Section 3

Sima Meng sought an audience with Xiao Youdan and slightly pursed his lips, his heart stirred as he understood the situation. He quickly turned the horse's head and observed solemnly, only to see two large flags embroidered with the sun and moon, surrounding a young man clad in golden armor, galloping out from the city. The black-armored knights shouted in unison: "Long live, long live, a thousand years!"

Sima Meng expressed his embarrassment and said, "I feel ashamed for repeatedly failing the examinations. Ultimately, I have no desire for fame and fortune; I only wish to appreciate the beauty of mountains and rivers"

"I dare not, I am Marin Shui, the son of the pure character. Due to my nature of enjoying travel, I came to the Northern Dynasty, primarily to see the scenery of the northern lands"

Indeed, in the past, Emperor Taizu was compelled by the eight tribes, and it was the Han people who supported the establishment of the nation; figures such as Han Derang from the previous dynasty were also Han people, reaching the rank of kings. Our Great Liao governs the Han affairs in the south and the Khitan affairs in the north, treating both the Han and the barbarians equally; moreover, all emperors throughout the ages have revered Confucianism, and none have failed to personally pay homage to Confucius; among the ministers and nobles in the court, there is hardly one in a hundred who does not understand the Han language or is unacquainted with Han characters, and who would dare to look down upon the scholars of China? Your Highness the Crown Prince not only excels in archery and horsemanship but is also well-versed in poetry, painting, music, and chess, having personally read and praised the writings of Shi Yue and Su Shi from the Southern Dynasties. With your esteemed talent, if you could wholeheartedly assist His Highness the Crown Prince, you would surely be able to realize your ambitions.

Sima Meng sought an audience with Xiao Youdan, who boasted about this so-called "heavenly bestowal." Sima could not help but feel a deep sense of admiration. He was also aware of the various stories from the Five Dynasties period, knowing that the Liao state was able to destroy the Later Jin solely due to the latter's poor choice of personnel; otherwise, Liao Taizong Yelü Deguang would have inevitably faced the fate of total annihilation. He then chuckled dryly and said, "Hearing your esteemed opinions is more enlightening than studying for ten years. I initially thought that the scholars of the Northern Dynasties would surely look down upon those of the Southern Dynasties."

Sima Mengqiu nodded slightly and said proudly, "This is also a good thing. The Great Song is a country with limitless prospects! The court will never forget Brother Han's contributions in the future, bestowing titles and benefits upon your family, which is a trivial matter." Han Xianguo smiled noncommittally, clearly not taking it too seriously. Sima Mengqiu laughed and said, "I know you don't believe it. A few years ago, I wouldn't have believed it either. But now, everything has changed"

"Ah, why must you be so modest, sir?" Xiao Youdan smiled and said, "I have already inquired with my servants, and your merchant caravan is also headed to Zhongjing. Therefore, we shall travel together. Once you have met the Crown Prince, you will understand that he is indeed a worthy ruler to support. The saying 'Chu talent for Jin use' is quite ordinary. You must not waste the talents you possess."

Yelü Jun looked at Yelü Yinjie with confusion and disbelief. Although he spoke only words of praise, his expression was very serious, as if he were discussing something of great importance

"Yes." Sabo replied briefly and turned to leave

Yelü Yinjie shook his head with a heavy expression and continued, "Your Highness harbors great ambitions. In just a few days since your appointment, you have appointed a group of lower-level officials, dismissing those corrupt individuals who relied on flattery to gain their positions, and have recommended the loyal and upright Ma Qun Taibao Xiao Wukelin as the chief of the Khitan imperial palace. This has provided an opportunity for some loyal and upright individuals to serve the court, demonstrating a significant resolve to clear the world of corruption. We, your subjects, greatly admire this, and the common people are praising your wise and decisive leadership."

As Sima Mengqiu was about to respond, he suddenly saw the gates of the Zhu Xia city wide open, with hundreds of black-armored cavalrymen lined up in an orderly formation, marching out with great discipline. The dark flags obscured the sun, and for a moment, the only sound outside the city was the rhythmic clattering of hooves. Upon witnessing this spectacle, Sima Mengqiu was taken aback. Just as he was about to turn and ask Xiao Youdan, he noticed the black-armored cavalrymen simultaneously taking out their horns and blowing them with a mournful sound. He turned back and caught sight of Yelü Yinjie, whose face was filled with evident surprise.

Han Xianguo, upon seeing their attire and insignia, realized that these individuals were actually palace guards of the cavalry. His heart involuntarily shuddered, and in an instant, his expression changed, breaking into a broad smile as he spoke in fluent Khitan: "We are the leaders of the merchant convoy." The two assistants from the merchant convoy hurried over, bowing and explaining. The guards then scrutinized the two from head to toe, and only after dispelling their suspicions did they allow the two to enter the tavern

Sima Mengqiu, however, remained in the ranks and did not catch up. Taking advantage of this moment, Han Xianguo urged his horse over and whispered, "Mr. Ma, if there is anything, I will be waiting for you at the Datong Restaurant." After saying this, he did not wait for Sima Mengqiu to respond and hurriedly slipped back into the merchant convoy.

"Six hundred thousand cavalry! If the Song Dynasty had six hundred thousand cavalry, the world would not be at peace," Sima Mengqiu lamented, while carefully counting the number of Liao soldiers stationed at Songting Ridge, so that he could record it in a drawing later.

Yelü Jun was taken aback and said, "Grandson?"

Xiao Youdan also smiled wryly and shook his head. He had originally advised Yelü Jun not to act rashly, but the situation was fraught with difficulties. If he did not eliminate the treacherous elements, then all ambitions would merely be castles in the air. The opposition between the Crown Prince and Yelü Yixin, as well as Zhang Xiaojie, was almost unavoidable. He also understood that given the Crown Prince's character, it was absolutely impossible for him to hold a high position while remaining passive and inactive. Therefore, the various actions he had heard about along the way made him happy that the Crown Prince was a wise ruler, yet they also filled him with immense worry, fearing that the Crown Prince would not be able to contend with Yelü Yixin and Zhang Xiaojie. At this moment, Yelü Yinjie pointed it out directly, which precisely expressed his concerns. Indeed, Yelü Jun was only slightly taken aback before smiling and saying, "Shao Fu, as the saying goes, ice and fire cannot coexist. If I wish to achieve something, I cannot be too restrained. What do I have to fear from those treacherous elements? Moreover, my father only has me as his son."

Yelü Yinjie then understood the reason behind Yelü Jun's audacity, and could not help but exclaim: "This should not be relied upon, Your Highness, this matter cannot be relied upon. The Emperor is in the prime of his life and may not worry about having no heirs in the future. Moreover, if I may speak frankly, even if the Emperor were to have no sons, he still has grandsons!"

"Where are you from, but may I ask how you are addressed, sir? What brings you to the Northern Dynasty?" The man asked seemingly casually.

Xiao Youdan approached Sima Mengqiu and whispered with a smile, "Mr. Ma, these are His Royal Highness's personal guards. His Royal Highness has left the city to personally welcome His Excellency Yelü Daren, the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, back to the capital." After saying this, Xiao Youdan and Yelü Yinjie had already dismounted and went to greet him.

Han Xianguo chuckled self-deprecatingly, saying, "I merely failed repeatedly due to exhaustion and have no notable background. Someone invested money to help me start a business, allowing me the opportunity to achieve something, so naturally, I am wholeheartedly devoted to serving the Song Dynasty. For Han people like me in the Liao state, if someone were to cultivate relationships, we could indeed be of some use."

The Central Capital of the Liao Dynasty, known as Dading Prefecture, corresponds to the Xin'an County of the Han Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, he camped here while waging war against Goguryeo, and later established the Rao Le Governor's Office. After Yelü Abaoji founded the state, he pacified the Khitan people, which included this area. Subsequently, Liao Shengzong sent people to observe the auspices, and due to the presence of towers and pavilions, it was proposed to establish the capital here, primarily to suppress the Khitan people. Within the imperial city, aside from the ancestral temple and palaces, there was the Datong Post Station to receive envoys from the Song Dynasty, the Chao Tian Pavilion to host envoys from Goguryeo, and the Lai Bin Pavilion to accommodate envoys from the Xia Dynasty. At that time, it served as a political center of the Liao Dynasty

Sima Meng sought an audience with Xiao Youdan, observing him with keen insight, and secretly felt a sense of vigilance, thinking to himself, "This gentleman is truly remarkable." However, he smiled and said, "To speak candidly, the prosperity of Zhongjing does not compare to that of the central city of Song, yet the Liao state can still stand as a prominent nation, which inevitably stirs my emotions.

Han Xianguo, upon hearing Sima Meng's earnest words, found himself believing them to some extent. After pondering for a while, he still could not understand why it was said that "everything has changed now," so he cautiously asked, "Mr. Ma, the court supports us, which naturally implies an intention to keep us in the dark. So when will we actually be of use?"

Upon entering the Eastern Palace, the banquet had already been prepared. Yelü Jun smiled and said, "Shau Fu, Mr. Ma, we have arranged a family banquet here to welcome the two of you and to wash away the dust of your travels; please do not mind the simplicity of it." At the same time, he was indeed inviting Yelü Yinjie and Sima Mengqiu to take their seats.

Yelv Yinjiji walked over and said, "A loyal minister chooses his lord to serve. If you, sir, do not reject, the Crown Prince will treat you with the same respect as Zhang Yuan and Wu Hao. Your name will be recorded in history, and wealth and honor will come naturally." Zhang Yuan and Wu Hao were Han people who had no success and sought refuge with Yuanhao. Yuanhao caused chaos in China and relied heavily on these two men, and he also treated them with the respect of a teacher.

Yelü Jun nodded to the people around him, stood up, walked to the door, and took a wax-sealed wooden box from Sabo's hands. He returned and placed it on the table, then took a small knife from his waist to scrape off the wax. He took out a roll of white paper from the box, opened it, and examined it closely, his face clearly showing signs of joy. After reading it, he crumpled the paper into a ball, and a guard immediately came over holding a brazier. Yelü Jun threw the paper and the wooden box into the fire, watching the flames leap high, and said with a smile, "A wolf has already been driven out of the main road."

Xiao Youdan was well aware that Yelü Yinjie was a person of discretion. Since he did not mind leaving this Marlin water, it meant that what he wanted to say could be conveyed to him. At that moment, Yelü Jun gave a knowing glance. Yelü Jun immediately smiled and said, "Mr. Ma, please do not stand on ceremony, take a seat. We hope to receive your esteemed guidance shortly."

Sima Mengqiu could not help but silently lament his predicament. At this moment, Yelü Yinjie had also come out to observe. Seeing the guards surrounding him, he realized that escape was impossible, and he could not disregard Han Xianguo and the others. Caught in a difficult situation, he had no choice but to brace himself and agree.

Yelü Yinjie shook his head and said, "After Emperor Taizong of our dynasty conquered Kaifeng, he originally intended to occupy the Central Plains, but ultimately could not establish a foothold. Before leaving Kaifeng, Emperor Taizong remarked, 'I did not know that the people of China were so difficult to subdue!' Since then, our dynasty has had no intention of vying for the Central Plains, only seeking to be a brotherly nation with the Southern Dynasties for generations. As for the institutions of our dynasty, they are largely derived from China, so how could we dare to take them lightly in front of the scholars of the Southern Dynasties?"

Two men entered the tavern and saw two Khitan men occupying a good table, drinking there, with eight fierce guards standing nearby. One middle-aged man, who appeared refined, seemed to be slightly taken aback upon seeing Sima Mengqiu, and asked in Khitan, "Sir, please come over here." Although the words were polite, his demeanor and tone were exceedingly arrogant.

That person, however, did not pay him any mind, instead gazing at Sima Meng with a slight smile, whispering a few words in another person's ear, and suddenly spoke in fluent Chinese, saying: "This gentleman is from the Southern Dynasties, isn't he?"

Sima Mengqiu could only grit his teeth and mount his horse. He aimed to defeat Xiao Youdan and thus urged his horse to gallop backward. While on horseback, he turned around and drew his bow, and with the sound of the bowstring, an arrow shot forth, striking the helmet directly

"Oh?" Yelv Yinji and Xiao Youdan both showed a change in expression, staring tightly at Yelv Jun.

After a considerable amount of time, I suddenly heard Sabo at the door speaking in a low voice: "Your Highness, there is a letter."

Two people walked into the wine shop, one in front and one behind, and immediately felt a chilling aura coming towards them. In front of the wine shop, there stood a group of black-armored guards, with a solemn and imposing military appearance. As the two approached, the four guards immediately surrounded them and shouted in Khitan language, "Who are you?"

Xiao Youdan, seeing him agree, laughed heartily as he mounted his horse, drawing his bow with his left hand, and shot an arrow that struck the helmet squarely

Xiao Youdan, seeing the skill of Sima Mengqiu being forced out, couldn't help but smile slightly. He nocked an arrow and shot three arrows in quick succession; two struck the helmet, while one grazed the helmet and hit a tree branch instead. This was already quite a remarkable skill. Sima Mengqiu, hearing the crowd's cheers, felt a pang of regret for showing off, but finding himself in a difficult position, could only imitate the same and shot three arrows in succession, all of which hit their mark.

The two of them, however, dared not sit in that position. Sima Meng was secretly vigilant as he observed the Crown Prince of the Liao Kingdom treating talented individuals with such respect. He was unaware that Yelü Jun, due to the early deaths of his maternal grandfather Xiao Hui and uncle Xiao Cishi, was left with only one uncle named Xiao Wugu, who was of mediocre intelligence. With no one from the maternal side, and Emperor Yelü Hongji becoming increasingly foolish, not only did he trust treacherous officials like Yelü Yixin and Zhang Xiaojie, but just a few days ago, there were even rumors of appointing court officials through the method of throwing dice, a ridiculous affair. This could not help but create a significant sense of crisis for Yelü Jun, who was intent on revitalizing the court and showcasing his capabilities. Moreover, with the Southern Dynasty's Shi Yue now beginning to be favored, Yelü Jun felt an urgent need to gather talented individuals to contend with Yelü Yixin and Zhang Xiaojie in the court. Yelü Yinjie was known for his loyalty and integrity, and with his support, he could win over some court officials; meanwhile, Yelü Jun regarded Shi Yue as a formidable enemy and was eager to understand the true situation of the Song Dynasty. Therefore, he treated the two with particular courtesy. Yelü Yinjie was well aware of this. Although he felt grateful for the Crown Prince's favor, he was also a person who knew his place and ultimately did not dare to sit in the upper seat. After a round of polite refusals, it was still the Crown Prince who took the upper seat, followed by Yelü Yinjie and Sima Meng, with Xiao Youdan accompanying them in the lower seat.

Sima Mengqiu once heard that the Heavenly God and the Earthly Deity are the two gods worshipped by the Liao people. The Heavenly God is depicted as a man riding a white horse, while the Earthly Deity is portrayed as a woman driving a small cart pulled by a green ox. He had little contact with the distinguished figures of the Khitan and was quite curious about their perspectives, so he smiled and asked, "The Liao state has achieved its present state through countless battles; why then do you say it is a divine bestowal?"

Yelü Yinjie saw Sima Meng and asked him to sit down, then continued to say: "In today's court, Yelü Yixin and Zhang Xiaojie are confusing the Emperor. Your Highness's actions are precisely offending the two of them, are they not? The individuals you have dismissed are exactly their followers. Such hasty actions are something I cannot comprehend."

Sima Mengqiu did not expect that Shi Yue would exert such great pressure on Ye Liu Jun, and he could not help but feel a tinge of pride mixed with a sense of shame. As Shi Yue's advisor, he had previously been unaware that some outstanding figures in the Northern Dynasty of Liao regarded Shi Yue as a significant threat.

Sima Mengqiu did not expect Yelv Jun to be so easygoing, and he could not help but feel a sense of emotion in his heart, repeatedly humbly saying, "As a mere commoner from the mountains and fields, how could I dare, how could I dare"

"Not at all," Xiao Youdan said with a smile. "I observe that you are not comparable to a mere pedant; you must be a person well-versed in both literature and martial arts." After saying this, he stood up and called out loudly in Khitan, "Come here."

Sima Mengqiu sought an audience with the Liao Crown Prince and exchanged a few words with Xiao Youdan and Yelü Yinjie, smiling as they spoke. He then observed Yelü Yinjie bowing down to the Crown Prince, clearly overwhelmed with emotion. The Liao Crown Prince personally helped him up, which Sima Mengqiu understood to be a demonstration of the Crown Prince's authority over his subordinates, causing him to smirk slightly as he carefully scrutinized the Crown Prince's personal guard. Unexpectedly, after Yelü Jun helped Yelü Yinjie to his feet, he, along with Xiao Youdan and Yelü Yinjie, spurred their horses directly towards him. In a moment of surprise, Sima Mengqiu quickly dismounted and bowed, saying, "Commoner pays respects to the Crown Prince for a thousand years." As he looked around, he noticed that the soldiers had already bent their bodies and drawn their swords, resting them on the ground.

When Sima Mengqiu left Nanjing in the Liao Kingdom, the peace negotiations between the Song and Liao had already been concluded. Aware that his mission had lost its significance, he decided to take this opportunity to gather intelligence on the situation in the Liao Kingdom. Having heard that the Crown Prince of Liao had returned to the Central Capital, he resolved to head there to seek information. After leaving Nanjing for more than a day, he arrived at Songting Ridge, where he found the terrain to be extremely perilous, prompting him to stop his horse and carefully observe the surroundings. Accompanying Sima Mengqiu was a merchant caravan from the Xijun Prefecture, which was headed to the Central Capital to trade medicinal materials and furs. This caravan was nominally owned by Han Chinese in the Liao Kingdom, but in reality, it was funded by the Tang family. The leader of the caravan, Han Xianguo, noticed Sima Mengqiu's keen interest in the area and invited the caravan to stop at a nearby tavern to rest, while he accompanied Sima Mengqiu for a leisurely stroll around.

Yelü Jun jumped off his horse with a smile, helped him up, and said in a loud voice, "Mr. Ma is a distinguished scholar of the Southern Dynasties, there is no need for excessive formalities. Please, rise quickly"

As the multitude rode swiftly forward, after several days of travel, they crossed the Shiziling and descended the mountain, having journeyed another one hundred and seventy li, the capital of the Liao Kingdom, Dading Prefecture, was now in sight

Yelü Yinjie seemed not to notice Yelü Jun's gaze, merely glancing around. Xiao Youdan, who had remained silent, exchanged a look, prompting the attending palace maids to withdraw one by one. A guard in blue approached and bowed respectfully. Yelü Jun raised his left hand and said in a deep voice, "Sabo, you take people to patrol the area; no one is allowed to come near."

Sima Meng nodded thoughtfully and said, "I have heard that during my recent journey to the north, the various vassal states and tribes of the Liao Kingdom have expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the Liao court. Brother Han, having resided in Yan for a long time, have you heard anything about this?"

Sima Mengqiu understood that this was to discuss confidential matters, and quickly stood up, smiling as he said: "Your Highness, I am also a bit fatigued, so I will take my leave first"

Yelü Yinjie smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Ma need not leave; His Highness entrusts you with his innermost thoughts. You are a national hero, how could you possibly remain uninvolved?"

Sima Mengqiu humbly replied, "It is merely a stroke of luck"

At that time, the Liao Kingdom had enjoyed a long period of peace. Although there were troops stationed at Songting Ridge, they were sparse and disorganized. Sima Mengqiu felt a sense of disdain in his heart and, waving his whip, pointed at those Liao soldiers and asked, "Brother Han, are the Liao troops all like this?"

Xiao Youdan smiled and said, "Mr. Ma is a distinguished scholar of China, surely well-versed in both ancient and modern history. May I ask if you know when the Khitan flourished?"

Han Xianguo was originally a failed scholar, but he was courted by the Tang family and was not without insight. When he heard Sima Mengqiu speak about the Liao army's system with precision, he couldn't help but admire him. All along, he had been speculating about Sima Mengqiu's identity—Pan Zhaolin and the Tang family's espionage network established in the Liao state was kept extremely secretive to prevent leaks, thus its development was very slow, with only about twenty core members to date, most of whom did not know each other. Everyone only knew that they were loyal to the Song court, and beyond that, their knowledge was limited. When Sima Mengqiu, who called himself "Ma Linshui," came to him with a jade fish token and a contact code, Han Xianguo had already been secretly speculating about his identity. This was the first person in several years to come to him with a jade fish token.

Sima Mengqiu further stated, "To repel external threats, one must first secure internal stability. The method for internal stability is encapsulated in eight characters gifted by the common people to His Highness the Crown Prince—" He paused slightly and softly said, "When wolves are in power, how can one inquire about the fox?"

Sima Mengqiu glanced at Han Xianguo and smiled, saying, "Do not be anxious; this matter cannot be accomplished in a day or two. Gradually, you will understand where my confidence comes from. It will not take long before everyone shares this confidence." After speaking, he flicked the reins and urged his horse towards the tavern. Han Xianguo was momentarily taken aback, and without the time to ponder Sima Mengqiu's words, he hurriedly spurred his horse to catch up.

Yelü Jun smiled and said: "Xiao Su and Xiao Yan Shou have impeached Yelü Yixin. His Majesty has already issued an edict to remove Yelü Yixin from the position of Northern Chief Military Commissioner. His current official title is the Guardian of the Central Capital. With this scoundrel gone, Zhang Xiaojie is no longer a concern."

Indeed, the crown prince has already been born

Xiao Youdan dismounted and personally assisted Sima Mengqiu in getting off the horse. Together, they walked up to Yelü Yinjie, and Xiao Youdan smiled, saying: "Lord Yelü, what do you think? This person is a gift from heaven to the Great Liao."

Xiao Youdan nodded and smiled, saying: "Mr. Ma is correct, but during the Northern Wei period, the Khitan were weak and often bullied. The real opportunity for strength came in the second year of the Zhenguan era under Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, when the Khitan submitted to the Tang and fought against the Turks. Although there were occasional incursions by border generals thereafter, throughout the Tang Dynasty, the Khitan were able to defeat strong enemies and thrive due to the support of the Tang. When the Five Dynasties period brought chaos to China, the Khitan took advantage of the situation and gained the regions of You and Ji, thus becoming the great nation we see today. If China had been united, how could there be a Khitan today? Therefore, it can be said that the rise of our Great Liao is partly a gift from heaven"

Yelü Jun noticed a hint of worry in his expression, which took him by surprise. Just as he was about to inquire, Yelü Yinjie gently cleared his throat and said, "Your Highness, you oversee the affairs of the Northern and Southern Secretaries with a determination to strengthen and govern effectively, of which I have long been aware. The fact that our dynasty has such a Crown Prince is a blessing for the nation's stability and prosperity"

Sima Mengqiu and Han Xianguo, upon hearing the exchange between the two, could not help but glance at each other, feeling both amused and anxious. Then, Xiao Youdan turned to Sima Mengqiu and said, "Mr. Ma, to speak candidly, this individual is the esteemed Yelü, the teacher of the current Crown Prince. I am Xiao Youdan, a subordinate of the Crown Prince. With your talents, it is truly a pity that the Southern Dynasty cannot make use of you; to abandon you to the mountains and fields would be a great loss. Our Crown Prince of the Liao Dynasty, Yingrui, is endowed by heaven and values the virtuous as if he were thirsty for them. Your talents far surpass those of Yuanhao and his peers. If you do not refuse, you will surely not waste the knowledge you possess."

Sima Mengqiu was utterly astonished that such a thing could happen, truly dumbfounded. However, he also recognized that this was a rare opportunity. He feigned modesty and declined, saying, "Esteemed sirs, you have overvalued me. I am but a humble person from the countryside, with no intention of pursuing fame and fortune..."

Mr. Ma's words are indeed correct; however, the notion of providing for the army through the collection of straw and grain is merely a one-sided statement. The army of the Liao state also requires the expenditure of national grain and provisions

Sima Meng felt a jolt in his heart, knowing that he had been seen through. He could no longer hide; otherwise, it would only raise suspicions. Thus, he feigned a look of surprise and clasped his fists in response, saying, "I am indeed a person from the Southern Dynasties. However, I do not know how you came to know this, sir"

Yelü Yinjie did not expect the Crown Prince to be so impatient, and it turned out to be under the pressure of Shiyue. He remained silent for a long time, then turned his gaze to Sima Mengqiu and asked, "Mr. Ma, what do you think?"

"Indeed, the adult possesses keen insight," Sima Mengqiu said with a smile, offering his compliments.

Yelü Jun quickly smiled humbly and said, "The Deputy Minister has given me undue praise."

Sima Mengqiu sought to understand the so-called "Crown Prince's Chief Steward," an official responsible for managing the Crown Prince's palace affairs, akin to the Crown Prince's chief steward and head of guards, a trusted confidant of the Crown Prince. When Yelü Jun appointed Xiao Youdan as his strategist, Sima Mengqiu couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly, but suddenly recalling Xiao Youdan's formidable reputation, he became alert and quickly lowered his head to drink, attempting to conceal his thoughts while stealing glances at Xiao Youdan. Fortunately, Xiao Youdan did not pay him any mind; he cast a distracted glance at Yelü Jun and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Sima Meng nodded slightly and asked, "I have heard that in the Liao Kingdom, all citizens aged between 15 and 50 are conscripted into military service. For every regular soldier, there are three horses, and each soldier has a servant for gathering fodder and another for guarding the camp. They are equipped with iron armor, while their horses are fitted with leather armor. Each soldier possesses four bows and four hundred arrows, along with various types of spears, all of which are of excellent quality. On ordinary days, they send out cavalry to raid for supplies to sustain the army—what I do not understand is how, in this time of peace, they can rely on plundering to support six hundred thousand cavalrymen"

Sima Mengqiu and Han Xianguo secretly marveled at the scene, thinking that there must be a significant figure in the wine shop, yet wondering why they did not expel the crowd. Sima Mengqiu, who rarely had the opportunity to encounter the nobility of the Liao Kingdom, was even more attentive.

Xiao Youdan did not expect that Sima Mengqiu was so skilled in archery and horsemanship, and could not help but exclaim loudly: "What a remarkable talent! It can be said that the Southern Dynasties have such a person yet cannot utilize him, truly a case of having no one."

Sima Mengqiu hurriedly apologized, saying, "I truly did not know, and I hope Your Excellency will forgive me." However, he was unaware that the two individuals present included one of the most important strategists beside the Crown Prince of Liao, Xiao Youdan, and the other was Yelü Yinjie, who had just been appointed by the Liao ruler to assist the Crown Prince. Xiao Youdan, who frequently traveled to the Song Dynasty, was quite perceptive and immediately recognized Sima Mengqiu as a person from the Song Dynasty. Nevertheless, he harbored no suspicions, as he did not know Sima Mengqiu and was unaware that this person was an important advisor to Shiyue.

That person laughed and said, "I have been to the Southern Dynasties many times; the figures of the two dynasties are somewhat different, and I can distinguish them."

"Then why does Brother Han..." Sima Mengqiu asked in confusion

"That is not surprising." Han Xianguo said with a smile, "These tribes and vassal states, when the Khitan were strong, would comply and dare not disobey; but when they are weak, they naturally consider their own interests first. Take the Han people of Youji, for instance; although they may not necessarily harbor feelings for their homeland, they also may not be willing to serve the Liao people." Noticing the astonished expression on Sima Mengqiu's face, he added with a smile, "I have heard that some in the Southern Dynasties believe that the Han people of Xijunfu must have loyalty to the Great Song, but this is merely wishful thinking. The common people only wish to live in peace; they have long since grown accustomed to the rule of the Khitan."

Yelü Yinjie nodded and smiled, saying, "Such a talent must certainly have a deep understanding of the true and false sentiments of the Song people. In the future, when Shiyue achieves success, we will not be left without a way to respond."

Sima Meng felt the gaze of everyone upon him, and after a moment of contemplation, he said: "Shizi Ming is indeed a person rarely encountered in a century, but the disputes within the Song Dynasty court would surely restrain even Zhuge Liang if he were to be reborn. For the time being, there seems to be no need for excessive concern."

"This..." Yelü Jun leaned back against the chair, seemingly asking a question yet also murmuring to himself, "But... is this possible?... The Southern Dynasty's Shi Yue has already been reinstated, and our dynasty is now facing rebellions everywhere, with the people burdened by grievances. If we do not rally ourselves soon, I fear the state may not be preserved..."

Compared to a colossal city like Kaifeng, even when compared to Xijing Prefecture, which has a city perimeter of thirty-six li, a city wall height of three zhang, and a thickness of one zhang and five chi, the Zhongjing Dading Prefecture can be considered to have a small city wall. At that time, the population of the Liao Dynasty was approximately four million, with around one million households and about two million able-bodied men, making it one of the most prosperous nations in the history of Northeast China. However, due to the chaotic reign of Liao Daozong and several preceding emperors, there were many hidden and fleeing households among the populace, and the actual registered population was only about sixty to seventy percent of the total.

Yelü Yinjie nodded and said, "Exactly."

Sima Mengqiu understood that this was Xiao Youdan testing his knowledge, and he smiled slightly, saying: "I have heard that the Khitan originated from the Xianbei, and they were originally a branch of the Yuwen clan. There are also claims that the Khitan are descendants of the southern Xiongnu nobility. By the time of the Northern Wei, they had already become a powerful nation in the north. However, if we are to discuss their prosperity, it should begin in the Five Dynasties period"

Sima Mengqiu sought an audience with Xiao Youdan, a person known for his sharp intellect and exceptional capabilities, whose eloquence was remarkable. Sima Mengqiu could not help but feel a sense of caution in his heart. He was well aware that someone like Xiao Youdan would never easily trust him, let alone confide in him. However, if he could enter the Prince of Liao's residence, it was evident that Xiao Youdan would be able to glean information about the Song Dynasty from him. Conversely, it was a rare opportunity for Sima Mengqiu to understand the true state of the Liao Kingdom. Thus, he half-heartedly agreed to accompany Xiao Youdan to the capital to meet the Prince. Xiao Youdan was quite pleased when he learned that Sima Mengqiu had consented, as both of them understood that the Prince's position was not secure; having an additional ally would provide more strength. Although Sima Mengqiu might have his shortcomings, as long as he was not a pawn of the King of Wei, his martial skills would at least add a capable guard to the Prince, which was a valuable asset at this time. Nevertheless, Xiao Youdan was indeed a cautious individual. As Sima Mengqiu had anticipated, throughout their journey, wherever Sima Mengqiu was present, Xiao Youdan refrained from discussing any important matters, instead engaging him in conversations about the customs and people of the Song Dynasty. At this time, Sima Mengqiu was also keen to showcase his knowledge, discussing the various local customs and notable figures of the Song Dynasty, and even commenting on the political affairs of the scholars, which led to a very congenial exchange with Xiao Youdan.

"If someone were to slander Your Highness in front of the Emperor, and should the Emperor not believe Your Highness, it is not impossible for him to choose the Crown Prince as his successor. Your Highness must not reveal too much brilliance; too much brilliance will cause the Emperor to feel uneasy, as he may worry that the events of Emperor Taizong's reign will repeat themselves today. On the other hand, it will attract the attention of treacherous officials and create enemies in the court." Yelü Yinjie said coldly

"Is the Minister referring to my son Yanxi?" Yelv Jun asked

Xiao Youdan exchanged a glance with Yelv Yinjie and laughed heartily, saying, "The prosperity of our Great Liao today is not only due to the efforts of our ancestors but also a blessing from heaven, with the protection of the deities and spirits of the earth, which has led to the current situation."

This subtle action had long caught the attention of Xiao Youdan behind him. He rode over and said with a smile, "Mr. Ma shakes his head at the capital, yet does not know the reason why"

Sima Mengqiu reined in his horse in front of the Zhu Xia Gate, observing the administrative capital of the Liao state. According to common reasoning, the Nanjing Road is the most prosperous and developed area of the Liao state, followed by the former territory of the Bohai Kingdom. The Zhu Xia Gate is the southern gate of the Dading Prefecture, and all merchants traveling along the Nanjing Road must pass through here. By merely observing the prosperity of this gate, one can discern the governance and decline of the Liao state. At this moment, it was morning, and Sima Mengqiu noticed that although the flow of pedestrians was continuous, the number was not particularly large. Compared to the Song Dynasty, not to mention the Nanchun Gate of Dongjing, even Hangzhou could hardly be compared. "Such a small country has held the throat of the Song Dynasty for nearly a hundred years; it is truly lamentable!" As Sima Mengqiu thought of this, he couldn't help but shake his head slightly

Once this move was executed, not only Xiao Youdan but also Yelü Yinjie and those armored guards could not help but applaud in unison

"How is this possible?" Yelü Jun could hardly believe it

Han Xianguo knew that Sima Mengqiu could not speak Khitan, so he quickly pulled Sima Mengqiu over and, with a forced smile, asked, "May I inquire what instructions you have, my lord"

"Fetch the bow and arrows, I wish to test horseback archery with Mr. Ma," Xiao Youdan commanded, pulling the hand of Sima Mengqiu as they exited the tavern. The guards had already brought the bow and arrows to the two. Xiao Youdan took two helmets from the guards, pointed to a distant tree, and instructed them to hang the helmets on the branches. Meanwhile, he smiled at Sima Mengqiu in Mandarin and said, "Mr. Ma, let us try horseback archery. If you can defeat me, I will overlook my offenses against the court and treat you with the highest courtesy; if you cannot defeat me, it will be a disgrace to you, and I shall hand you over to the authorities for punishment"

A black-armored guardian rushed forward and responded loudly, "Present."

Sima Mengqiu understood that this was merely a scheme to win him over, and he did not decline at that moment. He clasped his fists and said, "I dare not." He was also eager to take this opportunity to learn more about the true situation of the Liao Dynasty.

After the third round of drinks, Yelü Jun smiled and said to Xiao Youdan, "Youdan, my father has already agreed to my request; you will be appointed as the Crown Prince Ti Yin"

Yelü Yinjie and Xiao Youdan exchanged nods and said, "What you say is indeed correct, sir"

"Oh?" The Khitan man beside him suddenly spoke, saying, "You are quite an elegant person, sir, but it seems that this action may violate the laws of the Liao Dynasty." His Mandarin was surprisingly fluent.

Xiao Youdan and Yelü Yinjie originally had urgent matters to attend to in Zhongjing, as the Liao ruler was soon to appoint Crown Prince Yelü Jun to oversee state affairs. The two of them needed to strategize for the Crown Prince in Zhongjing, especially Yelü Yinjie, who held a high reputation in the Liao dynasty and was quite feared by King Wei. The presence of Yelü Yinjie by the Crown Prince's side made a significant difference. Therefore, the two took a brief respite here, unwilling to disturb the locals, and did not drive anyone away. Unexpectedly, they encountered Sima Mengqiu. A person's demeanor is shaped by their experiences, after all, it cannot be concealed. Upon seeing Sima Mengqiu's demeanor, which was quite extraordinary, Xiao Youdan felt a sense of invitation and smiled, saying, "Mr. Ma, you must also be a scholar, right?"

Han Xianguo shook his head and smiled, saying: "The Song is different from the Liao; the Liao can afford to raise horses because they do not require capital, which the Song cannot achieve. In fact, as long as the soldiers are well-trained, the generals are capable, and the politics are clear, what use is cavalry? The regions of You and Ji are about city defense, not about chasing in the vast desert"

Han Xianguo smiled and said: "The most elite army of the Liao State consists of the palace guard cavalry and the imperial tent personal troops, totaling six hundred thousand cavalry, incomparable to the local militia of the five capitals"

Yelü Jun smiled and said, "This place is not suitable for distinguished guests; please enter the city to speak." After saying this, he waved his left hand, and the troops immediately began to play drums and music to welcome the guests. Yelü Jun supported Yelü Yinjie with his left hand and Sima Mengqiu with his right, and together they mounted their horses, entering the city amidst the crowd of soldiers.

"When the wolves are in power, who cares about the fox?" Yelü Jun and others repeated Sima Mengqiu's words, each lost in thought, and for a moment, the hall fell into an extraordinary silence