Chapter 212: Eastern Capital Governor
The next morning at dawn, when the sky was just dimly brightening and the morning mist had not yet dissipated, a team of Royal Court cavalry waded across the Ili River water and arrived at the north bank.
To avoid being shot dead by random arrows from the Jin Prefecture Army, they shouted loudly in advance: “Southern Privy Councillor Han Jiuguang of Great Liao, by order of the Emperor of Great Liao, has come to meet Jin Prefecture Governor Li Xiao.”
Hearing this, a Jin Prefecture Army general rode out from the riverbank and said loudly: “Wait here.”
After saying that, he ordered someone to return to the main camp to report.
At this time, Li Xiao had just gotten up, and the tent still retained a lingering amorous scent, with the bed in disarray.
But the two consorts were nowhere to be seen.
Because they had only stayed in Li Xiao’s tent for one hour before being wrapped in blankets by soldiers and carried to another tent.
For unfamiliar women, Li Xiao never let them stay overnight in his tent.
Having just dressed neatly and stepped out of the tent, he was met with Lin Dazhuang’s report: “Great Governor, Southern Privy Councillor Han Jiuguang of the Royal Court seeks an audience, saying he comes by order of the puppet emperor for peace talks.”
“Peace talks?”
Li Xiao splashed cold water on his face to sharpen his senses, then chuckled: “It seems Yelü Zhilugu can’t hold on any longer.”
“What a pity~”
With that, he shook his head lightly and walked toward the golden tent.
If there were no threat from the Kangli people, Li Xiao really wanted to lead the army straight to storm the Royal Court.
“Bring him over.”
Moments later, Han Jiuguang and another deputy envoy arrived outside the tent, only to see Lin Dazhuang wave his hand lightly, and four personal guards stepped forward to frisk the two men thoroughly.
Han Jiuguang’s face showed displeasure as he said angrily: “I am the Southern Privy Councillor of Great Liao—how dare you humiliate me like this?”
“Do the Northern Frontier people know no manners?”
But Lin Dazhuang’s expression remained unchanged as he lifted his eyelids slightly and said calmly: “Duty calls, Lord Han, please forgive us.”
After the forced body search was complete, Lin Dazhuang waved lightly toward the tent entrance and said: “Please.”
“Hmph.”
Han Jiuguang snorted coldly, flicked his wide sleeves, and strode into the tent.
Lin Dazhuang followed unhurriedly at his side, his gait slightly unsteady due to the old injury on his right leg that left him disabled and inconvenient for walking, so he rode a horse most of the time.
The moment Han Jiuguang stepped into the camp tent, his gaze involuntarily turned to the young man seated straight ahead on the folding stool.
Around twenty years old, with sword-like eyebrows slanting into his temples, a resolute and stern face with sharp, knife-chiseled features.
His deep eyes narrowed slightly, the black pupils surging with wolf-like, tigerish sharpness, as if they could see right through a person.
He wore dark golden cotton armor, the black dragon pattern on the breastplate vivid and lifelike, claws bared as if about to break free of its restraints.
His removed tasseled helmet was placed on the table, along with a bowl of rice soup, a few flatbreads, and a small dish of pickles.
“This is Jin Prefecture Governor Li Xiao?” Han Jiuguang glanced deeply at Li Xiao, slightly surprised in his heart.
He was indeed excessively young.
It was hard to imagine that such a young man, leading tens of thousands of Northern Frontier iron cavalry, had forced the Royal Court army into a disheveled retreat to the south bank of the Ili River.
But thinking of Li Xiao’s past achievements, such as breaking through Kuyun-Ordu and annihilating the Kingdom of Qocho, and so on.
Achieving such battle results in the Battle of Seven Rivers was not all that surprising.
“I am the imperial envoy of the Emperor of Great Liao, Southern Privy Councillor Han Jiuguang.”
“Governor Li, is this how you receive an imperial envoy?”
Han Jiuguang held the command standard, standing tall and straight in the tent.
Around fifty years old, but still full of vigor, with no trace of fear toward Li Xiao in his tone.
Ever since the Great Stone’s western expedition, the Han family had lived generation after generation in Kuyun-Ordu.
But two years ago, Li Xiao led troops to break through the royal capital, capturing and killing a large number of nobles and officials in the city.
Han Jiuguang’s family had been missing ever since.
So he held no goodwill toward Li Xiao.
He was sent as envoy purely because of his Han people identity, and as Southern Privy Councillor, his status was high enough.
To use Han people thinking to deal with Li Xiao and gain more interests for the Royal Court in the negotiations.
But after hearing his words, Li Xiao continued eating unhurriedly.
One hand gripping a flatbread and taking big bites, the other holding the earthenware bowl and gulping down rice soup, his actions casual and natural, exuding bold dominance.
After setting down the earthenware bowl, he instructed Lin Dazhuang: “Go prepare seats for the two envoys.”
“By the way, coming so early, you probably haven’t eaten yet.”
“Prepare two more flatbreads and two bowls of rice soup for them.”
Then he looked at Han Jiuguang and chuckled: “Lord Han Privy Councillor, I am entertaining you like this not because of your envoy status, but for the sake of your niece.”
“Speaking of which, you are also my elder. Coming to my army, if I don’t even offer a meal, wouldn’t that make people laugh?”
Hearing this, Han Jiuguang was stunned, and the deputy envoy beside him was dumbfounded.
Their shocked gazes darted back and forth between Li Xiao and Han Jiuguang, suddenly feeling a sense of unease.
Could Han Jiuguang have defected?
But unbeknownst to him, Han Jiuguang was even more shocked.
“Ying’er?”
Immediately, with an incredulous look at Li Xiao: “You, you~”
Ever since Li Xiao led troops to break through Kuyun-Ordu, Han Jiuguang had lost contact with his second brother’s family in the city.
He even thought his younger brother’s family had been killed.
But now Li Xiao suddenly mentioned his niece Han Ying’er, and Han Jiuguang suddenly realized, a certain possibility dawning in his mind.
“That’s right.” Li Xiao smiled lightly and nodded.
He stood up, brushed off the crumbs from his hands, walked to the center of the tent, and slightly placed his hand over his chest toward Han Jiuguang: “Li Xiao pays respects to Uncle.”
“What? You~”
“I have already taken Ying’er as my noble concubine. You are Ying’er’s uncle, so naturally you are also my elder.”
Li Xiao said with a hearty laugh.
Strictly speaking, only the elders of one’s main wife count as one’s elders; concubines do not.
But Li Xiao was a polite man, willing to give Han Jiuguang this face.
Hearing this, Han Jiuguang was stunned, his face showing a wonderfully complex expression.
He hadn’t expected that coming for negotiations would result in gaining a relative.
His second brother’s family was fine, thriving in Jin Prefecture, and even his niece had married Li Xiao.
Though a noble concubine, her status was second only to the main wife—not low at all.
In other words, the Han family and Li Xiao already had a substantive marriage alliance.
Thinking of this, Han Jiuguang’s heart grew complicated.
The corners of his eyes relaxed slightly, a long breath of relief in his heart, even a touch of pleasant surprise.
Li Xiao, the renowned Great Governor of Jin Prefecture shaking the Western Regions, had become his niece’s husband. With this connection, the Han family was secure.
It had to be said that his second brother had made the right move.
But the worry was, if Yelü Zhilugu found out about this relationship, his own days ahead would be difficult.
Watching the constantly shifting emotions deep in Han Jiuguang’s eyes, Li Xiao could roughly guess his thoughts—this old fellow was no die-hard loyalist.
He could be put to use.
Then, Li Xiao’s gaze turned to the man beside him and asked indifferently: “And you are?”
The man suppressed his shock, glared fiercely at Han Jiuguang, and said solemnly: “I am Northern Xuanhui Envoy Puchachi.”
Hearing this, Li Xiao looked at Han Jiuguang with a half-smile: “Uncle, it seems Yelü Zhilugu doesn’t trust you absolutely.”
“He even sent a Khitan person to monitor you.”
“What? Is he worried that we two Han people will collude and screw him over?”
The Northern Xuanhui Envoy was responsible for ceremonies, sacrifices, banquets, and such in the North Court, while also handling some government affairs, one of the important administrative officials in the North Court.
The North Court was mostly Khitan people, and someone who could serve as deputy envoy was surely Yelü Zhilugu’s confidant.
Undoubtedly sent to monitor Han Jiuguang.
Hearing this, Han Jiuguang’s expression changed slightly, looking somewhat ugly as he snorted: “Hmph, Governor Li, don’t sow discord.”
“I have received His Majesty’s grace, and His Majesty trusts me greatly.”
“The bond between us sovereign and minister cannot be shaken by your few words.”
Seeing his righteous demeanor, Li Xiao couldn’t tell if he was truly loyal or just putting on a show.
But it didn’t matter—Li Xiao would help him.
The next moment, Li Xiao waved lightly: “Come in.”
“Here.”
Lin Dazhuang brought men in.
“I and this, this~”
“Deputy envoy named whatever, feel an instant kinship and greatly admire his talent. Take him down and entertain him well—no slights.”
“Understood.” Lin Dazhuang waved lightly, and two imperial guards behind him stepped forward, grabbed Puchachi’s arms, and dragged him out.
This scene immediately panicked both of them.
“What are you doing? What are you doing? Let go of me—I’m a Great Liao envoy; you can’t detain me.” Puchachi shouted in terror but was directly dragged out by the personal guards.
Han Jiuguang glared angrily at Li Xiao: “When two countries are at war, envoys are not to be harmed.”
“I’m not killing him—just keeping him as a guest.”
Li Xiao said indifferently, then grabbed Han Jiuguang’s arm and sat him down nearby, chuckling: “Come, Uncle, no need for such anger.”
“Sit and eat first.”
With that, Li Xiao personally brought the flatbreads and rice soup from the table to Han Jiuguang.
“I’m doing this for your sake, Uncle. If this man returns to the Royal Court and talks nonsense.”
“If Yelü Zhilugu learns of our relationship, it could be bad for you.”
Hearing this, Han Jiuguang’s face darkened further.
He understood now—Li Xiao had deliberately revealed their relationship in front of the deputy envoy, then pretended to act considerately by detaining him.
The goal was to force him to declare his stance, but at this point, did Han Jiuguang have any other choice?
Don’t be fooled by Li Xiao’s affectionate “Uncle”—how many kind people reach such a position?
He might report it the moment he turns around.
Now with the deputy envoy detained, Yelü Zhilugu would only think he and Li Xiao had conspired against him.
Impossible to clear his name.
“I’ve boarded the thief’s ship.” Han Jiuguang sighed heavily, his face full of anger and helplessness.
“Heh, Uncle, no need for such despair.”
“We are family now—helping each other is only natural.” Li Xiao chuckled.
Han Jiuguang was an old fox too, appearing loyal on the surface but full of schemes underneath.
Don’t think family ties alone could tie him down completely.
Such old foxes were best at hedging bets.
The Han second branch followed Li Xiao, while he led the main branch staying in the Royal Court—whichever side won, the Han family wouldn’t lose.
But as a superior, Li Xiao certainly wouldn’t like such fence-sitters.
So he detained the deputy envoy as a threat and warning, to keep Han Jiuguang from wavering.
“After the Battle of Seven Rivers, Yelü Zhilugu will surely intensify scrutiny of Jin Prefecture. My relationship with the Han family being exposed is only a matter of time.”
“But no need to worry—even if Yelü Zhilugu finds out, what of it?”
“If he doesn’t want war with my Jin Prefecture, he’ll have to treat you and your family well.”
“In the meantime, Uncle can arrange for your family to relocate gradually.”
Previously, Yelü Zhilugu’s opponent was Xiao Simo, and Jin Prefecture was too far from the Royal Court, plus Han Ying’er was only Li Xiao’s concubine, not publicly proclaimed.
So Yelü Zhilugu was unaware.
But henceforth, his enemy was Li Xiao, who would surely send more people to probe Jin Prefecture.
Sooner or later he’d learn of Han Ying’er. Yelü Zhilugu would scruple Li Xiao and not kill Han Jiuguang outright, but would surely dismiss him.
So, while Han Jiuguang still held the Southern Privy Councillor position, Li Xiao intended to make full use of this connection.
Like planting a nail in the Royal Court leadership.
“Since we’re family now, Uncle might as well give me the real scoop.”
“How many troops can the Royal Court still muster? How much grain is stockpiled? Is there any chance the Ghur Kingdom will continue attacking Western Liao?”
“Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate fought for the Royal Court and lost so many soldiers—any signs of rebellion?”
Li Xiao fired off many Royal Court secrets in one breath, to judge when to launch a full offensive against the Royal Court.
……
In the afternoon, Han Jiuguang returned to the Royal Court army camp, walking into the tent looking shaken.
“What happened? Where’s Puchachi?” Seeing only him return, Yelü Zhilugu asked suspiciously from the bed.
“Your Majesty, Puchachi has been detained in the Jin Prefecture Army camp.” Han Jiuguang said in an angry tone.
“Why?”
“Because of the marriage alliance.”
“Marriage alliance?” Yelü Zhilugu was surprised, his expression turning sour.
For peace talks with Li Xiao, he had granted Han Jiuguang and the other some authority, including marriage alliances.
Though Li Xiao had no daughter yet, he had a sister.
So Yelü Zhilugu planned to have Yelü Zhixin marry Li Xiao’s sister.
At the same time, marry Princess of Zheng, born to the late empress, to Li Xiao.
Two families joined by marriage to achieve a truce.
In this era, marriage alliances were commonplace—Li Xiao had even married Xiao Simo’s sister.
Yelü Zhilugu didn’t understand why Li Xiao would detain Puchachi over this.
“Li the Thief said, he said~” Han Jiuguang glanced up at Yelü Zhilugu, hesitating guiltily and not daring to continue.
“What did he say?” Yelü Zhilugu frowned and demanded sternly.
“He said, how could Tiger Sister marry Dog Son?”
“He also said Your Majesty wants something for nothing—ugly on the outside, but beautiful in your schemes.”
“It was clear Li Xiao was furious, nearly drew his sword to kill me, but in the end detained Puchachi in the army as a warning to Your Majesty—show sincerity if you want peace.”
Hearing this, Yelü Zhilugu was furious, his round face turning pig-liver colored.
“Arrogant!”
“Courting death.”
“Li Xiao dog thief, I will never let him go. One day I will skin him alive, flay his tendons, crack his bones and suck the marrow, dooming him forever.”
“…”
Yelü Zhilugu roared in rage from the bed, smashing everything within reach on the ground.
If not for his inconvenient legs keeping him bedridden, he would surely hack everything in the tent to pieces.
Yelü Zhilugu admitted he had schemed in this matter.
If negotiations could exchange back Yelü Zhixin, best case.
If not, marrying Li Xiao’s sister would ensure safety.
In the future, there might be a chance to rescue him.
As for Princess of Zheng Yelü Jin, she was his daughter with the late empress Shenmi Clan.
He disliked the Shenmi Clan, and by extension, this daughter.
Most importantly, during Li Xiao’s last attack on Kuyun-Ordu, he had captured Yelü Jin and four other princesses.
They were now imprisoned in the Eastern Capital.
So Yelü Zhilugu planned something for nothing—neither son nor daughter to give, just establish a marriage tie with Li Xiao.
But Li Xiao’s “how could Tiger Sister marry Dog Son” shattered his defenses.
This insult wasn’t to Yelü Zhixin—it was calling him, Yelü Zhilugu, a dog.
“Mobilize troops—mobilize for me.”
“Capture Li Xiao alive; I will personally dismember him a thousand times.”
Yelü Zhilugu seemed to lose his reason, venting his fury in the tent.
Fortunately, those around him talked him down, or he might have launched a counterattack on the Jin Prefecture Army.
The Royal Court’s situation was dire.
Facing not only the Jin Prefecture Army’s offensives but also the Ghur Kingdom’s steady encroachment from the south.
Khwarazm and Western Kara-Khanid Khanate were disobedient, constantly agitating for independence.
The Royal Court internally was rife with conflicts; the Khitan six divisions were nearly beyond his control, even refusing his orders.
In these wars, Yelü Zhilugu had conscripted masses of Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate soldiers, all lost on the battlefield.
He still faced accusations from Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate—any slip could turn them against the Royal Court.
Thus, the Royal Court truly faced internal strife and external threats.
The war with Jin Prefecture must end quickly.
After subsequent negotiations, three days later they reached a truce agreement, also called the “Ili River Pact.”
The pact stipulated a ceasefire, with the Ili River as the boundary: south bank Royal Court territory, north bank Northern Frontier domain.
Second, the Northern Frontier remained Great Liao territory, not to be split; Yelü Zhilugu remained Emperor of Great Liao; Northern Frontier not to overstep.
Third, Yelü Zhilugu, as Emperor of Great Liao, appointed Li Xiao as Eastern Capital Governor to administer the Four Prefectures of Northern Frontier and Seven Rivers Grassland on behalf of Great Liao.
Though both sides had fought fiercely before, it was essentially a civil war within the Liao State.
Even Xiao Simo’s original western expedition was under the banner of purging the emperor’s side to replace Yelü Zhilugu, never intending to split Liao.
Thus, the Northern Frontier was nominally still Liao territory.
Yelü Zhilugu’s order paved the legal path for Li Xiao’s ascension.
Though he already controlled the Northern Frontier in fact, this title made him more legitimate.
Lest later someone say Li Xiao bullied Xiao Family widows and orphans to power.
It wasn’t Li Xiao grabbing—it was Yelü Zhilugu insisting on giving.
Fourth, Princess of Zheng Yelü Jin to marry Eastern Capital Governor Li Xiao.
For face, the pact didn’t specify Yelü Jin’s post-marriage status, but in reality, like Han Ying’er, a noble concubine.
Xiao Yanyan’s main wife status remained unshakable.
As for Yelü Zhixin marrying Er Feng, Yelü Zhilugu didn’t dare mention it again, fearing enraging Li Xiao into continued attacks.
Finally, only a simple request to have Li Xiao care for Yelü Zhixin well.
In reality, kept as a hostage in Jin Prefecture.
Fifth, His Majesty the Emperor of Great Liao, pitying the hardships of Northern Frontier common people, specially rewards 50,000 liang of gold, 300,000 liang of silver, 1,000 bolts of silk.
Not that Li Xiao didn’t want more—the Royal Court truly had no money left.
This amount was what Han Jiuguang told Li Xiao, pushing the limit.
After all, the Northern Frontier still faced Kangli Allied Army threats; Li Xiao had just retaken the Eastern Capital, everything unstable.
Couldn’t keep grinding with the Royal Court Army, so Li Xiao took what he could get, not haggling too much on compensation.
On the north bank of the Ili River, Li Xiao wore dark golden cotton armor and tasseled helmet, standing beneath the golden sun and moon battle flag.
Facing him was Han Jiuguang.
He was proclaiming the pact in the form of an imperial decree.
Li Xiao listened without even bothering to lift an eyelid.
Though defeated, Yelü Zhilugu needed this face-saving pretext to deceive the common people.
So the pact appeared formal, like an imperial decree rewarding Li Xiao.
“Enough—stop reading and bring the imperial decree over.”
Li Xiao directly interrupted Han Jiuguang’s recitation.
Because per normal procedure, after the proclamation, Li Xiao would have to thank for the grace.
Thank him for what.
“Lord Han Privy Councillor, I’ll take the office, the princess too, but no thanks for the grace—after all, Yelü Zhilugu hates me to death, and I equally despise that fool.”
Li Xiao, mounted on a tall war horse, took the imperial decree from a guard’s hand, glanced at it, and tossed it aside.
He said indifferently: “As for that gold, silver, and brocade, please have our Majesty prepare it promptly and deliver to Seven Rivers.”
“If not delivered by the agreed time, I’ll have to send troops to fetch it myself.”
Han Jiuguang stood opposite with more Western Liao officials, smiling wryly: “Rest assured, Governor, it will arrive on time.”
Then, Li Xiao looked toward the south bank of the Ili River. Though he couldn’t see Yelü Zhilugu, he was sure that guy was hiding in the shadows watching the north bank.
Li Xiao sneered disdainfully and shouted loudly: “Your Majesty, Li Xiao bids farewell.”
“See you this time next year.”
His resounding voice echoed across the north and south banks of the Ili River; Li Xiao laughed heartily and turned to leave.
Meanwhile, Yelü Zhilugu sat in an ordinary horse carriage, not daring to use his imperial chariot.
Because he feared being blasted by Jin Prefecture Army cannons.
Hearing Li Xiao’s voice, Yelü Zhilugu’s face was exceedingly grim, trembling with rage, gritting his teeth: “Thief, utterly rampant.”
He had finally schemed Xiao Simo to death, only to realize he had unleashed a demon far more terrifying than Xiao Simo.
