Chapter 17 Chapter Seventeen

Luo Dong'er's footsteps were brisk, flying all the way to Yuehua Palace like a butterfly wearing flowers, and the servants in the palace were amazed, this Luo Shangguan who has always been sitting still, walking, speaking loudly, and smiling without showing his teeth It's the first time that he walks so lightly and has a happy face. Arriving outside Yuehua Palace, Luo Dong'er paused for a while to calm down her breathing and expression, and then walked into the palace. Yellow silk curtains, cranes burning incense, under the center of the dome, there is a book case, on which are the four treasures of the study and two stacks of tall copy books.Xiao Chuo was sitting in the middle, flipping through a memorial, her black eyebrows were slightly furrowed, thoughtful, when Dong'er saw her, she hurriedly walked lightly and tiptoed to her side.

Xiao Chuo had a vermilion pen hanging in her hand, her face was gloomy, her expression was hesitant, she flicked and hung the vermilion pen, unable to write for a long time, after a while, she suddenly sighed softly, put down the brush, leaned back on the throne, and closed her eyes. Dong'er walked to the back of the throne, and gently kneaded her fragrant shoulders. Xiao Chuo moved slightly, but then relaxed. After a while, she asked: "When Song Envoy returned to the post, did he tell you something? what?" "I didn't say anything..." Dong'er's face was slightly dizzy, her eyes sparkled, she pursed her lips, and said softly: "He only said...the emperor of Song Dynasty is very concerned about his negotiation on this mission. I hope that the empress will make a decision early and give an answer, lest Lu Luyao make a mistake and delay his return..."

The corner of Xiao Chuo's lips twitched, and he said with a half-smile, "Hmph, is Zhao Kuangyin so impatient?" She raised her hand, pressed down on Dong'er's catkin lightly, and sighed softly: "I have read the national book, and I still have doubts in my heart. Dong'er, what should I do?" Dong'er hesitated and said: "The Zhao family... did they ask for something to embarrass your mother?" Xiao Chuo sneered: "What can he embarrass me? My Khitan's troubles have never been in the Central Plains, but in..., and in my court!" She stood up suddenly, and walked slowly in the hall: "Taizu died of illness on the way back from conquering the Bohai Kingdom, Emperor Taizong succeeded to the throne, and died in the army on the way to conquer the Central Plains. Sejong, but the Empress Dowager wanted to make his younger brother Yelu Lihu the emperor, and there was a war in the country. This was the first civil strife in our dynasty. Fortunately, the great general Yelu Zhiwu mediated it. The Empress Dowager recognized the righteousness and recognized Sejong's throne. Begin to decide.

When Emperor Sejong helped the Han Dynasty to attack the Zhou Kingdom, he was killed by the general Yelu Chage in his sleep in his tent, and he proclaimed himself emperor.Taizong's eldest son, Yelvjing, and his general Yeluwuzhi led troops to fight for his replacement, killed Chage, and Yelujing proclaimed himself emperor as Muzong.When Mu Zong was emperor, there were frequent rebellions in our dynasty. Xiao Meigu, Yelu Louguo, Yelu Dilie, Yelu Wan, Yelu Shouyuan, Chu Abu, Yelu Xiyin... all rebelled one after another, which greatly weakened the strength of our dynasty.At this time, it was the time when Zhao Kuangyin was wearing a yellow robe. If it weren't for the frequent internal turmoil in my court, how could he have the opportunity to secure the throne and unify the Central Plains?

Mu Zong was fatuous and bloodthirsty, and all his tribes were alienated from morality. Therefore, he was assassinated by his servants in his tent during his tour, and the imperial court was established today.In just two years, our dynasty has reappeared the image of Zhongxing. Today, it is really a rare Mingjun.It's a pity... the dragon's body has always been weak today, and after being assassinated, it is even more lingering on the sick bed, fainting and waking up from time to time, I am worried about this..." Luo Dong'er didn't know why Empress Xiao expressed her emotion, so she carefully prepared her speech and said: "Although the emperor is unwell, fortunately, there are empresses and daughters who are well-versed in civil and military affairs, and can govern the country well. King Qing was greedy for profit, and although he rebelled against him, he was quickly expelled far away, which shows why the empress suddenly felt so emotional?"

Xiao Chuo smiled desolately, and said faintly: "No matter how good I am, I am still a woman. What the world needs is an emperor. The emperor is the sun, and the queen is the moon. The Lord of Khitan blessed by the longevity god should be a good man. The moon ...will never become the sun. I have all the skills in my body, and this daughter alone cannot suppress the world." She sighed, and said: "Shizong, Muzong, brother Yelucha, which one is not a figure who has won the three armies bravely, even if someone rebels and usurps the throne, and now he is sick and weak, how can others not covet the throne?"

Dong'er's eyes flashed, and he said hesitantly: "Prince Qing's rebellion has been defeated, why should your empress worry too much?" Xiao Chuo smiled lightly: "Internal and external troubles, don't they stop here?" She paused, pointed to the stack of memorials, and said, "Here, Shiwei (Mongolia) said that there were frequent natural disasters last year, the country was poor and the people were poor, and this year's tributes were really not available. I begged the emperor for forgiveness, but it was just a matter of fact." Seeing that I am too busy to take care of myself, I have lost my heart of obedience, but in the current situation, can I not 'forgive'?"

She sneered, and said again: "The Jurchens are obedient and obedient. They just sent envoys to pay tribute to my court a few years ago, and now they are sending people to attack my tribe in the border village, robbing cattle and sheep, and taking children. It's like my tribe in the frontier fortress Just like plundering the Song Dynasty, the Jurchens have also come to attack our grass valley. The rich will always be robbed by the poor. However, if there is no civil strife in our dynasty, the country is strong, and the army is strong, they... dare?" Xiao Chuo's voice became more tired and lazy: "King Qing failed in his rebellion and fled all the way to the west. Now he has escaped into Hengshan, and has taken Yinzhou by force and defended himself in the city. The tribes of Tubo and Huihe saw him. After destroying his family's feud, he felt very close to him. King Qing had a lot of food, grass, and money in the city, and he took advantage of the land to benefit the people. Yeluxiu Gelao's expedition had no reinforcements, no food, and I was worried. I have ordered him Returning to the teacher. Once King Qing has a foothold in Yinzhou, it will be very difficult to crusade. He belongs to Taizong's lineage, and he is not without the ability to instigate among the various ministries of our dynasty. This is a serious problem for our dynasty... "

Dong'er pondered for a while, and said in a deep voice: "Dong'er once heard my mother talk about the general situation of the world, and she once said that Yinzhou... is the territory of the Li family in Xiazhou, right? King Qing occupied Yinzhou, how could the Li family of Xiazhou be willing to give up? Perhaps ...the Li family of Xiazhou will take care of him without the help of the empress." Xiao Chuo smiled bluntly: "Xiazhou's Li family? It's not what it used to be. In the past two years, Xiazhou's Li family has suffered from internal and external troubles. I have carefully analyzed the news sent back from the investigation. The situation in the northwest is so weird now. There is a black hand who is trying to get Xiazhou Li's idea."

There was a slight thought in her charming eyes, and she said: "Every time Li Guangrui tried his best to negotiate peace with Tubo and Huihe, there would always be such and such changes that made the peace talks fail. It's really weird. Among the eight departments of the party, Except for the Tuoba clan, the reactions of the rest of the tribes are also very strange, in the current situation, the Li clan of Xiazhou is beyond the grasp of Yinzhou, King Qing is sure to take advantage of this." Speaking of this, Xiao Chuo smiled wryly and said: "At this time, the State of Song is actually going to attack the State of Han. Although the State of Han has only a few cities and a small population, it is nothing more than a chicken rib to me, but the State of Han is very important to us. Honoring ministers and paying tribute has always been very respectful. If my dynasty refuses to help, then Shiwei, Jurchen, Dongmo, Wulanggai, Jujiasi, and Nianbage will definitely lose fear and respect for my dynasty. Heart. If we send troops to aid the Han, we will definitely go to war with the Song State directly. Given the current situation of our dynasty, we may not have a chance of winning if we work hard to make an expedition. If the Song State grants King Qing funding for this reason, it will be dangerous..."

Seeing this queen who was about the same age as her, but worked hard all day for military affairs, Dong'er felt sympathetic, but now that she has ascended the throne of queen, she will never be able to turn back. Who can help her with this burden? What about sharing? Xiao Chuo vented for a while, and calmed down: "Zhao Kuangyin is determined to win the Han Kingdom, but I...now there is no reason to protect the Han Kingdom. The chess piece of the Han Kingdom must be discarded, but my court You have to be as considerate as possible. Dong'er, come here, I have something to tell you." "Yes." Dong'er quickly moved closer, Xiao Chuo whispered to her, Dong'er was startled at first, then nodded frequently. Just halfway through Xiao Chuo's speech, a servant appeared at the door, and said in a soft voice: "Your Majesty, Lord Yelu Sanming, please see me." Xiao Chuo frowned slightly, and gave Dong'er a few hasty instructions, Dong'er withdrew as ordered, Xiao Chuo sat up straight after returning to the case, and immediately regained his vigorous and majestic demeanor, she picked up the imperial brush, While browsing the memorial, he said in a rambling voice: "Lord Xuan Sanming comes to see you." There are currently three royal families in Khitan who are eligible to inherit the throne, originating from Taizong, Sejong and Li Hu.The current emperor Yeluxian is the son of Sejong, King Qing is from the lineage of Taizong, and Yelu Sanming is from the lineage of Li Hu.Now that King Qing is in rebellion and fled to the northwest, the court is very dependent on Li Hu's faction. Yelu Sanming, as a representative of Li Hu's faction, has become very active recently. Yelu Sanming entered the hall, when he saw Xiao Chuo, he saluted with a smile, "Your Majesty is really diligent, are you reviewing memorials?" Xiao Chuo put down the ink brush, and forced a smile: "Lord Sanming is here, hurry up and take a seat. Sir Sanming is here, what's the matter?" Yelu Sanming frowned, showing a worried look, and sighed: "Oh, isn't it because of the affairs of the court. Madam, now people's hearts are fluctuating, and the government and the public are uneasy. As an important minister of the court, Sanming is worried." Xiao Chuo frowned slightly, and said: "The rebellion has been expelled, and Shangjing has returned to its former prosperity. What kind of people's hearts are fluctuating, and the government and the public are uneasy. Why haven't I heard about it?" Yelu Sanming said: "Naturally, others would not dare to tell the empress about these things. Nowadays... there are rumors among the people that the emperor has passed away, that the emperor has no heirs, and that the mistress will keep her funeral in secret. The Xiao family intends to usurp the imperial power. The people of the tribe are also in a state of panic, sending people secretly to Beijing to inquire from time to time, if this situation continues, disaster will surely arise." Xiao Chuoyu's face turned cold, and he said coldly: "The emperor is there in good condition, doesn't Lord Sanming know? Yesterday the emperor felt more comfortable, and he was helped out to bask in the sun in the yard..." Yelu Sanming said with a smile on his face: "Yes, yes, well, of course I know about it, but the problem is that the people in Shangjing and the leaders of various ministries can't believe it. We can't invite them all in and let them all come to see me." Shall I see the emperor?" Xiao Chuo said indifferently: "The clear will be clear, and the turbid will be turbid. Rumors will go away after a long time. Where are they afraid of?" Yelu Sanming smiled slyly: "That's what I said, but King Qing was away, and he happened to use this to make trouble, saying that he was helping Yelu's family. Such words really confuse the people and attracted many tribes to defect. If this continues, It's very worrying. All the ministers in the court are extremely worried, and as a member of the Yelu royal family, Sanming can't sleep or eat in peace." He sneaked a glance at Xiao Chuo, twirled his beard, and said slowly: "Sanming discussed with several princes and ministers, and felt that the first thing to do is to appease the hearts of the people, the hearts of the people will be the hearts of the army, and the crusade against rebellion will have the possibility of success. And to appease the hearts of the people, we must quell the untrue rumors between the government and the public. The minister is willing to adopt the dog son under the knees of the emperor and empress. After all, he is also the royal family of my Yelu. There is a prince in the court. What country has no young master, Xiao Shi Usurping power, all rumors will naturally be self-defeating." "Establish his son as the prince? If this proposal comes true, I am afraid that the emperor will die if he does not die, and even I will not escape..." Xiao Chuo sneered, but he said that he would discuss with several princes and ministers... Who are the princes and ministers?Xiao Chuo was suspicious in his heart, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty is in the prime of his life, why worry about having no children? At this moment, if he adopts the crown prince hastily, it will arouse suspicion and uneasiness in the world. Don't Lord Sanming understand the reason?" Yelu Sanming's face darkened, and he said coldly: "Is it true that I am so jealous of the queen for the sake of the country and the court? If the emperor can recover the dragon's body and the queen will give birth to a dragon son early, that would be the best, but... the emperor One day without recovery, one day without the birth of the crown prince, one day without peace for the government and the public, King Qing will have nothing to worry about, and people will change their minds over time. When there is another disaster in Shangjing, I am afraid it will not be as easy to calm down as this time. San Ming said That's all, farewell!" Yelu Sanming sneered and walked away. Xiao Chuo looked at him retreating arrogantly with a pale face, and his delicate body trembled with anger: "In this situation, it is close to being forced into the palace. I am a girl, and I rely on the support of the royal family and the Xiao family to make the government order go smoothly. Wu Guosheng has a different heart..." Xiao Chuo felt a chill in his heart: "Would I be like Shizong, Muzong, and Yelucha brother, and my head would be chopped off in a single stroke in my sleeping tent?" Although he was in the palace and surrounded by heavy guards, Xiao Chuo suddenly felt as if he was walking on thin ice, as if he was facing an abyss, his fingertips became cold...
The Khitan state banquet was held in a felt tent, according to the traditional customs of the Khitan people.Empress Xiao Chuo is in the top position, Shangguan Luo Donger waits on the side, De Wang Yelu Sanming, Beifu Prime Minister Jia, Tongzheng Shimenxia Pingzhang Shifang, and Nanyuan Privy Envoy Guo Xi who rushed back to the court to report on his duties, these are several heavyweights Personally accompanied and entertained, Liaotong Shisheren's ink marks were also impressively listed. Luo Kedi, Scimitar Xiaoliu and Tieniu were inexplicably promoted again. Yesterday evening, the empress issued an order to promote Luo Kedi as the commander of the capital, and Scimitar Xiaoliu and Tie Niu as the commanders of the palace guards. , They were originally one of the generals in charge of the safety of the capital, but in an instant they became the commanders of the guards responsible for the safety of the imperial city. Although the scope of their duties has been reduced, their actual power has been greatly increased. Now the guards of the inner city of the imperial city are in charge of the Shangguan Luo Donger. The eight commanders of the guards in the outer city were originally from the royal family, but now Luo Kedi's three new dignitaries are also among them. During the banquet, Empress Xiao gave back the state gift, a collar of snow jade sable fur, a collar of fiery red fox fur, a pot of bead beads, and ten horses. The two ministers, Shi Fang and Guo Xi, were eager to persuade them to drink, so Yang Hao could only restrain his mind, and had a good time talking and laughing with them. Occasionally, he noticed a pair of beautiful eyes focused on him. For the couple, the eyebrows and eyes are expressive, although they are restrained, they also enjoy it. Of course, he did not forget the business. When the wine was hot, Yang Hao raised his glass to the charming empress, and said: "Yesterday, the ministers presented the letter of credence. Make a decision. If this is accomplished, I believe that the friendship between our two neighbors will become closer and closer. I hope that the blessings of the immortal gods will ensure that our two countries will enjoy the blessing of peace forever." The Empress Xiao in front of the people is beautiful and radiant, without any weak and tired appearance in the bedroom. Listening to Yang Hao's words of peace, she thinks of what Zhao Kuangyin said in the national book: "Hedong rebelled against his fate, and he should be punished. If the Northern Dynasty does not help, the friendship will remain the same; otherwise, there will only be Zhaner!" I couldn't help but sneered in my heart, but my face was smiling like a flower, and said sweetly: "Your envoy came from far away, even though he owed the country's fate, why should he return in a hurry? Why don't you come back in a hurry? I will stay in Beijing for a few more days. When I go to Beijing, it will be an undefended city for your envoy. You can come and see the scenery everywhere. When the revision of the letter of credence is completed, I will send someone to escort your envoy back to the country. There will be no delay time." "So, thank you Empress." As Yang Hao said, he glanced at Dong'er, and said in his heart: "Shangjing's scenery, let me go and enjoy it without defense? I just want to go to one place, and I just want to see a wonderful thing. I don't know what the Queen wants to do. Can you come and go freely?" As soon as Dong'er saw his eyes, she knew that this guy had bad intentions. She was angry and funny, and felt extremely sweet. Thinking of Yang Hao's embrace, and the boundless wind and moon on the top of the Ding family's granary, she couldn't feel the turmoil in her heart. Holding a large glass of wine, he took a sip, his stomach felt hot, his eyes were hot and his ears were hot, but he was even more charming like a pink peach blossom. The newly promoted commander of the capital, Luo Kedi, was strolling leisurely in the imperial city, smiling, and the lines of his face that were originally cold due to the big beard softened.Because he was accompanied by a young girl in plain clothes, who was beautiful and charming, with bright eyes and white teeth. Ding Yuluo rolled her eyes and asked curiously, "Why are there still so many felt tents tied up in the palace?" Luo Kedi smiled and said: "This is the custom of the Khitan people. Some princes and ministers come to the capital to meet, and they are not used to living in our Han houses, so they will use this felt tent. Moreover, the Khitan people are horsemen, and the emperor also Don’t be unfamiliar with riding, archery and nomads, set up tents in the palace, so that the princes and daughters can get familiar with it from an early age..." "Fourth Brother Luo, who is this woman?" Suddenly, a girl in Han costume with thick eyebrows and big eyes flashed out from among the peach blossoms, staring at Ding Yuluo with jealousy, and asked bitterly.