629 Assassination (2/2)
It was King Rizhu who again brought the atmosphere alive. The nobles in the tent followed in performing the toast dance and war dance of the Norland. The jubilant atmosphere returned in an instant, and even more fervent than before. Everyone understood that this was Khan's attitude towards the case and that the blood in many people's bodies could flow as usual again.
Even though it was noisy, everyone clearly heard the Khan's words. ”The Dragon King saved my life. He's the greatest hero today.”
The Khan didn't mention Silver Condor and other bodyguards as that was their duty and there was no need for him to point it out.
”The Dragon King's warrior didn't forget to save me even when he collapsed on the ground, so he's the second greatest hero.
Shangguan Fei flushed with shame but also felt proud of himself as he stood up. His legs were still weak, so he clumsily raised his hand and waved in the manner of a noble.
”These stupid kids wanted to frame the Dragon King and even shouted loud his name; they didn't even think about who would believe them.”
King Shengri believed it, or he wanted to lead the suspicion to the Dragon King. Anyway, hearing the Khan's words, his face became particularly red. He drank more wine than usual this evening.
The guards took the only captive away and the servants quickly carried away the corpses and the overturned short tables out, but the blood was left where it was.
”Blood can cheer people up.”
The Khan raised his arm again and motioned for the Dragon King to help him.
For him, the dinner was already over.
”Regarding the war games tomorrow, deal with it yourself.”
The crowd stopped making noises and stepped to the side, making a path for the old Khan.
The Khan left the tent. Before he could walk any steps further, two kings caught up and said in unison, ”Let us interrogate the captive.”
”These warriors are from the Norland. They dared to assassinate the Khan, so they must have a strong support directing them,” said King Kuari, who seemed very calm.
”I'm sure I can find out who's behind it before dawn,” King Rizhu added.
Gu Shenwei was a bit surprised. He didn't expect that these two lords would join hands to ask for a trial. He soon realized that the two were using their completely opposing stance to gain the trust of the Khan so that they would not be affected by the incident.
Gu Shenwei had a feeling that the Khan already knew who the mastermind was and also knew that King Kuari and King Rizhu would join hands to take over the case, but he still thought it over for a while before indifferently saying, ”I'll leave it to you. Do not disturb me too early. I may have to sleep a little longer.”
”Yes.” The two kings bowed and retreated.
Looking at the retreating figures in the dark, the Khan poked the Dragon King's waist like a naughty child telling a secret, ”About these two, who do you think will win in the end?”
”The trial? I think…” Gu Shenwei pretended not to understand.
”You are wasting my trust. You are not even a man of the Norland, so you don't have to be afraid of offending a king of the Norland.”
Gu Shenwei helped the Khan slowly walk forward while Silver Condor closely followed five paces behind, clearly able to hear the two's conversation.
”The decision rests with the Khan. Whoever you point at will win.”
”Alas, if that's what you think, then you are no different from the most ordinary herdsmen of the prairie. Yes, I have supreme power in my hands, and I can even arrange a way for some people, but I am not omnipotent.”
The Khan paused for a moment and complained of his backache before he continued. ”The Norland has three major forces from the consorts' side, and the most powerful force among them is the Naihang Tribe. My mother, the Chief Consort, and the Second Consort are all from the Naihang Tribe. The western part of the grassland almost became independent and I'm still looking for an offspring to compete with them. I once had high hopes for King Kuari, but he treats his people too harshly. I want to gain the support of the people but he doesn't curry favor with the public at all.”
Their long talk had finally come to the core issues. Gu Shenwei found that the chain around his neck was getting tighter and tighter but he didn't have choice, and nor did he find it painful.
From behind the two, Silver Condor admired his master from the bottom of his heart. The Khan had claimed himself to be a madman and he had proved this through his actions. Who would be so bold as to use assassination to win over a subordinate? The Dragon King had saved the Khan in public, which would cause him to lose the trust of the Central Plains and become more involved in the infighting of the royal family. He had no way out but to hold onto that decrepit arm.
Gu Shenwei was also aware of this so he decided not to conceal the information he had learned. ”So the Khan has placed your hope onto Prince Duodun?”
”Hehe, that's the real Dragon King. It must be the Second Consort who revealed a clue.”
”She didn't say anything. I guessed it myself.”
”Right. But if she had kept her mouth shut, you wouldn't have guessed at all.”
”Yes.” Gu Shenwei couldn't deny it.
”But your guess is not wild enough.”
”Not Duodun… Not just Duodun?”
”Three.” The Khan stretched out three fingers of his left hand and shook. This was the pillar he had established for the Norland. ”Their mothers are all slaves. It's time to reap the power of the Consorts' side. The Prairie needs the son of a humble woman.”