sbdcsierra Chapter 213 Containment
Chapter 213 Containment
In early September of the second year of Zhiping, Han Ming submitted a memorial to Emperor Yingzong, elaborating on the key issue currently facing the Song Dynasty - the Liao Kingdom.
He then requested to go north to the Liao Kingdom as an envoy, on the one hand to divert the Liao Kingdom's attention to the south through cultural exchanges.
On the other hand, he was looking for an opportunity to sow discord among the Liao people, so that they would be unable to cross the border and invade the Song Dynasty due to internal strife.
The last aspect is to provide cover for the northward advance of the Central Forbidden Army including Gu Tingye, so that they can better settle in the border.
Han Ming's memorial made Emperor Yingzong see the key to breaking the deadlock through political means.
After discussing with Han Zhang, Zeng Mingzhong and other senior ministers of the Secretariat, Emperor Yingzong decisively adopted Han Ming's opinion.
He decided to go on a diplomatic mission to the Liao Kingdom in an open and aboveboard manner to suppress the lone wolf in the north, and the name he chose was the breakthrough point of the "New Deal" exchange.
Han Ming meant that instead of letting the Liao Kingdom secretly try hard to obtain intelligence, it would be better for the Song Dynasty to directly disclose the situation and then pull the Liao Kingdom together to implement the new policy.
"Motivate the Liao Kingdom to implement new policies?"
Emperor Yingzong looked at Han Ming with some confusion, and handed the document in his hand to Han Zhang, Zeng Mingzhong and others beside him.
"Yes, the Liao Kingdom, as a foreign race in the north, was able to rise rapidly in just a few hundred years, largely by imitating and learning from the culture of the Central Plains dynasties."
"Even after the founding of the Song Dynasty, many of the political and military systems were studied in depth by the Liao Dynasty."
"Since they are so eager to learn, we can't stop them. On the contrary, as friendly neighbors, we should also pass on some of our 'good' experiences."
"We learn from each other and communicate with each other. Only when we are both doing well can we achieve true well-being..."
When Han Ming finished speaking, the sly smile on his face was not concealed at all, which made the several senior officials under the Secretariat speechless.
"Hahaha... Marquis Han, I really don't think you, my Lord, taught me this!"
Emperor Yingzong was in a good mood and couldn't help joking with Han Zhang.
Old Man Han thought Han Ming was good in every way, but he just wondered who his grandson inherited his personality from, as he was so cunning and scheming.
In response, Han Zhang could only smile bitterly and said, "Your Majesty, I'm sorry to have embarrassed you."
Emperor Yingzong didn't care much about this. He waved his hand and smiled, "You are worrying too much, Grand Minister. Marquis Han is also thinking about the court."
"However, I still want to ask for your opinion. Do you agree with Marquis Han's mission to Liao? After all, the relationship between Song and Liao is quite tense now..."
Emperor Yingzong did not want such a talented person like Han Ming to end up like a meat bun thrown at a dog - never to return.
"Frankly speaking, I am reluctant to let this child go deep into enemy territory, but for the sake of the Song Dynasty and Your Majesty, I agree with his approach!"
Han Zhang's somewhat aged face was covered with wrinkles from years of weathering, and the occasional hint of fatigue made everyone present feel a little sorry for him.
"Your Majesty and Grandfather, please rest assured. Although this journey may seem dangerous, it is actually very safe."
"You should know that the Liao emperor's uncle, Yelu Chongyuan, is an extremely ambitious man who has long harbored evil intentions."
"If we can cater to his needs and promise him some benefits, I'm afraid even Yelu Hongji, the great Khitan emperor, will be unable to sleep at night."
Han Ming's simple analysis was agreed by everyone. After all, Yelu Chongyuan had an old grudge with Yelu Hongji's father, Yelu Zongzhen, Emperor Xingzong of Liao, in his early years.
"Since Marquis Han has spoken, and the ministers have no objections, I will formally appoint you as the envoy of the Song Dynasty, with full authority to represent the court to the Liao Kingdom."
"During the Liao Dynasty, any matter could be dealt with first and then reported to the emperor, and the decision could be made with a single word."
"Of course, the most important thing is to preserve yourself for future use!"
Emperor Yingzong patted Han Ming's shoulder somewhat reluctantly. He had great trust and love for this close minister who silently supported him.
"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will live up to your Majesty and the expectations of all the great ministers."
Han Ming looked solemn and bowed to express his inner confidence.
"Marquis Gu's wedding is scheduled for mid-September. You can choose the time as appropriate and head north to Liao!"
Emperor Yingzong made all the necessary arrangements and asked everyone to leave.
. . . . . .
In the following three days, Han Ming contacted various departments of the court and relevant personnel of the Han Party to arrange various matters, and then led his team north to the Liao Kingdom without any worries.
Since Han Ming had made arrangements in advance and the implementation of the new policy was at a critical juncture, not many people saw him off on his journey north.
Apart from the Han family's relatives, the only outsiders present were Gu Tingye and Sheng Minglan, who were about to get married.
"Ever since I entered officialdom, I've never been able to catch up with any other family's happy events. Master Yao is one, and you're the only one. What a pity!"
Han Ming stood at the front of the team with his hands behind his back and chatted with Gu Tingye.
"Wouldn't it be easier if you didn't take care of these things?" Gu Tingye said speechlessly.
"If I don't take care of it, who will? If the north really attacks, what will happen to all my hard work? Can you compensate me?"
Han Ming rolled his eyes and looked at the other person with amusement.
"Alright, I'll just assume it's my fault this time. I shouldn't have acted without authorization and set you and Sixth Miss up with me."
Han Ming hurried to comfort Gu Tingye to prevent Gu Tingye from looking resentful and angry.
"I just feel like you understand her better than I do."
Gu Tingye's words were a bit pretentious, which made Han Ming laugh.
"What can I say about you? You're about to get married and become husband and wife, yet you're still so worried about everything. Sixth Miss won't be able to stand you from now on."
Han Ming really couldn't imagine that a man who was decisive and shrewd on the battlefield could be so stubborn when it came to feelings.
"How can I compare with you!"
"Not to mention that you have been a leader among your peers in poetry, calligraphy, chess, painting, military strategy and martial arts since childhood, there are many women in the entire Tokyo Prefecture who want to marry into your Han family."
"Even Miss Yu and you are childhood sweethearts, and how can someone like me compare to you?!"
Gu Tingye's "resentful woman" look reminded Han Ming of the original drama where he drank some wine in the middle of the night and hugged Sheng Minglan and acted coquettishly. It was exactly the same.
"If you really can't get over it, you might as well talk to Sixth Miss. This way you won't get hurt by yourself later and she won't even notice it."
Han Ming now really wants to see the loving and quarrelsome look between Gu Tingye and Sheng Minglan after they get married.
This kind of first-hand experience of watching a show is something you can only dream of, after all, such a magical thing as time travel is rare.
"I'd better wait a little longer. Maybe after we get married, her personality will change a little. Then..."
Gu Tingye had a smile on his face, looking like he was envisioning a bright future.
Han Ming on the side looked at him sideways, and the more he looked at him, the more he felt that his whimsical look was a bit silly.
"Come on! I'm rooting for you!"
Han Ming finally raised two fingers and pointed at his eyes twice.
"Don't give me that!" Gu Tingye pushed the other person and smiled.
"When you go north this time, please be careful of your own safety. You are not the commander-in-chief this time. Facing the Khitans, a foreign race, you will definitely use many shady tactics."
Gu Tingye expressed his concern.
"Don't worry, when it comes to playing politics and playing dirty tricks, we Chinese are their ancestors!"
Han Ming's confident expression made Gu Tingye feel at ease.
"Once I'm stationed at the border, I'll frequently send spies between the two cities. If you have any intelligence, please report it to me immediately."
"If you encounter danger, I will send troops to support you in time." Gu Tingye looked at Han Ming seriously.
"You have to be careful too. As the saying goes, it's easy to block an open attack but hard to guard against an arrow from the dark. Don't fall on the battlefield and leave the Sixth Miss alone in the empty room!"
Han Ming smiled and joked with Gu Tingye to ease his depression and tension about going to the battle.
"You are such a rude person!" Gu Tingye pretended to be angry and pointed his sword at the other person.
"Ha ha ha ha...."
Han Ming laughed out loud, causing Yu Yanran and Sheng Minglan behind him to look at him strangely.
"However, to express my apology and sincerity, I have prepared a generous gift as your wedding present. I believe you should be very satisfied."
Han Ming patted Gu Tingye's shoulder with a mysterious look.
"Is it true? Then I'm really looking forward to it!"
Gu Tingye didn't think too much about it. He thought Han Ming had prepared some antiques, calligraphy and paintings, or some precious gifts.
After a brief chat, Han Ming, Yu Yanran and Han Duanyang whispered about their sadness of parting, and then led the delegation north along the official road.