Chapter 19 Section VI
The prologue is over and the main play begins. Before she is about to enter a tragic role, Empress Xiao has already reserved tears in her eyes, a slightly trembling voice and a sad expression.Without these reserves, she would not be able to perform this tragedy.
"The mountains and rivers are shattered, and the country's affairs are in turmoil." At this time, the time is ripe and the atmosphere is formed, she said tragically. I can't help but swallow my voice."
When she said "swallowing and weeping", there was a burst of sobbing, which made her expression perfectly match the lines.Then she gathered herself together, and suddenly said firmly and forcefully:
"Emperor Tianzuo's family fortune has been completely ruined by Emperor Tianzuo (she just said that she would not blame others, but she is now blaming others. It can be seen that she only wants to speak well and doesn't care about the contradictions in her lines. Fortunately, Emperor Tianzuo has become the target of public criticism and has become Everyone's scapegoat, now put all the faults on Emperor Tianzuo alone, such a wording is always appropriate), in the end, he just ran away and put the heavy burden on our couple's shoulders. The lord of the country is sick, we are a weak woman. How can we turn back the sky with one hand and turn the tide? Therefore, the superiors and the lord of the country have discussed again and again, and have made a plan to protect the dynasty and claim the vassal. Ye Lai and Li Menxia and other ministers of civil and military affairs are in front of the imperial court The national policy was decided during the meeting, and it will be announced to the military and civilians throughout the territory. Today, Xuan Zan is specially invited to reveal this decision frankly, without any concealment. Please accompany Secretary Lang Wang Jieru to accompany the king and us I went to the royal court with the handwritten letter, and once I negotiated the terms of attachment with Tong Xuanfu, the official surrender will follow. The two hundred years of the country is in the hands of a woman, and the history will be slandered in the future. Now we don’t care about this much anymore.” She raised her hand slightly, and with a sad smile, she congratulated Ma Kuo and said, “Xuan Zan’s trip to the north, exploring Li and finding pearls, is a great success, it can be called a worthwhile trip. "
Although he had known the decision of the imperial meeting last night beforehand, Ma Kuo did not expect that Empress Xiao would speak so frankly and sincerely.She knew clearly that she claimed to protect the dynasty and claimed that the vassal was a vassal, and she was going to send representatives to discuss the terms of surrender.The task of being an envoy of envoys can indeed be regarded as accomplished.As for negotiating in front of the army, naturally there is still a lot of bargaining.He expected that he would definitely participate, and there might be twists and turns. In order to avoid complications in the future, after thinking for a while, he made a suggestion:
"The concubine of the country weighed her virtues and capabilities, weighed the situation, and decided to call the vassal surrender. The plan was extremely appropriate. This move not only benefited the soldiers and civilians of the two dynasties, but also the king and the concubine. Ma would like to express to the king and the country Concubine congratulations. As for the terms of the face-to-face discussion, it is more important to make a decisive decision. The envoys sent by your dynasty, according to Ma's humble opinion, why not ask Li's family to work hard. Li's family has high morals and is the most able to look up to the king and the concubine Tong Xuanfu has also heard of his reputation for a long time. He went to discuss with Tong Xuanfu, the two sides reached an agreement, and a decision was made, but he didn't save a lot of sloppy later, and lost the big instead of being small? Foolish views, I still ask the imperial concubine to make a judgment."
"The meaning of praise, we guessed it," Empress Xiao suddenly changed into a sophisticated smile, and said wittily, "Could it be that Xuanfu thinks that Wang Jieru's words are light-hearted and he can't take charge of big things? In fact, he is the lord of the country and our leader." My confidant, I discuss many things with him. In the imperial meeting last night, he insisted on the proposal of surrender, and he made a great contribution. Now that he is entrusted to negotiate, he can speak on behalf of the two of us. This section has been stated in the letter of credence Xuan Zan can rest assured. Li Menxia is currently unable to leave the capital. First, the news has spread, and people in Beijing are fluctuating, and he needs to sit in charge. Furthermore, we might as well tell you frankly that Li Menxia and our brother Fourth Army Your Majesty, Dashi Linya, etc. have never been in harmony, and there are many differences in their opinions. This trip will inevitably pass through the front of the army. When they meet, I am afraid that troubles will arise again."
After Empress Xiao dismissed Ma Kuo's suggestion with very strong and frank reasons, fearing that Ma Kuo might still have concerns, she simply went further and told everything frankly:
"It's such a big deal to declare the vassal to be a vassal." She said, "Since the lord and we have made this policy, it is not a trifling matter, and there is no reason for it to be repeated! Could it be that Xuan Zan can't trust our hearts? There is no need to be suspicious of this. It’s just that there were still many objections in Ye Lai’s imperial meeting. In addition to the civil servants, we have tried our best to break the agreement. In the early morning, we sent a handwritten letter to the king of the Fourth Army and Da Shi Lin Ya, asking them to act according to the order, wait for the negotiation to be finalized, and lead the entire army Standby. They have a hundred thousand troops in their hands. Whether our handwriting can make them submit, we dare not say for sure. Da Shilin Ya Yingying is not a cowardly person. After Xuanzan returned , You must discuss things properly with Tong Xuanfu, and discuss the terms with Wang Jieru, so that they are convinced and considerate of everything. Don’t act too hastily, or ruin the overall situation.”
This sentence was the gist of Empress Xiao's conversation with Ma Kuo today. She said it very solemnly, and repeated it again, and then said:
"As the saying goes, 'a trapped beast is still fighting', not to mention a hundred thousand troops, if they don't give it a way out, wouldn't it want to fight fiercely and devour people? Besides, it's not because of our words to instigate, these Jurchen chiefs are trying to make every inch of it, and they want to be invincible , Greedy and violent, long-established. Never give up until the country of the dead, the family of the dead. The lord and we would rather make a decision to shelter the great dynasty; we vowed not to surrender the Jin Dynasty because we knew it well. We are deeply afraid that those who Jurchen used to fool me in the past may not necessarily not use it against the noble dynasty in the future. In our opinion, the noble dynasty should plan for a rainy day, and it should also plan defenses in advance, which is the way to seek the country. The 100,000 armies of Xi and Khitan have united in a single line, with one heart and one mind. Only by guarding the Jin people can the north be completely secure. We present this song as a plan to relocate the salary, not just to preserve our army, but also for the future interests of your dynasty Thinking about it. At the beginning of offering sincerity, I also expressed my sympathy, and let the noble court judge me."
Empress Xiao said these words tactfully and frankly, in a reasonable and pleasant way, and fully played the role of women's diplomacy.However, Ma Kuo analyzed it carefully and felt that her words were still very weighty, with softness and toughness, softness and toughness, which took the lead in future negotiations.Her last paragraph was also very pleasant, which was in line with Ma Kuo's usual arguments, and he couldn't just regard her as just making a living for his own army, so he couldn't help but commented on her in his heart: "This woman is thoughtful and clear-cut, it's not easy! "
At the same time, he looked at Yeluchun lying on the bed and thought:
"Compared to her, her husband is really a rotten thing. Why did Zhao Longtu say that he also fought against the Jinren on the battlefield back then. Although he didn't win a big victory, he had to hold back for a while."
When Ma Kuo's thoughts turned to Yeluchun, she immediately guessed his thoughts again.Ma Kuo belittled her husband, but she raised him to a high position.
"What we said," she turned her body away, and asked her husband respectfully, "does it all mean the king?"
While they were discussing state affairs at length, Yeluchun was lying down with his eyes closed and meditating, and snoring from time to time echoed the phlegm sawing sound as if a saw was sawing up and down his trachea. It was hard to tell whether he was asleep or awake. of.
Yeluchun has already walked the road of his life and is approaching the end, he himself is very aware of this, and he does not want any troublesome things to happen to disturb him to finish this last section of the road quietly.This is the common wish of all those who enjoy wealth and honor all their lives when they are dying.The personal question of life and death hanging over his head now occupied all his thoughts, and the questions of war, peace, surrender, etc., which his wife and others were so concerned about, were of little importance to him.He despises everything in the present life like an eminent monk who penetrates the critical moment of life and death and transfers his thoughts to the unknown future life.But he can't cut off the mortal relationship, and he has to do some duties for the benefit of his wife.
When he heard the queen's question, he tried to open his eyes and moved his chin slightly, indicating that he not only heard everything they said, but also agreed with her from beginning to end.He detected from his wife's expression that she was not satisfied with his nodding, so he said wisely:
"The words of the royal wife are deeply in line with Miao Gong's meaning."
The first person who was finally captured by him suddenly slipped out of his hand like a loach.He was very upset when he realized this when he had finished speaking.Once again he turned his head with difficulty to spy on his wife with a slightly ashamed expression.Unexpectedly, he got a satisfactory and approving response from her, proving that he was right in saying what she wanted.So he cheered up with her joy.When one spouse is more authoritative than the other, the emotions of the latter will follow the former without knowing it. This is also a philosophy of life.
In this scene, in addition to the prologue at the beginning, Yeluchun also needs to nod to the Queen's words.People regard his role as an imperial seal, just as he regards his wife's role as a precious mirror.Now he not only nods his head as a signal, but also speaks cleverly to agree with her opinion, which is like stamping the two royal seals of "Emperor's Seal" and "Daliao Emperor's Treasure" on the Queen's surrender form, making it legally effective. .His task is complete.
Here, Ma Kuo saw that the formalities had been completed and the work was done, so he stood up and prepared to say goodbye:
"Ma has already understood the meaning of the king and princess. Ma will take his leave now, and wait for Wang Zhongmi to prepare the dishes. He will go back tonight."
"Wait a minute!" Empress Xiao hurriedly stopped Ma Kuo and said, "Xuan Zan and please sit down, we still have something to say."
Until now, whether Empress Xiao was tearfully talking about the destruction of the country and the surrender of the country, or making infinitely implicit demands for negotiations, or offering advice for the Song Dynasty diligently, all of these belonged to the scope of major national affairs. The sad and solemn expressions belong to the play of Zhengdan's characters.Now, she's turning to personal matters.She suddenly smiled at Ma Kuo, it was a prostitute's kind of charming smile that was so charming to the bone marrow.Although it does not fit the Queen's status, it fits her current situation and needs.Identity is not fixed; it can change as circumstances and needs change.When a woman of the ruling class is unable to control her own destiny and must commit herself to others, her identity changes unconsciously, and she will show this kind of whore-like smile, as if men of this class often do in the same situation. It's like a slave-like flattery.Ruling classes that fail are generally not diehards.
At this time, Empress Xiao had estimated the two fates that she might encounter after surrendering. The young man in front of her might play a big role in deciding her fate, and he should be foreshadowed in advance.
Following this sweet smile, she moved her seat a little, making it a little closer to Ma Kuo's seat.
"We dedicate the ancestral temple, the shrine, the land, and the army to your court," the empress said in a soft voice like glutinous rice that did not need to be heard by the emperor, maids, and attendants, "and the lives of our husband and wife are also entrusted to praise Yes, Xuan Zan will decide for us anyway."
Ma Kuo immediately understood what she meant, and perhaps thought that this was also a topic in the negotiation, and she could raise it as a formal condition, and there was no need to express her worries in the way she expressed now.Immediately answered honestly:
"The king and the imperial concubine surrendered to the country and made great achievements. This dynasty must deal with it properly. The future prosperity and wealth can be predicted. When Ma came, Tong Xuanfu repeatedly asked to tell the imperial concubine what he said. Ming, is there anything else that Concubine Guo is worried about?"
"It can be so, that's all right." Empress Xiao added lovingly, "I'm afraid that things will come to an end, and it may not be so satisfactory. Xuanzan at least remember our words today."
"The imperial concubine doesn't believe Ma's words?"
"It's because we don't believe in Xuanzan. I'm afraid that at that time, we won't be able to help ourselves. Even if Xuanzan wants to rescue him, he may be powerless." While giving full play to the diplomatic function of women, she also showed the weak side of women .Speaking of this, she gestured slightly to the left and right, and four court ladies took out two large trays of brilliant jewels from the inner room, making this temporarily separated dormitory with insufficient light suddenly dazzling and full of life. spring.The pair of curly-edged lotus leaf plates carved from a whole piece of jade alone are rare treasures, not to mention the treasures contained in the plates.
"It's not easy for Xuan Zan to come here," Empress Xiao once again persuaded with a maid's gracious smile, which made the guests insist on drinking the glass of wine. Xuanzan has taken a look, and we will send the internal eunuchs to the hotel." As she spoke, she unbuttoned the fringe buttons on her neck and took out a string of shining and heavy pearl collars. , "This string of collars, just called 'Lilong String', was given to the late emperor by an envoy from the Western Suoli Kingdom. It was given to us by the empress dowager, and we have been wearing it for more than ten years. Now please Xuanzan take it back as a gift. Lingzheng, keep a memorial. It is worthwhile for us to get acquainted with Xuanzan. As for the gifts to the imperial court, Tong Xuanfu, Cai Xueshi, etc., we have made special arrangements, and entrusted Wang Zhongmi to take them, which is not among the list. "
As soon as Ma Kuo saw the maid carrying out the treasures, he quickly declined and said: "Ma has heard about Jiayou, and brought the news of the surrender of the king and the concubine, and reported it to the court. It is really a rewarding return. I dare not accept this gold, silver and jewels." , the imperial concubine should keep it and pass it on to others."
"It is a common practice for envoys from the country to present them with ceremonies," Empress Xiao said in amazement after hearing Ma Kuo's resolute words, "It has always been the case for envoys to and from the two dynasties, so why bother to be obstinate and modest in advocating praise?"
"If you feel at ease, even if there are no old rules, you can still innovate." Ma Kuo replied seriously, "If you feel uneasy, even if there are established rules, Ma will never dare to take dirty hands. The imperial concubine please hurry up." Take it back."
"Don't you take this necklace with you? We specially gave it to Ling Zheng as a souvenir."
"The gift from the imperial concubine is priceless. It's just that the Shan wife is stupid and has other hobbies, so I won't take this with me."
"Xuan Zan insists on not accepting it, and we can't force it," Empress Xiao said with a sigh of shame and disappointment when a maid who tried to persuade her to drink was rejected, "It's just that Xuan Zan is between taking and giving. In times of trouble, Xuan Zan also refused to say a word of justice to protect him." As she spoke, she took a deep look at Ma Kuo again, as if she had a thousand words to say, but she couldn't say anything for a while, and finally she just said He said, "Ma Xuanzan! You are a good person. When the time comes, you can't sit idly by!"
"My fair words, how can I buy them with gold and silver treasures?" Ma Kuo replied with a little sullen expression, "As long as the original intention of the imperial concubine remains the same and you persevere, you will be a member of my family. Who would dare to bully you?" To deceive you, I don't care about anything, and I swear to stand up to protect you. After hearing what I say, the imperial concubine can rest assured."
Empress Xiao suddenly lifted a corner of the crown she was wearing on her head, and pulled out a gold hairpin.The kind of crown she wears is completely different from that of Han women. It is in the shape of a tall crown, which makes her look even more graceful.She immediately bent the gold hairpin hard, broke it into two pieces, and said decisively: "This is the end of our praise with Xuan. If there is a Yu League, there is such a hairpin."
Then she quickly stretched out her slender hand to touch the back of his hand lightly, and immediately retracted it solemnly.It was the most expensive price she could ever pay for his kindness, far more expensive than a string of pearls.She forced Ma Kuo to accept this precious gift, and her movements were so quick and clean that he had no room to refuse.
With the uncomfortable feeling of being hit by a stone thrown by the enemy in the siege battle, Ma Kuo stood up again to bid farewell to the king and concubine, and was still accompanied by Li Chuwen to leave the side hall.During their entire negotiation process, Li Chuwen stood on the side of the curtain holding his breath, not even daring to make a sound.Because he knew that if Empress Xiao was made aware of his existence, she would not be able to perform the play so comfortably.The secret of being a big official is: in some occasions, people need to feel a presence larger than his entity, and in other occasions, he needs to make people forget his existence.Li Chuwen is indeed a proficient bureaucrat, he has been able to properly grasp the balance between the two, shrinking or extending his entity.
When they left the side hall together, Empress Xiao still refused to let go of the last chance to perform. She lavishly took the seat and personally sent Ma Kuo to the door of the side hall, setting an unprecedented precedent in the diplomatic history of the Liao and Song dynasties.At the end, she left a charming expression to say goodbye to Ma Kuo, and then slowly closed the double doors of the side hall, ending the tragedy and comedy.
That night, Ma Kuo took the negotiating envoys of the Liao government with Secretary Lang Wang Jieru and deputy envoy Wai Lang Wang Zhongsun to return south in a post car.
Notes:
Notes: