Chapter 116: Framing

"Thieves have their own code," and Shi Qian was exactly that sort of man. He had committed his share of misdeeds, but never against the common people.

Acting on Zhao Yu’s instructions, Shi Qian set out under the cover of night. With his legendary nimble fingers, he easily pilfered nearly a hundred "Heaven-Shaking Thunders" from the arsenal. These explosives were bulky, and the labor left Shi Qian thoroughly exhausted. To ensure the maximum impact, he buried half of the stolen charges near the entrance of Wanyan Xieye’s mansion. Such a daring feat could only have been accomplished by someone with Shi Qian’s ghostly, untraceable agility.

Even so, by the time he finished stashing the remaining explosives in Wanyan Zonggan’s study, the sky was already beginning to brighten.

Shi Qian hid near the gate of Wanyan Xieye’s mansion. As soon as the doors opened and people began to move in and out, he triggered the blast. The massive explosion not only killed over a dozen servants instantly but also collapsed the perimeter wall, leaving the entire entrance in ruins.

Wanyan Xiyin and Wanyan Ang were both startled by the blast. Wanyan Xiyin immediately dispatched men to investigate the source. Wanyan Zonggan heard it as well and sent his own scouts, but before they could return, a servant rushed in, panicked, to report that dozens of specially modified Heaven-Shaking Thunders had been found in his study.

Zonggan was shocked. He had been in that very study the previous night and had seen nothing of the sort. Where had these explosives come from? Filled with suspicion, he ordered his guards to secure the study and remove the dangerous devices. Because such weaponry was not yet in common use, and Zonggan was slow to react, it never occurred to him that the explosion outside was linked to the stash in his study; thus, he took no special security measures.

Back at Wanyan Xieye’s, the force of the explosion had caused him to plunge face-first into his washbasin. When his maids helped him up, his head was still ringing.

"What happened?"

Following his roar, a guard scrambled in, stumbling as he entered. "My Lord, someone buried a large amount of gunpowder outside the mansion. A servant stepped on it while sweeping, triggering the blast!"

Hearing this, Xieye’s mind flashed back to the death of Aguda. A cold sweat broke out on his back—if he had been the one to step on it… He dared not think further. A thought suddenly occurred to him, and he asked, "Has the King of Song left his quarters?"

"Reporting to my Lord, there are double guards stationed inside and outside the courtyard. Without your orders, the King of Song wouldn't be able to fly out, even with wings."

No sooner had the guard finished speaking than another rushed in: "My Lord, the King of Song requests an audience!"

"Bring him in at once!" Xieye, still reeling from the shock, was desperate for someone to offer counsel.

Moments later, Zhao Yu entered with a grave expression. "My Lord, are you injured?"

Seeing Zhao Yu’s concern, Xieye felt a flicker of gratitude. The lad was not so bad after all.

"I am fine. Come, let us go outside and see."

"My Lord, there is no rush. First, have your men drench the ground with water; it will render the gunpowder useless."

"Right, right! You are always so thoughtful."

Xieye, now a startled bird, followed Zhao Yu’s advice and had the area thoroughly soaked before venturing out to the gate. Seeing the carnage, even Zhao Yu was secretly stunned; who said ancient gunpowder lacked power? It was simply a matter of how it was used.

He made a show of inspecting the water-soaked ground before returning to Xieye’s side. "My Lord, it seems someone intends you harm. From this moment on, you must increase your security."

Xieye needed no reminding. He had already ordered his tribal troops into the city. Furthermore, he resolved to remain within his mansion to avoid giving his enemies another opportunity.

Seeming to speak inadvertently, Zhao Yu added, "These explosives are clearly not standard issue. If they are modified, there should be a trail to follow. My Lord, unless you intend to stay holed up in this mansion forever, you must find the culprit."

Xieye realized he was right. He beckoned a guard and commanded, "Go at once and investigate which tribal army has accessed the arsenal!"

Just then, Wanyan Zonghan, Wanyan Zongwang, Wanyan Xiyin, Wanyan Ang, Wanyan Loushi, and other Jurchen nobles arrived on the scene. Seeing the devastation, they were all struck dumb. Xiyin and Zonghan exchanged glances, their eyes filled with shock and confusion. Many of them had seen the site of Aguda’s death, and the scene at Xieye’s gate was disturbingly similar. Could someone be targeting Xieye as well?

They glanced subconsciously at Zhao Yu, who stood close to Xieye. The boy was a jinx; wherever he went, trouble followed.

"Everyone, be careful," Xieye warned. "There are people who want us old men dead!"

Wanyan Loushi quickly interjected, "Rest assured, Lord Xieye. I will order a city-wide search. We cannot let the murderer escape this time."

Just then, an official galloped up to Wanyan Xiyin and whispered into his ear. No one heard what was said, but they saw Xiyin’s face change instantly.

Meanwhile, back at Wanyan Zonggan’s, he received a report on the explosion and grew uneasy. Something felt wrong.

"My Lord, someone hid those Heaven-Shaking Thunders in your study."

At the reminder, it dawned on Zonggan—someone was trying to frame him. Cold sweat drenched him again. If not for the precedent of his father’s death, such a simple framing attempt might have been dismissed, but now, everyone knew he and Xieye were at daggers drawn over the throne. They would surely believe he was the culprit.

"Men! Prepare my horse!"

"My Lord! Where are you going?"

"I did not do this. I must explain it to Xieye."

He had been so busy cleaning up the study that he hadn't thought to keep it quiet. The news was likely already spreading—how could he not be anxious?

"My Lord! Do you really think Lord Xieye will believe you at a time like this?"

This world truly needed foolish subordinates, or it would be devoid of all amusement. Hearing this, Zonggan hesitated. "Then what do you suggest?"

"No matter the circumstances, you must ensure your own safety. I suggest you summon a contingent of troops here. It will guard against anyone taking advantage of the situation, and prevent a repeat of the explosion at Lord Xieye’s."

The words struck home. Before the subordinate finished speaking, Zonggan bellowed, "Someone, come here!"