Chapter Twenty-Four: The Secret Envoy Arrives

  Ma Zheng didn't say a word. He turned his head and glanced at his son before asking Zhi Shan, "Do you know why I'm in Dengzhou this time?"

  Zhi Shan shook his head. Ma Zheng's face revealed a hint of a pleased smile: "This time, I have received an imperial edict to go to Liaodong to meet with the Jurchen chieftain, to discuss old friendships and ask for permission to sell horses according to the old rules since the founding of our country. If the Master is willing, you can come along with us!"

  Zhi Shan heard the words and was taken aback for a moment, then he was overjoyed and hastily replied: "If so, that's great! Is there anything else I should pay attention to?"

  "That's all the leader of the delegation needs to say, no need for more words!" As he said this, Ma Zheng gave him a meaningful glance.

  "This poor monk naturally understands!" Zhi Shan laughed, but for some reason, a subtle worry arose deep within his heart.

  Since it was settled, Ma Zheng called the children to eat, and the three of them ate until they were full. They returned to the dock. The next morning, a group of people set off from the sea and headed in the direction of Liaodong. Along the way, all kinds of hardships are not mentioned. On the ninth day of the intercalary ninth month that year, the group finally arrived at the coast of Liaodong. As soon as Ma Zheng landed, he was discovered by the patrolling Jurchen soldiers. The Jurchen soldiers took away their belongings and even tried to kill them. Under the repeated pleas of translator Gao Yaoshi, the Jurchen soldiers escorted the group for seven or eight days before arriving at the residence of Jin master Wanyan Aguda.

  At this time, Wanyan Aguda had already proclaimed himself emperor and established the system of governance. In accordance with the old Jurchen customs, he set up the system of seven "Bogile" below him, forming the highest power center under the emperor. They were Wuqimai (later Jin Taizong), Sajia (Aguda's uncle, originally the national minister), Cibu (Aguda's cousin), Xieyao (Aguda's brother), Alilun (Aguda's uncle), Zhanhan (Sajia's son), and Wulu (Aguda's cousin). At that time, the Jurchen nation was still in its early stages, and many of the original tribal democratic customs were preserved. In the tribal period, when encountering major difficulties, the elders would sit on the ground, use their fingers to draw on the dusty earth, and discuss matters. The Bogile system was similar to this. Although Wanyan Aguda was the emperor, he still had to discuss important matters with these Bogiles in a nearly equal attitude. Later, as the Jurchen-Liao war expanded, the Jin dynasty had to appoint these influential Bogiles as commanders-in-chief, commanding armies thousands of miles apart. This gradually formed an unmanageable situation. During Wanyan Aguda's lifetime, things were still under control, but after his death, his brother Wuqimai (Jin Taizong) did not have the same prestige. The Jurchen people's original tribal democratic customs still existed, and this situation became more severe. In a sense, the conquest of Liao was intended to eliminate these powerful military nobles through the Northern Song dynasty, but it didn't work out as planned.

  Wanyan Aguda was delighted to learn that the Song Dynasty had taken the initiative to form an alliance with him, as he had already defeated the Liao army several times. However, compared to the vast territory and population of the Liao Empire, which outnumbered the Jurchen people by more than ten times, the power of the Jurchen people was much weaker. Since there had been no diplomatic contact between the Song and Jin dynasties before, they did not understand each other and needed to leave room for maneuver. Moreover, the officials sent by the Song Dynasty were only two low-ranking officials without a national letter. Aguda did not understand this point, as he was still in the primitive society and could not comprehend the complex political struggles on the court of the Northern Song Dynasty. Before winning a comprehensive victory, even the emperor dared not to openly send envoys to form an alliance with the Jurchen people. The reason why Ma Zheng and his entourage did not bring a national letter and visited in secret was not to guard against the Liao people, but rather to guard against the mouths of the pro-peace ministers on the court. Therefore, Aguda did not meet the envoys personally, but instead sent his minister Han Yanhui, who was known for his wisdom, to receive them and asked indirectly about the reason for the Song Dynasty's sending of envoys.

  The Lianhua River bank is where Jin Ting resides.

  At that time, the Jin people had just established their country and were still living in simple houses made of earth and wood. The only difference was that theirs were slightly more solid and larger. Even paint was a rare luxury. After Ma Zheng's group arrived, they were placed in a house in a mountain valley, with soldiers stationed outside to guard them. They were not allowed to leave without permission, effectively under house arrest. However, every two or three days, high-ranking Jin officials would come to visit and inquire about their well-being, and they did not lack food, clothing, or warmth.

  "Master, from the day we landed on the upper shore, today is already the twenty-second day, isn't it?" Ma Zheng stroked his chin whiskers and asked in a low voice.

  "Not bad, it's been fourteen days here too!"

  "These days, it's just that sticky fellow who comes to ask questions and chat, without even getting a response, let alone seeing the face of the master Ah Gu Da. What do you think the Jin people are planning?"

  "I suppose they haven't quite figured out our true nature yet, but I'm sure we'll have a detailed discussion in a few days!" Zhishan replied with a somewhat uncertain tone.

  "Hmm!" Ma Zheng nodded, but judging from his worried and anxious expression, he didn't seem to have much confidence in it either.

  A moment later, Ma Zheng looked around and asked in a low voice: "Master Chan, what do you think of this female Zhenren?"

  Zhi Shan heard the words and was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood Ma Zheng's meaning. After a slight pause, he replied: "Half joy and half worry!"

  "What is joy? What is sorrow?"

  "You and I have seen the women of the Jurchen people all along the way, whether they are nobles or commoners, they are all skilled in archery and horse riding. Even women and children can ride horses and shoot arrows with bows, this is nothing to be surprised about." Speaking to this point, Zhishan stood up and walked to the door, pointing to a distant place and asked: "Brother Ma, do you know whose residence is over there?"

  Ma Zheng looked in the direction that Zhi Shan pointed to, and all he saw was a four or five courtyard house on the sunny side of the mountain slope. It didn't look any different from other houses, except that there was a flat area of several mu in front of the house with more flags. He shook his head and asked: "I wonder who lives here?"

  Zishan sighed and said: "I learned from the Liao slave who delivered our meals these past few days that this is indeed the residence of Wanyan Aguda!"

  "Ah?" Ma Zheng was taken aback and asked: "Really? He is the monarch of a country, how can he live in such a house?"

  "Ah!" Zhi Shan nodded and pointed to the highest flag in front of the courtyard, saying: "That is the great banner of Wanyan Aguda. If he leads his troops on an expedition, that great banner will also follow him, it's absolutely unmistakable."

  Ma Zheng widened his eyes and carefully examined the large flag. Although he couldn't understand the foreign text on it, the patterns, designs, and shape of the flag were clearly superior to others. He knew that Zhi Shan's words were true, and he couldn't help but sigh as he returned to the house and sat down.

  "Brother Ma, the Western Rong and Northern Di were born outside the borders, they followed the water and grass to live, they were accustomed to hardship and skilled in riding and shooting. This is also a common thing. But like the Jurchen people, who are all straightforward and honest, you and I have been dealing with each other for decades on the five roads of Shaanxi and the Qingtang tribes, have we ever seen anyone like that?"

  Ma Zheng thought for a moment, and finally reluctantly shook his head. Indeed, at that time the Qiang people of Qingtang had already entered class society for a long time, and there was a huge gap between the rich and the poor in the tribe, with some even more extreme than within the Western Army itself. Many of the vassal soldiers in the Western Army were from the Qiang people of Qingtang, so how could Ma Zheng not know?

  "When both sides are equal, there will be fewer complaints. With simplicity and sincerity, one can win the war. The Jurchen people, with a small tribe of over 10 million households, were able to defeat several major countries in just a few years, shaking the northeast, which is not accidental!"

  Speaking to this point, Zhishan turned around and said in a low voice: "In my opinion, if they are friends, it's a good thing; but if they are enemies, it's terrifying. When making an agreement with the Jurchen people, one must be careful to guard against them secretly, while being faithful to their promises on the surface, so as not to give them an excuse. After the destruction of Liao, we should send beautiful jade and precious things to confuse their minds, soften their bones, and separate their upper and lower classes. Only then can our China obtain peace!"

  Ma Zheng nodded after hearing Zhi Shan's words: "What the Zen master said is very true, but you and I are of low status and our words carry little weight. I'm afraid those in higher positions may not listen!"

  Just as they were about to answer, a loud announcement suddenly came from outside. The two of them knew that it was Zhu Xian who had arrived and hurriedly stood up to greet him. But what they saw was different from usual - Zhu Xian's face was full of smiles, and he brought with him two attendants, rushing into the house in high spirits, asking: "Have you been comfortable staying here these past few days? Has there been anything lacking in your food or drink?"

  Ma Zheng and Zhi Shan exchanged a glance, clasped their hands together in greeting, and said: "Thank you, Lord Muye Boluo (the title of the Khan) for your concern. We have lacked nothing here, and we are living comfortably. When can we pay our respects to Your Majesty?"

  "Our master is not here at the moment!" Zhan Han smiled: "Besides, you haven't brought any national documents, what's the use of seeing our master?"

  "The emperor of the Great Song has heard that your country has captured more than 50 cities from the Khitan, and wishes to renew the old friendship with your country and purchase war horses. The Khitan is now in a state of heavenly wrath and human resentment, and our dynasty intends to launch a punitive expedition to rescue the suffering people. We wish to join forces with your country to deal with Liao. Although this envoy has not brought a formal letter from the emperor, the emperor has orally instructed us to come to your country for discussion first. If you agree, there will certainly be an official envoy bringing a formal letter here later!"

  Zhan Han listened to Ma Zheng's words, a sly smile flashed across his face, and he asked: "All of these are just what you said, as the saying goes, sound passes through the forest like water flowing in a river, leaving no trace. So, why should I believe that what you say is true?"

  "The sea is treacherous, and we don't know your country's sincerity. The treaty between our two countries is a big deal. We brought the national letter on our first visit, if it falls into the hands of the Liao people, wouldn't that ruin everything?"

  "This you can rest assured, I, Taizong of Jin, have a deep-seated hatred for the Khitan people. If we do not destroy Liao, I swear I will not stop!" Jurchen replied resolutely. There was another layer of meaning in Ma Zheng's words that had not been expressed. If they had brought the letter of alliance to attack Liao on their first meeting, the Jurchen side could have used this as a bargaining chip to force Liao to make greater concessions. At that time, Song would have fallen into the predicament of facing the wrath of Liao alone. Therefore, the Song side could only form an alliance with Jin if they were certain that Jin would not negotiate with Liao.