Zhao Yuankan was not at all surprised that Huang Xiao could guess why the Khitan envoy had come.
He nodded and said, "It is a ceasefire agreement. If possible, I could also become sworn brothers with the Khitan emperor. I think it is workable. That way, the two countries would no longer have to meet with weapons drawn, and their people could live and work in peace."
"That is a good idea. After so many years of war between the two countries, it is time to settle the lingering issues once and for all. Bringing about a ceasefire would also allow the people of both countries to live and work in peace," Huang Xiao said. "Let us do that, then. I do not think the Khitan will refuse. We already have an agreement with Li Deming, and once we sign a ceasefire agreement with the Khitan, war will be gone from Great Song for good."
"Were it not for you, I doubt such an agreement could have been reached. On behalf of all the people under heaven..." As Zhao Yuankan spoke, he made to kneel and bow to Huang Xiao.
But Huang Xiao raised a hand from where he sat, and Zhao Yuankan felt a force supporting him, preventing him from kneeling.
"Peace under heaven is not my achievement alone," Huang Xiao said, shaking his head. "Besides, agreements like these must be maintained by you and by our descendants."
Zhao Yuankan nodded and fell silent for a moment.
He knew very well that as long as Huang Xiao was around, there would be no war between the Khitan and Great Song, nor would there be any trouble with Xiazhou. But once he died of old age, or after Huang Xiao died of old age as well, would his descendants still