Chapter 333 Wanyan Zongyi’s compromise
In the dark night, Wanyan Zonghan led a hundred thousand defeated soldiers to escape hastily from the north gate of Yanjing. Their steps were quick and panicked, hoping to escape from this hell that had become as soon as possible.
Suddenly, dust flew up ahead, and the army led by Wang Zaixing appeared in sight. Wanyan Zonghan's heart sank, secretly thinking that it was not good, he thought he was doomed this time.
However, to his surprise, Wang Zaixing's army did not pursue it with all its strength. They just fired a few symbolic arrows and then stopped attacking. Wanyan Zonghan took the opportunity to lead the remaining soldiers and fled to Yanmen Pass.
"It seems that Zhao Yingluo doesn't want to kill everyone." Wanyan Zonghan thought to himself, and at the same time he breathed a sigh of relief. Although the escape was embarrassing, at least his life was saved.
On the other side, Wang Zaixing also followed Zhao Yingluo's instructions and did not pursue him. He stood there, watching Wanyan Zonghan's remnants of soldiers drifting away.
"Princess really has far-sightedness." Wang Zaixing praised secretly in his heart, and then ordered the troops to withdraw back to the camp.
In Yanjing City, the people cheered and the streets were decorated with lights and colorful lights to celebrate the return of this ancient capital to the embrace of the Central Plains Dynasty.
After being occupied by the Liao and Jin kingdoms for more than two hundred years, Yanjing finally flew the flag of the Central Plains Dynasty again. This historic moment filled Zhao Yingluo's heart with excitement and pride.
However, in this festive atmosphere, Wanyan Zongyi's words were like a stone weighing on Zhao Yingluo's heart, making her unhappy.
"Yanjing is the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom, so it should naturally continue to be the political center of the Great Jin Kingdom." Wanyan Zongyi said calmly, looking directly at Zhao Yingluo.
"General Wanyan, Yanjing is certainly important to the Kingdom of Jin, but now that the situation has changed, should we consider a more realistic plan?" Zhao Yingluo tried to convince people with reason.
Zhao Yingluo frowned slightly, feeling the deep meaning in Wanyan Zongyi's words: "What about Yanjing?"
Wanyan Zongyi smiled slightly: "What the princess said is absolutely true. But Yanjing, as a symbol of the Great Jin Kingdom, is of great significance to us. I hope to continue to retain the fire of the Great Jin Kingdom here."
Zhao Yingluo's heart sank. She originally expected to fully recover Yanjing and its surrounding areas and completely incorporate this land into the territory of the Song Dynasty.
However, Wanyan Zongyi's proposal made her realize that things were not that simple.
After cleaning up the mess after the Yanjing war, Zhao Yingluo sat in the splendid Jin Kingdom palace and discussed with the generals how to deal with the post-war territory. The palace was brightly lit, and the generals sat around and expressed their opinions.
"Princess, I think the area south of Yanjing can be assigned to the Song Dynasty." Wanyan Zongyi said solemnly, "This can be used as a reward for the Song Dynasty for helping me ascend the throne."
Yue Fei and others also expressed their support for Zhao Yingluo's position.
Han Shizhong said bluntly: "General Wanyan, this Yanjing was born at the expense of countless soldiers of our Song Dynasty. Why not follow the current situation and let Yanjing and its surrounding areas belong to the Song Dynasty?"
Wanyan Zongyi shook his head: "I understand the mood of the generals, but Yanjing is too important to the Kingdom of Jin. I am willing to exchange the area south of Yanjing. This is the biggest concession I can make." Zhao Yingluo took a deep breath, knowing that this negotiation was not easy. She must weigh the pros and cons and make the wisest decision.
Zhao Yingluo sat on the throne of the palace, looked at Wanyan Zongyi firmly, and said in a serious and sincere tone: "General Wanyan, when you were chased by Wanyan Zonghan and had no way to escape, it was the Song Dynasty that gave you asylum. . Now, we have defeated Wanyan Zonghan together and given you the opportunity to ascend to the throne. This is also due to the great help of the Song Dynasty. The Song Dynasty should take back Yanjing and the area to the south. "
Wanyan Zongyi's face gradually turned gloomy after listening to Zhao Yingluo's words. He knew that what Zhao Yingluo said was true, but this did not mean that he was willing to give up the important territory of Yanjing easily. However, he also knew the current situation. The strength of the Song Dynasty should not be underestimated, and they were indeed kind to him.
Wanyan Zongyi took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound calm: "What the princess said is absolutely true. I, Wanyan Zongyi, will bear in mind the kindness of the Song Dynasty to me. However, Yanjing and the area to the south are also important to me, the Kingdom of Jin." It is extremely important. This is related to the dignity and interests of the country. I need to discuss this matter with the tribal leaders before making a decision."
Zhao Yingluo nodded and expressed her understanding: "Of course, this is a major matter and should be discussed with the leaders of each tribe. I am waiting for your reply."
Wanyan Zongyi stood up and saluted Zhao Yingluo: "Thank you for your understanding, princess. I will discuss with the leaders of each tribe as soon as possible and give a reply."
After saying that, Wanyan Zongyi turned and left, leaving Zhao Yingluo sitting alone on the throne and meditating. She knew that this negotiation was not over, and the real battle had just begun.
In the days that followed, Wanyan Zongyi held close discussions with the leaders of each tribe. They discussed the ownership of Yanjing and the areas south of it, and the atmosphere was tense and intense. Everyone knows that the decision on this issue will have a profound impact on the future of the Kingdom of Jin.
And Zhao Yingluo was not idle either. She was paying attention to the progress of discussions between Wanyan Zongyi and the tribal leaders, while strengthening the defense and governance of Yanjing and the areas south of it. She understood that no matter what the outcome was, she was responsible for the people on this land.
After several days of intense discussion, Wanyan Zongyi finally came to Zhao Yingluo with the opinions of the leaders of each tribe. His face was still not very good-looking, but his tone had softened significantly: "Princess, after our discussion, we agreed to return Yanjing and the area south to the Song Dynasty. However, we hope that the Song Dynasty can respect our culture and traditions. And guarantee our tribe’s rights on this land.”
After hearing this, Zhao Yingluo showed a satisfied smile: "This is of course. Our Song Dynasty has always adhered to a peaceful and friendly foreign policy and respected the culture and traditions of all ethnic groups. Your rights and interests in this land will be fully protected. Assure."
Wanyan Zongyi nodded and expressed his gratitude: "Thank you princess for your understanding and support. I believe that under the governance of the Song Dynasty, Yanjing and the south area will be more prosperous."
In this way, with the joint efforts of both parties, Yanjing and the area to the south finally peacefully returned to the territory of the Song Dynasty. Zhao Yingluo and Wanyan Zongyi also established a profound friendship and mutual trust because of this negotiation, laying a solid foundation for the peaceful coexistence of the two countries.
Zhao Yingluo smiled and nodded, her eyes revealing determination and sincerity: "General Wanyan, I promise you that from now on, the Song Dynasty and the Jin Kingdom will live in peace, non-aggression and common prosperity."
When Wanyan Zongyi heard Zhao Yingluo's promise, a glimmer of gratitude flashed in his eyes. He knew very well that this promise was of great significance to the peace and stability between the two countries: "Your Royal Highness, your promise makes me deeply gratified. I believe that under your leadership, the Song Dynasty and the Jin Kingdom will be able to move forward hand in hand. Let’s create a better future together.”
"This is our common goal." Zhao Yingluo said, "History has proven that war will only bring pain and destruction, but peace and cooperation are the right path to national prosperity and people's happiness."
Wanyan Zongyi nodded in agreement: "What the princess said is absolutely true. We should cherish this hard-won peace and work together to create a better life for the people of the two countries."
"That's right." Zhao Yingluo continued, "In order to consolidate this peace, I suggest that both of us hold regular talks, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and jointly solve possible problems."
