Chapter 437: Troubled Waters

In March, the weather warms and flowers bloom, but on overcast days or in the evening, the temperature changes sharply, and the wind makes it unpleasant.

This was especially true in Yanjing that afternoon.

Yet, as Wang had said, with their lives on the line, how could they just sit and wait for death? So, having made a hasty decision, Qin, Hong, and Zheng left the Qin residence together and went their separate ways.

Among them, Zheng Xiunian, being the least conspicuous target, was assigned to find the sensitive Wanyan Dalai... After the Zhending incident, Hong Ya and the others had long seen that the Sixth Prince, Eluguan, was useless and, after his fright, had completely leaned toward peace talks, rivaling the Fourth Prince's despondency after returning from defeat—so they simply ignored him. As for the old man Dalai, they still didn't know if he had any such intention, and after all, he was forged in the military. As the saying goes, a broken boat still has three pounds of nails; when the time came, he would be more useful than Eluguan.

As for the matter with Heshilie, Qin and Hong did not plan to visit together. Instead, Qin Huizhi would first make an open visit in his capacity as Privy Councilor to test the waters. If the test went well and the situation grew chaotic, then Hong Ya would come to break the news.

Hong Ya couldn't rest either; he still had to go see Elubu and a few others to secure a backup plan.

Enough idle talk—let's just say the three men, under the protection of the Qin household's servants and guards, hurried off. But no sooner had they turned onto the main street outside the alley where the Qin residence was located than they grew alarmed... The streets were already filled with chaotic troops.

Not only that, but as the three rode side by side, gathering their courage and moving forward, they became aware of a strange atmosphere.

To call these troops a mob would be nonsense, because they were clearly organized, with no large-scale looting or conflicts among them. To call it a curfew would also be wrong, because these units weren't focused on controlling the streets, nor did they block anyone. For the three men, who were clearly of high status, some familiar-looking mid-ranking officers even took the initiative to yield and salute. To call it a mutiny for power also seemed off, because the troops were too scattered, with no clear chain of command among them.

"It's the local great clans mobilizing their own sons in the new army."

After passing two intersections, Qin Hui, who had gradually relaxed, reached a conclusion. "Some are just gathering at home to protect themselves in the chaos, but the forces of several major clans are clearly trying to take over the city gates."

"Right."

Hong Ya panted in agreement. "But no matter what, the new army has already begun to disintegrate on its own, and the chaos will only get worse... Once night falls, there will be killing and arson sooner or later. We can't delay."

The three exchanged glances, all somewhat fearful, but they could only lower their heads and spur their horses off in different directions according to the original plan.

"Who wants to see me?"

Wanyan Dalai, standing idly in the courtyard listening to the noise from the street, turned back in surprise. "Who could be looking for me at a time like this?"

"It's Vice Minister Zheng... the brother-in-law of Lord Qin," the lame household general replied with a cupped-fist salute. "He's alone, with seven or eight guards, looking frantic and miserable... as if he's come to beg for help."

Wanyan Dalai pondered in the courtyard, then nodded. "Let him in."

"Marshal, save me!"

Moments later, Zheng Xiunian rushed into the courtyard, fell to his knees, and wept.

"Vice Minister Zheng."

Wanyan Dalai gave a wry smile. "How about this—if you can save me, I won't care about this old face; I'll kneel to you too, and even kowtow..."

Zheng Xiunian was at a loss for how to respond.

Dalai sighed, walked over, helped him up, and cut straight to the point: "Lord Qin was originally discovered by me, and I've always known he has his own ideas. Now that we're all under suspicion, if he's willing to join me in taking a risk and doing something, I'm willing to listen to him... What exactly does your brother-in-law say?"

"The key is said to be elsewhere." Zheng Xiunian stood up, looking somewhat embarrassed. "My brother-in-law knows that you, Marshal, are reliable, so he sent me, a useless man, just to give you a signal..."

Dalai nodded and continued, "Then where has Lord Qin himself gone?"

"He went with Vice Minister Hong to inspect several of the withdrawn chiliarchs." Zheng Xiunian replied in a low voice. "My brother-in-law's meaning is that chaos is imminent, so forget about the long term. For now, gather whatever troops we can... First, use this wave of Yanjing's local great clans to assemble an army, see how many soldiers we have, and then talk about the rest."

Dalai shook his head first, then nodded, seeming quite helpless: "Right... in this situation, the big is about to collapse, the small is about to fall. Tend to the immediate first, then the long term, step by step... No matter what, Xiao Qin still remembers our old ties, which warms my heart."

"Then shall I stay here and wait for news with you, Marshal?" Zheng Xiunian felt slightly relieved.

"No, you must leave immediately and go see someone for me." Dalai said, taking a gold token from his bosom and pressing it into the other's hand. "If I go myself, it's too conspicuous... I might get chopped up by the Grand Prince's personal guards. Your brother-in-law is right—at a time like this, even one more soldier could save our lives."

"May I ask who?"

Zheng Xiunian was half terrified, half excited... Terrified because, with the sight of armored troops shuttling outside, an outbreak could happen at any moment, and he was truly afraid, yet he knew he couldn't refuse. Excited because Dalai was resolutely unwilling to sit and wait for death; not only had he agreed to join forces with their side, but he also seemed to have other allies and support.

"Go find Yinshuke." Dalai explained seriously. "When the war started, Yinshuke and I were both reactivated as left and right commanders of the new army reserves. But as soon as news of the front's defeat arrived, the Grand Prince concealed the information and dismissed us both first... That bastard may not be on the same path as us, but he's definitely on a different one from the Grand Prince. Moreover, Yinshuke has served as Taiyuan and Yanjing garrison commander, with many old subordinates in the city. If he's willing to nod, our chances of self-preservation will be much greater."

Zheng Xiunian nodded reluctantly, turned to leave in a fluster, then looked back: "Marshal... can you spare me a few armored soldiers?"

Dalai was silent for a moment, then immediately shook his head: "As I said, gathering troops is the most important thing right now. Every extra soldier counts... How can we split them up?"

Zheng Xiunian was utterly helpless. As he hurried out the door and turned onto the street, looking at the even more chaotic scene, his scalp tingled and he couldn't help but weep openly in the street... He should have been in Dongjing watching a cuju match right now. How had he ended up with such a brother, landing in this predicament!

But despite his deep reluctance and powerlessness, reason still urged him to send someone back to report to Wang while he himself headed to Yinshuke's residence.

"General, I have only one matter this trip: to beg you, in light of our not-insignificant friendship, to protect the families of us Southern Han refugees in the chaos..." Time was tight. In the camp west of the city, facing Elubu, the panting Hong Ya reached out and pressed down on the tea cup before him, as if to get straight to the point as soon as he sat down. "Forget the tea."

Elubu grinned, then set down the teapot and shook his head slightly: "For such a matter, Director Hong could have just sent a servant to inform me, or simply brought the families directly. Why come in person at this critical moment?"

"Because I plan to visit several generals and split up the families of our households, hoping to preserve as many as possible in the chaos." Hong Ya said seriously. "This is a lesson learned from bitter experience... When I returned from Zhending with the Sixth Prince and his party, we ran into Mongols on the road and were slaughtered haphazardly. Aside from me and the Sixth Prince, who were deliberately spared, I only saw one Taishinu still alive... In short, would the general be willing to agree? If so, at the assembly tomorrow morning, I'll send the families over separately?"

Elubu nodded: "No matter what, I can at least manage this much... But Director Hong, you've seen the situation on the streets. Aren't you afraid it won't hold until tonight?"

"General, you underestimate our judgment." Hong Ya shook his head repeatedly. "The delay in the Secretariat Assembly may seem inconclusive, but delay itself is a path... Next, it's nothing more than the people beyond the passes returning beyond the passes, and the people of Yanyun staying in Yanyun. This is the general trend. And even if there's chaos tonight, it's just a few awkwardly positioned Yanjing great clans trying to block the northern return of the nation's clans... But how can those people, even if they seem strong and well-armed, match the battle-hardened experience of several generals?"

Elubu nodded again and said nothing more.

Hong Ya promptly stood up to leave, prompting Elubu to rise and see him off... The entire visit was crisp and efficient, without any dragging, as if he truly had come only to entrust his family.

But just as Hong Ya was about to step out the door, Elubu suddenly stepped forward and grabbed him by the arm: "Director Hong, did you really come today only to entrust your family?"

"General!"

Hong Ya, startled by the grip, showed panic on his face but dared not hesitate, turning back to explain: "I know what you mean, General. You're wondering if I'm up to my old tricks again, trying to pull another Zhending incident—am I right?"

Elubu smiled without speaking.

"But is Yanjing the same as Zhending?"

Having said that, having weathered that moment of loss of composure, Hong Ya stamped his foot on the threshold.

"In Zhending, I had the Fourth Prince's gold token and the status of imperial envoy. What am I in Yanjing today? In Zhending, the Sixth Prince was soft-hearted, but in Yanjing, the Grand Prince and the great clans are matters of life and death. Where is there any room for me to meddle? And in this situation, any action requires troops... Back then, I relied on you, General, to casually kill that person for me. Today, would you be swayed by my words and easily kill someone for me? You are also in a life-or-death struggle now—I have no say in it!"

"It's good that you understand our difficulties, Director Hong." Elubu finally let go, then raised his hand to swear an oath to heaven. "Rest assured, Director Hong. If anything happens, I will treat your families as if they were my own kin and protect them!"

Hong Ya nodded, then instead grabbed the other's hand, shook it earnestly, and bowed his head as he left... It was a display of genuine sincerity.

Of course, perhaps it was sincere gratitude, because if Qin Hui's probe at Heshilie Taiyu failed, then this trip wasn't a feint but a real entrustment of family.

Even Elubu could never have guessed that Hong Ya's visit was both genuine and false.

"General Heshilie is joking."

While Hong Ya was safely lulling those generals on the list, Qin Huizhi was personally conducting the most critical probe. "We literati have no strength to truss a chicken. Without the protection of heroes, we can accomplish nothing..."

"Enough!" Heshilie Taiyu burst into laughter. "Isn't it just protecting your families in case of chaos? Even though I think you're overthinking it, Lord Qin, since you've come to me in person, how could I say no?"

And Qin Hui took the opportunity to size up Heshilie Taiyu.

This man, just over forty, was the head of the major Jurchen Heshilie tribe. Because he had long operated around the Supreme Capital and only came to lead troops in the last two years, his speech and manner were much rougher compared to those Wanyan clan direct-line generals who had come to Han territory early.

The brief exchange just now had roughly confirmed this person's temperament.

Of course, Qin Gui did not expect that a single conversation could see through a man's heart, but things had come to this point, and there was no foolproof path. As long as the other party appeared rough and bold enough, with enough of a "Jurchen" flavor, it would suffice for the next step.

As for the so-called Jurchen flavor, it certainly was not stupidity and boorishness, but rather a willingness, once persuaded, to gamble with their lives and do something drastic when the moment arrived. This was a kind of "ethos" forced upon them by the harsh living conditions beyond the passes.

Under this ethos, the actor often treated neither his own life nor the lives of others as precious, and so-called rules were nonsense. Once a shallow agreement was reached, they would often directly resort to exceptionally violent actions... This was utterly different from Han Chinese thinking.

To put it bluntly, it was brutal and ruthless, bold and crude.

In fact, this was precisely one of the important reasons Qin Gui and the others had decided to try their luck with this man.

"General Shi Lieliangbi."

After taking a deep breath, Qin Gui suddenly became serious. "In truth, I came today not only to ask the Shi Lieliangbi tribe to look after my family, but also to ask a few questions."

"If Minister Qin has something to say, speak frankly." Across a table, Shi Lieliang Taiyu waved a hand in response.

"General, you came back from Huoluxian. Do you think we still have any chance of victory to the south?" Qin Gui asked earnestly.

The boldness and boorishness on Shi Lieliang's face vanished instantly, replaced by an exceptionally grave expression: "It's useless! We can't win! It's not just me, Minister Qin. Ask anyone else who's come down from the battlefield, and they'll all give the same answer... Only by quickly leaving the passes and heading north can we find some way to survive. The people here in Yanjing are talking in their sleep."

"But if that's the case," Qin Gui seemed somewhat dejected as well, "what if the south chases us relentlessly? What if they chase us all the way to Huanglongfu and Huiningfu? Could we hold them off even there?"

"We'll take it one step at a time!" Shi Lieliang Taiyu was also somewhat helpless. "I'll tell you the truth, the Liao lands are definitely not safe. Huanglongfu and Huiningfu, being out in the open like that, might not be able to hold out either... But when it comes down to it, if we hide in the mountains and forests, the Song troops won't be able to follow us in."

"If we really have to hide in there, this Great Jin Kingdom would be in a worse state than the verbal situation that Zhao official has offered!" Qin Gui sighed.

"Who's to say otherwise?" Shi Lieliang Taiyu chimed in casually. "But didn't Minister Qin also say it today at the Chancellery? The foundation of the state is the foundation of the state. This Great Jin Kingdom is, after all, the Wanyan clan's family property..."

"Today in the hall, I did indeed speak of the foundation of the state." Qin Gui tried to keep his voice calm. "My original intention was to say that the position of the Grand Prince must not be shaken, and to urge everyone not to fall for the south's scheme of sowing discord... However, the Fourth Prince's later words stirred some thoughts in me... General, what if we offend that Zhao official, and he becomes ruthless, and no matter what, we can't preserve the foundation of the state?"

Shi Lieliang Taiyu still didn't think much of it, simply spreading his hands in response: "We'll just have to wait and see. What else can we do?"

"Then I'll speak plainly." Qin Gui continued. "If the day truly comes when the foundation of the state is replaced, does the Shi Lieliangbi tribe and you, General, have any intention of taking on the new foundation of the state?"

Shi Lieliang Taiyu was finally stunned, then widened his eyes and asked seriously in return: "What does Minister Qin mean?"

"Our meaning couldn't be simpler." Qin Gui finally spread his hands as well. "General... why do we keep emphasizing that the peace talks are a strategy of sowing discord from the south? It's because we know full well that the Grand Prince and the generals on the list all have troops in hand, and the great Yan-Yun clans also have troops in hand. Only we, who have been named as 'lucky,' have no real power. Once chaos erupts, they can kill or behead us as they please. So those words were less about persuading everyone and more about begging for mercy in public... But the fear is, even begging for mercy might not save our lives. Therefore..."

"Therefore you came to me!"

Shi Lieliang Taiyu sighed deeply. "You Han Chinese have so many schemes. You saw at once that my family is also in an awkward position, suspected by others, yet we happen to have some troops for self-defense, so you want to form an alliance with me..."

"Not an alliance, but submission!"

Qin Gui stood up without hesitation, then immediately knelt and bowed. "If the General has the intention to take control of the situation and re-establish the foundation of the state in the future, we Han Chinese who have come south are willing to be the vanguard for the General."

Shi Lieliang Taiyu was pleasantly surprised for a moment, and almost immediately rose to help the other man up, ready to speak words of heartfelt trust.

But for some reason, his initial movement was very fast, yet it grew slower and slower. After he had helped the other man up, he instead gave a dry laugh: "Minister Qin, I am willing to acknowledge your good intentions, but I cannot decide this matter alone... Could you please wait a moment? I will go and return shortly?"

Qin Gui, seeing that what had seemed a sure thing had suddenly stalled, was also somewhat bewildered. He immediately asked with a pounding heart: "Does the General have another wise counselor at home? I wonder if I know him?"

"It's not a strategist." Shi Lieliang Taiyu seemed a bit embarrassed. "It's a family member from my inner quarters... Ever since we left Huiningfu and entered the passes, I've taken to discussing things with him before making a decision, big or small."

Hearing this, Qin Gui immediately understood, and even felt a trace of familiarity. So, although his heart was still pounding, he quickly urged the other man: "The General should go quickly and return quickly. I still have to go to the Grand Prince's residence later to probe for information, so I cannot wait long."

Shi Lieliang Taiyu quickly nodded, then hurriedly turned from the main hall and entered the inner quarters.

However, he did not go to see Lady Shi Lieliang as one might have imagined. Instead, he made a slight detour in the inner quarters, turning into a side courtyard adjacent to the side gate.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, he heard the clear sound of someone reading aloud.

It was the verse:

"Alas! The Way of the Teacher has not been transmitted for so long! It is difficult to expect men to be without doubt! The sages of old were far superior to other men, yet they still sought teachers and asked questions. The common people of today are far inferior to the sages, yet they are ashamed to learn from teachers. Therefore, the sage becomes even more sage, and the fool becomes even more foolish..."

"Loushi, my son!"

Shi Lieliang Taiyu, caring nothing for the "Way of the Teacher not being transmitted," went straight to the door and called out. "I need you to help me make a decision on something!"

It turned out that the family member Shi Lieliang Taiyu had mentioned was not the wife that Qin Hui had imagined, but rather his eldest son, who was seventeen years old, originally named Loushi, Shi Lieliang Liangbi.

Hearing his father's words, Liangbi came out holding a book upside down, offered a respectful bow, and displayed such grace that he seemed every bit a cultured young Han gentleman, even surpassing the ruler Hela.

Taiyu did not hesitate. He stepped forward and, in a low voice, relayed everything Qin Hui had said in the main hall, then asked: "Well, my son, do you think we can trust this man?"

"Your son thinks we can."

Liangbi thought for a moment, then gave his answer without hesitation. "The situation is clear now... There is no foothold left in the Han lands. So the Yan people will stay in Yan, and the state clans will return to the state... The few Yanjing great clans that want to keep the state clans here are merely putting up a desperate struggle. They have neither popular support nor are they a match for the generals... As for our family, now that that Zhao Song official has separated Father from the other generals, we are also under suspicion. I fear that the Grand Prince and the generals, having tasted blood, might take the opportunity to dispose of us suspicious ones as well. So why not join hands with the other suspicious ones first, as a precaution? As for Minister Qin, he is a skilled socialite. If we can take him in, we might even be able to rally the families of Talan and Yinshuke through him."

Taiyu stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly: "And what about the matter of replacing the foundation of the state?"

"What Minister Qin said was also quite sincere." Liangbi held the book and sighed with emotion. "Although it's not good for us to be usurpers, if a treasure truly falls at our feet, what harm is there in picking it up? In the end, after these twenty years, the older generation has tasted wealth and honor, and the younger generation has tasted culture. How could we possibly go back to being savages? If it truly comes to the point where that Zhao Song official is hot on our heels, it might just be Father's great fortune."

"That's exactly what I mean! My son has hit the nail on the head!"

With that, Shi Lieliang Taiyu no longer hesitated and immediately turned back towards the main hall.

As for Liangbi, he stood in the side courtyard for a while before trying to resume his reading. But for some reason, no matter how he turned the pages, he could not calm his mind again. He only repeated the line, "It is difficult to expect men to be without doubt," several times in the howling spring wind.

Having confirmed that the other party had accepted all his probes, Qin Gui was not excited or overjoyed, but rather felt deeply uneasy. Upon leaving the Shi Lieliang residence, he merely ordered a servant to send a blank sheet of paper with a checkmark on it back to his own residence, then went straight to the Grand Prince's mansion to "pledge his loyalty" and also to gather information.

He even prepared, if necessary, to incite the Grand Prince to take the initiative and dispatch troops.

Of course, he soon realized that in the current situation, with everyone fearing for themselves, no incitement was needed at all.

Moreover, after the new terms from the Zhao Song official arrived, the spontaneous collapse of the new army truly angered no one. By this time, everyone high and low had long seen that there was only one path: abandon Yanjing and flee first!

Regarding this, the tribes from beyond the passes wanted to do it as quickly as possible. The main body of the Yanjing great clans wanted to preserve Yanjing's essence as much as possible and make a deal with the Zhao official and Grand Marshal Han, parting on good terms.

But wasn't it the case that the Zhao official had named the three leaders of the Yanjing great clans—the Han, Zuo, and Liu clans—for execution?

So, this had directly cornered these three families, inevitably leading to some trouble.

At dusk, before the sky had fully darkened, amidst the howling wind, the Grand Prince's mansion, already full of officials and generals, suddenly received several pieces of news arriving simultaneously—Han Fang had entered the palace; Zuo Yuan (Zuo Qigong's second son, Vice Defender of Yanjing) was personally heading this way; at the same time, the Vice Minister of Rites, Liu Kuo (Liu Yanzong's second son), who had been feigning illness and staying home due to his previous allegiance to Nianhan, suddenly appeared and led a large number of new troops loyal to the Liu clan towards the north of the city... where the arsenal was located, not far from several northern gates with barbican entrances.

"Minister Qin, what do you think should be done?"

Wanyan Woben let out a long breath, looked around, and naturally noticed the one with the "highest status" among those present.

"What can be done? Meet soldiers with generals, and stop water with earth." Qin Huizhi stood up and spoke loudly. "I request the Grand Prince to permit me to enter the palace to see what Han Fang wants to say to the ruler. Then I will stay in the mansion to receive Left Defender Zuo with courtesy and hear what he has to say. Finally, send a few generals straight to the arsenal. Avoid killing if possible, but if it's absolutely necessary, kill them. In short, retake the arsenal... Without the arsenal, once we return to Liaodong, we won't even be able to deal with the Koreans!"

Wanyan Woben nodded repeatedly. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly turned his head to look at a short, armored figure behind him: "Digunai... what do you say?"

"Father!" The one called Digunai was actually just a youth, and he should be Wanyan Woben's son. He stepped forward directly, cupped his hands, and spoke in a loud voice. "I think what Minister Qin said is reasonable, but his standpoint is different, and it is not what Father should adopt!"

Qin Gui's heart skipped a beat. Wanyan Woben frowned even deeper and pressed: "What do you mean?"

"Your son's meaning is that the situation is so dire, who knows how many people want to take Father King's head to negotiate peace with the Southern official. At a time like this, the slightest hesitation, the slightest leniency, will invite great disaster. So there's no need to show mercy at the arsenal, and the Han, Zuo, and Liu families clearly advance and retreat as one, wanting to obstruct our grand plan for private gain, so why not eradicate them all together?" As Wanyan Digunai spoke with conviction, Qin Gui also breathed a sigh of relief. "Your son is willing to go with the generals, to use thunderous means to retake the arsenal, and at the same time deal with the three families, and finally go to the palace to speak with the ruler, asking him to deal with Han Fang, only then will the situation be settled!"

Wanyan Woben hesitated for a moment, but ultimately shook his head: "It hasn't come to that... it hasn't... Lord Qin's strategy is the most mature and appropriate. You may withdraw... Wulibu!"

"Your subordinate is here." Jiagu Wulibu turned around and cupped his hands in response.

"I'll give you four hundred Hezha Meng'an. Go to the West Street military camp and find Elubu. Retake the arsenal together. Avoid killing if possible, but if Liu Kuo resists, swiftly purge him!"

"Your subordinate understands!"

"Minister Wulinda, please go out the door on my behalf to welcome the Vice Left Commissioner."

"Yes."

"Lord Qin, please go to the palace. No matter what Han Fang says, just have the ruler wait for me to arrive!"

"Your subordinate understands!" Qin Huizhi was drenched in sweat, his heart surging.

Under the slanting rays of the setting sun, Yanjing City was thrown into complete turmoil.

And two quarters of an hour later, when the sky was about to turn dark but not yet dark, Hesilie Taiyu, who was also growing alarmed, suddenly received news that Privy Council Director Hong Ya had made an abrupt visit.

"Quickly, invite him in!" Having experienced the afternoon's events, Taiyu naturally guessed that Hong Ya was 'one of their own.'

"General, a great incident has occurred!" Hong Ya entered the residence and, without even time to bow, spoke hastily. "Both sides are too intense... Han Fang has entered the palace, Liu Kuo has sent a large army to retake the arsenal in coordination, and as for the Grand Prince, his son Wanyan Digunai actually advised the Grand Prince to gather troops and, taking advantage of the chaos, kill all unstable elements!"

Hesilie Taiyu was greatly alarmed and immediately asked back: "What is to be done?"

"There is only one path!" Hong Ya pointed to a certain place. "Quickly take advantage of the chaos to lead troops into the palace, and then ask the ruler to come to the Imperial Secretariat!"

"Without an edict, how can one lead troops into the palace?" Taiyu was momentarily flustered.

"General, where are your thoughts wandering? It's not like I'm asking you to rebel!" Hong Ya stamped his foot in urgency. "Entering the palace is for self-preservation. We, those under suspicion, can only contend with the Grand Prince in the ruler's presence! It's also to protect the ruler... once chaos erupts, who knows which local Yan people might try to fish in troubled waters, hoping to make a fortune in front of the Southern official! Even the Grand Prince and Liu Kuo's side are somewhat improper!"

Taiyu finally came to his senses, but then showed some hesitation again: "Vice Minister Hong, wait a moment. I'll go ask someone else."

Hong Ya was extremely anxious and rebuked him on the spot: "General! Talan and Yinshu Ke are already making their moves. Are you going to fall behind even in such a simple matter as leading troops into the palace?"

Taiyu stamped his foot: "Vice Minister Hong, wait a moment. The troops are already prepared. I'm just going to ask."

Having said this, this chieftain of one of the six traditional Jurchen tribes, the Hesilie tribe, the general who oversaw the thirty-six branches of the Hesilie, actually abandoned Hong Ya, who had come to report the news, and went to the rear.

To be honest, Hong Ya once thought of fleeing.

But it was only for a moment. Hesilie Taiyu soon returned and immediately cupped his hands: "Vice Minister Hong, my son says that Digunai is indeed that kind of person, and the Grand Prince's side is indeed dangerous. And if everything you said is correct, the situation is indeed urgent. It is right to lead troops into the palace!"

Hong Ya let out a long breath... borrowing the Hesilie tribe's troops gave him substance, having the ruler in hand gave him legitimacy. Although both substance and legitimacy were cobbled together, they could be manipulated freely!

PS: Continuing to offer up a book "Teacher, Come Quick"... Interested classmates can go take a look.