Chapter Seven: Audience (Part One)

Dressed in a new set of clothes, Xie Muhua walked slowly behind Pan Mei, accompanied on either side by Yang Yanzhao and Yang Yanbin. Zhao Guangyi's central military tent was located in the heart of Dingzhou City. The imperial guards stationed here belonged to the Cavalry Corps under the command of the Grand Marshal, and these soldiers were tall and robust, standing in four neat rows, each wielding a polearm.

Zhao Guangyi smiled and said, "Good, good. I have just issued a decree to the world regarding the northern expedition, and already there are overseas returnees presenting treasures. This is indeed a good omen for the army! What other news is there?"

The Yang brothers all shouted "Long live!" and knelt down. Xie Muhua gritted his teeth; although he had never bowed to anyone in his later years, considering that Zhao Guangyi was over a thousand years older than him, he thought, why not kneel? It was as if he was paying respects to the deceased. Xie Muhua's head struck the ground with a loud thud.

"Your Majesty, I, a humble subject, was born in the Eastern Roman Empire, and I speak the language of the Great Qin in my daily life, writing in the characters of the Great Qin. In the past, my ancestors fled overseas to escape calamity, and many of the Chinese classics were not taken along. It is also difficult to find the Chinese classics abroad. My knowledge is limited. I beseech Your Majesty..."

"Brother Xie, look, in Dingzhou City, the Emperor himself leads the four armies: the Sun-Bearing Army, the Heavenly Martial Army, the Dragon Guard, and the Divine Guard. Now, leaving the city are the Elite Cavalry of the Imperial Guard and the Brave Martial Army. These are all the elite troops of the Imperial Guard!" Yang Yanzhao pointed his whip towards the fluttering flags atop Dingzhou City and rode his horse to the side of Xie Muhua

This time, the Emperor of the Song Dynasty has issued a decree to the world to reclaim Youyan, bringing along a formidable army of two hundred thousand! These troops are the elite forces that conquered the Southern Tang and annihilated the Northern Han, the invincible army led by Zhao Kuangyin. The common people of Hebei have finally awaited their day of reckoning; even if they are conscripted as laborers, they are filled with joy. Along the way, the locals offer shoes and water, hoping that the royal army will achieve a resounding victory and defeat those ruthless Khitan people, leaving them in utter disarray.

Cao Bin strode quickly into the central army. Zhao Guangyi, in order to demonstrate his willingness to share both hardships and joys with the soldiers, did not take up residence in the government office upon entering Dingzhou City, but instead set up a tent in the central army.

Upon thinking of this, Zhao Guangyi laughed heartily and said, "Cao Qingjia, today I have composed a poem titled 'The Poem of the Fallen Barbarians' to express my determination to recover Youyan and save the multitude from peril."

A eunuch's high-pitched voice rang out: "Xuan Panmei, Xie Muhua, Yang Yanzhao, Yang Yanbin, to meet..."

Amidst the swirling dust and smoke, with banners densely arrayed, along the winding road stretching several dozen miles outside the city of Dingzhou, soldiers clad in bright armor march in orderly formation towards the north. These are the elite troops of the Song Dynasty. Although they have not had a good night's sleep for several days and nights, their pace does not falter. The steel blades in their hands are already polished to a bright sheen, and their long spears are hoisted high upon their shoulders

"Good..." Zhao Guangyi set down his teacup and gently began to applaud, the sound of applause resounding throughout the central army.

In the midst of my reflections, I suddenly heard Pan Mei exclaim loudly: "I, Pan Mei, along with the overseas returnee Xie Muhua, and the valiant officers Yang Yanzhao and Yang Yanbin, seek an audience with Your Majesty."

The land of Youyan has fallen into the hands of the Khitan people for fifty years. Over these years, the common folk of Hebei Road have suffered greatly. The Khitan bandits come to plunder every few days, stealing grain, capturing young women, and killing countless Han people, all while calling it "harvesting the grass and grain." For decades, those who dared to resist have been killed by the Khitan time and again. These laborers are merely ordinary citizens, seeking only three meals and a place to sleep in their lives. Faced with the bloody steel blades of the Khitan, they dare to feel anger but do not dare to speak.

"Your Majesty!" said Cao Bin. "Yang Jiyie has strongly recommended Xie Muhua, stating that this individual possesses extraordinary talent. If he could come to Youyan to assist Your Majesty, the Song Dynasty would surely soar to new heights!"

Xie Muhua gritted his teeth; Zhao Guangyi had already spoken. If he did not recite, it could provoke the Emperor's wrath, leading to a charge of treason that might result in his execution. However, if he did recite... in the future, if those literati and scholars dragged him, Xie Muhua, into discussions about poetry and rhyme schemes, it would be worse than death for him. But right now, the urgency of the situation demanded his immediate attention.

The night of the flickering candlelight and the sound of the axe, which filled him with dread, still haunts him to this day, an inescapable nightmare.

A large number of laborers dressed in various colored clothing were driving donkey carts and pushing small carts, piled high with grain and supplies. Nearby, an officer on a tall horse was constantly urging them loudly, "Hurry up, hurry up, the vanguard is almost at Jintaitun..."

"Your Majesty is wise, just like our ancestors!" Xie Muhua spoke these lies without a change in expression or a flutter of the heart

This second-generation monarch since the founding of the Song Dynasty is dark and stout, sporting a short tuft of beard. His round, plump face features very small eyes. At first glance, he appears to be a very honest middle-aged man, yet his small eyes radiate sharp intelligence. He has a broad nose and a large mouth. Dressed in a crimson silk robe adorned with cloud and dragon patterns in red and gold, he wears a crown that reaches the heavens. He sits upright in the center of the army. Behind him, two petite and exquisite palace maids stand on either side, gently fanning him.

Zhao Guangyi pondered for a moment, and his expression slightly changed: "Xie Gu? Is he not the son of General Xie Ju of Liang Zhongwei?"

Xie Muhua took a look at the man, who appeared somewhat dark and thin, yet his pair of eyes was bright and spirited. At the age of fifty-four, he still looked quite robust. This lifetime of military service had not aged this renowned general of the Song Dynasty; rather, it had honed him to be even more vigorous.

Xie Muhua rubbed his nose and muttered to himself, "Who the hell has been talking about me behind my back"

Pan Meiyi turned around and saw that Xu Muhua was lost in thought. He coughed softly and said, "Be careful not to be rude!" This person who has returned from overseas likely does not understand the etiquette of the Central Plains. If he were to act inappropriately before the Emperor, even if he had a hundred heads, it would not be enough to lose.

"However, you have been wandering in the Great Qin for several hundred years. Although Yang Jiyu praised your exceptional talent, I would like to test you!" Zhao Guangyi looked at Xie Muhua. The newly established Song Dynasty had more vacant official positions than talents. Zhao Guangyi was also searching for talents and had previously held an imperial examination. Historically, Zhao Guangyi reopened the examinations the following year, admitting renowned officials like Kou Zhun. The present Xie Muhua spoke eloquently and was a descendant of a prominent family; if he proved to be a talent, he could be greatly utilized.

Cao Bin expressed his gratitude for the imperial grace and then said, "Your Majesty, our army's vanguard, Fu Qian and Kong Shouzheng, are currently advancing towards Jintai Tun. With Your Majesty personally leading the expedition, the Han commanders along the way are successively opening their gates and surrendering their cities, not daring to resist"

The Grand General of the Left Army, in charge of Daizhou, Yang Jiyie, received a message via carrier pigeon stating that a talented scholar named Xie Muhua, who has returned from overseas, possesses treasures from the Great Qin that he wishes to present to the Emperor. He has ordered his sixth son, Yang Yanzhao, to lead a team to escort Xie Muhua to Dingzhou.

Zhao Guangyi revealed a slight smile: "So it follows that you are a descendant of Xie An from the Eastern Jin dynasty. The Xie family of Chenjun has been a prestigious lineage for generations, truly worthy of its profound scholarly heritage"

Zhao Guangyi was visibly pleased; defeating the Northern Han was not a significant achievement, as both the leadership and the ranks of the Northern Han were filled with incompetents. Even with a general like Yang Jiyue, they would not know how to utilize him, instead opting to undermine their own defenses. However, engaging with the Khitan was a first for the Song Dynasty. The Khitan were inherently brutal, fierce, and fond of killing. Historically, they had won more battles than they lost against the various states of the Central Plains. To be honest, Zhao Guangyi felt uncertain deep down.

But what do those two count for? In Taiyuan, Chai Rong and Zhao Kuangyin both suffered great defeats. I, Zhao Guangyi, personally led the expedition, and within just two months, I subdued Northern Han. In terms of talent, how could I, Zhao Guangyi, be inferior to them?

"Your Majesty, the Privy Councillor Cao Bin requests an audience!"

Xie Muhua's heart raced. In the future, the highest-ranking official he had ever seen in person was merely the secretary of the municipal committee; he had only seen provincial-level officials on television. Now, Xie Muhua was about to face the current emperor, Zhao Guangyi, who held the power of life and death over four million subjects of the Song Dynasty. How could he not be nervous?

Zhao Guangyi's thoughts returned, and he said aloud: "Proclaim!"

The sooner, the better; I am indeed eager to see the treasures from that great Qin state! Zhao Guangyi was greatly pleased.

Xie Muhua couldn't help but steal a glance at the eunuch standing outside the central army. The eunuch who was announcing the edict had delicate skin and a fair complexion, hunched over with a plump figure resembling a round ball, and his voice was sharp like that of a woman. In the past, Xie Muhua had only seen Thai ladyboys on television, and this was the first time he was witnessing a genuine ancient eunuch.

Xie Muhua steadied himself and spoke aloud: "Your Majesty, my ancestor Xie Tuan is the son of Xie Gu. During the chaos of the Hou Jing rebellion, my ancestor was ordered by my father to flee overseas for refuge. For hundreds of years, the descendants of the Xie family have longed to return to their homeland. In the Great Qin, our Xie family has gradually seen a decline in population. Before my father passed away, he commanded me to return to the Central Plains, to branch out and ensure the continuation of the Xie lineage. Today, not only can I return to my homeland, but I can also witness Your Majesty's grandeur, which fills me with immense joy"

As he gazed at the banners densely arrayed around him and the valiant generals like a gathering storm, Zhao Guangyi felt an overwhelming sense of ambition swell within him

Xie Muhua was about to respond when the eunuch had already opened the central army's tent door. Pan Mei's expression changed, and he quickly walked towards the central army. Xie Muhua and the Yang brothers hurriedly followed.

In the center of the army stood quite a few people, and judging by their attire, they were likely high-ranking officials and generals accompanying Zhao Guangyi, all of whom were looking at Xie Muhua.

Cao Bin has brought a tremendous piece of good news. Although there has not yet been a formal confrontation with the Liao army, the garrison along the way has surrendered upon seeing the situation, which has certainly set a positive tone for the army.

If I could have led an army into battle back then, the current titles of invincible generals would not have been reserved for Chai Rong and Zhao Kuangyin

Xie Muhua, in a daze, had already walked into the tent, when Pan Mei shouted loudly: "I, Pan Mei, pay my respects to Your Majesty, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor for ten thousand years!"

Cao Bin had a refined appearance. Although he was no longer young, his years of military service had kept him tall and upright. As soon as he entered the central army, he knelt down to pay his respects to Zhao Guangyi

Xie Muhua stood up and stepped aside with the Yang brothers. He secretly raised his head to look, just as his gaze collided with Zhao Guangyi's.

Zhao Guangyi is in a very good mood today. Elite troops are indeed elite. Zhao Guangyi also understands that marching one hundred and eighty miles in a day and a night is somewhat excessive. However, the Imperial Guards who have fought alongside Zhao Kuangyin for the world have gritted their teeth and persevered through it.

Xie Muhua silently felt ashamed, thinking: "Zhu Yuanzhang, oh Zhu Yuanzhang, I am sorry..."

He was determined to be a good emperor who would benefit the people, but when the subjects of the Song Dynasty mentioned the invincible emperors, they referred to only two individuals: Chai Rong and Zhao Kuangyin

No need for formalities, no need for formalities

Cao Bin was a renowned general of the Song Dynasty, instrumental in supporting Zhao Kuangyin in his ascension to the throne. He played a significant role in the destruction of the Later Shu, the pacification of the Southern Tang, and the unification of the Northern Han. Moreover, Cao Bin was known for his diplomatic skills and excellent interpersonal relationships, earning him the title of the foremost Confucian general of the Song Dynasty

The ministers in the central army all looked at Xie Muhua, curious to see how this overseas wanderer would compose a poem

Zhao Guangyi took a light sip of tea, waved his hand to stop Xie Muhua from continuing. Zhao Guangyi slowly said: "It is of no concern. When you came to the capital of the Song Dynasty, you should have witnessed the might of our imperial army. I command you to compose a poem, taking the theme of marching as your subject"

Xie Muhua adjusted his attire and respectfully said: "Xie Muhua pays his respects to Lord Pan Mei, the esteemed Pan!"

Reflecting on his sixteen years as the Prefect of Kaifeng, Zhao Guangyi felt a surge of emotions. He clearly possessed the qualities of a renowned general, yet his elder brother Zhao Kuangyin never granted him the opportunity to lead troops into battle

Xie Muhua let out a sigh and jumped off the horse with a lift of his leg: "Finally arrived in Dingzhou." It had been a tough journey for Xie Muhua, bouncing on horseback for several days, nearly falling apart. Several times, he couldn't help but think of taking a break, but even the two girls, Ba Jie and Jiu Mei, did not complain about the hardships. After some thought, Xie Muhua suppressed that notion.

Achoo

Xie Muhua was taken aback; if Zhao Guangyi were to question him about poetry or literary compositions, it would be disastrous. Not to mention himself, even pulling a student from a contemporary university's Chinese department might not guarantee the creation of a qualified poem. However, the arrow is already on the string, and it must be released. Whether he extends his head or withdraws it, it is still a knife's edge. Once the emperor speaks, Xie Muhua has no way to retreat

June 13, a sunny day

Xie Muhua certainly knows this Lord Pan. He is none other than Pan Mei, who had already been given the title of Governor of Youzhou even before entering the city of Youzhou.

Xie Muhua scrutinized the soldiers of the Cavalry Corps. Their armor was different from that of the Swift Army he had encountered earlier. The Cavalry Corps uniformly wore leather helmets. Their garments varied in length, featuring tight, narrow sleeves. The armor they donned was styled after that of warriors, made not from leather or iron plates, but from coarse fabric on the outside and fine fabric on the inside, with the shapes of armor plates painted in blue and green on the surface. It appeared imposing and majestic. The armor they donned was styled after that of warriors, made not from leather or iron plates, but from coarse fabric on the outside and fine fabric on the inside, with the shapes of armor plates painted in blue and green on the surface. It appeared imposing and majestic.

In the central military tent, there was an immediate silence. In ancient times, Cao Zhi composed a poem in seven steps. In an instant, Xie Muhua also composed a poem. Even if his talent does not match that of Cao Zhi, he is still an exceptionally rare talent.

Within this gate resides the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Guangyi, who, according to numerous unofficial histories, killed his elder brother and forged the Jin Kui Alliance to seize the throne. He had a passionate love affair with the unparalleled talent, Lady Hua Rui, yet ultimately shot her dead with an arrow.

Upon entering the city gate of Dingzhou and presenting the documents, a group of cavalry clad in heavy Ming-style fine mesh armor galloped over. The leading veteran dismounted and approached the crowd. The Yang siblings hurriedly bowed and greeted, "We pay our respects to Lord Pan"

Yang Yanzhao whispered a reminder: "Be especially cautious in front of the Emperor. If you don't know what to say, just bow more. Absolutely avoid making any mistakes..." The Yang family was escorting Xie Muhua to meet the Emperor. Firstly, during the journey, Xie Muhua and the Yang brothers had found common ground in their conversations, and the Yang family certainly did not want Xie Muhua to embarrass himself in front of the Emperor. Secondly, Xie Muhua now had some connection with the Yang family, and if he inadvertently offended the Emperor, it was likely that the Emperor would take out his anger on the Yang family.

Xie Muhua?" Zhao Guangyi smiled slightly: "Is he a talented individual? I can tell at a glance. If he truly possesses abilities, would the glory and wealth of the Great Song be lacking?"

This cavalry unit is the emperor's personal guard, dressed in this ceremonial-like cloth armor that is both lightweight and imposing. ... However, when it comes to fighting the enemy in battle ...! ... Xie Muhua thought to himself, Zhao Guangyi probably never imagined that in this battle of Youzhou, even his own imperial guards would have to fight desperately against the Liao people in the end

Our Song Dynasty's soldiers are determined to drive those Khitan barbarians back to their homeland! Come on, brothers, let's put in more effort..." A middle-aged man with bare arms shouted loudly, and the laborers nearby responded in unison. These are the common people of Hebei Road, and they are the most delighted by the Song Dynasty's war against the Khitan.

Cao Bin chuckled a few times, thought for a moment, and then stepped forward: "Your Majesty, there is more news!"

"Are you the Xie Muhua who has come from the Great Qin?" Pan Mei squinted at Xie Muhua, laughed heartily, and took Xie Muhua's hand: "The Emperor has heard that a traveler from the Great Qin is returning to present rare treasures from overseas, and he is greatly pleased. You should freshen up and come with me to meet the Emperor at once"

Xie Muhua lowered his head in thought for a moment, then gently paced a few steps and recited aloud: "Busy with the call to arms and the swift whip, the moon hangs over the willow tips; two or three drops of dew fail to become rain, seven or eight stars still linger in the sky. The sound of chickens in the thatched inn mingles with the voices of passing travelers, while the barking of dogs at the bamboo fence startles the sleeping guests; casually pushing aside the sun of the eastern horizon, the mountains and rivers of the nation lie before my eyes"

Upon hearing Zhao Guangyi's words, Yang Yanzhao could not help but exchange a glance with Yang Yanbin. The Yang family, not well-versed in the affairs of prominent families, had previously only sensed that Xie Muhua might have some notable background. At this moment, with the Emperor's revelation, they realized that Xie Muhua was actually a descendant of Xie An, who had achieved extraordinary merit in the Battle of Feishui, and they could not help but feel a deep respect.

Dingzhou is the border of the Song Dynasty, and further ahead lies Jintaitun, the first stop within the territory of the Liao State. Just thinking about this, Zhao Guangyi could not help but feel excited

Zhao Guangyi is in a very good mood now

The soldiers outside the central army relayed messages in quick succession. From within, a calm and steady voice responded: "Announce!"

Cao Bin continued, "Yang Yanzhao, accompanied by Yang Yanbin, is leading one hundred light cavalry, traveling day and night. They are likely to reach Dingzhou City by tomorrow."

"Are you the Xie Muhua who has returned from the Great Qin? Yang Jiyie of Daizhou has highly recommended you, stating that you come from a distinguished family, possess exceptional talent, and have extensive knowledge, making you suitable for great responsibilities. May I ask about your family background?" Zhao Guangyi inquired leisurely while holding a cup of tea.

Stand up!