"… Currently, there is a rumor that goes like this … The next Emperor of the Jin Kingdom was originally a matter between Zong Gan and Zong Han, but Wu Qimai's son, Zong Pan, was ambitious and insisted on taking the throne. Of course, Wu Qimai didn't agree at first … "
Under the flickering candlelight, Cheng Min, who was mending a pair of socks with an old cloth, began chatting with Tang Minjie about Wu Qimai.
"… Compared to Zong Han and Zong Gan, Zong Pan's temperament and ability are far inferior. Not to mention, he didn't make many contributions in the past. There are rumors that before Wu Qimai suffered a stroke, the father and son had an argument over this. There are also rumors that Zong Pan was determined to become the Emperor, causing Wu Qimai to suffer from a stroke. "
"… Later on, when Wu Qimai suffered a stroke and the armies from the Eastern and Western Armies headed south, Zong Pan took advantage of this opportunity to recruit more followers. He even secretly spread rumors that the reason why he sent the armies south was to buy time for him to seize the throne in the future. Some opportunistic people took the opportunity to serve him, and in the two years that passed, he did indeed gain a lot of support in the capital. "
"… Wu Qimai was bedridden for two years. Initially, he didn't want his son to be involved in the fight for the throne, but slowly, perhaps muddle-headed or soft-hearted, he let it be. Perhaps, he still wanted to give him a chance. Then, when the Western Army was defeated, it was rumored that a secret letter was sent to the palace, written by Zong Han. After Wu Qimai regained consciousness, he made some arrangements and changed the posthumous edict … "
"… Originally, according to the private agreement between the Eastern and Western Prefectures, if the Eastern Army won and the Western Army lost, the new Emperor would be Zong Gan. When the Eastern Army returned, the Western Army was still on the way. If Zong Gan succeeded the throne earlier, Zong Fu and Zong Bi would immediately make arrangements, and Zong Han and the others would be thrown into prison when they returned. If Wu Qimai doesn't want Zong Han to die and passes the throne to Zong Pan or someone else, then this person won't be able to suppress Zong Gan, Zong Fu, Zong Bi and the other brothers. Zong Gan might rebel, and Zong Fu and Zong Bi will eliminate the dissidents before Zong Han returns. The Great Jin will be divided and blood will flow like a river … What a pity. "
"… But Wu Qimai's posthumous edict prevented these things from happening. He did not appoint a new emperor and let the three parties negotiate. Zong Pan, who had a strong influence in Shangjing, felt that he had a chance. In order to fight against Zong Gan, who had the greatest influence, he wanted people like Zong Han and Xi Yin alive. Because of this, although Zong Han and Xi Yin arrived a step later, before they arrived in the capital, it was Zong Pan who held his father's posthumous edict against Zong Gan. This bought time for Zong Han and Xi Yin. By the time Zong Han and Xi Yin arrived in Shangjing, all sides were lobbying and saying that the Black Flags were too powerful to be controlled. The situation became more and more unclear. "
As the woman named Cheng Min spoke, she bit off the thread in her hand. Although she was a woman and usually spent her time in the brothel, when facing Tang Minjie, she was nimble and at ease. He did not know what kind of expression she had when facing Lu Mingfang in the past.
After sewing the new socks, she handed them to him and went to the corner of the room to look for rice. She did not come to this room often and basically did not prepare any vegetables or meat. After rummaging for a while, she found some flour. She took a wooden basin and prepared to add water to make pancakes.
"However, these things are all hearsay. There are many nobles in Shangjing. When they gather and look for girls, they talk about who they know and what kind of important people they talk about, and how all these things came about. Sometimes, even if it is a private matter that is casually mentioned, they feel that it cannot be spread so easily. But later on, they find out that it is quite accurate. But there are also those who say it clearly and logically, but later on, they find out that it is a lie. No matter what, Wu Qimai is dead, how many people can really say what he is planning to do? "
Tang Minjie wore the socks. "This kind of rumor sounds more like Xi Yin's doing."
"Indeed, most of the rumors were deliberately released by them." Cheng Min, who was kneading the dough, paused. "Speaking of Zong Han and Xi Yin, although they live in Yunzhong for a long time, the nobles in Shangjing are always worried that the two sides will fight. But after this incident, they realized that these two names are now … useful in Shangjing. Especially after Zong Han announced that he no longer wants to touch the throne, some of the old nobles in Shangjing who have accumulated military merits are on their side. "
Cheng Min said, "They do not like Zong Pan. In fact, in private, they do not like Zong Gan, Zong Fu, Zong Bi, and the others. They all feel that these brothers are not as talented as Aguda and Wu Qimai, and are far inferior to Zong Wang in the past. Moreover, the old generals who fought for the world have withered. Zong Han and Xi Yin are the pillars of the Jin Kingdom. Once Zong Gan ascends to the throne, he may cut them down. In the past, Zong Han wanted to seize the throne, and they could not do anything about it. Now that this is gone, the Jin Kingdom still has to rely on them, so Zong Gan's voice has weakened a little. "
She said with a calm face, "In the past, after the south expedition, the East and West Mansions would fight. Half a year ago, I always felt that the West Mansion was weak, and Zong Gan and the others would not let him have an easy time … Who knew that such a tense situation would still be delayed by Zong Han and Xi Yin. Although Wu Qimai is part of the reason, it really shows how terrifying these two are … I only hope that there will be a result tonight, and let God take these two."
The situation in Shangjing was generally said to be a three-way game, but in fact, there were more than a dozen participants. If the whole balance was slightly broken, the one who had the upper hand could directly cook the rice. Cheng Min had been in Shangjing for so many years, and most of the information she had come into contact with was about the East Mansion. Perhaps it was only in these two months that she really saw the influence and ability of Zong Han.
At this time, it was not long into the night, and only the occasional faint sound came from outside. In the warm room, although they talked calmly, their minds were actually tied to the vast chess game outside. At this time, they did not have the ability to help, so they could only hope that the situation in the Jin Kingdom would quickly deteriorate. After all, this was the most likely outcome.
"Every nation has its own heroes," Tang Minjie said. "But the enemy's hero is my enemy … Is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, you just sit here." Cheng Min smiled. "Maybe there will be a fierce battle tonight, and it will be chaos. If that happens, we will have to escape."
High clouds shrouded the sky of this northern city. The gray night was accompanied by the moaning of the northern wind, causing the lights in the city to seem small. On the outskirts of the city, there were scenes of armies advancing, setting up camps, and confronting each other. Messengers passed through the streets of the city, passing messages of one kind or another to different people with power. Countless people, like Tang Minjie and Cheng Min, were also paying attention to the development of the matter.
In the huge mansion outside the east gate of the imperial palace, elite Jurchen soldiers who had participated in the southern expedition were already wearing armor and holding swords. Some of them were inspecting the iron cannons in the mansion. The capital region was an important place, and it was near the imperial palace. According to the law, these things, especially cannons, were not allowed. But for the generals who had returned triumphantly from the southern expedition, these laws were no longer important.
Wanyan Chang, dressed in a brocade robe and wearing a large cloak, came in from outside. He went straight into the courtyard, which seemed to be ready to fight. His face was gloomy. Some people tried to stop him, but in the end, they did not succeed. Then, Wanyan Zongbi, who had already put on his armor, hurried out from the other side of the courtyard.
"Uncle, uncle, you should have greeted me when you came. What's wrong? What's wrong? "
Wanyan Zongbi spread out his arms, his face full of enthusiasm. Wanyan Chang had always been one of the assistants of the East Prefecture. Because of his meticulous use of troops and his conservative nature, his military achievements were not as dazzling as those of Zong Han, Lou Shi, and Zong Wang. But now that most of the generals of the first generation had left, he was one of the few generals in the East Prefecture who could compete with Zong Han and Xi Yin. Because of this, no one dared to obstruct his entrance.
"Fourth Brother. I was the one who wanted to ask you, what's going on? "
"I'm making preparations first." Zong Bi smiled. "It's better to be prepared for a rainy day, Uncle."
"This is called preparing for a rainy day? You want to fight in the city? Or attack the imperial palace? "
"I don't want to, but Uncle, you know that Zong Pan has already sent Hu Ben of the Imperial Guards out on the streets!"
"The Imperial Guards are supposed to guard the imperial palace and protect the capital."
Zong Bi waved his hand fiercely, a fierce look on his face. "But the Imperial Guards are not our people!"
Wanyan Chang looked at the fierce Wu Shu. After a while, he said, "The internal affairs of the clan are not child's play. Since the founding father, no matter what happens in the clan, military force has never been the deciding factor. Fourth Brother, if you fill the capital with cannons today, no matter who becomes the Emperor tomorrow, the first person to be killed will be you, and even your brothers. No one will be able to protect you! "
His words were extremely harsh. On the other side, Zong Bi spread out his hands. "Uncle, you're being too serious. Nephew didn't say anything about beating anyone. Look at the people in the fu, who can we beat? The army is still outside the city. I think there might be a fight outside the city. "
Wanyan Chang frowned. "What about First Brother and Third Brother?"
"Sai is also here. Third Brother personally went out of the city to welcome him. Eldest Brother happened to be outside to pick up a few uncles. I don't know when he'll be back, so I'm left here to make some preparations. " Zong Bi lowered his voice. "Uncle, we might really see blood tonight. You can't leave me unprepared, can you?"
"We can't mess up tonight. Tell them to put away their things!" Wanyan Chang looked around and waved his hand. After a few more glances, he turned around and said, "I'll go to the front and wait for them."
"Uncle, I'll go get some wine for you after I'm done here!"
Zong Bi said, waving his hand. When Wanyan Chang's figure disappeared at the entrance of the courtyard, his assistant came over and said, "Then, Marshal, the people here …"
"Get ready. Stay in another courtyard. Don't let them see you again! "Zong Bi waved his hand. After a while, he spat on the ground." Old thing, you're outdated … "
After cursing, Zong Bi left the courtyard and went to the front hall to continue talking to Wanyan Chang. At this time, there were already people coming to pay their respects. According to the edict bought by Wu Qi, once Wanyan Sai and the others entered the city, all the people of the Wanyan Clan who had a say in the Jin Kingdom would be present. Once they entered the Imperial Palace and began to discuss matters, the identity of the next Jin Emperor could be confirmed at any time.
For this reason, some people who had secretly steeled their hearts to join Zong Gan's side began to gather at Zong Gan's mansion. On the one hand, Zong Gan was afraid that they would turn against him, and on the other hand, he wanted to protect them. Even if the worst situation happened, the number of people who supported Zong Gan was too small. By detaining these people, they could delay the crucial moment for a few days before making further plans.
The same situation should have happened with Zong Pan, Zong Han, and the others.
After waiting in the front hall for a while, Zong Gan came over with a few elders. After greeting Wanyan Chang, Wanyan Chang talked to Zong Gan about the troops in the rear. Zong Gan then pulled Zong Bi aside and whispered to him as a reprimand, but in reality, there was not much improvement.
It was already past the hour of the seventh hour, and the city was under martial law. Outside the city, Zong Fu was leading the army to welcome Wanyan Sai. This was the highlight of the night's drama. Occasionally, there would be messengers who came back to report about the confrontation between the troops near the city wall. At this moment, someone ran in and knelt down, saying, "Report, Wanyan … Goddess of Grains' carriage appeared at the corner of the street. He said that he wanted to meet the princes and handed over his visitation card."
"Xi Yin?" Zong Gan frowned, "Shouldn't this stupid advisor be by Zong Han's side or busy deceiving Zong Pan? Why is he here?"
"He doesn't come without a reason," Zong Bi said, "I don't think we should let him in. It's better not to listen to what he says."
"Sigh, Old Fourth, aren't you being a little too petty?" An old man at the side spoke up.
Zong Gan nodded and said, "Although there are disputes, we are all on the same side. Since the Goddess of Grains has come, I will personally welcome her. Please wait for a moment. Someone, set up the tables and chairs! "
At this moment, in the huge hall, everyone was sitting at the front or at the two sides. Under Zong Gan's signal, the servants brought the tables and chairs over and sat in the middle of the hall. It looked like they were being interrogated.
After a while, Wanyan Xi Yin, who was skinny and had white hair and beard, followed Zong Gan over. He looked at the situation in the hall and smiled. He did not sit down immediately. He walked along the hall and greeted one by one. He even talked about the old days. In the middle, someone sighed and said, "Goddess of Grains, you are old."
"I am old." Xi Yin smiled, and when she faced Zong Bi, she cupped one hand in the other before walking to the square table in the middle of the hall. She picked up the wine pot and poured herself a cup of wine. She drank it and said, "Good wine! It's so cold outside! "
Seeing that he was the host, Zong Gan walked to the front and sat down. He smiled and said, "Goddess of Grains, please take a seat. I wonder if there is anything important today?"
Xi Yin looked around and let out a long sigh. He stood by the table for a while before pulling out a stool and sat down in front of everyone. In this way, everyone looked a head taller than him, but he didn't have to fight for it. He just quietly looked at them.
The hall was quiet for a while. Zong Bi said, "Xi Yin, if you have something to say, please say it quickly!"
"We are all relatives here. There are uncles, brothers, and nephews … It is not easy for us to gather together. I am old and have mixed feelings. I want to reminisce about the old days. What's the matter? Even if tonight's important matter is revealed, we are still a family. We have the same enemy, there is no need to be so tense … Come, let me give everyone a toast. "
He took the initiative to propose a toast and everyone raised their cups. An old man at the front raised his cup and smiled. No one knew what he was thinking. Xi Yin smiled and said, "When I was fifteen, I attended a banquet at Tiger River. I was quiet and inarticulate. I was not good at socializing. Seventh Uncle told me that if I wanted to be bold, I should take the initiative to propose a toast. Seventh Uncle still remembers this. "
With a toast and a sentence, he had snatched the initiative in the hall. Zong Bi was about to scold him but Wanyan Chang smiled and said, "Since the Goddess of Grains knows that something big is going to happen tonight, don't blame everyone for being nervous. We can always reminisce about the old days. If you don't say what you want to say, I am afraid everyone will be nervous for the whole night. This glass of wine is over. Let's get down to business. We'll drink after business is done. "
Xi Yin nodded and did not argue further. "I came here tonight because I am afraid that the negotiations inside and outside the city will not work out and a fight will break out. From what I know, Third Brother and Shu Liesu are already beating drums and gongs outside. Zong Pan asked Hu Ben to go up the city wall. He was afraid that you would not want to fight in the city because there are too many of you …"
"Don't slander us …" Zong Bi interrupted Xi Yin. "Are you trying to frame us? Hu Ben went up the city wall because we wanted to rebel. Xi Yin, you really have a scholar's mouth … "
"I don't mean that. Fourth Brother, let me finish." Xi Yin raised her hand, "I don't mean to frame anyone. It's just that if this situation continues, it's possible that the enemies will be pleased and the loved ones will suffer. Fourth Brother, if there's a sudden clap of thunder outside today, will the soldiers in your hands rush out? Once you rush out, will you be able to keep the situation under control? Just because of this, I want to be the middleman and pass on some words. I hope that everyone can talk calmly. "
"You are in the same boat as Zong Han and you are the middleman?" Zong Bi snorted. "Besides, there is nothing to talk about! We have agreed that after the southern expedition ends, everything will be clear. Today's result is clear. I won and you lost. The throne should have belonged to my brother. We took it openly! You're still going on and on about your ancestors … "
People around started to talk.
"Fourth Brother is right."
"Fourth Brother, watch your words …"
Xi Yin frowned and waved his hand. "Don't say that. When the Great Ancestor passed away, he said that he wanted to pass the throne to Zong Han. It was also open and aboveboard. At the last moment, you were not willing and said that he would be the next. Now, do you agree? It is good that the east won the southern expedition. But the choice of the throne still needs everyone to agree. Zong Pan and Marshal are worried about the eldest brother. Can you all be at ease? The reason why the late Emperor's edict is like this is because the southwest has become a big problem. He doesn't want the Jurchen people to fall into internal strife. Otherwise, one day in the future, the black flag will go north and our Jin country will follow in the footsteps of Liao. I believe everyone understands this intention. "
Zong Bi scolded. "I understand you first … Understand your mother! This so-called late Emperor's last wish is a rumor that you and Zong Pan made up in private! "
"If I was the only one who said it, it would most likely be a rumor. But before Marshal and I came to Shangjing, Zong Pan also said the same thing. He is the son of the late Emperor, it doesn't seem like a rumor, right?"
Wanyan Chang said, "We can let the eldest brother swear, with all the clan leaders as witnesses, that after he succeeds the throne, he will not settle the matter. What do you think?"
"I have read history for thousands of years. It is hard to keep the oath of the royal family. Just like Zong Han's throne, he said that he would give it to him, but in the end, he still can't get it. "
Wanyan Chang smiled. "If the eldest brother cannot be trusted, can you trust Zong Pan? If he succeeds the throne, who can guarantee that he will not make up for it one by one? Goddess of Grains, please teach me. "
Xi Yin nodded. "I have thought of a solution today."
Xi Yin was known as the Goddess of Grains and had always been the best strategist among the Nüzhen people. Although Zong Gan, Zong Fu, Zong Bi and the rest had the upper hand due to the Southern Expedition, the situation in Shangjing was complicated. Other than the continuation of Zong Han's own prestige, the Goddess of Grains had been running around in the city and had won over many people. Everyone knew that he must have some ulterior motives for his visit today. At this point, everyone, including Wanyan Chang, Zong Gan, Zong Bi and the rest, perked up and waited for his next words.
Xi Yin's gaze was solemn and deep as he looked at everyone. "If Zong Gan succeeds the throne, Zong Pan is afraid that he will be punished. The various clan leaders who are on his side are also worried. If Zong Pan succeeds the throne, I believe everyone will feel the same. Marshal lost the war in the southwest and will not think about it anymore … Now that the situation in Shangjing is delicate and has become a stalemate, since half of the people are not willing to take over the throne, why not … "
"… find another junior to take over."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zong Gan slammed his palm on the table with a bang. His face was ashen, and killing intent surged.
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