Chapter 117: Who Is the True Culprit?

The unusual behavior of Wanyan Zonggan spread rapidly throughout the city of Huining, becoming increasingly outlandish with every retelling. Soon, rumors began to circulate with vivid detail that Wanyan Zonggan and Wanyan Xieye were on the verge of war.

Whether or not war would actually break out remained to be seen, but in addition to Wanyan Zonggan’s tribal forces, Wanyan Xieye’s men had also begun to enter the city. To prevent any accidental clashes, Wanyan Xiyin and the others deployed their own subordinates throughout the city, effectively creating a buffer between the factions of Zonggan and Xieye.

For a time, the once-peaceful city of Huining was gripped by paranoia. Aside from heavily armed soldiers, not a single civilian or merchant could be seen on the streets. Wanyan Xiyin and Wanyan Zonghan both knew that this standoff could not continue, as it would easily spark an all-out bloodbath. Under their repeated guarantees, Wanyan Xieye and Wanyan Zonggan each brought a large contingent of guards to the Imperial Palace.

The objective of Xiyin and Zonghan was clear: to impress upon them the severity of the situation and compel them to withdraw their respective tribal armies. Wuqimai had passed away before he could formally ascend to power, and many policies beneficial to the development of the Jurchen were never implemented. Consequently, each tribal army still answered only to its own chieftain; no matter what rank of Bogeyilie one held, one could not command the troops of another tribe.

Without needing a reminder, Wanyan Xieye brought Zhao Yu along, as Zhao Yu had become like a trusted advisor to him.

The meeting took place in the main hall used for government affairs, though today it felt cramped, with sword-wielding warriors standing inside and out. Once the nobles and chieftains had assembled, Wanyan Xiyin suddenly roared, "Guards! Seize this Song dog and take him out to be beheaded!"

Zhao Yu was startled. Since the all-out conflict in Huining had not yet erupted, he could not leave, or his efforts would be in vain.

"Let me see who dares!"

Before Zhao Yu could speak, his good friend Wanyan Xieye stepped forward, his thunderous roar driving back the warriors charging toward Zhao Yu.

"Xieye, can't you see? This brat is the one behind all of this! If we don't kill him, our Jurchen people will never know peace again!" Wanyan Xiyin exclaimed, looking as if he were lamenting a lost cause.

Wanyan Xieye, however, was not buying it. He replied coldly, "The Song prince and his two subordinates have not left my sight since last night; when would he have had the time to scheme? Besides, if he hadn't warned me to pour water on the ground, I might have fallen victim to the enemy's trap."

Shi Qian had been desperate, and though most of the "Heaven-Shattering Thunder" bombs he planted had detonated, there were a few that failed. When the water soaked the ground, the earth at those spots had sunken, allowing Wanyan Xieye’s men to dig them up. Because of this, Xieye was even more grateful to Zhao Yu and would not believe anyone who claimed Zhao Yu was responsible.

"Since everyone is here, let’s set aside the matter of my residence for a moment. I want to ask: who gave the order to retreat at Huanglong Prefecture? And why did you, who should have been by Aguda’s side, leave halfway through?"

As Aguda’s eldest son, Wanyan Zonggan had believed that further fighting was futile after Aguda and the others were killed by the explosions, which was why he ordered the retreat. He had consulted with other tribal leaders at the time. Yet, human nature is fickle; no one cared about prior agreements now, choosing instead to fixate on the latter question.

Indeed! Wanyan Zonggan should have been with Aguda. Why did he leave early, and then, after Aguda’s death, suddenly demand a retreat when the situation had been so favorable? Once one doubt was magnified, countless others emerged. Some even began to wonder if Zonggan was trying to emulate the Han tradition of a son inheriting his father’s legacy.

As all eyes turned toward him, Wanyan Zonggan grew livid. He pointed at Wanyan Xieye and stammered, "You—you are slandering me! What evidence do you have for these claims?"

The analysis had been done yesterday; how could there be evidence today? But a lack of evidence from back then did not mean there was none now.

Wanyan Xieye gave a cold laugh. "Guards! Bring in the evidence!"

No sooner had he spoken than two guards entered, carrying a crate. The lid was open, and inside lay the specially processed "Heaven-Shattering Thunder" bombs that had appeared in Wanyan Zonggan’s study. Seeing this, even Zhao Yu had to admire Wanyan Xieye’s cunning; clearly, he had planted a mole in Zonggan’s camp long ago.

Wanyan Zonggan cried out in shock, "How—how did these things end up in your hands?" Realizing his slip, he quickly added, "I don't know how these appeared in my study! This is a frame-up! A plot!"

"Hmph! Who would frame you? You beast! For the sake of power, you would even strike at your own father! Bah! I am ashamed to be associated with you."

Wanyan Zonggan, never quick-witted, could find no retort to Xieye’s barrage. Looking around, he felt as though everyone’s gaze had turned hostile. In a fit of rage, he drew his sword and lunged at Xieye, but was held back by his brother, Wanyan Zongwang.

"Zongwang, do you not believe me either?"

"Brother, this matter is full of suspicious points. Do not act impulsively, or you will fall right into the enemy's trap."

Before Wanyan Zongwang could finish, Wanyan Xiyin and the others stepped forward, filling the space where a brawl might have broken out. Wanyan Xieye snorted in anger and turned to leave with long strides. He was not truly afraid of Zonggan attacking him, as he knew full well that under these circumstances, a fight was impossible. However, it was certain that after this incident, Zonggan’s dreams of becoming the leader were likely dashed.

By now, Wanyan Xiyin had no heart left to kill Zhao Yu—not because he didn't want to, but because he simply could not spare the effort.

As they left with Wanyan Xieye, Zhao Yu sighed quietly halfway through the journey. "My lord, I am grateful for your protection, but please do not harm the harmony between everyone on my account. Let me go."

Wanyan Xieye turned, glaring at him. "What do you think you are? Do you still not understand? That fellow Zonggan won't stop until I'm dead. Don't worry, as long as you don't leave my residence, no one will be able to harm you."

Zhao Yu smiled bitterly to himself, thinking, *Stop just talking and actually fight each other!*

In truth, at this point, it was beyond anyone’s control. It would have been fine if no one had ambition, but unfortunately...

After Wanyan Xieye and Wanyan Zonggan departed, Wanyan Xiyin and Wanyan Zonghan were left unable to sit still.

"Xiyin, setting aside whether this matter has anything to do with that brat, we need to reach a consensus among ourselves."

Hearing Wanyan Zonghan’s words, Wanyan Xiyin pondered for a moment before replying, "What good suggestion do you have?"

"Aguda had more than just Zonggan and Zongwang as his sons."

"You mean?..."

Before Wanyan Zonghan could continue, Wanyan Xiyin’s eyes lit up.

They shared Aguda’s bloodline and were equally qualified to lead the tribal armies. Most importantly, they would be willing to listen to the council. If they could collectively nominate such a new Khan and Emperor, surely all the Jurchen tribes would be pleased.