Meishan Su family, Su Yun is the most virtuous

Chapter 378 Peace Talks!

Li Binglin and Su Yun finalized the details of the cooperation and agreed to arrange for their confidants to come over for detailed discussions, and then they rushed back to Longzhou overnight.

A military state like Longzhou would naturally have its gates closed at night, but who was Li Binglin? He was a prince of the royal family and the head of the Western Xia delegation. His power was not weak, so he could naturally open the city gates.

A small side door was opened at the city gate, and Li Binglin and his entourage entered. Unexpectedly, as soon as they walked out of the city tower, they saw several riders holding lanterns on the side, as if they had been waiting for a long time.

When Li Binglin took a look, his heart sank: it was Liang Yiyan.

Liang Yiyan is the brother of Liang Yibu, and was the person planted by the Liang family in the delegation to monitor Li Binglin.

Liang Yiyan only laughed and said, "Your Majesty, you are back from outside the city so late. What have you been doing?"

Li Binglin pulled the reins and urged the horse to pass by Liang Yiyan, leaving behind a sentence: "Where the king goes is none of your business."

Liang Yiyan felt the cold wind blowing from Li Binglin and his men as they galloped past, laughed loudly, and shouted to Li Binglin: "Prince Jin! I will record your trip tonight in the itinerary. If anything really happened, today's incident will definitely be reported to the officials in the court. You can't escape!"

Li Binglin didn't even turn his head when he heard this, but he gritted his teeth and cursed in a low voice: "This damn Liang family!"

The confidant whispered, "Should we kill him? If the prince wants to kill him, just tell the Suide Army and they will make arrangements. Then a group of hundreds of horse bandits can kill this bastard directly!"

Li Binglin was a little moved when he heard this, but then he shook his head and said, "Forget it, we can't make things complicated. Besides, he has to be by my side when we go to the Song court, otherwise it will be inappropriate for me to be alone."

Although Liang Yiyan was his subordinate, he was also very domineering on weekdays and did not take Li Binglin seriously, which made Li Binglin want to kill him.

But he also knew in his heart that even without Liang Yiyan, there would be people like Liang Yiting and Liang Yiyuan around.

Moreover, if there were no Liang members present when they went to the Song court to negotiate peace, the outcome of the negotiations would be questionable.

Haha, he is definitely going to cause some big trouble this time. Without the Liang family’s people, it would be difficult to explain when the time comes.

Hehe, this time they reached a cooperation intention with the Suide Army, and Su Jinglie talked to him briefly about the approximate profit after the cooperation. That amount made Li Binglin make a decision - the Suide Army must survive, and survive well!

Therefore, this negotiation with the Song court must not allow the Song court and Western Xia to truly reach a cooperation, but must also involve the three parties in order to reduce the pressure on the Suide Army.

However, this direction will certainly cause objections within the Western Xia court, so Liang Yiyan must share the responsibility, as it is not easy for him to handle it alone.

In the spring of the fourth year of Yuanyou.

The Western Xia delegation arrived in Bian Jing.

The Western Xia delegation received a relatively warm welcome, and the Song Dynasty sent Zhao Xie, the Deputy Privy Councilor, to participate in the negotiations.

Zhao Xie's path to being promoted to Deputy Privy Councilor was somewhat similar to Su Yun's. Both were promoted from the Generalissimo of Fuyan Road. It was precisely because he had served in the northwest and was considered to be knowledgeable about northwestern affairs that he was sent to preside over this negotiation.

The deputy at this time was the Chief Censor Liu Zhi. Liu Zhi had been demoted to a local place before. Later, the Su Xuehui was labeled as a rebel, which affected many people. Liu Zhi and other members of the Shuo Party were recalled.

With a Deputy Privy Councilor and a Chief Censor, this negotiation lineup is indeed not weak.

However, the negotiations reached a deadlock right from the start.

As soon as Zhao Xie came up, he said, "Your Excellency, our Song Dynasty has always valued peace and has no intention of being an enemy of Xixia for a long time.

After years of fighting, both countries have suffered heavy losses, the people have been displaced, and the fields have been left barren. This is not what the monarchs and subjects of our two countries wish to see.

We, the Great Song, know that Xixia is rich in fine horses, furs, and natural treasures.

Our Great Song Dynasty is famous throughout the world for its gorgeous silk, fragrant tea, and exquisite porcelain.

If the two countries stop fighting and reopen trade, your people can get the fine products of our Song Dynasty and improve their quality of life;

Our Great Song Dynasty can also obtain your country's special products, enrich our military, share what we have, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

Moreover, a peaceful border is beneficial to both countries.

Soldiers no longer need to shed blood, and the people can live and work in peace. Our Song Dynasty is full of sincerity and is willing to join hands with Xixia to demarcate the border and establish friendship forever, replacing the cruelty of war with the prosperity of trade. What do you think? "

When Li Binglin heard what Zhao Xie said, his face straightened, he raised his head slightly, and said in a tone that left no room for doubt: "Since Lord Zhao is willing to negotiate peace, we in Daxia have also been looking forward to peace for a long time.

However, looking back on the past, the Song Dynasty repeatedly sent troops to invade our territory and launched rude wars, causing the people of Great Xia to suffer greatly.

The Hehuang region is rich in water and grass, and has been the place where the herdsmen of Daxia have grazed their livestock for generations. The people have settled down here and have multiplied endlessly.

In the Mizhi area, there are thousands of miles of fertile fields, and countless Daxia farmers work hard in the fields, relying on them for their livelihood.

The Song Dynasty occupied it without reason, forcing countless people of Western Xia to leave their homes and become displaced. The fields were deserted and there were starving people everywhere. How could we, the people of Western Xia, easily forget such suffering!

Now that we are negotiating peace, the Song Dynasty wants to stop fighting to show its sincerity and return Hehuang. In addition, it is imperative that all areas north of Anjiang Village, Pingqiang Village, Yan'an Prefecture, and Yanchuan be returned to our Great Xia.

These two places were originally the property of Great Xia. Only by returning them intact to Zhao can we calm the resentment of the people of Great Xia and heal the pain of the past.

Moreover, the Song Dynasty's conquests over the years have caused immeasurable losses to our Great Xia. Whether it is the decline of people's livelihood or the damage to the economy, it will take time to recover.

In order to compensate for the losses suffered by Daxia, the Song Dynasty should increase the annual tribute.

Pig iron is vital to the military and people's livelihood of Western Xia. Every year, the Song Dynasty needs to give Western Xia a certain amount of pig iron for trade.

In this way, the Song Dynasty's sincerity in seeking peace can be demonstrated and a solid foundation can be laid for long-term peace between the two countries.

If the Song Dynasty can agree to these conditions, Xixia is willing to join hands with the Song Dynasty to build peace, put an end to war, and let the people of both countries share a peaceful and prosperous era. "

After these words were spoken, not only Zhao Xie and Liu Zhi's faces changed drastically, but even Liang Yiyan looked a little surprised.

According to Li Binglin, the demand for the return of the Hehuang area is actually normal, but the demand for the return of all the areas north of Anjiangzhai, Pingqiangzhai, Yan'an Prefecture, and Yanchuan to Western Xia is really an outrageous demand.

If the division is carried out according to what Li Binglin said, then basically most of the Bao'an Army, most of the Yan'an Prefecture, and areas including the Suide Army are all included!

That doesn't just mean returning the lost land to Western Xia, but also cutting off a large piece of territory from the Song Dynasty!
Moreover, Li Binglin also proposed to increase the annual tribute and even demanded pig iron. The annual tribute was fine, but pig iron was a strategic material. Although some people secretly traded it at the border, the Song Dynasty strictly prohibited it! In other words, Li Binglin's request can basically be summarized as follows: he not only wanted the Song Dynasty to cede land and pay compensation, but also wanted the Song Dynasty to provide strategic materials to Xixia to develop its armaments!

This request was unbearable even for old party members like Zhao Xie and Liu Zhi. Even if they wanted to give up the land conquered by Emperor Shenzong during the Xining period, it was limited to returning the land at that time. But if they followed Li Binglin's proposal, they would have to cede land!

Zhao Xie was furious, but he tried to remain calm. He clenched his fists and spoke slowly, with a hint of sternness in his tone: "Your Majesty, your words are beyond my expectation.

There is still controversy about the Hehuang area, but when it comes to Anjiang Village, Pingqiang Village, and even the area north of Yan'an Prefecture and Yanchuan, these are all places that our ancestors of the Song Dynasty have managed for generations. The people were born and raised here, so how can we give them up at will? "

He paused for a moment, stared at Li Binglin with a sharp gaze, and raised his voice: "If you trace back carefully, many of the so-called 'inherent lands' mentioned by Your Highness have been incorporated into the Central Plains during the Han and Tang Dynasties. After hundreds of years, they have long been an inseparable part of China.

Our Great Song has inherited the orthodox tradition and is governing and pacifying the people here. How can we give up such a large piece of our territory just for a temporary peace agreement?

This not only concerns the dignity of our Great Song Dynasty, but also the trust of the people of the world in the court!
Furthermore, regarding the increase in annual tribute, the Song Dynasty has already made a lot of efforts over the years to maintain peace on the border.

The original intention of the annual tribute was to contribute to the friendship between the two countries, not to become a heavy burden on our Song Dynasty. Now that the prince has asked for a substantial increase, it is difficult to agree.

As for pig iron, it has great strategic significance and is related to the national defense security of our Great Song Dynasty.

Although private transactions existed, they were strictly prohibited by the imperial court out of considerations for national security.

If we openly agree to your request, these pig irons will be cast into weapons and pointed at the soldiers and civilians of the Song Dynasty. Has your Majesty ever thought about the consequences?"

Zhao Xie took a deep breath, calmed down his emotions, and spoke in a slightly slower but still firm tone: "Your Majesty, the purpose of the peace talks should be for the two countries to recuperate and coexist peacefully.

The Song Dynasty was willing to treat the Western Xia with sincerity, make certain concessions in areas such as mutual trade and border management, and seek a path to peace with the Western Xia.

However, the demands of ceding such a large territory, significantly increasing annual tribute and providing strategic materials are beyond what the Song Dynasty can bear.

I hope His Majesty can reconsider and propose more reasonable peace terms for the benefit of the people of both countries."

Li Binglin sneered upon hearing this and said, "It's okay, just take your time to think about it.

What we cannot get at the negotiation table, we will naturally get back on the battlefield. Let's leave it at that for today. I am still tired from the journey. Let me rest for a while, and then we can talk again."

Having said that, Li Binglin swaggered out, leaving behind Liang Yiyan with a meaningful look and Zhao Xie and Liu Zhi with grim faces.

Liang Yiyan slowly stood up and walked out.

Zhao Xie and Liu Zhi looked at each other and both sighed.

It is a turbulent time, with rebels at home and powerful enemies outside. It is too difficult for the Song Dynasty!

Liu Zhi shook his head and said, "Let's go and report to the gentlemen and see how to deal with it."

However, Liang Yiyan followed Li Binglin into the Sifang Pavilion after he left the house. After sending away the strangers, Liang Yiyan asked, "Prince Jin, you made such an excessive request. Are you trying to disrupt the peace agreement?"

Li Binglin sneered, took off his cloak slowly, threw it on a chair beside him, and glanced at Liang Yiyan: "Destroy the peace agreement? Humph, I am just fighting for the rights and interests that Daxia deserves.

The Song Dynasty occupied our Hehuang, Mizhi and other places, causing our people to be displaced. Now we ask them to return some land, increase the annual tribute, and provide some pig iron. Is that too much?"

Liang Yiyan frowned, took a step forward and said, "Your Majesty, although that is true, your request is beyond the acceptable range of the Song Dynasty.

If the peace talks fail and the two countries go to war again, what good will it do to Daxia?
Moreover, there are many voices in the court who advocate peace. If the peace talks fail due to your actions, I am afraid you will have a hard time explaining it to everyone."

Li Binglin walked to the table, picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and said with a somewhat sarcastic look, "Liang Yiyan, if Liang Guoxiang heard what you said, do you think he would remove you from the Liang family tree?

This alliance with Tubo to attack Song was Liang Guoxiang's plan, and now you are trying to speak for those who are negotiating peace?"

Liang Yiyan shook his head and said, "The Prime Minister only wants to take back the land, not to fight the Song Dynasty to the death. If we can get it back through negotiation, it will naturally be a great thing.

But the prince's request is really excessive. If we can force the Song Dynasty to submit, it will be a great achievement, but if..."

"What if it doesn't work?"

Li Binglin suddenly put the teacup down heavily, causing some tea to spill out, "This peace agreement is not that easy to reach.

The Song Dynasty now has the traitor Su Yun at home and the Great Xia and Liao Kingdoms surrounding it outside, so they don't want to go to war easily.

The king made these demands only to test their bottom line. If the Song Dynasty is truly sincere in peace talks, it will make concessions;
If they are unwilling, it only means that they have no sincerity in making peace with Daxia."

Liang Yiyan thought to himself that although Li Binglin's move seemed reckless, it might actually have other meanings.

He continued to probe: "Your Majesty, in your opinion, where will this peace agreement go in the end?"

Li Binglin looked out the window, his eyes revealing a hint of cunning: "Whether the peace talks are successful or not, it will be of use to me. If the peace talks are successful, Daxia will gain some benefits;
If the peace talks fail and the two countries go to war, and we, Daxia, join forces with Tubo, the Song Dynasty will certainly not be able to resist and will eventually have to return to the negotiation table, and we will still be able to get what we deserve.

As for the Song Dynasty, if they really think that they can settle the issue by ceding some land and paying more tribute, they are totally wrong. "

Liang Yiyan heard the hidden meaning in Li Binglin's words and couldn't help but look at Li Binglin deeply. He felt a little uneasy.

He has been a partner with Li Binglin for quite some time and knows that Li Binglin is no ordinary person. However, he is now gradually coming to the fore in the court and showing his shrewd side.

If such a person were to oppose the Liang family in the future, the situation in the court would become even more complicated.

But this was not the time to fall out with Li Binglin. He nodded and said, "This peace negotiation is of great importance. I hope Your Majesty will act with caution and not bring unnecessary trouble to the court."

Li Binglin waved his hands and said impatiently: "Alright, you can leave. I know what's going on. Remember, don't disclose what happened today, otherwise, don't blame me for being rude."

Liang Yiyan shook his sleeves and left the room, but he was thinking about how to inform Liang Yibu about this as soon as possible so that he could take early action.

Li Binglin looked at Liang Yiyan with disgust, secretly hating him in his heart. This man was like a thorn in the flesh, always watching him like this. If he didn't have other plans this time, he should have used a trick to kill him when he returned!

It’s just a pity that I have to use him again this time!
(End of this chapter)