Chapter 2 Chapter Twenty-One
Does Lin Ya really believe in King Xiao?Watching the Yijia of the Great Prince's Mansion in the South Court gradually disappearing in the east where the tents are connected, Han Tuogulie couldn't help but shook his head and sighed.The speaker was his confidant, Yelu Zhaoyuan, who served as the Langjun of the Southern Privy Council.The relationship between the two can be traced back to when he served as the envoy to the Song Dynasty. At that time, Yelu Zhaoyuan was studying in Baishuitan and was quite famous. It was Han Tuogulie who strongly recommended him to return to China as an official.
I have no idea.Han Tuogulie turned around and glanced at Yelu Zhaoyuan, choosing the lesser of two evils.
king of wei
King Wei asked someone to bring me a letter.Han Tuogulie interrupted Yelu Zhaoyuan with a wave of his hand. When the Southern Dynasty was besieged on all sides, we did not take advantage of the danger. Today, no matter what, we cannot fight the Southern Dynasty.Our Khitan's real enemies in the future will be the barbarians in the territory, such as Tubu, Shiwei, and Nvzhi.Once there is a war with the Southern Dynasties, both sides will suffer, and the result will only be an opportunity for these barbarians.Now we have a golden opportunity
Win over, assimilate, weaken!Yelu Zhaoyuan couldn't help sighing leisurely, "King Wei's knowledge, after a hundred years of planning, is indeed a resourceful man that I have never seen in a hundred years in Khitan.
Han Tuogulie knew that what Yelu Zhaoyuan said was exactly the six-character strategy set by King Wei Xiao Youdan.
The first strategy is to use various means of reforming the imperial examinations to open up the regime, and to win over the heroes of the so-called barbarian tribes with official titles and honors, so that they can be used by Khitan.
The second strategy is to incorporate some of the barbarian tribes loyal to the Khitan, even the Han, Xi, and Bohai people, into the Khitan by means of expanding palace accounts and bestowing surnames, thereby increasing the population and strength of the Khitan.Xiao Youdan even planned to abolish the clan names of the clans that are still preserved in the Gongzhang clan, and call them all Khitan.
The third strategy is to take advantage of the feudalism of the South China Sea in the Song Dynasty, use force to attack disobedient tribes, and sell them to the South China Sea princes. This can not only weaken these barbarians, but also enrich the treasury of Daliao.
With such a three-pronged approach, decades later, the Khitan will become stronger and stronger, while the barbarians will become weaker and weaker.With each other's strengths and weaknesses, coupled with the alliance with the Han and Xi clans, as well as the advantages of artillery and firearms, Khitan will completely eliminate the potential threat of those barbarians.
It's time to change the national policy set by Emperor Taizu.At that time, in order to win the support of the Han people and make good use of the strength of the Han people, the Emperor Taizu of the Daliao established the system of north and south, ruled Khitan with national customs, and ruled the Han people with Chinese customs, thus laying down the great plan of Daliao for more than 100 years. overlord.However, there is no kind of good law that can last forever.Institutions and laws that accumulate over time will inevitably lead to disadvantages, and there is no other way but to change with the times.
More than a hundred years after the founding of the People's Republic of China, Daliao must face up to its own new problems.On the one hand, they cannot lose themselves in front of the almost pervasive Southern Dynasties culture from rites and music, poetry and books to silk and sensuality; Barbarians who have no writing, but are full of war potential.
On the way forward, the Khitan people have no capital to take it lightly.Otherwise, not only the foundation of more than a hundred years, but even this race that has been powerful in Mobei for hundreds of years since Tang Dynasty, may disappear overnight.Just like the once glorious and powerful Xiongnu, Xianbei, and Turks have disappeared forever between heaven and earth <Note 1>.
These are things Wei Wang Xiao Youdan and Han Tuo Gulie never dare to forget.Han Tuogulie still remembered that King Wei had talked with him several times about the demise of the Huns and Xianbei.Even in the most powerful period, the Khitans failed to achieve the glory that the Huns and Xianbei had achieved.So, how dare they not be cautious?
It is absolutely impossible for the Khitan people to return to the forests and grasslands and become barbarians, but it is also impossible for them to hoe and plow like the Han people, and even forget their ancestors amidst the sensuality.
Han Tuo Gulie remembered a strategy that King Wei once told him: When the enemy is too strong to resist, then the wisest choice is to simply join the enemy!
Perhaps, King Wei's six-character strategy originated from this kind of strategy.It's just that King Wei did the opposite. He tried to get potential enemies to join him, so as to eliminate hidden dangers.Prudently and systematically turning some Han, Bohai and barbarian tribes into Khitans will not only make the Khitan stronger, but also keep the Khitan alive at all times, so that the Khitans will never forget or lose their two Characteristics They are not only a brave and warlike race, possessing force that makes the barbarians fearful; at the same time, they are also a race with etiquette, music, poetry and writing, know how to create, and their civilization level is comparable to that of the Southern Dynasties.
However, the prerequisite for achieving all this is: Daliao must adhere to the policy of Lianxia and Song Dynasty.
Lianxia is actually for the sake of reconciling with Song.A truly powerful Xixia will help restore the balance of power among Liao, Song, and Xia, and truly curb the ambitions of the increasingly powerful Song Dynasty.This is why King Wei wanted to help Li Bingchang at all costs.
But all these profound and far-sighted strategies may be destroyed now.
It was only because of the eager ambition in the heart of the Daliao Emperor, and the ambitious and invincible Deputy Privy Envoy of the Northern Court and Yelvxin who stayed behind in Xijing!
Nowadays, when it comes to famous Khitan generals, it can be said that no one knows the illustrious names of Yeluxin and Yelv Chongge.As one of the two favorite generals of the Daliao Emperor, Yeluxin's prestige and achievements in the army are slightly better than that of Yelv Chong, who is now in the limelight. , but in the fight against chaos, Yeluxin not only surpassed Brother Yeluchong in combat achievements, but also had a much greater reputation than Brother Yelvchong.Moreover, Yelvxin was extremely trusted by the emperor. When the emperor in Goryeo, Hetao, and Xijing wanted to deal with the Song Dynasty, which he really regarded as an opponent in his heart, Yeluxin was the first thing he thought of.
In terms of official career, the gap between the two is even bigger.Now Brother Yelvchong's official position is just a military officer deployed and in charge of the Northwest Road in the North Court, but Yeluxin has already become a prince of a town, not only was sent by the emperor to the Xijing post, but also made him a Privy Councilor in the North Court The title of deputy envoy can participate in the central maintenance.
However, unfortunately, if Han Tuogulie wanted to find an ambitious general in the Daliao Army, he would not find someone with greater ambitions than Yelvxin because he was the only one among the ZTE generals who wanted to A person who wants to inherit the behest of Emperor Taizong's <Note 2> and makes no secret of it.He once presented the strategies of Taiyuan and Luoyang on the table, and talked with the emperor several times about the tactics against the Song army. Moreover, he was also a practical faction. , he did everything else.
Yelvxin is not an opponent of King Wei. Five years ago, a nobleman who lost power once spoke ill of King Wei in front of him, but he cut off his tongue and gave King Wei a drink.When King Wei was in power, Han Tuogulie believed that he would not even covet the position of the North Privy Envoy, he would be a subordinate of King Wei dutifully, and he would be one of the most reliable generals in Daliao!
However, if King Wei loses power, Yelvxin will become the biggest trouble in a blink of an eye.
His respect for King Wei stems from his acknowledgment that King Wei is smarter and stronger than him, not because he approves of King Wei's policies and propositions.
Yelvxin was a man who would never plan or participate in any conspiracy against King Wei.However, if there is such a conspiracy, he will never take the initiative to help King Wei.If King Wei fails, Han Tuogulie believes that Yeluxin will take him for granted as the successor of the Northern Privy Envoy.
Although, even if other people became the North Privy Envoy, it would be difficult to suppress Yelvxin and not cause trouble like King Wei did, but if Yelvxin really got what he wanted, it would definitely be a disaster.Yeluxin is far superior to Xiao Lan in terms of morality, wisdom, ability, prestige, achievements, and qualifications, but the more so, the more catastrophic it will be.
He will easily destroy everything that Xiao Youdan and Han Tuogulie have worked so hard for.
Maybe he wouldn't be so naive, and really planned to surround the Daliao Emperor into Bianjing and ascend the throne again in front of Xuande Gate.
But Han Tuogulie believed that Yeluxin would definitely carry out his strategy of weakening the enemy.
He will think that the mutual market is unnecessary, because he believes that if the Khitan people have something they want, they can bring troops back to the Song Dynasty at any time; and made their men unable to farm well in order to cope with military service and other errands, and finally had to transport food from the southeast, thus endlessly consuming the national power; in order to contain the Song Dynasty, he might even lure the party members back to the east regain their homeland
All in all, Yelvxin believed that war would strengthen the Khitan and weaken the Song Dynasty.Consuming the Song Dynasty for a long time may cause the Song Dynasty to succumb; or it may anger the Song Dynasty, so that it will send troops to the Northern Expedition and be defeated by him in the end; or, under this harassment strategy, the Song Dynasty, whose national power is exhausted, will one day usher in a big battle. natural or man-made disasters.And this will be an opportunity for Daliao
The same war made Khitan stronger and Song Dynasty weaker!This is an absurd idea, but one that many people believe in.
Of course, Yelvxin was not so arrogant that he thought that he could destroy the Song Dynasty with the merits of the first battle.However, taking advantage of the current conflict, if he becomes the North Privy Envoy, he will encourage the emperor to come to the Chanyuan alliance again, and use this to strengthen the emperor's confidence in adopting his strategy!If Yelvxin intends to do this, Han Tuogulie will not be surprised.
And, he believed, this was exactly what Yelvxin was planning!
This is also an important reason why he had to choose Xiao Lan.At the same time, it is also an important reason why he believes that there is a basis for cooperation with Xiao Lan. If Xiao Lan wants to be the North Privy Envoy, it is also crucial to get the support of Han Tuo Gulie.If Han Tuogulie regards Xiao Lan as an enemy, then Yelvxin will benefit from it.And once the emperor adopted Yelvxin's strategy, no one knew whether it would be successful, and no one knew how long Yelvxin, the Northern Privy Envoy, would be able to hold the position.Although Yelvxin may fall out of favor because of failure, but he may also be more favored because of success; the time may be very short, or it may be so long that Xiao Lan loses patience
Therefore, it doesn't matter if someone else is the North Privy Envoy, if it is Yelvxin, Xiao Lan will definitely not want to see it.
An enemy of an enemy is a friend.
Han Tuogulie didn't know whether Xiao Lan was trustworthy, but the existence of Yelvxin gave him the possibility of forming an alliance with Xiao Lan.A smart person like Xiao Lan must have noticed Yelvxin's threat to him. At this time, Xiao Lan was willing to play chess and drink with Han Tuogulie, and there must be a desire to test and win him over.
No matter what, we will try our best to protect King Wei's hard work!Han Tuogulie said almost to himself.
Majesty, what bargaining chip did Han Lingya take out?On the other side, an old man in his fifties, wrinkled, short, with a goatee, was riding a bay red horse, and followed closely beside Xiao Lan.His riding skills are very good, and he is always not far or close to Xiao Lan. The distance between them is just enough for them to talk in a low voice, but he is always a horse head behind Xiao Lan.This old man was wearing a left lapel fan suit, but he had a Han hairstyle that is common in Xijin Mansion. Just from his appearance, it was impossible to tell whether he was a Han or a Khitan.But it doesn't matter, because it is definitely not an ordinary person to be able to have such a close relationship with Xiao Lan.As a matter of fact, everyone in the Nanyuan King's Court knew him, Yang Yinji, the judge of the South Court's Inspection Department, the actual person in charge of the Investigation Department, and the most trusted mastermind of the South Court's King Xiao Lan.An old man who is not amazing in appearance, but makes people change his face.
What Han Tuogulie was thinking, this king has already figured it out.Xiao Lan shook her body slightly on the horse, and said with a smile: He actually only wants two things to save the lives of King Wei and his clan, and persuade the emperor not to start a war with the Southern Dynasty
What does the king think?Yang Yinji's wrinkled and old skin twitched slightly.
It doesn't matter to me.Xiao Lan said with a smile, if he really wants to fight with the Southern Dynasty, it may not be a good thing.Emperor Taizong was so heroic, and my Khitan was so powerful back then, even if we take advantage of the disadvantages of the Five Dynasties, we can't succeed.Although my Khitan is strong now, it may not be as strong as Taizong's time; while the Southern Dynasty is much stronger than the Five Dynasties, what the emperor really wants is face, as long as he works hard, he can finally turn his thoughts around.As for King Wei, although it is a future trouble to keep him, but he is getting old after all, he may not wait until the emperor changes his mind, but if he can wait, time will change, so what is there to fear from him?Besides, I have never had any grudges against him, and I have also tested Shangyi. The emperor just wanted to shake the mountain and shake the tiger. He didn't really want to kill King Wei. It's just that his reputation is too great. If he stays, he will have to be Sima Yi in the future instead of Cao Cao. , I am also favored by the river, and it is very beneficial to my reputation in the court
So what did Han Lingya promise?Yang Yinji asked persistently.
If I can keep King Wei, he will take the lead in recommending me to be the North Privy Envoy.Xiao Lan said lightly.
Yang Yinji nodded, hummed, and said meaningfully: If Han Lingya takes the lead, then the king will be expected
As expected?Xiao Lan glanced at Yang Yinji coldly, this king is not that stupid, he is busy digging his own grave.When the time comes, I will design it myself, so that a group of people will desperately impeach me.However, for the sake of the prince's future, if Tuogulie can be entangled, even if there are a few decent people around the prince in the future, they will not be as dirty as they are now, and they will all be villains. In the future, all those who have received the kindness of King Wei Zhiyu will regard me as a sworn enemy. If that is the case, I will really become the Beishu secret envoy, and life will be very difficult.Do you want this king to rely on those run-down dudes to govern the country in the future?What else do those people do besides scrape the ground?The emperor is not easy to be fooled, what King Wei did in the front, sooner or later the emperor will understand in his heart, if the people in the back do too badly, then they will really become sand in the eyes of the emperor
What the king said is all right.Yang Yinji nodded.
so
But Yang Yinji interrupted Xiao Lan bluntly. If the king really wants to do these things, then there are two things that must be done.
Um?Xiao Lan sensed something different in Yang Yinji's words.
Yang Yinji still said unhurriedly, the first thing is, please prepare the memorial, no matter what, you must forcefully advise the emperor to dissolve the investigation department.
Xiao Lan's face immediately sank.
But Yang Yinji didn't mean to keep his mouth shut at all. The second thing is that before disbanding the investigation department, the subordinate officials can still do one thing for the king. The king gave the subordinate officials six months to fabricate charges for the king, no matter what. The method, in short, is to wipe out Ma Jiuge, Han Hege and others, and wipe out the roots!
snort!How can you have the patience to wipe it out?Xiao Lan said in a deep voice: These people are deeply rooted, if they can be killed by killing, wouldn't Xiao Youdan do it?
That means removing one family counts as one family, and destroying one family counts as one family.Yang Yinji said, otherwise, His Majesty thought that if he sided with Han Lingya this time, these people would be fine?There is no such cheap thing in the world, the king can only choose the same.
What can these villains do against the king?
Even with King Wei's intelligence, prestige, and foundation, these villains still got their chance.If it is the king, forgive me for saying it bluntly, the king is not as careful in his actions as the king of Wei, and the people the king relies on are only the favorites of the emperor, queen, and prince, but none of these things are enough to rely on. I am afraid that the king's situation is not as good as today's King Wei.
Yeah?Xiao Lan couldn't hear it, so he whipped the horse fiercely, and urged the horse to gallop with a bang.Yang Yinji's eyelids twitched, and he let out a ride, and the horse slowly followed.
Not long after, Xiao Lan galloped to his big tent, he jumped off the horse, handed the reins to the soldiers beside him, and strode towards the tent.
Inside the resplendent and resplendent tent, there had already been a dozen maids, kneeling on both sides to greet them.Four more maids came over holding up the gold plate, which contained various fruit snacks and tea and wine.
Xiao Lan was unhappy, so she ignored it, went straight to the seat covered with unicorn skin<Note 3>, and sat down angrily.The maids in the tent didn't know what happened, they held their breaths and lowered their heads, not daring to take a breath.
But as soon as he took his seat, the curtain was lifted, and his personal captain Xiao Paiya walked into the tent, bowed and said: Your Majesty, the country's uncle, Biebu Yili Bi Xiao Guannu, Beiyuan Youzhongcheng 4> Five adults, Yeluzhi, Brother Linya Xiaobu of the Southern Academy, Yelubai, the deputy commander of the Southern Academy, and General Xiao Buye, the uncle of the country, asked for an audience outside the tent.
Call them in!Xiao Lan waved his hand, these five people, like Yang Yinji, are also his confidants, among them Xiao Guannu and Xiao Buye are from the same clan as him, and they still have the status of brothers.
Xiao Paiya agreed to withdraw from the big account, and in a short while, Xiao Guannu led five people, and they entered the account one by one.Xiao Lan waited for them to finish their salutes, and after sitting down, she asked Xiao Guannu: "What's the matter here, brother?"Although Xiao Guannu is nearly sixty years old, he is indeed Xiao Lan's cousin.
Although Xiao Guannu was old, his complexion was still good. Seeing Xiao Lan asking each other, he bowed his body and said: "I'm here to see the King, I have something to do."It's just that when I met Judge Yang just now, Judge Yang said that the king just met Togulie?
so what?Hearing this, Xiao Lan's face darkened.
So the king really intends to join forces with Togulie?Xiao Guannu looked at Xiao Lan and asked.
It is true.
Xiao Guannu and the five looked at each other, Yeluzhi couldn't hold back at first, got up from his seat, walked up to Xiao Lan, cupped his fists and said: King!Never!The other four people also stood up and said together: Your Majesty, absolutely not!Never!
Why not? !Xiao Lan's face became more and more ugly.
Your Majesty, if your Majesty believes in Tuo Gulie, it will be like setting yourself on fire!Xiao Guannu stomped his feet and said: This is Togulie's trick, the king must not be fooled!
trick?How do you see it?Xiao Lan sneered.
Your Majesty, don't think that we are alarmist.Xiao Guannu sternly said, I waited here to report to the king, brother Ma Jiu went to meet Tang Kang in private yesterday!
What did you say? !When Xiao Lan heard the news, she couldn't help being shocked, and stood up immediately.Is he crazy?The emperor has already ordered that the envoy of Song Dynasty who has prejudices beheaded!
He is indeed mad, but a mad dog!Yelu shook his head, the official had already met Yicheng, and Yicheng told me the details of Ma Jiuge's meeting with Tang Kangzhi, verbatim.He is already crazy. He went to see Tang Kang because he wanted to tell the truth that Ma Linshui, who was from the dragon in the past, was Sima Mengqiu, the Marquis of Yunyang in the Southern Dynasty, and it was King Wei who introduced him to the emperor.
Therefore, it is no wonder that King Wei has presided over the Communication Bureau for so long, but he can't get a portrait of Sima Mengqiu!Xiao Lan blurted out, he was quick-witted, and immediately thought of what Brother Ma Jiu wanted to do, so what would Tang Kang say?
That Tang Kang was smart, he didn't even ask his name, instead he humiliated him.Yelu replied directly, but Ma Jiuge had some evidence in his hand, but it was a certainty.Since he dared to violate the prohibition, he would never let it go.According to Yicheng, Tang Kang at least personally admitted that Ma Linshui and Sima Mengqiu were similar in appearance. If he spread the word recklessly, if he said it was just a coincidence, who would believe it?Even the emperor, if it involves killing his father and king, he can't be suppressed easily
Did he spread the word?Xiao Lan suddenly asked, with a chill in his words.
Yeluzhi was stunned, although he hadn't
That's great!Xiao Lan interrupted him coldly, and immediately shouted loudly outside the tent: Pai Ya!
Subordinates are here!Before he finished speaking, Xiao Paiya rushed into the tent, knelt down and saluted.
Do you recognize Brother Ma Jiu, the envoy of Xuanhui of the North Academy?
The subordinates recognize it.
That's good.Xiao Lan went to the general case in the tent, pulled out a command arrow, threw it in front of Xiao Paiya, and said in a deep voice: "Order two hundred soldiers, go and invite Brother Ma Jiu to see me, and when he leaves, he will be sent to see me." The big tent was surrounded, and there was no one left in his tent from the servants up.
Order!Xiao Paiya took the command arrow and withdrew from the tent.
Xiao Lanfang turned his face, looked at Xiao Guannu and Yeluzhi, and said with a smile: "It's all right now."
But my lord, brother Ma Jiu, but Yeluzhi of the North Court, was stunned by his actions.
After doing such things, what else was he thinking about the Xuanhui envoy of the North Academy?Xiao Lan waved his hand nonchalantly, and after a while, the king will personally accompany him to see the emperor and report the matter.However, why did brother Ma Jiu seem to be crazy?
Yelu waited for Xiao Lan to ask each other, and then came to his senses, and hurriedly leaned over and said: Your Majesty does not know about this matter.Brother Ma Jiu and King Wei really have a sworn hatred.
oh?
Brother Ma Jiu originally had three sons, the eldest son Ma Zhong. In the third year of Taiping Zhongxing, he was sent by the king of Wei to stop the divination. He died on the way back for unknown reasons. The relationship between blocking divination and secretly poisoning. Since then, Brother Ma Jiu has tried his best to advocate toughness against the Southern Dynasty, but in the past seven or eight years, he has been blocked by King Wei.
Xiao Lan shook her head, it was only a son who died, which was a little too petty.
But he is not just a son. His second son, Ma Xiao, was elected as an attendant in the fifth year of Taiping Zhongxing, but the Bureau of Communications found out that he had received benefits from the Southern Dynasty Staff House. Although the emperor looked at it for the sake of Ma Jiu , only Ma Xiao was bestowed to death, but it almost ruined Brother Ma Jiu's future.There is also the third son, Ma Ren, who was a Jinshi in the eighth year of Taiping Zhongxing, and he has a bright future. Ma Jiuge has repeatedly asked for help, and wants to keep Ma Ren in the five capitals. It is said that the emperor has personally agreed to let him go to Nanjing. King Wei insisted on his own opinion, but Ma Renyuan was released to Zhaozhou, a frontier city <Note 5>, where the recruiting department of Northwest Road belonged. In less than two years, Ma Ren was killed by a stray arrow because of the uighur slave rebellion!
Yelu straightly finished talking about the grievances between Brother Ma Jiu and Xiao Youdan, and then sighed: Although Brother Ma Jiu is considered to be a high-ranking and powerful man, all three of his sons died unexpectedly. On the head of King Wei.Brother Ma Jiu was originally a narrow-minded person who would seek vengeance
I can't tell, he is a man of perseverance, and he has endured for so long without making trouble
Your Majesty, why should you be surprised? For people like Brother Ma Jiu, Daliao didn't have one hundred, but fifty!
Xiao Lan looked sideways, but it was Lin Ya Xiao Buge from the Nanyuan who was speaking.Yeah?
Can this be fake?Brother Xiao said with a sullen face: How can the king not know how many people in the court want to eat the flesh of King Wei?These people have always praised His Majesty, and that is Brother Ma Jiu. Don't forget, Your Majesty, the ruling and opposition parties regard him as a guest of His Majesty's family.
With a cold face, Xiao Lan snorted, that I dare not be the king!
Whether the king is willing or not, it is well known that brother Ma Jiu and his generation have been in and out of the king's tent and have a close relationship.Now that King Wei's incident happened, these people finally saw the opportunity, and seeing the emperor ordered the king to try the case, who didn't think it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?With Ma Jiuge being so precious, he would rather die than send King Wei to the gate of hell.What he did was afraid of the emperor's benevolence, and with King Wei's wisdom, as long as he survived this catastrophe, who would not be afraid of him making a comeback in the future?Brother Xiao said, his neck turned red, if this time came, the king would be bewitched by Natogulie, and would let King Wei go.Your Majesty thinks about it, do you really want to transfer all the resentment of those who hate King Wei to yourself?If that day really comes, I am afraid that these people will hate the King ten times more than they hate King Wei!
Xiao Lingya is right, what the king will get in the future is not only the resentment of himself, but also people like Han Tuo Gulie, who will not sincerely support the king in their hearts.Your Majesty is not of the same kind as them, they only came to rely on this big tree because the tree was about to fall.If they have a firm foothold, they abandon the king, it is like abandoning my shoes. I forgive you, as long as the king of Wei is still around, these people will have to follow the lead of the king in the end. , the king is the first stumbling block.The king is benevolent today, but the king of Wei may not be benevolent in the future
That's right, when the time comes, the king will be in the court, and there will be enemies on all sides.The slander comes day by day, Your Majesty has always put loyalty first in his actions and does not care about trivial matters. This slander has accumulated day by day, why should Your Majesty take it?
Yelubai and Xiao Buye also echoed each other's words.
Xiao Guannu looked at Xiao Lan's expression, and said: In the opinion of old people, the king wants to listen to Han Tuo Gulie's words, but there are two reasons.One is forced by Yelvxin; the other is just for the country to cherish talents.Being old and not talented can make the king not have to form an alliance with Han Tuogu, but have both.
oh?Brother, do you have a clever plan?Xiao Lan didn't have much friendship with Han Tuo Gulie at first, but he was really determined to win the position of North Privy Envoy this time, so everyone persuaded him, although he had some scruples, they couldn't impress him after all.But Xiao Guannu's words moved him.
It is not difficult for the king to cherish and love materials.The world is so big, there are no pearls left behind, could it be that they all belong to King Wei and Tuo Gulie?Besides, the people who are officials are not anyone's personal after all. As long as the king is in power, he appoints people on their merits, enforces the law according to the public, and does not avoid relatives when they are promoted internally, and does not avoid enemies when they are promoted externally. Wang and Tuogulie's privates are talented but not virtuous, so why should the king use them?If these people can serve the court, but also be at odds with the king, this is the king's luck!
Well said!Although these words are easier said than done, but in the end they are reasonable, Xiao Lan nodded again and again, then asked: how to deal with Yelvxin?The most difficult thing in his heart is still this matter. If the old subordinates of Wei Wang blame him for the matter of Wei Wang, Han Tuo Gu Lie's generation will still be extremely influential in the ruling and opposition parties, even in front of the emperor. Well, if these people get in the way, his dream of being an envoy to the North Privy Council will come to naught after all.If there is a choice, Han Tuogulie may be more willing to stand by his side than Yeluxin; but what if there is no choice?
He pricked up his ears, but Xiao Guannu said with a slight smile: Why didn't the king ask Judge Yang about this matter?He is now off the account!
Please!Xiao Lan almost couldn't wait.
<Note 1> Han Tuogulie obviously didn't know that the Turks had only moved westward and had not disappeared.
<Note 2> Refers to Yelu Deguang, Emperor Taizong of the Liao Dynasty. He once invaded Bianjing, the capital of the later Jin Dynasty, proclaimed himself emperor in the costume of a Han emperor, and officially changed the name of the country to Liao.
<Note 3> Since the opening of the sea in ancient China, the giraffe was regarded as the ancient mythical beast unicorn.
<Note 4> The name of the official is attached to the Zhongcheng Division of the North Privy Council, and Lin Ya of the South Court is attached to the South Privy Council;
<Note 5> The so-called frontier defense city by the Liao people may not necessarily be on the border.There are many uncivilized tribes in its territory. For example, Zhaozhou is surrounded by uncivilized tribes. Although it is not on the border of the country, it is also called a frontier defense city.
Guangpingdian.
The golden tent of the emperor of the Liao Dynasty is no different from the palace of a party, with Danqi dragon bed, golden drum, ax and axe, all are complete.In order to ensure the light, several skylights were specially opened on the roof of the golden tent, and they were sewn on with transparent glass bought from Dashi, which can even block the wind and snow.At night, all the 120 candlesticks in the tent were lit with Heyang candles filled with ambergris, gifts from the emperor of Song Dynasty. Not only did they illuminate the tent like daytime, but also the scent of ambergris It is a few miles of fragrance, refreshing.
Yelujun, the emperor of Daliao, is now in his prime, and he has ruled the country for fifteen years.In the past fifteen years, he led his army to conquer the east and west, quelled the Yelu Yixin Rebellion, and unified the whole territory.Since then, he has made great efforts to govern internally, appointing talents and appointing talents, lightly punishing the barbarians, and using both soft and hard methods to strengthen the control of various tribes step by step; In the east, Koryo was forced to reclaim his vassal and pay tribute, in the west, he united with Xixia, defeated the Uighurs and Heihan, and plundered countless children of treasures, Daliao cavalry, and even wandered in the territory of Khwarazmo, and in the south, forced the Song Dynasty to pay tribute coins again .Regardless of the name used, in short, it not only made up for the losses brought to the Liao Kingdom by the mutual trade between the two countries, but also because of the vigorous development of the trade of raw slaves and maidservants with the South China Sea vassal states, the richness of the Daliao government treasury is now the result of the great ancestor of the Daliao Dynasty. Unprecedented since the founding of the emperor.
Under his rule, the country has changed from the aging spirit of his father Yelu Hongji's reign. Now it is rich and powerful, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and there is a sign of rejuvenation everywhere.
Not only was the country prosperous, but Yelujun's heirs were also very prosperous. In addition to the crown prince Aguo <Note 6>, Yelujun also gave birth to fourteen sons and nine daughters.Yelu Yanxi, the eldest son of the emperor, who has been formally established as the crown prince, chief minister of the Privy Council of the North and South, minister of orders, and general of the world's soldiers and horses, is now sixteen years old, and there are five or six other children who are over ten years old.Among these children, A Guo is good at literature and martial arts, and has a fatherly style.Last year, Yelujun ordered him to go to Xijing to learn the art of governing the army and the people from Yelvxin. Yeluxin said he was smart and kind, and he was considerate of the soldiers and the people, which made Yelujun feel relieved.In the future, he can choose officials for him with peace of mind and build the East Palace.In this regard, he decided to make some changes based on the Tang system. He had already selected the crown prince, Shaofu, Han Tuogulie from Bohai; the crown prince, Shaobao, should be from Khitan. He was hesitating; the only one who hadn't made up his mind was Prince Shaoshi, and Yelujun wanted to choose a Han Chinese for this position.But these can come slowly.
Ordinarily, for the sake of his role, the emperor should have nothing to ask for except immortality.But Yelujun was taught by Confucianism since he was a child. Not only did he not believe in longevity, he was also the least Buddhist among the emperors of the Daliao Dynasty.
Therefore, everyone thinks that he should enjoy peace in peace, and that after a hundred years, he can also be a virtuous king and live forever.
However, Yelujun always felt that his achievements were not complete.
The thorn in his heart was the Song Dynasty in the south.
He didn't have any ambitions in the universe, but he has been brooding over the things that the Southern Dynasty did to him at the beginning of his ascension to the throne for fifteen years.To some extent, this is also a driving force that urges him to work hard to govern. The Southern Dynasty is constantly growing stronger, so Daliao cannot stop advancing; and when he ascended the throne, when Liao was in civil strife, how did the Southern Dynasty take advantage of the fire to loot, suspend the old currency, and force trade. In the fifteen years since he intervened in Goryeo and renewed the covenant, Yelujun has been thinking about how to repay the Southern Dynasty all the time.
Six years ago, he thought about raising troops to go south, but was dissuaded by his ministers.Most of his important ministers advocated maintaining the relationship with the Song Dynasty.But he finally forced the Song Dynasty to sign a treaty to change the old coins.
This made him feel a little pleasure of revenge.
He accepted Xiao Youdan's suggestion and spared no effort to support Li Bingchang, which not only reaped real benefits, but also re-established a strong neighbor for the Southern Dynasty in the west.
But this is still not happy after all.
The real revenge needs to be like the Empress Dowager Chengtian, who will come to the city with soldiers, and let the Song Dynasty monarchs who think they are rejuvenating, sign another alliance under the city!
Then, he swung his troops eastward to annex Korea, and let the rebellious servants know the fate of rebellion!
After this, there will be a truly permanent relationship between Liao and Song Dynasties.
Like most Khitan people, Yelujun actually had a good impression of the Song Dynasty in his heart.Between the two countries, the north and the south are commensurate, and they will be a brotherly country forever. This is the hope of many Khitan people. Yelujun once read the list of the important officials of the Daliao Dynasty before their death. Before his death, he sincerely asked the emperor to maintain the relationship with the Song There are countless reconciliation memorials.
However, the monarchs and ministers of the Southern Dynasties lacked this generosity.
Fifteen years ago, the fall into trouble needs to be taught a lesson. Only in this way, the people of Song Dynasty will truly accept the existence of Daliao, and the two countries will have a real relationship.
Otherwise, those Song people would never forget the homeland of Youji, these people would never think about it, the land of Youji, Daliao did not take it from the Song Dynasty!In terms of the history of the founding of the country, when the Daliao was founded, the Song Dynasty didn't know where it was!The ancestors of the Khitan received imperial seals from the Tang Dynasty, and they were the vassals of the Tang Dynasty who were serious and honest. In terms of inheriting the legacy of the Tang Dynasty, Daliao is more qualified.If you have to say that the homeland of the Han and Tang Dynasties is not the homeland, didn't those Song people always say that the Khitan was the descendant of the Huns?Shi Qian made it clear that the Xiongnu were the descendants of the Xia people!So are they planning to redefine the boundaries according to the original division of the Han and Hungarian territories?Or do you plan to draw the boundary according to the division between Xia people and Zhou people earlier?
Just as Han Tuogulie said, Daliao needs to let some stubborn Song people know that Daliao is qualified to be called China in terms of legal system and blood!The Liao and Song Dynasties are both Zhu Xia, the people of the Song Dynasty are not qualified to be proud of China, let alone the homeland of the Han and Tang Dynasties for granted!Between the two countries, after the founding of the Song Dynasty, they repeatedly picked quarrels. Fifteen years ago, the Song people took advantage of the fire to loot, all because of this.
However, to make the Song people understand this truth, it is impossible to rely only on the exchange of national letters, and the debate between scribes.People in Song Dynasty now think that they are rejuvenated and powerful, if they don't use force to really blow their arrogance, how can they seriously think about the word "reasonable" in this world?
While Yelujun was thinking, his eyes stayed on a huge screen in the tent, which was built by the Han people in Xijin Mansion imitating the style of the Southern Dynasty, and on it was a general map of all countries and territories.This was secretly brought back to the country by a scholar who was sent to study in the Southern Dynasties. On this map, in addition to the two countries of Song and Liao living in the world, there are also hundreds of countries known so far, except Japan, Korea, Hua In addition to the countries that Yelujun is very familiar with such as Lazimo and Dashi, there are dozens of small barbarian countries to the west of Dashi that he has never heard of. It is said that the drawing is based on the dictation of Dashi.Some people say that because those countries have a thousand-year feud with Dashi, in the mouth of Dashi people, it is a barbaric, ignorant, poor, and extremely uncivilized area.
But in Tuo Gulie's mouth, the theory of the cannibal is extremely unbelievable.Due to the trade of raw slaves and maidservants, there has been close contact between Daliao and the South China Sea princes of the Song Dynasty in recent years.南朝迫於國內壓力，律法嚴禁販賣生口奴婢，雖然根據兩國簽訂的盟約，他們管不著大遼的船隻，也不能拒絕他們入港，但卻又對這些船隻進港補給設立了種種限制，檢查也極為嚴格。結果，絕大多數販賣生口奴婢之船隻，南下之時乾脆繞開南朝，另闢一條航線。他們由大遼的錦州、耀州、蘇州、保州<注七>等地啟航，取道高麗，經日本中轉南下琉球，直接前往麻逸<注八>。因此，作為大遼渤海諸港的中心，東京遼陽府就成了受益最大的地區，因為商旅往來劇增，短短五六年間，遼陽府的人口就增加了近兩成。
南朝的諸侯們並不敵視大遼。為了獲得更多的生口奴婢，各國與大遼之間暗通款曲，他們雖不向大遼稱臣，但是各國諸侯寫給耶律濬的信上，抬頭皆是大遼皇帝闕下，落款全是宋臣某國國公某再拜，仍是表示不敢分庭抗禮之意。每年元旦及耶律濬之生日，諸侯國大多會遣使臣賀禮拜賀，其禮節與高麗無二，行的是屬國之臣禮。
據通事局的報告，這些諸侯們對他的禮節，與對南朝皇帝的禮節完全相同，僅僅低南朝太皇太后一格，這自是理所當然的事情，畢竟宋遼以兄弟相稱，連他耶律濬對南朝太皇太后，國書上也要以晚輩自居。
所以，對於南海諸侯們的動靜，大遼君臣也並不陌生。
拖古烈常常接待各國使臣，據他所言，則大食做的仍然還是轉口貿易，極西的那些蠻夷，才是貿易的終點。所以，南海諸侯們並不甘心由大食人把持貿易通道。他們的目的是自己來控制商路的一切。也因此，拖古烈認為大食人沒有說實話，無論極西諸國是怎樣的情形，但終究不太可能是大食人口中的蠻夷。
現在耶律濬已經知道，商業能夠帶來財富。
雖然契丹人不樂經商，但是大遼還有漢人與渤海人，將來還會包括高麗人。他的國家不太可能與南朝、南海的諸侯們爭奪海道的控制權。他只要看看地圖就知道，那幾乎是不可能的。在海路上，他滿足於與南海諸侯之間的貿易，這已經能給他的國庫前所未有的收入。
但是，在陸路上
耶律濬的視線，自花剌子模往西，緩緩移動。
西邊有土地，有財富，有生口奴婢，還有通往極西各國的商路
這才是耶律濬，大遼皇帝，真正的雄心！
南朝可以在南海封建十九國諸侯，他除了阿果外，還有十四個兒子！
若將固有的國土分封給兒子們，只會削弱大遼的力量，兒子們只會互相攻戰，反而造成大遼的內亂。
但若封得足夠遠呢？
若是比花剌子模還要遠的地方呢？
原本，西邊的土地對他沒什麼用處，即使打下來也無統治。畢竟契丹的根基在東方。但倘若他其餘十四個兒子中，能有幾個英武過人的皇子，他並不介意分點族帳給他們，讓他們去西邊開基創業。
耶律沖哥對他說，李秉常曾經在一幅天下輿圖前，用馬鞭敲著花剌子模與大食的國土，不可一世的說，這些地方，日後全將姓李！
耶律沖哥回答他︰這還要看大遼想不想讓它姓耶律。
這就是今日之契丹！
這就是由他耶律濬重新締造的契丹！
只不過，在做這一切之前，終究必須要徹徹底底的解決南面的問題，正如宋朝最大的外患永遠是大遼，大遼最大的外患，也永遠是宋朝！
即便不提過往的恩怨，如今的南朝也終究是個要解決的麻煩，如若南朝蠢蠢欲動，朝中充滿了好戰的野心家，不肯正視大遼與南朝的平等地位，休說是西征，便是東征高麗，他也得時時刻刻在南京與西京道以重兵留守，一聽到南朝有異動，他就得迅速班師
這一點，整個大遼朝中，惟有耶律信真正明白他的心意。
懲罰蕭佑丹，一方面固然是為了消除未來的隱患，平衡朝中的勢力；另一方面，更是為了給耶律信鋪路。
他心裏早已經決定，要讓耶律信接任北樞密使。
陛下欲伐西虜，必先征高麗；欲征高麗，必先服汴宋。宋自得意河西，常有輕我之心，其君臣覬覦燕薊，非止一日。高麗王氏，本我家奴，以結親於宋，亦陰懷凌主之志。此所謂司馬昭之心，路人皆知。是宋麗不服，吾師西出，則王氏襲我東，宋人躡我南，亡國不旋踵。故臣為陛下謀之，西虜為緩，王氏為急。西虜為遠，王氏為近。陛下得西方之地，終不能守，即行封建，亦非急務。至於高麗，其國雖小，河山千里；人民雖寡，不下百萬。若兼併其國，此秦之並巴蜀，趙之滅代，亦一時霸業之基業。臣謂王氏所恃者，不過宋也。故欲並王氏，必先加兵於宋。不先服宋，則宋必援之，而王氏知有宋援，必死戰，未易勝也。伐宋勝，則南人知懼，宋懼則高麗無援，吾得全力攻伐，彼則君臣動搖，其國易取
耶律信的這封密折，他常常會取出翻閱，記得一字不落。但耶律信除了單獨奏對之外，對任何人都絕不提東征高麗一字。是以天下之日，只知他想伐宋，卻不知道他的深謀遠慮。耶律濬也聽他諫言，朝中軍中，凡有獻取高麗之策者，一概批以荒唐二字，痛加斥責。這幾年，凡有高麗使者至遼，他必特別撫慰，令其不以過往之事為嫌，假意令天下人以為他已經接受高麗現在的局面
為了這一切，他已經暗中準備得太久太久了。
這中間，唯一讓他有點遺憾的是蕭佑丹。蕭佑丹在他的臣僚之中，功績之高無人可比。而且也的確是個難得的人才，對他來說，更是亦師亦父。
只不過，他耶律濬不是劉禪，不需要一個諸葛亮。要想平平常常罷掉這個德高望重的蕭佑丹不是一件容易的事，但如果讓蕭佑丹在北樞密使的位置上再這麼幹下去，就算他支持自己的雄圖霸業，遲早也會真正的尾大不掉，更何況蕭佑丹還堅決反對他對宋朝開戰。
但不管怎麼說，只要蕭佑丹繼續當北樞密使，往好裏說，他就是諸葛亮第二，往壞處想，他未必不會成為趙匡胤第二。但是，他卻既不想當劉後主，也不想讓阿果當劉後主，更不願意做周世宗，屍骨未寒，江山易姓說不得，只能委屈委屈蕭佑丹了。這還真是個難得的把柄，一舉兩得，既可以罷掉蕭佑丹，又有了興兵攻宋的藉口。至於蕭佑丹，再怎麼說，倘若他是真忠臣的話，自然是不會介意用何種形式向他盡忠的。
不過，此事仍然令他感到為難。
真要將蕭佑丹賜死，無論如何，他都有點於心不忍。若要留下他的性命，倘若他心懷怨望，以蕭佑丹之能，即便在野，也能讓朝中不得安寧所謂百足之蟲，死而不僵，何況這蟲還沒死！而且，他還要拿捏朝中各派的分寸，終究不能因蕭佑丹一人，而鬧得朝中紛擾，各成朋黨，交相攻擊。
在這方面，耶律濬不能不羨慕南朝。南朝宰相、樞密使多是文臣，皇帝若要罷免宰相、樞使，比起他來要容易得多，南朝的宰相們在州郡與朝廷中上上下下，也習以為常。因此，南朝皇帝只要不自尋煩惱讓一個武臣去做樞密使，他們有一個莫名其妙的祖宗之，武臣只要做到樞密使，非有大故不能撤罷，那就不會有耶律濬這樣的麻煩。
人性總是很軟弱的。耶律濬曾經指望過蕭佑丹自己請求辭相，為了對天下交待，蕭佑丹力辭，然後他這個皇帝百般挽留，以示不是他容不得功臣，最後蕭佑丹仍然堅持讓賢這樣就皆大歡喜了。但是，即便聰明如蕭佑丹，仍然免不了會貪戀權位，他雖然提出過辭相，但只要耶律濬稍加挽留，他竟然也就繼續留任了！耶律濬直到現在都不是很清楚，究竟蕭佑丹是真的想過辭職呢，還是只是學王安石做做樣子，給他施加壓力
所以，蕭佑丹的確也是讓他失望了。
His Majesty?
Well?近侍直長耶律虎思的稟奏將耶律濬拉回到現實中，有何事嗎？
陛下，南院大王蕭嵐、北院宣徽使馬九哥求見。耶律虎思用契丹話說道，他聽得懂漢話，但平時極少說漢話。
耶律濬不由得皺了皺眉頭，他們來做什麼？今日又不曾宣過他們。
但他知道耶律虎思是不會回答他的撒撥給他選的侍衛，個個都和撒撥一個性子沉吟了一會，命令道︰宣他們進來吧。還有，你讓人去宣耶律沖哥，朕要見他。
yes!
<注六>耶律延禧的小名。
<注七>耀州，今營口；蘇州，今旅順附近；保州，今丹東附近。
<注八>麻逸國，今菲律賓。
馬九哥，你膽子還真不小！耶律濬坐在他的御座上，一面聽著蕭嵐的稟奏，一面陰著臉盯著馬九哥。
雖然一直是低著頭，但是，馬九哥仍然能夠感覺到皇帝的目光落在他身上，他甚至知道皇帝此時的表情是怎樣的，他是耶律濬繼位之初就一手簡拔的官員，追隨他的皇帝已經有十幾年了，這種能力是他能得到皇帝的賞識，十幾年來歷經風浪而始終不倒，反而步步高升的本錢。揣測皇帝的心思，對於馬九哥來說，幾乎是一種本能。
他知道當耶律濬這樣看一個人時，意味著什麼。
他雖然感到自己的臉部肌肉繃得緊緊地，小腿一陣陣的抽搐，幸好此時他是跪在皇帝的面前，衣服會掩蓋這些細節，不會被皇帝發覺。
他瞭解皇帝，所以知道不能讓皇帝察覺他的緊張。
今日之變，的確是他始料未及的。
昨日他甘冒奇險，私見唐康之時，已經知道是瞞不了多久的。但他素與蕭嵐相厚，又知道蕭嵐覬覦北樞密使之位已久，如今蕭佑丹正是失勢之時，大遼朝中人人懼怕蕭嵐，因此他算定在這個時候，絕大部分大臣是不敢輕易下注的。所以，最壞不過是被蕭佑丹的死黨彈劾，不過他們是不可能有多少真憑實據。
但他萬萬沒有料到，竟然會是蕭嵐翻臉不認人！
而且，時間只不過過了短短一個晚上，蕭排亞率人來時，他正與幾個心腹在帳內商議進一步的行動，結果被蕭排亞不由分說，就帶到了南院大王大帳。到了那裏，又被蕭嵐一通質問，然後幾乎被蕭嵐挾持著前來面君。
這一連串的變故，打了馬九哥一個措手不及。
馬九哥非常的瞭解蕭嵐，這個年輕的新貴，最大的本領與自己是一樣的，他們都是最懂得揣摩、迎合皇帝的人。
以他和蕭嵐的關係，這樣翻臉，自然不可能是為了蕭佑丹。
蕭嵐一向是順承耶律濬的旨意行事的，所以，他如果這麼做，只能是因為他知道皇帝並沒有真正想要將蕭佑丹置於死地！
這也正是馬九哥此前所一直擔心的。
這也正是他要冒險的原因。
這是千載難逢的機會，他無論如何，都要置蕭佑丹於死地而後快。
所以，他必須逼得皇帝騎虎難下！
雖然他也計算過退路，報了這不共戴天之仇，若是僥倖不死，他已經暗中聯絡好了一個高麗海商，到時候便設法遠赴南海，以他的才能，在南海諸侯國中，富貴仍是唾手可得
但是，若有必要，即使與蕭佑丹同歸於盡，他也在所不惜！
雖然局面極為不利，雖然心裏有難以克制的慌亂與緊張，但是，他也絕不會就此認輸。
馬九哥心裏很清楚，如今能暫時保住他性命的辦法，只有一個。
他咬咬牙，揚起頭來，望了一臉怒容的皇帝一眼，旋即一面使勁叩著頭，一面放聲哭道︰陛下！臣確無所懼！君父之仇，不共戴天。父死賊手，為人子者卻懵然不知，以仇為親，此匹夫知其辱，何況天子？臣聞主辱臣死，陛下有此奇恥大辱，臣死且不懼，更有何懼？ !唯陛下父仇未報，為天下笑，臣雖死，亦無面目見先帝於九泉之下！
fart!一瞬間，耶律濬的臉色更加難看，他騰地從御座上站起來，怒聲吼道︰馬九哥，你還敢胡說八道！
罪臣萬死！但是陛下！臣已查明，南朝前職方館知事，雲陽侯司馬夢求即是當年衛王引薦給陛下的馬林水！
金帳之內，瞬間死寂。
過了一小會，便聽耶律濬惡狠狠地問︰證據呢？
唐康已經親口承認！馬九哥硬著脖子回道。
但他話音剛落，已聽蕭嵐厲聲喝道︰馬九哥，你敢當面欺君！
馬九哥毫不示弱，馬上頂了回去，罪臣萬死亦不敢欺君！若陛下不信，請召唐康，御前當面對質。臣若欺君，願受車裂之刑！
無非就是一死！
就看皇帝敢不敢將此事鬧得天下皆知！若真能將這風浪掀起來，皇帝一時半會，更不會殺他。
His Majesty!雖然在某種程度上，這是事不關己，但蕭嵐此時仍然是又驚又懼，他這時才真正明白，什麼叫做狗急跳牆，什麼叫做困獸猶鬥！唐康有沒有說過那些話，真相倒不難查明，而皇帝也絕對不會捨不得馬九哥一條小命，但馬九哥仍然不顧一切地挑釁者皇帝
蕭官奴、楊引吉他們是對的，若他果真想要阻止一群瘋狗去咬人，結果只會讓那群瘋狗來咬他自己！
然而，無論如何，他都必須制止住馬九哥這條瘋狗。
His Majesty!馬九哥已是喪心病狂，陛下豈能聽此瘋言狂語，便輕易召見南朝使者，辱及先帝，為天下萬邦所笑
但他話還沒說完，已被馬九哥聲嘶力竭地打斷，陛下，衛王勾結南朝，鐵證如山！
馬九哥一面叩頭如搗蒜般，撞到地面砰砰直響，一面一把鼻涕一把淚地放聲大哭，陛下試想，若非衛賊私通南朝，暗中早有交易，為何我大遼內亂之時，南朝不乘我之弊，反而去攻打西夏？為何五六年之前，南朝疲敝，國內騷然，衛賊使宋覷其虛實，回來反而力陳宋不可伐？為何今日南朝復振便欲毀約，而衛賊卻又敢與朴彥成私定密約？His Majesty!His Majesty!陛下不可再為此賊所欺！
蕭嵐終究還是年輕，馬九哥擺出這不顧一切同歸於盡的架勢，不管三七二十一的攀咬，他一下子竟是舌頭打結，想不出什麼詞來駁斥。
但耶律濬卻早已聽得勃然大怒，放肆！他一掌擊在御案之上，怒聲喝道︰來人！
帳中侍衛立時應聲而出。
耶律濬指著馬九哥，怒道︰將這無父無君的奸賊押出去，送夷離畢<注九>！
陛下馬九哥被幾個侍衛如狼似虎般撲過來，他還要掙扎，耶律濬已是雙眼噴火，又喝道︰把他狗嘴給我塞了！幾個侍衛不由分說，從馬九哥身上撕下一個魚帶，一把塞進他嘴裏，連拖帶拉，拖出帳去。
蕭嵐！耶律濬餘怒未消，又轉向蕭嵐，幾乎嚇得蕭嵐一個哆嗦，臣在！
你立即給朕查清楚，馬九哥究竟還有沒有餘黨？全部抓起來，一個也不要漏掉。耶律濬沉著臉，幾乎是一個字一個字說道︰你聽清楚，朕不想再聽到任何胡言亂語，令先帝九泉之下，不得安生！
領旨！蕭嵐連忙應道，叩頭退了出去。
人在突然陷入絕境之後的愚蠢與瘋狂，往往會令正常人無理解。
離開皇帝的金帳之後，蕭嵐仍禁不住害怕，他一面慶幸自己的果斷，若是給了馬九哥充裕的時間，真不知道他會惹出多大的亂子來無法收拾。而且，這個亂子到時候毫無疑問會被算到他的頭上。搞不好，連皇帝也會疑心是他暗中縱容、唆使。所謂瓜田李下之嫌，有時候的確是有口難辯的。
另一方面，蕭嵐這才算是真正明白蕭官奴、楊引吉們的先見之明。其實，他到現在，仍然無法理解馬九哥為何會做出這麼愚蠢的事情。要脅皇帝？這是蕭嵐想都不敢想的事情。
但他卻不得不來處理這種蠢事。
人人都說他蕭嵐是個沒有堅持的人，但他自己知道，他雖然不是什麼忠臣義士，但還不是那種對大遼的命運完全漠不關心的人，所以如馬九哥所策劃的這一類事情，即使與他利益無關，他也是一定會阻止的。
然而，同時便如蕭官奴、楊引吉們所告誡的，他絕對不能得罪那些與馬九哥站在同一邊的人。
他現在無比認同這一點。
他恍若覺得自己如雜耍藝人一般，正踩在一根懸在高空，又細又長的竹竿之上，須得小心翼翼的維持著平衡，否則，就會摔得粉身碎骨。
<注九>夷離畢，遼國管刑獄之官。
也就是說，韓林牙算對了，咱們應當可以安枕無憂了。
耶律昭遠放下手中的《謀略例說》，抬起頭來。與大部分的契丹人不同，他的帳內，除了一張胡床，一個書案，最明顯的是那幾箱子書籍，全是從南朝或買或抄回來的。
I hope so.和耶律昭遠說話的人坐在他的右下首，長相平凡，從穿著來看似個高麗商人至少他的表面身份如此，這個叫王淳的人，有一個高麗姓氏，能說一口流利的高麗話與契丹話，但耶律昭遠並不是很相信他是個高麗人。
誰都知道高麗商人比宋商更加方便。
大遼皇帝為了能夠表達他對能帶給他豐厚稅收的商賈們的歡迎，每年都會允許一些外國商人到廣平甸與他的臣下貿易，但宋商會受到嚴格的限制，而高麗人則因此受益。他們是大遼最活躍的商人之一，充當著大遼與宋朝、南海諸侯、日本國之間的仲介。
遼麗之間的關係複雜，作為一個曾經長期臣屬於大遼，被大遼視為家奴的國家，即使他們現在倒向南朝一邊，但近百年的糾葛不可能在一夜之間完全切斷。兩國在地理上更加靠近，而高麗如今對大遼至少維持著表面上的臣禮，大遼對高麗亦更加懷柔
因此，大遼的貴戚官員們也不怎麼避諱他們的座上客中，有那麼幾個高麗商人。誰也不會拒絕他們帶來的好處，大遼的契丹貴族，或明或暗，誰不曾賣給過這些高麗人奴婢？誰又不曾從這些高麗人那裏購買過南海奇珍？
不過，這個王淳並不是一個普通的高麗商人。
韓拖古烈需要一些與南朝保持私下溝通的橋樑，但他不便直接出面，於是耶律昭遠與這個王淳，便成為他的橋樑之一。在王淳的背後，站著宋朝駐遼正使朴彥