King of Song

Chapter 529
When Lin Zhao came to the palace in a hurry, he found that Zhao Xu and all the ministers were there, obviously for the letter of credence for the border demarcation of the Liao Kingdom.

Why did you just call yourself here?Before deciding whether to intervene, he has already passively participated in it.Is this the so-called people in the court, can't help themselves?

"Dongyang, what do you think of the Liao envoy's proposal to re-demarcate the borders of Wei, Ying, and Shuo states today?" Zhao Xu seemed to be full of expectations, first avoiding etiquette, and then immediately asked with a smile.

Uh……

Sure enough, Lin Zhao didn't answer immediately, but thought for a while, and said in a deep voice, "I wonder if your majesty and the princes can come to a conclusion? I dare not speak rashly on such a big matter!"

Modesty is necessary!Looking at the current situation, it seems that nothing has been discussed, otherwise, what would Baba be doing in announcing himself into the palace?However, the more you need to be cautious in your words and deeds at this time, you can't be careless and look like you are much better than the prime minister and Hanlin scholars, right?
Zhao Xu said: "Fu Xianggong thinks that the most urgent thing to do is to find out the attitude of the Liao Kingdom. Is it just taking advantage of the fire to loot, or is it deliberately provoking troubles and provoking war?"

"That's right, Dongyang, you have been a diplomatic mission to Liao, and last year you were on business on Hebei Road, not far from the border between Song and Liao. You must know a lot about it. I don't know what you think of it?" Fu Bi looked at Lin Zhao, and there was more in his eyes. Somewhat expected.

Yelujun visited Daming Mansion last year, and although the Song court firmly refused to admit it in the end, the ministers standing here all knew it well.Lin Zhao has had contact with the prince of the Liao Kingdom, and has a better understanding of the situation in the Liao Kingdom, so it seems reasonable to have unique insights.

Lin Zhao thought about it for a while, and said, "I don't think the Liao Kingdom has any intention of invading the south! Presumably it is to take advantage of the drought in our country to take advantage of the fire; secondly, it should be to suppress my Chaopingyan trend."

Before the New Year, there was indeed such a trend in the Great Song Dynasty Hall.Recovering Yanyun and fighting against the Liao Kingdom, the momentum was quite huge for a while.The Taixue students were full of enthusiasm, and their voices were louder than anyone else.But what really worried the Liao Kingdom should be that the descendants of the generals of the Yang family also participated in it. It is said that Yang Wenguang is already formulating a military strategy to regain Yanyun.

Under such circumstances, how could the Liao Kingdom not respond?

"I think that this move is not because the Liao Kingdom wants to send troops south, but just to suppress our dynasty. It can be said that there is a little bit of a warning!" Lin Zhaodao: "However, this also shows that he is strong from the outside and can do nothing in the middle. Not only will he not move Bing, and even a little afraid of our court's determination to fight against Liao Dynasty!

The rebellion between Yelu Chongyuan and Xiao Hujian had dealt a severe blow to the Liao Kingdom, and Yelu Hongji was not a man of great talent and plan, so the short-term focus should be on stabilizing the country. "

This is what Zhao Xu loves to hear the most!Before he knew it, there was a little joy on his face.

Lu Huiqing, who was behind him, said: "Are you sure about Lin Shilang? Although you can't let others' ambition destroy your prestige, military and state affairs can't be trifled with, and you need to be cautious!"

"Hmph, this is my minister's opinion. You still need to follow your majesty's and princes' wishes on this matter. Of course, the opinions of the frontier army and Hebei Road Wenxuan Fushi are also very important." Lin Zhao still showed modesty.

"It should be like this!" Zhao Xu also quite agreed, he certainly wouldn't immediately make a decision just because of what Lin Zhao's family said.

"Then how do we deal with it now?" Shenzhi Zhengshi Han Jiang asked softly, the matter has come out, no matter what the final decision is, it is important to deal with it first.

"Why don't you agree to the Liao Kingdom first, negotiate with them, and stabilize them!"

Sima Guang didn't object to this, but added: "However, we can't lose power and humiliate the country, so that the Song Dynasty will suffer, and we should fight with reason in everything."

"That's natural. It's just who is right to negotiate? This is something that ordinary people can't handle!" Lu Huiqing seemed to say something casually, but her eyes fell on Lin Zhao involuntarily, obviously pointing to something.

This is the reason why he mentioned Lin Zhao. Demarcation of borders is a troublesome matter. According to reason, maintaining territorial sovereignty may provoke disputes between Song and Liao.On the contrary, it may lose power and humiliate the country, which is wrong no matter what, and it is a troublesome job.Whoever let Lin Shilang be unparalleled in eloquence, has experience in negotiating as a diplomatic mission many times, and is familiar with the Liao Kingdom, naturally it is the most suitable.

Sure enough, the eyes of Zhao Xu and the ministers present all fell on Lin Zhao, obviously they were all thinking about it!
Lin Zhao suddenly screamed that something was wrong, a big game of chess was about to start in Bianjing, how could he have the heart to fight for land with the Liao people?Lu Huiqing is uneasy and kind!Just how to excuse it?Unless there is a more suitable candidate.

With a flash of thought in his mind, Lin Zhao suddenly had a flash of inspiration, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I recommend someone!"

Self-recommendation?It seems that this is not the rhythm, Zhao Xu asked: "Who does Dongyang recommend!"

"Shen Kuo, the manager of Yanzhou Prefecture, joins the army!" Lin Zhaodao said, "Your Majesty, Shen Kuo is good at the study of mountains and rivers geography. When I was in the Northwest, I saw him drawing a complete map of the territory of the Song Dynasty. I think he knows the border situation like the back of his hand. Furthermore, Shen Kuo is a stable person with a clear mind, and he will definitely be able to take on this task!"

So what if you are good at eloquence?Determination of the boundary naturally requires specialized personnel, and the study of mountain and river geography is the kingly way.How can I compare with Shen Kuo?Of course, Lin Zhao did not pull Shen Kuo to top the vat out of desperation. It is a fact that he drew the "Picture of Keeping Orders", and Shen Kuo has expertise in this area.I vaguely remember that in the original history, Shen Kuo did have such an experience, and finally succeeded.

As soon as this remark came out, everyone fell into deep thought.Obviously, Shen Kuo's conditions are very suitable, and Zhao Xu is also a little tempted.Only Lu Huiqing was slightly displeased, how could Lin Zhao escape with such an understatement?

It's a pity that just when he wanted to say something more, Zhao Xu nodded and said, "Okay, send an order immediately to let Shen Kuo go to Weizhou to negotiate with the Khitan people!"

"But what if the negotiation fails and the people of Liao make another change? Although Shi Lang Lin has said something beforehand, we can't take it lightly. It's always good to be prepared." Fu Bi is mature and cautious.

Wang Anshi said: "The Xiongzhou frontier army is ready to meet the enemy, and stand ready to guard against the Liao army."

Regarding this matter, Lin Zhao has considered it before and has countermeasures!But should I say it?I have recommended a Shen Kuo to negotiate...

Recommended!Lin Zhao recalled the two words again, and suddenly his heart moved, yes!This is a rare opportunity!

"The defense of the frontier army is necessary. Besides..." Lin Zhaodao: "If the Liao Kingdom can't take care of itself and is restrained, it will naturally be unable to go south."

"Containment? What does Dongyang mean?" Zhao Xu was also moved in his heart, and hurriedly asked.

"Win the third country to contain the Liao country!"

The ministers seem to have come to their senses, how could they forget this one?It's just that Song Xia's relationship is tense, so he can't win over Xi Xia at all?

"Who is it to win over?"

"Korea!" Lin Zhao said, "Gorea borders Liaodong. If Song Dynasty can win over Goryeo, the backyard of Liao Kingdom will be unstable."

Historically, during the period of confrontation between Song and Liao, Goryeo sometimes favored Liao and sometimes Song.But after all, it borders the Liao Kingdom, and only faces the Song Dynasty across the sea. While the Liao Kingdom has a good relationship with each other, it is relatively more pro-Liao.

Lin Zhaodao: "Although Koryo has a close relationship with the Liao Kingdom, it should be more of fear! I heard that the Liao Kingdom intervened in the establishment of an heir in Korea, which made King Hui of Koryo very unhappy. At this time, should we Think about it, how about drawing Goryeo to Da Song's side?"

Everyone's eyes brightened, Goryeo has always had a close relationship with the Central Plains Dynasty.It was only because after the Khitan rose and occupied the north, the relationship between Goryeo and the Song Dynasty gradually weakened.So much so that the monarchs and ministers of the Song Dynasty somewhat ignored this peninsula country and the meaning of its existence!

"Dongyang's plan is very good. If there is Koryo's restraint and Liaodong is unstable, Liao will naturally be powerless to take care of it, let alone become an enemy of Song Dynasty." Zhao Xu clapped his hands and applauded, obviously agreeing with this.

Lin Zhaodao: "It's not just that! Although external restraints are powerful, Koryo is weak after all, and the impact it exerts is only so great. If the so-called internal and external troubles occur together, the Liao Kingdom will also be overwhelmed."

"Where does Liao's internal worries come from?" Han Jiang asked aloud.

"Jurchen and Bohai!" Lin Zhaodao: "Today's Liao Kingdom gave His Majesty a birthday present, those pearls and ginseng, as expected, should have been snatched from the Liaodong Jurchens. Khitan has oppressed Jurchen very much. There must be rebellion. It’s just that Jurchen’s various ministries are loose and weak, and such a rebellious heart has not yet sprouted. If it can be catalyzed, it will give Liao a headache.”

"How to catalyze?"

"Make friends with Korea, and open up trade routes from Dengzhou to Korea, and then to Changbai Mountain. When the things that the Liao people plundered wildly can be sold at a high price in private, can the Jurchens still be docile and obedient?" Lin Zhao smiled in his heart. The economic foundation determines the upper class. Architecture, all the changes throughout the ages have happened in this way.

"Wonderful!"

Everyone also praised it repeatedly. It is a good strategy to set the backyard of the Liao Kingdom on fire by using some commercial means without using a single soldier.

Lin Zhao added: "There are also people from Bohai. Sumo Mohe was also an independent state back then, but was later destroyed by the Liao Kingdom. If they secretly instigated them, can they also make them feel alienated from the Khitan people?"

"Dongyang is really well-informed and talented. It's really a clever plan!" Zhao Xu and all the ministers praised him repeatedly.

Lin Zhao shook his head and said modestly: "No, it's just that I was sent to Liaodong and had contact with the Jurchens. I was rescued by a Jurchen tribe leader, and now his child is adopted in my residence."

Of course Lin Zhao would not tell them that in the original history, it was this child who founded the Kingdom of Jin that ended the Northern Song Dynasty.

As for the idea of ​​motivating the Bohai people, it came from the conversation between Han Qi and Yelu Jun.Speaking carefully, it seems that I have to thank Mr. Han, who is an official at home, and the clever prince of Liao!
(End of this chapter)