Chapter Ninety-Seven: Li Jing’s Imperial Edict

Li Jing noticed Li Jingsui’s concern and offered his counsel, “Prime Minister Sun is, after all, a scholar. When dealing with a man of arms, he may lack sufficient experience.”

Li Jing was momentarily taken aback, then pondered Li Jingsui’s words carefully before realization dawned. “You mean to use a man of arms against a man of arms?”

“Your Majesty, I have heard that Liu Xin is unreasonable. Perhaps a firm hand is the only way to handle him. Prime Minister Sun is not without firmness, but as a scholar, his methods are gentler and less likely to find Liu Xin’s weaknesses,” Li Jingsui explained.

Li Jing nodded thoughtfully, sensing some truth in this. However, he struggled to find a suitable replacement for Prime Minister Sun to negotiate with the Han. He paced the courtyard, deep in thought.

Li Jingsui narrowed his eyes, discerning his brother’s hesitation. “Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, it would be better to appoint a military officer for the negotiations. Such a man, with a stronger character, could spar point for point with Liu Xin and might have a chance to subdue him.”

“But if that happens, relations with the Han could deteriorate greatly. If they truly ally with Wu and Yue to march against us...” Li Jing’s worry was evident; the memory of the Wu and Yue forces’ previous assault still haunted him.

Li Jingsui smiled knowingly. “Your Majesty, that is precisely why this person must be both firm and adaptable.”

Li Jing nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in those words. Was there such a man in the ranks? Prince Dongping, Li Hongji, was known for his firmness but was also stubborn and inflexible, likely unfit for such a delicate task. Hesitantly, Li Jing said, “Since the Khitan have arrived, perhaps Prime Minister Sun might yet devise a plan.” He still held hope for Sun Sheng.

Li Jingsui stroked his beard. “Your Majesty, several days have passed, and Prime Minister Sun has yet to find a solution. That alone proves he is no match for Liu Xin.”

Li Jing sighed softly. At that moment, Minister of War Fang Jinzhao hurried in, led by a eunuch. Li Jing looked up and saw the anxious expression on Fang’s face. Upon reaching the emperor’s side, Fang bowed hurriedly and reported, “Your Majesty, news from Suzhou just arrived. Qian Wen, the military governor of Central Wu, has been moving troops frequently and seems poised to advance northward toward Changzhou.”

Li Jingsui’s expression darkened slightly. “Your Majesty, it appears Liu Xin has made a move.”

Li Jing snorted coldly. His dissatisfaction with the Han and Wu-Yue was palpable. Liu Xin’s posture suggested he sought to ignite a full-scale war.

Li Jingsui waved his hand. “Minister Fang, this matter must be kept confidential for now. No leaks.”

“I understand, Your Majesty,” Fang replied, casting a glance at the visibly troubled emperor before swiftly withdrawing.

Li Jingsui said, “Your Majesty, it seems we must finalize a negotiator quickly.”

Li Jing paced again, then suddenly looked up. “Would Yang Lian be effective?”

Li Jingsui shook his head. “He could be tried, but until results come in, it’s uncertain.”

“Hmm.” Li Jing nodded and continued to contemplate.

Shortly after Lin Renzhao’s departure, a special visitor arrived at Yang Lian’s inn—a eunuch bearing an imperial edict. Secretly, he delivered the emperor’s order for Yang Lian to oversee negotiations with the Han. Though surprised at such an important task being entrusted to him, Yang Lian accepted the edict.

From his pocket, Yang Lian produced a piece of silver, about five taels, and handed it to the eunuch. “Thank you, sir.”

The eunuch narrowed his eyes but smiled. “It is my duty.” Yet one hand gripped the silver firmly.

Yang Lian smiled slightly. “There are matters I do not understand. Might you enlighten me, sir?”

“Please speak, General Yang,” the eunuch replied politely.

Yang Lian had the innkeeper bring tea, and the two sat on a cushioned bench, sipping. “I wonder, what does His Majesty intend?”

The eunuch nodded. “I have heard that, after discussions with Prince Qi, His Majesty sent me with the edict to read. The Prince understands the meaning better than I.”

“Thank you, sir,” Yang Lian bowed.

After a few sips, the eunuch hurried back to the palace to report. Yang Lian pondered for a time, then prepared to visit Prince Qi’s residence.

Inside the Prince’s mansion, Princess Huairou waved a delicate hand before Li Jingsui. “Father, do you like this bracelet?”

“It’s beautiful, very beautiful,” Li Jingsui replied absentmindedly.

Sensing her father’s distraction, the princess pursed her lips. “Father, you’re brushing me off again.”

Li Jingsui chuckled and pointed to her wrist. “Who says so? My daughter is beautiful; anything she wears looks good.”

At that moment, the steward entered. “Prince Qi, General Yang Lian has arrived.”

Princess Huairou blushed and quickly stepped aside. Li Jingsui stroked his beard. “Show him in.”

Yang Lian entered and bowed to Li Jingsui. “General Yang pays respects to Prince Qi.”

“No need for formalities,” Li Jingsui waved him off and ordered tea. “You come regarding negotiations with Liu Xin, yes?”

Yang Lian nodded. “Normally, such talks would be led by senior officials or members of the royal family. I am but a fifth-rank officer—hardly qualified.”

“Don’t belittle yourself,” Li Jingsui smiled. “To be frank, recent news has Wu-Yue troops stationed in Suzhou preparing to attack Changzhou, likely to support Liu Xin’s negotiation stance. My brother, the emperor, deems this serious. Prime Minister Sun is inadequate, so at my suggestion, the emperor thought of you. This is your chance to make a name for yourself. Success depends on your skill.”

“My brother’s meaning is clear: he wishes to avoid war with Wu-Yue and Han but also maintain equality with Han. Of course, some bribes wouldn’t hurt,” Li Jingsui added.

Yang Lian was momentarily stunned. Li Jing’s intentions revealed a cold pragmatism. On one hand, Yang Lian felt disappointed in the emperor; on the other, he saw opportunity born from Li Jing’s weakness. Having resolved this in his mind, Yang Lian rose and took his leave.

The prince’s words clarified Li Jing’s bottom line. Yang Lian now understood how to proceed.

That night, unable to sleep, Yang Lian went to the Honglu Temple. Liu Xin and his guards resided there, but Yang Lian did not seek them out. Instead, he found Wang Ze, the official responsible for foreign envoys.

Wang Ze, skilled and well-connected, had learned much about Liu Xin over recent days. Upon hearing Yang Lian had replaced Prime Minister Sun in negotiations, he shared the latest developments.

Yang Lian frowned slightly. Liu Xin was truly overbearing, shouting and cursing daily at the temple staff. His first words to anyone were always insults. The officials bent under his abuse, including Sun Sheng, the Southern Tang Prime Minister, who was left red-faced and embarrassed. Sun Sheng, a scholar, was no match for Liu Xin’s coarse and aggressive manner. Over several days, the talks had made no progress.

Wang Ze whispered of recent turmoil, and Yang Lian realized Liu Xin would be a formidable opponent.

Suddenly, a hurried footstep approached. A temple servant rushed over. “Clerk Wang, that man is causing a disturbance again.”

Wang Ze’s face darkened as he rose, but Yang Lian stopped him with a hand. “Clerk Wang, remain calm. Leave this matter to me.”

At that moment, Pan Chengyou, the Honglu Temple Minister, entered, pausing in surprise upon seeing Yang Lian. “General Yang, a pleasure.”

Yang Lian was curious. “You know me?”

“I am from Min. Chen Tie and Lin Renzhao spoke of you, and I have met you once,” Pan Chengyou replied with a smile.

Yang Lian nodded in recognition. “I have been ordered by the emperor to replace Prime Minister Sun in talks with Liu Xin. I came to assess the situation.”

Pan Chengyou nodded. “Clerk Wang knows Liu Xin well; with his help, you will surely gain an advantage.”

“Clerk Wang has told me much already,” Yang Lian said.

Suddenly, the door burst open with a crash, and a tall, bearded man strode in. He scanned the room and growled, “Where is Sun Sheng? Has he hidden away like a turtle?”

Pan Chengyou whispered, “General Yang, that is Liu Xin.”

Yang Lian narrowed his eyes and studied Liu Xin carefully. Liu Xin glanced at him, met with a hostile gaze, and sneered. “Who are you?”

“You need not concern yourself with that. Just answer me: was that kick just now yours?” Yang Lian asked calmly.

“Indeed, it was. And what do you intend?” Liu Xin folded his arms and looked up with contempt.

“Very well.” Yang Lian looked at Wang Ze. “Clerk Wang, make a note of this kick.”

Wang Ze was puzzled but respected Yang Lian’s authority and nodded. “Yes.”

“Reckless scoundrel, what good is a note?” Liu Xin laughed coldly, unfazed.

Yang Lian smiled. “Don’t be impatient; you’ll find out soon enough.”

Liu Xin snorted disdainfully. Sun Sheng couldn’t handle him; what skill did this man have? He turned and swaggered out. “Tell Sun Sheng to give me a satisfactory result by tomorrow, or I’ll return to Kaifeng and have my brother send troops to attack Jinling, making Li Jing my brother’s footstool!”

Yang Lian watched his retreating figure and sneered. He instructed Pan Chengyou and Wang Ze, “From tomorrow onward, no meals will be provided to Liu Xin and his party at Honglu Temple.”

A spark flickered in Pan Chengyou’s eyes, but he said nothing.

Wang Ze cautioned, “General Yang, Liu Xin is unreasonable. If we do not treat him well, he may cause trouble.”

Yang Lian waved him off. “Trust me. If trouble arises, I will bear full responsibility.”