Chapter 80: The Persuader Arrives

During this period, Zhao Yu was living a life of great ease and comfort. He had no responsibilities in either military or political affairs, and spent his days with Xiao Yiyi, accompanied by guards, hunting in the countryside. Though game was scarce in the winter, there was still wild prey to be found. Thanks to the daily training in riding and archery, Zhao Yu felt his body growing noticeably stronger.

Xiao Yiyi, feeling a sense of guilt toward Zhao Yu, became even more gentle and attentive to him. Even when she occasionally lost her temper, she would take the initiative to admit her fault. Each day, the two of them were inseparable, sharing intimate moments—everything that could happen between a couple had happened, save for the final step.

Sometimes Zhao Yu would wonder if, in this life, what more could one ask for than to be together with the one he loves, free from want or worry? What else was worth striving for? Yet, as much as he indulged in these thoughts, he was fully aware that such happiness was only temporary. If he could not acquire the strength to protect himself and his beloved, once the Jin destroyed the Liao and there was no returning to Song, he feared he would have no choice but to flee with Xiao Yiyi, living in exile for the rest of their days.

Under Zhao Yu’s guidance, and influenced by Xiuxiu and Wanyu, Xiao Yiyi increasingly resembled a gentle Han wife—her swords and blades set aside, she began to study needlework with great interest.

Outside, a light snowfall had just given way to sunshine, which shone through the paper windows and bathed the room in a gentle haze. Xiao Yiyi, together with Xiuxiu and Wanyu, sat around the table, laughing and chatting merrily. Zhao Yu sat by the window, holding a copy of the Spring and Autumn Annals as if reading, but his thoughts had long since drifted elsewhere.

If nothing unexpected happened, there would be no difficulty in removing Yelü Dashi. After that, aside from conscription, it would be time to focus on developing the economy of the Yan-Yun region. Although the majority of the population in Yan-Yun were Han, after the utter collapse of the Song dynasty, the people felt little attachment to it. Winning their renewed loyalty to the central court would be a long and arduous process.

The Khitans, like the Song, were a people of the horse, and their court was now overrun by treacherous ministers. Figures like Xiao Fengxian cared nothing for the welfare of the state. But to build a strong army, logistics and supplies were critical; they could not simply pillage as the Jurchens did wherever they went.

“Your Highness, there is a merchant from the Central Plains requesting an audience,” came Yan Qing’s report, abruptly breaking Zhao Yu’s reverie.

“A merchant from the Central Plains?” Zhao Yu was momentarily taken aback by Yan Qing’s announcement, but then a glimmer of understanding flashed in his eyes. Raising his voice, he called, “Bring him in!”

Yan Qing’s words also interrupted the girls’ conversation, and all three of them turned their eyes to Zhao Yu. He beckoned to Xiao Yiyi with a smile. “Come on, accompany me to meet the guest.”

Xiao Yiyi hesitated. “Would it be appropriate for me to go?”

“If I say it is, then it is,” Zhao Yu replied without further ado, taking her small hand in his.

Though Xiao Yiyi said nothing, her eyes were already filled with laughter. Zhao Yu was not simply playing games with Xiao Yiyi; he had already guessed the visitor’s intentions.

As soon as they were seated in the reception hall, Yan Qing led in a middle-aged man clad in a long robe of rat fur, his face shrewd and capable.

“Your servant, Ma Bao, pays his respects to Your Highness!” The visitor seemed well-versed in etiquette, bowing deeply, but he addressed only “Your Highness” without stating the full title.

Zhao Yu smiled faintly, as if unaware of the slight. “I don’t believe we’ve met before. What brings you to see me?”

Ma Bao, upon hearing the question, instinctively glanced at Xiao Yiyi at Zhao Yu’s side before turning his gaze back. He said nothing, but the meaning was clear.

“This is my betrothed,” Zhao Yu said calmly. “You may speak freely; there are no secrets between us. If you would rather not, then you may leave.”

Xiao Yiyi blushed at his words—after all, they were not yet formally married. Yet Zhao Yu’s declaration filled her with a quiet joy.

Ma Bao had no choice but to comply. He drew a document from his robes. “Perhaps Your Highness would care to look at this first.”

Yan Qing stepped forward to take the document and quickly presented it to Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu glanced through it and was at first surprised, then burst out laughing. Xiao Yiyi, curious, leaned over to look and could not help but smile as well.

It was a manifesto issued by Fang La after raising his banner in rebellion—a rambling declaration to the world, but its core message was simple: overthrow Emperor Huizong and place Prince Yi, Zhao Yu, on the throne.

After a while, Zhao Yu managed to stifle his laughter and pointed at Ma Bao. “So, you’ve come from the south?”

“Your Highness is mistaken. I serve under Commander Tong,” Ma Bao replied.

“A subordinate of Tong Guan? My apologies. Surely you did not come all this way just to show me this?”

“Of course not. Fang La and his band are mere rabble; the court will crush them in due course. I am here to save Your Highness.”

Once more, Ma Bao glanced at Xiao Yiyi.

“If you sneak another glance at my consort, I’ll have your eyes out,” Zhao Yu said coldly, not waiting for Xiao Yiyi to speak. He knew full well that the man wished her to leave, but he pretended not to understand.

Ma Bao, pressed by Zhao Yu, had no choice but to grit his teeth and continue. “If Your Highness is willing to cede the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun, Commander Tong will guarantee your safe return to the Song—”

Before he could finish, Zhao Yu’s palm slammed down on the table.

“And I suppose if I refuse, you’ll say I’ll be cursed for disloyalty and lack of filial piety for a thousand generations? Who is Tong Guan to make such demands? Even if the Emperor himself came, what of it? Once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back. They were the first to sever ties; they cannot blame me for doing the same. Go back and tell Tong Guan: if he dares set foot in Yan-Yun, he’ll never return alive. This is the first and last time you’ll see me. Try again, and I’ll show no mercy. Xiao Yi, see him out!”

As he spoke, Zhao Yu suddenly felt a soft hand slip into his. The fury that had been simmering inside him finally erupted, and even after Yan Qing dragged Ma Bao away, Zhao Yu was still breathing heavily.

“My love, it’s not worth losing your temper over such people. You’ll only harm your health,” Xiao Yiyi soothed him gently, caressing his back with tender concern. For such a devoted protector, she thought, she would gladly die for him.

After a deep breath, Zhao Yu said with a touch of sorrow, “It’s just that my mother will suffer for this.”

“There’s no need to worry, my love. One day, we’ll lead a hundred thousand ironclad horsemen south to fetch her. Let’s see who could stop us.”

To his own surprise, Zhao Yu found himself deeply moved by her suggestion.

Just then, Yan Qing rushed in, followed closely by Yelü Min.

“Your Highness, wonderful news!” Yelü Min shouted before he had even entered the room.

“You rascal—still so excitable, even after becoming Grand General!” Zhao Yu teased. Over time, he and his former rival had become as close as brothers, and spoke with easy familiarity.

Yelü Min paid it no mind. Striding in, his face alight with joy, he exclaimed, “His Majesty has issued a decree—I'm to succeed Yelü Dashi, who is recalled to the capital for a new appointment. And there’s even better news—can you guess what it is?”