old woman with a face full of wrinkles and a head full of white hair. I never expected her to be such a proud and elegant woman.

Standing up, A-Bo continued diligently cleaning the horses, his mind firmly on the words: "If you come to my tent tonight after you've cleaned yourself up, remember them well." That night, A-Bo, cleaned and dressed in a set of neat clothes with fewer holes, went to the Empress Dowager's tent. He encountered no obstacles outside the tent and was led into Xiao Hu-Nian's tent by a maid.

Inside the tent, Hu Nian's long hair cascaded down to her waist, her silk robe loosened, revealing glimpses of her fair and smooth skin. Bathed in the flickering candlelight, she exuded an alluring aura.

Hu Nian glanced at the maid, waved her away from the tent, and then rose to examine the handsome stable boy. Dalan Abo was also stealing glances at Hu Nian, occasionally looking up at his open collar before quickly lowering his head shyly. Hu Nian noticed every move and every look, and his heart soared, feeling as if he were floating on air.

"To serve in bed."

Without saying anything else, Hu Nian uttered only these two words before slowly walking to his large bed, removing all his clothes, and sitting on the bed, casually putting down the curtains.

This scene left Ah-bo dumbfounded, especially the unusually voluptuous body of the woman who had never given birth; it terrified him.

He just stood there.

"Do you want to stand there all night?" a slightly annoyed voice came from inside the tent.

Shaking his head, Abo began to undress. Afraid that his body would defile her sacred eyes, he turned his back to the bed as he removed his clothes. His shy and timid appearance drew a soft chuckle from Hu Nian inside the tent. After stripping naked, Dalan Abo first glanced awkwardly back at the tent, then covered his genitals with both hands and walked towards the bed.

Lifting the curtain, Dalan saw Xiao Hu Nian looking at her and quickly bowed her head, calling out softly, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."

What a fool! Hu Nian thought to himself, but his eyes were full of regret.

"Aren't you coming up?" Hu Nian asked.

Upon hearing this, Dalan nervously scanned the tent with his eyes, then looked Hu Nian up and down before quickly climbing onto the bed. Kneeling on the bed, he dared not do anything, still covering his genitals with his hands, awkwardly watching Xiao Hu Nian.

"Can't you serve me in bed?" Xiao Hulian said coquettishly, then lay down on the bed and added, "What a stupid person."

"meeting!"

After answering, Abo disregarded his shyness and timidity and pressed himself against Xiao Hulian's smooth body.

With a soft moan, Xiao Hulian, who hadn't been loved by a man for many years, unconsciously cried out under the pressure of a woman's body. This soft moan made Abo's bones and flesh go weak and his blood surge. He no longer cared about his status or position, and tightly embraced Xiao Hulian, savoring the pleasure of heaven with her.

Their lovemaking ended sometime before dawn, when they finally drifted off to sleep. That night, Empress Dowager Xiao Hunian once again felt the warmth of love, while her stable boy, Dalan Abo, desperately sought more from her. Realizing it was already dawn outside the tent, Dalan Abo stopped, lingeringly caressing her breasts one last time, waiting for her to utter the words to banish him from the tent. But she remained silent, so Abo could only lean against her, continuing to wait. The day's labor and the night's passion soon brought his eyelids drooping, and he fell into a deep sleep.

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter 105 Stable Slave

Updated: 2008-09-23 16:41:34 Word Count: 2782

Seeing him sleeping so soundly, Xiao Hulian smiled slightly, closed her eyes contentedly, and drifted off to sleep as well. She didn't know how much time had passed when a strange movement came from Xiao Hulian, startling her awake. Opening her sleepy eyes, a mouth breathing warm air sealed her lips before she could even utter a soft moan. Dalan Abo, yearning for love once more, began seeking new passion with her. Aside from faint moans escaping her nose, the sweet cries that Xiao Hulian had uttered the night before were now completely locked in his lips after only a few hours of rest.

It's unclear how long they waited before they stopped, but they knew they had missed lunch, or even dinner.

Some things, no matter how beautiful, can't compare to the comfort of a meal. As night fell, the sound of her wanting to eat came from Xiao Hu Nian's large tent.

The servants and maids busied themselves and soon brought hot food to the two people in the tent who were already starving.

They didn't see their Empress Dowager again for three days. For three whole days, apart from having meals with their Empress Dowager and the slave, neither of them stepped out of that large tent. And now, even when she went out, the Empress Dowager would always be accompanied by that stable boy.

The news quickly reached the capital, and the story of the Empress Dowager and a stable boy's mutual affection soon became the talk of the town.

Hearing that her sister had found a man she liked, Xiaoxuan was secretly delighted. Although she frowned slightly when she heard that he was a stable boy, she quickly regained her composure. It wasn't a big deal. Stable boys were people too. Her sister had been lonely for most of her life; as long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.

Feeling bored, Xiao Xuan changed into her everyday clothes, taking two bodyguards who had also changed into their everyday attire with her. She walked out onto the street. Looking at the happy smiles on the faces of the people in the capital and hearing their friendly greetings, Xiao Xuan felt content. Tired from walking, she stopped in front of a shop selling cosmetics and hair accessories and asked one of her bodyguards to get her a chair so she could sit down and rest.

The host politely brought out a chair and invited the elegantly dressed woman to sit down. He even poured her a bowl of water to quench her thirst. Xiao Xuan happily drank the hot water from the bowl. She then gazed blankly at the passersby and the women buying cosmetics and hair accessories.

"Quick, help me see if this flower looks good on me?" Two women standing in front of the stall, preparing to buy hairpins, compared the hairpins they wanted to buy to each other.

"This hairpin looks too strange. It's not suitable for people our age to wear. We should wear something more dignified."

"Alas, you don't understand. I'm different from you. You have a husband at home. I've been widowed for many years, so I need to wear some novelties to attract attention. I need to find a husband as soon as possible. Of course, the more eye-catching the better. Who knows, maybe one day I can really be like our Empress Dowager. I might even find a young and strong man."

"Look how pleased you are with yourself! You think you can compare to the Empress Dowager? What kind of person is the Empress Dowager? Of course, she can have whomever she wants. At your age, you should be settling down and finding a man to settle down with. Why are you eyeing young and strong men? Don't young men know they can find a good family? Why would they choose an old and faded woman like you?"

"So what? At worst, we can just do what the Empress Dowager did and find a slave. We're a respectable family, how dare a slave be picky?"

"You idiot, talking nonsense! Do you think that slave can find land? Those lowly people are only fit for manual labor. I just don't understand how the Empress Dowager could have chosen that slave. I really don't know what tricks that stable boy used to bewitch someone as old as the Empress Dowager. Think about it, how could a young man like him fall for the Empress Dowager? He probably only chose her because he coveted her status, wealth, and power. In the long run, after the Empress Dowager passes away, all those things will belong to him. That slave really knows how to pick his targets."

Two old women stood in front of the stall, picking out ornaments while chatting idly, making Xiaoxuan frown.

"Your Majesty, this humble servant will go and slap those two old women a few times," the bodyguard whispered in her ear.

"No need, idle gossip shouldn't be taken seriously," Xiaoxuan said softly.

Seeing the two old women leave after choosing their jewelry, Xiao Xuan let out a cold snort.

After swallowing a mouthful of hot water, my mood was somewhat agitated. Then I saw a well-dressed woman with a dignified appearance, accompanied by a maid, coming to buy cosmetics.

"Madam, this powder is a bit too light in color. It would be better to buy some brighter ones. Nowadays, many families in the city are buying brightly colored powders."

"Oh? Why are you buying all those brightly colored ones? Are you going to put them on your face?"

"Madam, it's applied to the face. It's said that the Imperial Concubine in the far west likes to wear brightly colored face powder, and now everyone in the capital uses it."

"Shut up! Don't mention the Empress Dowager again! If you dare to say another word, I'll slap you." The lady's previously docile expression vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold face. She said to the maid, "She's ruined the reputation of the Xiao family. Who in the capital doesn't know the Xiao family? All three daughters of the Xiao family are of royal lineage. Although Xiao Yangan is dead, he was still the dignified Princess Zhao. The third daughter is even more remarkable; she is the Empress Dowager of our Great Liao. Although the late emperor is dead, and she is in a relationship with Lord Han, Lord Han is still a high-ranking official in our Liao Kingdom. Moreover, he is genuinely capable and talented, and has done so much for our Great Liao. I really can't understand why the Empress Dowager would choose such a lowly stable boy." The woman seemed to grow angrier as she spoke, and she even stopped buying rouge, turning around and leaving the stall with her maid. Still seated, Xiao Xuan suddenly felt a tightness in her chest. She put down her bowl, instructed the guards to give the family some money, and then turned to return to the palace. Back in the palace, the more she thought about it, the angrier and more frustrated she became. Such a small matter had caused such a stir among the people of the capital; it was truly infuriating. She immediately issued an imperial decree, summoning the Empress Dowager Xiao Hu Nian to bring the slave back to the capital.

Upon hearing the imperial edict summoning her back to the capital, Xiao Hulian understood what had happened. Living with a slave was indeed a controversial situation. However, she believed that her childhood friend would support her just as she had helped her quell the rebellion. So, she took Dalan Abo and embarked on her journey back to the capital.

Upon arriving in the capital, Xiao Xuan immediately summoned them to a private audience in the inner courtyard. Seeing Xiao Hu Nian, adorned with makeup and dressed in exceptionally vibrant attire, Xiao Xuan's heart skipped a beat. Indeed, her eldest sister had changed herself for a slave, just as the rumors had said. "A woman adorns herself for the one she loves"—this saying was certainly true. Xiao Xuan immediately ordered her guards to bring Dalan Abo before her as well.

“Dalan Abo pays his respects to Empress Dowager Chengtian,” Dalan Abo said.

“Lift your head up,” Xiaoxuan said.

A young and handsome face appeared before him. Dalan Abo, seeing Xiao Xuan's imposing expression, felt frightened and quickly glanced sideways at Xiao Hu Nian, hoping she would look after him. This glance immediately disgusted Xiao Xuan.

It seems the rumors were true. The man's eyes darted around. If his gaze had been unwavering and calm, Xiao Xuan might have felt a sliver of goodwill towards him and considered her older sister's situation with him. But this same man, with his shifty gaze fixed on Xiao Hu Nian, his eyes filled with fear and pleading, was begging Xiao Hu Nian for help, hoping he would tell him what to do next!

Sure enough, after seeing his pleading look, Xiao Hulian immediately turned to Xiao Xuan and said, "Yan Yan, he is an honest man. Don't listen to the rumors outside."

"Elder sister, today is a private conversation between sisters. I don't want to listen to what outsiders are saying. I just want to know what you think," Xiao Xuan said. "It's fine if you like him, you can just keep him by your side as a servant. There are plenty of capable ministers and fierce generals in our Great Liao. I wonder if there is anyone you like? Yan Yan wants to help you arrange a marriage."

Hearing Xiaoxuan say this, Hu Nian was secretly pleased. She was indeed his sister. He smiled and said, "Yanyan, I only want to marry Dalan Abo."