An hour later, Huang Xiao finally found a passerby. Only after asking him did Huang Xiao learn that he was already in Xiazhou. This was Li Jiqian's territory, no longer part of Great Song.
Years ago, after Li Jiqian's older clansman Li Jipeng went to court and was forced to surrender the five prefectures of Xia, Sui, Yin, You, and Jing, Li Jiqian, his younger brother Li Jichong, his trusted aide Zhang Pu, and others organized and led the Tangut tribes in rebellion against Song. Later, Li Jiqian sent Zhang Pu to Liao, also known as Khitan, with lavish gifts, expressing his willingness to submit to Liao Shengzong and securing Liao's support. Hexi had always been an important region for Northern Song. To weaken Northern Song's control over Hexi, Liao Shengzong appointed Li Jiqian Military Governor of Dingnan Army, Surveillance Commissioner of the Xia, Yin, Sui, You, and Jing Five Prefectures, Specially Advanced Grand Preceptor, and Commander of All Military Affairs in Xiazhou. Afterward, he also conferred upon him the title of King of the Xia Kingdom.
Thus, Li Jiqian frequently raided Great Song's frontier, where fighting never ceased. These were all small-scale clashes, however. Though Great Song found him a headache, it could do nothing about Li Jiqian for the time being.
Huang Xiao had originally intended to return to Poison God Valley first. He had not expected to find himself in Xiazhou, only a few dozen li from its Capital City, Xiping Prefecture. In that case, he would head into the city first and see Li Xia. He did not know whether his martial uncles had sent anyone after receiving his letter. Whatever the outcome, he would have to make the trip himself before he could rest easy.
Those few dozen li did not take Huang Xiao long.