Section 1

He relied on his seniority and played a game of Tai Chi, leaving no room for persuasion. Pan Zhaolin couldn't help but sigh inwardly, knowing that Fu Bi was not someone who could be swayed by words. However, he absolutely did not believe that Fu Bi was completely indifferent to worldly matters—his support for the "Xijing Review," his audience with Pan, and the painting of the flags and cranes descending to the court... all these proved that Fu Bi's heart was still warm. A thought crossed his mind; since he could not move him with emotion, he had to entice him with profit. Thus, he steeled himself and spoke directly, "Although the Minister of Works says this, experience is indeed valuable. There is a significant matter at hand that I must consult with you about!"

I have heard a little about it

He still remembers that he replied at the time: "Since I have received the imperial command, I will go to the central government to examine the documents, and I have not seen a single inch of land in Liao invaded by our dynasty. As I am an envoy, I must argue based on reason and strength; if I bring shame to my mission, I shall die in the land of Dai to repay the Emperor."

After Han Zhongyan withdrew, Zhao Xu finally opened Han Qi's memorial and read it carefully. Han Jiang, observing the Emperor's expression from the side, noticed that his brows were sometimes furrowed and sometimes relaxed, and his face appeared both joyful and worried, not knowing what Han Qi had written in the memorial. After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, Zhao Xu set down Han Qi's memorial, looked at everyone, and said: "The late Han Shizhong stated in his memorial that the Northern barbarians are not a cause for concern; the court should maintain a posture that is neither arrogant nor humble, neither showing weakness nor overreaching, and respond with composure. He also recommended Shi Yue, Sima Guang, Fan Chunren, and several others. The Liao people hold Sima Guang's name in high regard, and sending him as an envoy to Liao will surely not bring disgrace to our mission; he further recommended Fan Chunren for his integrity and sound judgment, who could serve as the Deputy Minister of Justice and oversee the drafting of edicts; with a bit of refinement, Shi Yue could be..." At this point, Zhao Xu recalled that Han Qi had stated in the memorial that Shi Yue "could serve as a candidate for the prime minister," but mentioning it now seemed inappropriate, so he quickly corrected himself and said: "...could take on great responsibilities!"

Liu Chen glanced at Xiao Su and turned to his attendant, saying, "Bring the map!" The attendants quickly retrieved and unfolded the map. Liu Chen pointed to the boundary of the Dai region and said to Xiao Su, "Please take a look, this is the map from the time of Emperor Renzong, and the borders of the two countries were as such then"

"The national treasures, I also cherish. However, if there are meritorious ministers, why should I be stingy with titles and rewards? Rewards for merit and punishments for faults must be based on fairness. If those with merit are suppressed, how can we inspire future talents? In the national court, what is gained is little, while what is lost is great..." Zhao Xu's defense is grandiloquent, yet his ministers have long since lost interest in this matter. What does it mean that the emperor suddenly found an excuse to promote Shi Yue? The Left Censor is a fourth-rank official, and according to convention, the minimum rank for a ministerial position is generally the Right Censor! In other words, through this seemingly casual appointment by the emperor, Shi Yue has no longer any obstacles in terms of qualifications to assume the role of a minister. Is this truly a coincidence?

As soon as the words were spoken, the lookout soldier shouted loudly: "Lord Liu has returned! Lord Liu has returned!"

Xiao Youdan, while worrying about the domestic situation and the status of the Crown Prince, rode in a swaying carriage, passing through Chenqiao Post and entering Bianjing City—a city whose prosperity surpasses that of all cities in the Liao Kingdom

The first negotiation between the Song and Liao at Mayi yielded no results. Both parties parted ways unhappily, only agreeing to negotiate again on another day. However, those troubled by this were certainly not limited to Liu Chen and Lü Dazhong.

That night, in the city of Mayi

Liu Chen, however, did not look at him, but fixed his gaze on Xiao Su, and calmly said: "If it were a private banquet, one could naturally sit in the host's seat. However, since Lord Xiao represents the Emperor of Liao and I represent the Emperor of Song, this is a banquet between two nations. Since it is in Song territory, it is only proper for the Song envoy to occupy the host's seat"

"Human calculations cannot compare to the calculations of heaven." Pan Zhaolin felt a bitter sensation rise within him, "It seems that I have no choice but to go to Luoyang."

Fu Bi exclaimed, "What concerns has this old man ever had in his life?"

That day in the Chongzheng Hall, the Emperor said to him: "I have appointed Secretary Chang Lu Dazhong to oversee the affairs of Daizhou. Dazhong is currently mourning his father, and I have reluctantly decided to reinstate him. You are to go to Daizhou and work in unison with Dazhong. You must not lightly provoke border conflicts, lest you betray my expectations"

Empress Dowager Cao let out a faint sigh in her heart and said tactfully, "Your Majesty, the former sage has said: 'Fortune and misfortune arise from action. Once a matter is initiated, the outcome, whether good or bad, and whether one will feel regret or suffer humiliation in the future, are difficult to predict.' Take military action as an example; if the northern expedition is victorious, Your Majesty will merely receive congratulations from the south; however, if it ends in defeat, the losses will be substantial. I believe that if the Liao state were easy to conquer, it would have been reclaimed during the times of the Taizu and Taizong, so why wait until today? As for the matters concerning You and Ji, it would be better to proceed with caution and plan carefully."

The white mourning cloth is draped throughout the front of the residence, and all who enter and exit are dressed in mourning attire, with their heads covered. On the street, one can faintly hear the sounds of weeping coming from within the inner quarters

Empress Dowager Cao further stated, "At present, the officials of both courts find it difficult to inquire about matters in the north. I am merely a woman, and my knowledge is limited. Why does the Emperor not summon Duke Han Qi of Wei to seek counsel? The other senior ministers such as Fu Bi, Wen Yanbo, and Zeng Gongliang can also be consulted. There is an ancient saying that states, 'To listen to both sides is to be enlightened'..."

Xiao Su looked astonished and asked, "Where did I go wrong?"

"The Minister of Works has been overly praised. My scholar has also mentioned that the concerns that the Minister of Works has had throughout his life can indeed be resolved, and are currently being addressed."

"The Liao people are so unreasonable and overbearing, it is truly detestable!" After Zhao Xu briefly introduced the events to Empress Dowager Cao, he still appeared to be filled with indignation

Empress Dowager Gao could not help but gently furrow her brows and said in a slightly reproachful tone, "The Emperor is also a father now; he must learn to remain calm in the face of challenges." After the death of his two sons in the sixth year of the Xining era, Zhao Xu finally had a third son, named Zhao Jun, who was granted the title of Duke of Yongguo in February of the seventh year of the Xining era

Liu Chen laughed heartily without ceasing, yet did not respond

Xiao Xi stepped forward a few paces, his voice and expression both stern, and said: "Master Liu, are you so unwilling to yield even on such trivial matters? This is quite unreasonable; do you lack sincerity in negotiation?"

"Your Highness is correct; a hundred thousand troops consuming provisions without achieving anything is not a sign of wisdom, and the Song people are not fools" said Xiao Xi with a smile

The envoys sent by Yelü Jun were Xiao Youdan and Xiao Xi, with Xiao Xi officially being the primary envoy and Xiao Youdan as the secondary. At this moment, Xiao Youdan was also preoccupied with his own thoughts

Liu Chen looked at everyone with satisfaction and said loudly, "Indeed, you are all good men! When we encounter the Liao people, regardless of martial or civil matters, if anyone shows cowardice or fear, upon our return to Daizhou, I will certainly deal with them according to military law! If you do not disgrace our mission, I will also commend you all!" After finishing, he turned his horse's head and sternly commanded, "Form up and advance!"

While thinking about these stories and anecdotes regarding Fu Bi, I led my horse through the streets of Luoyang, experiencing a city that was entirely different from Bianjing. "Newspapers! Newspapers! Han Shizhong has passed away, posthumously honored with the title of Loyal and Devoted... Scholar Shi has contributed to disaster relief and governance in Hangzhou, receiving promotions and titles... The latest issue of 'Xijing Review'..." A man carrying a large bamboo basket filled with newspapers was calling out as he walked along the street.

Liu Chen stepped forward to take a look, and to his astonishment, the Liao people had actually pushed the western border between Daizhou and Shuozhou all the way to Mount Huangwei on the map, a distance of several hundred miles from the original location! Mount Huangwei is a strategic point, located near an official road on the western side of Daizhou, from which one can overlook Yangwu Village and Louban Village, directly threatening the Song Dynasty's Yuanping and even Xinzhou. The intentions of the Liao people are truly unfathomable

Xiao Su, however, was well aware of matters concerning the borders, and thus said: "You must not be ambiguous. The boundary between Liao and Song has always been defined by the mountain ranges and watersheds, and I have never heard of it being defined by the ancient Great Wall. If the ancient Great Wall were to be the boundary, would not Wuzhou then belong entirely to the Southern Dynasty?"

Pan Zhaolin smiled and said, "The court is currently facing many challenges, and the Minister of Works is a trusted official of the Emperor, so he should take care of his health for the sake of the court." As he spoke, he surveyed the surroundings, and the most eye-catching item in the room was a painting depicting the scene of banners and cranes descending into the courtyard. He couldn't help but smile slightly; this painting tells the story of Fu Bi's birth, when his mother dreamt that banners and cranes descended into their courtyard, and indeed, Fu Bi later achieved great success.

Xiao Xi, however, was unaware of the various intrigues and machinations involved, and merely laughed, saying: "It is a pity that the deceptive formation of cloth, with its empty tents for miles, did not manage to intimidate Liu Chen despite Brother You Dan's brilliant strategy"

Xiao Su was momentarily at a loss for words and found it difficult to continue discussing the matter. Instead, he sternly asked, "How do you explain your country's invasion of our Great Liao's borders?"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xiao Su suddenly withdrew the smile that had been on her face and stated directly, "Your esteemed envoy has come at the behest of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, which I presume means you have agreed to our nation's demands. However, I am curious as to when the transfer of silver will take place and when the borders will be delineated"

Han Jiang lowered his head, opened his mouth to speak, but ultimately said nothing. Wang Gui also remained silent. Wu Chong caught a glimpse of the expressions of the two from the corner of his eye and understood that Han Jiang was considering Wang Anshi's reputation; he and Lü Huiqing were both part of the New Party, and since Lü Huiqing had just entered the Council of State, the two had not yet developed significant conflicts, thus he was unwilling to take a stance. Wang Gui, on the other hand, was being prudent and did not wish to get involved in the conflict between the two new nobles, Lü and Shi. He felt quite disdainful and was about to express his opinion when Zhao Xu spoke first: "Previously, Shi Yue has made considerable contributions in disaster relief and other matters, and merits recognition. I propose to appoint Shi Yue as a Direct Scholar of the Dragon-Tiger Pavilion, promote him to the position of Left Censor, elevate his title to a founding noble, and grant him a fief of five hundred households, with a substantial seal of one hundred and twenty households. Furthermore, I will send an envoy to consult on northern affairs; what do you all think?"

Pan Zhaolin was momentarily taken aback; Luoyang and Bianjing were not far apart, yet unexpectedly, the "Xijing Review" could be sold on the streets of Bianjing, while the "Bianjing News" faced such a situation in Luoyang. He smiled helplessly and opened the newspaper in his hand, browsing it on the street. He noticed that a whole issue of the newspaper was dedicated to mourning Han Qi. The excerpt of Han Qi's memorial article, reprinted from the "Xinyi Daily," was prominently featured. Pan Zhaolin hurriedly read through it and saw that Han Qi had recommended Sima Guang, Fan Chunren, and Shi Yue, which made him secretly delighted, exclaiming, "Heaven is helping me!" He then found the report on Shi Yue's promotion and glanced over it; after a brief contemplation, he could not help but feel overjoyed, thinking to himself, "This matter is already five-tenths accomplished." Though he had been extremely fatigued, his spirits lifted, and his steps became lighter.

As the setting sun slants to the west, the clouds, resembling flames, hang over the Yanmen Mountain. Lü Dazhong anxiously paces back and forth in the stockade. After receiving reports that several miles of encampments had appeared overnight in Mayi, Lü Dazhong has already ordered the various stockades in Daizhou to strengthen their defenses. The situation in Xijing Stockade is particularly tense, as if facing a formidable enemy; the soldiers have their crossbows fully loaded with arrows, all intently watching the north. This place controls the main road from Yanmen Mountain to Daizhou, and if there is any alarm, Xijing Stockade will surely be the first to light the beacon.

The soldier stepped forward and replied respectfully, "My lord, I am a native of Daizhou. In the northern mountains of Daizhou, most areas have watersheds but no earth ridges, and Mount Huangwei, in particular, has no earth ridges at all"

Fu Bi initially stated, "One should not concern oneself with governance if one is not in a position of authority," but then suddenly expressed concern that the emperor might be deceived by treacherous individuals. Pan Zhao Lin smiled and said, "My scholar often remarks that the current emperor is a ruler of great potential. For any monarch with exceptional talent and vision, merely offering admonitions is insufficient; it would be counterproductive. If a gentleman cannot gain favor, then the petty individuals will naturally take advantage of the situation, leading to the deterioration of state affairs. While Bi Gan's death for his admonitions certainly marks him as a loyal minister, there are many forms of counsel. Beyond direct and fatal admonitions, there must also be wise counsel. In today's political landscape, reforming the laws is no longer a possibility. However, how these laws should be reformed, who will oversee the changes, what will be altered, and what will remain unchanged are all matters of great significance. The rise and fall of the state rests entirely upon these issues.

"Where did those tens of thousands of troops come from? Is it a ruse, or does this army actually exist?" This question constantly tormented Lü Dazhong. Liu Chen had been gone for a day and had not yet returned. Although Lü Dazhong believed that there would not be any major surprises, he could not afford to be careless given his responsibility to defend the territory.

Xiao Xi took the wine, drank a large mouthful, and returned it to Ye Liu Jun, who also took a large sip. The two looked at each other and burst into hearty laughter

Empress Dowager Cao merely gazed calmly at Zhao Xu, pondering to what extent the Emperor's anger was merely to uphold the dignity of the Son of Heaven, and how much of it was to mask the fear within his heart. She took everything in with her eyes, simply observing her grandson, who held the esteemed title of Son of Heaven, with a tranquil and serene gaze. A palace maid obediently presented the kumquats offered from Jiangxi, carefully placing them on a jade plate within Zhao Xu's reach. At this moment, Zhao Xu had no mind for food; he waved his hand impatiently, causing the palace maid to turn pale with fright, not daring to breathe, and hurriedly retreated to the side.

Especially during times of crisis in the Great Song Dynasty, loyal and capable ministers like Han Qi were the ones Zhao Xu could trust. The Empress Dowager also suggested that he consult Han Qi, but the imperial edict was still on its way, and that person had already returned to the West... Zhao Xu could not help but feel sorrowful, not only for Han Qi but also for himself, for the Great Song Dynasty, which he struggled to support yet remained frail!

West Jingzhai, south of Yanmen Mountain

"Lord Lü is the governor of Daizhou, responsible for safeguarding the territory, and cannot leave the jurisdiction lightly. I am a negotiator appointed by the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, and I alone can carry the imperial edict for the international conference. If it is within the territory of Daizhou, then negotiations shall be conducted in conjunction with Lord Lü." Liu Chen replied with neither arrogance nor servility

At that time, copper coins were commonly used, and the price of silver was exceedingly high. The servant, upon receiving the silver, could not help but smile with joy. He then took the visiting card and said with a smile, "Whether my master sees you or not, I cannot make that decision..."

Xiao Su listened to him and praised, "A good plan! I will also deploy three thousand troops, setting up banners, entering and exiting from the east and west, and from the west to the east, to create a grand illusion of troops at Mayi, making it even more difficult for the Southern Dynasty to discern the truth from the falsehoods"

Liu Chen, riding a black horse, turned his head to gaze back. The steep Yanmen Mountain had long been left behind, and only a few aides and thirty soldiers accompanied him. To guard against unforeseen circumstances, Lü Dazhong did not accompany him but remained at Xijingzhai south of Yanmen Mountain to provide support. Liu Chen could not help but recall the mission he bore on his shoulders, which was to safeguard the interests of the nation while avoiding the outbreak of war. Yet, in the face of the aggressive Liao state, both the country and the emperor behind him seemed somewhat weak.

Upon entering the main gate, the Deputy Minister of the Privy Council of the Liao State, Xiao Su, was already waiting at the middle gate with a group of attendants. Liu Chen observed from a distance and noted that Xiao Su appeared to be in his forties, with a square forehead and thick eyebrows, his eyes gleaming with a restrained brilliance, clearly a formidable figure. Standing behind him was a young man clad in silver-plated armor, with a long sword at his waist and handsome features; it was Xiao Youdan, who had previously been sent as an envoy to the Song Dynasty, surprisingly standing behind the youth. Liu Chen was taken aback and couldn't help but pay closer attention, and when he looked at Lü Dazhong, he noticed a look of astonishment on his face as well

Liu Chen coldly laughed and said: "The Song and Liao nations have always regarded the ancient Great Wall as the boundary; how can one claim to have invaded the territory of the Liao? The Song has never occupied even an inch of land from the Northern Dynasties"

Liu Chen smiled faintly and said, "On which day will your esteemed envoy travel to Bianjing? Inquire with Marjian, and you will know the truth of the matter."

Fu Bi slightly raised his hand and smiled, saying: "No need for excessive courtesy, I have long heard of the great name of Pan Qiangguang, the younger generation is formidable, the younger generation is formidable"

Empress Dowager Cao signaled to Empress Dowager Gao to be silent, then called for Zhao Xun to sit down and said, "Since the Emperor is aware that the Khitan are insatiable in their demands, what plans do we have?"

Before long, they arrived at the residence of the Fu family. The grandeur of the Fu Bi residence left Pan Zhao Lin in awe. The entire street was occupied solely by the Fu Bi household. With its powder-white walls and vermilion-red beams, the structure towered high. In front of the grand entrance, the guards were imposing, with a total of eight servants dressed in identical attire standing at the gate. Upon seeing Pan Zhao Lin approaching with his horse, one of the gatekeepers immediately ordered a young servant to take the horse for him, while he adjusted his hat and came forward to greet him

Your Majesty! Han Zhongyan was both sorrowful and moved, to the point of being unable to speak due to tears

Xiao Sudeng's expression immediately darkened, and he coldly said: "The Southern Dynasty is fortifying its cities at the border and encroaching upon our territory, yet they still speak of the seventy years of friendship between our two nations! My sovereign originally intended to raise troops for a campaign, but considering the alliance of the late emperor, and believing that the emperor of the Southern Dynasty would value the goodwill between our two nations and cease its provocations, he sent envoys to negotiate. To my surprise, your envoy's intention is to completely deny any accountability! If that is the case, what more is there to discuss?" After saying this, he made a gesture as if he were about to turn hostile.

As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Chong stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, I have heard that 'when a person is about to die, their words are sincere.' Therefore, I hope Your Majesty will heed and trust the memorial left by Minister Han. Sima Guang should not be disregarded as an envoy, nor should the Western Capital be neglected."

Fu Shaoting could not help but interject, praising, "This is indeed a profound statement"

In just a few moments, the Liao people had already arrived before them. Liu Chen focused his gaze and saw that the leader was Xiao Xi. Upon seeing Liu Chen, Xiao Xi laughed heartily from a distance and said, "Lord Liu, you have worked hard on the journey"

"Alas! The events of those years... Fan Wenzheng is indeed the foremost figure of our dynasty..." Fu Bi sighed almost imperceptibly, yet the keen Pan Zhaolin caught it. He gazed at Fu Bi and reproached him earnestly, saying: "Fan Wenzheng took the world as his responsibility, thus he was concerned whether he advanced or retreated. How can the Minister of Works not be in his position, neglect his duties, and shirk the responsibilities on his shoulders? I often hear Scholar Shi say while accompanying him: 'The rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every individual!' Moreover, the Minister of Works has served three emperors and is looked upon with hope by the scholars and officials of the realm?" After a pause, he continued with a heavy tone: "The Minister of Works once, as a mere scholar, persuaded the wolf lord of the Northern Dynasty with a hundred thousand troops; he assisted Fan Wenzheng in supporting the Zhao Mausoleum and implementing new policies, earnestly wishing to clear the world... 'Fu Han' 'Fu Han', even at the moment of his death, the Chamberlain did not forget the affairs of the state, leaving behind a memorial that did not mention a single word about personal matters; yet the Minister of Works, in this regard, is indeed inferior to Fu!"

Pan Zhaolin said: "The Minister of Works is aware that the Liao people have mobilized an army of 100,000 at the border, demanding land and monetary gifts?"

Xiao Ximing, fully aware that asking might lead to ridicule from him, could not help but feel curious and blurted out, "Why is Lord Liu laughing?"

"Han Qi, you must not die!" Pan Zhao Lin prayed incessantly in his heart as he hurriedly walked towards the gatekeeper, presenting his name card and saying, "I am Pan Zhao Lin, a student, seeking an audience with the Chamberlain. I kindly ask you to announce my arrival."

However, Fu Bi was not one of those students who easily accepted new ideas. He smiled noncommittally and said, "I would rather hope that the Emperor fears the mandate of heaven. However, if Shi Ziming can think of these things, then he is not someone who merely flatters those in power. Mr. Pan, please return and convey my regards to Scholar Shi, and say that my views on the virtuous scholars of this dynasty are completely the same as those of Han Zhigui"

"Public discourse, newspapers, rituals, and laws!" Pan Zhaolin uttered these four words

"Your Highness is wise!" Xiao Youdan praised as he glanced at Yelv Jun. Over the past few days, Yelv Jun's ability to handle affairs has clearly improved, and his decisiveness has become more resolute. What is even more commendable is that although the Crown Prince was previously valiant, he handled matters with the gentleness of a scholar; now, he possesses a bit more of a soldier's boldness.

The person recommended by Han Zhigui is certainly commendable

At this point, both parties were unwilling to concede, and it seemed that the negotiations were about to break down.

Engaging in war with the Southern Dynasty would result in mutual destruction, ultimately benefiting the Xia state, which must be avoided at all costs. A few days ago, there was an official document stating that the loyal governor of the Shennuzhi tribe, Akuna, is gravely ill. Should he pass away while the court is at war with the Southern Dynasty, the Shennuzhi, which has been difficult to suppress, may rise again. Other tribes are also restless, with rebellions occurring one after another, and this has not ceased for several years. Moreover..." Xiao Youdan paused, and everyone understood that this 'moreover' referred to the ruling Wei King Yelü Yixin, though it could not be explicitly stated at this moment. Xiao Youdan continued, "With the recent resignation of Wang Anshi from the Southern Dynasty and the occurrence of a major disaster, Liu Chen, being merely a scholar, is unwilling to yield. However, among the two courts, the Prime Minister Han Jiang is the most timid, and the Chief of the Secret Police Wu Chong lacks exceptional talent. It is said that Lü Huiqing, Feng Jing, and Wang Gui have significant conflicts among themselves. Since the Emperor's original intention is to test the waters, inquiring about the Southern Emperor and his ministers, it would be better for us to simply avoid Liu Chen and use the excuse of a deadlock in negotiations to send envoys to Bianjing, testing the Southern Emperor's courage and capabilities!

As soon as he finished speaking, a long blast of a horn echoed, and a cloud of dust rose in the northern plains, accompanied by the thunderous sound of hooves approaching from afar. Liu Chen knew that the Liao people had come to welcome him, and he hurriedly ordered his soldiers to rein in their horses and form ranks to advance forward. Indeed, before long, over a hundred Liao cavalry appeared in the distance. Although the Liao people had gradually adopted some Han culture after occupying Youji, they remained a nomadic people who valued horsemanship, unmatched by the Song. This group of over a hundred riders was selected from the elite guard of Xiao Su, and their military appearance and imposing presence were truly breathtaking.

Liu Chenang sneered coldly: "Reason does not lie in the loudness of one's voice; how can you, sir, call black white?"

Liu Chen was a successful candidate in the imperial examination. At this time, even Zhu Xi had not yet been born, and the content of the imperial examination was not limited to the Four Books and Five Classics. In the century since the founding of the Song Dynasty, those who could pass the imperial examination and become successful candidates were regarded as outstanding figures of their time and place, and they were naturally well-versed in the historical texts and stories of the Huaxia people. This land of Mayi, even during the height of the Xiongnu power, remained within the territory of the Han Dynasty. In those years, Emperor Wu of Han had once stationed 300,000 troops here in ambush, waiting for the Xiongnu. Now, standing in this place, with circumstances so different, Liu Chen looked around at the vastness of the surroundings and could not help but feel nostalgic for the past and lament the present, sighing: "I wonder when our great Song will have 300,000 valiant soldiers to return to this place and invite the Chanyu!"

The news vendor was momentarily taken aback, and after a while, he smiled and said: "This gentleman, we are in Xijing. If you wish to purchase the 'Songyang Academic Journal,' I do have a few copies here. However, for 'Xinyi News' and 'Bianjing News,' unless you have pre-ordered them at the post station, they are not available for sale."

Xiao Xi knew that he was feigning exaggeration, and could not help but laugh, saying: "Shi Ziming, Sima Junshi, and Su Zizhan are indeed exceptionally talented individuals. However, one is in Hangzhou, one in Luoyang, and one in Yuezhou. I wonder why the court of the Great Song treats such exceptional talents in this manner? If the three were in the Liao Dynasty, they would surely hold high positions in the two offices."

His face remained calm and composed as he chatted and laughed with Xiao Xi, yet he secretly pondered: "How could the Liao people mobilize such a large force for the sake of a few million guan in wealth and several hundred li of territory? Could it be that they have other intentions? Lu Dazhong's spies are completely unaware of the whereabouts of the Liao army of one hundred thousand, yet why have several thousand suddenly appeared near the Ma Yi border, just over a hundred li from Yanmen Zhai?" He thought left and right, but could not grasp the essence, only feeling that various illogical aspects raised suspicions. Since ancient times, it has been said that knowing oneself and knowing the enemy leads to victory in a hundred battles. Before negotiations, it is crucial to know as much as possible about the other party's background. At this moment, seeing the large army encamped just a few li away, Liu Chen had to think carefully.

"This envoy has traveled thousands of miles to bear the decree; how can it be said that there is no sincerity? The Liao Kingdom is also a great nation; how can it disregard propriety and be laughed at by the world? In all matters and affairs under heaven, nothing outweighs the principle of reason. The magpie builds its nest while the cuckoo occupies it; in the end, is it this envoy who lacks sincerity, or is it your esteemed country that lacks sincerity?"

During the reign of Emperor Zhao, the Minister of Works presided over northern affairs and was well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the Khitan. I humbly ask the Minister, who in the court today is capable of handling northern affairs? Indeed, in comparison to the Han, the Liao state is "wealthier," but the grievances between Fu Bi and Empress Dowager Cao make it difficult for him to become a trusted figure in her eyes

Liu Chen and Lü Dazhong sat in the carriage, exchanging silent glances. After a prolonged discussion that yielded no resolution, the Liao people suddenly requested to enter the capital to pay their respects to the Emperor. Liu Chen had no choice but to urgently report to the court. The court immediately consented and instructed him to return to the capital together with Lü Dazhong. Lü Dazhong had originally intended to monitor the Liao people in Daizhou, but upon receiving the imperial edict, he too had to arrange for defense and return to the capital with Liu Chen. Each of them was preoccupied with their own thoughts; Liu Chen, who was negotiating against the edict, had long set aside considerations of honor and disgrace, yet the possibility of losing all his previous efforts left him feeling quite dejected; Lü Dazhong, on the other hand, was concerned about the defense of Daizhou.

The memorial left by the Minister of Ceremonies states that...

The next day, at the border of Mayi in Shuozhou, Liao Kingdom

Xiao Sudao said: "But one cannot truly kill the past; Liu Chen's character is so strong, it is indeed a difficult situation"

Xiao Xi, upon hearing this, could not help but become furious: "How outrageous! Since it is a banquet hosted by our Great Liao, how can there be a reason to disrespect the guest's seat? Is it possible that Master Liu intends to show disdain?"

These soldiers had no idea what the demeanor of the Pengri Army, one of the "Four Great Armies," was like. However, everyone knew that the soldiers of the Four Great Armies were the elite selected from the Imperial Guard. Since this Lord Liu had come from the capital and claimed that the Pengri Army was formidable, they could not help but believe him to some extent. Although the Pengri Army was indeed strong, they were still a thousand miles away; as the saying goes, distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. Nevertheless, the crowd felt a sense of reliance, and their morale was unexpectedly uplifted.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the post station. The two disembarked, only to find the Liao envoy, Xiao Xi, already waiting at the entrance to greet them. Upon seeing them alight from the carriage, Xiao Xi hurriedly clasped his hands in salute and smiled, saying, "Lord Liu, Lord Lü, please." The two also returned the gesture with a bow. This was a diplomatic etiquette commonly observed between the Song and Liao, and this simple exchange of bows indicated the equal diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Liu Chen, noticing that Xiao Xi was dressed in military attire, could not help but let out a faint, cold laugh. However, Lü Dazhong remained composed, seemingly oblivious to the situation.

The court has now appointed Liu Chen and Lü Dazhong as envoys. What does the Minister of Works think about this?

"The situation in the north is actually not as severe as during the Qingli era. During the Qingli period, the Liao ruler stationed troops at the border and demanded tribute from the south. At that time, there was also the threat of Yuanhao, and the court was in a state of turmoil, unsure of how to respond. The Minister of Works, being a mere scholar, took the initiative to request to be sent as an envoy to the Northern Court, and he boldly presented a letter to the Liao ruler... The students, reminiscing about those past events, were deeply moved. Even my young master believes that if we could persuade the Minister of Works to return to service..." Pan Zhaolin did not hesitate to lavish praise.

Xiao Suru welcomed Liu Chen and the others into the tent as if they were old friends, and arranged the seating for hosts and guests. Liu Chen observed the people from the Liao Kingdom, noting that Xiao Su was at the forefront, followed by the young man in silver armor, and then Xiao Youdan and Xiao Xi among others, feeling a sense of curiosity in his heart. He and Lü Dazhong had speculated for a long time but still could not ascertain the identity of that young man.

Daizhou is an important border defense prefecture in the Donglu region of the Song Dynasty. Located north of the ancient Great Wall along the Yanmen Mountain line, it borders the three prefectures of Shuozhou, Yingzhou, and Yuzhou under the jurisdiction of the Liao Kingdom's Xijingdao. According to popular legend, Daizhou is the main site of the Yang Family Generals' resistance against the Liao, and Wutai Mountain, where Yang Wulang became a monk, is also situated within Daizhou. Although the so-called "Yang Family Generals" are largely based on legend, the significance of Daizhou in the border defense of the Song Dynasty is not a fabrication. If Daizhou falls, Taiyuan will be in jeopardy; and if Taiyuan falls, the Central Plains and Luoyang will be shaken, turning the strategically advantageous lands of the Song Dynasty into a battlefield

Liu Chen, upon hearing this, quickly gazed into the distance, and to his astonishment, he was taken aback! Before him, the Khitan encampment stretched for several miles, with banners densely packed! He had previously discussed with Lü Dazhong, believing that the claim of the Liao Dynasty having an army of one hundred thousand was merely a bluff, but the scene before him indicated that there were at least fifty to sixty thousand troops just in Mayi!

Yelü Jun also laughed and said: "Since the army of one hundred thousand has been stationed at the border for a long time, a price that is too low would inevitably lead to underestimation. Let the envoy act according to the situation and increase the annual tribute by one hundred thousand guan and one hundred thousand bolts of silk"

Han and Lü immediately bowed and said, "We obey your command." Han Zhongyan, in particular, fell to the ground in tears, exclaiming, "Thank you for your great grace!"

Liu Chen shook his head and smiled, saying: "You, esteemed envoy, do not know the talented individuals and virtuous scholars of our Great Song. Individuals like Shi Ziming, Sima Junshi, and Su Zizhan are truly gifted by heaven; how could I, Liu, ever hope to compare with them? Among the likes of Shi, Ma, and Su, there are only three in the Great Song. As for my own talents, they are countless, measured by carts and bushels in the Great Song."

Xiao Su smiled faintly, not even glancing, and shouted, "Get the map!"

The Deputy Minister of the Tai Chang Temple, Liu Chen, sat in the same carriage as Lü Dazhong, with his eyes closed in meditation. As soon as he closed his eyes, he could not help but recall the scene in the Chongzheng Hall where the Emperor summoned him

Zhao Xu silently picked up his brush, pondered for a moment, and wrote the inscription "The Stele of the Meritorious Ministers of Two Dynasties" in seal script, which was to be bestowed upon Han Zhongyan. He solemnly stated, "In times of national crisis, we think of good ministers; only Han Qi is worthy of these ten characters!" He then addressed Han Jiang, Lü Huiqing, and others standing nearby, saying, "Posthumously confer the titles of Minister of State, Concurrent Palace Attendant, Grand Tutor, and Duke of Wei upon Han Qi, and allow him to be honored alongside the temple of Emperor Yingzong. On the day of mourning, the court shall suspend its activities for one day to express our condolences! The details of Han Qi's funeral rites and posthumous title shall be discussed by the relevant officials, ensuring that proper honors are prepared."

Pan Zhaolin has been spending the past few days on horseback, so I called him over and requested a copy of the "Xijing Review," adding, "I also want a copy of the 'Xinyi News' and the 'Bianjing News' each.

Xiao Su observed that Liu Chen's tone had softened, and feeling more empowered, he said: "Is this merely a delaying tactic? With my 100,000 troops, consuming provisions daily, how can we afford to slowly negotiate the boundaries?"

These soldiers, seeing Liu Chen as merely a scholar, were nonetheless stirred by his passionate words, their blood boiling with fervor. One soldier could not help but respond loudly, "Rest assured, my lord, the troops of Daizhou are not cowards! We would never dare to tarnish the dignity of the nation!"

Liu Chen walked slowly to Xiao Su and said with dignity, "This is the territory of the Great Song Dynasty, and the post station is also a place where the Great Song welcomes envoys from neighboring countries. Out of both sentiment and propriety, we should invite Lord Xiao to take a seat of honor."

Liu Chen and Lü Dazhong exchanged a glance and said, "In that case, we shall certainly meet at the appointed time tomorrow"

Pan Zhaolin rose with a smile and took his seat, then inquired about Fu Bi's well-being. Fu Bi sighed and said, "Han Zhigui has already departed; next, it is indeed my turn."

Unexpectedly, upon receiving the name card, the doorman burst into tears, exclaiming, "The Chamberlain, the Chamberlain has passed away!"

Xiao Ximing was clearly in the right, yet he was rendered speechless by what was said, and he couldn't help but admire it in his heart. The two continued their verbal sparring, discussing as they walked, and before long, after ascending a small slope, Xiao Xi pointed the whip ahead and said with a smile, "The main camp is right there."

In the tenth month of the seventh year of Xining, which corresponds to the tenth year of the reign of Yelü Hongji of the Liao Dynasty, witnessing the Song Dynasty's severe calamity and significant weakening, coupled with the dismissal of Wang Anshi and the instability of the political situation, Liao ruler Yelü Hongji conferred with Prince Wei and Chief Minister Yelü Yixin, deciding to take advantage of the situation. He thus ordered Deputy Chief Minister Xiao Su to take command in the Western Capital, Datong Prefecture, and dispatched Linya Xiao Xi to Daizhou, falsely accusing the Song people of constructing fortifications that encroached upon the territories of Shuozhou, Yingzhou, and Yuanzhou with malicious intent. He demanded that the Song Dynasty cease the construction of fortifications, renegotiate the border between Liao and Song, and pay a compensation of two hundred thousand taels of silver, two million guan in cash, and two hundred thousand bolts of silk. Furthermore, he threatened that they had already stationed one hundred thousand troops at the borders of the three states, and if the Song people did not comply, it would be tantamount to undermining the peace agreement, and the Liao army would come to take it by force.

Lu Huiqing was about to refute, but saw Cai Que had already stepped forward and said loudly, "If Your Majesty wishes to reform the law, even summoning Sima Guang would not yield results. Moreover, I have not heard of Sima Guang being renowned for his understanding of northern affairs; how could it be that there is no one in the court?" Lu Huiqing was puzzled as to why Cai Que was taking the initiative to speak on his behalf in such a contentious matter, when he heard Cai Que continue, "As for Shi Yue, he has long been praised by both the court and the public. Your Majesty has appointed him to the prefecture to test his abilities and assess his ambitions. Now, with the term not yet completed, summoning him back to the capital may invite public criticism. I believe this would not be a blessing for Shi Yue. Your Majesty might as well issue a decree to inquire about his strategies. If he has a good plan, it would not be too late to summon him back."

Fu Bi glared at him and said with a smile, "The ambition of Shi Ziming is indeed remarkable"

Liu Chen understood that this first confrontation was crucial for both sides' morale, and how could he possibly concede even a step? He coldly laughed and said, "The territory of the Song Dynasty and its post houses, if a banquet is to be held, it should naturally be arranged by its owner. The expenses of this banquet need not be borne by your esteemed country."

The negotiations at the Daizhou border, after several rounds of back-and-forth, have reached a stalemate

Fu Bi knew that Pan Zhao-lin could no longer hold back, and with a smile while stroking his beard, he said, "Mr. Pan, you are being too harsh in your words"

Liu Chen, however, showed no signs of fear and calmly said: "There is no need for the envoy to be angry. If the Song Dynasty did not value the friendship between our two nations, why would I be sent here? It is simply unreasonable for the Northern Court to demand what it does. The Northern Court claims that the Song Dynasty's repairs to its fortifications are provocative, but there is no such logic in the world. It is a common practice for all nations to repair their fortifications to guard against bandits, and this has been the case for centuries. For over a hundred years, the Song and Liao Dynasties have never ceased such activities. According to the Northern Court's claims, the fortress in Luocheng outside Xiongzhou has been under repair for thirteen years; there was no mention of it in the past, so how can it now be deemed provocative? Since the Northern Court is unwilling, my sovereign, considering the friendship between our nations, has issued an edict to halt the construction; the arrow tower and fortress at Baigou Post have also been dismantled, and the troops have been withdrawn. Why then does the Northern Court continue to be aggressive?"

Han Zhongyan, with tears in his eyes, presented the will of Han Qi, saying: "Before my late father passed away, he was aware of the provocations from the northern Hu invaders and anticipated that Your Majesty might inquire about them. He left this will for me to present on his behalf, hoping it would be of some benefit to the state affairs. My late father's last words were: 'I can no longer share Your Majesty's burdens and feel I have failed in my duty to Your Majesty. I implore Your Majesty to take good care of yourself.'

Pan Zhaolin smiled and said, "I would be immensely grateful if you could just inform me."

When Zhao Xu saw Han Qi's son, the Minister of Revenue Han Zhongyan, dressed in mourning clothes approaching him, he could no longer deny the fact that Duke Wei, the Imperial Attendant Han Qi, had passed away. The loss of the state and its subjects! It felt as if a crucial pillar had suddenly collapsed. At that moment, Zhao Xu truly realized how significant Han Qi was to the Song Dynasty. He reflected on Han Qi's life: during the reign of Emperor Ren, he defended against the Western Xia, presided over the Qingli reforms, and ensured the succession of the late emperor; during the reign of the late Emperor Ying, he was even more loyal, unafraid to offend Empress Dowager Cao and force her to return power... Although after his ascension he opposed the new laws and had to dismiss Han Qi, he recognized that Han Qi had made great contributions to the Song Dynasty, to the Zhao family's state, and to the Wang family of Puzhou.

Zhao Xu spoke these words in a calm manner, causing many people's eyes to turn red. According to the system of the Song Dynasty, the Longtu, Tianzhang, and Baowen pavilions were ranked, with Longtu being the foremost. The change from Baowen Pavilion to Longtu Pavilion was already a great favor; moreover, Shi Yue was originally a Langzhong of the Ministry of Rites, and a Langzhong of the Ministry of Rites, upon reaching the position of Daizhi or higher, should be promoted to the Right Censorate. Among the Right Censors, those with varying degrees of seniority would then be promoted to the Left Censorate. Shi Yue's official ranks were almost a series of leaps, yet with such great achievements and excellent evaluations in Hangzhou, coupled with the favor of the emperor, who could stand in his way? Cai Que, under normal circumstances, might have obstructed him, but at this moment, he did not wish to become an enemy of Shi Yue, thus he remained silent. Although Lü Huiqing was not pleased in his heart, given the current situation, he also did not want to develop a deep resentment towards Shi Yue, which would hinder his future progress.

On the contrary, Wu Chongdao said, "I believe that Shi Yue's rapid promotion is not a fortunate matter for the state or for himself"

Pan Zhaolin smiled faintly and said, "I also believe that the Minister of State has far-reaching plans for the country, and it cannot be said that they are not profound. However, Sima Jun has offended too many petty individuals in the court, and I fear it will be difficult for him to achieve his wishes. My young master often says that the three outstanding members of the Fan family are all pillars of the court, but Fan Yaofu maintains a lofty integrity, and even the Emperor cannot bend his will, which is a pity." After speaking, he cast a meaningful glance at Fu Bi. The relationship between the Fu and Fan families is extraordinary. Among Fan Zhongyan's four sons, the eldest was the best, but unfortunately died young. The other three sons each had their own talents, with Fan Churen being the most famous.

That night, after everyone had dispersed, Xiao Su left Yelv Jun and Xiao Youdan kneeling before Yelv Jun, swearing loyalty by stabbing their arms with a knife. Xiao Youdan understood that Xiao Su was taking a gamble, betting his own future on Yelv Jun's ability to defeat King Wei, Yelv Yixin, and ascend the throne smoothly. As long as Yelv Jun successfully claimed the title of Emperor of the Liao Dynasty, Xiao Su's future would be limitless; however, if he failed, it would mean the punishment of extermination for his clan. This choice was one that the high-ranking officials of the Liao state had to make, sooner or later. At this moment, having a significant minister like Xiao Su pledge allegiance to him was undoubtedly a great victory for Yelv Jun. Considering that Yelv Yixin was highly unlikely to cause any changes at this time, in order to demonstrate his trust in Xiao Su, Xiao Youdan decided to leave for a while and once again head to the capital of the Song Dynasty.

Xiao Xi glanced behind Liu Chen and noticed that the accompanying soldiers were all spirited and high-spirited, which made him regard Liu Chen with even more admiration. He then looked beside him and saw that Lu Dazhong was not present, so he feigned surprise and asked, "Why hasn't Lord Lu come?"

My family's scholar said that what Sima Kong worries about in his lifetime is that the power of the sovereign is too great, and only by using the mandate of heaven can it be constrained. However, some people mislead the holy ruler into not fearing the mandate of heaven. Sima Kong is most concerned that in the future, the ruler will act according to his desires without any constraints, which will harm the affairs of the state. Therefore, the "Xijing Review" often speaks of the mandate of heaven, and it is not without reason

Zhao Xu, upon hearing Empress Gao's reprimand, quickly rose with a flushed face to listen attentively

Liu Chen then returned a salute from his horse and said, "I appreciate your esteemed envoy's trouble in coming to greet me."

The general will immediately send someone there

Dai County City, the cold wind howls, and leaves fall in a flurry

Pan Zhaolin was well aware that after Fu Bi's retirement, he rarely received outside guests, and it was unlikely that he would meet with him. At this moment, he hurriedly took a small ingot of silver and quietly slipped it into the hand of the servant, smiling as he said, "It is indeed inappropriate to disturb, but considering that I have come from afar, I still need to trouble you to convey a message. Lord Han would certainly not take offense. If Lord Han truly does not wish to meet, I would not dare to intrude..."

Liu Chen's eloquent arguments left Xiao Xi momentarily speechless. The young man in silver armor glanced at Liu Chen several times, and when Liu Chen returned the gaze, he was taken aback to find admiration in the young man's eyes. Then, Xiao Su laughed and said, "Since both of you are determined to contend for this position, I believe that the longstanding friendship between our families for over seventy years should not be jeopardized over trivial matters. However, as the host, I cannot take a seat among the guests. Therefore, let us hold a banquet again tomorrow north of the ancient Great Wall at Yanmen Mountain, and I would like to invite both of you to attend. What are your thoughts on this?"

The three sons of the Fan family all possess the demeanor of their father, and I, an old man, do not worry for them. At my age, having greatly benefited from the grace of the nation, if there is anything I still worry about, it is that I hope the Emperor will not be deceived by treacherous individuals, leading to chaos in the affairs of the state

Xiao Su, filled with indignation and embarrassment, slammed the table and exclaimed: "Why do you refuse to yield even a single step? Whether surveying the boundary or not, the watershed serves as the boundary!"

Xiao Xi is already aware that this person's words are quite sharp; continuing to speak would only lead to trouble for himself, and he fears he might even bring humiliation upon himself. With a laugh, he decided not to pursue the matter further and led Liu Chen to head north.

The rest of the crowd also responded loudly, "We would never dare to undermine the dignity of the nation!"

"Ah?!" Although Pan Zhaolin had a bad premonition about the situation before him, he still held onto a glimmer of hope. However, the reality was so cruel. No one could have anticipated that at this critical moment, the veteran statesman who had served through three reigns, Duke Wei and the Minister of Ceremonies Han Qi, would actually die!

Fu Bi, with his old eyes clouded, smiled and said: "One should not concern oneself with matters outside one's position. I have returned to my hometown, and I spend my days reciting Buddhist scriptures and practicing alchemy in search of immortality. As for the affairs of the court, they are not matters that I should involve myself in"

Zhao Xu was taken aback by the question, pondering the deeper meaning behind the words. It felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. After a moment of daze, he finally managed to respond, "It is not too late to arrange these matters now"

Liu Chen and others entered the hall, only to find that a banquet had already been prepared. Xiao Su stepped up to the main seat and commanded loudly, "Play the music, and invite Lord Liu and Lord Lü to take their seats." A servant immediately approached and guided the two to the guest seats.

Upon hearing this, the steward smiled and said, "In that case, please wait a moment, Mr. Pan." After saying this, he hurriedly entered through the side door to make the announcement

Before long, the Liao people also unfolded a map, and Xiao Sudao said: "Lord Liu, please take a look. This is the map from ten years ago of our dynasty, at that time the borders of the two countries were as such"

"Indeed, he is an old fox," Pan Zhaolin thought to himself, but he smiled and said, "Sikong is being overly modest; even if Sikong has the ambition of Nanshan, the Emperor and the court ultimately do not permit it"

Pan Zhaolin, having traveled day and night, was utterly exhausted by the time he dismounted in front of the Daming Prefecture's government office. However, nothing could instill greater fear and trepidation in him than the sight before him

Fu Bi, having long navigated the political waters, had become astute with age. He had already discerned that Pan Zhao-lin was employing a method of provocation. Squinting his eyes, he sighed, "In old age, all ambitions fade; what great aspirations can remain? Decades have been sufficient to wear away any trace of them. The desire to compete and strive for victory has long since vanished. I would appreciate it if Mr. Pan could convey to Scholar Shi to diligently assist the Holy Monarch, for the stability of the nation ultimately relies on the youth."

Xiao Xi had also heard of the names "Thunderclap" and "Lightning Bomb." If one were to truly assess their power, they would not be able to determine the outcome of a battle. However, the people of that time could not help but be frightened by these weapons and misled by rumors. Additionally, during the siege of Hezhou, Ma Erjian suffered greatly under the Thunderclap and Lightning Bomb, which led to exaggerated tales about him. Lü Huiqing used this as an excuse to commend Chen Yuanfeng. Xiao Xi, having only heard of their fame and not knowing the truth, did not wish to diminish his own prestige and could only assert, "Weapons like the Thunderclap and Lightning Bomb are likely to be greatly exaggerated."

Xi'an and Luoyang

The relationship between Xiao Su and Yelv Yixin is not good; his support for the Crown Prince can be considered credible

However, after not walking for long, Xiao Xi could no longer contain himself. He proudly glanced at the elite cavalry beside him and asked, "How does Lord Liu view the military appearance of our Great Liao?"

Pan Zhaolin gazed at Fu Bi and after a while, suddenly smiled and said: "My family’s scholar once discussed the figures of our dynasty, believing that the late Han Shizhong and Sikong were the foremost figures of our time, yet they still do not compare to Fan Wenzheng Gong—Alas! I have sought the heart of the ancient benevolent person, which may differ from the two. Why is this? It is because they are not elated by external circumstances nor saddened by personal misfortunes. When residing in the high halls of power, they worry for the people; when in the distant rivers and lakes, they worry for the ruler: thus, they are concerned whether they advance or retreat. Then when can they find joy? They must say: 'Worry for the world before the world worries, and rejoice after the world rejoices'...

Liu Chen observed that the map was very new, with the ink still wet, clearly a recent creation, intentionally misleading by the Liao people. He initially intended to refuse outright, but upon considering the several miles of encampment, he had to force himself to endure and said, "This map is likely not from ten years ago. However, since there is a dispute over the borders, it can be resolved easily. The envoy should send a clerk to Daizhou to jointly investigate the borders with the local officials, and then the truth will be known"

Fu Bi waved his hand and said, "Han Zhigui still harbors a sense of fear. One must not be afraid of the Khitan people. They are also afraid of fighting us. First, we must reason with them and persuade them with propriety and righteousness; the Khitan are not comparable to the barbaric Hu Di who do not understand propriety and righteousness. Second, we must be bold; when we are bold, others will not dare to bully us. If it were not for the severe depletion of the court's strength, rendering it incapable of launching a northern expedition, we would not yield an inch."

Pan Zhaolin was quietly waiting at the door when, after a short while, he saw a servant running out, smiling as he said, "Sir, please come in, my master has requested your presence." As he spoke, he also sized up Pan Zhaolin and exclaimed with a smile, "You must be someone extraordinary, for my master rarely receives guests, and today he is making an exception for you."

In the golden tent of Yelü Jun, a large charcoal fire burned brightly. Dressed in military attire, Yelü Jun sat by the fire with Xiao Youdan, Xiao Su, Xiao Xi, and others, discussing strategies. Although negotiations had not made progress in recent days, Yelü Jun had gained much; he was kind to people and considerate of the common folk. The soldiers of the Shuozhou garrison held great affection for this prince, and even Xiao Su's fondness for him grew day by day. Had he remained by Yelü Hongji's side or in the isolated and helpless court, he would never have won the hearts of these people.

Fu Bi's eyes narrowed into a line; he naturally understood that Pan Zhao-lin was ostensibly asking Sima Guang, but in reality, he was inquiring about Shi Yue!

This was the first time that Emperor Zhao Xu of the Song Dynasty, at the age of twenty-six, faced the military threat from the powerful northern neighbor. Although he had harbored great ambitions since childhood, determined to reclaim Youji, when the enemy issued threats at a time not of his choosing, Zhao Xu appeared somewhat blusterous yet inwardly timid. Even the minor resistance from the Qiang people would cause this emperor to lose sleep and appetite, let alone the Khitan people, who had instilled fear since the Five Dynasties! At this critical moment, none of the main members of his Council of State and Privy Council had any experience dealing with the Khitan.

Then, who should be sent to Bianjing?

The residence of Duke Gong of Korea, Fu Bi, is a well-known place in Luoyang. In the back garden of the Fu residence, there is a large tree formed by the climbing of trumpet vines, standing tall and lovely, visible even from the main street. This tree has also become a symbol of the status and position of the Fu family. However, Fu Bi's presence in Luoyang is not merely about respect and wealth. From the information noted by Pan Zhaolin, it is known that the governor of Henan, Li Zhongshi, has a deep-seated grudge against Fu Bi. Years ago, Fu Bi exposed Li Zhongshi's connections with eunuchs in front of the emperor, which led to Li Zhongshi's inability to be promoted. Unexpectedly, the enemies have come together; Fu Bi has retired and settled in Luoyang, while Li Zhongshi has once again become the governor of Henan, seizing the opportunity presented by Wang Anshi's reforms to take revenge. After the implementation of the exemption from labor service law, he demanded that the Fu residence pay the exemption fees just like ordinary official households. Neither Li Zhongshi nor Fu Bi would regard this sum of money lightly—Fu Bi's annual financial support for the "Xijing Review" far exceeds this amount by hundreds of times—what matters is the loss of face. Yet, Fu Bi cannot possibly complain to the emperor about such trivial matters! The dignified Duke of Korea is truly filled with pent-up frustration. Pan Zhaolin often speculates with malice that Fu Bi's vehement opposition to the exemption from labor service law may merely be an attempt to regain his lost face.

"With governance being thus, even the best envoy would be a futile effort." Pan Zhaolin echoed, then cautiously inquired, "The Chamberlain recommends Sima Junshi as the envoy, and the Minister of Works believes..."

However, the Liao people were unwilling to give him the time to think carefully. Xiao Xi kept dragging him into various discussions, and the camp drew closer and closer. Before long, hundreds of horns sounded in unison, echoing across the plains. The camp gates swung wide open, and two rows of armored soldiers emerged, standing solemnly on either side of the gate. Dressed in military attire, Xiao Su led the officials under his command to greet him at the camp entrance

A diplomat unexpectedly received such a disheartening imperial edict before his departure! Liu Chen felt a mix of emotions, and after arriving in Daizhou, he kept the edict hidden and never mentioned it. In recent days, he had observed that Lü Dazhong was indeed a person of noble character and generous spirit, yet knowing a person’s face does not guarantee understanding their heart; he still hesitated about whether to explain the situation to Lü Dazhong. Today, the Deputy Minister of the Privy Council of the Liao State, Xiao Su, had personally come, marking Liu Chen's first confrontation with Xiao Su. If he were to inform Lü Dazhong, it might dampen their spirits and lead to unfavorable outcomes. He gritted his teeth and thought, "Forget it, I will bear the blame for not obeying the edict myself!"

Such demands are truly unacceptable, but if we do not comply, we cannot avoid the calamities of war. Therefore, it is better to follow the wishes of the late Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, and to take the initiative by launching a northern expedition. Zhao Xu spoke with great boldness, yet there remained a hint of uncertainty in his tone

"I have long heard that Fu Bi is adept at managing his estate, possessing thousands of acres of fertile land; it seems that what is said is not false." Pan Zhaolin pondered to himself, while handing over his name card, he said to the steward, "I am Pan Zhaolin from Zhen Ding, under the orders of the Grand Scholar of Longtu Pavilion, Lord Shi, the Governor of Hangzhou, to seek an audience with Duke Han. I would appreciate it if you could convey this message."

"Are these useful?" Fu Bi asked doubtfully. His political acumen made him keenly aware of the role of newspapers, so he decisively invested in the establishment of the "Xi Jing Review"; however, he never considered using it to restrain imperial power. This seemed somewhat disrespectful.

Liu Chen was about to speak when he noticed a soldier behind him moving his lips, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating. Feeling a stir in his heart, he walked up to the soldier and asked, "Do you have something to say?"

Fu Bi was truly taken aback; this was indeed one of his most important political propositions: to constrain imperial power by emphasizing the mandate of heaven. Although he often spoke candidly in his memorials, it had never attracted much attention from others, and he did not expect it to be noticed by Shi Yue. "Shi Ziming is indeed an old friend of mine!" Fu Bi could not help but sigh, "I wonder what good solution he might have to offer?"

Liu Chen, seeing the effectiveness of his strategy, immediately turned cold and scanned the crowd, saying sternly: "Gentlemen, as you accompany me on this mission to the enemy nation, the fate of our state rests upon you. If you cower in fear before the enemy, it is not only a disgrace for you alone, but it also tarnishes the prestige of our Great Song dynasty, and brings shame upon our ancestors and clans! Before coming here, I had heard that throughout history, there have been many valiant individuals. Can you allow the Khitan barbarians to mock our Great Song for having no one to stand against them?"

Pan Zhaolin hurriedly bowed and said, "I am Pan Zhaolin, and I pay my respects to the Minister of State." Fu Bi was a renowned minister during the reign of Emperor Renzong, serving in three different administrations. In his youth, he was exceptionally talented, and many of his initiatives became models for the Song court as soon as they were introduced. Although he disagreed with Wang Anshi's political views, after retiring to Luoyang, Emperor Zhao Xu often sent envoys to inquire about his well-being and sometimes summoned him to the capital for meetings. Moreover, the Fu family was the strongest backing for the 'Western Capital Review' and continued to wield significant influence over the political landscape of the Song dynasty. Pan Zhaolin, though proud and ambitious, held great respect for Fu Bi.

Meanwhile, the imperial city of Bianjing

Liu Chen had no choice but to collect his thoughts, dismount from his horse, adjust his attire, and approach forward.

Zhao Xu was deeply moved, taking over Han Qi's memorial, and lamented, "Han Qi, a loyal minister of three reigns, is a pillar of the court. The court loses a pillar, the state loses a loyal subject, and I lose a trusted aide!"

This passage from Fan Zhongyan's "Record of the Yueyang Tower" expresses the aspirations of many scholars and officials of that time! Moreover, Fan Zhongyan and Fu Bi shared a bond of mutual recognition and camaraderie. In those years, Fan Zhongyan personally transcribed the "Record of the Yueyang Tower" to encourage Fu Bi. At this moment, Pan Zhao's generous recitation stirred the long-hidden ideals and ambitions within Fu Bi, which had remained buried deep in his heart throughout his life due to the vicissitudes of an official career. He reflected on his life, having entered the officialdom through the recommendation of Fan Zhongyan by passing the prestigious examination, later exonerating Liu Ping from wrongful accusations, persuading the Liao ruler with the eloquence of a scholar despite facing an army of one hundred thousand, and jointly promoting the Qingli New Policies with Fan Zhongyan...

Those who can handle northern affairs in the court... Fu Bi shook his head slightly

At a time when the nation's vitality was severely wounded, what true desire for battle could Zhao Xu have in his heart? It was merely a tangle of various feelings of unwillingness, humiliation, and impulsiveness, intertwined within him, and hindered by the face of the emperor, leading to a moment of hesitation and indecision. Although he held the esteemed title of emperor, his mindset at this moment was, in fact, no different from that of ordinary young men who harbored ambitious dreams yet lacked the strength to realize them. It was simply that he felt powerless to confront all of this alone, thus he sought the assistance and reassurance of trusted elders, as if by doing so, the immense responsibility would no longer rest solely on his shoulders.

"The mandate of heaven is elusive and difficult for rulers to believe in. Public opinion, as represented by public discourse and newspapers, must be respected by wise rulers, as it is a matter of natural justice; likewise, the rites and laws, which embody customs, experiences, and the teachings of the sages, should also be respected by enlightened rulers. If a nation can cultivate a habit where both the emperor and the chancellor respect public opinion, customs, experiences, and the teachings of the sages, would this not far surpass the mandate of heaven?" When Pan Zhaolin expressed these thoughts, he felt akin to Sang Chongguo.

Liu Chen was momentarily taken aback, but soon realized that this was a tactic by Xiao Su to seize the initiative. He then smiled slightly and said slowly, "I come here on the orders of the Emperor of the Great Song, for I cannot bear to see the friendship between our two nations, which has lasted for seventy years, destroyed in an instant. All previous accusations from the Northern Court are entirely baseless; the matter of claiming monetary compensation is even more unreasonable! I hope that His Majesty the Emperor of the Northern Court will not be misled by those who seek to stir up trouble, nor heed slanderous words, which could lead to endless calamities."

"Good!" Yelü Jun nodded, took a leather bag of wine, and handed it to Xiao Xi, saying: "Let this wine be a farewell gift for you!"

Fu Shaoting exchanged a few more pleasantries before leading Pan Zhaolin to the inner room of the backyard. As soon as they entered the hall, Pan Zhaolin was greeted by a strong scent of sandalwood. Fu Bi, with his hair and beard all white, dressed in a Daoist robe, sat in the main seat. Upon seeing Pan Zhaolin enter, he reluctantly stood up to welcome him

Send another group of people to the distance of fifty li to assist Lord Liu! Lu Dazhong instructed the chief of Xijingzhai.

At this moment, both parties exchanged formal greetings. Xiao Su clasped his hands and smiled, saying, "Lord Liu, Lord Lü, it has been a long journey for you." Lü Dazhong also clasped his hands in return and replied calmly, "Lord Xiao is mistaken; this is Song territory, and it is Lord Xiao who has endured the hardship."

Daming Prefecture, Hebei. The government office.

Xiao Su respectfully said to the young man in silver armor, "Your Highness, this Liu Chen is truly difficult to deal with"

This time, Zhao Xu reluctantly went to the Cishou Palace. The wisdom of the Empress Dowager Cao is often something that Zhao Xu must rely on.

Liu Chen and Lü Dazhong... If both courts are timid and afraid of trouble, what use is there for the envoys?

"Liu Chen has been unwilling to compromise. What do you gentlemen think should be done? If this drags on, this bluffing strategy will soon be exposed" Yelü Jun looked at Xiao Youdan and Xiao Su, and asked

Liu Chen smiled and said: "The Khitan cavalry is renowned throughout the world, yet it is not much different from the troops of my Daizhou. If compared to the various elite troops and the top four armies, I fear only the imperial guards of the Great Liao Emperor could be considered comparable. As for the might of the Thunderclap and the Thunderbolt bombs, it is unparalleled in both ancient and modern times; I only worry that your country lacks the means to compare."

Xiao Xi felt her face flush from what he said and quickly burst into laughter to cover her embarrassment: "Lord Liu's sharp wit is truly not inferior to Su Qin. I had only heard of the great names of the Southern Dynasties, such as Shi Ziming, Sima Junshi, and Su Zizhan, but it turns out that Lord Liu's talent is not beneath that of these three."

The "Your Highness" he referred to is Crown Prince Yelü Jun. Then Yelü Jun laughed and said, "This person excels in his considerable courage. This was originally a strategy devised by Father Emperor to test the waters, to see what kind of person the Emperor of the Southern Dynasty truly is; the amount gained is not of great concern."

Feng Jing, recognizing the rarity of the opportunity, stepped forward to echo, "Your Majesty is well aware of Shi Yue's capabilities. I urge Your Majesty to think it over carefully"

Xiao Su, however, knew that it was not that simple. In the court, Yelü Yixin originally hoped to take the opportunity to provoke a war, so that he could further grasp military power; however, the Liao ruler Yelü Hongji rejected the suggestion of rashly using military force and decided on a strategy of testing the waters. Although this strategy may not have been proposed by Crown Prince Yelü Jun, it was likely related to Xiao Youdan, who was behind Yelü Jun.

Xiao Youdan clasped his hands behind his back, a bitter smile on his face. This strategy of testing the waters was nothing more than a show of force, a loud intimidation, and an opportunistic plunder to gain some benefits; it also served to observe the courage and capabilities of the Southern Dynasty's rulers and ministers. Most importantly, it was to prevent Yelv Yixin from taking the opportunity to deepen his control over the military, which could be considered a strategy that kills multiple birds with one stone. Based on Xiao Youdan's understanding of the Song court, he knew that the real drama was just beginning, but for some reason, he felt a vague sense of unease in his heart, yet he could not pinpoint exactly what he was worried about...

Xiao Su smiled and said, "That may not be entirely ineffective. The Southern Dynasties have always feared our dynasty, and although they know it is a ruse, they still harbor genuine fear. With this act, even though Liu Chen is strong and formidable, others may not necessarily be as strong as he is."

Liu Chen could not yield: "I fear that Huangwei Mountain does not belong to the Northern Dynasties' territory; historically, the boundary has always been based on the ancient Great Wall. If not, why then is there a fear of boundary surveying?"

Liu Chen and Lü Dazhong exchanged a glance, yet neither was willing to take a step forward. Liu Chen fixed his gaze on Xiao Su and said, "Lord Xiao, you have made a mistake again"

Liu Chenxin understood that Xiao Su was flaunting military might, subtly implying a threat. He turned around to see that his subordinate soldiers all appeared fearful, which made him frown. Known for his wisdom and strategy, he feigned nonchalance at this moment, reining in his horse and raising his whip to point at the Liao army, mocking, "The Khitan are reputed to be skilled in battle, yet they have also declined; I see these cavalrymen are far inferior to our Great Song's Sun-Palace army!"

Everyone was taken aback. Cai Que had always been at odds with Shi Yue, yet suddenly he subtly agreed to recall Shi Yue, leaving people puzzled about his intentions. Only Lü Huiqing knew that Cai Que actually wanted to draw Shi Yue in as an ally to counterbalance himself

Due to the significant importance of Daizhou, the Song Dynasty constructed numerous military outposts along the Daizhou border, including Pingxingzhai, Tianshizhai, Yanmenzhai, Xijingzhai, Yangwuzhai, and Loubanzhai, among others, totaling in the dozens. Within its jurisdiction, the imperial troops, auxiliary soldiers, and local militias numbered in the tens of thousands. Various loyal and valiant societies and archery societies were also widespread in every town and village, reflecting a robust and fierce local culture that should not be underestimated. Since Wang Anshi took office, in addition to the establishment of the General's Law and the Baojia System, he further repaired fortifications and constructed additional military outposts along the Daizhou border to strengthen border defense. The Liao people had endured this situation for a long time, but at that time, the governors of Hebei were all prominent officials of the Song Dynasty, and the strength of the Liao state could not support a war against the Song Dynasty on a national scale, thus they could only wait patiently for an opportunity.

"If a man of seventy or eighty years were to make a comeback, would it not invite laughter from the Liao people at the expense of our Song dynasty's reputation?" Fu Bi shook his head and smiled, saying, "The so-called hundred thousand troops of the Liao state, in my view, are mostly a bluff; although the Liao ruler is foolish, he is not without capability. He knows well that he lacks the strength to engage in a full-scale war with our Song dynasty. The Khitan have always considered themselves a great power, controlling numerous vassal tribes. If they were to recklessly initiate a war, it would undermine their credibility in the world, and the gains would not compensate for the losses. Moreover, can there be no internal contradictions within the Khitan? In the past, the Khitan sought the lands south of the pass and aimed to increase their annual tribute, yet now they are merely quarreling over border territories and demanding reparations amounting to millions of strings of cash, which further indicates their lack of confidence. As long as the court maintains its position, while discreetly enhancing defenses and dispatching a resolute and articulate envoy to communicate the pros and cons to the Liao ruler, offering at most one or two hundred thousand strings of cash to save face for the Liao ruler, the issue can be resolved."

Xiao Xi, however, did not agree: "Lord Liu, do not attempt to argue like Su Qin. Matters of the world are fundamentally the same; when we host a banquet, it is only natural for us to occupy the main seats."

Pan Zhaolin, knowing that he was the son of Fu Bi, Fu Shaoting, hurriedly returned the greeting and said, "I dare not, it is you who have worked hard, Brother De."

Although the soldier's voice was not loud, it could be heard throughout the tent. Xiao Su and the others were busy asking for exorbitant prices, assuming that every mountain had its own earth embankments, only to find out that Huangwei Mountain did not have any. At that moment, they were exposed, which was quite embarrassing. Fortunately, Xiao Su was quick-witted; before Liu Chen could speak, he took the initiative to say, "Ahem! I made a mistake earlier; Huangwei Mountain indeed does not have earth embankments, but is instead defined by the watershed."

Zhao Xu spoke calmly, while Han Jiang remained unperturbed, but the expression on Lu Huaiqing's face changed slightly. Han Qi's memorial clearly aimed to forge a closer alliance between the old faction and Shi Yue. If Sima Guang were to be sent as an envoy to the Liao state and resolved the current border disputes, then with his reputation, it would be a natural progression for the emperor to summon him back to court and assign him important duties. As for Shi Yue, he has so far enjoyed a smooth career path, and at a time when the new policies have faced significant setbacks, if both of them were to enter the court simultaneously, it is truly uncertain whether the emperor would waver in his loyalties. Moreover, Sima Guang and he are fundamentally incompatible. Upon considering this, Lu Huaiqing immediately stepped forward and tactfully said, "Your Majesty, I believe that Liu Chen and Lu Dazhong are currently in discussions with the Liao people, and changing generals at such a critical moment is indeed a major taboo in military strategy. I urge Your Majesty to think it over carefully."

Pan Zhaolin just let out a sigh of relief. He knew that this family was not speaking empty words; Fu Bi treated guests equally, regardless of their status. Due to his declining health, he could not receive all the guests and, not wanting to show favoritism, simply chose to close the doors to visitors. If it were not for arriving at such a sensitive moment, he feared he would have been turned away as well. He entered through the side door with the family. The grand mansion was unlike any ordinary place; after walking over a hundred steps, they finally reached the main entrance. A man in his thirties was waiting at the main door. Upon seeing Pan Zhaolin approach, he cupped his fists in a polite gesture and said, "I have long admired Mr. Pan's reputation, and I am fortunate to meet you today. My father has difficulty walking and cannot come out to greet you; I hope you can understand."

Lu Dazhong quickly ascended the observation platform and, from a distance, indeed spotted Liu Chen and his party. He hurriedly instructed, "Quickly, open the gate and welcome Lord Liu!"

Empress Dowager Cao did not express her opinion, but only inquired, "In that case, has the state provided sufficient reserves for the officials? Are the soldiers' armor and weapons sharp and effective?"

Liu Chen's face flushed slightly, yet his words showed no sign of weakness: "Throughout history, wise rulers have always tested their officials in the provinces before assigning them to the central government, observing their ambitions through their actions in both advancement and retreat. With three individuals each holding positions in the provinces, what is so surprising about that?"

Fu Bi is a remarkable figure, able to discern the refined intentions behind the sound of strings and songs. Pan Zhaolin is an important person in the household of Shi Yue. Upon seeing the emperor's announcement regarding Shi Yue's promotion and elevation, Pan Zhaolin immediately sought an audience. Although he spoke with caution, the essence of his intentions, after many circumlocutions, was not lost on Fu Bi. Shi Yue is the nominal son-in-law of Han Qi; although the relationship between Shi and Han is not particularly close, it is still somewhat stronger than that of others. Outsiders are even less likely to know the true circumstances within. No matter how astute Fu Bi is, he naturally connected Han Qi's recommendation of Shi Yue to these matters—Shi Ziming is indeed trying to curry favor with the old ministers of Qingli.

Fu Bi had been speaking for quite a while, and his strength was beginning to wane. Fu Shaoting hurriedly handed over a bowl of ginseng soup, and Fu Bi gently took a sip, smiling as he said, "This Korean ginseng was sent all the way from Hangzhou by your family’s Scholar Shi, and I truly appreciate it..." In fact, at that time, there was no custom of consuming ginseng, and even the idea of using ginseng as a tonic was something Shi Yue had informed Fu Bi about

"In the court, there are talents like Han Jiang, Lü Huiqing, and Cai Que, as well as the remarkable Shi Ziming. What need is there for an old man like me! I am old now, and I only wish to wander leisurely in the woods, indifferent to worldly affairs," Fu Bi said with a smile. He knew that Pan Zhao had come because Shi Yue had a request of him, so he patiently waited for the other party to speak first.

Xiao Xi said to Yelü Jun with a smile: "Your Highness, please assign this task to me."

Xiao Su laughed heartily, raised her hand and said "please," welcoming Liu Chen, Lü Dazhong, and others into the hall

However, just before the departure, the emperor issued a command, writing on his edict: "If the Liao are unreasonable, you may deal with them as you wish."

Upon hearing the words "Longtu Pavilion's Direct Scholar," the servant did not dare to be negligent and merely bowed in response, saying, "It is unfortunate that Mr. Pan has come at an inopportune time. My master is unwell and cannot receive guests. My master has instructed that any visiting officials who may have been offended should be forgiven for any transgressions." However, he did not dare to accept the visiting card.