Xianxia version of Water Margin

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In the ancient northeastern land, the Jurchens were like a bright star, formed by the gathering of numerous tribes.

At that time, the Wanyan clan was still unknown, hidden among many Jurchen tribes, and unknown.

However, the torrent of history will eventually elect its leader, Wanyan Wugunai, who ascended the throne of the leader of the tribal alliance with his extraordinary wisdom and courage.

Under his leadership, the Jurchen tribal alliance was like an awakened lion, conquering and uniting dozens of surrounding tribes, and the Wanyan clan also embarked on the journey of rising.

The death of Wanyan Wugunai did not stop the rising tide. His son Wanyan Helibo took over his father's scepter and continued to lead the Jurchen tribal alliance forward.

He fought side by side with his brother Wanyan Yingge and defeated the Hesheli tribe on the banks of Huoci Hunshui, further consolidating the position of the alliance.

The Jurchen tribal alliance at this time was no longer comparable to the past. Its territory spanned more than 30 tribes, and the internal class differentiation became increasingly prominent. The Wanyan clan became the undisputed leader of the alliance.

Under the rule of Emperor Tianzuo Yelu Yanxi, the exploitation and oppression of the Jurchen tribes by the Khitan nobles became increasingly severe, while the Wanyan clan was at its peak, with many talents and ready to go.

At this critical juncture, the leader of the tribal alliance, Wanyan Aguda, stepped forward. He knew that only resistance could lead to survival and freedom.

So he raised his arm and led the Jurchen tribes to Ningjiang Prefecture, firing the first shot against the Liao Dynasty.

Before the war, Wanyan Aguda led the people to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth and swore to go to war. His words were passionate: "We work together to face the national crisis. Those who have made contributions, regardless of their noble or humble origins, will be rewarded; those who violate the oath will not only be unable to escape the punishment of heaven, but their families will also be implicated."

As soon as these words came out, morale was greatly boosted.

The next day, Wanyan Aguda personally led 3,000 elite soldiers across the Liao border and encountered the Bohai navy.

During the battle, Wanyan Aguda shot and killed the Liao general Yelu Xieshi with one arrow, and the Liao army was defeated with heavy casualties.

In October of the same year, the Jurchen army pursued the victory and captured Ningjiangzhou City in one fell swoop.

Subsequently, Wanyan Aguda used his diplomatic skills to successfully surrender the Bohai people of Tieli tribe and the Liao Jurchens, and the Jurchen army quickly expanded to 20,000 people.

After several battles, Wanyan Aguda not only captured a large number of horses and property, but also planted the flag of victory all over the vast land under the rule of the Liao Dynasty.

Under the leadership of Wanyan Aguda, the Jurchen tribal alliance gradually realized the rule over the surrounding tribes and occupied strategic locations such as Ningjiangzhou, Binzhou, and Xianzhou.

Later, the leaders of the Wanyan clan, such as Wanyan Wuqimai, Wanyan Sagai, and Wanyan Cibushi, jointly supported Wanyan Aguda to become emperor and establish a country.

On New Year's Day of the following year, Wanyan Aguda officially ascended the throne and established the Great Jin Dynasty, with the reign title of Shouguo.

The establishment of the new dynasty marked the farewell of the Jurchens to the era of tribal alliances and the entry into a new era of imperial rule.

Wanyan Aguda abolished the old system, proclaimed himself emperor, and established the supreme status of imperial power.

Under the wise leadership of Wanyan Aguda, the Jin Dynasty quickly rose to become a powerful force in the north.

They seized the opportunity when the Liao army was lax in defense and led the army to attack Huanglongfu.

Under the city of Darugu, the Jin army and the Liao army launched a fierce battle. In the end, Wanyan Aguda defeated the Liao army with fewer troops and looted a large amount of property.

After that, the Jin army was even more unstoppable, and successively captured Ningjiangzhou, Binzhou, Xianzhou and other places of the Liao Dynasty.

This time, the Jurchens did not choose to retreat, but continued to go south into the heartland of the Liao Dynasty, vowing to completely destroy the dynasty that once oppressed them.

After years of hard fighting, the Jurchens made great sacrifices, but their efforts were finally rewarded.

The Jin Kingdom gradually occupied a large area of ​​the Liao Dynasty's territory, posing a fatal threat to the Liao Dynasty.

Finally, when Yelu Yanxi's rule was crumbling, the Jin Kingdom and the Yuan Empire jointly launched the final general offensive against the Liao Dynasty, completely ending this once glorious dynasty.

The victory of the Jin Kingdom not only marked the independence and rise of the Jurchens, but also made the name of Wanyan Aguda forever engraved on the monument of history.

Wanyan Aguda was not only an outstanding military strategist, but also a far-sighted politician. He knew that military force alone could not maintain the stability and development of the country for a long time. Therefore, after establishing the Jin Kingdom, he actively promoted the policy of sinicization to absorb the essence of the Central Plains culture and govern the country with culture. At the same time, he always maintained respect and restraint for the Zhao Song Dynasty, and never lost his morality and demeanor even when the two countries were at odds.

This noble character and outstanding talent made Wanyan Aguda win a very high evaluation in history.

To paraphrase a poem of praise by Wanyan Aguda:

The initial bribery of Sushen has already shown the signs, and a saint is born in the country where the sun rises.

Although the Zhou Dynasty is an old country, it is reformed, and it does not engage in killing and justice.

The seagull fell to the west, and the rulers and ministers of the two countries did not notice it.

The king surrendered in the sound of partridges, and the Han people did not lose their joy of living and gathering.

A golden dragon suddenly rose from the plain, and his face was like purple jade. He was a real hero.

He transformed the Jianghan people and subdued the Qiang and Rong people, and praised his outstanding achievements for a hundred years.

The Liao and Song dynasties were used as the imperial system, and there were several scholars with literary talent.

The brilliant words and deeds were outstanding, and who could be compared with him in the generation.

The rise of the Jurchens and the establishment of the Jin Dynasty were definitely not the credit of Wanyan Aguda alone, but the countless generations of Jurchens who sacrificed countless lives.

It can be said that it was not easy for the Jurchens to have what they have today.

Han Qixian's heart was full of regret and helplessness for the fate of the Jin Dynasty.

He witnessed the Jurchens' hard-earned kingdom, but he did not want to see Wanyan Zonggan, Wanyan Tan and the Jin imperial family and clan "self-destructing the Great Wall".

In his mind, it was natural to be loyal to the emperor.

So he proposed to the father and son a seemingly only way out - to seek peace with the Yuan Empire in exchange for the survival of the Jin Dynasty.

His suggestion was full of sincerity and eagerness, hoping that they would not take the entire country on the road of no return, because that was destined to be a dead end.

However, Wanyan Zonggan and Wanyan Tan, father and son, not only did not appreciate Han Qixian's painstaking efforts, but instead regarded him as a thorn in their eyes and wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.

This betrayal and ruthlessness made Han Qixian both indignant and desperate, and he lost confidence in the future of this father and son and even the entire Jin Dynasty.

When Yuwen Xuzhong rescued him from the shadow of Longmei Palace, his words were full of gnashing determination: "If they flee, the Jin Dynasty will be torn apart, and the Jurchens may find it difficult to follow them. The day when the Jin Dynasty will perish may be when they leave the city!"

What Han Qixian did not expect was that Yuwen Xuzhong, a seemingly loyal servant on weekdays, coincided with his position at this moment.

He took over Han Qixian's words and used the fall of the Liao Dynasty as a lesson, implying that if the Jin Dynasty repeated the same mistakes, the end would only be worse.

Hearing this, Han Qixian felt a complex emotion in his heart. He was surprised at Yuwen Xuzhong's insight, but doubted his true motives.

He began to re-examine this national teacher, trying to uncover the secret behind him.

"Since the national teacher knows this, why doesn't he conspire with me to persuade His Majesty and the Grand Master to stay, in order to try to survive?"

Han Qixian asked tentatively.

Yuwen Xuzhong shook his head and smiled bitterly, revealing the deep contradictions and helplessness within the Jin Kingdom: "They, father and son, have already decided to abandon the city and flee. It is not a one-day plan. If I force them to advise, it will only increase unnecessary sacrifices."

After that, he changed the subject and exposed the greed and brutality of the Jurchen rulers: "Since Emperor Taizong, the Jurchens have fought everywhere, burned, killed, and looted, and the people have been living in misery. Such actions have long laid the roots of today's disaster."

Hearing this, Han Qixian's mind suddenly became clear.

He realized that Yuwen Xuzhong was not a true loyal minister, but a complex character who was hidden.

He guessed that Yuwen Xuzhong might have colluded with the Yuan Empire, and might even be its pawn in the Jin Kingdom.

However, faced with such speculation, Han Qixian was in a dilemma.

He knew that Wanyan Zonggan and Wanyan Tan, father and son, trusted Yuwen Xuzhong far more than him, and reporting was tantamount to hitting a rock with an egg.

Moreover, the Jin Dynasty was in a precarious situation, and internal strife would only accelerate its demise.

Just as Han Qixian was lost in thought, a group of Jin generals suddenly appeared in front of them.

These generals were the real power figures of the Jin army in Shangjing City, except for the Jurchen soldiers.

They all asked Yuwen Xuzhong about the decision of Wanyan Zonggan and Wanyan Tan?

Yuwen Xuzhong took out the imperial edict and tiger talisman given to him by Wanyan Tan, and clearly stated that Wanyan Zonggan and Wanyan Tan were going to abandon the city with the royal family and clan of the Jin Dynasty, leaving them to guard the Jin Shangjing City.

Before Yuwen Xuzhong finished speaking, the Jin generals exploded. One of them said angrily: "If the Yuan army knew that your majesty and the Grand Master had fled with gold, silver and jewelry, they would be furious and massacre the city."

Yuwen Xuzhong said with compassion, "Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my best to protect this city and the people in the city."

As soon as this was said, the generals knelt down and petitioned Yuwen Xuzhong to save their lives and the lives of the soldiers and civilians in the city.

The night was deep, and the lights in Shangjing City swayed, reflecting the worried and determined faces.

In the city, the atmosphere of the Jin generals was solemn and excited.

A general said angrily: "Your majesty and the Grand Master only care about the safety of the Jurchen nobles, and ignore the lives of our soldiers and civilians. If the national teacher also stands by and watches, where can we find a chance to survive?"

After speaking, everyone's eyes focused on Yuwen Xuzhong, with a hint of despair in their expectations.

Yuwen Xuzhong's tone was gentle but firm: "Please rest assured, Yuwen Xuzhong is a man of his word. He will work together with the soldiers and civilians in the city to overcome difficulties."

As soon as these words came out, the Jin generals showed joy on their faces.

But Yuwen Xuzhong's worries did not diminish at all.

Without Yuwen Xuzhong's words, all the Jin generals knew that Yuwen Xuzhong was worried that the Yuan Emperor Jiang Hongfei was determined to get the Jin royal family and the plundered wealth. If he was allowed to escape, the Yuan army would definitely be furious and then plunder the city.

At this time, Bohai general Gao Hailong stepped forward, and his voice was loud: "Since the Jurchens don't care about the lives of our tribes, why should we abide by the rules of monarch and minister? Capturing them and presenting them to the Yuan Dynasty may bring us wealth and glory, turning disaster into blessing."

As soon as these words came out, they immediately attracted waves of echoes, and the balance in the hearts of the Jin generals began to tilt, and the flames of revenge and self-preservation burned in their hearts.

"Although the Jurchens are brave, they are outnumbered. If we work together, we will surely annihilate them in one fell swoop. By then, Oben, Hela and the Jurchen nobles will surrender." Another Jin general raised his arms and shouted, revealing his desire for victory and betrayal of the Jin court.

The Jin generals' words became more and more passionate, and their rebellious hearts quietly grew, and finally gave birth to a decisive strategy - it is better to die than to die, and to protect oneself.

This situation is not the fault of the Jin generals' excessive rebellion, but the fault of Wanyan Zonggan, Wanyan Tan and the royal family.

They wanted to abandon the soldiers and civilians in Shangjing as sacrifices, which chilled people's hearts and aroused public anger.

Moreover, the Jin Dynasty was established for only more than 20 years, and the wars continued year after year. The soldiers and civilians had never received any benefits, so how could they have a sense of belonging?

There are also the survivors of the Liao Kingdom, who miss the peace of the past and resent the invasion and turbulent life of the Jurchens.

Now, the Jin Kingdom is facing the iron hoof of the Yuan Dynasty, and the signs of national destruction are already apparent. The land in the northeast is about to change hands. Under such circumstances, people's minds are changing, and civil strife is imminent.

In this chaotic world, loyalty and betrayal, survival and destruction, are all between a thought.

At this time, Gao Hailong and others knelt down to Yuwen Xuzhong in unison and begged: "Please lead us to capture the Jin Lord and the Jurchen nobles alive and present them to the Yuan army to save the lives of the soldiers and civilians in the city."

Yuwen Xuzhong refused at first, saying: "Your Majesty and the Grand Master have been kind to me, how can I do such a thing? We should still think about it in the long run."

However, the Jin generals seemed to be determined, and they vowed not to get up unless Yuwen Xuzhong nodded.

Gao Hailong's words were even more sharp: "Although your majesty and the Grand Master have favors for the National Master, the ancients said: 'The people are the most important, the country is second, and the king is the least important.' How can the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians in the city be less important than tens of thousands of Jurchen nobles?"

Although this statement seemed rebellious, it became the voice of justice in the hearts of everyone under the current situation.

Seeing this, Han Qixian on the side knew that the lives of everyone in Shangjing City, including Wanyan Zonggan, Wanyan Tan and his son, and the royal family and clan of the Jin Dynasty, were all in the hands of Yuwen Xuzhong.

Yuwen Xuzhong was "forced to nod and agree".

Afterwards, Yuwen Xuzhong ordered the Jin generals to prepare their troops and be ready for action.

After everyone dispersed, Yuwen Xuzhong turned and looked at Han Qixian on the side.

"Mr. Han, you are a great talent, and Xuzhong has always admired you." Yuwen Xuzhong said straight to the point, "If you can get the help of Mr. Han, this will be accomplished. I guarantee with the lives of my family that the Yuan Dynasty will not treat you unfairly. But if Mr. Han does not want to take risks, Xuzhong can also arrange for your family to leave the city safely to preserve our acquaintance."

How could Han Qixian not hear who Yuwen Xuzhong was working for?

Moreover, Han Qixian knew very well that even if Yuwen Xuzhong said something nice, if he dared not get on the car, Yuwen Xuzhong might ask someone to kill him with a knife the next moment.

After all, Yuwen Xuzhong hid so deeply and for so long, how could he be so soft-hearted?

So, Han Qixian heard the words, and after a moment of silence, he slowly spoke: "The national teacher is righteous, and Han is very grateful. But in the face of national justice, what does personal safety matter? I am willing to lend a hand to the national teacher and work together for a great plan."

The night is getting deeper.

In Shangjing City, undercurrents are surging.

A contest of loyalty, betrayal, survival and destruction is quietly beginning...

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