The next day, the morning glow turned half the sky red, and the gorgeous colors seemed to add a bit of vitality to the solemn palace.
Soon, Han Fang entered the main hall under the guidance of the palace servants. His face was a little gloomy, as if he had a premonition that the atmosphere of today's court meeting would not be too relaxed.
After bowing, he stood in the center of the hall, waiting for Zhao Yingluo to speak.
Zhao Yingluo took a deep breath and said slowly: "After careful consideration of the proposal put forward by your envoy yesterday, I believe that the Jin Kingdom must return Liu Yu and other rebellious people to the Song Dynasty to show its sincerity. At the same time, I will All the 100,000 horses and gold, silver and jewels she brought to the Kingdom of Jin were returned. If not, the Song Dynasty would raise 500,000 troops and attack the Kingdom of Jin in three directions!" Although her voice was soft, it was full of determination and majesty. .
When Han Fang heard this, his expression suddenly changed.
He didn't expect Zhao Yingluo to make such a request so forcefully.
He said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, the Kingdom of Jin has shown goodwill to the Song Dynasty and is willing to return the city to show its sincerity. However, if the Song Dynasty continues to force it, the Kingdom of Jin is not afraid of fighting against the Song Dynasty. Please think twice, your Royal Highness. ." There was a hint of threat and warning in his voice.
Zhao Yingluo sneered and shot at Han Fang like a knife: "What you said is wrong! It is not the Song Dynasty that is forcing you, but your country has gone too far! Liu Yu and others were originally ministers of the Song Dynasty, but they betrayed the imperial court and surrendered. Your country is now being used as a bargaining chip to blackmail the Song Dynasty. Is this your country's sincerity?" Her voice was full of anger and disdain.
Han Fang was shocked by Zhao Yingluo's momentum, but he still tried to stay calm.
He took a deep breath and said slowly: "Your Highness, Princess, please calm down. This matter is related to the peace between the two countries, and I should report the truth to Your Majesty the Emperor of our country. However, I have something to say, I wonder if Your Highness, the Princess, is willing to hear it?" His voice sounded. There is a hint of sincerity and temptation in it.
Zhao Yingluo raised her eyebrows and signaled Han Fang to continue.
Han Fang paused for a moment before speaking slowly: "Your Highness, Princess, does she know what happened to the Liao Kingdom? The Liao Kingdom was extremely powerful back then, but it was inevitably destroyed by the Jin Kingdom in the end. If the Song Dynasty continues to force itself, it may follow the footsteps of the Liao Kingdom. No more." There was a hint of threat and warning in his voice.
Zhao Yingluo sneered when she heard this and stared at Han Fang with burning eyes: "I should accept your words with a smile. However, I also have something to say: The Song Dynasty is not comparable to the Liao Kingdom! If your country is really sincere in seeking peace. , you should take practical actions. Otherwise, the soldiers of the Song Dynasty will definitely let your country see what true strength is!" Her voice was full of determination and confidence.
Han Fang was shocked by Zhao Yingluo's words. He knew that this peace agreement might not be easily reached.
He took a deep breath, bowed and said, "What Her Royal Highness the Princess said is absolutely true. I should convey Your Highness's wishes to Your Majesty the Emperor of our country. However, peace is the blessing of both countries. I sincerely ask Your Highness the Princess to think twice." After saying that, he turned around. Exited the hall.
Zhao Yingluo glanced at the ministers and said in a deep voice: "Pass on this palace's decree: strengthen border security and reorganize armaments to prepare for emergencies!"
When Han Fang left the Song Dynasty Palace, he was furious. The anger in his heart was like a burning flame, almost burning his reason.
He clenched his fists, his knuckles white with anger, and his eyes flashed with ferocity.
After galloping all the way, he returned to Yanjing and explained to Wanyan Zonghan the details of his mission.
After hearing this, Wanyan Zonghan's face turned livid, and his eyes burst out with anger.
He slammed the table so hard that all the tea cups on the table jumped: "The Song Dynasty bullies people too much! Do you really think that our country, the Jin Dynasty, has no one?" His voice was like thunder, echoing in the hall, shocking Everyone's ears were buzzing.
Wanyan Zonghan's anger was like a prairie fire, quickly igniting the entire Jin Dynasty court.
For a time, the courtiers were talking a lot, and they all expressed their intention to send troops to attack the Song Dynasty to avenge their previous humiliation. Wanyan Zonghan even ordered to raise troops, preparing to go south in one fell swoop and conquer the Song Dynasty.
However, at this moment, Wanyan Zongfu stood up. He looked solemnly and looked at Wanyan Zonghan with deep eyes: "Your Majesty, wait a minute, wait a minute!" Although his voice was not loud, it was like a clear spring, extinguishing the anger in Wanyan Zonghan's heart. Wanyan Zonghan frowned and looked at Wanyan Zongfu: "What? Do you want us to swallow this breath?" His tone was full of displeasure and doubt.
Wanyan Zongfu shook his head: "That's not what I meant. It's just that it's probably not the best time to raise troops now." He paused and continued: "We have just experienced a big war, with serious troop losses, and morale has not been fully restored. .Sending troops at this time has little chance of winning."
When Wanyan Zonghan heard this, he frowned. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Then what do you think we should do? Are we just going to bow our heads like this?" There was deep reluctance and helplessness in his tone.
Wanyan Zongfu smiled slightly: "We don't have to rush for a while. Although the Song Dynasty is powerful, it is not invulnerable. We can take this opportunity to recuperate and accumulate strength. After three years of gathering momentum, we can go south to attack the Song Dynasty again."
Wanyan Zongfu continued, "During this period, we still need to make complete preparations. On the one hand, we must strengthen our armaments and improve the combat effectiveness of our soldiers; on the other hand, we must also form an alliance with neighboring countries to jointly fight against the Song Dynasty." He paused After a pause, he continued: "Tubo has always been on good terms with us. We can consider forming an alliance with them and jointly send troops to attack the Song Dynasty."
After Wanyan Zonghan heard this, his brows gradually widened, "What a great idea! Although Tubo is located in a remote location, it has strong military strength and good combat effectiveness. Forming an alliance with them will definitely increase our chances of winning!"
He turned to look at Han Fang: "Han Fang, although you failed to reach an agreement this time on your mission, you can still prove the truth and falsehood of the Song Dynasty. I order you to send an envoy to the Song Dynasty again, bringing Liu Yu and others with you. The 100,000 troops who fled to the Kingdom of Jin before. We have been preparing for three years, and we will definitely defeat the Song Dynasty in one fell swoop!"
When Han Fang heard this, he bowed and said, "I obey! I will fulfill my mission!"
Wanyan Zonghan nodded with satisfaction: "Okay! You set off immediately and be careful." He paused and then added: "It would be best if a peace agreement can be reached on this mission; if not, we should delay it as much as possible. Time will create favorable conditions for us to accumulate strength.”
Han Fang accepted the order and left.
It was getting late at this time, and night was gradually falling. The streets of Yanjing are brightly lit and filled with pedestrians.
However, Han Fang had no intention of enjoying this bustling night scene.
At this moment, Liu Yu, who was under house arrest, did not know that his fate was about to change dramatically.
When the news brought by Han Fang reached Liu Yu's ears, he was sitting in a dark room, drinking one glass after another.
He originally thought that surrendering to the Kingdom of Jin would save his glory and wealth, but he did not expect that it would now become a bargaining chip in the deal between the Kingdom of Jin and the Song Dynasty.
Upon hearing the news that he was about to be escorted to Kaifeng, Liu Yu's hands shook and the wine in his glass spilled all over the floor.
His face instantly turned pale, and his eyes were filled with fear and helplessness.
He seemed to have seen the scene where he was reviled by the people of the Song Dynasty and tried by the officials of the imperial court after being escorted to Kaifeng.
He thought of his former power and status, and then of the humiliation and death he was about to face, and the fear in his heart surged into his heart like a tide.
Liu Yu slumped on the chair, as if he had lost his soul. He thought about running away, but knew it was impossible; he thought about resisting, but knew he didn't have the strength.
He can only accept this cruel reality helplessly and wait for the judgment of fate.
