[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-shao-song":3,"chapter-shao-song-shao-song-chapter-444":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Shao Song",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1558610,2024,"Chapter 444","shao-song-chapter-444",444,"\u003Cp>In the pitch-black night, the chaos grew ever greater. Roars, wails, and sneers merged into one, mingling with the gurgling flow of the Huang River and the whoosh of summer winds passing through lush grass and shrubs, forming a strange sound like the dance music of shamans at a sacrificial ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst this sound, flames rapidly swept across the entire camp on the south bank of the Huang River, then triggered a kind of collapse and dispersal, as if a fire had just been lit but was blown by a strong wind, scattering sparks directly into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But without a doubt, just as wind can only scatter ash piles and grass blades but cannot move real firewood, on the south bank of the Huang River, several scattered, bright areas quickly formed, still maintaining a certain order and capacity for action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, Lord Xiyin, Lord Qin... Minister Wulinda.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fully armored, Elubu hurried into the central courtyard of the market where the monarch and his consort were staying. Ignoring the minor officials, he paid his respects to the nobles in the courtyard, then immediately spoke with a grave expression. \"Your subordinate received a message from the Prince of Liao and came at once to protect Your Majesty... but in the rush, I could only gather three hundred men. The rest have either scattered on their own or cannot be assembled quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monarch, Qin Hui, and Wulinda Zanmo remained silent, letting Xiyin, who stood at the foot of the steps, take the lead in responding. \"The enemy is making such a show of force and still hasn't crossed the river. They must be short on troops. You've brought three hundred men, and the remaining four hundred or so Hezha Meng'an here are also armored. Together, that's enough to protect the monarch's safety... We need only wait for fate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words were both an affirmation of Elubu's support... after all, three hundred men was a bit few; he must have left many behind to protect the families... and also a reassurance to the shaken monarch and his consort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And sure enough, Wanyan Hela, also armored and waiting on the steps, immediately relaxed upon hearing this. But after a brief relief, this young monarch pressed the sword at his waist and asked a sensitive question:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Xiyin, is it truly General Ma Wu's troops across the river? If it is him, why didn't Taiyuan and Huolu surrender directly to the Song? Why didn't he rebel in Dadingfu? And why is he coming from across the river instead of pursuing from behind...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, this is not the time to dwell on such matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the flickering firelight, Xiyin, dressed in ordinary scholar's robes, suddenly clasped his hands and interrupted him. \"Perhaps Yelu Ma Wu has truly rebelled, perhaps a small group of Mongol or Khitan pursuers reached Changning and persuaded or forced Yelu Ma Wu, or perhaps some Khitan, blinded by greed, acted in Ma Wu's name, or it could even be bandits or tribes roaming nearby who heard of the Changning incident and borrowed Ma Wu's reputation... But none of it matters, because even if the troops across the river are Yelu Ma Wu's men, they are far fewer than our main force, yet we have fled without a fight and fallen into chaos... The root of the problem is not across the river, but on this side.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as these words were spoken, Qin Hui, Wulinda Zanmo, and Elubu almost nodded in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hela, after a moment of silence, nodded somewhat dejectedly and let go of the hand resting on his sword:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are right, my lord. The enemy is not a concern; the problem is within our own ranks... We nearly had a mutiny at dusk, and now it has come to this... I wonder what else will happen by the time we reach Huanglongfu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is the situation outside?\" Xiyin avoided the topic and turned to look at Elubu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The camp is largely out of control, all looting and scattering. Several generals have gathered their troops and are holding their positions, awaiting reinforcements. But some, thinking they are familiar with the remaining route, have gathered men yet still taken the initiative to flee.\" Elubu quickly explained. \"As for the enemy, as you said, my lord, they are only making noise and have not yet crossed the river...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who fled? Who held their ground?\" Xiyin pressed on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Hui's eyelids twitched, then he silently took half a step back into the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I cannot say for certain who left or what happened, only judging by the lights.\" Elubu, not noticing Qin Hui's movement, cautiously addressed Wanyan Xiyin. \"The area where General Jiagu Wulibu is stationed is dark and silent, as if he has left. At the very rear, where General Pucha Huzhan is, the lights are bright, and shouts and commands can be heard from afar. The post station held by General Heshilie Taiyu is also brightly lit...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So Wulibu has collapsed.\" Wulinda Zanmo sighed, then, as if struck by a thought, continued asking. \"What about Marshal Danlan and Commander Yinshu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those two, though they have few troops, have indeed lit a fire in their courtyard, making it especially conspicuous... After all, they are seasoned generals.\" Elubu remained respectful. \"Their camps are actually adjacent to General Heshilie's.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Xiyin and Wulinda Zanmo suddenly fell silent together in the courtyard. The others, from the monarch to Elubu, were momentarily puzzled but maintained their patience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Qin Hui remained silent as always... He dared not say a single word now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waiting a while longer, Xiyin finally spoke seriously again by the brazier: \"Elubu, if I ordered you to take your men and burn or destroy that pontoon bridge on the river, could you do it? How long would it take?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the dark, aside from knowing the enemy's numbers are probably not large, all other circumstances are unclear, so I cannot say for certain.\" Elubu answered quickly. \"Even if the military operation goes smoothly, it would take at least half an hour to complete the task and return...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then it's too late.\" Xiyin's expression did not change, but he clasped his hands and calmly asked another question. \"Under these circumstances, do you want to stay here to protect the monarch, or return to protect His Highness the Prince of Liao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as these words were spoken, whether it was an illusion or not, the already quiet courtyard grew even quieter, forming a stark contrast with the noise outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this question was unclear and even somewhat absurd... because Elubu himself had come to protect the monarch on the orders of Wanyan Woliben.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the monarch himself was right behind him. Was Elubu supposed to say, in front of the eighteen-year-old monarch... 'Between the monarch and the Prince of Liao, I choose the Prince of Liao'?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, it was precisely such a muddled, absurd question that Wanyan Xiyin had asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was Wanyan Xiyin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was recognized as the foremost Jurchen sage, one of the founders of the Jurchen state system, the inventor of the Jurchen script, one of the actual administrators of state affairs in recent years, one of the pillars of the state, and, as more and more famous Jurchen princes and generals died, an important balancer for the future survival of this nation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, this lord, the Grand Prince and Prince of Liao Wanyan Woliben, and the monarch himself standing behind him—these three were the basic symbols of the continued existence of the Great Jin's Jurchen Wanyan regime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, Elubu was momentarily flustered and dared not answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only Elubu himself, but even Wulinda Zanmo was somewhat panicked... Qin Huizhi hesitated for a moment. He wanted to show a bit of panic to blend in with the others, but his performance was stiff and awkward, which seemed to genuinely reflect his panic... Yes, after this question, even Qin Hui finally showed some instinctive loss of composure and panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commotion outside continued. A gust of wind blew, scattering the already chaotic shadows and light in the courtyard even more. At this moment, faint sounds of battle cries came through the wind, as if the enemy had finally crossed the river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiyin seemed to snap back to reality only then, and inexplicably gave a reply, just as he had inexplicably asked that question earlier:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand... Stay here and protect the monarch with peace of mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elubu grew even more bewildered. However, when he nodded in acknowledgment and his gaze swept over Xiyin, Qin Huizhi behind him, and Wulinda Zanmo, then fell upon the monarch, who had been standing silently and solemnly higher up, he suddenly had a vague guess—these words were probably not meant for him, or at least not only for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if that were the case, did Wanyan Xiyin truly believe that the Grand Prince might be in danger?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quarter of an hour later, Elubu's doubt vanished. Because as the enemy crossed the river, he personally went out to patrol the outer defensive line and climbed onto a rooftop to observe the situation. He saw with his own eyes that after those so-called subordinates of Yelu Ma Wu crossed the river, with thundering hooves and rows of torches, they did not engage in wanton looting. Instead, as expected, they headed straight for the position of the Prince of Liao, Grand Prince Wanyan Woliben!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no hesitation throughout the entire process, no reconnaissance, and no misjudgment—in the dead of night, amidst utter chaos, crossing the river hastily, yet striking the target in one blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Jiagu Wulibu's troops had scattered, his own men had just arrived at the monarch's side, Pucha Huzhan's troops were far to the rear, and the Grand Prince, in the rush, could probably only gather a few hundred men like himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, even though it was early summer and the wind was warm even beyond the Great Wall, Elubu felt a chill in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another warm wind blew. Elubu, slumped on the outer rooftop, sent someone to report back to Wanyan Xiyin and the monarch, while carefully descending from the roof with the help of his personal guards to return to the imperial presence. At the same time, he forced himself to snap out of it and quickly, strenuously weigh the pros and cons:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation was now clear. Regardless of who had come tonight—Yelu Ma Wu, the Khitan tribes from the west, local Xi bandits, or even Jurchen troops from the east—the key was that there must be an inside agent, or even a mastermind, within the exiled court's ranks on the south bank of the Huang River today... And the target was very clear: the Grand Prince, Prince of Liao, Wanyan Woliben.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why kill the Grand Prince?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer to this question had been known to the entire fleeing group since Dadingfu (near Chengde). After the Zhao Song Emperor killed the Fourth Prince, the new message was: first kill the Grand Prince, then set new conditions for peace talks... This was the most critical issue within the Jin exiled court!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before, the talk of killing the Grand Prince and a host of powerful military figures had already caused such an uproar in Yanjing. How much more so now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, according to Elubu and most people's thinking, this issue would be discussed and acted upon only after the group managed to reach Huanglongfu. They never expected it to happen here, just before reaching Huanglongfu and just after leaving Linhuangfu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, these were now fait accompli. Thinking more was useless. The key was how he should respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or, to put it more directly, should he go to the rescue?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should he take the initiative to propose a rescue, or remain silent and wait for the monarch and Lord Xiyin to give orders?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or, perhaps, should he simply suggest that the monarch and the lord not go to the rescue?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the attitudes of the monarch and Lord Xiyin had already been very ambiguous. And this time, if the attack was indeed orchestrated by someone within the group, they probably wouldn't try to attack the monarch or others after killing the Grand Prince, would they? If he could escape with his life and reach Huanglongfu, he could see how the peace talks turned out. At worst, he could just disappear into the mountains and forests and live out the rest of his days!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why would the monarch and Lord Xiyin also hold this attitude? Were they involved too? Or, like him, had they developed second thoughts on the battlefield?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, Elubu's mind raced through a hundred thoughts, but only a moment had passed. By the time he descended from the roof and returned to the courtyard, the monarch and his consort, Lord Xiyin, Qin Huizhi, Minister Wulinda Zanmo, and the others had only just heard the report from the guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the monarch Hela, with a faint sheen of sweat on his forehead, couldn't help but look at Xiyin. Clearly, he too had thought of Xiyin's strange question earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Xiyin...\" Hela was so anxious that a thin layer of sweat broke out on his head. \"What is going on? Was General Yelu Ma Wu ordered back by you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It has nothing to do with me, and I don't know who it is either.\" Wanyan Xiyin spread his hands in reply, his tone calm and his expression composed. \"It's just that after Prince Wei left, His Highness Prince Liao became the greatest obstacle to peace negotiations, and this location is too awkward—anyone could attack, yet no one could truly dispatch a large army here... So, as soon as the chaos erupted, I guessed it was likely someone colluding internally and externally, or someone foolish enough to open the gates and invite the bandits in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hela was momentarily speechless at these words, but still uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out that because he had fled too quickly earlier, the death of his mentor Han Fang that night in Yanjing had always been an unsolved mystery to Hela. In contrast, Wanyan Digunai's words and actions had been corroborated by many. Thus, that night's events had lodged like a thorn deep in his heart. In recent days, this monarch had been wary and dissatisfied with the Grand Prince and his son, relying solely on Wanyan Xiyin for everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, after all was said and done, Wanyan Woben had raised him for several years. No matter what, Hela had never thought to sit idly by and watch him fall into mortal danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Excellency.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a moment later, Hela reached out and grasped one of Xiyin's hands. \"I didn't speak earlier because I'm slow-witted and didn't understand Your Excellency's meaning. But I truly never intended to let my eldest uncle die... He is my eldest uncle, who raised me in his home for years, a meritorious supporter of my ascension, and a ruling prince... If I deliberately pushed him to his death, what face would I have to be a ruler of a nation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>E'lu Bu sighed inwardly, but also felt a momentary relief. After all, the monarch's attitude was better than being cold-eyed. More importantly, he no longer had to agonize over it himself—since the monarch and His Excellency had given orders, he would just obey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wulinda Zanmo also felt some emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Qin Huizhi, he remained silent, only unable to resist looking up at Wanyan Xiyin, as if recognizing this foremost Jurchen wise man once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty speaks too late.\" Wanyan Xiyin did not look at anyone, his tone indifferent. \"Now the bandits have crossed the river, and the only troops available before the imperial presence are the three hundred-plus men General E'lu Bu brought... It would have been fine to go and join Prince Liao earlier, but going now, in the pitch dark, aren't you afraid of a total rout on the road? And if General E'lu Bu's men also scatter, the bandits might well dispose of both the monarch and Prince Liao together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hela was terrified and instinctively looked at the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze swept over Qin Hui, Wulinda Zanmo, and E'lu Bu. Only Wulinda Zanmo stepped forward half a pace. Hela was about to come down and take Wulinda's hand, but then realized he was still gripping Wanyan Xiyin's hand and dared not let go, so he could only lean forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Wulinda Zanmo sighed inwardly but spoke respectfully from below the steps: \"Your Majesty... at this point, the state is broken, the family destroyed, mountains collapse and the earth splits. These matters are simply beyond human power. Why say more?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hela nodded slowly, finally releasing his grip on Xiyin's hands. He stepped back, pushed open the half-closed door, and happened to see his empress standing behind it. He then took her hand and they turned inside together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in just a moment, as the distant sounds of battle gradually converged and steadied, the monarch burst out again, directly into the courtyard, looking left and right: \"Has the fighting started? Is it certain they're targeting Prince Liao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Xiyin stood in the wind, silent. The others, seeing this, simply lowered their heads like Qin Huizhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, E'lu Bu received a summons from an attendant, hurried back from the periphery, and made a brief report: \"For Your Majesty's information, it is indeed Prince Liao who is surrounded, and fighting has begun! But rest assured, Your Majesty, Prince Liao's defense is holding steady...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Hela hesitated, looked at the motionless Wanyan Xiyin, then finally nodded and turned back inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waiting about another quarter of an hour, Hela hurried out again, speaking from the steps: \"Why is the sound of battle growing louder?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiyin still did not move. E'lu Bu hurried out again, returning after a while to report: \"Your Majesty, after the Khitan bandits crossed the river, many scattered to loot or got lost. Now that fighting has started, their forces are gradually gathering, so the sound of battle is growing louder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hela sneered, exasperated: \"Are you sure that all gathering there are scattered bandits who crossed the river? And are you sure they are Khitan?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>E'lu Bu was speechless and could only look at Xiyin... In fact, Hela was half right. E'lu Bu was an experienced veteran; he could roughly tell from outside earlier that those converging were probably not scattered remnants of the attacking force, but rather personnel from within the camp who were well-prepared to guide, assault, and command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the situation was too chaotic, with fleeing families and routed soldiers everywhere, and the matter was too grave. Even though he already had suspicions, he couldn't say which faction had dispatched them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the monarch, Wanyan Xiyin's attitude was so clear that E'lu Bu had also weathered the most difficult initial choice. Now he was just going through the motions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning back to the present, Hela, after his outburst, saw no one respond. He shook his head helplessly and could only return to the building once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warm wind in the courtyard continued unabated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, E'lu Bu sighed inwardly, turned back out, and continued observing the battle from the periphery... He noticed that Pucha Huzhan had once stirred, but the troops he dispatched scattered their torches halfway and ultimately made no further moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was only natural, as Pucha Huzhan's nephew had married the Grand Prince's eldest daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also noticed that the bandit forces besieging the Grand Prince, after receiving support from scattered troops within the camp, quickly became organized. They opened up a gap at the northwest corner of the Grand Prince's camp, but then began to focus on setting fires from the southeast, downwind, attempting to end everything with fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the fire about to catch, E'lu Bu knew full well that the monarch would soon come out again, and he would likely have to make a final decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, even up to this point, E'lu Bu still wanted to save the Grand Prince—provided it didn't bring disaster upon himself. So, after a moment's hesitation, this veteran Jurchen general and battlefield escapee suddenly turned to look at his personal guard commander:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go there, just two or three men.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What can two or three men do?\" The guard commander was baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are definitely Khitan there. The key is to see if there are any Jurchen among those people,\" E'lu Bu explained seriously. \"No matter the result, don't tell anyone. I'm just curious, seeking peace of mind... Go quickly and return quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard commander nodded and immediately hurried off with a few quick-witted armored soldiers, disappearing into the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To E'lu Bu's surprise, just as he received another summons from the monarch and was slowly descending from the rooftop, his guard commander had already returned... Then, from a distance, in front of the young eunuch who had come to summon him, he gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if E'lu Bu were slow-witted, he would know that there must be Jurchen among them, and likely acquaintances of his own guards, otherwise they wouldn't have returned so quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guessing was one thing, but confirming it still made this veteran Jurchen general's scalp tingle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Reporting to Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the courtyard, the tingling sensation on his scalp had not yet subsided. E'lu Bu could only muster his spirits to reply. \"As Your Majesty guessed, the Khitan bandits used fire. In the summer heat, with the warm wind blowing constantly... and they also deliberately opened a gap toward the river, a classic 'besiege three, leave one' tactic... Prince Liao is truly in grave danger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hela, standing on the threshold, was struck as if by lightning. His body swayed before he steadied himself against the doorframe, then immediately looked at Wanyan Xiyin's back with a certain hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xiyin still did not move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then looked at E'lu Bu, who only lowered his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He searched for Qin Hui, but with the shifting light and shadows in the courtyard, he couldn't find where Qin Hui was for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he sought out Wulinda Zanmo. Wulinda Zanmo finally met the monarch's gaze, but only shook his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Hela was both helpless and fearful, as well as heartbroken. Tears streamed down his face, and he could only cover his face and retreat into the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in the courtyard, starting with the expressionless Xiyin, breathed a secret sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, a sharp female voice suddenly rang out from within the room:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is the matter with Your Majesty? Toyed with in Yanjing, and now reduced to weeping before your consort? A ruler of a nation, even on the run, how can you be so pathetic?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone recognized it as Empress Peiman, and knew she was only fifteen. If it were the monarch, with his intelligence and experience, he might understand something. The young empress was just speaking childish words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for some reason, even knowing it was the young empress's childish talk, everyone in the courtyard couldn't help but be slightly moved, then listened intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the monarch's slightly choked voice came through:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't understand... This isn't about the face of a ruler. I know His Excellency Xiyin means well, and I know the situation is like meat on a chopping block. My eldest uncle's death is good for everyone... I just remember his kindness in raising me... and Master Han's teachings... and my fourth uncle's support in my ascension... I couldn't save Master Han in time, nor my fourth uncle... and now I can't even save my last close uncle! I am not ashamed to be a ruler, but ashamed to be a nephew!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire courtyard was momentarily moved to sympathy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you're ashamed, why not go save him?!\" The young empress's sharp voice rang out again. \"The state is already like this, what is there to fear?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His Excellency Xiyin won't let me split the troops...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are the direct grandson of Taizu, skilled in archery and horsemanship. If His Excellency Xiyin won't let the generals go to the rescue, can he stop you from leading the imperial expedition yourself? Weren't you wearing armor from the start tonight? Was it just for show?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in the courtyard almost simultaneously looked at the half-closed door, causing a stir. Even Xiyin was momentarily taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, Wanyan Xiyin resumed his previous demeanor—calm, natural, as if nothing had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost at the same moment, Empress Peiman's voice rang out again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Last time in Yanjing, I was startled and hid behind you, and I felt ashamed... If you truly remember the Prince of Liao's nurturing kindness, then spur your horse and take the remaining Hezha Meng'an to rescue him! By then, not only will you save the Prince of Liao, but the soldiers in the camp will also be inspired and rally to you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiyin had long since returned to normal, Qin Gui's face was pale, Elubu was drenched in sweat, but Wulindazhanmo couldn't help stepping forward half a pace, as if about to offer some advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And almost without pause, the young Empress Peiman urged again from within the house:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard clearly just now—the Prince of Liao is nearly burned to death, and his eyes are bad. With fire and night like this, even escaping is hard... If you dare to go, I'll go with you... Save him if you can, come back if you can't. Even if the mutinous soldiers are fierce, our horsemanship is good enough to flee on horseback... At worst, we'll follow the Huangshui River downstream...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words faded, Helai, armored and hand on sword, suddenly pushed open the door and appeared again in the courtyard. He took a deep breath, forcibly held back his tears, then swept his gaze around and spoke through gritted teeth:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will personally go to rescue my eldest uncle! This is not a ruler saving a minister, but a nephew saving an uncle! Chancellor Xiyin, I want to take three hundred Hezha Meng'an with me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These few hundred Hezha Meng'an and the few hundred Hezha Meng'an with His Highness the Prince of Liao are the last foundation of the state.\" Wanyan Xiyin's expression was nearly cold. \"In daylight, properly armored and mounted, they could fight ten to one. But on a chaotic night like this, they will easily lose their lives, lose their discipline and their way... Does Your Majesty wish to bury the last Hezha Meng'an together with the Prince of Liao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am the direct grandson of Taizu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helai was silent for a moment, then gathered his courage to retort. \"These two Hezha Meng'an are the hereditary private property of the Wanyan clan... The Chancellor need not interfere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiyin nodded, shifted half a step aside, and still stood with his hands behind his back in the warm wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meaning was simple—if the ruler wanted to go die, then go ahead; he wouldn't stop him, but he would never participate or approve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The civil and military officials around, seeing this, were all uneasy... Some resented Xiyin's coldness and arrogance, while others were angry and puzzled at the ruler's impulsiveness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation now was that the state had essentially collapsed, but a Great Jin of the Wanyan clan could maintain its political system only because the ruler Helai, Chancellor Xiyin, and the Great Crown Prince Woben formed a symbolic triumvirate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And tonight's coup, in essence, was that everyone wanted the Great Crown Prince dead, so as not to delay the desperate peace negotiations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, the ruler was risking his life to save the Great Crown Prince, the biggest obstacle to peace, while Xiyin, whose very foundation lay in being a minister and chief councilor, was actually parting ways with the ruler!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this, it was clear—the Great Jin was truly finished!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Helai himself couldn't fully understand why Wanyan Xiyin was so cold. The Xiyin he remembered was not like this... But things had come to this point, and he was, after all, a ruler, an eighteen-year-old youth with his own pent-up frustration—how could he stop here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he gave a slight bow to Xiyin: \"Please, Chancellor, and General Elubu, guard the Empress here. I will be back shortly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Wanyan Xiyin merely nodded. Helai could no longer bear it and strode down, hand on sword. The Mouke among the Hezha Meng'an exchanged glances, and finally three chased after him, but the remaining few, like Elubu, moved their feet but ultimately did not follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiyin just stared at the retreating figure, without any extra expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the young Empress Peiman, she put on only a helmet and tried to chase after, but with a wave of Wulindazhanmo's hand, the eunuchs pushed her back inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very moment Wanyan Helai remembered he was Aguda's direct grandson and rode out in armor, his eldest uncle, Wanyan Woben, had already fallen into utter despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Digunai, you go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Crown Prince Wanyan Woben, hair disheveled, one hand leaning on a hot sword, the other covering his weeping eye, fixed his remaining eye on his son. \"They only want to kill me to make peace. You're still small in build; they won't deliberately hunt you down... Break out from the northwest, take your two younger brothers and find Pucha Huzhan... He's your brother-in-law's uncle. He couldn't save me just now, but he's still trustworthy... In this state, I can't get away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digunai wept bitterly, clutching his father's arm that covered his eye, and only recovered after a long time: \"Son can go... but please tell me, Father... who did this today? Even if I have to endure for eight or ten years, I will avenge you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Woben shook his head repeatedly. \"I don't know... It could be anyone. Too many people want me dead! Everyone wants peace!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You must have some suspicion?\" Digunai grew even more sorrowful. \"At least give your son something to hold onto?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe it was the Heshilie clan, or maybe Talan and Yinshuke, or maybe those civil officials by the ruler's side... Xiyin, Qin Gui, Wulindazhanmo... or even Helai (the ruler)... It certainly wasn't Ma Wu.\" Woben smiled bitterly. \"But once I die, you won't be able to touch Xiyin or the Heshilie for a while. Don't investigate this for ten years. Instead, insist that Ma Wu did it... Understand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digunai wiped his tears and finally let go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woben sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Digunai was about to put on his helmet and break out, he turned back and grabbed his father's arm, then lunged forward. Through his father's hair, he bit his own father's ear, but because he had been crying so long, he couldn't bite hard—only drawing blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woben understood. He pulled a dagger from his waist and, while it was still in his son's mouth, cut off his own ear. Digunai, holding his father's ear in his mouth, did not take the chance to make any blood oath. Instead, he kowtowed repeatedly on the spot, then put on his helmet, turned, and followed several personal guards to break out through the northwest gap his father had deliberately left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, his two younger brothers were already waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the firelight, Woben, his face and body covered in blood and soot, watched his son ride off with his ear in his mouth. He breathed a slight sigh of relief, put on his hot helmet, turned, and charged toward the east, which was not yet engulfed by fire but was heavily surrounded. He then shouted Yelu Ma Wu's name, demanding he come face him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What greeted Wanyan Woben was a burst of cheers and a volley of arrows... Clearly, someone on the other side recognized his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he couldn't care about that anymore. Estimating that his son had likely escaped, Wanyan Woben turned back and charged into the core of his own camp, like a madman. He swung his sword repeatedly, killing his two younger daughters and several secondary consorts... It was only when he burst into the room of his primary wife, Princess Tudan, and found that his wife and Digunai's birth mother, the Grand Consort, had already committed suicide together, that he finally came to his senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he dragged over bedding and silk, and before the fire reached him, he added a flame of his own in the room. He felt his ribs, then drove his sword fiercely into his own heart. Enduring the searing pain, he lay back on his back beside the two consorts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great fire swept in within moments. The last ruling prince of the Great Jin managed to preserve one ear from turning to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, Wanyan Helai charged out of his own core camp. At first, he was full of boldness and frustration, wanting only to rescue his uncle and then return to face Wanyan Xiyin and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the vast camp was filled with mutinous soldiers everywhere, looting and killing. He carried the emperor's banner and led several hundred Hezha Meng'an, yet no one heard his words, no one could see his banner clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only that, the chaos and darkness severely stimulated and affected his troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People disappeared every moment—not necessarily deserting, but more often getting lost in the confusion, taking a wrong turn and unable to return, or suddenly encountering a small band of mutineers, fighting briefly, and then not knowing where they were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Helai quickly understood the meaning of Xiyin's earlier warning. But first, his anger was hard to quell; second, he truly wanted to save his uncle; and third, though the camp was chaotic, the fire at Wanyan Woben's location made it clear where to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The price for this was that by the time he neared the burning camp, only a hundred or so men remained by his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, even so, his status as ruler and his open declaration caused panic and loss of control among those 'Khitan bandits.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Helai soon noticed the strangeness within this so-called Khitan rebel army... And similar to Elubu's reaction earlier, though he had suspected it, seeing some people in person by the great fire made his scalp tingle and his feet go weak. For a moment, he swayed on his horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's the ruler!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the chaos, someone turned in panic, then found his comrades. \"What do we do now? He saw me—I'm not wearing a mask!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that's the case, there's no going back now... We killed Woben—it's like a blood feud with him... Can we think of anything else?!\" Someone maintained a kind of cruel calm. \"Tonight is not like Yanjing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My son is right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another man gritted his teeth in response, then put on a mask directly and prepared to ride forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, wait. A son conceals his father's deeds. Let me, the son, commit regicide for my father!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The slightly calmer man from before grabbed his father, took the masked helmet from him, mounted his horse, and, wearing only light leather armor, galloped forward to meet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ruler!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, Helai was shouting, trying to drive away the bandits and promising to put out the fire and pardon them, when suddenly a somewhat familiar voice came from behind. He turned to look, and saw that familiar man swinging a war hammer directly at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The horses met. The war hammer, driven by the horse's momentum, smashed down. Helai hastily raised his bow to block, but was knocked off his horse on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the man fled in panic, disappearing into the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the greater chaos, Helai stared at the retreating figure of that familiar man, still unable to believe it... But he didn't need to believe it. Just as several Hezha Meng'an tried to dismount to save the ruler, dozens of prepared riders swarmed in, scattering the rescue troops. Among them, several riders, in order, reined in without hesitation before Helai, raising their horses' front hooves high, then stamping down heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After repeated attempts like this, three or five times, he finally managed to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Great fires raged everywhere, hot winds swept the wilderness, dust and ashes were blown away, and the floodwaters flowed like ink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before dawn, the Khitan bandits shouted that they had killed Wanyan Hela and Wanyan Woben and fled upstream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From dawn onward, Jin Chancellor Wanyan Xiyin received many people and much news in turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First came the four men: Heshilie Taiyu and his son, Wanyan Talan, and Wanyan Yinshu. They brought their \"remnant forces from their own commands\" to rendezvous, declared their hard efforts fighting alongside the Great Crown Prince the previous night, offered the news that Wanyan Woben had likely died in battle, and then obliquely inquired about the whereabouts of the national sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, soldiers brought the corpse of the national sovereign, Hela... The body had been trampled into a pulp, identifiable only by the armor of the deceased and certain other features for reference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Xiyin was silent for a long time, but showed little grief. He even allowed the first group to cast doubt on the corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who wept the most was the young Empress Peiman, followed by Wulinda Zanmo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a third group arrived... This time, it was Wanyan Woben's son Digunai, General Pucha Huzhan, and their remnants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know who did it last night!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digunai, covered in filth, came into the courtyard, took a human ear from his bosom, and placed it beside the corpse of the national sovereign Hela. \"My father made it perfectly clear before he died! I ask Chancellor Xiyin, the Empress, and the generals to seek justice for me and avenge the national sovereign!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Xiyin stared at him without a word, his eyes bloodshot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heshilie Taiyu and his son, Wanyan Talan, and Wanyan Yinshu also watched Digunai in silence, waiting for him to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There were many who killed the sovereign and my father last night, but my father could only identify two men.\" Wanyan Digunai swept his gaze across everyone in the courtyard, finally fixing a vicious glare on one person. His ferocious expression caused blood to seep from his cracked lips. \"It must have been planned and incited by Privy Councilor Qin Gui and carried out by Yelu Ma Wu!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Xiyin was taken aback for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Qin Gui, he was dazed for an instant before blurting out: \"Your Highness is absurd! Why would I kill the sovereign and the prince?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Song Emperor promised that your position as Chancellor would be unshakeable after the peace talks. My father was the greatest obstacle to peace, and the national sovereign regarded my father as his own father and would never easily agree to peace talks!\" Wanyan Digunai answered earnestly. \"Is that not enough?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Gui was bewildered and panicked... He was truly panicked... because it really had nothing to do with him last night, and most people should have known in their hearts that it had nothing to do with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the more this was the case, combined with Wanyan Digunai's certainty, the more flustered Qin Hui became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this meant the other side had suddenly stopped being reasonable, stopped caring about reasons. And once the enemy stopped being reasonable and stopped caring about reasons, he truly didn't know what to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xiyin, the fifteen-year-old widowed Empress Peiman, and everyone else in the courtyard looking at him, in his panic, Qin Hui suddenly made a fatal mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, a compounded fatal mistake... because even without this mistake, he might still have been doomed that day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General Heshilie... I am innocent. You know me!\" Qin Gui's heart pounded wildly as he looked directly at Heshilie Taiyu and bowed with clasped hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter nodded, but then suddenly smiled and shook his head: \"Chancellor Qin, back in Yanjing you manipulated people's hearts so skillfully. At that time, you urged me, Marshal Talan, and Commander Yinshu to oppose the Prince of Liao, only to flip-flop and prove untrustworthy... The Prince of Liao believed you were a troublemaker before he died. That was hardly unjust, was it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Hui fell silent, because as he calmed down slightly, he finally realized the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be fair, that time in Yanjing, relying on his keen political instincts and extreme caution, he had successfully extricated himself from the vortex at the last moment, avoiding the same fate as Hong Ya... But in doing so, he had also antagonized both the Great Crown Prince and Heshilie's faction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, his only support was the alliance of the Fourth Prince, Xiyin, and the national sovereign. But ever since the Fourth Prince went south in surrender, this balancing alliance had become exceptionally fragile. So much so that when he heard the Fourth Prince had bound himself and gone south, he was already filled with fear and unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with the complete collapse of the situation, Digunai, unable to take revenge on others—or rather, not knowing who his true enemies were—it seemed only natural that he would first target Qin Hui, a man with a prior record in the Yanjing incident and a Han Chinese with no real foundation to stand on, as an outlet for his anger and vengeance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chancellor Xiyin.\" Qin Gui found the only person he could rely on, or rather the only one capable of saving him at this moment. \"You know I was here all night. I could not have been the planner of the chaos.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Xiyin calmly glanced at him, then looked at Heshilie and his son, passed over the national sovereign's corpse and Woben's ear, and the weeping young Empress Peiman, before finally fixing his gaze on Wanyan Digunai:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Digunai, if we dispose of Qin Hui, will you be willing to set aside your grudges for now and press on as quickly as possible?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\" Digunai answered with a savage grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Hui felt as if he had fallen into an icy pit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you?\" Wanyan Xiyin then looked at the four men, Heshilie and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Heshilie Taiyu glanced at his son, and upon seeing the latter nod slightly, immediately answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I clearly did nothing...\" Qin Gui, knowing this was the final moment, struggled to defend himself. \"You are in chaos yourselves. Why push it onto me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does the Empress say?\" Xiyin ignored him and continued to look at another key figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Empress Peiman wiped away her tears and glared hatefully at Xiyin: \"In the current situation, isn't it the Chancellor who calls the shots?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Xiyin was unconcerned. He looked at the others again... Seeing no one objected, he finally turned his gaze to Qin Gui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Gui felt his whole body go weak, then collapsed to his knees, pleading earnestly: \"Chancellor Xiyin... I have served the Great Jin for years with considerable merit. Why would you dispose of me over a lie we all know to be false?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this your first day learning how we Jurchens handle such matters?\" Xiyin gave a slightly self-mocking smile. \"Chancellor Qin... You'd be better off using the terms from the Zhao Emperor's peace conditions—that you were to be Chancellor without replacement—to save yourself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Qin Gui suddenly understood, like a man in desperation grasping at straws, and hurriedly looked at Heshilie and his son. \"Gentlemen... The Zhao Emperor promised I would be Chancellor of the Great Jin for life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Digunai, he grew even more impatient, directly drawing his blade from his waist. Although those around him were on guard, no one stopped him as he approached Qin Hui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was just a mere Qin Gui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Digunai's naked blade coming at him, Qin Gui had no strength to rise. In that moment of extreme terror, he was completely dazed, feeling that his entire life's actions were laughable. But somehow, as the blade drew near, he remembered one thing, looked up, and spoke earnestly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was all my wife Wang's idea!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digunai was stunned for a moment, then nodded. He thrust his knife once, then again and again, stabbing Qin Hui eighteen or nineteen times in a fit of rage, until blood splattered all over him. The others just stood there watching, no one stopping him. Even the young Empress Peiman, in the presence of her husband's gruesome corpse, showed no extra reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After who knows how many stabs, Digunai took several deep breaths, turned around, and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where is Wang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the silent courtyard, Xiyin pointed in a direction: \"In the third courtyard to the west.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digunai nodded, struggled to cut off Qin Gui's head, then carried it to the other courtyard. Reaching the third courtyard, he asked the guard at the door: \"Which room is Chancellor Qin's wife, Wang, in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard, already terrified, pointed weakly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digunai nodded slightly again, went straight to the door, and saw a window wide open with a middle-aged woman sitting by it, fiddling with something. He asked once more:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you Lady Qin, Wang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang responded instinctively. As she looked up, a human head flew toward her. She was stunned. When she recognized her husband's head and saw the short man approaching the door with a knife, she tried to flee through the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how could a woman, terrified like this, move nimbly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digunai stepped forward, stabbed her through the back and out her chest with one thrust, but was too lazy to cut more. He rested a moment, then drew his blade and cut off her head. He tied the two heads together, returned to the central courtyard, and placed them beside his father's ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others were fine, but Xiyin looked at this and immediately urged: \"So, can we reorganize and set out now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, no one spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the so-called Lord Qin and his wife, since they had abandoned their country and nation and relied entirely on the Jurchens, now they were nothing more than a venting chip for a maddened Jurchen noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who cared about them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They themselves didn't even care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back to the present, since Qin Gui and his wife had been killed without cause, Xiyin did not bother to verify Helai's corpse. He simply found a Khitan, asked him to see Yelu Ma Wu, and demanded the return of the Sixth Prince Elugu, while also issuing a rebuke... Everyone understood that this was out of consideration for Yelu Ma Wu's many years of unwavering loyalty and bravery, allowing Ma Wu to avoid them for a time, not to actually pursue them, and thus avoid the embarrassment of the Qin Gui couple's fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately afterward, this sole remaining councilor, as if nothing had happened, gathered his troops, assembled the column, and drove the refugee column relentlessly to cross the river north first, then turn east.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he could not help but agree with everyone that they would discuss the matter of a new ruler and seek peace with the south once they reached Huanglong Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In twelve days, the Jin refugee court finally crossed the wasteland north of the Huang River in the height of summer in the fifth month and arrived at the heartland of the Great Jin, Huanglong Prefecture (present-day Nong'an area).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this time, the size of the refugee column was less than a tenth of what it had been when they left Yanjing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, what made some among them even more uneasy was another matter: as soon as the column arrived at Huanglong, the deceased Third Prince Eliduo's son, the just fourteen-year-old Wanyan Wulu, came to greet them with the remaining Wanyan clan members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that after Eliduo died, his wife, a devout Buddhist, refused to remarry according to Jurchen custom, so she returned to Liaoyang to become a nun, and Wanyan Wulu returned to Liaoyang with her... Now, with the Song and Goryeo armies both pressing in, Liaoyang, as the capital of Liaodong, had no hope of survival. So for him, as a member of the most noble Wanyan clan outside the passes, to lead his people back to Huanglong Prefecture to greet Xiyin and his party was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But wasn't it because Wanyan Woben and Wanyan Helai were dead?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn't it agreed to discuss the new ruler at Huanglong Prefecture?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Wanyan Wulu's appearance, waiting at leisure, strong and timely, made Wanyan Digunai, whose power had waned after his father's death, and the already prepared Heshilie clan both uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This unease quickly reached its peak, as evidence showed that Wulu's presence here, including his timely return north with the southern Jurchen tribes outside the passes, was due to direct orders from Xiyin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But uneasy as they were, no one dared to resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was because Xiyin himself, as the acknowledged founder of the Jurchen state and its foremost intellect, had the prestige and seniority, and was also the highest-ranking person by right—he was the sole councilor—and moreover, he was a distant branch of the Wanyan clan. Now, back in Huanglong Prefecture, where the Wanyan clan's power was vast, almost no one could contend with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention others, Wanyan Loushi's second son, the hereditary Meng'an of Huanglong Prefecture, Wanyan Mouyan, unhesitatingly sided with Xiyin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, back then, Wanyan Loushi had entrusted Mouyan to Xiyin before he could inherit the hereditary Meng'an of Huanglong Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, on the afternoon of their arrival at Huanglong Prefecture, with no time to wash off the dust of travel, or even to ask about the frontline situation, at Wanyan Xiyin's command, the Jurchen nobles from outside the passes and the remnants from Yanjing quickly gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have a few words to say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Xiyin, without even changing his clothes, stood directly in the middle of the Huanglong Prefecture Marching Headquarters hall, reeking of sweat, while Wanyan Mouyan stood behind him like a guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest, whether close or distant branches of the Wanyan clan, such as Talan, Yinshuke, Pujianu, or leaders of other major and minor Jurchen tribes, such as the Heshilie, Peiman, Pucha, Wulin Da, Tudan, Shimo, and so on... or generals like Elubu, Pucha Huzhan, and the miraculously surviving Jiagu Wulibu, could only sit quietly and listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Xiyin was concise. \"First... peace negotiations with the Song. Any objections?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't that some minor tribal chieftains from outside the passes weren't eager to act, but in the end, no one spoke up... The peace negotiations were decided by the Battle of Huolu. As long as the Zhao Emperor had left a door open, this was the only way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Yanjing rebellion and the Huang River rebellion were inevitable from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the Great Prince was dead and the ruler was also dead, there was even less need to worry about the peace negotiations themselves... Peace had long become a consensus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well, then peace it is.\" Xiyin nodded. \"The second matter is actually connected to the peace... The ruler died on the road, killed by Khitans. We must choose a new ruler... Does anyone have any thoughts on the selection of a ruler?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The new ruler should marry my daughter.\" Peiman's Little Empress's father said something not unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Agreed.\" Xiyin stood there calmly. \"Anything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My father was the eldest son of Taizu, and I am his eldest surviving son. The principle is to establish the eldest by the eldest legitimate son, so it should be me who succeeds.\" Wanyan Digunai, knowing the critical moment had come, stood up without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct.\" Xiyin nodded in agreement. \"Any other suitable candidates?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about Wulu?\" Wulin Da Zanmo pointed out a candidate no less qualified. \"Although Digunai is descended from Taizu's eldest son... Wulu's birth is not inferior, and he is often outside the passes, more familiar with the local situation than Digunai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiyin immediately nodded: \"Agreed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will not marry the Peiman clan's daughter.\" At that moment, Wulu suddenly flushed red. \"I have a pact with the Wulin Da clan's daughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd sneered, and Wulin Da Zanmo was momentarily bewildered... He truly knew nothing of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can establish two consorts or empresses.\" Xiyin dismissed the matter with one sentence. \"Any other candidates?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The country is in turmoil, why not establish an elder?\" Yinshuke suddenly interjected with a cold laugh. \"How about Marshal Talan? He is Taizu's cousin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone exchanged glances... Many were momentarily hesitant, and even Talan himself seemed dazed and confused... It didn't seem impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He must address the Zhao Song Emperor as 'Father' and marry a Peiman woman... No one over twenty.\" Xiyin again stopped the new disturbance with a single sentence, then casually looked at a man sitting near the front. \"Any other suitable candidates?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man being looked at was Heshilie Taiyu. His heart stirred at the words, and driven by lingering unwillingness, he spoke to probe: \"How about my son, Loushi?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liangbi?\" Someone immediately reacted fiercely. \"The ruler must be of the Wanyan clan. How can Liangbi be acceptable?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think it's acceptable.\" Before the debate could unfold, Xiyin, standing in the center of the hall, interrupted impatiently. \"After all this turmoil, the Six Tribes are no longer in a state where the Wanyan clan can simply suppress the other five. It's only a temporary candidate. Why not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still think it's inappropriate.\" Unlike before, someone immediately expressed opposition this time, including Xiyin's long-time ally, Wulin Da Zanmo. \"The country has reached this state. We need stability. To rashly transfer the ruling line would itself cause chaos... Lord Xiyin should consider this point.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiyin was silent for a moment, then asked again: \"Do you truly not understand, or are you pretending not to? Who told you that I, or you, decide the ruler?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall fell silent. Many felt a stir in their hearts and then realized something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just said, this matter is connected to the peace negotiations.\" Xiyin explained earnestly. \"The country is utterly defeated. To seek peace and survival, and with the ruler's seat vacant, who do you think decides the candidate for ruler? It is the Zhao Song Emperor waiting on Chrysanthemum Island... Why do you think it's something we decide here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liangbi is a candidate prepared in case that Zhao Emperor gets any ideas and insists on nominally destroying the Great Jin from within and outside, and won't be satisfied until the ruling line is changed to someone outside the Wanyan clan.\" Xiyin continued his calm explanation. \"In my opinion, not only this, but if they change the Great Jin to the Great Tin, Great Lead, or Great Copper, you must be prepared...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At that time, tie up Liu Yu, Fu Liang, and those who betrayed the Song at Huining Prefecture as gifts, and send them along with the remaining gold and jewels... If Qin Gui were alive, he would have to be tied up and sent too...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then send those three over and let that Emperor choose for himself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only in this way can we express complete submission, make the Song court feel that the Humiliation of Jingkang has been avenged, and ensure the peace negotiations succeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if that Emperor intends to destroy us and simply has all three beheaded?\" Yinshuke seemed to sense a danger and couldn't help but retort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beheaded, then beheaded. Three half-grown children, in exchange for discerning the Zhao Song Emperor's true attitude toward us—isn't that worth it?\" Xiyin's gaze swept over Yinshuke, then passed over the three candidates, including Liangbi, his own personally taught student, and his expression grew increasingly weary. \"And besides, he won't really behead them...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though I am dull, I can guess that, given that Emperor's intelligence and temperament, he might change the name and ruling line, but he will never truly destroy us...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because in the northern regions of Liaodong, there are over two hundred tribes of civilized Jurchens alone, and countless wild Jurchens. He cannot kill them all... So he must establish a Jurchen state, no matter what name it takes, as long as it's a Jurchen state, just as he must grit his teeth and set up a Khitan autonomous circuit to appease the Khitans and Xi people...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moreover, outside the passes, with Mongols, Khitans, Xi, Bohai, Goryeans, and Jurchens, a balance must be maintained. No one clan can dominate. The already declining Jurchens have a necessary utility for him and the Great Song.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this speech, perhaps due to extreme fatigue, Xiyin suddenly seemed on the verge of collapse. The other Jurchen nobles in the hall buzzed with discussion, but none knew how to refute him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If there are no objections, let the three of them go see the Zhao Emperor... No problem, right?\" Xiyin's breathing grew heavier, and he seemed even more impatient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was impossible for everyone to accomplish such a major matter in one fell swoop, but clearly, judging from their reactions—whether it was the Yanjing returnees who had been beaten into submission, or the Jurchen tribal chieftains who had originally been more concerned beyond the passes with the idea that \"it's all just one Jurchen state anyway\"—none of them showed any particular opposition, or at least those who did have objections lacked the corresponding strength and courage to oppose it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, after waiting a moment, seeing that the matter was about to pass amid the uproar, Xiyin raised his voice again and said, \"I haven't mentioned the third matter yet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyan Mouyan also impatiently patted his own weapon, causing the hall to fall silent once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The third matter.\" Xiyin's tone suddenly calmed down again, but for some reason, his breathing became even heavier. \"Regardless, I have brought the remnants of the Great Jin State back from Yanjing... Perhaps nothing is left, perhaps there is still something... But it doesn't matter anymore, I have brought it back to Huanglongfu! Brought it back... brought it back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was momentarily bewildered, because these words did not sound like a matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, they understood what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, Xiyin said not a word, his expression calm, and directly drew the saber from Wanyan Mouyan's waist behind him. Then, without any extra words or reaction, he fiercely slashed open the artery in his own neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone stared dumbfounded, blood gushed like a spring, and the instigator, Xiyin, said not a word, dropped the blade, staggered back to his seat behind him, and then remained motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, the first to react was Xiyin's student, one of the three candidates for state lord this time, Shi Lieliangbi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He directly rushed out of his seat and threw himself down beside Xiyin. While instinctively trying to cover the other's wound, his mind was filled with only one thought... and that was why? Why did his own teacher have to die?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless thoughts flashed through Liangbi's mind—the loss of the state, the death of the lord, the Wanyan clan losing its dominant position among the Jurchens, personally arranging a humiliating peace, the lord suddenly dying on the road, years of institutional reform collapsing in an instant, the most trusted and beloved student becoming a base villain who plotted regicide...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These things that could be quickly recalled were too numerous to count in a short time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each one seemed like it could be a reason for suicide, but each one also seemed insufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they had already reached this point!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Xiyin himself had said, they had returned to Huanglongfu, they had already returned to Huanglongfu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had endured everything!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The helplessness of falling short at the last moment, the despair of Huolu, the collapse of the state, the savage infighting easily provoked... they had endured everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could have completely avoided dying!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this teacher of his had so resolutely, so swiftly committed suicide after arriving at Huanglongfu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the slightest hesitation, even somewhat impatiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Full of doubt and confusion—that was the first reaction of Liangbi and everyone present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, unlike the others, suddenly, as Shi Lieliangbi realized he could not staunch the other's wound at all, realized that the gushing of his teacher's blood was completely uncontrollable and had already stained half his own body red, he simultaneously sensed something equally uncontrollable surging from his own chest, rushing straight to his nose and eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, amidst the stunned gazes of the entire hall, he began to cry freely, wailing loudly, holding his teacher in the blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fifth month of the tenth year of Jianyan, Wanyan Xiyin, who by all accounts had no reason to die, suddenly died, seemingly even more easily than that Qin Gui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Thank you to the big shot slyshen for another patron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>{\"text\":\"\",\"voiceFid\":\"\",\"CWVID\":\"0\",\"bookRemds\":{\"cbids\":[],\"reason\":\"Continuing to sacrifice one book... nearly 7,000 average subscriptions, quality should be guaranteed.\"}\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, this feature is still insufficient... It's the Handbook of Conquering Another World.\u003C\u002Fp>",10160,"2026-06-06T07:46:32.508Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","7e3b1a7e0f33244f31655883ec101a1896a936ded92c162de5ece4a0ced07245","shao-song-chapter-445","shao-song-chapter-443",489,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshao-song-cover.jpg"]