Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen: True Colors Revealed

Aguda had sixteen sons in total. Apart from the more famous Wanyan Zonggan and Wanyan Zongwang, there was also Wanyan Wushu—known to later generations most familiarly as Jin Wushu.

But who would choose someone who knew everything to be a puppet? Did you really think Wanyan Xiyin and Wanyan Zonghan had no selfish motives of their own?

"Every man for himself, or heaven and earth will destroy him." This saying is not without reason. Unfortunately, with developments as they stand now, especially with the unpredictable variable that is Zhao Yu, many things can no longer be imagined according to common sense.

No matter whom Wanyan Xiyin and Wanyan Zonghan wanted to install, they first needed the support of a powerful military force, as well as the backing of the other tribal chieftains.

For a time, Huining City was in turmoil. Tribal armies poured in through every gate, setting up defensive lines centered around their respective tribal leaders. Behind the glint of blades and shadows of swords were faces filled with confusion and grim solemnity.

In stark contrast, shops were shuttered and commoners fled the city. Everyone knew that once chaos erupted, those without any means of resistance would be the greatest victims.

As evening approached, Wanyan Xieye sat in his study, his heart filled with a mix of excitement, tension, and even an inexplicable fear—a state of mind he himself could not explain.

Zhao Yu sat below Wanyan Xieye, stroking his smooth chin, eyes narrowed as he carefully calculated their next move.

"Say something! Don't you usually have plenty of clever ideas?"

Hearing Wanyan Xieye’s query, Zhao Yu sighed slightly and said, "There is a saying that once an arrow is loosed, there is no turning back. But, my lord, are you truly prepared? Because the person you are about to face is likely not just Wanyan Zonggan alone."

Wanyan Xieye nodded. "Things have reached this point, and it is no longer within the control of any one person. The tribal forces are evenly matched, so no one dares to act rashly."

Before he could finish, a guard outside the door announced, "My lord, Wanyan Ang requests an audience."

Wanyan Xieye was about to let him in when he noticed Zhao Yu waving his hand, signaling him to stop. "What is it?" he asked, puzzled.

"Although Wanyan Ang is your own brother, you would do well to be on your guard. He is by no means as simple as he appears."

"Your suspicion is too heavy. Could he really be plotting against me?" Wanyan Xieye shook his head repeatedly, then raised his voice to tell the guard to bring Wanyan Ang in.

Zhao Yu had no foundation in Huining; otherwise, he surely would have discovered Wanyan Ang’s collusion with Wanyan Xiyin. It was truly speechless that as an older brother, he remained ignorant of whom his younger brother was associating with.

Before long, Wanyan Ang stormed in, anxious and hurried. Seeing Zhao Yu, he didn't even bother with pleasantries. "Brother, I just received news! That group led by Wanyan Xiyin intends to install Aguda’s youngest son, Hanhu, as emperor."

"What did you say?" Wanyan Xieye rose in shock and fury, staring at Wanyan Ang with a look of stunned rage.

Wanyan Ang offered a bitter smile. "I won't hide it from you, brother. Wanyan Xiyin just called me over, hoping I could persuade you."

"And how did you respond?"

Wanyan Ang opened his mouth to speak, but his eyes suddenly flicked toward Zhao Yu, clearly unwilling to let him hear what he had to say.

Since the matter involved internal Jurchen secrets, it was indeed inappropriate for Zhao Yu to overhear. Wanyan Xieye frowned and turned to send Zhao Yu away, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught Wanyan Ang lunging toward him.

"My lord, watch out!"

Before Wanyan Xieye could react, Zhao Yu threw himself forward, tackling Wanyan Ang. Unfortunately, Zhao Yu’s martial prowess was abysmal; he was easily shaken off by Wanyan Ang and kicked aside for his trouble.

Only then did Wanyan Xieye notice that Wanyan Ang was holding a dagger that shimmered with an eerie blue light.

"Wanyan Ang, what are you doing? Someone! Guards, come quickly!"

"Heh! You can scream until your throat breaks, but it won't do any good. Your guards have already been bought off. They’ve promised me—once you’re dead, I will be the Guolun Bogelieh. Go to your death!"

Wanyan Ang lunged at Wanyan Xieye again. This turn of events was something even Zhao Yu hadn't anticipated. Wanyan Ang had spent years on the battlefield; in both physique and strength, he was far superior to the pampered Wanyan Xieye. Hearing that his own guards had been compromised, Wanyan Xieye was so terrified he forgot how to run.

Zhao Yu, enduring the pain in his abdomen, swung a chair at Wanyan Ang. It wasn't that he wanted to save Wanyan Xieye, but rather that without this man, Huining wouldn't fall into chaos.

"Run! Go to my courtyard!"

Wanyan Xieye had no time for gratitude. Seeing Wanyan Ang momentarily blocked by the chair Zhao Yu had hurled, he scrambled out, shouting as soon as his foot crossed the threshold: "Guards! Assassins! Someone is trying to kill the Prince of Song!"

Irritated and shamed by the chair, Wanyan Ang turned his fury toward Zhao Yu, brandishing his dagger. "You little brat, since you’re so eager to die, I’ll grant your wish!"

Had Zhao Yu not intervened, Wanyan Ang’s plan would have succeeded. According to Wanyan Xiyin’s promise, once Wanyan Xieye was dead, Wanyan Ang would not only ascend to the rank of Bogelieh but, with the support of Xiyin and his faction, would take full control of Wanyan Xieye’s tribe.

Now that Wanyan Xieye had escaped, killing him was almost impossible, so Wanyan Ang vented all his rage on Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu was no match for Wanyan Ang, and lacking combat experience, he was knocked to the ground in a single exchange. He could only watch helplessly as the blue-tinged dagger descended toward him.

Zhao Yu squeezed his eyes shut, thinking it was over. *Why did you have to be so cocky? If you had just run away the first chance you got, none of this would be happening...*

"Ah!"

Instead of feeling pain, he heard a sharp cry from Wanyan Ang. Opening his eyes, he saw Yan Qing blocking the blow. Moments later, the study door was kicked open, and Han Shizhong appeared, brandishing a steel saber.

Wanyan Ang had witnessed Yan Qing’s terrifying skills before and knew he was no match for him. With his escape route blocked, further resistance was pointless. He dropped the dagger and laughed, "I was just playing with the Prince of Song! Heh! Don't take it seriously."

Zhao Yu couldn't help but admire the man—even at a time like this, he could still manage a laugh.

"Playing, are you? Prince of Song, why don't you use that poisoned dagger to prick him a couple of times?"

A grim-faced Wanyan Xieye emerged from behind Han Shizhong, and simultaneously, the sound of countless chaotic footsteps surrounded the study.

Before Wanyan Ang could speak, a thunderous roar of battle cries erupted from the distance.

Wanyan Xieye and Zhao Yu were both stunned. *Could it be that Wanyan Xiyin and his people were worried, and sent an army to finish the job in case the assassination failed?*

Just then, a guard called out from the courtyard: "My lord, Wanyan Zonggan is leading his tribal forces in an assault!"

It was Wanyan Zonggan!

"Brother, spare my life! I was only bewitched by Wanyan Xiyin! Spare me, and I will lead you to capture him!"