Chapter 33: Talent Ledger Part One

Wanyan Liyao held the jade cup with both of his hands and stared at the vapor that was rising from the cup. His legs were tightly pressed against each other, and his toes moved frequently. It was clear that he was nervous.

The senior sitting in front of him was the Head of the Ministry of Rites, a rank 2 official of Great Sui. Since the Khagan of Northern Liao, Wanyan Yong, decided to separate from Mongo-Yuan and get close with Great Sui, more than ten envoys had come to Chang’an in secret. However, this was the first time that an envoy experienced this level of treatment.

Before, although the envoys were treated with respect and got a ton of rewards from the Emperor of Great Sui, their wish of submitting to Great Sui didn’t move forward at all. The Emperor of Great Sui who they saw as the Heavenly Khagan didn’t even meet them.

It seemed like something had changed.

The poor and cold Northern Liao couldn’t be compared to the prosperous Great Sui.

Wanyan Liyao liked the mountains and rivers of Great Sui, the confidence on people’s faces, and the literature and women here. Although if he wanted to, the beautiful women of Northern Liao would be willing to marry him.

Northern Liao was cold, but the women there were known for their beauty.

Several of the Emperor of Great Sui’s concubines came from Northern Liao. Although the Khatun of Mongo-Yuan was from a noble family, three out of the 12 small khatuns… were from Northern Liao.

[TL Note: Khatun is the title of the wife of the Khagan.]

The nobles of Mongo-Yuan and the influential figures of Great Sui all took pride in marrying women of Northern Liao. The women of Northern Liao didn’t only have great skin; they were charming and alluring. After marrying a woman from Northern Liao, many rich people stopped going to pleasure quarters.

Even though this was the case, Wanyan Liyao who had lived in Great Sui for three years was more willing to marry a simple village woman and live a calm life of planting wheat and cultivating flowers.

In Northern Liao, no land could be used for agricultural purposes.

“I heard that 100,000 Mountains is the coldest place in the world. I wanted to go and check it out when I was young, but I didn’t have time once I became an official. When my workload lessened, I was already too old to go.” Huai Qiugong saw the nervousness and laughed, “Great Sui always sees Northern Liao as a friend, and I’m sure that you can sense it. You shouldn’t be nervous in Chang’an; just treat it as your second home.”

Wanyan Liyao quickly placed down the jade cup and brought his palms together. He said earnestly, “The hundreds of thousands of people of Northern Liao are willing to swear loyalty to the great Heavenly Khagan. You know that we are extremely sincere. As long as the great Heavenly Khagan is willing, we can all move into the territory of Great Sui. We are willing to become farmers and donate all our horses and money.”

Huai Qiugong couldn’t help but laugh. He stroked his white beard and said, “His Majesty doesn’t lack citizens, and Great Sui has a ton of land.”

Hearing this, Wanyan Liyao’s eyes dimmed, and he didn’t know what to say.

“His Majesty values your sincerity.” Huai Qiugong personally refilled the teacup for Wanyan Liyao, and then he said genially, “Before I came here, His Majesty said that he knows about your sincerity, so you don’t need to worry. This process can’t be finalized in a day. Great Sui is the most powerful and isn’t afraid of any enemies. However, doing things blindly without preparation is dumb. You know what I mean, right?”

“I understand.” Wanyan Liyao thought of something and almost laughed. The hidden meaning of Huai Qiugong’s words was obvious; how could he not be overjoyed?

“You aren’t a simple figure.”