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Upon hearing this, Yelü Xian frowned and remained silent.

At this moment, Hugh, who had been listening to the discussion, said, "Hugh believes that Nanjing cannot be lost."

"Oh?" Yelü Xian asked Xiu Ge.

"Nanjing has belonged to our Great Liao for a long time, and its military and trade capabilities are unmatched by any other capital. If we were to relinquish Nanjing, all the manpower and resources accumulated over the years would vanish into thin air. Such losses cannot be recovered overnight. Moreover, if the Song people were to capture Nanjing, it would become a powerful city for the Song against our Great Liao. How could we possibly take it back then? The Song people understand this principle, which is why they are determined to take Nanjing. How can we possibly abandon such a large city and hand it over to others?"

After Xiu finished speaking, Yelü Xian's expression improved.

Yelü Xian pointed at the assembled officials and said, “Yelü Xidi and Xiao Taogu failed to properly scout the enemy's situation before rashly launching an attack. Their military tactics were ineffective, and they were defeated by the Song generals, utterly disgracing our Great Liao! And now you utter such spineless words. How can you be generals? Which of you has the spirit of Xiu Ge? Serving in the same court, don’t you feel ashamed? Xiu Ge, I hereby order you to replace Xidi as the Northern Court King. Immediately gather the troops of the Five Courts and proceed to Nanjing to join forces with Xie Zhen, who is on his way to relieve the siege, and do everything in your power to resolve the crisis in Nanjing.”

"yes!"

Upon receiving the order, Xiu Ge headed straight for the capital, intending to gather all the personnel from the Five Academies and set off immediately.

In the imperial palace in the capital, Xiao Xuan sat in her room, watching Yan Shou Nu sleeping soundly on the bed, quietly lost in thought.

In Nanjing, Han Derang, who was guarding the city in place of his father, sent an urgent letter saying that the Song army, which had captured Jinyang, was marching in a mighty army under the leadership of Emperor Zhao Guangyi, heading straight for Nanjing.

Upon hearing the news, Yelü Xidi, the Northern King, who rushed to intercept the enemy, was defeated by his commander Xiao Taoguquan. Nanjing is now besieged, and the situation is critical.

It felt like a dream, yet not quite. Years ago, Xian had always told her that the Song dynasty maintained good relations, that the relationship wasn't strained. A couple of years ago, she suddenly heard the news that Zhao Kuangyin had died and his younger brother Zhao Guangyi had ascended the throne. It was as if a memory had been forcibly awakened; she recalled phrases like "the shadow of the candle and the sound of the axe" and "the Golden Box Covenant." She remembered the unofficial histories about the Zhao brothers, saying that this ascension was shrouded in mystery. How could Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, have died suddenly overnight? And what about the Golden Box Covenant? If such a binding agreement truly existed, why did Zhao Guangyi force Zhao Kuangyin's son and his own brother to their deaths, paving the way for his own son's ascension? If that edict was genuine, why didn't Zhao Kuangyin immediately produce it to prove his innocence when he died, amidst the doubts of the court? Why wait until several years after his ascension to reveal the existence of the Golden Box? Hmph, it was just a way to deceive everyone and find a convenient excuse for his own smooth ascension.

When Zhao Kuangyin's empress died, he did not hold a funeral according to the rites for an empress. New emperors usually change the reign title the following year after they ascend the throne, but he changed it immediately after ascending the throne. He must have something to hide! Thinking of these things about Zhao Guangyi, Xiaoxuan's heart was in turmoil.

Zhao Guangyi, you despicable man!

Xiao Xuan vaguely remembered that in the historical novel, Zhao Kuangyin had a beloved concubine who was later shot to death by Zhao Guangyi. Zhao Guangyi had repeatedly advised his brother, Zhao Kuangyin, saying, "This concubine is a seductive beauty who bewitches the emperor. If you, brother, are captivated by her, I fear you will ruin the affairs of the state." He continued, "Throughout history, there have always been women who bring ruin to the country and its people. I did this for my brother's own good, to prevent him from becoming obsessed with beauty and harming the country and its people."

Recalling what Zhao Kuangyin had said to me years ago outside Jinyang City—that Hua Rui had been accidentally shot and killed—I realized Zhao Kuangyin's expression was so helpless then. It seemed that the one who shot Hua Rui was none other than Zhao Guangyi!

"Bah!" Xiao Xuan grew angrier the more she thought about it. Zhao Guangyi, what a load of rubbish you spouted! You're the one who's a shameless, lustful, and wicked scoundrel. Your words sound so eloquent, but Li Yu, the ruler of the Southern Tang, wasn't even dead yet, and you already forcibly took his Xiao Zhouhou and kept her in the palace. How can that be explained? A dignified monarch, capable of forcibly taking a minister's wife—you certainly have plenty of scandalous stories. I wonder what kind of monarch you were in the eyes of the Song Dynasty officials. There's even a rumored painting in later generations called "Emperor Xiling's Visit to Xiao Zhouhou," depicting the scene of you raping Xiao Zhouhou. When Xiao Zhouhou refused, you ordered several maids to hold her down and forcibly defile her, and you still dared to spout such righteous words! If there truly is a woman who can bewitch a monarch, it's a ruler like you.

At this moment, Xiaoxuan's mind was filled with these unverified historical anecdotes. The reason why her chest was burning with anger was because of the old wound on her shoulder.

Back then, a man named Zhao Guangyi relentlessly pursued her within Han territory, filled with suspicion. She was terrified, believing him to be paranoid and therefore intent on killing her. Now, gently touching the old wound on her shoulder, Xiaoxuan is brewing a plan.

A series of footsteps sounded, and a soft voice called from outside the door: "Your Majesty the Empress." Xiao Xuan got up, and afraid of waking the sleeping Yanshou Nu, she tiptoed out of the room.

Looking at the attendants outside the door, Xiao Xuan asked in a low voice, "Is there any news?"

"Your Majesty, His Majesty has ordered that Lord Tiyin, Yelü Xiuge, replace the Northern Court King Yelü Xidi and lead the troops of the Five Courts to Nanjing to meet with Lord Yelü Xiezhen and jointly lift the siege of Nanjing."

"Oh? Where is Brother Xiu?" Xiao Xuan asked.

"We are mobilizing troops in the Northern Prefecture," the attendant replied.

Xiao Xuan glanced at Yan Shou Nu on the bed inside the room and whispered, "Immediately summon the Empress Dowager to the palace and tell her to come see me at once!"

"yes!"

Watching the attendants leave in a hurry, Xiao Xuan went back to her room to tidy her clothes, and then sat on the bed to wait for her sister Xiao Hu Nian to arrive.

Before long, Xiao Hu Nian was ordered to enter the palace to see Xiao Xuan.

"Yan Yan, why are you in such a hurry to find your older sister? What's wrong?"

Xiao Xuan looked at Xiao Hu Nian and said, "Elder sister, Yan Yan has to leave the capital for a while. Please take care of the children for Yan Yan."

When Xiao Hulian heard her say this, he thought she missed Yelü Xian, who was hunting outside, and wanted to go out of the city to find him. He quickly said, "Yes, no problem, you go ahead. I'll take care of the children."

Seeing that Xiao Hu Nian had agreed, Xiao Xuan hurriedly left the palace and headed to the Northern Palace.

Zhao Guangyi, I will see you this time! A personal campaign? Fine! A personal campaign indeed! I will avenge the two arrows you shot that day. And I will avenge Yan Yu. There has been no news of Yan Yu since. He and his son were loyal defenders of the country; they must have been killed by you when the Han dynasty was destroyed! How can I swallow this insult!

If any other general had been ordered to relieve the siege of Nanjing, Xiao Xuan wouldn't have dared to have such thoughts or actions. It was only because the person ordered to relieve the siege was Yelü Xiuge that Xiao Xuan was so bold.

In her heart, as long as she was by Xiu Ge's side, there was absolutely no danger. Among all the Liao officials, Xiao Xuan had complete trust in Xiu Ge; she didn't know why, but she just trusted him so much.

Accompanied by Xiao Jixian, who had already been designated as the imperial son-in-law, Xiao Xuan arrived at the Northern Mansion and, led by a servant, headed towards Xiu Ge's room. At that moment, Xiu Ge was in his room putting on his armor, preparing to depart immediately.

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived."

Hugh was taken aback and looked at the open doorway, where she was standing.

"Go down," Xiao Xuan said to the servants behind her. After the servants left, she stepped into Xiu Ge's room.

"Your subject Yelü Xiuge greets Your Majesty the Empress."

"Don't mention it! Get up quickly." Xiao Xuan said to Yelü Xiuge with a smile.

Xiu glanced sideways at Xiao Xuan, whose face was beaming with smiles, and a sense of foreboding crept into his heart. He straightened his back, looked at the petite woman before him, and asked, "May I ask what business Her Majesty has with Xiu?"

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter 73 Discussion

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:08 Word Count: 3143

“Hehe,” Xiaoxuan smiled at Xiu Ge and said, “Actually, it’s nothing important. I heard that His Majesty wants you to lead troops to Nanjing to relieve the siege, right? I’ll go with you.”

He knew that her smile, especially her sweet smile, was never a good sign. Hugh's heart sank, and he said, "Without His Majesty's decree, I dare not."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xuan's face immediately fell, and she said, "I can also issue decrees. I will issue a decree to you now, ordering you to take me to Nanjing!"

With his eyes fixed on Xiao Xuan, Yelü Xiuge said, "There's no one else here. I'm asking you, did you go to Nanjing to see that man?"

Xiao Xuan suddenly realized that the person currently guarding Nanjing was Han Derang, who was in place of her father. No wonder Brother Xiu asked that question.

Xiao Xuan shook her head and said, "How could that be? I already have so many children, how could I possibly have the mind to care about other people?" After saying that, she pointed to her shoulder and said, "You should remember this place. The archer is in Nanjing right now. I'm going to avenge those two arrows."

Hugh then remembered that the Song emperor who had led the troops was named Zhao Guangyi. Recalling the time he saved her and she cried out Zhao Guangyi's name, Hugh wondered: Could it be that the one leading the troops this time was the same dark-skinned, fat man who had injured her before? Could things really be such a coincidence?

As Hugh was wondering, he heard her words again: "I've seen it, and I'm definitely injured."

Seeing her staring straight at him, Hugh turned around, his back to Xiaoxuan, and said, "I didn't see it!"

"You!" Xiaoxuan was furious that Brother Xiu dared to deny his promise. Looking at his tall back, she raised her hand and punched him hard, saying, "Fine, if you won't take care of me, I'll go by myself."

"You dare?" Upon hearing this, Brother Hugh turned around and roared at Xiao Xuan.

Seeing Xiu Ge's ashen face, Xiao Xuan frowned and said, "How dare you interfere with me!"

Speechless after hearing her words, Brother Xiu glared at Xiao Xuan, unsure what to say. That was a battlefield; how could he take her there? Taking her there would be sending her to her death, and there was no way he could accept it.

Looking at Hugh, Xiaoxuan wanted to make one last attempt to persuade him. She looked at Hugh in a gentle tone and said, "In my heart and eyes, you will always be the best. As long as you are by my side, I feel very safe. If you are not willing to take me with you, then I will have to leave on my own."

Her words softened even the hardened heart of Brother Xiu. He feared nothing more than this woman flattering him and saying nice things. He sighed, pondering: If he didn't take her, given her nature—she meant what she said—and with His Majesty not in the city, who could stop her? But if he took her, the place he was going was so dangerous; what if something happened to her?

“If you go, he will definitely be angry when he finds out.” Xiu Ge said to Xiao Xuan, “I will help you get revenge. You just stay in the capital and wait for my news.”

Shaking her head, Xiaoxuan said, "I want to go myself! You take me, and I'll watch from a distance, okay?"

“His Majesty is angry and will punish you,” Hugh advised.

"He won't. Even if he gets angry, I'll talk to him and he won't be. Don't worry."

Listening to her words and thinking about Yelü Xian's doting affection for her, Xiu Ge felt a pang of jealousy.

"I'll take you there." He blurted out, then immediately regretted it. He shouldn't have done it, but a pang of sadness made him say such an absurd thing. He wanted to see her, he wanted her by his side, just like when he found her in Han territory and sent her all the way back to the capital.

He regretted it, but it was no use; he had already said it. Looking at her beaming face, Hugh felt a pang of pain in his heart. In short, I will not let you go to the battlefield, and I will not allow you to be in danger.

Riding a red horse, Xiao Xuan followed beside Brother Xiu, heading towards Nanjing with the soldiers of the Fifth Academy.

Han Derang, who was defending the city in Nanjing in place of his father, felt a surge of panic as he watched the Song army besieging the city. He ordered his men to hold the city at all costs while awaiting reinforcements. He didn't aspire to be a hero or do anything earth-shattering; his thoughts were simple: he didn't want the city to fall under his command, and he didn't want to be looked down upon by the Empress in Shangjing. He wasn't defending the city for the Liao Dynasty, but for her.

Although the Song army was large and well-equipped, it was not without its grievances. The siege of Jinyang had lasted for months, and although they had eventually persuaded the Han emperor and his officials to surrender, the soldiers were exhausted both physically and mentally. They had been waiting for their rewards and honors, but instead, their bodies hadn't even had a chance to recover before being dragged to the battlefield to attack Nanjing. Many soldiers harbored resentment, and the fact that Zhao Guangyi had brought a large number of palace women with him when the army set off further astonished many.

With so many women, there were many problems. Traveling with so many concubines caused delays for many units, preventing them from reaching their designated locations on time. Zhao Guangyi was furious and even wanted to execute the generals who hadn't arrived on time. Fortunately, Zhao Yanpu persuaded him, saying that they were there to fight the Khitans, and killing their own soldiers before defeating the enemy would likely demoralize the army. Heeding this advice, he withdrew his order.

Along the way, after defeating Liao generals Yelü Xidi and Xiao Taogu, Zhao Guangyi felt that the journey had been very easy. Taking surrendered generals and cities was as easy as taking candy from a bag. He thought to himself that this battle would surely be won.

Just as Zhao Guangyi was overjoyed and felt victory was within his grasp, a Liao general dealt him his first blow in this battle. This Liao general was Yelü Xiezhen.

Seeing the Song army's fierce advance, Xie Zhen ordered his soldiers to change into the banners of the previously defeated Yelü Xidi, feigning a defeated army. Zhao Guangyi fell for the trap; seeing the banners of the previously defeated Yelü Xidi, he lowered his guard and ordered his men to pursue the remnants of the army. Taking advantage of this moment, Xie Zhen arranged for an elite force to flank the Song army from the rear, catching Zhao Guangyi completely off guard. Sensing danger, Zhao Guangyi quickly ordered a halt to the pursuit and ordered his troops to set up camp.

These minor victories gave Xie Zhen an opportunity to seize the area north of Qingsha River, awaiting the arrival of a large army to provide assistance.

Zhao Guangyi didn't dwell on the mistake in this initial engagement; his primary objective was Nanjing. In his eyes, once Nanjing was captured, any number of troops sent would be futile and would eventually be forced to retreat. Therefore, at the gates of Nanjing, he employed his most skillful tactic: indiscriminate troop deployment. He ordered his army to surround Nanjing and employ battle formations. Initially, under his command, the soldiers launched relentless attacks on Nanjing day and night. Arrows rained down from all sides, constantly penetrating the city, creating a perilous situation.

Han Derang was determined to defend the city, staying on the front lines day and night and personally directing military operations. Fortunately, Nanjing was exceptionally well-fortified, and although the Song army's offensive was fierce, the city could not be captured easily.

Zhao Guangyi, who thought that taking Nanjing into his own hands would be a matter of days, had another person make him frown after Yelü Xiezhen's attack on him.

Zhao Guangyi's battle formation required soldiers to obey orders and no one was allowed to move without permission. This formation gave Yelü Xuegu, the Liao general who was ordered to come to Nanjing's aid, an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

Yelü Xuegu, intelligent and studious from a young age, possessed great wisdom and resourcefulness. Having been ordered to come, he secretly observed the Song army's every move outside Nanjing. At night, under the cover of darkness, Xuegu led his troops out of a gap in the city walls. His sudden arrival caught the Song army, who were arrayed in battle formation, completely off guard. Without orders, the soldiers dared not intercept him, fearing they would disrupt their formation and incur their own deaths. They could only watch as Yelü Xuegu led his troops past them, breaking through the encirclement and entering Nanjing. Nanjing had been besieged for several days, morale was low, and the people were demoralized. After entering the city, Yelü Xuegu dared not relax his vigilance. Together with Han Derang, he worked to reassure the troops while simultaneously maintaining strict vigilance against a Song attack.

Despite being heavily surrounded by his army, the Khitans still managed to break through the formation and enter the city, infuriating Zhao Guangyi. At that moment, someone suggested a night raid on Nanjing, which Zhao Guangyi approved.

The Song general hastily dispatched three hundred elite soldiers to storm the walls of Nanjing under cover of night. However, before they could even gain a foothold, they were all routed by Yelü Xuegu and Han Derang's troops. The Song army was forced to retreat to their camp to prepare for their next move.

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter 74: Avenging Her Fall

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:08 Word Count: 3253

At this time, Han Derang and Yelü Xuegu were stationed in Nanjing, while outside the city, Yelü Xiezhen met with Yelü Sha, the Southern Chancellor and Grand Protector, who had gone to rescue the Han territory but was defeated at Baimaling and returned empty-handed. The situation gradually changed.

In July, Zhao Guangyi personally led the attack, and while he was directing the siege, a Khitan force bearing the banners of Yelü Sha suddenly attacked. Fortunately, the Song army was large and well-equipped, and with timely reinforcements, they showed no signs of defeat, instead gradually overwhelming the Khitan force. These Khitan soldiers were highly skilled in guerrilla warfare, and coupled with their innate wildness, although they couldn't withstand the onslaught, they fought the Song army until sunset. Just when the Song army thought a great victory was in sight, two more groups of troops suddenly attacked from their left and right flanks, completely throwing the Song army into disarray.

The Song army, initially outnumbered, was caught off guard by the sudden attack from these two groups, plunging its soldiers into panic. Yelü Xuegu and Han Derang, inside the city, clearly saw that the suddenly appearing forces were flying their own banners and quickly ordered their troops to shout in unison. Shouts erupted throughout Nanjing, and the Song army, unable to discern the exact number of Liao troops, was terrified and thrown into chaos.