Trois canards mandarins et une paire et demie

Chapitre 44

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. You may entrust the matter of the attack entirely to Brother Xiu."

Looking at the capable Yelü Xiuge before him, Yelü Xian nodded and pondered for a moment before saying, "Xiuge, among our Liao soldiers, only your horse and armor are yellow, making you easily recognizable to the Song army. When you triumph in Nanjing, they will surely guess that you are my commander. If you change your armor and warhorse first, the Song army might not recognize you and will instead be careless, which would increase your chances of victory."

"Yes!" Xiuge accepted the order, left Yelü Xian's tent, changed his horse and armor, and summoned elite troops to cross the Nanyi River under cover of night and launch a night attack on the Song army. He was seething with anger; several battles had been sabotaged and abandoned halfway through. This time, he couldn't afford to be so cowardly in leading his troops. "Yelü Xiuge, if you want to return to Shangjing, show her with your sword that you are a warrior, and nothing can stop you." Wielding his sharp blade, Xiuge was like a beast in the night, cutting down the Song army. Caught off guard, the Song army could only flee in defeat. Xiuge seized the opportunity and led his men in pursuit all the way to Mozhou, leaving corpses strewn across the battlefield and capturing several Song generals.

Yelü Xian was overjoyed upon hearing the news, finally venting his anger. He could finally stand taller when he returned to see her this time. He immediately ordered a return to the capital. In mid-November, the Liao army marched back to the capital. By then, Zhao Guangyi's army had only just passed Daming Prefecture. Upon hearing of the defeat, Zhao Guangyi was enraged and ordered a change of course to Nanjing, intending to attack the city again. Fortunately, the Song Dynasty's prime minister and ministers persuaded him, explaining the exhaustion of the troops and the importance of rest for the Song army. This finally calmed the impulsive Zhao Guangyi.

The end of this battle finally brought a brief period of "peace" between the Song and Liao dynasties.

Upon returning to the capital, Xiu Ge received a royal horse and a golden cup as gifts from Yelü Xian. Looking at these items, he could only manage a bitter smile. He went back to his room, sat down quietly, and thought of her.

I don't know when I'll be able to see her again. I've been away from her for so many days, and I really want to see her.

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived."

Suddenly, a voice called out from outside the door. Upon hearing this, Hugh chuckled. He had just been thinking about her, and here she was; she arrived quickly.

He stood up and stared at the doorway. He had no intention of leaving the room; he was waiting for her to come in so they could have tea and chat together.

Xiao Xuan stepped into Xiu Ge's room, and heard Xiu Ge say in a low voice, "Your subject Yelü Xiu Ge greets Your Majesty the Empress."

"No need for that, my North Courtyard King!" Xiao Xuan said, then looked at Xiu Ge and burst into hearty laughter.

Hugh felt a chill run down his spine, sensing something was amiss, and quickly asked, "What are you laughing at?"

"King Yelü, do you remember what you told me when you left? That I still owe you a wife." Xiao Xuan looked at Xiu Ge with a mischievous smile.

"Your Majesty must have misheard." Hugh raised a hand to rub his eyes and said, "How could Hugh say such a thing?"

"Hey! You clearly said that!" Xiaoxuan's smile vanished instantly, and she glared at Brother Xiu angrily.

"Hey, sit down and have some tea!" After saying that, Brother Xiu gestured for Xiao Xuan to sit down and poured tea for the two of them. As long as there were no outsiders, the two of them always felt very relaxed.

After Xiaoxuan sat down, she held a teacup in her hand, but her eyes were fixed on Xiu Ge. She said, "You're not getting any younger. It's time to find a woman to take care of you."

Taking a sip of tea, Hugh lowered his head and said, "What if I end up with someone like you?"

Xiao Xuan was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Finding someone like me is a blessing!"

Hugh chuckled and said in a low voice, "That's true, at least it won't be a problem to carry on the family line."

Upon hearing this, Xiaoxuan put down her teacup, walked over to Xiu Ge who was sitting down, and punched him on the shoulder.

"You dare laugh at me?"

Hearing her annoyed voice, Hugh looked up at Xiaoxuan with his wild, large eyes and said, "No, I was just praising you! Who wouldn't want more children to carry on the family line? The only problem is not finding someone like you." He said this with a straight face, but Hugh had a mischievous grin on his face.

"Hey! Yelü Xiu, how many years have you been laughing at me? Aren't you tired of laughing?" Xiao Xuan looked at Xiu with helplessness. There was nothing she could do. Whenever the topic of children came up, no matter how many people were around, she would see Xiu secretly laughing to himself.

"That's all!" Hugh glanced at her and asked, "Are you hungry? I'll have someone get you something to eat?"

Xiao Xuan shook her head and looked at Xiu Ge, saying, "Don't keep changing the subject. Every time I mention finding you a wife, you start talking about this and that. This time, I'm determined to find you a wife so she can keep a good eye on you!"

"I don't want to!" Hugh said firmly. "Anyway, stop thinking about it. I don't want to, and that's it! If you try to force it on me, I'll kick her out and tell her that she has to thank you, the Queen, for her fate."

"You! Yelü Xiuge, I'm doing this for your own good! If it weren't for our years of friendship, I wouldn't bother helping you find women!"

“That would be best! Neither you nor His Majesty should pry into Brother Hugh’s private affairs. That would be a good way to honor our friendship over the years,” Brother Hugh said.

Looking at Brother Xiu, Xiao Xuan sighed, sat back down in her chair, and said, "Brother Xiu, I'm doing this for your own good. If you regret it later, don't blame me."

Hugh nodded and said, "I'm not the kind of man who regrets things. By the way, I have something for you."

"What is it?" Xiaoxuan asked with a smile.

Xiu took out a beautifully carved jade bracelet from his pocket and handed it to Xiaoxuan, saying, "This is for you."

Looking at the jade bracelet in Xiu's hand, Xiao Xuan seemed to remember something and asked, "Xiu, I know His Majesty harbors resentment over the siege of Nanjing, which is why he has repeatedly sent troops to attack the Song Dynasty. But what about the people of the Song Dynasty..."

"Don't worry, wear it." Brother Xiu interrupted Xiao Xuan and said, "I haven't killed a single civilian. I only kill those who oppose me. The bracelet came from an honorable source, so you don't need to worry. I won't let you have anything dishonorable on you."

Seemingly satisfied with Xiu's answer, Xiaoxuan smiled and put the bracelet on her right wrist. Watching the jade bracelet sway on her wrist, Xiu felt an indescribable sadness. It was a bracelet he had secretly commissioned for her, one he would take out and examine carefully every night, and now it was finally on her wrist. He had only one hope: that the bracelet would remain on her arm, accompanying her forever, until the end of time, until the seas dried up and the rocks crumbled...

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter 83 Maid

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:23 Word Count: 3778

"On the way back to Beijing, I couldn't stay idle, so I hunted some wild game. Shall we go get some to eat?" Xiu said to Xiao Xuan.

Xiaoxuan nodded and said, "Okay, make more, I'll take some back for the children too."

"Don't worry, it's enough." Hearing Xiaoxuan mention the child, Xiu Ge's face broke into a mischievous grin again.

A month later, a tremendous piece of news shocked the capital and caused a sensation in the Liao Dynasty and neighboring tribes.

Yelü Xiuge was granted the title of Yu Yue. This young Khitan general, with his bravery and wisdom, earned the most prestigious title in the Liao Dynasty.

In the fourth year of the Qianheng era, thanks to the efforts of Yelü Xian, Xiao Xuan, and the Liao court officials, the Khitan emerged from the shadow of Yelü Jing's rule and gradually regained its vitality, making achievements in agriculture and military affairs. Just as all the generals and soldiers were fulfilling their duties and rejoicing in the gradually prosperous Khitan, one person suddenly jumped out and broke this brief harmony.

At Xiao Xuan's pleading, Xi Yin was spared punishment and appointed as the commander of the southwest. He then conspired with neighboring small tribes in his encampment to rebel again.

Yelü Xian suppressed the news, forbidding anyone from mentioning the matter to Xiao Xuan, and also forbidding the Empress Dowager and Princess Zhao from visiting Xiao Xuan. He secretly dispatched troops to quell the rebellion. By the time Xiao Xuan learned of this, the weak and isolated happy Yin had already been ordered imprisoned in Zuzhou.

Standing outside Yelü Xian's study, Xiao Xuan hesitated whether to go in. Inside, Yelü Xian sat alone at his desk, lost in thought. His brows were furrowed, his mind preoccupied with how to handle the situation. Remembering how she had pleaded with him to spare her second sister and Xi Yin last time, it seemed she wouldn't want him to hurt them this time either.

Alas! Why Xi Yin of all people! Xiao Yangan, why did you have to marry him! Yelü Xian had long seen through Xi Yin's fickle nature. Although he outwardly restored his title, he remained secretly wary of him. At this moment, he pondered: This time, Xi Yin has rebelled again. If I don't deal with him, it might leave a future threat, harming Yan Yan and her child. My health is deteriorating. I absolutely cannot leave such a major threat alive. This time, no matter what, I must kill Xi Yin. I cannot take the risk. Before I die, I must resolve this matter. This time, no matter who pleads for me, even if it's Yan Yan herself, I cannot agree. I cannot leave such a huge hidden danger around them.

Yelü Xian was deep in thought in the study. Outside the study, Xiao Xuan hesitated for a long time before stepping into the room.

"Xian!" she called his name softly.

Upon seeing her arrive, Yelü Xian hurriedly stood up from his chair and walked towards her.

"When you arrived, I thought you were playing with the children."

"I've come to say something to you, and then I'll leave. You've been avoiding me these past few days, is it because of Xiyin? I know I shouldn't bother you at this time, but as for Xiyin, you can do whatever you want with her, I won't interfere. I just want to ask you, can you spare my second sister's life?"

After pondering for a moment, Yelü Xian nodded and said, "Alright, I agree. Yan Yan, a country has its laws, and a family has its rules. Xi Yin's life must not be spared. As for Xiao Yangan, I will spare her life because she is your elder sister. I hope that Xi Yin's matter will teach her a lesson and she will know better."

"I'm sorry, I upset you." Xiaoxuan said, lowering her head. She didn't know when it started, but she began to worry and be afraid that he would not like her anymore.

“You!” Yelü Xian said, lifting Xiao Xuan’s face. “How could I be annoyed by you?” After saying that, he hugged Xiao Xuan in his arms.

God, why can't I have more time to love and be with her forever? I have her, I have children, but my body is telling me that I'm about to lose them. Why is that?

"Cough cough cough," Yelü Xian coughed for a while. Xiao Xuan frowned, quickly patted his chest, and asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell again? I'll go and call the imperial physician."

"No, it's fine, I'm alright." Pulling her back into his arms, Yelü Xian comforted Xiao Xuan, saying, "I'm fine."

A few days later, before Yelü Xian could deal with Xi Yin, a rebellion broke out in Zuzhou. Song soldiers who had surrendered during the Battle of Waguan Bridge, who had previously been in contact with Xi Yin, attempted to break into the city and rescue him, but were forced to abandon their attempt due to the city's strong defenses. Unwilling to give up, they instigated Xi Yin's son, Liu Lishou, to declare himself emperor, establishing a small court in Zuzhou that rivaled the capital. Yelü Xian, of course, would not tolerate such behavior. He dispatched troops to quell the rebellion, ordered Liu Lishou's execution, and brought happy Yin and Xiao Yangan back to the capital.

In the capital city, there is still a prince's mansion, but the original gilded plaque that read "Prince Zhao's Mansion" has been removed.

Xi Yin stepped into his old home again, thinking that the Empress would take care of him out of sisterly affection and not pursue the matter. Little did he know that he would never have the chance to rebel again in this lifetime. In July, Xi Yin, who had failed in his rebellion several times, was ordered to commit suicide in his own home.

Her husband, Xi Yin, was dead, and her son, Liu Lishou, was also dead. Alone, Xiao Yangan stood in the courtyard of the Zhao Prince's mansion, not shedding a single tear. Looking at the moon hanging high in the night sky, she even smiled slightly.

Three days later, in her own palace, Xiao Xuan received the Zhao family maid who had come to request an audience.

"This servant greets Your Majesty the Empress." The maid from the Prince Zhao's residence entered and knelt down.

"Yes, stand up and talk."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The maid stood up, glanced furtively at Xiao Xuan, and said, "By order of the Madam, we invite Your Majesty to the residence tomorrow evening for a chat. The Madam has also prepared wine and dishes for Your Majesty, and we urge Your Majesty to come."

"Oh!" Xiaoxuan replied thoughtfully, "After all that has happened, Second Sister must be feeling terrible. I haven't seen Second Sister for a long time either. I will definitely go to your residence tomorrow night. Please pass on my message to Second Sister."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the maid replied.

"What, Xiao Yan is looking for the Empress?" A voice rang out, and Xiao Xuan looked over to see Yelü Xian walking in from outside.

The maidservant hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "This servant greets Your Majesty."

Yelü Xian asked coldly, "Your wife invited the Empress to a banquet?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the maid replied softly, bowing her head.

"Hmph! What's your wife up to?" Yelü Xian asked with a sneer.

"Xian!" Xiao Xuan walked up to Yelü Xian and gently tugged at his sleeve, saying, "Second Sister just asked me to catch up with her, don't take it to heart."

Looking at Xiao Xuan, Yelü Xian sighed with pity, but still coldly asked the maid, "Speak quickly! If you dare to lie, I will have you skinned alive!"

"Xian!" Xiao Xuan stared wide-eyed at Yelü Xian. She couldn't understand why he was suddenly so furious. It was just that her second sister had sent someone to invite her to a meal, why was he being so fierce? Even if her second sister had indeed done some things while serving Xi Yin, Xi Yin was now dead, and there was no need to hold a grudge.

"Don't be like that. It was my second sister who invited me to dinner. She didn't mean anything by it," Xiaoxuan said, trying to persuade Yelü Xian.

"Yan Yan, listen to me, it's not that simple," Yelü Xian said.

"Don't worry too much..." Before Xiao Xuan could finish speaking, Yelü Xian pointed at the trembling maid and said, "Do you believe that I will have you dragged out and executed right now?"

"Xian," Xiaoxuan emphasized, what was wrong with him? Why was he suddenly so violent? This was the first time in all these years that he had threatened to kill someone in front of her.

"Madam... she... she's in the wine..." the kneeling maid said weakly.

Xiao Xuan was taken aback upon hearing this, and together with Yelü Xian looked at the trembling maid kneeling on the ground.

"How is it?" Yelü Xian almost roared.

The maid glanced nervously at the furious Yelü Xian and whispered, "The wine... is poisoned."

"Speak up and explain yourself!" Yelü Xian shouted, looking at Xiao Xuan who was stunned for a moment.

"The lady has poisoned the wine and wants me to invite the Empress to a banquet. She wants to... wants to... poison... the Empress..." At this point, the maid began to sob; she simply didn't have the courage to say the rest.

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Below are a few books I recommend. Take a look if you're interested, or you can close this if you're not (sorry for taking up so little space).

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Recommended works:

"Beautiful Women" (Quoting a reader: Torture him until he awakens...) Book ID: 1009173