Chapter 316 Zhao Yingluo is cruel and ruthless
"In full-scale war, we are no longer a match for the Song Dynasty." Wanyan Zonghan murmured to himself, knowing that the current strength of the Jin Kingdom could no longer compete with the Song Dynasty. However, the pride and self-esteem in his heart made him unwilling to do so.
After pondering for a long time, Wanyan Zonghan decided to adopt another strategy. He summoned a confidant and whispered: "Go to Kaifeng quickly, find our envoy Wanyan Ningjie, and ask him to argue with the Song Dynasty. He must return to Datong Mansion."
The envoy accepted the order and left, while Wanyan Zonghan continued to meditate in the hall. He knew that this battle was crucial to the future of the Kingdom of Jin.
In the distant city of Kaifeng, Wanyan Ningjie couldn't help but feel dizzy after receiving the news from the Kingdom of Jin.
As an envoy of the Kingdom of Jin, he had been in the Song Dynasty for many years, and he knew that the Kingdom of Jin was no longer the feared power it once was.
"Once upon a time, our Kingdom of Jin was reduced to the point where we had to rely on words to ask for the city back from the Song Dynasty." Wanyan Ningjie smiled bitterly and shook his head, but the emperor's order was inevitable, and he knew he had to try his best.
The next day, Wanyan Ningjie dressed neatly and came to the Great Song Dynasty Hall. He took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. When he saw Her Royal Highness Princess Zhao Yingluo sitting in the court hall, he couldn't help but be surprised.
On the fourth day, he had long heard that Princess Zhao Yingluo of the Song Dynasty was extremely intelligent and quick-witted. When he met her today, her reputation was indeed well-deserved.
After Wanyan Ningjie respectfully saluted Zhao Yingluo, she explained her intention: "Your Highness, on behalf of the Kingdom of Jin, I come to express our demands to you.
Datong Mansion is of great significance to our Kingdom of Jin, and we hope that the Song Dynasty can return this city. "
However, Zhao Yingluo refused without hesitation: "Envoy Wanyan, I cannot agree to your request. The Kingdom of Jin invaded our territory first, and Datong Mansion originally belonged to the Song Dynasty. We just took back what we deserved. "
Wanyan Ningjie's heart sank, but he did not give up: "Your Highness, I understand your position. But please consider the overall situation. Datong Mansion is crucial to the Kingdom of Jin. We are willing to pay a certain price for this."
Zhao Yingluo sneered: "The price? What price can make up for your invasion and destruction of the Song Dynasty? Envoy Wanyan, you should know that the current situation is not good for you."
Wanyan Ningjie was speechless. He knew that Zhao Yingluo was right. But he was still unwilling to give up: "Your Royal Highness, please consider it again. Datong Mansion is really important to the Kingdom of Jin."
Zhao Yingluo shook her head: "Envoy Wanyan, you don't have to say anymore. The territory and sovereignty of the Song Dynasty are inviolable. If you really want to coexist peacefully, you should respect our decision."
After Wanyan Ningjie left the main hall sadly, a brief silence fell in the court hall.
However, this tranquility was soon broken, and the courtiers began to have a heated debate on whether Datong Mansion should be returned to the Jin Kingdom.
Left Prime Minister Lu Yihao stood up first. He said in a loud voice: "Your Royal Highness, I agree with your decision. Datong Mansion was originally our territory of the Song Dynasty. It was occupied by the Jin Kingdom for many years. It is God's will to recover it now. We must not do it because of it." Jin Guo gave up easily after just a few words of peace."
Privy Councilor Zhu Shengfei also followed closely and expressed his views: "What the Prime Minister Zuo said is absolutely true. The territory and sovereignty of the Song Dynasty cannot be violated, and we must stick to this bottom line. If the Jin Dynasty is really sincere in seeking peace, it should not propose such a Unreasonable request.”
In the court hall, voices supporting the princess' decision came and went. However, some courtiers expressed concerns, believing that returning Datong Mansion could ease tensions with the Jin Kingdom and bring peace to the two countries. Zhao Yingluo listened to the arguments among the courtiers and made up her mind. she
He stood up slowly, looked around, and then said: "I have heard the opinions of all my dear friends. I know that returning Datong Mansion may temporarily ease the tense relationship with the Kingdom of Jin. However, we must be clear, Datong Song’s territory and sovereignty are non-negotiable.”
She paused and continued: "I think back then, when the Jin Kingdom invaded our territory of the Song Dynasty, the people were displaced and miserable. Now, we have finally regained Datong Mansion, how can we give up so easily? This is not only about the dignity of the Song Dynasty and territorial integrity, but more about our commitment and responsibility to the people.”
As soon as Zhao Yingluo finished speaking, Prime Minister Lu Yihao, Privy Councilor Zhu Shengfei and others shouted in unison: "Your Highness the Princess is wise!"
In the Kingdom of Jin, Wanyan Zonghan looked gloomy after receiving Wanyan Ningjie's report about the Song Dynasty's refusal to return Datong Mansion. He knew that this contest was not over yet, and the dispute between Da Jin and Da Song would continue. But he also understood that the current strength of the Great Jin Kingdom was no longer able to confront the Great Song Dynasty head-on.
Wanyan Ningjie left the Song Dynasty Hall sadly, knowing that his mission had failed. After returning to the post house, he immediately wrote a letter and reported the situation in detail to Wanyan Zonghan.
In the Jin Kingdom's palace, Wanyan Zonghan fell into deep thought for a long time after receiving Wanyan Ningjie's letter. He knew that the Song Dynasty was resolute and that the current strength of the Jin Kingdom was indeed unable to compete with it.
"Perhaps this is God's will." Wanyan Zonghan sighed, "The former glory of our Great Jin Kingdom no longer exists. Now we can only place our hopes on the future."
He stood up and walked to the window and looked at the sky in the distance. His heart was filled with helplessness and melancholy. How the future of the Kingdom of Jin should proceed became the biggest question in his mind.
"Your Majesty," he said slowly, "our current predicament is not entirely caused by the Song Dynasty. Internal disputes are our real worry."
Wanyan Zonghan frowned, knowing that what Wanyan Zongfu said was true.
The internal conflicts in the Kingdom of Jin are increasingly intensifying, and Wanyan Zongyi's power is growing day by day, which has seriously threatened the rule of the imperial court. "Zongfu, what do you have in mind?" he asked in a deep voice.
"We should turn our attention internally first." Wanyan Zongfu said categorically, "The elimination of Wanyan Zongyi who came to the capital is our most important task at the moment. Only by eliminating this internal trouble can the Great Jin Kingdom unite and jointly fight against foreign enemies. "
Wanyan Zonghan nodded thoughtfully, "Zongfu, you are right. However, Wanyan Zongyi's power cannot be underestimated. How should we start?"
"Before using the army to annihilate," Wanyan Zongfu's eyes flashed with a cunning light, "we can try to disintegrate and divide Wanyan Zongyi's power from within. After all, not all of his men are monolithic."
When Wanyan Zonghan heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up, "This is a wonderful plan! So in your opinion, how should we implement it?"
Wanyan Zongfu smiled slightly and said, "We can start with Wanyan Zongyi's cronies and promise them huge profits to induce them to betray. At the same time, we can also instigate part of his army and let them be used by us. In this way, Wanyan Zongyi's power will naturally will be greatly weakened.”
"What a plan!" Wanyan Zonghan exclaimed, "Zongfu, you are really my think tank!"
Wanyan Zongfu waved his hand modestly, "Your Majesty is overly complimentary. I am thinking about the future of the Kingdom of Jin."
