Chapter 222: The Coup

As everyone knows, before making up one's mind to draw a blade, politics has always been an art of language, a matter of trickery and deception, hoping to string together power through trickery and deception in order to continue tricking and deceiving. But sometimes, choosing a universally recognized honest man to speak some honest words can instead have an unexpectedly effective result.

For instance, right now, for instance, with Wanyan Loushi.

In truth, after over half a year of political struggle, the high-ranking officials of the Great Jin had also gradually grown weary and exhausted. The three major factions had also clearly seen the limits of their own power... Nianhan had won great victories, but as someone who had been hammered out of the succession line by Aguda himself, he could never touch the supreme position himself, nor could he eliminate the other two factions. As for the other two factions, this time they had been hammered back by Nianhan into a state of near collapse, and were already inclined toward a compromise.

In other words, whether high or low, inside or outside, people's hearts were all yearning to stop the struggle and restore stability.

And at this moment, Wanyan Loushi, a man whose political morality and personal character were both considered flawless, came forward to act as the final liaison and spokesman for Yinshuke's long-planned compromise plan, and it indeed immediately had a miraculous effect.

Wanyan Wushu had initially been willing to help his elder brother contend for the throne because he had returned empty-handed before and needed political struggle to divert attention. Personally, he had not a shred of initiative because there was no profit to be gained. Later, once his position was secure, he was single-mindedly intent on launching a military campaign southward.

And now, Loushi's arrival greatly catered to Wushu. He now, like Loushi, had a powerful driving force to bring this matter to a conclusion. Besides, to be fair, Yinshuke's plan was also quite favorable to him (installing his own direct nephew was even more advantageous than installing either of his two elder brothers). Therefore, after Loushi reported the names of Yinshuke and Talan, he immediately joined this temporary political alliance.

Not only that, unlike Loushi, who was forced into action, Wushu, as the fourth son of Aguda, possessed political initiative far surpassing others. To avoid further complications from a long delay, the determined Fourth Prince personally stepped forward that very night, mobilized several of his younger brothers who had just come of age but lacked sufficient say, and together they staged a coup against his two elder brothers at his own residence.

They were all rough men; the process of the coup was straightforward, yet utterly unremarkable.

The split between the eldest prince, Wanyan Woben, and the third prince, Wanyan Eriduo, caused turmoil within their entire faction and greatly weakened their external control. Moreover, since they had split, each had a low probability of victory... Woben, betrayed, was both indignant and somewhat despondent, while Eriduo had not expected the situation to become so difficult under Nianhan's divide-and-conquer tactics. Having failed in one strike, he found himself in a dilemma. At this point, switching to another nephew was an acceptable compromise for both of them.

After all, the meat was still rotting in the pot.

And ultimately, this was precisely the fundamental reason for Yinshuke's calm demeanor... He had endured in obscurity until now, then suddenly made his move. On one hand, Loushi's surprise attack had created instability in the overall situation, which could no longer be delayed. On the other hand, the method he had heard from Talan was indeed highly feasible, taking into account the fundamental interests of Aguda's direct line and the core needs of Nianhan.

After all, Nianhan, as a powerful minister who controlled half the country and was known as the Western Court, would naturally find it most realistic and profitable to attack the reigning monarch if he had to choose one of the other two factions in the final resolution.

Thus, that very night, Aguda's sons reached an agreement at the Fourth Prince's residence in Yanjing, deciding to accept "Nianhan's proposal." On the condition of installing their own direct-line orphaned nephew, they formally merged with Nianhan's faction.

Such matters were not only of great importance, but more critically, once delayed, a change of heart would render the agreement void. So Wushu stayed at home feasting with his brothers, intending to keep them there until dawn, while simultaneously sending Loushi, who was waiting in another courtyard, to quickly go see Yinshuke.

At this time, Yinshuke's position as the Garrison Commander of Yanjing played a crucial role—when the news arrived, it was already deep in the night. According to regulations, even a prince would find it difficult to travel, but the Garrison Commander himself, who controlled Yanjing's armed forces, could move about freely.

Therefore, Yinshuke traveled without rest, first going to see Wanyan Xiyin. He easily convinced this Marshal of the Right, whose mind was full of Sinicization reforms, with the argument of "the eldest son by the principal wife." Only then did he, along with Loushi and Xiyin, go to pay a visit to the Grand Marshal, Nianhan.

Now, Nianhan's faction, in terms of territory, consisted of the old lands of Shanxi, Shaanxi, the western part of the former Yanyun region (now Yanjing had also fallen into his hands), and the western prefectures of the Hebei plain. In terms of its foundation, it was the one hundred thousand strong Western Route Army. Politically, it was the so-called distant branch of the Wanyan clan... But no matter how you calculated it, the three-horse chariot of this faction, below Nianhan himself, were precisely Wanyan Yinshuke, Wanyan Loushi, and Wanyan Xiyin.

And from this perspective, one could fully appreciate Nianhan's strength and capability. Loushi was currently the foremost general of the Jurchens, Xiyin was the foremost strategist in internal affairs and statecraft, and Yinshuke was the second most prominent figure among the distant imperial clan, the second-ranked general, and also widely recognized as a man of considerable talent in internal affairs and strategy.

Yet these three men were merely Nianhan's appendages and subordinates.

However, this could also be said in reverse: if he hadn't been able to keep these men completely under his thumb, how could Nianhan have established his own independent power base as early as Aguda's time, how could he have beaten the reigning monarch on the shin when Wuqimai ascended the throne, and how could he now dominate the court and oppress the legitimate monarch and the direct line of the founding emperor to the point where they could barely breathe?

But regardless, and no matter what Nianhan's thoughts and attitude truly were, facing the three men who came to visit late at night, the Grand Marshal still chose to open his doors and receive them... Otherwise? Would he really dismantle two of his own three chair legs over matters like the Three Departments and Six Ministries or launching a southern campaign?

The Grand Marshal was certainly not some Zhao Song emperor who didn't know his priorities.

And so, the four of them sat down in the hall. Yinshuke spoke first, omitting all the various details, only saying that those several "princes" had taken the initiative to seek a compromise.

"Woben and Eriduo can't hold out, they want to abandon the position of Anban Bojilie, so they took the initiative to seek peace with me?" Nianhan, who had just taken a sip of tea to refresh himself and cut the grease, seemed momentarily unable to believe it. He directly splashed the steaming hot tea onto the ground in the hall before fixing his gaze on Yinshuke and demanding. "How did they suddenly come to seek peace?"

"It was instigated by Wushu," Yinshuke immediately replied. "Right after today's court session, Wushu hosted a banquet at his residence, gathering many of his younger brothers. Together, they denounced Woben and Eriduo for their split. The two of them, already being pressured by the Grand Marshal to the point of teetering, took the opportunity to back down and went along with Wushu..."

"Wushu..." Nianhan seemed lost in thought, then turned his gaze to Loushi. "I never imagined that your visit, Wanyan Loushi, would have such a miraculous effect."

Loushi remained silent, merely lowering his head slightly.

"Grand Marshal," Yinshuke continued with a light laugh. "Wushu is now keeping all his brothers trapped in his residence. The condition he sent someone to relay to me is to request the installation of the founding emperor's direct-line grandson, the son of the deceased direct-line prince, Sheng Guo, a boy named Hela who is only eleven or twelve this year... The three of us believe this is also excellent for you, Grand Marshal. After all, Hela not only has the rightful claim, which will leave the reigning monarch with nothing to say, but the key point is that he is young. After the reigning monarch passes, it will be convenient for you, Grand Marshal, to handle the affairs of state."

These words were extremely blunt, causing Xiyin to frown momentarily, but they hit the crucial point, making Nianhan laugh in spite of himself as he slapped the table.

After laughing, Nianhan composed his expression, stroked his beard, and replied: "Installing Hela is not impossible. I have actually entertained this thought myself, so you can see I haven't been pondering this matter for just a day or two this year. But if it's only like this, I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain to the reigning monarch. After all, he is the reigning monarch..."

"What does the Grand Marshal mean?" Upon hearing this, Xiyin had not yet reacted, Loushi remained motionless, but Yinshuke became slightly alert.

"Let Woben, Eriduo, and Wushu, these three flesh-and-blood sons of the founding emperor, accompany me to see the reigning monarch!" Nianhan sat in his seat, stroking his beard and speaking coldly, even his form of address suddenly changing. "We'll go tonight! If it's not done by dawn, I won't agree anymore!"

The three men below exchanged glances, and even Loushi's expression finally changed slightly.

It must be understood that the significance of Nianhan's move was not necessarily less than that of establishing the crown prince... An audience with the reigning monarch at night, forcing him to appoint a designated successor, was a strongly coercive act of a coup. If successful, the reigning monarch's authority would be severely damaged. Not only that, but three powerful, flesh-and-blood sons of Aguda following behind Nianhan to participate in such an act was not only a gesture of turning their backs on their own uncle's line but also a posture of submission to Nianhan.

In a word, Nianhan highly approved of this solution for the succession, but he was not satisfied. He also wanted to use this matter to establish his absolute position as a powerful minister!

None of the three men present were fools; they understood almost immediately. After understanding, Yinshuke appeared the most flustered: "Grand Marshal, isn't this a bit inappropriate..."

"Inappropriate how?" Nianhan coldly faced Yinshuke. "Is it only permissible for Wushu to lead a group of his younger brothers to pressure his two elder brothers, and for you three to come to my residence today to pressure me, but not for me to go pressure the reigning monarch? As I see it, our Great Jin is founded on the principle of the lower defying the higher!"

Yinshuke hastily stood up, standing before his seat, his heart growing more flustered. Xiyin and Loushi also dared not say more, directly standing up and lowering their heads in response.

"That's settled then," Nianhan suddenly sneered upon seeing the state of these three. "I don't know how you people have been colluding behind the scenes, and I don't want to know. But if you want me to consent to this matter, before dawn, I want to see Woben, Eriduo, and Wushu at my doorstep, and I also want to see you three return. The seven of us will go together to the old Liao palace for a visit. Only then will this matter be considered done! Go and handle it quickly!"

The three, Yinshuke, exchanged glances again, yet dared not offer the slightest rebuttal. They could only mumble their assent and go out, preparing to head to Wushu's residence to find the men.

However, as they exited the gate, a servant suddenly followed them out, calling Loushi and Xiyin back, leaving only Yinshuke to handle the matter. At the same time, he instructed Yinshuke that the Grand Marshal had said he might as well summon Talan as well...

At this, Yinshuke realized that all his little machinations within Yanjing city had long been seen through and understood by Nianhan. Naturally, he became even more panicked and could only whip his horse, hurrying off to run errands for Nianhan.

And it must be said that Nianhan's prestige had by this time reached a certain peak. Yinshuke first went to find Talan. Talan, startled from his sleep, listened to the news, his face and mind churning, but he did not stop for a moment and immediately followed Yinshuke.

Then they went to Wushu's residence. Wushu was also pale... After all, he, the Fourth Prince, had pressured his two elder brothers tonight. If the matter failed, he would surely suffer backlash. He had already lost his retreat.

So, with no other choice, Wushu could only grit his teeth and lead Yinshuke and Talan to find Woben and Eriduo, who were resting in their own quarters.

And when Woben and Eriduo woke from their dreams and heard the words, they became hesitant and uncertain... This matter was too shocking.

But Wushu, Yinshuke, and Talan pressed them hard. First, Talan kowtowed on the spot, then Wushu wept and swore, saying he was wholly devoted to the public good, and if the matter failed today, he would surely be dealt with by the reigning monarch and Nianhan. At the same time, Yinshuke hinted and threatened from the side, claiming that the Grand Marshal's resolve was already set and this was the last chance. If the two princes did not go through with this now, the succession might even slip out of the founding emperor's line!

Under this combination of soft and hard tactics, Woben and Eriduo were dazed and disoriented. Seeing his two elder brothers wavering, Wushu simply stepped forward, and together with Yinshuke, each grabbed one, directly dragging the two of them to see Nianhan. Talan had already gone out early to prepare the horses...

Poor eldest prince and third prince, dazed and confused that night, three parts fear, three parts coercion, and four parts bewilderment, were dragged all the way to Nianhan's doorstep by Wushu and Yinshuke.

And by this time, Eriduo came to his senses, felt something was wrong, and wanted to turn back before reaching the gate, but it was already completely impossible... Because Nianhan, upon hearing that the three brothers had all arrived, threw open his mansion gates wide and led the entire household out to welcome them!

Under the blazing lantern light, Nianhan, grabbing one with each hand, firmly held onto the eldest prince, Woben, and the third prince, Eriduo, and simply walked on foot towards the temporary imperial palace. Behind the three of them were the five men: Loushi, Talan, Xiyin, Wushu, and Yinshuke. Behind them were countless iron-armored knights carrying lanterns, following in procession.

And that wasn't all. As the procession moved forward, Nianhan again dispatched Yinshuke to mobilize the city's troops and "summon" countless old subordinates, friends, and relatives. By the time the procession arrived before the temporary palace, the sky had not yet brightened, but the area in front of the palace was already lit up as bright as day. Then, who knows how many Jurchen nobles, along with their families and attendants, had followed Nianhan to this place.

"Do not disturb the reigning monarch!"

Seeing the palace guards and attendants tremblingly come forward to receive him, Nianhan directly released the two sons of Aguda, then called out from a distance to stop the Jurchen officer guarding the palace, as if it were the Jurchen officer who was about to disturb the reigning monarch, not him. "We have come, upholding the great principles of our ancestors, to discuss important matters with the reigning monarch... It is enough for me to enter alone!"

The palace guards and the many Jurchen nobles who had followed Nianhan exchanged glances repeatedly, not knowing what to say or do. So they could only stand solemnly, watching helplessly as Nianhan entered the temporary palace alone, which was also already brightly lit.

And just a moment later, Nianhan emerged, then stood before the great gate of the temporary palace, and announced proudly to the outside: "The reigning monarch is already aware of your intentions. He says that according to the ancestral laws and family traditions, righteousness cannot be taken away. Those who have come today are all great loyal ministers. Let us together install the founding emperor's direct-line grandson, Hela, as the Anban Bojilie!"

The countless Jurchen nobles before the palace, some who knew the details of tonight's events, some who were still bewildered, were all without exception overawed by Nianhan's momentum. They let out a collective cheer of celebration, which then led to shouts from both inside and outside the palace, like an army that had won a victory.

The sky was gradually brightening. Behind the crowd, Loushi, looking at Nianhan surrounded by the many Jurchen nobles, sighed in admiration, but also couldn't help but let out a long breath in his heart... Whether it was some people's clever schemes and escape, or Nianhan's superior skill and domestic intimidation, no matter what, at least now they should be able to send out the troops, right?

This place, Yanjing, he didn't want to stay in for a single moment longer!

PS: Sacrificial segment — "Zhongmou's Domineering Way" time-travels Sun Quan, whether he knows how to lead troops or not, just go for it.