Moma Liangshan

Chapter 252 Arrangement, New Differences

Ta Yan's loyalty impressed Wu Qimai, who said, "I promise you!" Ta Yan nodded and said, "Thank you, Imperial Uncle!" Ta Yan turned to leave, but Wu Qimai suddenly said, "If one day Imperial Sister-in-law changes her mind, I will treat her with the respect due to an Empress Dowager!" Ta Yan turned back, smiled slightly, but did not say a word.

After Ta Yan left, Wu Qimai, filled with sorrow, sighed, "I never imagined that my imperial brother had reached the point of making arrangements for his affairs after death!" Lou Shi and Wu Lu also seemed to be in a dreamlike state, saying, "His Majesty is indeed His Majesty; every step he takes is so measured and measured!" Wu Qimai nodded in agreement and said, "My imperial brother has entrusted the Imperial Guard to me. Who should be appointed to command it?" Lou Shi looked at Wu Lu and said, "This humble general believes that General Wu Lu can be appointed to command the Imperial Guard!" By controlling the Imperial Guard, one could use force to control the entire Jin court in special circumstances. Wu Lu was Wu Qimai's confidant and a veteran general on the battlefield. Appointing him to command the Imperial Guard would ensure his loyalty and ability were beyond doubt. However, Wu Qimai also had his own concerns, saying, "If Wu Lu commands the Imperial Guard, then who will command the Haidong Army?" Lou Shi replied, "Wanyan Zhamu!"

This reminder brought to Wu Qimai's mind every single one of Wanyan Zhamu's military achievements. After a moment, Wu Qimai asked, "Why not directly appoint Wanyan Zhamu to command the Imperial Guard?" Lou Shi explained, "Although Wanyan Zhamu is intelligent, brave, and has a distinguished military record, his seniority and prestige are still insufficient. He has served in the Haidong Army for many years and is familiar with soldiers at all levels. If he were to take over as commander, no one in the entire army would object. The Imperial Guard has many unique characteristics. Since its inception, it has been commanded either by members of the royal family or by highly respected veteran generals. Zhamu's seniority is still shallow, and I fear he will have difficulty gaining the respect of the Imperial Guard!"

Lou Shi's words were objective and fair, and Wu Qimai nodded repeatedly. Then he looked at Wu Lu and asked, "Would you be willing to go to the Imperial Guard as its commander?" Wu Lu replied, "Whatever my lord commands, I will gladly die for you!" Wu Qimai was overjoyed and laughed loudly, saying, "The overall situation is settled!"

Emperor Taizu of Jin, Wanyan Aguda, intended to return north ahead of schedule, and Anban Bojilie, Wanyan Wugumai, assumed full regency. This was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky in the Jin court. However, apart from the four princes, the other court officials and leaders of various departments all breathed a sigh of relief. After all, the succession to the throne of the Great Jin Dynasty had been clearly determined, and everyone no longer had to live in constant anxiety because of the matter of the crown prince.

If we're talking about who was most resentful of Wanyan Wugumai's regency, it would naturally be Wanyan Zonggan, who had recently received a hint from Wanyan Aguda. In Wanyan Zonggan's view, his defeat was utterly humiliating. As the eldest son of the emperor, he had only received empty promises from the emperor, without any substantial support, and these promises were even shady. Meanwhile, Wanyan Wugumai not only received an imperial edict summoning him but also transferred military power to the imperial guards—a move that would clear all obstacles for Wanyan Wugumai's succession. Wanyan Zonggan was unwilling to accept this; he believed the emperor's promises were merely a pretext to test Wanyan Wugumai's reaction. Therefore, indignant, he went to the emperor's tent. Wanyan Aguda seemed to have anticipated this outcome, and Wanyan Zonggan was summoned immediately. However, this time, Wanyan Aguda lacked his usual imposing presence, lying weakly on Ta Yan's lap, looking at his son, whom he hardly felt any affection for. The silence in the tent lasted for a long time. The first to speak was neither Wanyan Aguda nor Wanyan Zonggan, but Tayan, who said, "I wonder what brings Crown Prince Zonggan to this court in such haste?" Wanyan Zonggan, already resentful, was further enraged by Tayan's imperial decree, and blurted out, "Why does Your Majesty ask when you already know the answer?" A cold smile appeared on Wanyan Aguda's pale face, his weak voice carrying a ruthless authority, as he said, "Do you know who you are speaking to?" These few words, followed by three coughs, made Wanyan Zonggan deeply feel the terror of the emperor's wrath. In desperation, he knelt on both knees, pleading, "If only in peacetime..." "Even if you gave me a hundred lives, I would never dare to offend Father and Mother. But the situation was sudden, and I lost my composure. I even apologize to Father and Mother!" Wanyan Aguda rolled over, resting his head on Tayan's lap, and suddenly burst into laughter, saying, "Those who act justly gain much support, while those who act unjustly find little. As the eldest son, you cannot unite your brothers, leaving you weak and vulnerable, constantly controlled by others. I am seriously ill, unable to rest and recuperate, and must also scheme for you, my rebellious son. Now, facing setbacks, instead of reflecting on your mistakes, you seek revenge against your own father. Do you believe that with a single command, I can send you to your death before me?" Having said this, Wanyan Aguda had exhausted most of his strength. Wanyan Zonggan, though even more furious, was far less afraid than the emperor's wrath and repeatedly kowtowed, confessing his guilt. After a long while, Wanyan Aguda said, "I am a man who will soon be buried in the yellow earth. How much of a future you brothers will have depends on yourselves!" Wanyan Zonggan carefully replied, "I will obey Father's teachings!" Tayan hugged Wanyan Aguda and said, "Step down!" Wanyan Zonggan breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "Yes!"

After Wanyan Zonggan left, Wanyan Zongfu emerged from the rear tent. Wanyan Aguda looked at his third son and said, "Your father has taken away your military power. Do you have any complaints?" Wanyan Zongfu replied, "Your father granted me this military power. Now that Your father is transferring my military power to Fourth Uncle, you have your reasons!" Wanyan Aguda nodded slightly, but then asked, "Tell me your understanding of Your father's reasons!" Wanyan Zongfu pondered for a moment and said, "No matter when or where, the interests of the Great Jin Kingdom must be put first. Now that Fourth Uncle is the popular choice, Your father, as the ruler of the country, cannot act arbitrarily!"

Wanyan Aguda was very pleased and said, "Conquering the world requires a decisive and martial ruler, but governing the world cannot rely solely on brute force and reckless warfare." Wanyan Zongfu nodded repeatedly and said, "Your subject has learned much!" Wanyan Aguda continued, "Although Zonggan lacks the virtues of an emperor, he is not lacking in cunning and resourcefulness. He can be a powerful minister second only to the emperor, but he is unlikely to rule the world!" Wanyan Zongfu nodded again and said, "Father, you are very insightful!" Wanyan Aguda continued, "I am sending you back to Huanglong Prefecture with me to escape this vortex of power struggles. As for the rest, as long as you stay true to yourself, you will understand in the future!" Wanyan Zongfu replied, "Your subject will humbly learn and live up to Father's expectations!" Wanyan Aguda nodded in agreement.

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