Moma Liangshan

Chapter 199 A Highly Respected Official, a Subject of Guilt

When Wang Hao's fleet docked at Dagu Port, Yelü Boge, the garrison commander of Nanjing, personally greeted them at the pier as usual. However, this time he was no longer the highest-ranking among them, because the imperial uncle, Yelü Chun, had also arrived. Yelü Chun was nearly sixty years old, renowned for his virtue, and held immense prestige within the imperial family. Years ago, Yelü Zhangnu, taking advantage of Emperor Tianzuo's northward campaign to quell a rebellion, disregarded the overall situation and forcibly enthroned Yelü Chun. Emperor Tianzuo was forced to withdraw his troops, and the Jurchens seized the opportunity to launch a fierce attack, resulting in the near annihilation of 700,000 Liao soldiers. After Yelü Zhangnu's defeat and death, Yelü Chun was banished from Shangjing and appointed Left Chancellor of Nanjing Circuit.

Yelü Chun watched the vast fleet slowly enter the harbor and said, "I wonder when the Song Dynasty started having such elite troops?" Yelü Boge appeared very respectful and said, "Uncle, you worry too much. The ships are all elite troops of the Liao Dynasty, not Song soldiers!" Yelü Chun shook his head and said, "Without these ships, the coastal areas would be a dead end, but with these ships, the vast ocean is a smooth road. These dozens of large ships are enough to exchange for 30,000 elite troops!" Yelü Boge was very optimistic and said, "It is said that Wang Hao is only a..." "A seventh-rank county magistrate, but in the Liao Dynasty, the Emperor has bestowed upon him the high position of Governor of Tokyo, and also the title of Duke of Bohai!" Yelü Chun countered, "So you think he's loyal to the Liao Dynasty?" Yelü Boge said, "These dozens of ships are a significant naval force even in the Song Dynasty!" Yelü Chun nodded and said, "The strength Wang Hao has displayed so far is almost that of a king or marquis. Don't you find that incredible?" Upon this revelation, Yelü Boge suddenly realized and said, "Could it be that Wang Hao is hiding something?"

Yelü Chun shook his head and said, "He is an outsider invited by Her Highness the Princess, and he is also the Prefect of Tokyo and Duke of Bohai, personally appointed by the Emperor. How can I, a guilty official, criticize him!" Yelü Boge quickly said, "Uncle, you are highly respected. Back then, it was Yelü Zhangnu who threatened the lives of the royal family. What wrong have you done? Besides, the Emperor has still entrusted you with the heavy responsibility of guarding Nanjing!" Yelü Chun sighed and said, "Her Highness the Princess should disembark now. Let's go forward to greet her!"

Wang Hao and the princess of Shu boarded the dock one after the other, and then walked almost side by side, showing no distinction of rank. Yelü Zhangnu watched this with a complex expression. When the princess of Shu approached, he bowed and called out, "This sinful subject Yelü Chun pays his respects to the princess of Shu!" The princess of Shu was greatly surprised and quickly stepped forward, helping Yelü Chun up while anxiously asking, "Why is Grand Uncle doing this?" Yelü Chun sighed and said, "If I hadn't helplessly watched Yelü Zhangnu rebel back then, how could His Majesty have been defeated, and how could the Liao Dynasty have suffered this calamity today?" Whenever this matter was mentioned, the Khitans were filled with sorrow. The princess of Shu could not hide her sobs and said, "The fault of what happened back then does not lie with Grand Uncle. I believe that our ancestors will surely bless Father Emperor and restore the Liao Dynasty!" Wang Hao stood aside, slightly embarrassed. After a moment, he looked at Yelü Boge, and then shifted his gaze to the Liao soldiers still on the ship. Yelü Boge understood and whispered, "The soldiers on the ship have not yet disembarked!" The Shu princess calmed herself down, then suddenly turned around, waved her hand, and shouted, "Disembark!" The soldiers received the order and lined up to disembark.

At this moment, Yelü Chun looked at Wang Hao and said, "You must be the Duke of Bohai?" Wang Hao replied, "I am indeed Wang Hao!" Yelü Chun said, "Many thanks to Young Master Wang for helping the Liao Dynasty in its time of crisis!" After speaking, he cupped his hands in thanks. Wang Hao also quickly returned the gesture, saying, "Left Prime Minister, there's no need for such formalities. I haven't lost out on this deal!"

This was the first meeting between Wang Hao and Yelü Chun. Yelü Chun was quite surprised by Wang Hao's answer, saying, "Young Master Wang says this is business?" Wang Hao smiled slightly and said, "Business between the nation and its people!" Yelü Chun stared intently at Wang Hao, gritting his teeth, and said, "To manipulate the life and death of my Khitan people with such ease, Young Master Wang truly has audacity!" Wang Hao shook his head and said, "The Left Prime Minister misunderstands. I have come for peace!" Yelü Chun didn't believe him, saying, "Your fleet has come in overwhelming numbers, yet you only seek peace? How can I believe you?" Wang Hao remained composed and said, "First, my fleet did not invade rashly, but came at the invitation of the Liao Emperor to transport soldiers from Liaodong. Second, I have been granted the title of Duke of Bohai, and can freely dock at any coastal location without interference from anyone. Third, I will be mining coal and iron in Pingzhou and Luanzhou, and I request the Left Prime Minister's full assistance." In later generations, this would be considered a blatant unequal treaty, but for Emperor Tianzuo at this moment, it was akin to a lifeline. Yelü Chun was so wary of Wang Hao because his actions were based on the overall interests of the Khitan people, rather than the personal interests of Emperor Tianzuo.

As the soldiers gradually disembarked, the Princess of Shu asked, "How is the battle situation in Shangjing?" Yelü Chun, looking worried, replied, "The Jurchen offensive is fierce. In the past month, they have launched at least twenty attacks, but all have been repelled by His Majesty." The Princess of Shu frowned and asked, "What about the casualties?" Yelü Chun, feeling nauseous, said, "I don't know!" The Princess of Shu pressed, "Why don't you know?" Yelü Chun replied, "His Majesty has kept the four gates tightly closed, not allowing any reinforcements to enter the city. Even the two armies led by Yelü Dashi and Xiao Yu are stationed outside the city!" The Princess of Shu asked, "Why doesn't Father allow reinforcements to enter the city?" Yelü Chun sighed and said, "His Majesty ordered all commanders to deploy outside Shangjing to fight the Jurchen rebels..." "Let's fight to the death!" Wang Hao, having been to Shangjing and understanding its terrain, asked, "Does the Left Prime Minister think His Majesty's actions are inappropriate?" Yelü Chun looked at Wang Hao with hostility and said, "Lord Wang should be well aware of the Jurchen soldiers' bravery. In a field battle, what are the Liao's chances of victory?" Wang Hao calmly replied, "I don't know the odds of victory in a field battle, but one thing is very clear: if 300,000 men are holed up inside Shangjing, they will only perish!" The Shu princess instantly understood and said, "It's not about scarcity but about inequality. At this time, Father cannot show favoritism. Since we can't let everyone enter the city, we can only have everyone defend outside!" Yelü Chun, blinded by a single leaf, said, "I'm old!"

Wang Hao, not wanting to waste time, said, "The soldiers are exhausted from the journey and cannot march immediately. In my opinion, let them rest for a day and set off the day after tomorrow!" The princess of Shu did not hesitate and said, "Okay!" Wang Hao looked at Yelü Boge and asked, "Are there any empty tents?" Yelü Boge replied, "Yes!" All the troops stationed in Nanjing Road had been taken north by Yelü Dashi to defend the king, so many of the original tents were naturally empty.