This eventually led to the Wanyan Aguda uprising, which overthrew the Liao Dynasty.
Although the Liao Dynasty was in its late heyday at this time and had not yet reached the level of Emperor Dao Zong and Emperor Tianzuo of Liao, it was already quite difficult to maintain the country by relying solely on annual taxes.
Therefore, the hundreds of thousands of tributes given by the Song Dynasty every year were very important and were one of the important sources of income for the Liao Dynasty.
Emperor Xingzong of Liao was actually not stupid.
He just had no ability to change the many problems left behind by his father, Emperor Shengzong of Liao, who rose to prominence but then declined.
And he himself is one of the creators of the problem.
But that doesn't mean he knows nothing.
The Battle of Baozhou has highlighted many problems of the Liao Dynasty, such as the decline in the combat effectiveness of the army, the erosion of the Liao Dynasty's national strength by domestic dignitaries and temples, and the consumption caused by the infighting between the imperial family and the queen's family.
Even though the vassal states and tribes are relatively stable for the time being and there have been no large-scale rebellions or uprisings, if the fighting continues and they are defeated again, they may not be able to recover after seeing the weakness of the Liao Kingdom.
So at the moment, Yelu Zongzhen knows everything, but can do nothing.
"His Majesty!"
Zhang Jian said seriously, "Your Majesty is well aware of the current domestic situation, so I won't rant. I just want to tell you that the Liao Kingdom can handle a major defeat, but I'm afraid it can't handle a second one. Furthermore, this Song Dynasty method is likely to be effective."
"Shangfu is saying, if I mobilize all the troops in the country and Song immediately sends envoys to contact the various tribes and give them money and weapons, will they really rebel?"
Yelu Zongzhen couldn't believe it.
Zhang Jian nodded. "Indeed, I think the possibility of this happening is very high."
"Humph, give them some courage!"
Yelu Zongzhen snorted coldly. He felt that with the Pi Shi Army in his hands, there would be no problem in suppressing the various tribes.
But Zhang Jian said firmly, "Your Majesty, you must not think that way. How powerful was the Tang Dynasty's military? And how much favor did Li Longji bestow upon An Lushan? But once human desires are aroused, even deep abysses are difficult to fill. Moreover, the Tang Dynasty was still at its peak, and we have just suffered a crushing defeat."
Yelu Zongzhen was somewhat shaken by Zhang Jian's persuasion and hesitated, "If I test them, send people to ask the tribes to pay tribute immediately, and send more troops, but don't ask them to send troops as a whole, will they agree?"
Zhang Jian warned earnestly, "Your Majesty, you may try this, but I can only tell you that this is a one-time attempt at best. I even suspect that many tribes will find excuses and pretexts to reduce their troops and supplies, or even to send no troops or supplies at all. If this happens, Your Majesty, please immediately agree to peace talks with the Song Dynasty."
"Why?"
Yelu Zongzhen asked.
Zhang Jian said meaningfully, "Because the human heart cannot withstand temptation."
(End of this chapter)
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