Volume 6 Chapter 31 Continuation

Taohua Island was an island that actually existed in Jinzhou area at that time. Later, it was gradually connected with the land and disappeared. It contrasts beautifully with the Chrysanthemum Island to the south, and it is even possible that it was named after the larger and more famous Chrysanthemum Island. 
As for Chrysanthemum Island, it actually has two names. It is also called Juehua Island. This may be because the number of Buddhist buildings on the island has increased. I don't know when it was changed. Of course, it may also be the other way around. It is possible that it was because of the increase in Buddhist buildings that the name was changed from Juehua Island to Chrysanthemum Island. 
But these had nothing to do with Guo Jin and Yang Zaixing. After receiving the military order, they each led a hundred cavalrymen to leave the main force and waited by the Bohai Sea. When Yue Fei led the main force to break through Jinzhou, they indeed encountered a fleet led by Cui Bangbi, the commander of the Imperial Navy. 
The fleet was not large... According to Cui Bangbi, because the performance of the Imperial Navy in the previous Northern Expedition was not good, so the Deputy Governor Li Bao, after reorganizing the remnants of the Jin Navy, could not wait to ask the government for a job, and crossed the sea to plunder the Liaodong hinterland and contact and monitor the Koreans... There were not many good ships left. 
Of course, this is not to say that the fleet could not even transport 200 cavalrymen, but Cui Bangbi felt that this job came too suddenly and affected his last chance to gain military merit - it was both a complaint and an urging. 
In response, Guo Damashao and Yang Datieqiang did not say anything, because they had similar ideas... They also wanted to pacify the Liao area, march into Huanglongfu, and wipe out the remaining Jurchen tribes, instead of helping Emperor Zhao, Prime Minister Lu, and Prince Liu to find some 'old friends' from twelve years ago. 
It had only been twelve years, but the young men in the Song army had already forgotten and were too lazy to care who Guo Yaoshi was. 
But we can't just ignore it. 
The search process was lackluster. 
You have to know that Yue Fei's front army of the imperial camp had just marched out of Liao land from the mountains and sea roads. The temples and monasteries on the island and the local tyrants were trembling with fear, so how could they dare to do anything wrong at this time? 
Therefore, the three of them first went to Chrysanthemum Island, but after a search they could not find anyone. The abbot of the Great Dragon Palace Temple, which had been built on the island, came forward to offer advice, pointing out that the supplies on the island were limited, the conditions were difficult, and there were many refugees who were suffering from acclimatization, so they should find a doctor to ask for details. 
Sure enough, when everyone collected the information about doctors on the island, they soon learned from a gynecologist named Ximen Qing that there was indeed an old man named Guo who claimed to be the former governor of Pingzhou and had called him for treatment many times. Moreover, this man should have been in the army for a long time, so he must be Pharmacist Guo... However, although this guy initially lived on Juhua Island, where conditions were slightly better, after Emperor Zhao won a great victory and Goryeo sent troops to Liao, this guy was frightened and took the initiative to flee to the smaller Peach Blossom Island. 
After receiving the message, the three of them hurriedly took Ximen Qing to the narrow Peach Blossom Island. There were not many people on the island, and after asking again, they learned that after Marshal Yue led the imperial camp's vanguard troops out of Yumen Pass, Pharmacist Guo seemed to know that his family was deeply sinful and could not be tolerated by the Song Dynasty. In panic, he turned back and fled back to Chrysanthemum Island, which was farther away from the coastline... But this person was cautious and did not dare to go to the main Chrysanthemum Island. Instead, he went to a very small island called Mopanshan Island to the north of Chrysanthemum Island. 
There were only seven or eight fishing families on the island, with one bitter water well, and they could barely survive. Most of them lived on Juehua Island. 
So the three of them took Ximen Qing back again. Although there were many twists and turns, they finally found Master Guo Yao and his disciple, who were all smelly, in a rocky cave on Mopanshan Island. 
After Ximen Qing and many other people on the island identified him, they confirmed that it was indeed Pharmacist Guo, so they set off on a boat to report back to Yumen Pass. 
Three days later, the news reached Pingzhou Lulong, which was the latest place where Emperor Zhao was staying. 
"Pingfu." 
In Lulong City, Zhao Jiu finished reading the secret letter and took the initiative to pass it to someone beside him. "Master Guo and Guo Anguo father and son, have been captured. Do you want to take a look?" 
Liu Yan hesitated for a moment before taking the secret letter. After glancing at it, he became a little confused: 
"I don't know." 
"What do you mean?" 
Zhao Jiu obviously didn't care. 
"In the past twelve years, my attitude towards Pharmacist Guo has been inconsistent. I was resentful in the first two years, but after the disastrous defeat at Jingkang, I stopped thinking about him." Liu Yan put the secret letter back and sighed. "After that, I met the emperor, and saw the country's progress day by day, and gradually I began to think about it one day. However, after following the emperor for a long time and gradually seeing the overall situation, I felt that Pharmacist Guo was insignificant. Therefore, compared with this old villain, I still want to go back to Yanzhou as soon as possible to find the lost family for the Red Heart Cavalry." 
Zhao Jiu flashed back to Zhang Yongzhen's death, his expression unchanged, he just nodded slightly: "Yes, in that case, send someone to take Pharmacist Guo to Yanjing City." 
Liu Yan nodded quickly. 
Zhao Jiu paused for a moment before continuing, "Let's go to Chrysanthemum Island together... First, it will be convenient for us to wait for the envoys from Jurchen and Goryeo, and second, it will be convenient for you to return home once Liao is stabilized." 
Liu Yan hesitated again: "Your Majesty wants to go to the island and go to the Dalonggong Temple?" 
"Does Pingfu still think that I'm going to pray to the gods?" Zhao Jiu knew what he was thinking, and immediately laughed and shook his head. "The main reason is that Chrysanthemum Island is in a good location, not far to the north of Yuguan Pass. If I go there, I can at least shock the tribes outside the pass... Of course, I have some selfish motives. I've always wanted to see Jieshi, but since we're almost there, why not go to the island?" 
Liu Yan nodded, but still tried to remind him: "It's fine to just visit Jieshi and climb Peach Blossom Island, but if the emperor wants to go to Yiwulü Mountain, please be sure to inform Yanjing." 
"Of course." Zhao Jiu replied calmly. "But don't worry, Pingfu, I really don't want to go to Wulv Mountain to treat it... I just want to take a look at Jieshi and wait for the results from the Jurchens." 
In this way, Zhao Guanjia, who had already made the plan to stroll along the Yellow River to Cangzhou and then along the Bohai Sea coastline to Lulong, chose to continue to head east and north. 
In fact, it is only a hundred miles from Lulong to Yuguan, but the Yanshan Mountains are a natural dividing line. For a long time, the areas inside and outside the Great Wall undoubtedly represented a distinction between inside and outside... This has existed since the Han Dynasty, because of the political and military divisions caused by geographical divisions. 
Therefore, when Emperor Zhao decided to streamline the accompanying troops and set out from Yumen Pass with only 3,000 people, it still caused an uproar as the news of the decree spread. 
Yanjing was the first to react. Although Lu Yihao and Han Shizhong had received the imperial edict, they still wrote a joint letter, asking Emperor Zhao to keep the communication open, and asked Tian Shizhong who was left in Lulong to go out of the pass and make arrangements along the Shanhai Road, and sent Ma Kuo to garrison at Yumen Pass, and Qu Duan to go slightly out of Gubeikou to provide flank protection. 
Soon after, the states and counties along the Shanhaidao corridor outside the Great Wall also began to boil... Although this place had already experienced several "boiling" in succession due to the Battle of Huolu, the Korean army's dispatch of troops to Liaodong, the escape of the Yanjing Jurchens, and Yue Fei's dispatch of troops, it would not be delayed this time and would continue to boil because of the personal visit of Emperor Zhao. 
In mid-April, Emperor Zhao arrived at Yuguan, but was surprised to hear that there was a Jieshi Mountain in Changli County just inside the pass, where one could climb the mountain and look at the sea. It was rumored that this was the place where Cao Mengde had sung his praises that day. 
Zhao Jiu followed the name and went up the mountain. He looked out and saw blue sky on all sides and blue sea in front of him. It was indeed a magnificent scene. Although the shining Milky Way could not be seen, as it were, the scenery was as if he were in it, and there were still dense trees and lush grass. 
But for some reason, the official climbed the mountain and looked around for half a day, but he never uttered a word. After going down the mountain, he turned north and went out of Yumen Pass. 
After leaving the customs and entering Zongzhou, they arrived at a place only one day later. Perhaps the news of paying tribute to Jieshi Mountain before spread, or it may be that Liu Yan knew what Emperor Zhao said and paid special attention to it... In short, soon a local elder took the initiative to introduce that there was an island to the east of this place facing the sea. It was where Emperor Taizong of Tang stayed when he conquered Goryeo, and it was called Qinwang Island and so on. 
Zhao Jiu was greatly surprised and went to see immediately. Sure enough, he saw a very obvious island in a bay outside the pass. It was several thousand steps in circumference and seventy or eighty feet high, which was very different from the surrounding alluvial terrain. 
When I asked more carefully, I found out that most people around me called it Qinwang Island, but some also called it Qinhuang Island, saying that it was the place where Qin Shihuang stayed during his eastern tour. 
Zhao Jiu was filled with emotion, so he went to the island for half a day to pay tribute. 
As for the fact that the sky was still clear that day and we ultimately retreated without saying a word, there is no need to say more. 
That’s not all. 
In late April, Emperor Zhao continued to travel north for only two days. After missing the escort team of Master Guo Yao and his disciples, he arrived at the Shijiadian area in the north of Zongzhou. However, local scholars came to see him again and told him that there was another Jieshi stone somewhere in the sea, and there were also ruins of the Qin Emperor going out to sea to seek immortality nearby, and ancient coins and roof tiles often appeared. 
Zhao Jiu, who had already become somewhat numb, looked three times in surprise, and indeed saw with his own eyes two huge rocks standing in the sea, which was quite consistent with the words "Jieshi". 
Half a day later, the man left without saying a word. 
In fact, from the Jieshi Mountain in Changli, to the Qinwang Island outside Yumen Pass, and then to the Jieshi in the sea in front of us, they are all adjacent to the Mountain and Sea Road, and are only a few dozen miles apart... It is normal to have some rumors. 
Moreover, regardless of the rumors, there is no contradiction in the legends of Qin Shi Huang, Tang Zong, and Wei Wu, and they are even quite consistent with the ancient meaning. There are also several contrasting statements that match Emperor Zhao's intention to overwhelm the world at this time. 
To put it bluntly, given the current situation in the world, isn't Emperor Zhao allowed to write a poem to take advantage of the popularity of those three? 
If you don't want to get in on the fun, why are you asking about Jieshi along the way? 
But for some reason, this official seemed unable to find the piece of stone that belonged to him. 
In late April, the Zhao Song government continued its journey northward and entered Jinzhou. Chrysanthemum Island was right in front of them. The abbot of the Dalonggong Temple on the island had led the monks and laymen on the island to cross the sea and wait on land. 
However, just when Zhao Jiu was preparing to land on the island, he heard a piece of news that was not unexpected - because of Yue Fei's advance, the fleeing Jurchen troops avoided Liaoyang and chose to take a detour from Linhuang Prefecture, returning to Huanglong Prefecture and Huining Prefecture. When they decided to turn around at Dading Prefecture, a close pursuit by the Eastern Mongolian cavalry and the Khitan cavalry directly triggered an internal conflict in which everyone was afraid of the enemy. 
After the internal strife, most of the Bohai people and some of the Liao Han people broke away from the escape sequence and went to Liaodong on their own, trying to contact Yue Fei and ask for surrender. 
Of course, what Zhao Jiu doesn’t know at the moment is that at the same time he learned about the first large-scale internal strife among the Jin Kingdom’s escape team, new troubles in the escape team seemed to be imminent. 
"What does Mr. Qin think?" 
In a slightly narrow courtyard in Changning City, Linhuang Road, after a moment of silence, Wanyan Xiyin suddenly called out a name. 
"I think Mr. Xi Yin is right. Something bad is bound to happen next." 
Qin Hui sat opposite Xi Yin with his hands down, and his face remained calm when he heard this. "Because if we go further down, we will follow the Huang River to Huanglongfu, and the ancestral lands of the Khitan and Xi people are both in the upper reaches of the Huang River. The Song people also promised the Khitan and Xi people autonomy in their old lands of Linhuangfu, and Yelu Yudu has already led the Khitan cavalry out of the border... It is inevitable that we will go our separate ways again." 
"I am asking you how to deal with this, not asking you to repeat my words again." Wanyan Xiyin has always been serious, but he was so serious at this moment that the atmosphere became more tense. 
"good." 
Hesheli Taiyu, who was getting more and more powerful the further he went north, also said with a smile, "Prime Minister Qin is very wise, he must have a good idea." 
"In the current situation, we can say that we have strategies, but they are just strategies." Qin Hui seemed not to hear Heshelie Taiyu's ridicule, and just answered seriously. "If we really put it into practice, no one knows what the result will be." 
"Go ahead." 
The eldest prince Wanyan Oben interrupted in a muffled voice, but could not help but hold his left eye, which was shedding tears, with one hand... It was caused by sparks splashing on his left eye during the internal strife in Dading Prefecture at night. It was not a serious injury, but it seemed very serious during the escape. 
"In the current situation, it is absolutely not advisable to strike first." Qin Huizhi remained calm. "There are only two options... Either you are sincere and go your separate ways; or you find a way to sow discord between the Xi and Khitan people and then go your separate ways... The former is to show sincerity, while the latter is to have a safe retreat." 
The atmosphere in the courtyard became increasingly tense. 
After a while, someone in the corner of the courtyard started to whisper again: "General Yelu Mawu is a loyal and capable general. Can't we rely on him?" 
"Yes, please ask General Ma Wu to cover the rear, or restrain the Khitans and Xi people in the ranks..." 
"General Ma Wu's loyalty and bravery need no further explanation." 
Wanyan Xiyin was obliged to point out the awkwardness of the situation. "But now, General Ma Wu can't stop his men... However, it's not that we can't rely on General Ma Wu. In my opinion, it's better to take the initiative to persuade General Ma Wu to lead his troops to stay in Huangshui and find Yelu Yudu to make a fortune. This will make our future worry-free." 
"That's a solution, but it has its drawbacks." Qin Hui tried to interject. "Since the war started last winter, there are less than 5,000 soldiers now, and countless people have surrendered regardless of their ethnicity. Only General Ma Wu has remained consistent, and he is a model for the country... If he is allowed to stay with the Khitans, it will be a good idea in practice, but I'm afraid it will dissipate the last bit of energy in the court... If it gets out, people will think that the Great Jin Kingdom can't even tolerate a loyal foreign minister." 
This statement is very clear, and to be honest, even a little too clear. 
Not to mention Wanyan Xiyin, Wulin Dazanmo and other knowledgeable people, even the Crown Prince Wanyan Wuben, Hesheli Taiyu, and other ministers and generals such as Talai, Yin Shuke, and Pu Jianu heard it clearly. 
Even the young prince and his wife in the house at the back, and some marginal figures, could roughly understand what Prime Minister Qin meant. 
First of all, Qin Huizhi was of course reminding the Jin nobles of the problem of people's hearts, asking them not to take advantage of Yelu Ma Wu's loyalty. 
Secondly, he was using Yelu Ma Wu as a metaphor for himself, asking these people not to abandon him, Qin Huizhi, easily. 
Otherwise, people’s hearts will be completely dispersed. 
Of course, there is an implicit logic that can only be applied to a few people, that is, the current fleeing court is maintained by the spirit of the fourth prince's voluntary sacrifice for the country and the power of everyone fleeing north for survival. The balance is actually very fragile. And this fragile balance is determined by Xi Yin-the king-Ulin Da Zanmo, plus some of Yelu Ma Wu's troops and the king's control over the few remaining Hezhameng'an. 
If the veteran general Yelu Ma Wu was abandoned again, the Jin Dynasty would not have to wait for the Khitan and Xi people to start an internal conflict against the Jurchens, but the Jurchens would have their own internal strife first. 
"That being said." Xi Yin was the only one who discussed the situation seriously. "But some things are simply beyond human control. We can only do our best without regrets... Mr. Qin, let me ask you a question... Do you really want to go to Huining Mansion with us?" 
Qin Hui nodded without hesitation and said, "At this point, this is the only way... Emperor Zhao won't tolerate me... Please don't doubt me." 
"Okay then." Xi Yin nodded. "Since the situation is so bad, we don't have to pretend to be in control...Please ask General Ma Wu to come over and let him make the decision himself." 
The eldest prince covered his eyes, and Hesheli Taiyu looked down at his feet, both of them speechless. 
After a while, Yelu Ma Wu arrived. After listening to Xi Yin's words, he said: "I am not a loyal person. I surrendered once and know the embarrassment of surrender and the difficulties of surrendering. I really don't want to repeat it again... Now that things have come to this, I don't have any other thoughts. I just want to ask you to allow me to accompany you personally. When we arrive at Huining Prefecture, if we can settle down, please allow me to take a sinecure and spend the rest of my life... Of course, I am willing to persuade my subordinates to stay and not repeat it." 
Ma Wu's words were calm, and even seemed quite heroic, but for some reason everyone else felt miserable when they heard them. 
Some lamented the country's exile, some lamented the bleak future, some thought about the general trend of the future, and some thought about their current personal difficulties... For a moment, no one answered. 
After a long while, Wanyan Xiyin calmed down and nodded slightly: "General Ma Wu's behavior is loyal and righteous... There is no need to be too modest... Let's settle this matter. Please ask General Ma Wu to come forward and discuss with the Khitans and Xi people in the ranks! Let's not think too much, just set off... Even if there is an accident, don't blame anyone, we will fight against the enemy and cover the water with earth, and we will live or die!" 
Having said that, Xi Yin simply stood up and left without waiting for the others to say anything. Seeing this, Ma Wu also turned around . 
Although everyone below the Crown Prince had their own thoughts, out of trust and respect for Wanyan Xiyin, at least no one made a fuss on the surface. 
Just like that, after resting for half a day in Changning, the Jurchen fleeing group set off again. 
As expected, Yelu Ma Wu relied on his prestige among the Khitan and Xi soldiers to appease the remaining soldiers of his own army, and made a gentleman's agreement with these people... He used the old method, leaving behind some property, and the two sides parted ways amicably... But now was different from the past, these remaining Khitan-Xi soldiers also asked Yelu Ma Wu and the Sixth Prince Eluguan to stay as hostages, and they simply accepted the request. 
However, this does not mean that the escape team is all right. 
In fact, even though there were no large-scale open conflicts during the entire escape process, the hardships and losses involved are beyond words... People left the team every day, and property was lost every day. But the more important point is that they were on high alert every day, so that everyone was becoming more and more nervous, and suspicion and vigilance were becoming increasingly obvious. 
There is nothing we can do about it. 
People with insight realized this when they first started fleeing. 
At first glance, this scene seems to be no different from the escape of Emperor Zhao Song ten years ago... In fact, the journey from Hebei to Huaishang and then to Nanyang is longer than that from Yanjing to Huining Prefecture... But in fact, it is very different. 
Because when the Zhao Song court was in exile, it was surrounded by Han people and Song territory. Even if bandits swarmed in, they knew to raise the banner of the loyal army. 
And now? 
Now, these Jin Dynasty dignitaries only felt like they were clowns on the Song Dynasty stage, but their clothes were being stripped off layer by layer... or in other words, their skin was being peeled off. 
Leaving Yanyun and parting ways with the Han people inside the Great Wall, they lost their most fertile land and largest human resources; going outside the Great Wall, they received news that Liaodong and Liaoxi were under attack from large armies, which triggered internal strife. They lost their long-standing ally Bohai and diplomatic relations with Goryeo, as well as the economic center and military technological highland outside the Great Wall; now, they had to separate at Huangshui from their old rivals, the Khitan-Xi people, who were repeatedly emphasized as the 'subjects of the state' after the destruction of Liao. This meant that soon they would only have the Jurchens left. 
And what happens next? 
When they reach Huanglongfu, if the Song army continues to press forward, will they also try to separate the Wanyan clan from other Jurchen tribes? 
To put it bluntly, the Han people have a population of 100 million. It has been 1,400 years since Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified the world. Even since Emperor Wu of Han further promoted the unification in terms of system and culture, it has been 1,300 years. 
At the same time, the Jurchens had a population of only one million and had been established for only twenty years. Even the unification of the six major Jurchen tribes was achieved during the anti-Liao process. 
This strong contrast not only highlights the unparalleled military power of the Jurchens when they rose to power, but it also means that at this moment, this nation really has no room for turning back. 
To be or not to be, to continue or to cease, that is the question. 
It is a problem that everyone has to face. 
Perhaps they were eager to reach Huanglongfu (around Changchun today) in the lower reaches of the Huangshui River, and also wanted to get away from the unstable Khitan-Xi settlement area as soon as possible. In the following period of time, in the middle and lower reaches of the Huangshui River where there were no cities, they marched more and more along the river, moving forward recklessly. Every night they were so tired that they fell asleep as soon as they lay down, and they had to leave at dawn. If they stopped for a while, they would quickly light a fire and cook. Even though they were on the road along the Huangshui River, they did not even have time to take a bath, and the entire marching column was filled with a foul odor. 
This extremely harsh environment also meant that although April was the best season outside the Great Wall, people and animals kept falling ill and dying. The eldest prince's eye disease became more serious, and the king and the queen could only ride the same horse. Even Qin Huizhi was left with only a cart of property, and he had to learn to drive himself. 
But no one dared to stop. 
Finally, on April 28th, the fleeing team, with less than 4,000 soldiers and a total of more than 30,000 people, arrived at a place with abundant water and grass. 
This place is an important transportation hub in the middle and lower reaches of the Huangshui River. Crossing the river from north to south and heading east to west, to the northeast is Huanglong Prefecture (around Changchun today), and following the south-turning Huangshui River downstream is Xianping Prefecture (around Siping to the south in later generations). Going upstream is naturally Linhuang Prefecture, and to the southwest is naturally Dading Prefecture (around Chengde in later generations). 
In fact, although there is no city here, it is recognized as a place of transportation outside the Great Wall. There are also many post stations and markets built during the Liao Dynasty... In later generations, this place was even called Tongliao. 
That's right, on this afternoon, the emperor of the Great Jin Kingdom, the ruling prince, the ministers, the chancellors, and the generals arrived at their loyal Tongliao. And everyone knew that as long as they passed this place, they would reach the traditional and core sphere of influence of the Jurchens, and would also get rid of the hidden dangers brought by the Khitan and Xi settlements. 
This made almost the entire fleeing team fall into joy and excitement. 
Perhaps sensing the corresponding emotions, the emperor also conveyed the "king's will" and, instead of constantly urging the troops to march as usual, he set up camp here in advance to take a short rest. 
When the news spread, the fleeing team was overjoyed. After building the camp and having a small meal, they could no longer hold back and began to take a bath. 
The nobles who were qualified to occupy private houses remained reserved. They could wait for the servants to fetch water for washing. A few Jurchen noblewomen could even wait until the maids poured hot water into the bucket. 
But the soldiers were too lazy to care and after taking off their armor, they went into the water one after another. 
For a moment, the entire Huangshui River was filled with black heads and white bodies. 
"teacher." 
Wanyan Xiyin stood in front of the floating bridge, his eyes swept across the downstream, then looked calmly at the blue sky and green land on the opposite bank, as if thinking about something. Unexpectedly, a special shout suddenly came from behind him, and Xiyin knew who was coming without even turning his head. 
"Teacher." 
Hesheli Liangbi called out again, bowed respectfully to the other party from behind, and then walked forward. "What are you thinking about, Master?" 
"I wasn't thinking about anything, I was just daydreaming." 
Wanyan Xiyin's words were straightforward, just as he had behaved in recent days: rational, frank and decisive. 
Or to put it more directly, Xi Yin played a vital role in ensuring that this fleeing team could get here safely... His status and position, his familiarity with the army and the court, his fairness and firm attitude made him the actual organizer and judge of this escape. 
Relatively speaking, although the eldest prince Wanyan Oben had prestige and the largest military force, he knew nothing about general affairs and had no experience in leading troops on long-distance marches independently. 
After all, the king is only an eighteen-year-old boy. It cannot be said that everyone looks down on him as a child. However, in the face of such a major event as the life and death of the country and nation, his age is really embarrassing. There is no reason to give him all the power that was not originally given to him at this sensitive time. 
As for people like Hesheli Taiyu, Wanyan Yinshuke, and Wanyan Talan, there is no need to mention them. 
"What are you thinking about?" Xi Yin turned around and noticed that the other party had not taken a bath at all, and was still wearing the dirty and smelly leather armor. "Why did you come to me?" 
"I am worried about the future of my country and my tribe, and I am uneasy, so I came to ask you for help." Hesheli Liangbi hesitated for a moment, but finally chose to be honest to a certain extent. "Logically speaking, I have escaped now... at least I have escaped the pursuit of the magnificent army, but when I think about my father's estrangement from His Royal Highness the King of Liao, and the King of Wei never coming back, when we arrive at Huanglongfu, the hatred, opposition, and factions that were suppressed in Yanjing will soon reappear. Moreover, both sides have their own followers, and the Song army is pressing on, I am afraid it will be another bloody storm..." 
"Then what?" 
Wanyan Xiyin remained calm. 
"Then... Teacher..." Liang Bi answered seriously. "When we get to Huanglong Mansion, will you be able to continue to stabilize the situation? Or do you have other ways to deal with it? In fact, everyone obeys you, and Emperor Zhao has also nominated you as the prime minister... If you are willing to take charge of the situation, I am willing to do my best." 
Xi Yin was silent for a moment, still calm: "I can stabilize the situation now, relying on the shock of King Wei's death to the generals and the desire to survive of the fleeing people... When we reach Huanglongfu... Even before we reach Huanglongfu, I don't think I can control anyone... You must know that the Great Jin Kingdom is like this. After going around, we still have to look at the wealth of each tribe. How can I, a distant branch of the Wanyan clan, control anyone? Even if I can control them for a while, I can't control them forever." 
"I thought it was possible." Liangbi's reaction was a little strange when he heard it, he felt relieved but also a little sad. 
"It could have been possible." Xi Yin shook his head. "We could have won over the people through education and institutions, just like when the Zhao Song emperor fled south, he could have won over the people as long as he wanted... But the Song people didn't give us the time and opportunity." 
Hesheli Liangbi deeply agreed with this. 
"Liang Bi." Xi Yin took another look at the other person's dirty leather armor and suddenly spoke. 
"The student is here." Hesheli Liangbi quickly bowed. 
"If there is a chance, we should still lead the nation to learn Chinese, write Chinese characters, and read Chinese books... Those things are really good, much better than what we have." Xi Yin explained seriously. 
"This is my long-cherished wish." Liang Bi said without hesitation. "And it's not just me. My generation, from the king to my princes and nephews, all understand this." 
Xi Yin nodded and said no more. 
After waiting for a while, a servant came to report that the king and the queen had finished bathing and invited Prime Minister Xi Yin to meet them in front of the emperor. The two of them then said goodbye. 
Today's matter seems to have come to an end. 
However, within just half an hour, the camp suddenly became chaotic. 
The cause of the incident was very simple... The soldiers took a bath first, and soon after they finished, in the evening, when it was getting dark, the female relatives who were accompanying them could no longer bear it, so they took advantage of the reeds and curtains to try to take a bath in the water. 
As the saying goes, when one is well fed and warm, one will think of sex. In the wilderness, after bathing, the soldiers had nothing to do and began to set their sights on the women, which soon led to sporadic rape incidents. 
In response to this, Xi Yin's attitude was very firm and decisive. He sent the Hezhameng'an troops to quickly suppress and execute them. 
But soon, several pillars of the Great Jin Kingdom discovered with horror that the speed at which they dealt with such incidents could not keep up with the speed at which similar incidents occurred... rape and looting began to appear in large numbers like green grass on a grassland after rain. 
Soon afterwards, there were incidents of people gathering to resist Hezhameng'an's execution of military law, as well as organized attacks on women and baggage. 
At this point, everyone understood what was happening. 
The army's patience had reached its limit, and even though it suddenly relaxed, a mutiny was imminent. 
Of course, there were countless veterans with experience in military affairs in the team, Yin Shuke, Talan, including Elubu, Jiaguwulibu and others immediately made a unanimous suggestion, asking the king to issue an edict to grant all the maids brought by the nobles, and release some of the wealth, especially hard currency such as gold, silver, cloth, fur and so on as rewards. 
Without any extra thoughts, this suggestion was quickly passed and immediately implemented... Even a person as particular as Xi Yin wisely remained silent... Then, before it became completely dark, he finally suppressed the mutiny by both kindness and force. 
Once again, the Jin Dynasty's top leaders did their best to maintain unity in times of crisis. 
The Great Jin Dynasty seemed to still have enough centripetal force. 
However, at three o'clock in the morning, just as the Jin Dynasty's fugitive nobles, each with their own thoughts, had barely put aside their own worries and gone to sleep, there was suddenly a flash of fire and the sound of horses' hooves on the north bank of the Huangshui River. 
As soon as Wanyan Oben and his companions left the house, they discovered in near despair that most of the troops did not even understand the situation on the other side of the river, and simply chose to flee with the women and their belongings. 
And soon, an even more desperate situation emerged. 
As the rebel troops on the other side of the river approached, they could clearly hear those people shouting in Khitan, demanding to kill all the members of the Wanyan clan and avenge Emperor Tianzuo. 
Some people even shouted that they were following Yelu Mawu's orders.
In the darkness, the chaos grew greater and greater. Roars, cries, and hideous laughs merged into one, mixing with the gurgling sound of the Huangshui River and the whistling sound of the breeze blowing through the grass and bushes when the summer grass was lush, forming a strange sound like the dance and music of shamans at a sacrificial ceremony.
And at the same time as this sound, the flames quickly swept across the entire camp on the south bank of the Huangshui River, triggering a kind of collapse-like dispersion, as if the fire had just been lit but was blown by a strong wind, causing the sparks to fly directly into the air.
But there is no doubt that just as the wind can only blow away piles of ashes and grass leaves but cannot blow away real firewood, several scattered and bright areas quickly formed on the south bank of the Huangshui River, and still maintained a certain order and mobility.
"Your Majesty, Minister Xi Yin, Minister Qin... Wu Lin answered the Minister."
Wearing full armor, Erlubu hurried into the central courtyard of the market where the king and his wife were staying. He ignored the minor officials and only saluted the nobles in the courtyard, then immediately faced them seriously. "I received a message from the King of Liao and came here to protect him immediately... Unfortunately, only 300 people were gathered in a hurry. The rest either fled on their own or were difficult to gather together for a while."
"That's enough."
The king, Qin Hui, and Wulinda Zanmo said nothing, letting Xi Yin, who was standing at the bottom of the stairs, take over the conversation. "The enemy is bluffing and has been slow to cross the river, so they must be short of troops. You bring 300 people, and the remaining 400 Hezhameng'an here will also be armed. Together, they are enough to protect the king's safety... Just wait for God's will."
This sentence was both an affirmation of Erlubu's coming to support... After all, three hundred people were definitely a bit too few, and he should have left a lot of people behind to protect his family... It was also to comfort the king and his wife who were still in shock.
As expected, Wanyan Hela, who was also wearing armor and waiting on the steps, was relieved immediately after hearing this. However, after a little relief, the young king pressed the sword at his waist and asked a sensitive question:
"Prince Xi Yin, are the troops on the other side of the river really General Ma Wu's? If it was him, why didn't Taiyuan and Huolu surrender directly to the Song people? Why didn't Dading Prefecture rebel? Moreover, why did they come from the other side instead of chasing from behind..."
"Your Majesty, this is not the time to worry about this matter."
In the firelight, Xi Yin, dressed in ordinary Confucian scholar's clothes, suddenly interrupted the other party with his hands together. "Perhaps Yelu Ma Wu really rebelled, or a small group of Mongolian and Khitan pursuers came to Changning, and persuaded and forced Yelu Ma Wu, or simply some Khitans were blinded by greed and did this behind Ma Wu's back, or even the bandits and tribes wandering around heard about Changning and borrowed Ma Wu's name... But it doesn't matter, because even if it was Yelu Ma Wu's troops coming from the other side, they were far fewer than our large group, and we were defeated without a fight and became a mess... The problem is not on the other side of the river, but on this side of the river."
As soon as these words were spoken, Qin Hui, Wulinda Zanmo and Elubu nodded almost in unison.
Hela was silent for a while, then he nodded dejectedly and put down his hand that was holding the sword:
"My husband is right. We don't need to worry about the enemy's large numbers. The problem now is our internal situation... We almost mutinied in the evening, and now it has become like this... I don't know what will happen when we get to Huanglong Mansion?"
"What's the situation outside?" Xi Yin avoided the topic and turned to look at Elubu.
"The camp has been largely out of control, with looting and fleeing. Several generals gathered their troops and held on to wait for reinforcements, but some people thought they were familiar with the route since they were here, so although they could gather a crowd, they still took the initiative to flee." Erlubu hurriedly explained. "As for the enemy, as you said, they are just making noises, but have not yet crossed the river..."
"Who are the ones who are fleeing? Who are the ones who are staying together?" Xi Yin kept asking.
Qin Hui's eyelids twitched, and then without saying a word, he took a half step back to the dark side and rear.
"I can't say for sure whether he left or not, I can only see from the lights." Erlubu didn't pay attention to Qin Hui's actions, but looked at Wanyan Xiyin carefully. "The place where General Jiagu Wulibu lived was dark, it seemed that he left. The back where General Pucha Huzhan lived was brightly lit, and there were shouts of orders from afar. The post station occupied by General Hesheli Taiyu was also bright..."
"Wulibu actually collapsed." Wulinda Zanmo sighed, and then suddenly asked, as if he had thought of something. "Where are Marshal Talan and Yinshu?"
"Although these two do not have many soldiers and horses, they did build a fire in the courtyard, which is particularly obvious... After all, they are veterans." Erlubu still did not dare to neglect them. "They are actually next to General Hesheli's camp."
Hearing this, Xi Yin and Wulin Da Zanmo suddenly stopped talking and fell silent in the courtyard. The rest of the people, from the king to Erlubu, were a little confused for a moment, but they still maintained their patience.
Only Qin Hui remained silent as usual... He didn't dare to say a word now.
After waiting for a while, Xi Yin finally spoke seriously beside the brazier: "Elubu, if I ask you to lead our troops to burn or break the floating bridge on the river, are you sure you can do it? How long will it take?"
"In the dark night, apart from knowing roughly that the enemy's forces are not too many, the rest of the situation is unclear, so it's hard to say anything." Erlubu answered quickly. "And even if the military situation goes smoothly, it will take another half an hour to complete this task and come back..."
"It's too late then." Xi Yin's expression remained unchanged, but he asked another question calmly with his hands clasped. "In this situation, do you want to stay here to protect the king, or do you want to go back to protect His Royal Highness the King of Liao?"
As soon as these words were spoken, I don’t know if it was an illusion, but the already quiet courtyard became even quieter, forming a sharp contrast with the noisy sounds outside the courtyard.
After all, this question was unclear and even a little absurd... because Elubu was ordered by Wanyan Woben to protect the emperor.
Besides, the king himself is still behind. Does he want Elubu to say in front of the 18-year-old king... Between the king and the King of Liao, I choose the King of Liao?
However, it was Wanyan Xiyin who asked such confusing and ridiculous questions.
Who is Wanyan Xiyin?
He is recognized as the wisest man of the Jurchens, one of the founders of the Jurchen state system, the inventor of the Jurchen writing, one of the actual handlers of state affairs in the past few years, one of the pillars of the country, and with the death of more and more famous Jurchen kings and generals, he is also an important balancer of whether the country can continue in the future.
At this moment, this minister, the eldest prince, the King of Liao, Wanyan Oben, and the king himself standing behind him, these three people are the basic symbols of the continuation of the Wanyan regime of the Jurchens in the Great Jin Dynasty.
Therefore, Elubu was so flustered that he dared not answer.
Not only Erlubu himself, but even Wulinda Zanmo was a little panicked... Qin Huizhi hesitated for a moment. He wanted to show a little panic to confuse him with others, but he performed it too stiffly, and it seemed to really reflect his panic... That's right, after this question, Qin Hui finally became a little flustered and panicked instinctively.
There was still a commotion outside. A gust of wind blew, making the already messy shadows and light in the yard even more scattered. At this time, faint shouts and screams were heard in the wind, as if the enemy had finally crossed the river.
Xi Yin seemed to come back to his senses at this moment, and then gave an inexplicable reply, just like he had asked that inexplicable question before:
"I understand... You just stay here and protect the emperor with peace of mind."
Elubu became more and more puzzled, but when he nodded in response, his eyes swept over Xi Yin and Qin Huizhi and Wulinda Zanmo behind him, and fell on the king who had been standing silently at a higher place, he suddenly had two or three guesses - these questions were probably not asked to him, or rather, they were not just asked to him.
However, if that’s the case, does Wanyan Xiyin really think that there will be any danger to the eldest prince?
A quarter of an hour later, Erlubu's doubt disappeared, because as the enemy army crossed the river, he personally went out to inspect the outer defense line and climbed onto the roof to observe the situation. He saw with his own eyes that after the so-called subordinates of Yelu Mawu crossed the river, there were sounds of horse hooves and lines of torches, but few of them were looting indiscriminately. Instead, they went straight to the location of the King of Liao and the eldest prince Wanyan Ouben!
There was no hesitation or reconnaissance throughout the process, but there was also no misjudgment - in the middle of the night, in chaos, they hurriedly crossed the river and hit the target with one strike.
At this time, Jiagu Wulibu's tribe was scattered, and his own troops had just arrived at the side of the king. The Pucha Huzhan tribe was farther away and at the back. The eldest prince could only gather a few hundred soldiers like himself in a hurry.
When he saw this place, although it was early summer and even in the frontier, it was a warm night with a gentle breeze, but Elubu felt a chill in his heart.
Another gust of fragrant wind blew by, and Erlubu, who was slumped on the outer roof, sent someone to report to Wanyan Xiyin and the king, and carefully left the room with the help of his personal soldiers and returned to the emperor. At the same time, he forced himself to come back to his senses and think hard and quickly about the pros and cons:
The situation now is very clear. No matter who comes tonight, whether it is Yelu Ma Wu, the Khitan tribes in the west, the local Xi bandits, or even the Jurchen tribes coming from the east, it doesn't matter. The key is that there must be an insider in the exiled court team on the south side of Huangshui today, or even the mastermind... and the target is also very clear, that is, the eldest prince, King of Liao Wanyan Ouben.
Why kill the eldest prince?
The answer to this question was known to the entire fleeing After the Zhao Song government killed the fourth prince, the new rhetoric was to kill the eldest prince first and then decide on new conditions for peace talks... This was the most deadly issue in the exiled court of the Jin Dynasty!
Before, they wanted to kill the eldest prince and a large number of powerful military figures, and that caused a lot of trouble in Yanjing, let alone now?
However, according to Elubu and most people, this issue should be discussed and dealt with after the team reaches Huanglongfu. Unexpectedly, it was solved here when they were about to arrive at Huanglongfu and about to leave Linhuangfu.
Of course, these are facts that have already been decided. There is no point in thinking too much about them. The key is how should we deal with them?
Or be more direct and ask yourself whether you want to rescue him or not?
Should I take the initiative to propose a rescue, or should I keep silent and wait for the king and Xiang Gong Xi Yin's orders?
Or, should we simply suggest to the king and husband not to go and rescue them?
You must know that the attitudes of the king and Xi Yin Xianggong were already very ambiguous. If the attack was really led by someone in the team this time, then they should not try to attack the king or others after killing the eldest prince, right? I can escape and see what the result of the peace talks will be after I reach Huanglong Mansion. At worst, I can just dive into the white mountains and black waters and end my life!
But why did the King and Xi Yin Xianggong also have this attitude? Did they also participate? Or did they have their own ideas before the battle, just like me?
All in all, it only took Elubu a moment to think about it. He came down from the room and went back to the courtyard. On the other side, the king and his wife, as well as the prime minister Xi Yin, Qin Huizhi, the secretary Wulinda Zanmo and others had just heard the message from the guards.
Then, King Hela, with sweat slightly on his forehead, couldn't help but look at Xi Yin. Obviously, he also thought of Xi Yin's strange question before.
"Xi Yin Xianggong..." Hela was so anxious that sweat broke out on his head. "What's going on? Did General Yelu Mawu come back under your order?"
"It has nothing to do with me, and I don't know who it is." Wanyan Xiyin spread his hands and answered calmly. "It's just that when the King of Wei went there, His Royal Highness the King of Liao became the biggest obstacle to the peace talks, and the location of this place is too awkward. Anyone could come and attack, but no one could really send a large army here... So, when the chaos started, I guessed that it was very likely that someone was colluding with the inside and outside, or someone was stupid enough to open the door and let the thieves in."
Hela was speechless for a moment after hearing this, but still felt uneasy.
It turned out that because he had escaped too quickly before, the death of his mentor Han Fang that night in Yanjing has always been an unsolved mystery to Hela. On the contrary, Wanyan Digunai's words and actions were confirmed by many people. Therefore, what happened that night was like a thorn that pierced deeply into his heart. These days, the king has been wary and dissatisfied with the eldest prince and his son, and has only relied on Wanyan Xiyin in everything.
However, no matter what, Wanyan Woben had raised him for many years, and Hela had never thought of sitting idly by and watching him die.
"Husband."
Just a moment later, Hela reached out and held Xi Yin's hand. "I didn't say anything before because I was stupid and didn't know what my husband meant, but I really didn't mean to let my uncle die... He is my uncle, who raised me for several years at home, and he was a meritorious official who supported me and the ruling prince... If I deliberately pushed him to death, how could I have the face to be the king of a country?"
Elubu sighed in his heart, but was also relieved for a moment. After all, the king's attitude was better than being indifferent, and the more important point was that he didn't need to worry about anything here - the king and the husband had given orders, and he just had to listen.
Wulinda Zanmo also felt a little emotional.
As for Qin Huizhi, he still said nothing, but he couldn't help but look up at Wanyan Xiyin, as if he had met the wisest Jurchen man again.
"Your Majesty, it's too late." Wanyan Xiyin didn't even look at anyone, and his tone was indifferent. "Now the bandits have crossed the river, and the only troops that can be mobilized in front of the emperor are the more than 300 people brought by General Erlubu... It would be fine to go to meet His Majesty the King of Liao in advance, but if we go there now, it's dark, aren't we afraid that we will be defeated on the way? And if General Erlubu's subordinates also scatter, the bandits may kill the king and His Majesty the King of Liao together."
He La was extremely frightened and instinctively looked at the other people.
His eyes swept over Qin Hui, Wulinda Zanmo and Erlubu. Only Wulinda Zanmo took half a step forward. Just as Hela was about to come down to hold Wulinda's hand, he realized that he was still holding Wanyan Xiyin's hand. He did not dare to let go and could only slightly bow.