"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 another layer of 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 and have a clear conscience... 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, there is only one way... Emperor Zhao will not tolerate me... Please do not 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 same old method, leaving behind some property, and the two sides parted ways amicably... But now it 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 he simply accepted the request.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It’s even more exciting later!