[Fantasy] Water Margin Heroes (Complete) - 28-30

Chapter 120 The Western Xia Dynasty fell

quickly, and those leaving the city split into two groups. After a brief search, the Han Chinese group was

left behind. The remaining foreigners watched the Han Chinese leave, and they couldn't help but feel nervous, fearing that the Heavenly Soldiers would mercilessly slaughter them.

Seeing that only the foreigners remained, Hua Rong shouted, "Throw all your belongings outside!"

Although the Tanguts knew that leaving the city would mean becoming prisoners and their lives being in the hands of others, human greed still led them to carry many bags and bundles.

However, seeing the Heavenly Soldiers watching them intently, most of them obediently threw them out. The Heavenly Soldiers granted the wish to a few who valued money over their lives.

"Take those in front away. Search the men in the back one by one. Anyone carrying weapons will be killed on sight."

Seeing that everyone was now unarmed, Hua Rong pointed to the group he had just intercepted and gave the order again.

The foreigners in front immediately walked towards the military camp under the Heavenly Soldiers' supervision, and the women behind them also walked forward at the Heavenly Soldiers' orders.

Hearing Hua Rong's words, a mountain soldier mingling among the common people saw the Heavenly Army closing in and knew there was no escape. He drew his short sword and charged at Hua Rong, who was mounted on horseback, shouting, "The Heavenly Army is going to kill us all! Why don't we fight back?"

Dozens of mountain soldiers echoed his cry and rushed towards the Heavenly Army on both sides. Most of the people in Xingqing Prefecture were from various tribes in the heart of Western Xia, and few understood Chinese. Hearing the mountain soldiers' shouts, they were naturally unwilling to die without a fight, and many followed the mountain soldiers to the sides.

Seeing the Western Xia people in a riot, Hua Rong shouted, "Shoot anyone who makes a rash move!"

With that, he raised an arrow and pinned the leading mountain soldier to the ground.

Hua Rong trained his troops in both horsemanship and archery. Although his army's horsemanship and archery skills were not as good as those of the nomadic peoples, they were still much better than the Song Dynasty's cavalry. After a volley of arrows, the hundreds of men who had charged out were riddled with bullets.

Only one Shan'e soldier managed to rush into the ranks of the Heavenly Dynasty soldiers preparing to search them, but before he could even draw his short blade, he was hacked to death.

Whether intentional or accidental, several arrows pierced the still crowd, and two men fell to the ground with screams. Seeing that those who resisted were all dead in the blink of an eye, the rest dared not move again.

"General, spare my life! I'm willing to let you search me!"

A Tangut man had understood Hua Rong's words earlier, which was why he hadn't followed the Shan'e soldiers to their deaths. Seeing the Heavenly soldiers outside nocking their bows and coldly staring at them, as if they weren't satisfied, he could no longer hold on and knelt down, shouting in broken Chinese.

The other Tanguts, hearing this, realized the Heavenly soldiers were going to search them, and quickly knelt down as well, raising their hands.

Hua Rong glanced at the trembling crowd, but didn't want to kill any more people, and waved his hand, saying, "Search."

As soon as he finished speaking, another whooshing sound was heard behind him.

It turned out that Ling Zhen's artillery had advanced more than two hundred paces, hurling canisters of flaming oil into the city.

Although the Western Xia had cleared the area within a hundred paces of the city wall, the Heavenly Soldiers' medium-sized catapults had a range of up to a mile, so most of the canisters landed on the houses inside the city.

The archers also turned their attention to the areas doused with flaming oil; upon contact with the flames, the oil quickly ignited, and instantly multiple fires broke out within the city.

The pre-battle command post was only a few hundred paces from the north gate. By this time, the Western Xia forces knew that the surprise attack had failed, and Wei Mingrenli's elite troops had been almost completely wiped out.

"Report! The heavenly soldiers have started setting the city on fire! Several fires have already broken out inside the city."

Upon hearing this, Wei Ming An Kang exclaimed in alarm, "What should we do? Are we all going to be burned alive?"

Although Yelü Nan Xian was quick-witted and resourceful, she was also terrified by the impending death and was at a loss for what to do. She looked anxiously at Xiao He Da, whom she trusted most.

Seeing the helpless look in Yelü Nanxian's eyes, Xiao Heda's usually hidden intelligence finally surfaced. He calmly said, "It's impossible to capture the city now. We can only control the fire first and then see if we can hold out."

Weiming Ankang, seeing someone speak, immediately seized the opportunity to ask Xiao Heda, "General Xiao, how do you plan to control the fire?"

Xiao Heda thought for a moment and said, "The Heavenly Army's fire is incredibly powerful and burning oil is terrifying. Extinguishing it is probably impossible. We can only level a few streets to keep the fire outside, and that's the only way we can survive."

However, someone said, "The Heavenly Dynasty's catapults have a range of over a mile. The safe area inside the city is only about a mile in radius. There are still over 300,000 people in the city, which is probably not enough to accommodate them. Moreover, if the Heavenly Army places the catapults on the city walls, the range will be even greater. Without the city walls, we simply cannot hold out."

Hearing this, most people echoed his sentiments, their words implying surrender, but no one said it outright.

"Report! The fire is getting bigger and bigger, and several fires are spreading towards us."

Seeing that everyone was still arguing and had no idea what to do, Wei Ming An Kang simply said, "Let's retreat to the palace first, and then we can discuss it further."

Yelü Nan Xian also regained some composure and added, "Demolish all the houses within 600 paces of the city wall, and all troops retreat to the inner city."

After the two finished speaking, they led a group of nobles and officials in a chaotic escape towards the inner city.

After several rounds of trebuchet fire, the area within 200 paces of the city

was engulfed in flames. Fortunately, there was little wind, and the fire only slowly spread towards the inner city.

The Western Xia soldiers and civilians in the city also fled in a chaotic manner, their cries of "father" and "daughter" echoing throughout the city.

The chaotic scene inside the city could be seen from the street corners. If a fire were set off from all four sides of the city, even without wind, Xingqing Prefecture would soon be reduced to ruins. Moreover, spring winds are never lacking; one moment the wind is calm and the smoke is still, and the next moment a strong wind may rise.

Just when everyone thought the Emperor would burn Xingqing Prefecture to the ground, Zhang Yang waved his hand and said, "Order the archers and artillery to cease fire."

Upon hearing this, Yu Baosi quickly waved his signal flag, and the archers and artillery stopped firing.

"Bring a Tangut man up here," Zhang Yang then issued an order that left everyone bewildered.

Nearly ten horse trails had been built outside the city; burning one wouldn't affect the movement of the imperial troops.

Soon, Hua Rong personally escorted a man dressed in leather clothing to the top of the city wall. It was incredibly boring down below, and the Western Xia people couldn't break out of the city, so Hua Rong used the opportunity of escorting a prisoner to run up to the city. For ease of communication, Hua Rong specifically chose a Tangut man who spoke Chinese.

The Tangut man, brought to the city wall, saw a group of heavily armored Chinese generals staring at him. Terrified, he knelt and kowtowed, pleading, "Your Majesty, spare my life! I'm just an ordinary herdsman; I've never killed a Han Chinese!"

Zhang Yang, looking at the weeping Tangut man, said in a conciliatory tone, "Don't worry, I won't kill you. I just want you to enter the city and deliver a message. What do you say?"

The Tangut man looked at the towering flames within the city and wanted to refuse, but seeing the menacing Han generals beside him, he had no doubt that if he refused, he would be thrown off the wall immediately.

Entering the city might offer a chance of survival, while refusing now could mean instant death. The Tangut man chose the former.

"Your Majesty, please give your orders, and I will certainly convey them."

Zhang Yang nodded in satisfaction and said, "Go into the city and tell Weiming Ankang that I order him to surrender unconditionally within a quarter of an hour, or I will begin burning the city, and then there will be no turning back. Do you understand?"

The Dangxiang man hurriedly nodded and said, "I understand completely, and I will certainly report the truth to Weiming Ankang."

Zhang Yang waved his hand and said, "Use a rope to lower him down."

Watching the soldiers tie a rope around the Dangxiang man's waist, Zhang Yang added, "Hurry up, or once the time is up, you won't be able to get out either."

Upon hearing this, the Tangut man collapsed to the ground in terror. Having just escaped death, he was now forced to risk his life again. If the people inside hesitated even slightly, he feared he would never leave the city again.

As the heavenly soldiers awaited the emperor's orders, the Tangut man suddenly leaped to his feet and quickly restrained him.

However, to everyone's surprise, the Tangut man didn't pounce on Zhang Yang, but instead greedily gazed at the scenery outside the city. From his lingering eyes, everyone could see his longing for the world.

Zhang Yang let him look for a moment before saying, "Go, perhaps you'll be out soon."

Hearing this, the heavenly soldiers slowly lowered the Tangut man from the wall.

The moment his feet touched the ground, the Tangut man eagerly rushed back into the city.

The two heavenly soldiers, not expecting the Tangut man, who had just emerged and was still limp, to suddenly unleash such strength, were pulled sharply by the ropes in their hands and fell to the ground below.

Seeing the situation was dire, Zhang Yang quickly jumped to the edge of the city wall, grabbed the two men by the waist, and pulled them up.

Falling headfirst from the over three-zhang-high wall would have been certain death. The two men, already sensing death and closing their eyes to await their fate, felt a sudden tightening around their waists and were pulled back up the wall. Only

when their feet touched solid ground did they open their eyes, and seeing that their savior was none other than the emperor, they were overwhelmed with gratitude and immediately tried to kneel.

Zhang Yang helped the two men up and laughed, "Wearing military uniforms, you don't need to kneel. Just be vigilant at all times."

The two men quickly saluted and replied, "Yes, sir."

Guan Sheng watched as the Tangut man charged directly into a street engulfed in flames and shook his head, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid that man won't be able to deliver the message. And even if the Western Xia surrender, they might come back to feign surrender again."

Zhang Yang watched the Tangut man run swiftly along the narrow path through the flames and shook his head, "If the Western Xia are willing to surrender, we can still get hundreds of thousands of slaves and a city. Let's wait a little longer. I believe they will come to surrender."

Sure enough, a moment later, someone else crossed the flames to deliver the message of surrender.

This time, the Western Xia troops were the first to abandon their weapons and leave the city. They didn't try any more tricks, and by evening, the Heavenly Army had already entered Xingqing Prefecture.

Chapter 121: The Western Xia Empress Dowager

was as cool as water, but the people inside the Western Xia palace felt no chill, only a bead of sweat.

Zhang Yang turned his head to look at the beauty in his arms. Her face was oval, her nose high and straight, and beneath her slender, arched eyebrows, a pair of clear eyes shone like autumn water. Her features exuded the unique charm of a mature woman, yet her face was flushed with a girlish blush.

Yelü Nanxian felt Zhang Yang's gaze, and her blush deepened.

A faint fragrance wafted into Zhang Yang's nostrils; having seen countless women, he was certain it was the subtle scent of a virgin, not some sachet.

Zhang Yang looked at the Empress Dowager of Western Xia in his arms with suspicion and asked, "Are you still a virgin?"

Yelü Nanxian had a bad feeling upon hearing the Emperor's summons, but she hadn't expected to be pulled into Zhang Yang's arms so soon after meeting him. Hearing Zhang Yang ask this shy question, her delicate body trembled slightly. She nodded gently and said in a voice barely above a whisper, "Yes."

Zhang Yang, upon hearing this, felt a surge of excitement. He took Yelü Nanxian's hand and teased, "Does Li Qianshun have some hidden ailment that he hasn't even touched a beauty like you?"

Yelü Nanxian's breathing became heavy as Zhang Yang stroked her hand, and her body stiffened. She said shyly, "He didn't know how to restrain himself in his youth, and his body was depleted."

Generally speaking, northerners are tall, but their skin is not as fair and delicate as that of southern women. Zhang Yang was well aware of this, but he hadn't expected Yelü Nanxian's skin to be as delicate and smooth as that of the women of Dali.

Zhang Yang gently played with the beauty's hand and casually said, "I heard that when the Dangxiang tribe surrendered, Weiming Ankang didn't agree. Was it you who led the ministers to force the emperor to abdicate?"

Yelü Nanxian, upon hearing this... "I am but a woman, how could I lead so many? It's just that most people are afraid of death, and I've been used as a shield."

Zhang Yang suddenly changed his previous gentleness, grabbing Yelü Nanxian's breasts and kneading them roughly, coldly saying, "You're not being honest. I heard you control tens of thousands of Xiao Heda's troops. Many of the ideas are yours."

Yelü Nanxian felt waves of pain as Zhang Yang roughly kneaded her breasts, but hidden within the pain was a hint of indescribable pleasure.

"Since becoming Empress Dowager, I have lived deep within the palace and have not concerned myself with court affairs. It's just that Xiao Heda is used to listening to me, and I haven't interfered with his military affairs. My surrender was only because I didn't want to die in vain," Yelü Nanxian panted, answering evasively.

Zhang Yang had already learned from many surrendered officials of Western Xia that Yelü Nanxian was not an ordinary woman. Seeing that she didn't want to reveal her talents, he didn't press the matter. In any case, the Western Xia army had been disarmed and could no longer cause any trouble. Even if Yelü Nanxian were as wise as Zhuge Liang, once she was placed in the harem, she would be like a rootless duckweed.

The pressure on her hands lessened considerably. She simply indulged in playing with those rare jade breasts. Full, too large to be fully contained with one hand, they rivaled the ample breasts of a woman, yet possessed the firmness of a young girl, unlike the softness of a woman's breasts, which resembled a white flour sack.

Yelü Nanxian felt all the pain vanish, replaced by waves of even stronger pleasure. To avoid making a sound and losing face, she could only grit her teeth and endure.

Zhang Yang, seeing the beauty's slightly furrowed brows, her alluring expression a mixture of unbearable pain and extreme pleasure, knew she refused to moan in front of everyone, and couldn't help but feel a desire to tease her. He

opened his mouth wide and took her round, delicate earlobe into his mouth, gently sucking and licking it.

"Ah."

Yelü Nanxian hadn't expected this move; a tingling pleasure came from her earlobe, and she couldn't help but moan softly. Immediately, Yelü Nanxian realized she had lost her composure, her face flushing crimson, and she tightly shut her mouth.

A series of tingling sensations kept washing over her, forcing her to twist her body to suppress the urge to moan. Unexpectedly, her full, rounded buttocks rubbed against him, quickly causing Zhang Yang's lower body to become erect.

Feeling the hard, foreign object between her buttocks, Yelü Nanxian immediately realized what it was and dared not move again.

Zhang Yang teased her for a while, seeing her eyes filled with lust, looking utterly helpless, yet still stubbornly refraining from moaning, he added fuel to the fire. Grabbing Yelü Nanxian's upper garment with both hands, he pulled slightly, and with a tearing sound, Yelü Nanxian's bright red bodice was revealed.

The patch of snow-white skin on her chest seemed dimmer than the candlelight in the hall, her full breasts pushing against the bodice, revealing a deep cleavage.

Yelü Nanxian instinctively crossed her arms over her chest, trying to cover the sliver of exposed skin.

"Come here, help her take off her pants,"

Zhang Yang said, ignoring her and addressing the several Western Xia concubines watching nearby.

These concubines were beauties personally selected by Zhang Yang. They already knew that the Tangut people had been reduced to slavery, and if they didn't have

a chance tonight, they would be given as rewards to the soldiers or sold into slavery as military prostitutes. Even if sold into slavery, they would likely be bought by brothels, and most of the soldiers they had seen were crude and uncouth. Compared to their uncertain fate, the Heavenly Emperor was young, handsome, and of the highest rank. They naturally wanted to be noticed by this young emperor, but unfortunately, his attention was focused on the Empress Dowager.

Hearing Zhang Yang's order, they dared not delay and hurriedly went to help Yelü Nanxian take off her pants. The two concubines who had gotten there first rubbed their ample breasts against Zhang Yang's legs as they did so.

When Yelü Nanxian saw that the two women actually came to take off her pants, she glared at them. Seeing that they were just smiling at her but not stopping, she hurriedly reached out to pull her pants down.

Taking advantage of the moment, Zhang Yang grabbed the ample breasts he had been coveting for so long. Even through the thin bodice, he could feel their exquisite elasticity. He pinched the nipple between two fingers and began to knead it.

Yelü Nanxian's body went limp at Zhang Yang's actions, collapsing into his arms. Before she could react, her pants had been ripped off by the two women.

Soon, the nipple in Zhang Yang's hand began to swell, and Yelü Nanxian let out seductive moans.

Seeing that things had progressed smoothly, Zhang Yang turned and placed Yelü Nanxian on the bed, tearing off the bodice that had been obstructing her view.

Her breasts, which had been ravaged for so long, eagerly sprang forth, the two pink nipples already swollen and erect, bobbing up and down with her rapid breathing.

Yelü Nanxian looked at Zhang Yang with hazy eyes, a mixture of pleading and anticipation, yet also a strong sense of temptation.

Zhang Yang lowered his head and took the pink cherry into his mouth, sucking greedily like a baby, his tongue licking the light-colored areola, occasionally biting lightly with his teeth. He immediately heard Yelü Nanxian's groan of surrender.

With one hand, he quietly pulled off the beauty's underpants, exposing a beautiful garden to the air: her smooth, snow-white buttocks, her dense forest, her pink petals—everything shimmered alluringly in the water.

Zhang Yang no longer hesitated, straightening his erection, aiming at the mysterious cave, and using the water's force and moisture, thrusting in forcefully.

"Ah, it hurts, stop!"

Yelü Nanxian had long known that women experience pain the first time, but she hadn't expected it to be this painful. A tearing pain surged from her lower body, quickly filling her eyes with tears.

The warm, tight sensation gave Zhang Yang the urge to thrust forcefully, but seeing the beauty's pale face, he could only gently kiss her fragrant lips, his hands once again climbing up her breasts.

In no time, Yelü Nanxian forgot the pain, only feeling the itching and discomfort of a foreign object entering her lower body, so she tentatively moved it.

Seeing this, Zhang Yang thrust in hard, all the way in.

"Ah!"

Yelü Nanxian's eyes rolled back from Zhang Yang's powerful thrusts, while a wave of pleasure surged through her body. Before the long moan had even ended, Zhang Yang began a frenzied, relentless thrusting.

Yelü Nanxian could no longer control herself, only able to let out continuous moans that made her blush and feel hot, to release the pressure within her body. The only sounds

in the room were the crisp "slap slap" sounds between the two and Yelü Nanxian's melodious and alluring moans, a beautiful symphony like heavenly music!

The women in the room were instantly captivated by naked lust, greedily watching the object that brought them unparalleled pleasure, occasionally revealed at the point where their lower bodies met.

Under Zhang Yang's rapid attacks, Yelü Nanxian soon cried out, reaching her climax. Her body stiffened for a few seconds before collapsing softly onto the bed.

Yelü Nanxian stared blankly at the handsome face before her, a hint of infatuation flashing across her face. She had never imagined that intimacy between men and women could be so wonderful.

Zhang Yang gently kissed Yelü Nanxian's fragrant lips, his lower body ceasing its movements, simply enjoying the spasms in her lower body.

Yelü Nanxian also felt Zhang Yang's tenderness, and proactively extended her tongue to entwine with his.

After a long while, their lips parted. Yelü Nanxian saw the deep affection in Zhang Yang's eyes and felt a surge of panic. Feeling the still-hard object inside her, her heart pounded even harder. With a soft

"plop

," Zhang Yang withdrew his lower body from Yelü Nanxian.

Yelü Nanxian felt a sudden emptiness inside her and couldn't help but look at Zhang Yang with a mournful expression.

Zhang Yang, however, amidst the watchful eyes of the other women, picked up Yelü Nanxian and made her lie face down, her snow-white, delicate buttocks raised high.

Zhang Yang played with her jade-like buttocks for a while before suddenly thrusting himself into Yelü Nanxian's body, beginning another beautiful symphony.

Chapter 122 The Western Xia Imperial Mausoleum

The morning sun shone through the window, the light becoming gentle after filtering through the paper. Six people were curled up under the crimson quilt, the undisguised spring light adding a touch of lewdness to the room.

Yelü Nanxian lazily turned over, lazily opening her bright eyes. Everything in the room was so familiar, yet so strange.

Then she remembered the passionate lovemaking of the previous night, and her pretty face quickly flushed red. Looking at the Khitan women still sleeping soundly behind the young emperor, she couldn't help but feel ashamed. She had been too unrestrained last night, uttering so many shameful words. How could she face them again? Just

as Yelü Nanxian was about to pull the quilt over her face, a large hand had already caressed her cheek.

Zhang Yang was awakened by Yelü Nanxian's movement. Seeing the beauty trying to hide under the quilt, he couldn't help but reach out and caress the flawless face of the jade-like woman.

Yelü Nanxian turned her head and saw Zhang Yang's affectionate gaze, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. Handsome, strong, assertive, gentle, and having created so many miracles, he was undeniably an ideal match.

Seeing the growing affection in the beauty's eyes, Zhang Yang couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her, sucking on her delicate lips, a faint fragrance filling his mouth.

Yelü Nanxian shyly closed her beautiful eyes, but her soft, fragrant tongue actively curled around hers.

Zhang Yang savored the beauty's sweet nectar, and one of his large hands quietly slipped under the covers, climbing up her majestic breasts. Her snow-white breasts rose and fell under his caresses, changing shape.

A familiar pleasure surged through her chest, and Yelü Nanxian, experiencing the pleasures of love for the first time, was instantly reminded of the previous night's lovemaking. Her curvaceous body arched upwards, as if wanting to merge her breasts into Zhang Yang's palm. Just as

Zhang Yang was about to mount her... Just as the dragon's head touched the entrance, he noticed the beauty beneath him frown, so he rolled over and lay to one side.

Yelü Nanxian was about to relive last night's lovemaking when she discovered her lower body was swollen, and even the slightest touch caused excruciating pain. Worried that Zhang Yang would force himself on her, she was pleasantly surprised to find him rolled over again. She looked at Zhang Yang with gratitude.

Zhang Yang smiled at Yelü Nanxian and said, "The flower path has never been swept for guests, but the humble gate is now opened for me. Naturally, I must be more considerate of you; I'll spare you this time. I'll favor you again in a few days."

Yelü Nanxian hadn't expected Zhang Yang to be so gentle and considerate. Looking at Zhang Yang with affectionate eyes, she said shyly, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Zhang Yang smiled and pinched Yelü Nanxian's breasts, saying, "Let's get up first. Later, you can show me around the Xingqing Palace."

Yelü Nanxian let out a soft moan, her small hand slipping under the covers to grasp Zhang Yang's already erect penis, saying, "Isn't Your Majesty uncomfortable? Why don't you go find them?" As she spoke, she raised her delicate chin and pointed to the women behind Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang played with Yelü Nanxian's firm, ample breasts. He chuckled, "Aren't you jealous? You even pushed me into their arms."

Yelü Nanxian gently stroked her jade-like hand, her voice tinged with jealousy, "You are the ruler of the land. It's normal for you to have three palaces and six courtyards. How could I dare to be jealous? Now that I can't serve Your Majesty, I can only let them have their way."

Zhang Yang looked at Yelü Nanxian's red lips, slightly upturned with jealousy, and felt a surge of impulse. He chuckled mischievously, "Judging from your words, you don't want them to take advantage of you, do you? Then you can use your mouth to serve me instead of your lower body."

Yelü Nanxian was taken aback, then said coquettishly, "Your Majesty is so naughty! So you have ulterior motives."

Zhang Yang hugged her and kissed her again, laughing, "So, are you willing?"

Yelü Nanxian got up, tossed her hair, rolled her eyes at Zhang Yang, and said charmingly, "Since Your Majesty is interested, then this servant will naturally try my best."

Saying this, she lifted the covers, ready to try doing what she had only heard of but never done before.

However, seeing Zhang Yang's enormous and ferocious member, she was still startled, stunned for a moment, before trying to swallow it.

Zhang Yang felt a warm sensation, almost causing him to twitch, and his lower body swelled even more. However, seeing her expression as if she had no experience, he could only endure it and let her do as she pleased.

Yelü Nanxian laboriously swallowed and spat out Zhang Yang's dragon root for a while, but did not notice any change. She could only painstakingly recall the trick that the women of her clan had told her when she got married eighteen years ago.

As if she had to use her tongue, Yelü Nanxian tried to lick Zhang Yang's dragon root with her tongue, and sure enough, she felt Zhang Yang tremble.

Having found the trick, Yelü Nanxian also tried to use more techniques, circling the dragon's head and occasionally licking the dragon's gall.

With Yelü Nanxian's efforts, Zhang Yang finally ejaculated into Yelü Nanxian's mouth.

Zhang Yang originally thought that Yelü Nanxian, who was doing this for the first time, would spit out the ejaculation, but

instead, she charmingly swallowed what was in her mouth. From this unintentional event, he saw Yelü Nanxian's intelligence and tact.

Zhang Yang, with Yelü Nanxian in his arms, said to the woman beside him, "Help us get dressed."

The woman, who had already woken up, hurriedly helped them dress.

Yelü Nanxian felt the envious gazes of the other women and secretly rejoiced; in just one night, she had surpassed them in status once again.

Once they were dressed, Yelü Nanxian's delicate brows furrowed as soon as she touched the ground, and she collapsed into Zhang Yang's arms.

Zhang Yang looked at Yelü Nanxian affectionately and asked, "What's wrong?"

Yelü Nanxian rolled her eyes at Zhang Yang and scolded, "I'm not as energetic as you. Last night, I'm still weak!"

As she spoke, Yelü Nanxian's face flushed slightly again.

What man doesn't like a woman praising his prowess in bed? Even an emperor nearing seventy loved to gather beauties to prove his strength. Although Yelü Nanxian's lower body was a little sore, she pretended to be languid and weak.

Looking at the languid beauty in his arms, Zhang Yang couldn't help but kiss her affectionately.

After breakfast, the group began touring the Xingqing Prefecture Palace. After a while, Zhang Yang grew somewhat disillusioned. The Western Xia Palace lacked the grandeur and magnificence of the Bianjing Palace, the elegance and refinement of the Dali Palace, and even paled in comparison to the palace of the Yue Li Kingdom, a land seemingly uncivilized.

This was, of course, related to the kingdom's history. The Yue Li Kingdom had a large number of Han Chinese who had migrated south, and its dynasties admired Central Plains culture, gradually learning much of its essence. Western Xia, on the other hand, had only existed for a century, and the Tangut people were newly risen to power, lacking any real foundation; naturally, its palace was crude and unrefined.

Seeing Zhang Yang's lack of interest, Yelü Nanxian said, "If Your Majesty is not interested, we might as well go outside the city to take a look."

Zhang Yang pondered for a moment and nodded, "I've heard that the Western Xia Imperial Tombs are magnificent and unique; why don't we go there to see them?"

Yelü Nanxian replied tactfully, "The Western Xia Imperial Tombs are about fifty li from here; it would take too much time to travel there. Perhaps we could just visit them in the suburbs."

Zhang Yang naturally knew what Yelü Nanxian was worried about. Xingqing Prefecture had just been conquered, and there were many things to do. She assumed he wouldn't be able to spend a whole day sightseeing, hence her suggestion.

However, Zhang Yang had already made arrangements: all the Dangxiang people were transported to Hedong to mine. Otherwise, in this small territory, they would certainly not be willing to be slaves. Giving them to the people might even bring disaster to them. Moreover, they were familiar with the terrain, making them difficult to capture if they escaped.

With the fate of the Dangxiang people sealed, there was naturally nothing more to do in the city, and no troops from the surrounding borders would come to the emperor's aid.

Zhang Yang had long admired the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, a renowned site even today, hailed by foreign tourists as the "Chinese Pyramids." Now that he was in Western Xia, he feared that if he didn't visit now, he might never have the chance again.

"No problem, matters in the city will be handled by others. Let's go to Western Xia now,"

Yelü Nanxian said, seeing Zhang Yang's certainty.

Zhang Yang summoned the Imperial Guards, and the group headed straight for the Western Xia Imperial Tombs.

They arrived at the Western Xia Imperial Tombs at noon.

The Western Xia Imperial Tombs spanned approximately 5,000 meters east to west and 10,000 meters north to south. Within a radius of 50,000 meters, following the natural rise and fall of hills and mounds, were five imperial tombs and hundreds of accompanying tombs of varying shapes, sizes, and proportions.

Later, the Western Xia Imperial Tombs were said to have nine tombs, but at this time only five and a half remained; the other half belonged to Li Qianshun and was still under construction.

Each imperial mausoleum is a complete architectural complex, covering an area of over 100,000 square meters, facing south and built on flat land. A tall gate tower stands like a majestic guardian at the southernmost end of the mausoleum. Behind it is a stele pavilion, housing stone tablets inscribed in Tangut and Han scripts praising the emperor's achievements. Behind the stele pavilion

is the outer city wall, with a gate tower in the center of its south wall. Entering the outer city through this gate tower, one finds stone statues of civil and military officials. North of the outer city is the mausoleum city wall, with a gate tower in the center of its south wall. Entering the mausoleum city through this gate tower, the mausoleum platform, located in the northwest of the mausoleum city wall, is a tower-like, octagonal structure, divided into five, seven, or nine levels. It is externally clad in brick and has projecting eaves, a brick-wood-tile structure. The mausoleum platform is the main building in the mausoleum complex.

In traditional Chinese mausoleum architecture, the mausoleum platform is generally an earthen mound, serving as a seal, situated above the burial chamber. However, the Western Xia imperial mausoleum was built ten meters north of the tomb chamber, without serving as a burial mound. Its shape was an octagonal, seven-, five-, or nine-tiered tower, with the base slightly higher and each tier tapering upwards. It was a tower-style mausoleum, a solid rammed earth and brick-and-wood structure with closely spaced eaves, and stood off-center from the central axis. This was unprecedented in Chinese architectural history, a creation of the Tangut people.

Chapter 123:

Compared to the clumsy Western Xia palace, the magnificent and unique Western Xia imperial mausoleum captivated Zhang Yang. As darkness fell, Zhang Yang decided to rest with the others in the mausoleum, planning to watch the sunrise there the next day.

Fortunately, the mausoleum's design included accommodations for the emperor during ancestral worship ceremonies. The emperor's ancestral worship involved a large number of civil and military officials and a grand procession, easily accommodating the three thousand imperial guards of the Celestial Empire.

Since it was the Western Xia imperial mausoleum, to avoid any accidents, Zhang Yang did not share a room with the Tangut women, and Yelü Nanxian was also hungry as it was the first cuckoo season.

Before the Western Xia imperial tombs lay the Ningxia Plain, a flat expanse where the view stretched for miles. Unlike sunrises in the mountains, sunrises on the plains were sudden, a rapid rise that could be seen in the blink of an eye.

Zhang Yang stood atop Li Qianshun's still-unfinished imperial tomb, gazing at everything bathed in the soft golden light of the rising sun, feeling a sense of otherworldly tranquility.

Yelü Nanxian, gazing at Zhang Yang's handsome face, was once again lost in thought.

She only snapped back to reality when Zhang Yang frowned. Her face flushed slightly; she realized that the longer she spent with this young emperor, the more intoxicated she became by his charm, a growing infatuation.

A scout galloped swiftly from afar, raising a cloud of dust at the horizon, indicating a large cavalry force was approaching.

The Tangut army had been largely annihilated, with only a few survivors remaining on the border. Zhang Yang couldn't fathom who these troops were, and they seemed to be coming with considerable force.

“Let’s go down,” Zhang Yang said, leading the way down the slope.

The moment they touched the ground, scouts arrived, pulling sharply on the reins, causing the horses to neigh and come to a stop. The scouts were all skilled horsemen in the Imperial Guard; even with the sudden halt, they remained firmly seated on their horses.

The scout didn’t dismount, but remained upright, saluted, and reported, “Report. Tens of thousands of cavalry are rushing towards us, now less than five li away.”

Zhang Yang calmly nodded and asked, “What kind of troops are they?”

“Not the Western Xia, they seem to be the Zubu people from the north. Their banner is a small yellow flag with a golden sun on it, and a golden crow in the center of the sun.”

(The term "Zubu" was used to refer to various tribes on the Mongolian Plateau during the Liao and Jin dynasties, and its scope was not as broad as that of the term "Tatar.")

When Zhang Yang campaigned against the Western Xia, he knew he might have to deal with various tribes on the Mongolian Plateau. He had already reviewed the history of the Mongolian Plateau. The sun flag was the symbol of the Kereit tribe, while the golden crow was the exclusive symbol of the tribal chief. Zhang Yang knew about the Kereit and Naiman tribes' raids, but he didn't expect the Kereit Khan to personally lead troops to plunder the Western Xia imperial tombs.

The current Kereit Khan was Khurjashus Buyiruq Khan, whose name is not prominent in history. However, his eldest son, Wang Khan, left a significant mark on history. He was an indispensable figure in Temujin's growth and rise to power, even a key figure. Without Wang Khan, Temujin would at most be the leader of a small tribe. He might even have died young before accomplishing anything significant.

"The Imperial Guards are assembled and awaiting orders. I will arrive shortly," Zhang Yang waved his hand.

Emperor Taizong of Tang was revered as the Heavenly Khan by the various tribes of the grasslands, and Emperor Wu of Han drove out the Xiongnu, becoming a dominant force beyond the Great Wall. Every emperor with great achievements desires the submission of all nations, and Zhang Yang was no exception, even surpassing his predecessors in ambition and vision. He harbored even more audacious plans. Upon hearing that the Kereit tribe had come to his doorstep, he was immediately filled with pride.

His scout turned his horse and resolutely headed back the way he had come, while the Imperial Guards arrayed themselves in front of the mausoleum.

Zhang Yang looked at the women behind him and said, "You all go back to your rooms and rest. I'll go and meet the Kereit tribe."

Yelü Nanxian, however, knew well the power of the Zubu. Although the various Zubu tribes outwardly submitted to the Liao Dynasty, they were unruly and prone to rebellion, even plundering deep into Liao territory. If it weren't for the strict prohibition against the flow of ironware into the grasslands, even the Liao Dynasty's most elite cavalry would likely be no match for them.

"The Zubu people are brave and skilled in battle, Your Majesty, please be careful."

Yelü Nanxian's face turned pale upon hearing Zhang Yang's plan to use three thousand Imperial Guards to resist tens of thousands of Kereit cavalry. However, seeing Zhang Yang's confident expression, she knew she couldn't dissuade him and simply said a few words. Though she didn't speak, her eyes revealed undisguised worry and reluctance.

Zhang Yang hugged Yelü Nanxian and smiled, "Don't worry, you all go back to your rooms and rest. I'll be right back."

As he spoke, a personal guard had already prepared a horse. Zhang Yang leaped onto his horse, waved to the women, and rode away in a cloud of dust. Meanwhile,

Zha Si Hu Si: Bu Yi Lu Hei Khan had just inherited the Khanate, and his position was not yet secure. Just as he was thinking about how to consolidate his power, he encountered the Heavenly Dynasty's conquest of Western Xia

and thus raised an army, hoping to use this opportunity to solidify his Khanate. Since joining the Western Xia army, things had gone smoothly; he plundered much gold, silver, wealth, people, and livestock, successfully gaining the support of various noble tribes. It could be said that the objective of the trip had been achieved. Having heard that the Celestial Empire had already captured Xingqing Prefecture, Hurzahihus wanted to withdraw his troops, but the tribal leaders proposed looting the Western Xia imperial tombs.

Hurzahihus was initially worried about conflict with the powerful Celestial Empire, but the Kereit tribe was not a single tribe; the larger tribes included the Kereit (Kereit), Jierjin, Dongheit, Tubiewut, Albait, and Saheit. With the other tribal leaders agreeing, the relatively inexperienced Hurzahihus could only accompany them.

However, he still harbored a sliver of hope; the Celestial Empire had just captured Xingqing Prefecture and shouldn't immediately send troops to excavate the Western Xia imperial tombs. As long as he withdrew before the Celestial army discovered it, the Celestial Empire certainly wouldn't easily start a war over some valuables.

But when he arrived outside the tombs, he unexpectedly discovered the Celestial Empire's black dragon flag, and even a five-clawed golden dragon flag representing the Han emperor. Suddenly, Zha Sihu, unsure of the situation, ordered his personal guards to sound the horn.

A sharp horn sounded, and all the cavalry units reined in their horses and stopped. The Kereit cavalry charged forward in disarray, without any formation. Yet, they exuded a different kind of ferocity; tens of thousands of troops stopped abruptly, and not a single horse collided, demonstrating their exceptional horsemanship.

Zhang Yang, watching from behind the wall as the Kereit cavalry halted a few hundred paces outside the garden, couldn't help but feel envious. Although the Kereit troops lacked rigorous training, having grown up on horseback, their archery and horsemanship were still far superior to that of the Han cavalry.

The Imperial Guards emerged from the garden and formed ranks. Zhang Yang stepped forward and shouted in Turkic, "I am the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty! What brings you here?"

Dai Zong had previously used eagles to search for the origin of giant eagles, discovering a flock of giant eagles in northern Mongolia, but their nests were guarded by adult giant eagles, preventing him from approaching. Upon hearing that Dai Zong had managed to find a large flock of giant eagles, Zhang Yang planned to obtain some young eagles for training during the breeding season this year, which would speed up information transmission in the future.

Since many tribes on the Mongolian Plateau spoke Turkic languages, Zhang Yang had specifically learned some Turkic. He had originally thought he wouldn't be able to use it until May, but unexpectedly, he had already found a use for it.

Hurzashusi and the tribal leaders were already astonished to see Zhang Yang speak Turkic; upon learning that he was actually the Emperor of the Celestial Empire, their faces were filled with utter shock.

After a long pause, one tribal chief looked at Zhang Yang with shining eyes and said, "I never expected the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty to be here. If we capture him, we can demand a large ransom from the Celestial Dynasty."

Another tribal chief nodded and said, "Yes, the Celestial Dynasty's army is at most five thousand, while we have thirty thousand. If we can capture him, we can demand a large amount of gold, silver, people, and iron weapons and armor from the Celestial Dynasty. With weapons and armor, which tribe on the Mongolian Plateau can be our opponent?"

At that time, it was common for tribes on the Mongolian Plateau to ransom prisoners of war, especially nobles, who were highly valued.

Looking at the gleaming armor of the Heavenly Soldiers opposite him, and then at the many tribesmen behind him wielding bone knives and spears, Hurzashihusi shook his head and said, "The Heavenly Soldiers are well-armored. Although our tribe has 30,000 people, only a few thousand possess iron weapons. I'm afraid we cannot defeat them. And..."

The tribal chief who had spoken earlier interrupted Hurzashihusi rudely, saying disdainfully, "The Liao Khitans also have better armor than us, but haven't we defeated them many times? Buyiluhei Khan is far too cowardly. He wants to retreat as soon as he sees the Heavenly Emperor. In the future, I'm afraid the Naiman and Tatars will ride roughshod over us."

Several tribal chiefs who were dissatisfied with Hurzashihusi echoed his sentiments.

Hurzashihusi wanted to teach them a lesson and take the opportunity to eliminate them. However, remembering the fate of the Tangut people who offended the Heavenly Dynasty and were wiped out, he dared not easily offend the Heavenly Dynasty. Moreover, the Mongolian Plateau is constantly embroiled in war. If the Kereit tribe's strength is greatly reduced, other tribes on the Mongolian Plateau will likely take the opportunity to attack and plunder.

Hurzashusi, suppressing his anger, coldly addressed the crowd: "Have you forgotten the Heavenly Emperor's achievements? He unified the Central Plains in less than a year and wiped out several other countries. Even the Western Xia was much stronger than our tribe, yet he still destroyed them. Do you think you can defeat him?"

"That's because he relied on the Heavenly Emperor's large numbers. Now he only has a few thousand men. If we don't seize this opportunity to capture him, when we return to the Mongolian Plateau, other tribes will probably laugh at our cowardice."

Hurzashusi, seeing his repeated rebuttals, also became furious and shouted: "Your tribe has many brave warriors. If you want to capture the Heavenly Emperor, let them try!"

Chapter 124 The Empty City Stratagem .

A tribal leader, hearing Hurzashusi's words, chuckled strangely. "If Ran Buyiluhei Khan is unwilling to send troops, then our Dongheyiti tribe will not be polite. Which other tribe is willing to join us in sending troops?"

“Count us in, Tubiewuti!” “

We, Alebati, will go too!”

The words had barely left his lips when two tribes allied with the Dongheyiti tribe chimed in, and the other tribal leaders were also eager to join in. As the saying goes, wine makes one blush, and wealth stirs the heart. Although these tribes had lived beyond the Great Wall for generations, they had all heard of the riches of the Central Plains. The thought of capturing the Celestial Emperor and receiving a ransom was enough to tempt them.

Seeing the leaders' eagerness, Hurzhashi quickly said, “Wait! I'm not asking your tribe to capture the Celestial Emperor. Have you all forgotten the legends of the grasslands? Although the tribes have different beliefs, the Eternal Heaven is the supreme god of all tribes, both inside and outside the desert. If he is truly the son of the Eternal Heaven, offending him could bring utter disaster upon your tribe.”

(The Kereit tribe believed in Nestorianism, which is a branch of Christianity.)

"Buyiluhe Khan is overthinking it. That news was most likely spread by people from the Central Plains. If the Son of Eternal Heaven is to descend to the mortal world, he should be among the tribes on the grasslands, not in the Central Plains."

The leader of the Xunheyiti tribe looked at Huerzha Sihu with disdain. What a coward! There was a mountain of gold right in front of him, yet he was frightened by such rumors.

Hurzashusi cautiously said, "The various tribes in the desert are currently engaged in constant warfare, so caution is advised. Legend has it that the Heavenly Emperor can control the giant eagle, a sacred object of the various forest tribes. The forest tribes of Ulianghe, Huoli, Tumat, Buluhechen, and Keliemuchen have all sent people to verify this. If it is true, the Heavenly Emperor will be revered as the Heavenly Khan by the forest tribes. If the Heavenly Emperor can truly control the giant eagle, capturing him might provoke attacks from the forest tribes."

The leader of the Xunheyiti tribe scoffed, "The Ulianghe people of the forest are all the same size, without a single leader. They are only fit to be slaves of the various tribes. If any other forest tribe dares to enter the grasslands, my Xunheyiti tribe can deal with them. Just now, Buyiluhei Khan ordered my warriors to fight, so why is he stopping us now? How can the heroes of the grasslands be so shameless?"

(The forest tribes were still in the clan and tribal stage at that time, and tribal affairs were decided by the tribesmen through public discussion. Other forest tribes were mostly looked down upon by the steppe tribes and were often captured and enslaved.)

Hurzashusi wanted to slap the hateful man in front of him to death, but for the sake of the tribe's future, he could only explain, "I'm asking your warriors to challenge the Heavenly Emperor, not to lead troops into battle. If your warriors can capture the Heavenly Emperor alive, then it will prove that the Heavenly Emperor is not the Son of the Eternal Heaven, and we will have the Heavenly Dynasty exchange him for gold and silver. If your warriors cannot defeat the Heavenly Emperor, then we will withdraw."

"Alright, but capturing the Heavenly Emperor will be my task. The gold and silver will be more generously distributed." The leader of the Xunheyiti tribe was very confident in his tribe's warriors, as if he could already see a mountain of gold.

Zhang Yang had waited for so long, but the leader of the Kereit tribe was only discussing things on the battlefield, and no one answered. He couldn't help but shout loudly, "Does the Kereit tribe have a leader?"

This shout was like a sudden clap of thunder; though nearly a hundred paces away, it was deafening to those in the front ranks of the Kereit tribe. A look of surprise and doubt appeared on everyone's faces.

"Such a loud voice! Perfect for herding horses on our grasslands," the Albat tribe leader, a complete idiot, chuckled foolishly.

Hurzashusi, suppressing his shock, spurred his horse forward. Reaching several dozen paces in front of Zhang Yang, he reined in his horse and said, "I am Buyiluhei Khan of the Kereit tribe. A few days ago, I heard that the Heavenly Emperor was leading troops to attack Western Xia. Our Kereit tribe and the Tangut people are sworn enemies. Therefore, we sent troops to help the Heavenly Emperor. We were originally planning to come to the Western Xia imperial tombs to reward the army. Unexpectedly, the Heavenly Emperor arrived first."

Zhang Yang looked at the earnest Hurzashusi and suddenly felt a little dizzy. Since he openly stated that the Kereit tribe and Western Xia were sworn enemies, why would the Kereit tribe send troops? Even if it's revenge, how could he shamelessly claim to be helping him? Coming to dig up graves under the guise of rewarding the army—if he'd occupied the Western Xia imperial tombs, shouldn't he reward them with something else?

Zhang Yang carefully observed the Kereit Khan before him. Although it was early spring, he was still wrapped in a fur coat, carrying only a waist knife and a bow, without even a long weapon. His face, like most people on the grasslands, was somewhat rugged, but his eyes were bright and sharp, now staring at him seriously.

Zhang Yang hadn't expected this seemingly rough grassland man to have such a complex mind.

A lion leading a pack

could defeat a sheep leading a pack of lions. A pack of fierce subordinates, a wise leader—his achievements were bound to be extraordinary. Zhang Yang abandoned his earlier contempt.

"Your tribe came seeking revenge, but I have already destroyed Western Xia for you. All grudges are settled, and your tribe can retreat back to the grasslands. The Western Xia imperial tombs have been captured by our Celestial Dynasty. If you do not wish to cause conflict between our two countries, then you should leave now."

Seeing Zhang Yang's forceful tone, as if he had something to rely on, Hu'er Zha Si Hu Si glanced suspiciously into the garden. Could it be that the Celestial Dynasty still had troops in the garden?

This glance startled Hu'er Zha Si Hu Si. Only from here could he vaguely see banners scattered in the distance, seemingly numbering no less than tens of thousands. Could it be that the Celestial Dynasty emperor wanted to lure them into attacking and then annihilate them? Yes, very likely. He had long heard that the Han people liked to act with a legitimate reason. Even when attacking a country, they always needed a just cause. No wonder the Celestial Dynasty emperor, with millions of subjects, only had a few thousand guards.

What a close call! He almost fell for the Han people's trap. These Han people are truly cunning.

Seeing Hu'er Zha Sihusi's face alternate between pale and flushed, Zhang Yang knew that the arrangements within the garden had taken effect. The Imperial Guards were both the emperor's personal guard and his ceremonial retinue; their banners were worth several tens of thousands of soldiers.

They weren't afraid of cunning, but rather of recklessness. If Hu'er Zha Sihusi had immediately launched a strong attack, Zhang Yang would have had no choice but to engage in a direct confrontation. However, judging from the current situation, such a direct confrontation was out of the question.

Zhang Yang looked at the bewildered Hurzashusi and said coldly, "Does Khan Buyiluhei want me to reward your troops?"

Hurzashusi snapped out of his daze and quickly replied, "It is an honor for our tribe to serve the Emperor of the Heavenly Kingdom. Now that the Heavenly Kingdom has occupied the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, we will retreat."

Then, remembering that the leader of the Dongheyiti tribe had not yet been subdued, he cautiously added, "Although I am the Khan of the Kereit tribe, I have only recently ascended the throne, and several tribes are still dissatisfied. I fear they may cause trouble; I beg the Emperor of the Heavenly Kingdom to show him your boundless tolerance."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yang... He laughed, "I will not implicate your tribe, but any tribe that offends my territory must be eradicated."

Seeing Zhang Yang's nonchalant demeanor, Hu'er Zha Si Hu Si was even more certain of an ambush in the garden and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Those who dare to defy you are merely leaders. If Your Majesty executes several tribes, our strength will be greatly diminished, and we will no longer be able to stand firm in the desert."

Zhang Yang waved his hand and said, "Then let those who dare to defy you challenge me. I will personally send them to meet the Eternal Heaven. If you cannot even do this, then do not blame me for being ruthless."

Hu'er Zha Si Hu Si breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Facing the Emperor of the Heavenly Dynasty, he truly lacked courage. Leaving aside whether he was the Son of the Eternal Heaven, his bravery was something he could not withstand. The Liao and Western Xia kingdoms were both far stronger than the Kereit tribe, yet they had both been utterly defeated by the Heavenly Dynasty, especially the Western Xia, which suffered national destruction and extermination.

Moreover, Hurzhasihusi, who had a basic understanding of Han Chinese literature, did not believe that the rumors on the grasslands were spread by the Han people. He reasoned that the Han people had always looked down on the various tribes of the grasslands, viewing them as barbarians. Han officials were unwilling to serve in the north, and the Celestial Emperor would certainly not impersonate the god of these "barbarians."

"The Celestial Emperor is merciful; I will make the arrangements immediately," Hurzhasihusi

said, bowing slightly before turning his horse and riding away.

Zhang Yang watched Hurzhasihusi depart, stroking his Overlord Spear, his fighting spirit growing stronger. He feared no one-on-one combat, and the Kereit tribe's actions were exactly what he wanted. He still had matters to attend to with the Kereit tribe; if they truly retreated as promised, he might cause trouble along the way.

This battle was a win-win situation, with all parties achieving their desires, although the fates of some were unexpected.

Upon seeing Hurzhasihus return to the camp, the leader of the Xunheyiti tribe, oblivious to the danger, shouted, "Buyluhei Khan, you represent our Kereit tribe! How can you bow to the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty? If this gets out on the grasslands, our Kereit tribe will be a laughingstock. I believe you are no longer suitable to be our Kereit Khan. After returning to the grasslands, I hope the tribal leaders will hold a meeting and elect a new Khan."

Seeing that he was still plotting to seize the Khanate, Hurzhasihus withdrew his impending advice, waving his hand to stop his restless subordinates, and coldly said, "Whether I am suitable to be Khan or not, we'll discuss that back on the grasslands. Since you want to capture the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty, go now. I need to lead my troops back to the grasslands to avoid being attacked by other tribes."

Chapter 125 Subduing the Kereit (Part 1)

Upon hearing this, the Khan of the Xunheit tribe ignored Hurjashus and turned to the warriors of his tribe, saying, "Go out and challenge the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty. Let the Kereit people witness the bravery of our Xunheit tribe."

The chosen warrior excitedly patted his chest and laughed, "Don't worry, Great Khan, I will definitely capture the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty alive."

(The leaders of various tribes are also called Khans, whose status is slightly lower than that of the Khan.)

The Khan of the Xunheit tribe nodded in satisfaction, and the warrior howled as he charged out.

Wu Song also rode out into the fray, his horse faster than the small Mongolian horses ridden by the Kereit tribe. He reached Zhang Yang first, saying, "Your Majesty, this humble general will engage them in a few rounds."

Zhang Yang shook his head, saying, "You may step back. This battle is not about vying for supremacy. I must personally take action to show them who the true Son of Heaven is."

With that, he drew his bow and shouted in Turkic, "Take this!"

The warriors of the Xunheyiti tribe, seeing Zhang Yang draw his bow, were about to dodge when they felt a cold light pierce the sky. A sharp pain shot through their hearts, and they fell from their horses.

The people of the grasslands grew up on horseback and were naturally skilled in archery and horsemanship. Those on the front lines, seeing Zhang Yang's arrow, couldn't help but feel a chill. They clearly saw him issue a warning before shooting, but by the time the voice reached their ears, their men had already been shot off their horses.

Only the Khan of the Dongheyiti tribe, preoccupied with the benefits of capturing the Heavenly Emperor, didn't see how Zhang Yang had made his move. Seeing his own warrior shot off his horse before even meeting Zhang Yang, he assumed Zhang Yang had spoken first, causing his warrior to lose focus and be shot. Seeing the gloating looks from the Kereit tribe, he felt humiliated by his subordinates and said to another warrior beside him, "Go capture the Heavenly Emperor. If you lose, don't come back."

This time, the chosen warrior was utterly devastated. He glanced at the enraged giant, but dared not refuse, and could only cautiously spur his horse towards Zhang Yang. Clinging tightly to his horse, he approached and, seeing Zhang Yang still motionless, a bloodthirsty glint flashed in his eyes. Forgetting the order to capture him alive, he swung his scimitar at Zhang Yang with the force of a thunderbolt. If it struck, Zhang Yang would undoubtedly be killed instantly.

Zhang Yang, however, remained calm. Only when the scimitar was almost upon him did he calmly draw his bow and release the string. With a

"thud,"

a dark light pierced the attacker's chest. The powerful arrow sent him flying backward.

The man who had been so aggressive just moments before fell from his horse with a thud, while Zhang Yang remained unmoved.

"Send out a decent warrior," he said, "today I'll only use my bow and arrow to test your skills."

The Kereit tribe was enraged by Zhang Yang's arrogant words. A Han Chinese dared to challenge them in their prized art of archery, and with such a hostile attitude.

Seeing the gazes of the various Han tribes, the Khan of the Xunheyit tribe knew that if he failed to defeat the Emperor of the Celestial Empire today, the Kereit tribe's prestige would be tarnished in his hands, and his chances of becoming Khan would be gone.

The Khan of the Xunheyiti tribe looked around and, seeing Arslen (meaning lion in Mongolian), the tribe's foremost warrior, felt a little relieved. He said gently, "Arslen, go and capture the Heavenly Emperor. There can be no more failures, or the Xunheyiti tribe will never be able to hold its head high before other tribes."

Although Arslen was also afraid of Zhang Yang's archery skills, he was filled with even more frenzied fighting spirit. He nodded and spurred his horse fiercely towards Zhang Yang.

Arslen's horsemanship had clearly improved considerably. Although his upper body was pressed tightly against the horse's back, the horse's speed was not affected in the slightest. He swept towards Zhang Yang like the wind.

Zhang Yang had just uttered his boastful words and naturally wouldn't allow them to get close, and besides, close range wouldn't reveal his archery skills. His archery skills were now no less than his spear skills in his younger days. Although Morigen was pressed tightly against the horse's back, his legs were completely exposed to Zhang Yang's attack.

Arslen had just launched his attack when he saw Zhang Yang draw his bow, and a dark light shot towards him.

"It seemed a little off, a little low."

"No, it was aimed at my left leg."

Arslan gently nudged his warhorse with his left leg. His horse and he were well-matched; even the slightest movement was enough for it to understand. If the horse had just dodged slightly to the right, Zhang Yang's arrow would have missed.

However, while his idea was correct, he forgot how fast Zhang Yang's arrow was. Just as his horse understood and before it could react, Arslan felt a sharp pain in his left leg. A

screeching

sound came, and Arslan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief; it seemed the arrow had grazed his bone. The intense pain almost made him fall off his horse, but the courage of a steppe man and his concern for his family kept him gripping

the reins tightly.

He knew that if he fell off his horse before even meeting the Emperor of the Celestial Empire, his family would never be able to hold their heads high again. Moreover, given the ruthlessness of their Khan, his family might become slaves the moment he returned to the steppe.

Drops of blood splattered on the yellow dust, yet Arslen charged towards Zhang Yang with undiminished momentum.

Zhang Yang stared in astonishment at Arslen, an arrow still grazing his leg, his eyes lighting up. What a tenacious man! He wondered just how far he could go.

*Whoosh!*

Another flash of cold light, this time aimed at his right leg.

Arslen, enduring the excruciating pain, kicked his warhorse with his right leg. This time, he reacted quickly; the horse veered to the left as it galloped, but Zhang Yang had already struck the horse's right leg.

"Ah!"

The horse's dodge saved him, but Arslen was still struck in the right leg. The intense pain in both legs caused him to roar in agony, his body tilting as he fell from his horse. Just

as Zhang Yang was shaking his head, he saw Arslen suddenly grab the horse's neck with both arms and forcefully climb back onto the horse.

"Good, a real man."

Blood continued to flow from his legs, and Arslan felt his vision blurring. He could only bite his tongue, trying to keep his eyes on Zhang Yang to prevent him from shooting again. But right in front of him, Zhang Yang's bow was drawn but not released.

"Closer, closer,"

Arslan murmured to himself. He remembered how the previous man had died. If he were just a little closer, he would leap up and knock the Heavenly Emperor off his horse. Even if he was hit by an arrow, the Heavenly Emperor, with his small frame, would certainly be no match for him on horseback. Just as he was praying that the Heavenly Emperor would not shoot, he heard a "whoosh" of the bowstring, and a dark light shot into the belly of the warhorse beneath him.

"Clatter, clatter,"

the warhorse neighed and collapsed to the ground.

Arslan saw that things were bad and tried to leap up, only to find that his legs had lost too much blood and he was powerless. His movements slowed, and he was pinned to the ground.

The warhorse slid several meters, carrying Arsleng, and stopped right in front of Zhang Yang's horse. Half of Arsleng's body was numb from the friction.

"You are a warrior, I admire you,"

Zhang Yang said to Arsleng, then waved for his men to carry him away.

Arsleng managed to glance at Zhang Yang one last time before collapsing from exhaustion.

The Khan of the Xunheyit tribe was stunned to see his strongest warrior captured alive. If Arsleng was no match for him, who else could capture the Emperor of the Celestial Empire?

The Xunheyit tribe members dared not look up at the burly man, fearing they would be chosen to be sent to their deaths.

Seeing the men's wretched expressions, the Khan knew sending them out was hopeless. After lingering for a while, he finally settled on Morigen (Mongolian for archer).

Morigen, seeing no way to escape, said, "If it's still a matter of capturing him alive, I'm not confident. Perhaps only in archery and horsemanship can I surpass the Emperor of the Celestial Empire?"

The Khan of the Xunheyiti tribe knew that Morigen was superior to Arsleng in archery and horsemanship, but in terms of bravery and wrestling, he probably wouldn't even make it into the top three of his tribe. His intention in sending him into battle was to win through archery. The Dongheyiti tribe was now in a difficult situation on horseback, but he hadn't given up on capturing the Heavenly Emperor alive.

"The Heavenly Emperor uses a bow and arrow, so naturally we can't fight empty-handed. However, the Heavenly Emperor's status is extremely high. If he is killed, the Heavenly Dynasty might retaliate with its entire army, and we might find it difficult to resist. You should try to capture him alive, or at least make him back down."

Upon hearing this, Morigen was taken aback again. He couldn't kill the Heavenly Emperor? Although he was a skilled archer, he wasn't that skilled. Besides, the Heavenly Emperor wasn't stationary. What if he dodged and ran right into an arrow? What could he do then? If the Heavenly Emperor died, with the army pressing in, he would be the first to suffer, and his whole family would be implicated. Even Arslen was better off; though he was captured alive, his family wouldn't be implicated. If he had known this would happen, he shouldn't have brought up the bow and arrow.

Seeing Morigen's hesitation, the Khan of the Xunheyit tribe immediately darkened his face and shouted, "Morigen, what are you still considering?"

Morigen quickly replied, "Nothing, I'll go right now."

"At worst, I'll risk my life rather than implicate my family."

Before the battle even began, Morigen had already lost some of his fighting spirit, and his archery skills naturally couldn't be fully utilized. A loud shout of

"Beat the arrow!"

echoed across the battlefield, but this time it was Morigen who shouted it; he didn't want Zhang Yang to fall under his arrow.

Chapter 126 Subduing Kereit (Part 2)

Zhang Yang caught the arrow that was aimed at his shoulder and returned the shout with equal courtesy. "

Morgen was startled to see Zhang Yang casually catch the arrow. He spurred his horse sideways while keeping a close eye on Zhang Yang. He had already noticed how fast Zhang Yang's arrows were, so he could only maintain his distance to increase his reaction time.

Zhang Yang caught the arrow Morgen had shot, nocked it on his bowstring, drew the bowstring to its fullest extent, and fired at Morgen's left shoulder.

Morgen, seeing that Zhang Yang was aiming at the same spot as him, was unwilling to admit defeat and twisted his body to grab it. Morgen was used to catching arrows, and he thought he could do the same as Zhang Yang. However, the moment he touched it, he felt a burning pain in his palm. The arrow did not stop in his hand but continued to slide forward. It was too late for Morgen to dodge; the arrow struck his right shoulder squarely."

"Ah!"

Morigen felt as if his shoulder blade had been pierced by an arrow. His vision went black, and he tumbled off his horse.

Fortunately, his twist was wide enough that the arrow missed a vital spot, and although he fell, it wasn't fatal.

Seeing Morigen carelessly fall from his horse again, Xunheyiti Khan cursed, "Damn it! Drag him back! Agudamu, you go and take over the next battle. If you underestimate the enemy again, your whole family will be enslaved." "

Agudam stepped forward without a word, and fired an arrow at Zhang Yang.

Seeing their relentless pursuit, Zhang Yang, no longer polite, also fired an arrow at Agudamu.

Agudamu had just released the bowstring when a cold light shot towards his chest. Caught off guard, he was struck squarely and fell from his horse.

Then Dongheyiti, Tubiewut, and Alebati sent several more men, but they were all shot off their horses as soon as they stepped forward. None of them could even draw their bows. A few, seeing Zhang Yang draw his bow, tried to hide in their stirrups, but Zhang Yang followed up with an arrow that pierced both man and horse. His

precise and domineering archery quickly astonished these men from the grasslands.

'Morgen!' 'Morgen!

'

...

'Son of the Eternal Heaven!'

'Son of the Eternal Heaven!'"

...

What began as a few gasps of alarm quickly escalated into shouts from tens of thousands. Then, under the guidance of Buyiruq Khan, the title changed from "Sharpshooter" to "Son of the Supreme God."

Though the people of the grasslands were savage and ferocious, they also deeply respected warriors, and the Eternal Heaven was sacred and inviolable.

Seeing this, Xunheyiti Khan knew things were hopeless.

Zhang Yang heard the Kereit people's shouts and knew the intelligence department had done its job well. He took out his iron whistle, blew it a few times, and three giant eagles swooped down, circling overhead.

Mongolian Plateau Suddenly, a flock of giant eagles appeared. The tribes living in the mountains revered them as sacred, but the steppe tribes considered them malevolent, as they often preyed on cattle and sheep. Various tribes had tried several times to ambush and kill the eagles, but all had failed. The Kereit people were astonished to see three giant eagles appear beyond the Mongolian Plateau. Seeing the three eagles circling above the Emperor of the Celestial Empire, following him forward, their gazes turned to awe.

Hurjas Hurjas, seeing this, dismounted and knelt on the ground, kowtowing and saying, "Hurjas Hurjas respectfully welcomes the Son of the Eternal Heaven."

Seeing the Khan kneel, the Kereit people quickly followed suit.

As soon as Xunheyiti Khan slowed his movements, Hurjas Hurjas shouted, "Kneel down now! Beg forgiveness from the Son of the Eternal Heaven!" Upon hearing this ,

Xunheyiti Khan was taken aback. If he truly acknowledged that the Heavenly Emperor was the Son of the Eternal Heaven, then Hurzhasi Husi could hold him accountable for his previous offense. Even if he could escape punishment, he would be unable to overthrow Hurzhasi Husi, who had the support of the Heavenly Emperor.

Xunheyiti Khan pondered for a moment. Turning around, he found his tribesmen kneeling in unison, and he hysterically shouted, "The Eternal Heaven will not bestow its favor upon the Han people! Hurzhasi Husi has already submitted to the Han people! Everyone, rise!"

Seeing this, Hurzhasi Husi shouted to his younger brother, Gur Khan, behind him, "Xunheyiti Khan has repeatedly offended the Son of the Eternal Heaven! Seize him!" "

Upon hearing this, Gurkha rose and led his men to attack Dongheyiti Khan.

Although Dongheyiti Khan fought back fiercely, he was outnumbered and quickly fell to the ground. Throughout the entire ordeal, not a single member of Dongheyiti's tribe dared to rise and help.

Seeing this, Zhang Yang knew that most people believed in his identity, and even if a few doubted him, they dared not question him in public. He rode his horse to the front of the Kereit people's formation and looked at the young man at the very front of the central Golden Crow Banner. He asked, "Are you the Kereit Khan?"

Hurzhas Hus prostrated himself on the ground and respectfully

replied, "Son of the Eternal Heaven, I am Hurzhas Hus, and I am revered as Khan by the Kereit tribes."

Upon hearing that he was Buyiluhei Khan, Zhang Yang roughly guessed why he admitted to being the Son of the Eternal Heaven.

Buyiluhei Khan's father, Mogus: Maerhusi Khan, was originally a steppe nobleman supported by the Liao court. In the fifth year of Da'an (1089), he was appointed by the Liao court as the chief of the Zubu tribes.

In 1092, the eighth year of the Da'an era, Yedugu, the Northern Zubu, rebelled against the Liao Dynasty. Yelü Helusaogu, the Northwest Route Commander, lured Mogus into leading troops to suppress the rebellion. Mogus decisively defeated Yedugu, capturing many prisoners and greatly expanding his power. Seeing Yedugu's strength greatly diminished, the Liao army personally sent troops to attack him, intending to strike while he was down, but unexpectedly, the army mistakenly attacked Mogus.

Mogus, who had long harbored resentment towards the Liao Dynasty, seized the opportunity to rebel. Mogus defeated several Liao armies that had suppressed the rebellion and killed Yelü Tabuye, the newly appointed Northwest Route Commander of the Liao Dynasty. The Merkit, Naiman, and Zhajila tribes on the Mongolian Plateau, seeing the Liao Dynasty's weakness, were unwilling to be oppressed by the Liao Dynasty and joined the anti-Liao struggle.

The Mogus uprising swept across the entire Mongolian Plateau. The Liao Dynasty spent nearly ten years and exhausted a great deal of financial and military resources, but still could not defeat the various tribes. In the end, the rebellion was quelled by bribing the Tatars to launch a surprise attack on the Kereit tribe and capture Mogus. In the sixth year of Shouchang (1100), Mogus was sent to the capital of the Liao Dynasty, where the Liao emperor ordered him to be nailed to a wooden donkey and executed.

The Mogus Rebellion was the largest and longest-lasting anti-Liao struggle among the various tribes on the Mongolian Plateau during the Liao Dynasty. Although suppressed, this struggle dealt a heavy blow to Liao's rule over the Mongolian Plateau and accelerated the decline of the Liao Dynasty.

When Mogus died, Khurjahus was still young, and the tribe was managed by Mogus's wife, Khuduktai Irik.

Khuduktai Irik was a formidable woman. To avenge her husband, she pretended to pay respects to the Tatar leader Naur, presenting him with one hundred bags of "Khumis," a beverage made from mare's milk favored by nomadic peoples. In reality, each bag contained a warrior.

Naur, believing Khuduktai Irik to be a genuine surrenderer, unsuspectingly hosted a banquet. Suddenly, the one hundred warriors hidden in the bags leaped out and killed Naur.

Huduktai Irik's actions made the tribal nobles proud, and since no one could suppress the others, they had no choice but to let her take over the Kereit tribe. Hurzhas Hus, after growing up, first succeeded as the Great Khan of the Kereit tribe, and later, based on his bravery and the prestige of Marhus Khan, became the Khan of the Kereit tribe.

Although Hurzhas Hus inherited the Khanate, his position remained secure due to his relatively short tenure. Although the Liao Dynasty had declined, it was not something the small Kereit tribe could easily shake. Whether to consolidate his Khanate or to avenge his father, he needed to find a powerful patron. Zhang Yang appeared before him at the opportune moment, carrying the legend of the son of the Eternal Heaven, so he readily submitted to Zhang Yang. Sure enough, he easily eliminated those within the tribe who coveted the Khanate.

As Hurzhas Hus pondered this, he felt a weight on his shoulder. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a gleaming golden spear shaft, and his heart sank. Before any ominous thought could even form ...

Zhang Yang declared, "By the Eternal Heaven, in the name of the Son of the Eternal Heaven, I formally bestow upon Hu'er Zhashusi the title of Khan of the Kereit tribe, with the title of Buyiluhei Khan, and grant him my protection."

Hu'er Zhashusi was overjoyed to hear the Heavenly Emperor's formal investiture and kowtowed, saying, "Hu'er Zhashusi thanks the Son of the Eternal Heaven for this investiture. From now on, the Kereit tribe will be the arrow of the Son of the Eternal Heaven. The direction you point is the direction we will advance."

Zhang Yang sheathed his golden spear and nodded, saying, "Rise, all of you."

Hu'er Zhashusi thanked Zhang Yang and then led his men to their feet.

Looking closely at the Kereit people, Zhang Yang was even more struck by their ferocity. They were all covered in fur, and many wielded bone knives and spears, resembling savages.

Seeing Zhang Yang personally taking the risk, Wu Song and the others hurriedly led their troops in pursuit, but dared not gallop, fearing it would arouse misunderstanding among the Kereit people. Only after the Kereit people had risen did they jog over. Seeing the awe on the faces of these barbarians, Zhang Yang's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

He turned away, completely ignoring Wu Song's intense curiosity, and said, "Order the people in the garden to follow the army back to Xingqing Prefecture."

Hearing this, Wu Song, filled with doubt, led his men to fetch Yelü Nanxian and the other women.

The group then marched in a grand procession towards Xingqing Prefecture, and the myth of the Son of Eternal Heaven began.

(05-09
Chapter 127 Return Journey)

The starry sky spun, the people rebelled, refusing to enter their own beds, exchanging things. The grassy ground turned upside down, all the people rebelled, refusing to sleep in their own blankets, attacking each other. When Zhang

Yang inquired about the current situation on the Mongolian Plateau, Hurzashusi answered with a folk song from the plateau.

Despite his rugged appearance, Hurzashusi's voice was exceptionally beautiful; the melodious, soothing grassland tune conveyed a sense of desolation, loneliness, and sorrow.

After the song, everyone gained a rough understanding of the situation on the Mongolian Plateau.

Struggles arose between subjects and slaves against their masters; internal struggles among nobles for the Khanate; and conflicts between tribes over water, pastures, slaves, and livestock. These various struggles never ceased, and countless lives and tribes vanished in the long river of history.

All this suffering could only end when one tribe unified the tribes. The struggle for grassland hegemony brought even greater disasters. Yet, no single tribe could overcome the combined forces and unify the Central Plains. Without Zhang Yang's arrival, this history would have continued for nearly a century until Genghis Khan unified the Central Plains. However, after Genghis Khan unified the Mongolian Plateau, he brought even more disaster to many other peoples.

"Every moment, a tribe could be wiped out. No one knows exactly how many tribes there are on the Mongolian Plateau, but the total number is no less than one hundred. Although there are many tribes, only five major tribes are prominent: the Kereit, Naiman, Tatar, Merkit, and Mongol. Each of these five tribes has tens of thousands of tents and hundreds of thousands of people. The other tribes, large and small, rely on these five major tribes for protection. Among the five major tribes, the Tatars are the most powerful. They have always been responsible for suppressing other tribes on the plateau for the Liao Dynasty. They also have the best weapons. The weakest is the newly rising Mongol tribe. The other three tribes are of roughly equal strength. There are grudges among the five tribes, and with limited grasslands, wars are constant between them." "

Hurzashusi gave a brief account of the current situation on the Mongolian Plateau. When he spoke of the Tatars, his eyes were filled with undisguised hatred. Clearly, although his mother had killed the Tatar Khan Naur, who had captured his father, Hurzashusi still harbored hatred for his father.

Wherever Zhang Yang went, the Kereit people automatically made way for him, looking at the descending Son of Heaven with awe.

After Hurzashusi finished speaking, Zhang Yang and his men passed through the Kereit army.

Zhang Yang had also ascertained the strength of the Kereit people; almost half of them lacked iron weapons. Their bone weapons could hardly cause any substantial damage to the well-equipped Imperial Guard. Zhang Yang was confident that he could easily defeat them with his three thousand Imperial Guards.

After the army had traveled several miles, Zhang Yang saw several hundred Kereit people leading a herd of cattle and sheep to the side.

"Is that your provisions?"

Hurzashusi nodded and said, "Yes." "We originally planned to excavate the Western Xia imperial tombs, so we searched for some cattle and sheep from nearby tribes."

Zhang Yang naturally knew what "searched" meant; it definitely meant raiding the surrounding tribes. Nomadic armies always followed the principle of "fighting to sustain themselves," eating wherever they went.

The army hadn't traveled more than a few miles when they saw a cloud of dust billowing in from the horizon. Zhang Yang waved to stop the army.

"No less than ten thousand cavalry are approaching, less than ten miles from here."

At Hu'er Zha Sihusi's signal, a Kereit man jumped off his horse, lay down, listened for a while, and reported. Upon hearing this,

Zhang Yang laughed and said, "It should be our army."

Now, the only organized troops around Xingqing Prefecture were the Heavenly Dynasty's troops. Moreover, the direction of the dust cloud was from Xingqing Prefecture. There was absolutely no way other troops could have arrived safely.

Sure enough, Kereit scouts and Imperial Guard scouts arrived one after the other, reporting in Turkic and Chinese.

"Report, a large cavalry force of the Heavenly Dynasty is coming this way."

"Report, General Hua Rong's troops are coming to the aid of the Emperor. "

Zhang Yang nodded and said, "Summon Hua Rong to see me. Your troops shall return to Xingqing Prefecture." Soon

after, Hua Rong arrived with several commanders, including Huyan Zhuo.

It turned out that although the Kereit tribe had deliberately bypassed Xingqing Prefecture, they hadn't brought any provisions and had plundered several tribes along the way. One of these tribes had already submitted to the Celestial Empire, and the survivors had fled to Xingqing Prefecture seeking aid. Guan Sheng and the others, hearing that tens of thousands of Kereit troops were heading towards the Western Xia imperial tombs, hurriedly dispatched their cavalry and Hua Rong's troops to defend

the emperor. Hua Rong and the others, seeing the Kereit tribe obediently following the emperor and the Imperial Guards not appearing to have experienced a major battle, were filled with intense curiosity.

After the emperor and his ministers greeted each other, Wu Song recounted the events of the battle.

Everyone looked incredulous at how easily the emperor had subdued the Kereit tribe.

Zhang Yang, unsure if anyone in the Kereit tribe could understand Chinese, cautiously said, "There are still some twists and turns; we'll discuss them back at the capital."

The army then returned to Xingqing Prefecture.

On the boundless grasslands, Arslen, embracing his wife, rode like the wind.

"Ah!"

Arslen was drifting off into a sweet dream when a tearing pain jolted him awake. He roared and opened his eyes to find the arrows in his legs had been simultaneously pulled from his legs by two men at the foot of the bed.

They then applied a black ointment to the wounds, and Arslen felt a cool sensation, which lessened the pain considerably.

Arslen then remembered what had happened earlier and, seeing the two doctors, clearly Han Chinese, bustling about, was completely bewildered. Had the Khan captured the Emperor of the Celestial Empire?

Seeing him awake, Zhang Yang said, "Arslen, are you still wounded? Tell me, let them treat you."

Hearing the familiar Turkic language, Arslen was startled. Turning his head, he saw the very Emperor of the Celestial Empire who had shot him, with the Khan beside him and the various Khans following behind, but his own Khan was nowhere to be seen.

"The Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty is the Son of the Eternal Heaven; you must not be disrespectful,"

Hurjashus quickly warned Arslen, seeing his astonished expression.

Although Arslen had once opposed him alongside Dongheyiti Khan, now that Dongheyiti Khan was dead, Arslen might become his trusted subordinate, and Hurjashus greatly admired his martial prowess.

With the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty backing him, Hurjashus's position was now unshakeable. Tubewut Khan, fearing retaliation for his previous association with Dongheyiti Khan, quickly echoed, "We have all witnessed the Heavenly Khan's miraculous archery skills; no mortal could possess such abilities. Your Great Khan offended the Heavenly Khan and has already been executed. You must not add to the sins of your tribe, or the Eternal Heaven will punish you." The title "

Heavenly Khan" was one Zhang Yang had instructed them to use; "Son of the Eternal Heaven" sounded rather awkward.

Arslen didn't know if the Eternal Heaven would punish him, but if he offended the Heavenly Khan, the various tribal Khans would definitely vie to punish him.

Arslen thought for a moment, then said, "Thank you for your concern, Heavenly Khan. I have no other injuries."

Seeing his submission, Zhang Yang nodded and smiled, "Arslen, you haven't injured your bones. Apply my special ointment daily, and you should be able to get out of bed within half a month."

Hearing that the Heavenly Khan had given him his special ointment, Arslen quickly thanked Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang asked a few more questions and then said, "Take good care of yourself. Once you're healed, the Dongheyiti tribe is waiting for you to take over."

The various tribal Khans were all stunned by this; none of them had expected the Heavenly Khan to appoint a commoner as Khan.

Hurzashusi looked at Zhang Yang with awe. Although Arslen was brave, he lacked his own power. As Khan, he could only rely on the Heavenly Khan. As long as Arslen remained in power, the Xunheyiti tribe would remain utterly loyal to the Heavenly Khan.

What Hurzashusi didn't expect was that Zhang Yang's actions also served as a check on him; otherwise, if the Kereit tribe were united and were to rebel, it would be difficult to control.

To strengthen the Kereit tribe's fighting power, Zhang Yang bestowed some ironware upon them and sent them back to the grasslands. A month later, the khans of all tribes would gather on the banks of the Hannan River to elect the Khan of the Mongolian Plateau; those who failed to appear by the appointed time would face war from the Heavenly Dynasty.

That evening, after hosting a banquet for his generals, Zhang Yang took a bath with the women.

Yelü Nanxian pressed her ample breasts against Zhang Yang's firm chest, rubbing them gently, and asked curiously, "How did Your Majesty subdue the Kereit tribe? It's as if there wasn't a major battle."

Seeing her delicate face, Zhang Yang slipped one hand into her peach blossom cave, teasing it, while the other slid over her curvaceous body, laughing, "The moment I appeared, they were awestruck, and then they submitted."

Yelü Nanxian, experiencing the pleasures of love for the first time, was no match for the battle-hardened Zhang Yang. Under his skillful flirting, her face quickly flushed. She couldn't help but clamp her legs together, preventing him from moving, and looked at Zhang Yang with watery, seductive eyes, saying, "Your Majesty, don't tease me."

Zhang Yang's other hand climbed onto Yelü Nanxian's ample breasts, gently kneading the nipples, and laughed, "Really, no need to tease me anymore?"

Yelü Nanxian felt waves of strange pleasure wash over her, her body trembling involuntarily, and she hummed a soft "Mmm" through her nose.

Zhang Yang spread Yelü Nanxian's legs and thrust in smoothly.

Yelü Nanxian was immediately jolted back, forgetting her earlier question. A decadent night began with Yelü Nanxian's moans.

Chapter 128: Taming the Empress Dowager . As

dawn broke, Yelü Nanxian was awakened by Zhang Yang. Opening her eyes, she saw him playing with her breasts again and couldn't help but give him a coquettish glare, scolding, "You were up all night last night, why are you acting up again so early in the morning?"

Zhang Yang rubbed her much fuller breasts in his hands and teased, "Nanxian, your breasts are getting bigger and bigger. It's only been two days, and my hands can hardly hold them anymore. In a few more days, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold them at all."

"It's all because of your pinching."

Yelü Nanxian was so weak from his rubbing that she nestled in Zhang Yang's arms.

"Is that so?"

Zhang Yang's other hand caressed her equally full buttocks, and with a slight probe, touched her tender anus.

Yelü Nanxian felt Zhang Yang's fingers seem to want to penetrate her, and her pretty face flushed red. She twisted her plump buttocks and said, "No, it's so dirty there."

"How could that be? Many people have asked me to serve them with that."

Zhang Yang stroked her plump buttocks, grinning wickedly, and then nudged her smooth thigh with his already aroused dragon.

"Ah!"

Yelü Nanxian exclaimed in surprise upon hearing that the Emperor had once inserted such a thick dragon root into the back door of a concubine, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief.

Zhang Yang looked at her wide-open lips and leaned down to kiss those delicate, fragrant lips.

Yelü Nanxian also willingly extended her smooth, delicate tongue, letting Zhang Yang suck on it. She occasionally let out intoxicating, soft moans, her phoenix eyes filled with a hazy, alluring light, and her pair of white jade lotus arms tightly wrapped around Zhang Yang's neck.

Zhang Yang's hands roamed freely over Yelü Nanxian's curvaceous body. Suddenly, Yelü Nanxian felt Zhang Yang's penis touching her tender anus. Her face paled instantly, and she looked pitifully at Zhang Yang, saying, "I'm not ready yet, Your Majesty, please spare me this time."

Zhang Yang's lower body only occasionally slipped behind her, and he smiled, "I won't force you."

Yelü Nanxian looked at Zhang Yang gratefully, her jade hand grasping his penis, guiding it towards her paradise.

Seeing her willingly part her smooth, full legs, Zhang Yang couldn't help but steal a glance. The dignified and noble Empress Dowager of Western Xia's mysterious paradise was now fully exposed, already slippery and wet.

Yelü Nanxian, seeing Zhang Yang looking at her lower body, let out a soft moan, shyly hiding in Zhang Yang's arms, blocking his view.

Zhang Yang lifted Yelü Nanxian and laughed, "Such a beautiful paradise. What's there to hide?"

Yelü Nanxian, seeing Zhang Yang staring greedily at her lower body, couldn't help but steal a glance back. Plump, luscious clams, glistening with tempting dew, their slits slightly parted, as if about to devour the dragon at the entrance. A rosy red clitoris, a symbol of longing, was faintly visible through the opening and closing of the slit. The dragon, drawn to the entrance, was also extremely engorged, throbbing and pulsating, seemingly eager to compete with the clams; everything seemed so lewd.

Yelü Nanxian licked her lips. Suddenly, she felt a burning sensation all over her body, desperately needing the nourishment of nectar.

Zhang Yang, feeling Yelü Nanxian's burning gaze, thrust his hips forward and laughed, "If you want it, just do it yourself. Otherwise, when they wake up, someone might snatch it away."

Seeing that the woman beside him seemed to be waking up, Yelü Nanxian recalled the burning desire she had felt while watching last night. No longer caring about restraint, she led her dragon towards the cave entrance.

The dragon, long thirsty, plunged to the bottom as soon as it entered the water.

"Ah!"

Yelü Nanxian cried out, a sound that was both pleasurable and painful.

The other women were immediately awakened by this high-pitched soprano. Seeing the two already engaged in battle, they all rose to join in, pushing their buttocks or kissing and caressing them.

Under the combined assault of several women, Yelü Nanxian quickly cried out and reached her climax, almost convulsing with excitement as she held Zhang Yang, still savoring the afterglow of her orgasm. One woman impatiently lifted Yelü Nanxian and sat on top of her; a woman ruled by desire is terrifying.

As soon as she sat down, she began to move wildly, her breasts tossing up and down, creating waves of flesh.

Zhang Yang, watching those lively rabbits, couldn't help but grab and vigorously knead them.

...

After several ebbs and flows, the rain finally subsided and the clouds dispersed.

Zhang Yang looked at the languid Yelü Nanxian and laughed, "I have good news for you. Your Liao emperor, Yelü Yanxi, who only knows how to enjoy himself, has been overthrown."

Since the Celestial Empire attacked Western Xia, Yelü Nanxian had heard nothing from the Liao Empire.

Still savoring the afterglow of the climax, Yelü Nanxian heard news from her homeland—the emperor had been overthrown—and her delicate body trembled. She exclaimed, "The Jin Empire has reached Yanjing?"

"How can you be so confused? I have good news. When

the Jin people reach Yanjing, with the support of our Celestial Empire's weapons, how can the Jin Empire possibly succeed? It was Yelü Chun who overthrew him. Yelü Chun was shrewd and capable; perhaps your Liao Empire has a chance to revive."

Zhang Yang casually said, kneading Yelü Nanxian's soft breasts.

Yelü Nanxian breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Yelü Chun was the son of Yelü Heluwo, the fourth son of Emperor Xingzong of Liao and the Prince of Wei of Song. Raised by his grandmother, Empress Renyi, of Emperor Xingzong of Liao, Yelü Chun grew up to be fond of literature. After the murder of Crown Prince Yelü Jun of Emperor Daozong of Liao, Daozong intended to make his nephew Yelü Chun his heir. However, Daozong was not angry with Yelü Baisi, and Yelü Chun was not on good terms with Yelü Baisi, so he took his anger out on Yelü Chun and transferred him to a remote area as the military governor of Zhangsheng Army. After

Emperor Tianzuo ascended the throne, in the first year of the Qiantong era (1101), Yelü Chun's father, Helugan, was appointed Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces, meaning he had the right to inherit the throne, and Yelü Chun was also enfeoffed as Prince of Zheng. In the third year of the Qiantong era, Helugan was appointed Prime Minister and proposed the establishment of the two offices of etiquette. For his merits, he was promoted to Prince of Wei. In the tenth year of the Qiantong era, Yelü Chun's father, Helugan, passed away, and Yelü Chun inherited the post in Nanjing, attending court in winter and summer, and enjoying the highest favor among the princes.

Yelü Chun held several positions and was indeed more suitable to be emperor than Yelü Yanxi.

However, Yelü Nanxian also knew that whether the Liao Kingdom could rise again depended on the person currently defiled him.

The Celestial Empire had previously sold weapons to the Liao Kingdom only to first eliminate the Western Xia; now that Western Xia was gone, the Celestial Empire could free its hands, and the Liao Kingdom no longer needed to resist the Jin Kingdom. Moreover, the Liao Kingdom had occupied the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun for nearly a century, and the Han people had always wanted to reclaim them. The ambitious emperor of the Celestial Empire certainly wouldn't want the Liao Kingdom to continue its encroachment.

If the Liao Kingdom had been vast before, even if the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were returned, it could still form its own kingdom. But now, most of the Liao Kingdom's territory had been occupied by the Jin Kingdom; if the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were returned, the Liao Kingdom would have little foothold left.

After a night of intense battle, and two more rounds in the morning, his body was somewhat sore after the extreme climax, and there were still some finger marks on his breasts, which throbbed slightly from the blatant defilement.

However, Yelü Nanxian disregarded her aching body at this moment, resting her head on Zhang Yang's chest, allowing him to more easily fondle her breasts. Her full, smooth thighs pressed against Zhang Yang's genitals.

"How is our late emperor now?" "

Yelü Chun calls himself Emperor Tianxi, and Yelü Yanxi has been demoted to Prince of Xiangyin. They are on good terms, except that the powerful minister Xiao Fengxian has been executed."

Yelü Yanxi only knew how to enjoy himself, entrusting all political affairs to Xiao Fengxian. Xiao Fengxian, however, only abused his power and amassed wealth, which led to the decline of the Liao Kingdom. The wise men of Liao hated Xiao Fengxian to the bone, so as soon as Yelü Chun ascended the throne, he executed Xiao Fengxian to win over the people.

Yelü Nanxian was overjoyed to hear of Xiao Fengxian's execution, but she didn't know what other measures Yelü Chun would take.

Yelü Nanxian stretched, her large breasts rolling on Zhang Yang's chest, her smooth thighs rubbing against Zhang Yang's genitals, all seemingly unconscious movements.

Yelü Nanxian felt Zhang Yang's lower body begin to swell again. While secretly amazed by the Heavenly Emperor's strength, she asked, "Has Emperor Tianxi submitted a memorial to you?" A crisp

"slap"

echoed in the room, drawing the attention of several Xixia women nearby.

Zhang Yang slapped Yelü Nanxian's ample buttocks hard, laughing, "Don't be so horny. If you keep teasing me, I'll make sure you can't get out of bed today."

Yelü Nanxian obediently lay on Zhang Yang's chest, tilting her head back shyly, saying, "Your Majesty was so fierce just now, how could I dare to tease you again? I was just stretching, who knew Your Majesty was so strong."

Seeing her still feigning, Zhang Yang showed no mercy, slapping her hard again, his expression stern, "I don't like being deceived. If this happens again, I will not let you off easily."

Yelü Nanxian felt a burning pain in her buttocks, and wanted to cry out in protest.

Zhang Yang said, "I know you care about national affairs, that's why I'm telling you all this. If you want to know anything, just ask. I'll tell you what I can, and you don't need to use any tricks."

As he spoke, Zhang Yang rubbed the spot he had just patted, and said gently, "I also love your talent and beauty. As long as you sincerely serve me, I will naturally treat you well."

Chapter 129 It turns out she likes being abused.

Hearing Zhang Yang's stern rebuke, Yelü Nanxian was startled. She hadn't expected the Emperor to have such thoughts. Many powerful emperors disliked women interfering in politics, especially since he was involved in matters of two countries.

Through these two days of "deep" interaction, the handsome and powerful Zhang Yang had gradually won Yelü Nanxian's heart. She also wanted to be a happy little woman, but with the country facing crisis, she couldn't enjoy herself in peace. The thought of possibly being distanced and abandoned by him made Yelü Nanxian's heart ache.

Fear gripped her heart, coupled with the hard slap on her buttocks by Zhang Yang, causing her face to turn deathly pale and her beautiful eyes to mist over. Trembling, she was about to rise and beg for forgiveness.

Hearing Zhang Yang's soft admonition, her heart relaxed, and she silently thanked Buddha for his mercy, giving her another chance to win the Emperor's favor.

As Zhang Yang's large hand caressed her, Yelü Nanxian surprisingly found a strange sensation on her burning buttocks, seemingly more intense than usual.

Yelü Nanxian twisted her body to meet Zhang Yang's wicked hand, her delicate skin flushing a light red again.

Seeing Yelü Nanxian struggling and refusing to admit her mistake, Zhang Yang became angry and was about to scold her again when he felt a wetness on his leg. A stream of honey-like fluid flowed from her lower body, trickling down onto both of them.

Zhang Yang lifted Yelü Nanxian's face and was surprised to find that her face was now as beautiful as a peach blossom, and her eyes were as watery as when she was aroused.

Could it be that she actually has the potential to be abused?

*Slap!*

Another loud slap landed, and Yelü Nanxian actually let out a soft moan, her vulva overflowing

with nectar. Seeing her seductive appearance, Zhang Yang's lower body instantly hardened.

Seeing the Emperor's renewed interest, Yelü Nanxian gave him a flirtatious wink, then got up naked from Zhang Yang's arms.

"Don't move, let me serve you!"

Having said that, Yelü Nanxian, under Zhang Yang's questioning gaze, knelt seductively between his legs, her plump, white buttocks raised, and gently grasped his dragon with her delicate hands.

She glanced coquettishly at the already aroused Zhang Yang, and with his encouraging gaze, slowly opened her mouth, taking his angry head into her warm lips.

With a soft "tsk tsk" sound, saliva clung to her rosy lips, appearing so lewd. She began to gently lick and suck, displaying her oral skills.

Looking at the two bright red handprints on Yelü Nanxian's snowy buttocks, and feeling the intense pleasure in his lower body, Zhang Yang felt as if his soul was about to fly away. Seeing Yelü Nanxian still gently swallowing, he couldn't help but press her head down and thrust forcefully!

Yelü Nanxian was further aroused by Zhang Yang's vigorous movements, but as the dragon grew larger under the stimulation, her small mouth was already full, and she instinctively felt the dragon's head reach her throat. She was even having trouble breathing.

She managed a few forced swallows before spitting it out, giving Zhang Yang a disapproving look. "You only care about your own pleasure. Your 'treasure' is so big. You want to kill me? Don't forget about me!"

Zhang Yang saw her expectant eyes and remembered her earlier state. He said to a woman beside him, "See how I dealt with this slut? You should take care of her too."

Seeing that Zhang Yang understood, Yelü Nanxian smiled happily and resumed her work, her snow-white buttocks swaying gently, signaling for someone to hurry.

The Tangut concubine beside her, having received Zhang Yang's order, also mustered her courage and stood behind Yelü Nanxian, but out of respect for Yelü Nanxian's usual authority, she only gave her a light slap.

Just as Zhang Yang was about to speak, Yelü Nanxian, already swaying her hips in dissatisfaction, mumbled, "Harder."

Seeing Zhang Yang nod, the Dangxiang concubine also slapped her hard. With a crisp "smack," the Dangxiang concubine's face paled in fright, while Yelü Nanxian trembled with excitement, letting out a loud groan.

From behind, the Dangxiang concubine could see large streams of nectar flowing from Yelü Nanxian's vulva.

"What a shameless woman," the Dangxiang concubine thought, and couldn't help but slap her again forcefully.

With each slap, Yelü Nanxian let out moans, and soon after, she suddenly arched her back, threw her head back, and cried out, a stream of white liquid gushing from her lower body—she had actually reached orgasm.

Seeing Yelü Nanxian's entranced expression, Zhang Yang could only say to a woman beside him, "You shall serve me."

This woman, also aroused by Zhang Yang and his companions' unusual lovemaking, rolled her eyes and smiled at Zhang Yang, "Please, Your Majesty, sit on the edge of the bed."

Curious, Zhang Yang sat on the edge of the bed, but she smiled seductively, knelt between his legs, and cupped her hands around his snow-white, smooth, round, and perky breasts, trapping his erect penis between her deep, bottomless cleavage. Then she began to move vigorously up and down.

Zhang Yang's lust surged again.

Unlike lovemaking, this was a completely different feeling, a sensation of exquisite softness and pleasure. Especially with the woman beneath him possessing two large breasts, it was an absolute supreme enjoyment.

While the woman before him wasn't a beauty that could topple kingdoms, she was still a beauty among beauties, and possessed breasts far exceeding those of other women. Of all the women Zhang Yang had favored, Consort Wei was the largest, but the woman before him was clearly superior. Moreover, in this era without high technology, this was genuine breast augmentation, the feel of which was incomparable to those implanted women.

Before long, Zhang Yang felt a tingling sensation down his spine, and a gush of sweet nectar spurted out.

The busty woman, sensing Zhang Yang's impending climax, had already opened her cherry-like mouth to catch it; most of the nectar shot into her mouth, with only a trace landing on her lips. A glistening thread slowly dripped from the corner of her mouth, reaching her basketball-sized breasts.

The busty woman swallowed the nectar, then bent down to lick it clean for Zhang Yang, before looking at him with a pleading expression.

Zhang Yang grabbed her breasts, picked her up, and played with them for a while, then laughed, "Well done. I'll definitely have more time to enjoy your treasures in the future. But I have to return to Bianjing today, so let's stop here. You all help me get dressed."

Hearing Zhang Yang's praise, the busty woman beamed and helped him dress.

Yelü Nanxian had also recovered from her climax, but felt a burning pain in her buttocks and could only lie on the bed. Hearing that Zhang Yang was going back to Bianjing, she hurriedly asked, "Shouldn't we pack our things too?"

Zhang Yang looked at Yelü Nanxian's swollen buttocks and laughed, "No need to rush, you should rest first, it's not too late to set off tomorrow."

"I'm not tired, I want to go with the Emperor!" Yelü Nanxian swayed her body and said coquettishly.

The busty woman also rubbed her ample breasts against Zhang Yang, looking at him expectantly.

Zhang Yang couldn't help but play with those amazing breasts again, and shook his head, saying, "I have been away from the capital for more than a month, and there are many things in the court that need my attention. How can I travel with you? I will ride an eagle back to Bianjing. Someone will escort you back to the capital tomorrow. See you in Bianjing."

Hearing that they would only see Zhang Yang again in Bianjing, the women all showed some sadness, whether genuinely or feigned.

"Cheer up, everyone. In less than a month, we'll meet again in Bianjing, and then we'll have another great battle. I'm quite satisfied with your taste. Your families have been pardoned; they will accompany you to Bianjing to settle down, so you'll have company on your journey."

Upon hearing that their families had been pardoned, the women knelt on the bed and kowtowed to express their gratitude to the Emperor.

Zhang Yang wasn't making an exception for them; there were many Tangut people in the country, and Zhang Yang didn't hold a grudge against them. However, they were just a drop in the ocean among the Han people. Once the Tangut people within Western Xia were wiped out, the remaining Tangut people in the country would soon be assimilated into the sea of Han people.

Yelü Nanxian considered for a while, and seeing that Zhang Yang was about to leave, she finally couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, has Emperor Tianxi submitted a memorial?"

Zhang Yang had long known that Yelü Nanxian was very patriotic; historically, after the fall of the Liao Dynasty, she had starved herself to death. He glanced at her and said, "He's already here, and he's sent an envoy who's already arrived in Bianjing, requesting to be demoted to a vassal state of the Celestial Empire and to receive my investiture."

Yelü Nanxian's heart was filled with mixed emotions upon hearing this.

Previously, although the Liao Dynasty was nominally a brother state to the Song Dynasty, the Liao was far stronger, and the Song Dynasty had to pay tribute annually in exchange for peace. But since the man before her unified the Central Plains, the situation had completely reversed. The Liao Dynasty wanted to become a vassal state, paying tribute, but now it had to beg for his mercy and grant their request.

Seeing Yelü Nanxian deep in thought, Zhang Yang embraced each of the women and bid them farewell.

Yelü Nanxian only came to her senses when Zhang Yang reached her. She sighed inwardly. The situation was now beyond her control. Even if the Celestial Empire didn't attack, the Liao Dynasty would still rely heavily on the Celestial Empire to defend against the Jin Dynasty's invasion. Now, they truly had to beg the Celestial Empire.

Yelü Nanxian, holding Zhang Yang, considered for a moment before mustering her courage and saying, "Your Majesty, I shouldn't be inquiring about court affairs, but Liao is in dire straits, so I dare to ask again. Will Your Majesty accept Liao as a vassal state?"

Zhang Yang patted Yelü Nanxian's shoulder and said, "This matter still needs to be discussed with the ministers, but in any case, Yelü Chun need not worry that I will launch a military campaign north."

Historically, Yelü Chun died not long after ascending the throne, and Zhang Yang would wait until after Yelü Chun's death to launch a campaign, taking advantage of the chaos in Liao.

Yelü Nanxian, unaware of the reasons behind this, happily kissed Zhang Yang upon hearing his promise not to send troops.

Chapter 130: The Empress's Transformation

Chapter 131: The People's Hearts Can Be Held

During the Lantern Festival, after Zhang Yang's subtle hints, Li Chuwen began to consider returning

to the country and traveling around. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the domestic situation had reached a critical point, with everyone thinking of change. As long as someone took the lead, a coup would occur.

Previously, Li Chuwen had flattered the powerful minister Xiao Fengxian and committed some evil deeds. He knew that once things turned out differently, Xiao Fengxian, who had already incurred the wrath of both heaven and man, would be the first to be eliminated. Although the Li family also had some influence, as Xiao Fengxian's henchmen, they certainly wouldn't fare well.

Therefore, Li Chuwen actively lobbied, internally uniting with Commander-in-Chief Xiao Gan, Zuo Qigong, Yu Zhongwen, Cao Yongyi, Kang Gongbi, and others, and externally using Yelü Dashi and Guo Yaoshi to put the imperial robe on Yelü Chun, overthrowing Yelü Yanxi.

Seeing that the situation was settled, Yelü Chun had no choice but to ascend the throne, calling himself Emperor Tianxi, and demoting Emperor Tianzuo Yelü Yanxi to Prince of Xiangyin. As expected,

Xiao Fengxian, who had already incurred the wrath of both heaven and man, was eliminated immediately, and his henchmen were either killed or demoted. Only Li Chuwen not only escaped unscathed but also rose even higher, being appointed as a Vice Chancellor for his meritorious service in supporting the ascension, thus entering the highest echelons of power.

After ascending the throne, Yelü Chun, while consolidating his domestic power, also knew that his position depended on the whims of the Celestial Empire's emperor.

Especially given the Celestial Empire's unstoppable advance over Western Xia, he believed it wouldn't be long before Western Xia became a thing of the past. At that point, the Liao Dynasty would be the first to suffer, and the Liao Dynasty was currently probably even weaker than Western Xia, with the Jin Dynasty constantly attacking from the north. If the Celestial Empire marched north, the Liao Dynasty might be even weaker than Western Xia

. Therefore, Yelü Chun immediately dispatched Li Chuwen to Bianjing again, escorting a large amount of wealth as tribute and submitting a petition, requesting to become a vassal state.

However, the Liao people didn't hold much hope for this petition. Until the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were returned, the Celestial Empire would not accept Liao's submission and might even send troops north at any time.

Although the Liao people knew this fact, it was undoubtedly cruel. The Liao Dynasty was unable to return the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun; without the tax revenue from them, the Liao Dynasty could no longer resist the Jin Dynasty.

They could only use large sums of money and humble words to exchange for temporary peace, just to hold on. Even defeating the Jin Dynasty and recovering lost territories. Yelü Chun's minimum requirement for Li Chuwen was to ensure the Celestial Empire's policies remained unchanged; otherwise, he would be relegated to the awkward position of a ruler of a fallen kingdom.

Li Chuwen had only been in Bianjing for a few days when Zhang Yang's army captured Xingqing Prefecture, and the entire Celestial Empire celebrated yet another great victory for the emperor. Wherever Li Chuwen went, he heard only talk of the Western Xia, and Zhang Yang, whose prestige was already at its peak, was almost worshipped by the people of the Central Plains.

Because the Celestial Emperor's return was still uncertain, like many officials in later generations, Li Chuwen, on a publicly funded trip, naturally wouldn't mistreat himself for the sake of the country. At noon, he thought of Fanlou, the top of the seventy-two authentic restaurants in Bianjing.

"Fool, didn't I tell you to wear Han clothing these days?" Li Chuwen scolded his attendant, who was now dressed in Khitan attire, as he stepped outside.

Although he often wore Liao clothing in Liao, it was only to appease the Khitan nobles. Liao clothing was rough and simple; he still preferred the elegant and refined Han clothing. Besides, wearing Liao clothing used to give him a superior status in Bianjing, but now he was only looked down upon. In the eyes of the Han people, the Khitan were no longer as terrifying as they once were, but merely a barbaric tribe destined to be wiped out by the Celestial Empire.

Seeing his master's anger, the attendant hurriedly said, "How could I forget my master's words? It's just that the Vice Envoy ordered us all to wear Liao clothing."

"You Khitan people, so obsessed with saving face! Your days of dominance are over. You hide here, afraid to go out, and you don't want others to go out either."

Although the Khitan people resembled the Han, their appearances were always somewhat different, making them easily recognizable. Moreover, their Mandarin would never be as fluent as that of the Han, and the Liao Kingdom was no longer so appealing. With the fall of Western Xia, calls for war against the Liao quickly arose within the Celestial Empire. Naturally, the Khitan people didn't receive good treatment in Bianjing either.

Li Chuwen inwardly cursed the female family members of the Khitan deputy envoy, but outwardly said dismissively, "Fool. Normally we represent the Liao Kingdom, so it's best to wear Liao clothing. Now we're going out to investigate the situation of the Celestial Empire. Do you want us to be surrounded by onlookers as soon as we step out? Go change your clothes!"

The attendant, hearing this, couldn't help but secretly despise his master. Every day he went out to play or eat and drink; he'd never been seen investigating the situation of the Celestial Empire.

...

The Liao Kingdom had many Han people, and Li Chuwen's attendant was also Han. After changing into Han clothing, there was no trace of Liao.

Li Chuwen looked at the attendant and nodded in satisfaction before heading out.

Looking at the four

streets, the attendant couldn't help but ask, "Master, where are we going today?"

"Fanlou. All sorts of people are there; it best reflects the various aspects of life. Let's go there to investigate first."

Hearing this, the attendant couldn't help but secretly give Li Chuwen another disdainful look. They were clearly going to Fanlou for a meal, yet he was talking about investigation. However, the food and wine at Fanlou were indeed excellent, and he could finally enjoy a proper meal.

Upon arriving at Fanlou, a servant rushed to greet them, asking, "Private room or the main hall?"

"Tingtao Pavilion," the servant replied fluently, clearly indicating they were not first-timers at Fanlou.

This time, however, Li Chuwen glared at the servant and scolded, "Who told you to make decisions on your own? Get out of here!"

He then told the servant, "Let's go to the main hall."

"Another stingy man. Looks like there's no profit to be made. He's dressed so luxuriously for nothing, and I've been robbed for nothing,"

the servant muttered to himself, but could only lead the two into the main hall.

Once there, Li Chuwen tossed the servant two taels of silver and ordered several signature dishes.

The servant secretly weighed the silver, sensing it wasn't fake, and then thanked Li Chuwen with great delight.

As they left, he curiously glanced at Li Chuwen, wondering why this generous man hadn't gone to a private room but instead endured the noise in the main hall.

Little did they know that Li Chuwen had no companions, and his attendants were only good at flattery. Finding the elegant room utterly boring, he went to the main hall to listen to the gossip of the common people for amusement.

Soon, a simple yet luxurious meal was served. Li Chuwen ate and drank while listening to the chatter around him.

"Yesterday, I bought a portrait of the Emperor for a hundred strings of cash. It was issued by the Ministry of Rites, and it's much more realistic than the mass-produced ones on the market. The Emperor is truly a god descended from heaven! Even though it's just a portrait, his majesty is breathtaking. Since bringing it home, my family can't help but kneel down whenever they see it. In the end, we had to dedicate a special room to enshrine it,"

said a passerby, seemingly helpless, but with a boastful expression and a loud voice as if afraid no one would hear him.

One of the men at the table looked enviously at the passerby and sighed, "Brother, you're so well-off! I have a few acres of land, but the harvests haven't been good these past few years. My family is struggling financially, so I could only afford a ten-stringed portrait. Although both are issued by the Ministry of Rites, the quality is much worse. Next year, when the harvest is better, I'll buy a one-hundred-stringed one."

Listening to their conversation, Li Chuwen couldn't help but admire the Celestial Empire's money-making methods. The income from these portraits alone was probably equivalent to several years' worth of tax revenue for the Liao Dynasty. Although the Celestial Empire distributed portraits for free, it couldn't compare to paying for them; the top-tier masters' portraits cost as much as a thousand strings of cash each.

However, this financial method was something other countries couldn't imitate, because no one had the same prestige as the Celestial Emperor, who could attract such fervent worship from the people.

"I heard that many people from Hedong and the Northwest have already moved to the old lands of Western Xia. Where there is arable land, the court gives each person ten mu of land and an ox. Where there is not enough arable land, sheep are used instead, ten sheep for one mu. To help the migrants settle down better, the tax exemption period is as long as five years. The migrants are very fortunate."

"If only we could migrate too, I would definitely sign up. With an emperor who is like a god descended to earth, even the border is safe. It's good enough that our Heavenly Dynasty doesn't wipe them out, who would dare to invade our Heavenly Dynasty? Although Western Xia is desolate, there are many opportunities. As long as we work hard for a few years, we can accumulate a fortune, which is better than living on that meager property in the capital." A young man at the table said with high spirits, then took another sip of wine. There was no sign of any drive to work hard.

Passerby B, knowing his companion's true nature, joked, "Brother, if you're truly determined, you'll definitely have a chance. Western Xia is on the verge of collapse, but there's still Liao. Perhaps the Emperor will soon launch an attack on Liao, at which point Bianjing should be ready for immigration. Not to mention, the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun are all excellent places; I believe they'll soon regain their prosperity after being reclaimed. If you really want to go, you'd better start preparing now. If you can't get rid of the assets in the capital, I can help you."

"Nonsense, forget about it. I can't sell those properties. They're tax-free now, the perfect time to make money. Even after the tax-free period, the capital will become increasingly prosperous. With money in hand, who wouldn't want to visit the capital? We're from the capital, after all. Unless we're desperate, who wants to go to those remote corners? We wouldn't go even if we could make more money there."

Chapter 132: Receiving the Liao

Envoy – This was Li Chuwen's only feeling as he listened to the surrounding discussions:

the Celestial Empire was wealthy and militarily strong. Under the lure of the Celestial Emperor's perfect victories and the promise of shared spoils, the people were also very warlike. And when discussing the next target, the Liao Kingdom was mentioned most often.

This situation, where everyone wanted to attack, terrified Li Chuwen, and he became worried about the mission. Although the Celestial Emperor's prestige was at its zenith, able to influence public opinion, and no one dared to question his decisions, no one knew what he was really thinking. Perhaps he also wanted to wipe out the Liao Kingdom.

Now, the Celestial Empire only has four countries left to settle scores with: the Liao Dynasty, Tibet, the Western Uyghur Kingdom, and the Yellow-Headed Uyghur Kingdom. However, the Western Uyghur Kingdom and the Yellow-Headed Uyghur Kingdom each have only tens of

thousands of troops, which could be wiped out by a single detachment of the Celestial Empire. Tibet has also long since declined and is no longer as powerful as it once was, able to rival the Tang Dynasty. Although Tibet is powerless to resist the Celestial Empire, the Celestial Empire would likely need hundreds of thousands of troops to conquer it. If the Celestial Empire's attention could be diverted to Tibet, then the Celestial Empire's forces in Hedong alone would be insufficient to attack the Liao Dynasty, allowing the Liao Dynasty to prolong its existence for a while, and thus his mission would be accomplished.

However, the Celestial Empire's attention cannot be diverted at will. As Li Chuwen was pondering a way to break the deadlock, he heard a commotion around him.

"It's the Liao delegation that came to the capital a few days ago. I heard their procession is even longer than during the Lantern Festival!" The boastful passerby A spoke loudly again, as if he were the only one who knew.

His tablemate, seeing the Liao envoy in Liao attire looking around as if searching for someone, also deliberately raised his voice, saying, "These Khitan barbarians must be afraid of our dynasty's defeat of Western Xia and are coming to offer tribute and beg for submission."

He then gave the Liao man a deliberately provocative look, as if he wanted to challenge them.

Passerby A, also looking at the Liao man who looked over at the sound of his voice with ill intent, spat on the ground and laughed, "Those Liao dogs are dreaming. Not only do they occupy the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, but their border troops raid us every year, owing us countless blood debts. Now that they see our dynasty is strong, they want to submit."

(In the early Liao Dynasty, the army went on campaigns without provisions. Instead, they employed cavalry to plunder and loot. This method of relying on soldiers to raise their own supplies and plundering civilians was called "grass raiding" by the Liao people. In the tenth year of the Huitong era (947), Emperor Taizong of Liao destroyed the Later Jin Dynasty and led his army into Kaifeng, intending to remain in the Central Plains. However, he soon withdrew and returned north. The main reason for Emperor Taizong's forced withdrawal was that the Liao army stationed in the Central Plains was raiding and looting everywhere. The people of the Central Plains could not endure this and rose up in rebellion, making it difficult for the Liao army to establish a foothold in the Central Plains. In the middle and later periods of the Liao Dynasty, more attention was paid to the logistical support of the army.) Garrison troops were stationed in border areas. Grain was planted to supply the army. Later, although the Liao army's raiding of grasslands decreased during wartime, they would still cross the border to raid for food during famine years to provide their own supplies. The Song Dynasty was weak and could only passively block the Liao troops from entering, but dared not resist. The border people could only hope for protection from the ethereal gods.

The Khitan man, hearing them calling him "Liao dogs" and "barbarians," changed his expression and reached for the curved sword at his waist, only to find it empty. He then remembered that his sword had been removed by the border guards when he entered the Celestial Empire's borders.

"Look, that Liao dog still thinks they're in the Song Dynasty. Go ahead and draw your sword!" Passerby A shouted arrogantly as he watched the Liao man make a gesture of drawing his sword from his empty waist.

"Liao dogs, your days of being arrogant are over. Try to fight back!"

The diners nearby gathered around when they saw the Liao man seemed about to make a move. They were ready to gang up on him as soon as he made a move.

Unexpectedly, in just a few years, the status of the Liao people underwent a complete transformation. He remembered that when he was an envoy to the Song Dynasty, he could act with impunity simply by wearing Liao clothing; no Han Chinese dared to resist. Even if a few were killed and the matter went to the authorities, the Song Dynasty would smooth things over, perhaps even paying them some gold and silver in compensation.

But now things were different. The Han Chinese were no longer timid. Fortunately, this was a land of etiquette; although they hated the Liao people, they didn't want to tarnish the Han people's reputation. If the Khitans dared to make a move, they would certainly seize the opportunity to teach them a lesson. The Celestial Empire had already made it clear that foreigners did not enjoy any preferential treatment in the Celestial Empire. If the Khitans struck first, the Celestial Empire would likely place the blame on the Khitans without hesitation.

"What a barbaric and ignorant people! They even dare to attack others!"

Seeing that the Khitan subordinate was still oblivious and about to rush towards the passerby, Li Chuwen quickly stood up and said, "Stop! What are you doing here?"

Only then did the Khitan man notice Li Chuwen and hurriedly stopped, bowing and saying, "News has come from the palace that the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty has returned and will summon you this afternoon. That's why the Vice Envoy sent us to search for you so you can go back and make preparations."

Upon hearing that the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty had returned, Li Chuwen didn't even bother with his meal and got up to hurry back.

The people around him, hearing that the Emperor had summoned him, made way for him.

Zhang Yang received Li Chuwen in the Imperial Study. When Li Chuwen entered the room, there was no one else there except Zhang Yang, who was reviewing memorials.

Compared to the audience in the court, this conversation in the study was much more intimate. However, the murderous aura that Zhang Yang had cultivated during his massacres in Western Xia hadn't dissipated anytime soon, making Li Chuwen feel a chill run down his spine. Adding to the legends about the Western Xia, Li Chuwen felt that Zhang Yang's gaze was filled with murderous intent.

Li Chuwen shuddered and couldn't help but kneel down, kowtowing and saying, "Your subject Li Chuwen greets the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty! Long live the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty! Long live the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty! Long live the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty!"

Zhang Yang put down the memorial in his hand and smiled, "Get up. This isn't the first time we've met. Make yourself at home."

Li Chuwen didn't dare to relax, thanked Zhang Yang, and then stood up.

"Tell me your purpose,"

Li Chuwen said, looking into Zhang Yang's sharp eyes as if his own hand had already been exposed. However, he couldn't immediately discard the documents he had previously submitted to the Ministry of Rites. He took out the gift list, presented it with both hands, and respectfully said, "Yelü Yanxi is incompetent and tyrannical, acting against the natural order and incurring the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people. He has been abandoned by the people of Liao. The Prince of Yue, as the popular choice, has inherited the throne and has specially dispatched an envoy to inform the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty, while requesting to become a vassal state. The Prince of Yue is willing to accept the investiture from the Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty."

"One hundred thousand taels of gold, one million taels of silver, ten thousand fine northern pearls, and one thousand sable furs,"

Zhang Yang said casually as he took the gift list.

"Very generous, isn't it? It's not easy for Liao to come up with these things now, is it?"

During Yelü Yanxi's reign, the treasury had become increasingly strained. After the war with the Celestial Dynasty, the redemption of prisoners of war consumed most of the national treasury. Then, in order to fight against the Jin Dynasty, almost all the remaining money in the national treasury was used to purchase weapons from the Celestial Dynasty. If it weren't for confiscating the wealth of Yelü Yanxi and Xiao Fengxian's faction, Yelü Chun would probably have inherited an empty treasury. For this mission, the Liao Kingdom had already given away half of its looted wealth as tribute, and the remainder was probably not even enough to support the court's expenses.

Seeing that Zhang Yang remained unmoved, Li Chuwen felt a pang of unease, but if he increased the tribute further, the Liao Kingdom would not be able to afford it. He quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise; our country has indeed offered its entire fortune as tribute."

Zhang Yang nodded, pointed to a chair beside him, and said, "Please sit down. I understand your thoughts. You can go back and tell Yelü Chun that I will not be sending troops north for the time being. Let him be his emperor in peace. I will also continue to sell weapons to your country."

Li Chuwen saw that Zhang Yang had bypassed the matter of vassal states, so he didn't dare to ask any more questions. Fortunately, he had already stated that he would not go north and would maintain arms sales, so his mission had been accomplished.

"Alright, official business is over. Let's talk about personal matters."

Li Chuwen was taken aback when he heard this. He was the emperor of the Celestial Dynasty. Even Yelü Chun was not qualified to sit on equal footing with him. What personal matters could he possibly have with him?

Seeing Li Chuwen's puzzled look, Zhang Yang smiled and said, "Relax, let's chat casually."

Li Chuwen recalled the topics they had discussed during the Lantern Festival and couldn't help but feel a little expectant. Could it be that the emperor of the Celestial Dynasty wanted to give him some guidance again? Last time, his guidance had allowed him to avoid disaster and turn into good fortune. What good thing would come this time?

"It is my honor to speak with His Majesty."

"You acted quite quickly, returning home only a few days ago and already causing such a commotion."

"Your Majesty is too kind. I have no such power. It's just that Yelü Yanxi has incurred the wrath of Heaven and the resentment of the people, causing them to yearn for change. Fortunately, the Emperor of the Celestial Empire reminded me, and I escaped disaster. I thank you again here."

Li Chuwen still hoped that the Emperor of the Celestial Empire could give him some guidance, so he did not hide anything.

"This is also due to your courage and luck. If you had returned a step later, or if you did not have the courage, this matter would not have been accomplished. I heard that Yelü Chun is shrewd and capable, and perhaps the revival of the Liao Kingdom is hopeful. What do you think?"

This was exactly what Li Chuwen was worried about. Although he had escaped disaster, the decline of the Liao Kingdom was irreversible. Now that he held a high position, if he could not break the deadlock, he would probably fall even harder. He sighed and said, "The Jin army is strong and well-equipped. Although the new emperor is knowledgeable in military affairs, I'm afraid he won't gain any advantage. But we can't afford not to fight the Liao. If we can't reclaim the lost territory, the Liao will be unable to resist the Jin after returning the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. If we don't return the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, the Celestial Empire will demand them sooner or later, or even send troops north. The Liao is now in a dead end, and can only hope for a miracle."

Chapter 133: Gentle Persuasion.

Yang clapped his hands and had the personal eunuch serving outside the door bring Li Chuwen a cup of tea. "The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, I must take them back. I've heard that many Han Chinese noble families in the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun serve as officials in the Liao. Your family is in Xijin, isn't it?"

(Xijin was originally part of ancient Jizhou. During the Liao Dynasty, it was under the jurisdiction of Nanjing Xijin Prefecture, located southwest of present-day Beijing.)

Li Chuwen was flattered that Zhang Yang knew his ancestral home and said, "Yes, my Li family has lived in Xijin for generations, and we are pure-blooded Han Chinese." " It was only because Shi Jing of the Five Dynasties ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun to the Khitans that the Li family, unwilling to leave their homeland, became Liao people."

"The Five Dynasties produced many heroes, one after another, but also a figure like the puppet emperor Shi Jing, destined to be infamous for eternity. This scoundrel, in order to rival the Later Tang and realize his dream of unifying the world, actually agreed to cede the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun to the Khitans, leaving the Central Plains wide open and creating a deep-seated threat to the Han people. If I could go back to the Five Dynasties, I would personally take his head."

Speaking of hatred, Zhang Yang gritted his teeth.

Li Chuwen quickly echoed, "Shi Jing ceded our Han lands, leaving millions of Han people in a foreign land; it is truly despicable."

Seeing that Li Chuwen was also thinking from the Han people's perspective, Zhang Yang slammed his fist on the table and said, "You Liao people, rest assured, I will definitely reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. In less than a year, you will return to our Han family." Upon hearing Zhang Yang's words, Li

Chuwen's expression changed drastically. It seemed the Celestial Dynasty had given the Liao Kingdom at most a year, within which the Celestial Dynasty could launch a northward invasion at any time. The Liao Kingdom's current strength was even inferior to the defeated Western Xia, and the Liao Kingdom would never dare to wage war against the Celestial Dynasty. They could only obediently return the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. He himself would then become a subject of the Celestial Dynasty, and whether he could retain his wealth and honor would depend on the Emperor.

Having understood the gravity of the situation, Li Chuwen looked at Zhang Yang with much more reverence and bowed, saying, "The Han people of the North, hearing that Your Majesty has unified the Central Plains and that your army is invincible, all hope that Your Majesty will come north to save us from our suffering. If Your Majesty sends troops north, we Han people of the North will certainly welcome you with open arms." "

Li Chuwen at this moment no longer resembled a Liao envoy at all, and his words were completely contrary to his mission. If the Liao emperor had heard Li Chuwen's words, he would probably have fainted on the spot. He had sent a large sum of money, only to be asked to send troops to attack him.

Zhang Yang felt a chill as he watched Li Chuwen's shameless betrayal. As a high-ranking official, Li Chuwen was already in a position of power. Who else would be in dire straits but him? Moreover, after becoming prime minister, Li Chuwen had relied on Xiao Fengxian to embezzle on a large scale. He was probably the richest man in Liao now.

However, Zhang Yang still had an important task to entrust to him, so he could only feign compliance and say, 'As long as they are Han Chinese, I will not abandon a single one, nor will I allow foreign tribes to oppress them. It's just that the Celestial Empire is not yet able to march north, so you must be patient for a while.'

After realizing the seriousness of the situation, Li Chuwen had completely betrayed Liao. Upon hearing this, he exclaimed in surprise, 'Liao is already in decline. The entire country's army numbers only a little over 200,000.'" " With just a single proclamation from the Emperor demanding the return of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun

, the Liao Kingdom would certainly not dare to refuse. Why would Your Majesty need to send troops?" Zhang Yang shook his head and said, "The Liao Kingdom may not dare to wage war against us, but after returning the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, the Liao Kingdom will no longer be able to resist the Jin Kingdom. If I do not send troops to help the Liao Kingdom, the Liao Kingdom will have no choice but to submit to the Jin Kingdom. At that time, if our country wants to attack the Liao Kingdom again, the Jin Kingdom will certainly send troops to help. Although the two countries joining forces will still not be enough to resist our country, it will increase our army's casualties. As long as we give the Liao Kingdom some hope, they will not be willing to decline and will continue to fight with the Jin Kingdom. A year later, even if the Jin and Liao Kingdoms unite, I will not need to mobilize too many troops from the Central Plains to destroy both countries." Upon hearing this

, Li Chuwen realized that Zhang Yang's ambitions lay with the Jin and Liao dynasties, not merely the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. However, what he didn't know was that Zhang Yang wasn't simply waiting for the Jin and Liao to weaken him, but was actually building a terrifying iron cavalry.

Zhang Yang took a sip of tea and continued, "The territory of the Celestial Empire will grow larger and larger. As you've seen, the new dynasty is newly established, and there aren't many people familiar with politics. After reclaiming the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, we will still need people like you with political experience to step forward. What positions you hold then will depend on your performance."

Upon hearing this, Li Chuwen couldn't help but ponder what Zhang Yang meant by "performance.

" "Xiao Gan is the King of Xi, isn't he?"

Li Chuwen nodded and said, "Yes, Xiao Gan's Xi name is Huili Bao. He is currently the King of the Six Tribes of Xi, and also the Chief of the Eastern Route Army, controlling the troops of several prefectures in Tokyo. He is a powerful figure in the Liao Dynasty."

"The Kumo Xi tribe originated from the Donghu, and are descendants of the Xianbei Yuwen tribe. This was the period of development and prosperity of the Kumo Xi tribe from the 7th to the 9th generation." During this period, their military strength was comparable to, and sometimes even slightly superior to, that of the Khitan, and they were referred to by the Tang Dynasty as the "Two Benefactors" of the Northeast. Later, the Kumoxi tribe suffered a severe blow during their

rebellion against the Tang, and instead submitted to the Uyghurs, becoming increasingly powerful. The Khitan then launched

several bloody campaigns against the Xi during the reign of Abaoji, the founding emperor of the Liao Dynasty, completely subjugating the Kumoxi. From then on, the Xi completely lost their independent status and became a tribe under the rule of the Khitan nobility.

I have heard that the Xi kings of past dynasties all harbored ambitions of independence. Now that the Khitan have lost their foothold, the Xi have no chance whatsoever. Moreover, when the nest is overturned, how can the eggs be left to rot? With the Liao Dynasty destroyed, the Xi may not even survive. However, if Huilibao recognizes my abilities, I can grant the Xi sufficient space to survive. If you are interested, after you return, you might as well try to contact Huilibao more; perhaps you will gain something from it.

Upon hearing Zhang Yang mention that Huili harbored ambitions of independence, Li Chuwen discerned a clue: the Celestial Emperor intended for him to lead a group to rebel against Liao and return to the Celestial Dynasty. Zhang Yang pondered for a moment and then added, "

You could also try contacting Pharmacist Guo; I believe he will make the right choice."

Li Chuwen thought for a while, but couldn't recall Pharmacist Guo. However, the Celestial Emperor wouldn't speak without reason, so he asked, "What position does Pharmacist Guo currently hold?"

Guo Yaoshi, a later figure, was infamous for his fickle and capricious nature. Holding a high-ranking position in the Liao Dynasty, he surrendered to the Song Dynasty with 8,000 men after witnessing the Liao's decline, surrendering the prefectures of Zhou and Yizhou. Later, when the Jin Dynasty attacked the Song, seeing its growing power, he again surrendered to the Jin.

The *History of Jin* describes Guo Yaoshi as a remnant of the Liao, a treacherous minister of the Song, and a meritorious official of the Jin. He, as a single minister, influenced the fortunes and misfortunes of three

dynasties—truly remarkable. Guo Yaoshi served three dynasties, his fickleness and frequent changes significantly impacting the rise and fall of each, making him a unique product of his time.

Zhang Yang had long heard of Guo Yaoshi's reputation, but was unaware of his current situation. Based on his career path, he remarked, "He should be a general of the Resentful Army now."

The Resentful Army was an army recruited by Yelü Chun from starving people in Liaodong, named to express their resentment towards the Jurchens. Unfortunately, this army did not retaliate against the Jin, and after its formation, it repeatedly rebelled, earning a notorious reputation in Liao.

Upon hearing that Guo Yaoshi was a general of the Resentful Army, Li Chuwen secretly praised Zhang Yang's foresight. These Resentful Army members were opportunistic, and with the Celestial Dynasty's unstoppable power, they probably already harbored thoughts of defection without Zhang Yang's persuasion.

Zhang Yang then spoke patiently with Li Chuwen for a while before letting him return.

Zhang Yang wasn't worried that Li Chuwen's defection was feigned, even if he was fiercely loyal to Liao. Hui Libao and Guo Yaoshi were still Liao subjects; if they fought, Zhang Yang could reap the benefits. Moreover, Li Chuwen was no saint; historically, he had attempted to force Empress Xiao to surrender her territory to Song, but his plan failed and he was executed.

The once magnificent main hall of Yanfu Palace was now only smoldering with a few red candles, and the palace maids serving inside had all vanished.

Zhang Yang, curious, entered the room, only to be stunned. The usually dignified and reserved Empress was now wearing a modern cheongsam invented by Consort Liu. Her beautiful figure was on full display, and the high slit revealed her fair and plump thighs, which were particularly eye-catching.

"Your Majesty is back! Your Majesty, I have prepared the wine and food."

Wen Lian blushed slightly upon seeing Zhang Yang, but remembering her promise for the day, she forced herself to rise. The thought of the soon-to-be-enacted decadent night filled her with excitement.

Occasional indulgence was undoubtedly intoxicating.

Zhang Yang stepped forward and embraced Wen Lian, laughing, "The Empress is truly a trustworthy person. Let's eat first then."

Wen Lian pushed Zhang Yang away, laughing, "Then let me serve His Majesty the meal first."

Zhang Yang, however, pulled Wen Lian down to sit, laughing, "Let's eat like this. Feed me some wine first; you must play your role well."

Wen Lian picked up her wine cup, thought for a moment, and boldly took a small sip, then slightly parted her cherry-like lips to kiss Zhang Yang's.

Zhang Yang opened his mouth and swallowed the wine, taking the opportunity to entwine his tongue with the Empress's soft, delicate tongue.

Wen Lian, unusually, also took the initiative, her tongue passionately entwining with Zhang Yang's, though a blush inevitably appeared on her face. Coupled with the intoxicating aroma of the wine, Wen Lian even felt a little lightheaded.

With a touch of red on her cheeks from the wine, there was no more captivating charm in the world.

Chapter 134
(May 9th)

After another deep kiss, Zhang Yang finally released Wen Lian, looking at her coquettishly and saying, "You're very alluring tonight."

Wen Lian greedily took a few breaths of air before wriggling her body in protest, retorting, "I'm not alluring usually."

Just now, Zhang Yang seemed to be sucking her heart out, completely different from his usual gentleness; tonight, Zhang Yang was more aroused than ever.

Just now, Zhang Yang had seen two obvious protrusions on Wen Lian's chest. He slid in through the slit and, sure enough, touched the dense forest.

"Didn't you provide matching underwear? Why aren't you wearing it?"

Wen Lian swayed her seductive body, making it easier for Zhang Yang to explore her private parts. Blushing, she said, "The underwear is too small; I'm not used to it."

Then, as if remembering her role today, Wen Lian gave Zhang Yang a alluring look and said sweetly, "Besides, you're so impatient, always tearing my underwear. I had no choice but to hide it."

Looking at Wen Lian's seductive appearance, Zhang Yang couldn't resist raising his head, and said wickedly, "The Empress is really quite wanton today. " "But I like it."

Through the thin cheongsam, Wen Lian could feel the heat and firmness of the dragon pressing against her crotch. Thinking of its power, she couldn't help but feel weak and said in a coquettish voice, "Isn't it all because you've been humiliating me?"

As she spoke, her jade hand reached between her legs and began to knead the ostentatious dragon through the cheongsam, saying, "I'll crush you, you scary yet cute little thing."

Zhang Yang didn't expect Wen Lian to have such acting talent. Hearing the usually dignified and reserved empress say such things was much more arousing than hearing those naturally open or wanton women.

Zhang Yang couldn't help but shudder. His lower body swelled even more in Wen Lian's hands, and his hands moved even faster.

"Ah!"

Wen Lian was immediately made to moan by the vigorous probing of Zhang Yang's fingers, feeling waves of pleasure constantly washing over her. She quickly said, "Your Majesty, please stop playing with my lower body, otherwise I can't handle you by myself."

Hearing this, Zhang Yang took out his wet fingers and put them to Wen Lian's lips.

Looking at the glistening love juice on her fingers, Wen Lian willingly opened her mouth and began to suckle. She also occasionally licked Zhang Yang's fingertips with her small, fragrant tongue.

Afterwards, Wen Lian served the dragon with one hand and fed Zhang Yang with the other. Zhang Yang, meanwhile, grasped her two jade-like breasts, kneading and playing with them through her thin cheongsam.

Although Zhang Yang didn't directly attack Wen Lian's vitals, soon, both nipples had grown larger, Wen Lian's breathing became heavier, and her beautiful eyes were watery.

Zhang Yang felt his groin was already wet from Wen Lian, so he picked up her already limp body. He smiled maliciously, "I'm going to have my main meal!"

Although Wen Lian had only fed Zhang Yang wine through her mouth, she, with her low alcohol tolerance, was already slightly tipsy, gazing at Zhang Yang with alluring charm. Slightly slurring her words, she said, "Your Majesty hasn't eaten much yet. There's no need to be in such a hurry."

Zhang Yang lifted the hem of her already soaking wet skirt and laughed, "It's not that I'm impatient, it's just that a certain beauty can't wait any longer. I'm afraid if we wait any longer, the flood will wash away the palace."

Wen Lian felt a chill in her lower body. Stealing a glance, she saw her skirt had been lifted, revealing her muddy, exposed private area to Zhang Yang's eyes. She couldn't help but glare at Zhang Yang, scolding, "It's all your fault for making this mess, so naturally you have to clean it up."

Zhang Yang quickly took two steps, placed Wen Lian on the bed, and examined her private area, which looked as if it had just been through a storm. Her two delicate lips were moist and budding, with a babbling brook flowing from the pink crevice between them.

Zhang Yang admired the reclining jade-like body, the straight, snow-white legs, the beautiful peach blossom spring. Although her breasts were still hidden under the cheongsam, the cheongsam clung tightly to her body, revealing their perfect shape. From her fair legs, one could also

tell how crystalline her breasts were hidden beneath the cheongsam. Wen Lian's beautiful eyes were tightly closed, her delicate nostrils flaring nervously. She could hardly control her desire. This role-playing aroused Zhang Yang immense pleasure, but it also gave her an unprecedented thrill. Just thinking about her shameful words made her feel waves of pleasure.

Wen Lian let Zhang Yang open her legs, allowing him to carefully admire her peach blossom spring. Just feeling Zhang Yang's burning gaze made her tremble all over.

Zhang Yang bent down and crawled between Wen Lian's legs, rubbing his cheek against the smooth, delicate skin of her inner thighs, savoring its creamy softness and smoothness. His lips kissed the smooth, jade-like legs, finally stopping at the alluring canyon at the end of the legs, where he gently licked and kissed it.

When a hot, soft, and moist object pressed heavily against her private parts, Wen Lian's delicate body tensed instantly. The intense stimulation made her lips part slightly, and she couldn't help but moan. It was a

feeling she had experienced before.

She immediately reacted, quickly pushing Zhang Yang's head away, pleading, "Your Majesty, you are the most honored person in the world, how can you be so disrespectful?"

Zhang Yang, however, gripped her buttocks tightly with both hands, finding the pink clitoris in the center and gently nibbling at it, saying indistinctly, "I am the Emperor, but I am also your husband. Don't hold back when we make love, just play your role today."

Wen Lian felt her heart pounding, trembling as she said, "Your Majesty, please give it to me, I can't hold back anymore."

Zhang Yang licked a few more times, and seeing Wen Lian's hysterical cries, he picked her up and made her lie face down on the edge of the bed.

Lifting her skirt, he thrust into her, pumping rapidly.

With each powerful thrust from Zhang Yang, Wen Lian swayed like a willow in a storm, emitting breathtaking moans. Her breasts rolled and rubbed against her cheongsam, itching and swelling unbearably.

Wen Lian gasped, "Take off my clothes, it's uncomfortable."

"Tch!"

Zhang Yang, unwilling to part with her even for a moment, reached out and ripped the cheongsam's collar, pulling it down to her waist.

Another garment tore in Zhang Yang's hands; perhaps due to his wealth, several garments were ruined every night.

Freed from the constraints of clothing, her pear-shaped breasts swayed violently before Zhang Yang, their dazzling waves immediately tempting him to fondle them.

...

That night, the two played countless games until Wen Lian fell asleep, the decadent night finally ending.

For the next ten days or so, Zhang Yang spent his time handling state affairs and indulging in the tenderness of his harem.

Under the combined attack of the Kereit tribe and Hua Rong's cavalry, the Western Uyghurs and Yellow-Headed Uyghurs were swiftly wiped out. Under the powerful deterrent of the Celestial Empire, the Mongol tribes also agreed to hold a Kurultai (assembly) at the Onon River. The Onon River was the center of the Mongol tribes' power and their nomadic heartland.

(The Kurultai was a council of Mongol tribes and alliances, used to elect leaders and decide on major matters such as war.)

April of the second year marked the Celestial Empire's first imperial examination. Like the Celestial Empire's miraculous rise, this examination set numerous records.

Even before the examination, countless candidates went wild, because this examination was a direct provincial examination, and those who had passed the prefectural examinations in the previous dynasty could participate. What delighted them even more was that the number of candidates admitted this time would far exceed that of the previous dynasty, and the court would provide each candidate with one hundred strings of cash for travel expenses, which candidates could collect at their local prefectural government offices.

(The imperial examinations in the Song Dynasty were divided into three levels: the prefectural examination, the provincial examination, and the palace examination. The prefectural examination was conducted by each prefecture, and those who passed could go to the capital to participate in the provincial examination. The provincial examination was held in the examination hall and lasted for three days. To prevent cheating, the examiners were all temporarily appointed and multiple people were assigned to the position. After being appointed, the examiners had to go to the examination hall immediately and were not allowed to contact the outside world; this was called "locking the hall." After arriving at the examination hall, the candidates had to take their assigned seats and, like the examiners, were not allowed to leave. The examination papers were anonymized and recorded, and were reviewed by multiple people. The palace examination was held in the palace, presided over by the emperor himself , who also determined the rankings.)

One hundred strings of cash were enough for candidates from the most remote areas to travel to the capital and back. If they were frugal, they could even save a considerable amount. Even if they did not pass the examination, they could consider it a free trip to the capital and even save some money to supplement their family income. Many poor candidates had this idea.

The court was not afraid of impersonation; those who passed the prefectural examination were recorded in documents and their household registration information could be checked.

Although it cost millions of strings of cash, it garnered widespread praise, and with the new dynasty's prestige soaring, the number of candidates traveling to the capital this year far exceeded any previous imperial examination in the Song Dynasty.

By mid-March, tens of thousands of candidates had gathered in Bianjing (Kaifeng), and the streets were filled with scholars in long robes and square headscarves.

On March 20th, the court finally announced the regulations for the imperial examinations. They were divided into two categories: Classics and Advanced Studies, but both were significantly altered. The Classics category tested candidates' understanding of classics and poetry; those who passed often went on to teach in various regions or serve in the Ministry of Rites. The Advanced Studies category required candidates to write essays on ten major principles and answer three questions on current affairs; those who passed, after studying and being selected by the Ministry of Personnel, could be appointed to official positions in various regions.

The examination time was also shortened from three days to one day, with the palace examination held five days after the provincial examination results were announced.

This reform of the imperial examinations immediately caused a great uproar in Bianjing.

Chapter 135: The Way of Learning.

Poetry is a dazzling jewel in the crown of ancient Chinese literature; in the ancient garden, it is a fragrant and beautiful garden. With its vibrant colors and diverse styles, the ci (a type of lyric poetry) rivals Tang poetry in its splendor and Yuan drama in its elegance, historically considered one of the two pinnacles of literature alongside Tang poetry.

Originating in the Sui Dynasty, taking its current form in the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty, and flourishing in the Song Dynasty, the ci initially served primarily as entertainment before banquets in the late Tang, Five Dynasties, and early Song periods, leading to the sayings "ci is a minor art, a genre of eroticism" and "poetry is dignified

, ci is charming." Later, Liu Yong and Su Shi expanded the subject matter of ci, and it wasn't until the emergence of Xin Qiji that it became a literary genre on par with poetry. The flourishing of ci in the Song Dynasty was not without reason. As a form of lyrical literature, the Song Dynasty's brothel culture made a significant contribution compared to previous dynasties.

Throughout history, no dynasty's brothels have surpassed the Song Dynasty in their prosperity. Policies that did not suppress commerce and the relative stability of society directly contributed to the Song Dynasty's economic prosperity, and behind this economic brilliance, the entertainment industry undoubtedly emerged.

Brothels became a breeding ground for Song Dynasty literature, attracting countless great poets who lingered there. Many literary giants, including Yan Shu, Lu You, Liu Yong, Qin Guan, and Zhou Bangyan, spent considerable time in brothels, and many of their poems reflected sympathy for the courtesans of the time. Numerous officials also spent time on the pleasure boats of Jiangnan, including Su Shi, Ouyang Xiu, Fan Zhongyan, Wu Yuan, and Wu Qian.

With the support of literati and officials, the brothel industry rose from a simple business of prostitution to an unprecedented level of "brothel culture."

The most flourishing period of brothel culture was undoubtedly during the reign of Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song Dynasty. Emperor Huizong was intelligent from a young age and loved literature and painting. After ascending the throne, he intensified his passion, frequently leaving the palace under the guise of incognito visits to the various brothels of Bianjing (Kaifeng) at the urging of his favored minister, Gao Qiu. Before the Jingkang Incident, many of Huizong's literary works reflected his luxurious and corrupt lifestyle.

During the Song Dynasty, students of the Imperial Academy frequently visited brothels, sometimes even fighting over prostitutes. Zhou Mi's *Guixin Zashi* records a gang of over ten people in the Northern Song Dynasty who specialized in pimping for students of the Imperial Academy to

attend banquets with prostitutes. They were based within the prestigious academy, acting as "reporters," and their leader was Bu Qing, nicknamed "Wildcat." If even students of the Imperial Academy behaved this way, it reveals the prevailing social customs in Bianjing (Kaifeng) at the time. It's not surprising that officials, private families, and wealthy households would employ courtesans and singers for entertainment.

According to *Dongjing Menghualu*, the capital of Bianliang in the Northern Song Dynasty had "tens of thousands of secluded alleys and brothels," presumably including some private prostitutes. Tao Gu's *Qingyilu* states that there were nearly ten thousand establishments in the capital selling their bodies, even male prostitutes selling their own flesh, seemingly without a care. These special brothels were commonly known as "beehives."

Even during the Zhenghe era, the imperial court had to enact laws for the arrest of male prostitutes, punishable by one hundred strokes of the cane, with a reward of fifty strings of cash for reporting them. This demonstrates the rampant prevalence of male prostitution.

Among the many brothels, Fanlou was undoubtedly the most prestigious. The female prostitutes there were not only exceptionally beautiful but also possessed one or two skills, some even excelling in poetry and painting.

Therefore, scholars loved to gather and drink at Fanlou, especially the chief examiner, Chao Chongzhi, who was a frequent visitor. Those with spare money naturally frequented Fanlou even more. Unfortunately, to avoid suspicion, Chao Chongzhi, after being announced as the chief examiner, lived a secluded life, refusing visitors, and naturally, would never come to Fanlou to avoid controversy.

The news of the Emperor's visit to Fanlou on the Lantern Festival, leaving behind a masterpiece, had spread throughout Bianjing (Kaifeng). Many people came to Fanlou to see what had attracted two emperors to visit.

Qin Zi, another protagonist of that day, also rose to fame, not because he won second place in the poetry competition, but because the Emperor had granted him the privilege of marrying a beautiful woman.

Li Shishi was renowned for her beauty and talent, and even Emperor Huizong of Song, who had three palaces and six courtyards, had fallen for her. Naturally, the world paid close attention to this peerless courtesan.

While people praised the Emperor's benevolence, they couldn't help but envy Qin Zi's good fortune. Although they often cursed him in their drunken state, Qin Zi's name had spread throughout the land. Even if he failed the imperial examinations, officials in various regions would still give the Emperor some face in his future actions.

Because Qin Zi's brother, Qin Hui, was now the head of the Imperial Academy, many of his fellow townsmen frequently invited him to gatherings, also to inquire about inside information. After the imperial court issued the new regulations for the imperial examinations, Qin Zi was invited to Fanlou by several fellow townsmen and friends.

After a few rounds of drinks, He Huan said, "The imperial court has changed the two examinations this time. I wonder what Brother Qin thinks?"

He Huan was from Yongkang, Jinhua. His courtesy name was Zhonghao. He was also a man of great talent in Jiangnan. After meeting Qin Zi in Bianjing, they became close friends.

Upon hearing this, Qin Zi laughed and said, "His Majesty's move is a great benevolence for us scholars."

A fellow townsman at the table

asked lonely, "Brother Qin, what do you mean?"

Qin Zi took a sip of wine and laughed, "You can then participate in the Classics Examination again, without having to wait another three years. Isn't that a great act of kindness?"

Upon hearing this, another person at the table said dismissively, "Brother Qin, you are mistaken. Those who pass the Classics Examination can only teach in local government schools, and at best, they can only hold a sinecure in the Ministry of Rites. It's truly a useless position. We have studied hard for ten years, hoping to pass the imperial examination and one day benefit the people. How can we become a monkey king?"

Hearing his argument, Qin Zi couldn't help but think of his younger brother, Qin Hui.

Because the Qin family came from a small to medium-sized landowning family, although his father had served as the magistrate of Gu County in Jingjiang Prefecture, he was only a minor official. Living in such an environment, it was naturally impossible for the Qin brothers to rise to prominence quickly.

At the end of the Song Dynasty, there were many exorbitant taxes and levies, coupled with constant natural disasters, and the Qin family gradually declined. To make a living, Qin Hui had to teach at a private school. He was dissatisfied with this profession, full of complaints, and once wrote a poem saying, "If I had three hundred acres of paddy fields, I wouldn't be a monkey king anymore." At that time, his demands weren't high; he just wanted a few hundred acres of good land, to no longer be a "child teacher" or "king of children," and to no longer rely on tuition fees.

(Ten pieces of dried meat. Confucius required his students to bring more than ten pieces of dried meat as tuition when they first met. Later, the tuition fees students gave to their teachers were called "tuition fees." Students were encouraged to visit them. Of course, one couldn't go empty-handed when visiting a teacher. I was asked to do that in junior high school.)

However, after passing the imperial examination in the fifth year of the Zhenghe reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, his career soared. He first became a professor in Mizhou (present-day Zhucheng, Shandong), and later rose to the position of Academician of the Imperial Academy. After the establishment of the new dynasty, Qin Hui retained his original position, and now he was no longer content with just three hundred acres of paddy fields.

Qin Zi had often reprimanded his younger brother Qin Hui, and upon hearing his fellow townsman speak in this manner again, he slammed his fist on the table and exclaimed, "Even Confucius was tireless in slandering people, how can you speak of a monkey king like him?"

Seeing Qin Zi's anger, He Huan quickly smiled and said, "Brother Qin, please calm down. Brother Fang was merely stating what some people think; he meant no harm. However, the Emperor's move is greatly beneficial to impoverished scholars. In the past, how many people painstakingly traveled to the capital only to fail? How many of them died destitute, and even those who returned to their hometowns might not have the funds to return for the imperial examinations again? And how many..." They spent their lives taking the imperial examinations, yet repeatedly failed. Now, however, the Emperor has arranged a path for them: the Classics Examination, which only tests their understanding of the classics and poetry, is much easier than the Imperial Examination. Although they may not become high-ranking officials, it's better than achieving nothing.

Qin Zi, hearing this, knew He Huan was merely being perfunctory, and that he probably still didn't really care about teaching. He stood up and said, "Nowadays, most scholars only want to pass the Imperial Examination, and I thought so too. But after hearing His Majesty's resounding words in court, I finally realized my mistake." Hearing

this, He Huan quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Please enlighten me, Brother Qin."

Qin Zi also stood up, bowed three times to the north, and said, "His Majesty once said in court: 'Teaching and nurturing people, one's students are spread throughout the world; teaching people to do things, one does great things for the world; teaching people to be people, one becomes an upright person!'"

When the youth are wise, the nation is wise; when the youth are wealthy, the nation is wealthy; when the youth are strong, the nation is strong; when the youth are independent, the nation is independent; when the youth are free, the nation is free; when the youth progress, the nation progresses; when the youth surpass all nations, the nation surpasses all nations; when the youth are mighty before heaven and earth, the nation is mighty before heaven and earth. The rising sun shines brightly; the river bursts forth from its hidden source, flowing into a vast ocean; the hidden dragon leaps from the abyss, its scales and claws flashing; the young tiger roars in the valley, causing all beasts to tremble; the eagle tests its wings, stirring up dust and wind; the rare flower buds, resplendent and magnificent; the sword is sharpened, its edge gleaming; the sky is blue above, the earth is yellow below; spanning a thousand ages, encompassing the eight directions; the future is like the sea, the days ahead are long. How beautiful is my youthful Celestial Empire, as eternal as the heavens! How magnificent are the youth of my Celestial Empire, as boundless as the nation! "

Qin Zi spoke with even greater fervor as he went on.

This was Zhang Yang's plagiarism of Liang Qichao's words, intended to intimidate the corrupt scholars in the court. He had already made the scholars feel utterly ashamed in court that day, and He Huan and his ilk were naturally even more humiliated.

Chapter 136: On the Imperial

Examination. How did people view it? The imperial examination still began on time on April 1st. Because it didn't conflict with the examination, almost all the candidates registered.

This was the first imperial examination in the Celestial Empire, and the entire court naturally attached great importance to it. From selecting the examiners to reviewing the final questions, and preventing cheating, Zhang..." Yang Du personally oversaw the matter.

The examination hall, originally located in the Imperial Examination Hall, was moved to the Ministry of Rites courtyard within the palace grounds to demonstrate the court's importance. This was only possible after the reform of the imperial examination system; previously, candidates had to stay and eat at the examination hall for three days, which the Ministry of Rites couldn't conveniently close for three days.

At dawn, candidates began queuing outside the imperial city, and soon the crowd stretched out onto the Imperial Street. Fortunately, the Imperial Guards maintained order, and everyone was extremely nervous, so no one dared to cut in line or make a sound; they simply waited quietly for the examination to begin.

(A two-hour period consists of two parts, "Chu" and "Zheng." "Chu" represents the first hour, and "Zheng" represents the second hour. Each hour is divided into four quarters, each quarter being fifteen minutes. Mao Chu is 4:00 AM, and Mao Zheng is 5:00 AM.)

Looking down from Xuande Tower, it resembles a long, endless dragon. Seeing this scene, Zhang Yang thought of his college entrance exams, though there weren't nearly as many people then. And he was a candidate, but now he was the organizer of the exam and the final grader.

At Chen Shi (7:00 AM), the palace gates slowly opened.

The candidates in front could clearly see a passageway cordoned off with red silk on the right. Presumably, the passageway extended all the way to the South Courtyard of the Ministry of Rites, which was their examination hall.

"Candidates, please enter. No noise is allowed. Do not cross the red silk without permission; violators will be disqualified from this major examination." "

With a loud shout from an invigilator, the candidates began to line up to enter the examination hall.

The first two candidates stopped automatically at the palace gate, waiting for the Imperial Guards on both sides to search them.

As this was the first imperial examination of the new dynasty, and it was being held in the palace, the Imperial Guards were well prepared to prevent any accidents. Xu Ning, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, personally supervised the process at the palace gate. Seeing the two stop, he shouted, "Don't stop!"

The two candidates were startled by this, but dared not rush through the palace gate. They had no choice but to ask boldly, "Don't we need to search us?"

"No, you can enter the city."

Seeing Xu Ning's unwavering answer, the two candidates cautiously walked inside. Once inside the city, seeing that no one stopped them, they continued walking.

Cheating by smuggling scriptures into the imperial examinations has been a persistent problem throughout history. Common methods included hiding scriptures in clothing, shoes, or socks, or even writing them on clothing or the body. Various personal items, including stationery, food, and candles, were also used. Therefore, previous dynasties had to conduct simple searches of candidates before they entered the examination hall. However, due to Zhang Yang's reforms, this extremely time-consuming procedure was abolished.

Following the red-silk-lined path, candidates quickly entered the Ministry of Rites. Instead of rows of examination cells, they found open-air desks, spaced five feet apart. A guard stood between every ten desks, clearly serving as invigilators.

In previous dynasties, candidates completed the examinations in small, enclosed cells. These cells had desks and mats on the floor. They took the exams during the day and slept at night, only leaving after three days of testing.

Now that the exam period has been extended to one day, eliminating the need for overnight accommodation, outdoor testing has become possible. Furthermore, given the already hot weather in April (lunar calendar), there's no need to worry about candidates feeling cold.

Hundreds of proctors patrol the exam halls, making cheating extremely difficult. Everyone then realized why body searches weren't being conducted; those who had been secretly pleased now wore long faces, while most were delighted. With so many proctors, cheating was virtually impossible. Moreover, the open environment made collusion and proxy testing unlikely.

After all, few dared to cheat; a fair exam was in the best interest of the majority.

Under the guidance of the Imperial Guards, the candidates took their seats in order.

Once all the candidates had entered the Ministry of Rites, the gatekeepers immediately ordered the gates closed.

By this time, more than half an hour had passed, and the candidates began preparing their stationery. Soon, the exam halls were filled with the scent of ink. If someone forgot any stationery, they simply raised their hand, and the Imperial Guards would quickly bring it to them.

"Squeak."

Just as the examinees were preparing, the few behind them heard the door open again. They turned around in surprise to see the Emperor, dressed in a dragon robe, walking in with his head held high.

Now, thanks to the widespread sale of portraits, few people didn't recognize the Emperor.

Zhang Yang was quite helpless about this. He had initially thought of it like modern times

, with every household displaying a portrait, and some high-end ones, making a fortune. He just hadn't expected that after selling the portraits, he couldn't even show his true face in public anymore; otherwise, he would definitely be recognized and attract a huge crowd. Fortunately, although he didn't have any disguise techniques, simple makeup was still possible, though applying things to his face was always uncomfortable. If Zhang Yang had another chance, he would definitely not sell his portrait again.

Seeing the candidates behind him about to kneel, Zhang Yang quickly said, "No need for formalities, you should all prepare for the exam."

Hearing this, the candidates could only stand with bows, waiting for the emperor to pass before daring to sit down. However, seeing the god-like emperor in person, many were somewhat distracted, occasionally knocking over inkstones, making the ink smell in the examination hall even stronger.

Chao Chongzhi, as the chief examiner, was also personally present. Upon seeing the emperor's arrival, he quickly led the other examiners to greet him. After the emperor and his ministers exchanged greetings, Zhang Yang instructed them to begin reading the examination rules.

The examination hall was so large that an examiner had to read the rules at intervals. Fortunately, the rules were concise, and they were completed in a short time.

After reading the rules, Zhang Yang asked an official beside him, "What time is it?"

The examination hall was equipped with a huge sundial, gnomon, water clock, and a large striking clock and drum, among other timekeeping instruments, so that every candidate could find one they were familiar with.

"It's almost 9:00 AM,"

Zhang Yang said, nodding as he walked to the center of the hall. He declared loudly, "This is the first imperial examination of our Celestial Empire. Most of the nation's talents have gathered here. Whether you pass or not, you are all the elite of the nation, and the future of our people is in your hands. I hope you can approach this with a calm and composed mind. Success will come."

With that, Zhang Yang instructed the examiners to distribute the examination papers.

The papers were made of specially made Xuan paper, 12 inches wide and 10.8 inches long, divided into three parts.

The first part, 22 inches, was where candidates filled in their names and hometowns. After writing, the papers were sealed to prevent anyone from knowing whose paper it was—a system known as "anonymous writing."

The second part, 6.8 inches, was where candidates wrote their essays. These essays had to be written in regular script; otherwise, the consequences would be their own responsibility. This was because after submission, a special person would copy the answers to this part and give them to the examiners to prevent them from recognizing the handwriting and engaging in favoritism. If the handwriting was messy and the person copying it couldn't read it, they had the right to treat it as a blank paper. The unfortunate one would ultimately be the candidate, as there was no way to appeal.

The third section, about eighteen inches in diameter, was where three examiners would write their comments and affix their seals.

Thus, the first imperial examination of the Celestial Empire officially began. There was no rustling sound of writing in a modern examination hall, but there was a touch of ink fragrance.

Watching the candidates either writing furiously or frowning in deep thought, Zhang Yang patrolled for a moment, finding no signs of cheating, and then quietly left; he disliked the dull examination hall.

The morning exam was on classical texts, which weren't difficult for those who had been familiar with the classics since childhood. In less than half an hour, some began to hand in their papers.

Unlike before, candidates had to finish the exam before leaving the examination hall. This time, after handing in their papers, candidates could leave the palace and come back in the afternoon for the policy essay exam.

Many self-important and dashing candidates went straight to brothels to relax after leaving the palace.

Some waited for their companions outside the examination hall. After meeting, they reviewed each other's papers, and almost everyone wore a smug and confident expression as they went home, eagerly awaiting the afternoon's policy essay. However, amidst their pride, a sense of unease lingered.

The morning's classical texts weren't difficult, but the afternoon's policy essay was bound to be challenging; otherwise, they wouldn't have been selected for the imperial examinations.

Indeed, the afternoon's policy essay stumped many. The questions covered political issues that had plagued previous dynasties, even including the dynasty's future strategic policies towards the Liao and Jin dynasties.

After the afternoon exams, the candidates were filled with anxiety, with only a few carefree individuals remaining composed. The atmosphere in Bianjing seemed to have become more subdued.

Chapter 137: Grading Standards

While the students anxiously awaited their results, the grading office was bustling with activity. A single question about water conservancy sparked a heated debate among the examiners.

The grading system, devised by Zhang Yang, was out of 100 points. Three examiners each gave one point, and the average score was the candidate's final score. This practice wasn't exactly novel; previous dynasties even had nine examiners. However, the introduction of a point system was a first. The percentage system made the distinction between excellent, good, average, and poor more pronounced than before, leading to greater disputes among the examiners.

Zhao Lin stretched, and inadvertently glanced at the top paper that his colleague Qiao had finished judging. It was a question about flood control. He had given it 95 points, but Qiao had only given it 80. He couldn't help but pick it up and look at it. Seeing that it was a paper he was satisfied with, he couldn't help but read it aloud: "Those who managed floods in ancient times only heard of dredging to deepen rivers, but not of building dikes to protect neighboring areas. Therefore, it is said: If the left dike is strong, the right dike will be damaged; if the right dike is strong, the left dike will be damaged; if both are strong, the downstream area will be damaged. If the flow is concentrated and the water is not dispersed, even the god Yu could not accomplish it. Therefore, abandoning land to deal with the water, fields, tombs, houses, and towns, and breaching dikes to avoid it are all things that cannot be done. So what can be done? It is said: The problem lies with Heaven, not with man." If all efforts are futile, then the only option is to observe the breached riverbed and allow it to flow freely, dredging and widening it to restore the original function of the tributary. This could be considered a strategy of turning defeat into victory. If the problem lies with human intervention, and there is nothing that can be done about upstream reclamation, then the only option is to take advantage of the severe breaches in the downstream dikes and prohibit their repair, preserving the original state of the waterways. This could also be considered a strategy of adapting to circumstances. Sacrificing a small amount to save a large amount yields twice the result with half the effort. Even the shallowness and depth of the Yangtze and Han rivers, and the vastness of the islets, cannot be dredged by human power. But if the water has nowhere to go, its power will be sufficient to overcome sand and deepen the river. This is called using water to control water, which is far superior to dikes and dams, with a hundredfold advantage and disadvantage.

This essay is very good; why did the examiner only give it 80 points?

(Zhao Lin was also a former official of the previous dynasty. Because of his talent and learning, he was selected by Zhang Yang to serve as an examiner. He presided over the construction of the Taihu Lake water conservancy project at the end of the Zhenghe era and the beginning of the Xuanhe era (roughly 11-1119). He advocated that opening up the river, building sluice gates, and constructing dikes were all indispensable, believing that: "In water management, opening up the river is the most urgent task; opening up the river is the most urgent task; building sluice gates is the most urgent task near the river's mouth." "Near the river's mouth" refers to dike construction near the river's mouth and the sea, facilitating flood control, flood discharge, farmland protection, dredging, and navigation. He also said that the dike banks should be high and large, not only to protect the farmland but also to allow for the drainage of water.)

l: The fundamental principle should come first; breaching the dike is secondary, and the secondary should come later. Throughout history, from high-ranking officials to ordinary farmers, water management has always involved breaching dikes, resulting in the destruction of countless fertile fields, while the floods have remained largely uncontrolled. This is the failure of water management.

This volume doesn't address the fundamentals, but only the superficial aspects; achieving eighty points would be quite good.

His father, Dan, was a renowned hydraulic engineer of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Compared to his son Qiao, Dan was even more legendary. Born into a farming family, he loved reading from a young age and possessed exceptional insight. In 1057, he passed the imperial examination and was appointed to a county post, but he didn't take up the post. Instead, he spent his days trekking through the fields, investigating and researching agricultural irrigation, deeply studying the ancient methods of water management. Only after he felt he had gained sufficient knowledge did he take up his post.

Father and son co-authored *Wu Men Shui Li Shu* (Book of Water Conservancy in Wumen), summarizing the experiences and lessons of previous water management, pointing out six errors in past water management, and emphasizing six key points for water management, including "distinguishing the differences in terrain elevation and seeking the traces of ancient water storage and drainage methods." They also proposed seven principles for "the general advantages and disadvantages of agricultural management," which were highly adopted and appreciated by the then-Prime Minister Wang Anshi. They also drew many water conservancy maps, which became important bases for the management of Taihu Lake throughout history.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lin shook his head and said, "Enclosing fields easily narrows waterways, preventing floodwaters from draining. During floods, this inevitably leads to inundation of dikes and damage to houses. It is truly unacceptable and was abandoned in the previous dynasty. The previous dynasty's Shan E already demonstrated this. How can Zi Gao still use this as a standard for grading papers?"

(Shan E was also a famous water conservancy expert in the Northern Song Dynasty. He was concerned with the water conservancy of Taihu Lake, not official matters, and conducted investigations in Suzhou, Changzhou, and Huzhou for over 30 years. He authored "The Book of Water Conservancy in Wuzhong." He believed that water management had three strategies: upstream obstruction, midstream diversion, and

downstream drainage. He strongly opposed Qiao's approach to managing fields.) Although the previous dynasty did not use the father-son approach to managing fields, Qiao did not believe his father's life's work was wrong. He stood up and retorted, "The method of managing fields should be adapted to local conditions. For low-lying fields, widen the ponds and raise the dikes." The banks were used to secure the fields; for the higher fields, the harbors and channels were deepened to draw water from the rivers and seas for irrigation. Later generations, unaware of the ancients' intentions regarding securing and irrigating fields, mistakenly believed that the widening and deepening of the ponds and channels for both low-lying and high-lying fields was solely for the purpose of draining accumulated water. They disregarded distances and elevations, uniformly selecting only a dozen or so of the largest ponds and channels for drainage, leaving the smaller ones untouched. As a result, these projects cost the nation three to five hundred thousand strings of cash, yet the large ponds and channels remained ineffective, and the smaller ones were never even opened. Dredging was necessary. Yet, some argued that even small ponds and streams could be drained to

facilitate communication with the . However, all ponds and streams, large and small, were left undredged. Over the years, they deteriorated, turning two or three hundred li of fertile land into barren wasteland. The harbors and streams of high fields were blocked, turning hundreds of li of fertile tidal flats into desolate wasteland. This is deeply regrettable! In the past hundred years of the previous dynasty, apart from a dozen or so large ones that were occasionally dredged, the government never dredged the remaining ponds and streams. If only we could disregard their location, size, and other factors, and make decisions accordingly... "The water cannot be controlled, but it is an ancient relic, not a private matter. All efforts, both public and private, should be combined, with repeated repairs and maintenance. For low-lying fields, high dikes should be built to prevent flooding; for high-lying fields, deep ditching should be done to irrigate. In this way, both high and low areas will be controlled, and there will be no worries about floods or droughts."

Zhang Yang entered the room amidst Qiao's eloquent discussion, and seeing the two men's flushed faces, asked curiously, "What are you arguing about?"

Upon seeing the Emperor, the two men quickly bowed, stated their views, and requested His Majesty's judgment.

Zhang Yang, however, was not very knowledgeable about water management, and asked, "Are your theories effective?" "

In the paddy fields, dikes and ditching were built, putting the water management theories into practice, resulting in a successful agricultural harvest and verifying my father's water management theories."

Zhao Lin, however, disagreed, saying, "A mere paddy field is not enough to prove anything. The dredging strategy was first adopted by Yu the Great in controlling the floods, and subsequent dynasties have adopted it with pleasing results." "

The root cause isn't the water." "

Floods are caused by people, not by strategies. Countless predecessors have already demonstrated the importance of dredging, but river dredging work is often neglected, leading to continuous flooding."

"Ahem!"

The two men, engrossed in their professional debate, became completely absorbed, their faces flushed red, when Zhang Yang coughed. They snapped back to reality and quickly knelt down to apologize, saying, "Your Majesty, I have been impolite."

Zhang Yang, having seen experts argue fiercely in conferences even in modern times, didn't take their argument seriously. He waved his hand and laughed, "It's alright, both of you, rise."

Zhao

Lin, naturally unwilling to be

left out, kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, I also request your judgment." Seeing that neither of them was willing to admit defeat, Zhang Yang knew that no matter who won, the other wouldn't be convinced, and some farce might even ensue. Therefore, he could only say, "What you both say is reasonable, yet neither is entirely correct. Scholarship emphasizes individualized instruction, while flood control emphasizes adapting to local conditions. Different places have different causes of flooding, requiring either dredging or land reclamation. No single method is universally applicable; only by adapting to local conditions can success be achieved."

Although Zhang Yang's words might seem like he was trying to smooth things over, they were nonetheless reasonable.

Whether they understood or agreed, both men bowed and said they had learned their lesson.

"But how should these exam papers be judged?"

Zhang Yang smiled. "Regardless of the candidate's choice of strategy, as long as it is reasonable and supported by evidence, it will suffice. As examiners, you must set aside your own biases and review the papers impartially and without prejudice."

Upon hearing this, the examiners quickly said, "We are ashamed."

With Zhang Yang's words, judging the papers became much simpler.

Early on the 6th, the area outside the palace was once again teeming with people. Candidates who had endured days of agonizing waiting awaited a single piece of paper to announce their fate.

At dawn, the palace gates officially opened, and the list of successful candidates was posted.

Tens of thousands of candidates surged forward, fortunately supervised by the Imperial Guards, preventing a stampede.

This year's imperial examinations saw far more successful candidates than in previous dynasties, with a thousand passing the Jinshi examination alone. Despite this, many more candidates were disappointed.

Those who had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel were overjoyed, while those who failed were dejected. The city was suddenly filled with many disappointed people, but the restaurants saw a surge in business.

Chapter 138: The Imperial Examinations End .

Not long after the list was posted, the civil officials gathered in the Hall of Diligent Governance, preparing to begin their work. Since it was early morning, the officials chatted in small groups, the hottest topic naturally being the imperial examinations.

As they were talking, they saw Zhang Yang's personal eunuch, Fu Gui, emerge from a side door on the imperial steps. They quickly returned to their positions to welcome the Emperor.

In the past, the emperor would wait until everyone was in position before inviting him out.

Today, however, he didn't wait for them to be ready and announced, "By imperial decree, today's morning court session is postponed to 9:00 AM. Gentlemen

, please make yourselves at home." Everyone was taken aback.

The morning court session usually started at 8:00 AM, and the emperor had never been late. Why was it delayed by half an hour today

? Could it be that the emperor was unwell?

Or had something important happened?

Or was one of the concubines giving birth?

…

In an instant, countless speculations arose among the officials.

Lu Zhishen, unwilling to waste his breath, saw Fugui turn to leave and hurriedly said, "Please wait, Eunuch Fu."

Fugui withdrew one foot that had already stepped out of the hall, turned around and saw Lu Zhishen, a man known for his straightforwardness in the court. Knowing that he was a senior minister of the emperor and deeply trusted by him, he dared not be negligent and nodded, saying, "General Lu, is there anything else?"

"Why has His Majesty postponed the morning court?"

Seeing Lu Zhishen step forward, all the ministers looked at Fugui.

When Fu Gui was asked this question, he quickly smiled and said, "General Lu, please forgive me. The Emperor hasn't explained this matter, and I dare not speculate. As you know, the Emperor forbids eunuchs from interfering in court affairs. The Emperor is waiting for me to serve him. If you gentlemen have nothing else, I will take my leave."

Seeing that he had already said this much, Lu Zhishen didn't want to make things difficult for him and nodded, saying, "Then, Eunuch Fu, go ahead."

Upon hearing this, Fu Gui nodded to everyone and turned to leave.

After Fu Gui left, Zhang Shuye asked Zong Ze with suspicion, "Could it be that the Emperor is unwell?"

Zong Ze shook his head and said, "Perhaps, but it's unlikely. Since I started serving the Emperor, I've never seen him suffer from any minor ailment."

As he spoke, Zong Ze was also startled. He hadn't noticed before, but now that he thought about it, he was truly shocked. It seemed that the Emperor had never been sick, not even a headache or fever. Although the story of the Emperor being a god descended to earth was widely circulated among the people, many ministers still didn't really believe it. Zong Ze had no idea that Zhang Yang, through genetic modification, possessed resistance far exceeding that of ordinary people. Naturally, he wouldn't be troubled by certain diseases.

Thinking of this astonishing development, Zong Ze was greatly alarmed and shook his head, saying, "Perhaps the Emperor has something to attend to. How can we presume to know the Emperor's affairs? There's still half an hour left. Let's return to our departments to handle some official business."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shuye also walked out of the main hall.

Seeing this, the other officials also returned to their respective offices. It was almost 9 AM

when they all returned to the main hall.

By this time, an hour had passed since the results were posted. The area in front of the palace gates had returned to calm. Only a dozen or so candidates remained, some standing there blankly, others still searching with unwavering hope. Occasionally, one or two reckless scholars would arrive late to check the list. Those who passed would leave calmly, as if passing was a matter of course, while those who failed would leave indignantly, and a few even vowed never to take the exam again.

At the stroke of midnight, Fu Gui entered the hall from the side. Once everyone was in position, he announced, "His Majesty has arrived!"

Some officials, who had assumed the Emperor was slightly unwell, were now puzzled by Zhang Yang's energetic appearance in the hall.

After exchanging courtly greetings, Zhang Yang, seeing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, smiled and said, "Everyone is wondering about today's delayed court session, isn't they?"

Although the officials were puzzled, they dared not ask directly, fearing they might offend him.

Only Lu Zhishen spoke loudly, "Yes, His Majesty always attends court on time every day. Why are you so late today?"

Zhang Yang smiled and said, "I am not late; I was just waiting for the candidates to finish reviewing the results."

Upon hearing this, the officials' doubts only deepened.

The candidates reviewing the results seemed to have nothing to do with the morning court session, didn't they? And they weren't qualified to delay the session by half an hour, were they?

This time, without waiting for a question, Zhang Yang said, "In past dynasties, during the imperial examinations, there were often candidates who disagreed with the examiners' review, and some even gathered to cause trouble. This is the first imperial examination in our dynasty, and I was also worried that there might be candidates causing trouble. However, the results have been posted for an hour now, and most candidates have already seen the results and dispersed. Although a few people have some objections, no one has caused trouble, which shows that this imperial examination is fair. I am very pleased. All the examiners have worked hard. I hereby issue an imperial decree that each examiner will be rewarded with one hundred taels of silver. I hope they will continue to work hard. After the Classics and Classics examination is completed, all the examiners can also leave."

In previous dynasties, examiners were required to go to the examination hall immediately after being appointed and were not allowed to contact the outside world; this was called "locking the hall." The Celestial Dynasty has also followed this practice, but the location has been changed to the Ministry of Rites.

Upon hearing the emperor's generous reward to the examiners, Chao Chongzhi, the chief examiner for this imperial examination, hurriedly stepped forward and said, "The success of this imperial examination is entirely due to Your Majesty's reforms to the examination system. We have merely followed Your Majesty's instructions and dare not claim credit."

Zhang Yang smiled and said, "Minister Chao, there's no need for modesty. I will certainly reward you for your contributions. Alright, is there anything else you wish to report?"

Chao Chongzhi thanked the emperor for his favor and then reported, "The results for the Jinshi examination have been released. I request Your Majesty to set the dates for the palace examination and the provincial examination for the Classics examination."

Zhang Yang thought for a moment and said, "The palace examination for the Jinshi examination and the provincial examination for the Classics examination are scheduled... " "Let's do it in one day, the day after tomorrow."

Although the provincial and palace examinations of the previous dynasty were also held within a year, Chao Chongzhi hadn't expected it to be so rushed. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Isn't it a bit too hasty?"

Zhang Yang smiled and said, "Currently, there is a severe shortage of officials in various regions. If the rankings are determined early, the Ministry of Rites can begin training and selecting outstanding candidates. Moreover, I will be heading north to the grasslands soon, and I won't have much time left in the capital. Furthermore, the expenses for candidates in the capital are considerable. If the process is prolonged, some of the poor candidates may become destitute."

"Your Majesty is benevolent. However, if the two examinations are held simultaneously, the examiners may find it difficult to attend to both. It would be better to hold the palace examination for the Jinshi degree first, and then the provincial examination for the Jingyi degree the following day."

"That's acceptable."

On the eighth day, the palace examination for the Jinshi degree officially began.

A thousand ambitious Jinshi candidates arrived outside the Qin Zheng Hall. The number of Jinshi candidates this year far exceeded that of previous years, and the main hall could not accommodate them all, so the examination was held in the square in front of the hall.

After some encouragement from Zhang Yang, the highest level of the imperial examination began outside the square. The palace examination only tested one essay on current affairs, limited to over a thousand characters.

This time, however, the question required formulating a practical water management policy based on the actual situation of a specific region. Similar to the water management question in the preliminary examination, it required integration with local realities. Those who lacked understanding of the actual situation and only offered generalities would easily expose their shortcomings.

As soon as the exam papers were received, many began writing furiously, while others frowned.

The question wasn't particularly difficult. For those with wide social connections and keen observation skills, their preliminary essays reflected their own thoughts, allowing them to write swiftly without hesitation. However, for those who rarely left their homes and only knew how to study, their preliminary essays were merely theoretical, and the question of integrating local realities proved challenging.

The palace examination successfully fulfilled Zhang Yang's ambition, assessed the candidates' understanding of life, and ranked them.

The top scholar was He Huan from Yongkang, Jinhua, who was also Zhang Yang's memory of the top scholar.

The third-ranked scholar was Qin Zi. Qin Zi possessed outstanding literary talent, and having experienced a period of poverty in his childhood, forcing him to engage in odd jobs, he had a relatively good understanding of his hometown.

The second-place finisher was Chao Gongwu, son of Chao Chongzhi. Chao Chongzhi had him late in life, and from a young age, Chao Gongwu loved reading. With Chao Chongzhi's generous instruction, Chao Gongwu excelled in his studies and was personally selected by Zhang Yang as the second-place finisher. Chao Chongzhi had initially declined the offer, citing the need to avoid suspicion, but Zhang Yang reprimanded him. Despite the emperor's reprimand, Chao Chongzhi was still overjoyed that his son had achieved second place.

In contrast to the grand scale of the Jinshi examination, the Classics examination was rather dismal, with only a little over three thousand applicants, less than one-tenth of the Jinshi candidates. The

idea that years of diligent study would lead to great achievements and bring glory to one's family remained deeply ingrained. After the Jinshi results were announced, many candidates went home to wait for the following year's examination. Those who applied for the Classics examination were mostly from impoverished families, whose families could no longer afford to let them waste their time.

Due to the small number of applicants, all were admitted after the provincial examination, setting another record.

The scholars who passed the imperial examinations through the Ministry of Rites studied the pinyin system for Mandarin Chinese. After completing their studies, they traveled to various regions to teach and correct local pronunciations, making a significant contribution to the popularization of Mandarin.

Chapter 139 Climax Memories

Sunlight streamed through the hazy window paper into the room, making the light seem dimmed by the lewd scene within.

Sensing the sliver of light, Zhang Yang awoke from his sleep.

Looking up at the alluring body on the bed, Zhang Yang felt a stirring within him.

What a beast! Perhaps this long journey would allow him to enjoy a life of nightly revelry and sexual bliss.

Although she had already given birth to two children, Wen Lian's virgin breasts remained firm and full, her delicate, fair skin resembling a pair of exquisite white jade. With Zhang Yang's diligent care, her breasts had developed into a very full shape.

Beneath her fair and delicate shoulders, her full and rounded breasts stood proudly, the two rosy nipples against the white skin even more alluring. Her slender waist was easily encircled, below which were her round and full buttocks. The graceful curves of her entire body showed no flaws despite childbirth. She

was always captivating.

Wen Lian felt something awakening within her, gradually filling her lower body. She was jolted back to reality, a wave of weakness washing over her. Her entire body felt as if it had been swept by a storm, utterly exhausted.

However, thinking of the Emperor's special treatment of her last night, a sweet feeling welled up in her heart. No matter how many women the Emperor had, she was always the one he loved most.

Zhang Yang saw the radiant smile on Wen Lian's face, and the way her body writhed after waking up, like a beautiful snake, aroused him intensely. His lower body swelled even more.

Wen Lian felt her honeypot swell, immediately realizing it was the dragon that had been soaking in it all night playing tricks. She shyly opened her eyes, seeing Zhang Yang's burning gaze upon her again, and blushed. She nestled into Zhang Yang's arms, pouting, "Your Majesty, aren't you satisfied yet?"

"How could I be satisfied? Even for a lifetime, I would never be content. If there is an afterlife, I still hope you will be my empress. But this life's wealth and honor have reached their peak; in the next life, I might become a beggar. How could I bear to let you be a beggar's wife then?"

Zhang Yang's hand gently roamed over Wen Lian's smooth, jade-like back, his tenderness overflowing. The gentle caresses slipping through his fingers intoxicated Wen Lian.

Wen Lian gently pressed her jade-like hand to Zhang Yang's lips, gazing at him intently, and said, "Whether Your Majesty is rich or poor, I am willing to serve you. Lifetimes upon lifetimes, until Your Majesty tires of me."

Zhang Yang lightly licked Wen Lian's palm, and Wen Lian, unable to bear the tingling sensation, immediately withdrew her hand. Zhang Yang smiled, "Even through a thousand lifetimes, I will never tire of the Empress. But I must find a way to make you remember me with your soul, so you won't forget me in your next life."

"Yes. After drinking the Meng Po soup, there will be no memory in the next life. How can I remember Your Majesty?"

Zhang Yang saw Wen Lian frowning in deep thought and couldn't help but sigh.

Women are truly something else; even the most rational in daily life, when deeply in love, will always believe in vows of eternal love.

As Zhang Yang was pondering this, Wen Lian's eyes lit up, and she looked at him earnestly, saying, "Your Majesty is a god descended from heaven; you must know how to make me remember you. Tell me quickly."

Zhang Yang was taken aback. This question seemed difficult to answer. Who knew if there would be an afterlife? Even if there were, memories wouldn't be so easily preserved, otherwise the world would be in chaos.

Wen Lian, however, firmly believed that the Emperor was a god descended from heaven. Seeing his silence, she swayed her body and said sweetly, "Your Majesty, please tell me!"

Zhang Yang's burning lower body was still immersed in Wen Lian's honeypot. They hadn't noticed while exchanging sweet nothings, but Wen Lian's movement immediately drew them both to the wonderful sensation emanating from their lower bodies.

Zhang Yang, quick-witted, slowly thrust his lower body in and out, laughing, "You already know, huh?"

Wen Lian, enduring Zhang Yang's whipping, wasn't distracted by him, asking in surprise, "What do I know?"

Zhang Yang's previous gentle tenderness vanished, and he thrust in forcefully, grinning wickedly, "It's this."

"Ah." Wen Lian could no longer restrain herself, letting out a soft moan.

Wen Lian saw the flower rain behind Zhang Yang move slightly, and quickly covered her mouth to avoid waking them, while giving Zhang Yang a reproachful look.

Although Wen Lian tried hard to suppress her moans, Zhang Yang didn't stop his conquest. The women nearby were immediately awakened by the lewd sounds, opening their eyes to see the two already engaged in their illicit affair.

Third Sister got up and crawled to Wen Lian's side, laughing, "Your Majesty wasn't full last night? Why are you sneaking around again so early in the morning?"

"It's all your fault."

Seeing that they were awake, Wen Lian's face flushed red, and she playfully punched Zhang Yang before hiding in his arms.

Zhang Yang said innocently, "How can you blame me? You started it. I thought you already knew how to remember my method."

Wen Lian's attention was immediately diverted. She looked at Zhang Yang and asked curiously, "Your Majesty, don't lie to me. How can I remember Your Majesty by doing this?"

Zhang Yang continued thrusting, while his hands roamed over Wen Lian's beautiful body. He

said casually, "I'm asking you, every time you climax, do you feel like your soul is

replaying that ecstatic feeling? At that time, your body feels like it's floating on clouds, without any burdens. It's like a joy that comes from the soul, completely different from the carefree joy of your youth.

" "What are you talking about? Hasn't the Empress remembered Your Majesty yet?"

Seeing that the two of them were ignoring her and only focused on their lovemaking, San Niang couldn't help but feel a little jealous and asked coquettishly.

Hearing the hint of jealousy in San Niang's voice, Wen Lian quickly slapped Zhang Yang and turned her head, saying, "Your Majesty said..."

Seeing Wen Lian struggling to turn around, Zhang Yang withdrew his lower body, allowing her to turn over and face San Niang to speak. "

The Emperor said we should be together for all eternity..."

"Ah!"

Just as Wen Lian was recounting their conversation to San Niang, Zhang Yang subtly lifted one of her jade-like legs, then thrust his penis into her lower body. Wen Lian cried out from the powerful impact, and seeing San Niang instinctively looking at her genitals, she felt even more ashamed and quickly covered her private parts with her hands.

Zhang Yang felt the fullness and softness of Wen Lian's buttocks, his fighting spirit rising even higher, and he continued to thrust into those full mounds.

Wen Lian was immediately overwhelmed by Zhang Yang's powerful thrusts, her eyes rolling back, and the forbidden lovemaking face-to-face with San Niang made her feel as if her soul was about to fly away.

"Your Majesty, wait! Let me talk to San Niang!"

"I didn't stop you, you can talk." Zhang

Yang grinned wickedly, reaching forward to grasp the two full, white breasts, his fingertips gently kneading the tender red cherries at their peaks.

Watching the lewd scene unfold before her, San Niang was also aroused, her gaze fixed on Wen Lian's breasts, which were constantly changing shape.

Wen Lian, enduring Zhang Yang's whip, felt a burning gaze. Looking up, she saw San Niang's bright eyes now misty with a layer of wet fog, like autumn water, like a bottomless abyss. Her delicate lips parted slightly, her breathing heavy, staring intently at her breasts. She couldn't help but blush and say, "San Niang, what are you looking at?"

Hearing this, San Niang finally looked up and laughed, "The Empress's breasts have gotten even bigger! You weren't finished saying you and the Emperor would be together for all eternity, and then what?" "

Suppressing the urge to moan, Wen Lian said haltingly, "Then I... asked the Emperor how I could remember him. Legend has it... that after death, people drink... Meng Po soup to forget everything. The Emperor... said that lovemaking can make me remember him."

"Can lovemaking really make you remember things from this life?"

San Niang asked doubtfully.

Zhang Yang laughed, "Of course. An orgasm is like a dream, it's over without a trace, and you might even feel extremely empty afterward. But if you can remember someone wholeheartedly during your orgasm, then you won't forget them even after drinking Meng Po soup."

San Niang recalled her past orgasms. At first, it felt like her soul was floating on clouds, but afterwards, she felt quite empty. Only when the dragon was in her lower body could she feel its real presence.

Thinking about this, San Niang couldn't help but look at Wen Lian's lower body. Behind a slender, jade-like hand, the dragon was constantly appearing and disappearing, and occasionally a section of its magnificent body could be seen.

Looking up and seeing Wen Lian's face full of satisfaction and pleasure, Zhang Yang felt an even greater emptiness in his lower body. He murmured, "Perhaps the memory of the orgasm really does work."

Wen Lian, already immersed in pleasure, didn't hear San Niang's words clearly. Seeing her lips move, she couldn't help but ask, "What did you say?"

San Niang gently pulled Wen Lian's hand away and laughed, "I said we've been sisters for years, what haven't we seen? Why are you still hiding anything?"

Zhang Yang slid his hand to Wen Lian's lower body, stimulating the pearl within her vulva, and echoed, "Yes, what are you still hiding?"

Wen Lian's sensitive spots were attacked simultaneously, and she felt waves of even stronger pleasure wash over her, unable to hold back her loud moans.

San Niang played with one of Zhang Yang's released breasts and laughed, "I also want to remember the Emperor, to stay with him for all eternity. You can't be biased."

The other women echoed her sentiments.

Hearing this, a bitter smile appeared on Zhang Yang's face. It seemed his plan to go north to the grasslands would have to be postponed for another day. But it vanished in an instant.

This kind of life, I like it. I'll make sure you all remember me, hehe.

Chapter 140:

Just as dawn broke over the grasslands, all the women rushed to Yanfu Palace to see him off.

After the establishment of the Celestial Dynasty, Zhang Yang led his troops on numerous campaigns, rarely seeing the women. Although the women had grown somewhat accustomed to this life, their eyes were still filled with tears at the impending separation.

The children were also affected by the women's presence, their little faces devoid of smiles.

Seeing the sadness on the faces of the women, Zhang Yang laughed, "Don't be so heavy-hearted, everyone. I'll be back soon. Alright, I should get going now. Zhenguo, say goodbye to your father."

"Goodbye, Father."

Little Zhenguo, oblivious to the sadness, added, "Father, bring me back some gifts."

Zhang Yang hugged and kissed little Zhenguo, laughing, "I'm leaving. Be a good boy and don't make your mother angry."

Little Zhenguo seemed to find Zhang Yang's beard prickly, pushing his face away and laughing, "I'll be good, Father, don't worry."

Wen Lian hugged little Zhenguo, saying, "Alright, let your mother hug you. Let your father say goodbye to your younger siblings."

Zhang Yang hugged each of his children one by one before leaping onto the eagle's back and heading towards Xixia.

Traveling swiftly, Zhang Yang entered Ningxia Road in the afternoon. He could see relocation teams escorted by imperial troops every now and then, and in some areas near the border, planting had already begun. However, having missed the planting season, only short-cycle crops could be planted this year.

(After the Celestial Empire conquered Western Xia, it renamed the former Western Xia territory as Ningxia Road.)

Zhang Yang arrived in Xingqing Prefecture as the sun was setting.

After nearly a month of recuperation, Xingqing Prefecture had regained much of its vitality. Located in the center of the Yinchuan Plain and not far from the Yellow River, Xingqing Prefecture was surrounded by abundant farmland. As the former capital of Western Xia, it attracted many residents who had migrated there. Many surrounding tribes that had surrendered also moved into the city. To assimilate them, the court naturally provided them with houses and farmland free of charge. Under their management, Xingqing Prefecture no longer bore the marks of the previous war; new houses had sprung up on the burned streets.

The troops from various northwestern tribes either returned to their garrisons or were relocated elsewhere. At this time, only Tang Bin's 10,000-strong force and Wu Song's Imperial Guard remained stationed in Xingqing Prefecture.

Zhang Yang landed at the former Western Xia palace and had just taken a hot bath when the two arrived.

Wu Song had been staying in Xingqing Prefecture for the past month. With nothing to do all day but train the troops, the Imperial Guards, though elite, were exhausted by Wu Song's grueling training regimen. The entire army eagerly awaited the Emperor's arrival.

After exchanging courtly greetings, Wu Song exclaimed, "The Emperor has finally arrived! I've been waiting so long! Hua Rong and his cavalry are fighting the Kereit tribe in threes, every five days – it's so exciting! We Imperial Guards, however, are stuck in Xingqing Prefecture. Now that the Emperor is here, it's time for us Imperial Guards to get our share!"

After the two Uyghur tribes were wiped out, the Kereit Khan, Hurjah Hus, who had never forgotten his father's murder, with Zhang Yang's tacit approval, went to war with the Tatars in the desert. Due to a "technical error," the Tatars mistakenly attacked Hua Rong's forces, prompting the Celestial Empire to declare war on the Tatars. Hua Rong's tribe and the Kereit tribe joined forces against the Tatars.

The Tatars were already no match for the Kereit tribe, which was heavily armed with iron weapons, and with the added attack from the Hua Rong tribe, they were utterly powerless. The Tatars had no choice but to seek help from their suzerain state, the Liao Dynasty. However, the Liao Dynasty, fearing the northward expansion of the Celestial Empire, dared not send troops to assist them and abandoned the Tatars without even sending anyone to mediate.

Unable to obtain Liao aid, the Tatars turned to other tribes of the steppe for help. However, the Tatars, having previously relied on Liao's protection, often oppressed other tribes. These tribes harbored deep hatred for them, and naturally, none were willing to risk annihilation to help them.

Although daily battle reports arrived from Tokyo, they were several days late. Zhang Yang asked, "How is the situation now?" "

The Tatars have repeatedly sought peace, but Hurzashus has refused. Many Tatar tribes, seeing the tide had turned, have submitted to the Kereit tribe. A few tribes also wanted to migrate to Ningxia Road and submit to our Celestial Empire. The remnants of the Tatars have fled into the grasslands; the Mongols will likely not let them go." "

On the grasslands, every tribe is a wolf in sheep's clothing. The Tatars are now a piece of fat meat, and every tribe is waiting to eat it. The destruction of the Tatars is irreversible. Where have the spoils from the conquest of the two Uyghurs been taken?"

Zhang Yang wanted the destruction of the Tatars to intimidate the other tribes, to let them know who had the bigger fist and who called the shots on the Mongolian grasslands, and also to facilitate his alliance meeting.

After the two Uyghur tribes were defeated, according to Zhang Yang's decree, the royal lands and wealth were to belong to the Celestial Empire, and the wealth of the common people would be distributed according to the proportion of contributions made by the Celestial Empire and the Kereit tribe. However, Hu'er Zhashusi, in order to curry favor with the emperor, only took a small

portion and presented most of it as tribute to the Celestial Empire. Zhang Yang tacitly allowed the Kereit tribe to divide the spoils of war into two parts, one to be transported back to Bianjing, and the other to Ningxia Road and the Kereit border.

Wu Song was quite puzzled by Zhang Yang's arrangement and asked, "It has already been transported to the Weifu Military Command of Heishan. I wonder what His Majesty intends to use it for?"

Although Zhang Yang's prestige had grown since the founding of the country, and people's awe of the emperor had increased, Zhang Yang had always treated Wu Song with great courtesy. Although Wu Song had not been granted a prince's title like Yang Zhi, he was deeply trusted, and the princes all addressed Wu Song as "Uncle." Therefore, although Wu Song respected Zhang Yang, he did not have the same fear as others and spoke much more freely.

"At this alliance meeting, I will unify the desert and beyond. If you are sensible, I won't mind rewarding you with some gold and silver. As for the stubborn ones, the Tatars are their example."

Although Wu Song didn't know how much spoils there were after destroying the two Uyghur tribes, there were hundreds of carts just to transport half of the spoils back to the capital, which shows how large the amount was. Hearing that the same amount of wealth would be bestowed upon the tribes beyond the desert, he couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache, saying, "Just over ten days ago, the Tatar tribe was one of the five major tribes beyond the desert, but now they have been completely wiped out. The destruction of the Tatars is enough to deter other tribes. Even if some tribes resist, we can easily wipe them out. Why must Your Majesty spend so much wealth? The country is in dire need of reconstruction, and with the entire nation exempt from taxes, the court's funds must be insufficient. The Kereit tribe must also be eager to eliminate more tribes to expand their strength."

Zhang Yang laughed, "With the cooperation of the Kereit tribe, we can wipe out the resisting tribes, but then I can only build a smaller cavalry force. We should focus on appeasement. We need to have a long-term vision; the world is vast."

As he spoke, Zhang Yang looked up to the west, as if he could already see Europe trembling under the iron hooves of the Mongol cavalry.

Looking at Zhang Yang's spirited appearance, Wu Song was also a little confused. The Western Regions were already some barbaric small countries, and further west there must be some even smaller countries. Did they need iron cavalry?

Seeing Wu Song's confused look, Zhang Yang had no energy to give him another geography lesson. He waved his hand and said, "Go and prepare. The Imperial Guards will accompany me north to the grasslands tomorrow."

Wu Song had been looking forward to this for a long time. Hearing this, he saluted and went to prepare the troops.

The next day, the Imperial Guards headed towards the grasslands.

Upon arriving at the Heishan Weifu Military Command, they took a hundred cartloads of goods and officially stepped into the grasslands.

At the border of Ningxia Road, all they could see were the northern mountain ranges of Heishan and Yinshan. The cliffs on the south side were extremely steep, like they had been cut by a knife and axe, while the north slopes were relatively gentle, extending all the way into the grasslands. The trees on the mountains were mostly coniferous forests.

After leaving Ningxia Road, the mountains suddenly disappeared.

The scenery before them suddenly opened up, with an endless wilderness stretching out before the Imperial Guards. A few small mounds lay low in the distance, their backs supporting the semi-circular blue sky above. That day, the blue was pure, crisp, and without a trace of impurity.

Under the blue sky, the newly sprouted wild grass rippled like waves, reflecting layers of wind marks. The knee-high grass surged and undulated, devoid of wild animals or stones, nothing but grass.

A great river, like a ribbon, drifted southward from the tips of the grass not far away. There was no bridge, no ford, and no sail in sight; were it not for the rushing sound carried by the wind, you would never believe it was real.

Every now and then, a large flock of sheep would appear out of nowhere on the grassland ahead. A

real flock, tens of thousands of sheep, "drifting" across the pale green grass like white clouds.

The ground trembled beneath their feet, and a dark mass of cavalry swept in from the horizon, exuding the fierce spirit of the nomadic people.

Seeing the approaching cavalry, Wu Song shouted, "Be on guard!"

Zhang Yang, however, had already recognized the leading banner and waved his hand, saying, "No need, those are the Kereit and Hua Rong tribes."

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