Moma Liangshan

Chapter 351 Exit, Funeral to the New

This was a sensitive topic. The seemingly massive tribal army of 200,000 was actually a rabble, so everyone present knew perfectly well that going into battle would be a free windfall. Only Wanyan Aguda was qualified to answer Wanyan Gao's question. He said, "Zongwang has just suffered a defeat and is not fit to fight. The royal guards are protecting the capital region and should not be easily mobilized. Zonggan is responsible for monitoring the enemy forces outside the city and will remain in place for now. As for other military deployments, Wuqimai will be the commander-in-chief, and Xieye the deputy commander-in-chief; the decision will be made through consultation!" No one had expected Wanyan Aguda to make such arrangements. Wanyan Wuqimai and Wanyan Gao exchanged a glance, rose to accept the order, and replied, "Your Majesty, we obey!" Wanyan Aguda waved for the two to sit down, and then said, "Shangjing City is difficult to conquer, and we must rely on ourselves to get through this winter. Huanglong Prefecture is without leadership; I would like to request that Your Excellency return first to prepare for the winter!"

Wanyan Aguda's arrangements were reasonable, and Wanyan Sagai immediately replied, "This old minister obeys!" After another cough, Wanyan Aguda waved his hand, signaling the court to adjourn. Wanyan Wuqimai and the others, having achieved their goal, were naturally satisfied and took their leave. After everyone left, Tayan came out from the inner tent, helped Wanyan Aguda lie down on his lap, and said, "They seem to have reached some kind of tacit understanding?" Wanyan Aguda, with his eyes closed, said, "If I'm not mistaken, Wuqimai intends to delay until after my death before conquering Shangjing?" Tayan always avoided discussing Wanyan Aguda's health. Seeing this, Wanyan Aguda muttered to himself, "I know my own body best; I'm afraid I won't survive this winter!" Tayan still didn't speak, but tears flowed uncontrollably, falling onto Wanyan Aguda's face. The warm tears felt tingling on his face, and Wanyan Aguda involuntarily swayed. Ta Yan realized he had lost his composure and quickly reached out to wipe away the tears on Wan Yan Aguda's face. However, the deep pain in his heart was not so easy to hide, and new tears kept flowing out. Wanyan Aguda sighed deeply, slowly sat up, and embraced Tayan, saying, "Wuqimai and the others did nothing wrong; it was I who wanted to break the rules established by our ancestors!" Tayan didn't care who sat on the throne, saying, "But their open formation of factions will inevitably threaten imperial power. If one day we truly clash, I fear you will not have peace!" Wanyan Aguda shook his head, saying, "These seeds of trouble were sown by myself. Even if Heaven punishes me, I will bear it alone!" Tayan shook his head repeatedly, saying, "It was you who made the Wanyan clan famous throughout the world, it was you who founded the Great Jin Empire. Even if you made mistakes, you should have a good ending!" Wanyan Aguda remained silent for a long time, finally making up his mind, and said, "Draft the decree for me!" Tayan had a bad feeling and unconsciously called out, "Your Majesty~" Wanyan Aguda stopped Tayan's question, saying, "Just draft the decree truthfully!" Tayan dared not disobey, spread out the documents, and prepared to record. Wanyan Aguda spoke, “The world is in chaos, and heroes rise up everywhere. The Wanyan clan has gone through three generations to reach its current state. I have spent my life on the battlefield, fighting countless battles, inheriting the legacy of my ancestors and laying the foundation for a lasting dynasty. However, nothing lasts forever, and no one lives a hundred years. I am getting old, and my health is failing. I fear I cannot attend to every detail of the nation's affairs. After much deliberation, I hereby appoint Anban Bojilie Wanyan Wuqimai as regent, concurrently commanding the Imperial Guard. The Third Prince, Zongfu, and the Chancellor, Sagai, will accompany me back to Huanglong Prefecture to secure the rear!”

After drafting the decree, Tayan, his eyes blurred with tears, forced himself to present the document to Wanyan Aguda. Wanyan Aguda first wiped away Tayan's tears, then picked up a vermilion brush, signed his name, and affixed his seal, saying, "Tomorrow, deliver this decree to Wuqimai!" Tayan forced himself to calm his grief and replied, "Yes!"

The Jin Dynasty was newly established, but even imperial summons followed established procedures. Tayan was not one to procrastinate, yet on this day, he spent over an hour dressing and grooming. However, his exquisite makeup and magnificent robes could not conceal his haggard appearance. Inside the imperial carriage, Tayan held the imperial edict drafted the previous day, swaying precariously with the carriage's vibrations, utterly lifeless. After an unknown amount of time, they finally arrived at Wanyan Wugumai's camp. Meanwhile, Wuqimai, Loushi, and Wulu were deducing Aguda's possible counterattacks. Upon hearing that Tayan had delivered the decree, all three wore expressions of disbelief. Wuqimai said, "I never expected my brother's reaction to be so intense!" Loushi nodded and said, "Although Tayan's consort has not been formally made empress, she has been the emperor's most trusted confidante all these years. Her personal visit to deliver the decree today suggests she has ill intentions!" Wuqimai sneered and said, "Succession from brother to brother is a rule established by our father. Even if my brother were here in person, I would not yield an inch!"

Tayan walked slowly, but each step seemed to carry the weight of a thousand pounds, shaking the heavens and earth and shifting the winds. Wuqimai, of noble status, was not required to kneel to receive the decree, but Wanyan Loushi and Wanyan Wulufei, being close relatives of the royal family, were not exempt from the formalities. Tayan stood at the doorway, blocking the slanting sunlight; his tall figure gave an impression of immense imposing stature. At this moment, not only others, but even Wuqimai felt a sense of unease. Tayan gazed at Wuqimai and said, word by word, "Anban Bojilie Wuqimai, receive the decree!" Wuqimai bowed and said, "Anban Bojilie Wuqimai, receive the decree!" Then Tayan formally read the imperial edict. The content of the edict was completely unexpected. The moment it was finished, Wuqimai was dazed, unable to believe his ears. Tayan forcibly suppressed his inner sorrow and said, "Anban Bojilie, are you not going to accept the decree?"

After the imperial edict was read aloud, Lou Shi and Wu Lu rose one after the other. Lou Shi gently nudged Wu Qimai, reminding him to accept the edict. Wu Qimai finally came to his senses and said in a daze, "Anban Bojilie Wu Qimai accepts the edict and thanks you!" At the same time, he presented the imperial edict with both hands.

After delivering the imperial decree, Tayan did not leave immediately. Instead, she said, "I have a request, and I ask that you grant it, Imperial Uncle!" It should be noted that Tayan was Wanyan Aguda's most trusted concubine, practically able to get whatever she wanted. When had she ever needed Wuqimai's help? Wuqimai, unaware of the situation, tentatively asked, "Please enlighten me, Imperial Sister-in-law?" Tayan replied, "After the Emperor's passing, if Imperial Uncle ascends the throne, I request that you grant me the privilege of being buried alive with him!"

Tayan's request once again shattered Wu Qimai and the others' understanding. Although it's said that couples are like birds in the same forest, it's common to see them fly away separately when disaster strikes, especially in the ruthless imperial family. Seeing Wu Qimai's hesitation, Tayan spoke again: "Does Your Majesty really have the heart to let the Emperor walk the road to the Yellow Springs alone?" At that moment, Wu Qimai suddenly felt a pang of envy for his brother, who had such a wife who would follow him to the death!