Usurpation of Mongolia: My father-in-law is Genghis Khan

Chapter 262 The Twilight of the Empire, the Death of Ögedei!

Half a month later, at Helin, Wan'an Palace.

Although it was late at night, the most magnificent and splendid palace on the grassland was still brightly lit.

"Come, Yibahe, drink this cup of mead. This is my reward for your loyalty! You have come to see me every year for so many years, and this year you have brought so much fine wine and food. You are truly thoughtful."

Ögedei held another banquet in the main hall.

Unlike his previous inexplicable drinking, he had a legitimate reason to hold a banquet today—to entertain Yibahe, who had come from afar.

Yibahe was once Genghis Khan's woman.

After the oath at the Banjuni River, Genghis Khan destroyed the royal court of the Kereit tribe. It was in this battle that Zhao Shuo killed Wang Khan in battle.

After this battle, the beauties of the Kereit tribe naturally became Genghis Khan's spoils of war.

At that time, the highest-ranking person in the Kereit tribe was Jaghaganbu, the brother of Wang Khan. Genghis Khan took Jaghaganbu's eldest daughter, Ibaha, as his concubine, and also arranged for his fourth son, Tolui, to marry Jaghaganbu's second daughter, Sorghaghtani.

However, on the very night after sleeping with Ibaha, Genghis Khan was awakened by a nightmare. He never spoke of the details of the nightmare to anyone, but from that moment on, he never again befriended Ibaha.

Later, Genghis Khan simply bestowed Ibaqa upon Jochi. Since Ibaqa had committed no wrongdoing, as compensation, Genghis Khan issued an additional decree: that Ibaqa's position (title) should not be interrupted by his descendants.

In other words, Temujin's descendants still regard Yibahe as one of Temujin's consorts and treat her with respect.

Now that Jochitai is dead, Ibaha has become a widow again.

Jochitai and Ibahe had two sons, the eldest of whom, Ketai, inherited Jochitai's hereditary title of commander of a thousand households.

The second son, Hada, now serves as "Baorchi" in the Kheshig army, in charge of Ögedei's food and drink.

You can't afford to offend the cook!
Ögedei Khan greatly favored Khatun.

Yibahe held four identities: Genghis Khan's former concubine, Khada's mother, Jochi's widow, and Tolui's widow's elder sister. Every year, she would bring generous gifts to pay homage to Ögedei.

Both out of courtesy and reason, Ögedei should be treated well.

Besides Ögedei himself, all six of his queens, including Bolakhjin, Qilijihutani, and Naimajin, were present. Also among them were twenty-three noyans from Karakorum, including Zhenhai, Zhelianchongshan, and Eljidai.

All of Ögedei's sons, except for his eldest son Güyük who was far to the west and his second son Köden who was in Ögedei's Khanate, also came.

"where."

Yibahe replied respectfully, "I am a subject of the Great Khan, and this is all I should do."

"That's true, but there are really too few people as loyal as you these days!"

Ögedei's words were spoken with feeling.

The news that Zhao Yun had issued an edict of self-reproach and that Zhao Shuo had taken over the Song state had already reached Helin.

The Song Dynasty had a population of over 80 million!

How many Han Chinese Eight Banners could they train?
Even if all the steppe warriors listened to Ögedei, how many of them would actually be able to do so?
Ögedei Khan has been extremely depressed these past few days, and holding such a grand welcoming banquet for Ibahah was partly an opportunity to vent his frustrations.

Yibahe comforted him, saying, “It is not quite right for the Great Khan to think that way. I dare not speak for other places, but at least on the grasslands, countless people are grateful for the Great Khan’s benevolence and generosity. They say that they are not only loyal to you, but also to your descendants. Even if they are wrapped in grass, cattle and sheep will not eat them. Even if they are wrapped in fat, cats and dogs will not eat them. They will support him to continue to be the Great Khan of all Mongolia.”

Ögedei's eyes lit up, and he said, "Oh? Is that really so?"

Yibahe said solemnly, "I am willing to swear to the Eternal Heaven."

Ögedei then looked at the others present and asked, "What do you think?"

"Yibahe is right!"

"All the people of the grasslands are utterly loyal to the Great Khan!"

"The Great Khan is the emperor of all mankind, and is respected by everyone!"

"The Great Khan and your descendants, by the mandate of the Eternal Heaven, will forever sit on the throne!"

……

What other answers could we give if Ögedei asked such a question?
You can't say that Ögedei killed his fourth brother Tolui and ordered four thousand steppe women to be raped in broad daylight, and that his reputation was already ruined, can you?
Although Ögedei did not rationally believe the words of Ibaha and his ministers.

However, emotionally, he is still very willing to believe.

What Yibahe said might actually be true!

After all, although Ögedei Khan did these two immoral things, he did not impose heavy taxes on the grasslands, and he often rewarded the herders who had the opportunity to meet him with great rewards in order to gain prestige.

Ordinary grassland people are content as long as they have enough to eat and wear; they don't care about others.

Needless to say, those Nayans, besides Tolui and Temujin, who did he offend? Which Nayan didn't take a large sum of money from him?
Why would these people be disloyal to him?

Correct!
That must be the case!
Most of the people on the grasslands were still loyal to Ögedei!
No matter how powerful Zhao Shuo is, he is not Genghis Khan's son, so how much of a threat can he pose to the Khan's throne?
He will surely be able to pass the Khanate to Güyük safely.

As for your question?

Gyu is naturally blessed; there's no need for him to worry.

Having been the Great Khan of the Mongols and held the title of Emperor of all mankind, and having successfully passed on power to his son, what more could he ask for?

Ögedei grew happier the more he thought about it.

He raised a cup of wine and said, "Come, let us drink together and wish the Great Mongol Empire eternal prosperity!"

May the Great Mongolian Empire prosper forever!

Everyone drank a cup of wine, and the atmosphere in the hall became even more joyous.

Yibahe seized the opportunity to persuade, "Great Khan, you may try the fine wine I present. This wine is infused with dozens of precious medicinal herbs, which are not only exceptionally sweet, but also have the effect of strengthening the body if consumed for a long time."

“Then I must have a good taste! Hata, bring me a jar of the fine wine your mother brought.”

"Yes."

Before long, Ögedei was drinking the fine wine sent by Ibaha. Whether it could improve his health was hard to say, but it was indeed exceptionally sweet.

Ögedei was an alcoholic, and he drank one cup after another, downing more than a dozen cups in no time.

"Your Majesty, you can't drink anymore! At least, you should drink more slowly!"

Although Zhenhai knew it was useless, he still couldn't help but speak up and say, "A month ago, you drank excessively and were unconscious for two days and two nights after getting drunk. Have you forgotten that? You must drink in moderation!"

"I know, I know."

By this time, Ögedei was slightly tipsy. He waved his hand impatiently and said, "Life is half about enjoyment and half about fame. When you relax, you loosen your own constraints, and when you restrain yourself, you become bound. Tonight, since Yibahe has come, I'm going to relax properly!"

Empress Naimazhen also flattered him, saying, "The Great Khan is unusually happy today, Zhenhai, please don't spoil his mood."

"Uh... yes!"

Ögedei refused to listen to advice, and Naimazhen even fueled the flames. What good solutions could Zhenhai possibly come up with?

He'd advised him far too many times; he was exhausted. His words of advice just now were merely a matter of fulfilling his duty as prime minister.

Ögedei then continued the feast, which lasted until the third watch of the night.

The third watch of the night was not the limit for Ögedei Khan; he often drank all night long.

It wasn't that Ögedei listened to Zhenhai's advice, but rather that he discovered the fine wine sent by Yibahe seemed to have real health benefits, and that thing he hadn't used for the past six months was starting to stir again.

So he announced the end of the banquet and summoned more than twenty beautiful concubines to his bedchamber.

It works again!

Ögedei was overjoyed and casually pulled over a voluptuous beauty from Persia, and began to have wild and unrestrained sex with her.

two!

Three!

After enjoying the company of four beautiful women, Ögedei felt completely exhausted, panting heavily, and closed his eyes.

The beautiful women had become accustomed to this and dared not disturb Ögedei's peaceful sleep, so they also slept nearby.

However, Ögedei did not fall into a deep sleep as before; instead, he was extremely exhausted and unable to sleep. Suddenly, a sharp pain began to throb in his head.

what happened?

sick?

Ögedei wanted to call a doctor to examine him, but found it so difficult to open his mouth, let alone make any sound.

He even discovered that he could no longer open his eyes!

Gradually, I felt very tightness in my chest, and even breathing became difficult!
"Am I...am I going to die?"

Ögedei was terrified and startled!

He is not willing!

He still wants to live a good life!

He hadn't had enough of the beautiful women and the sweet wine! He wanted to smoothly pass the throne to Guyuk! But right now, Guyuk was still far away in the west...
He even planned that, before his death, he would kneel down and sincerely apologize to Tolui's sons, trying to get them to side with Güyük and fight against Zhao Shuo's threats.

He still has so much to do!

Now is not the time to die!
He truly regretted it; why had he drunk so much tonight? And not only that, why did he indulge in the company of beautiful women without restraint?

Or... was this all Yibahe's conspiracy? Was he meant to kill him at such an inopportune time?

Resentment, fear, regret, anger... a whole host of emotions surged into Ögedei's heart!
Of course, what Ögedei thought was no longer important.

Everyone in Wan'an Palace was already used to Ögedei's all-night revelry. The beautiful concubines sleeping beside him dared not disturb his slumber.

It wasn't until the morning of the next day, when the sun was high in the sky, that a series of shrill screams echoed throughout the main hall!
"Oh no!"

"Someone is coming!"

"Help!"

"Great Khan, something terrible has happened!"

……

As the beauties shouted, Ögedei's six queens, five sons, more than twenty noyan, and even Yibahe and her son all came to the scene.

Arriving at the scene was useless; there was no need to even call a doctor. Ögedei's body was not only completely cold, but had also already reached the state of rigor mortis.

"Guards! Arrest Yibahe and Hada immediately! The Khan died after drinking the wine Yibahe sent and eating the food Hada brought. They must have killed the Khan!"

Bolakhine was Ögedei's first wife. Although they did not have any children, she had the deepest relationship with Ögedei among his six queens.

After hearing the reports from the beautiful concubines, she immediately launched an attack on Yibahe and her son.

"Let's see who dares to move!"

Yibahe was a former concubine of Genghis Khan, the mother of Hada, the widow of Jochitai, and the elder sister of Tolui's widow. With multiple advantages, she was not afraid at all.

She argued, "The Khan drank so much fine wine last night and favored so many beautiful women. Even if the Khan were healthy, how many men could withstand such depletion? How can you blame me?"

"Furthermore, if I really wanted to poison the Great Khan, why would I wait until today? Hada has been in charge of the Great Khan's food and drink for so many years, when can't I make my move?"

She paused for a moment, then sneered, "Oh, I see. You're considering me part of Tolui's faction because I'm Sorghaghtani's sister, and you want to get rid of me, right? Come on, you've already killed Tolui Khan, so one more like me, Yibahe, won't make a difference."

"You are using strong words to make sense!"

Bolakhin trembled with rage, saying, "You're a jinx! A scourge! Genghis Khan saw your true nature and that's why he didn't want you and gave you to Jochi. But Genghis Khan never expected that you would harbor such treacherous intentions and, after his death, kill his son!"

Yibahe shook his head and said, "Bolahazhen, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. According to you, Genghis Khan bestowed a jinx upon Jochitai? Is this how he treats his meritorious officials?"

Bolhajin said, "Even if Genghis Khan didn't see that you were a jinx, you still have the ambition of a wolf. You were instigated by your sister Sorghaghtani Beki to avenge Tolui!"

"enough!"

Erle realized that now was the time for him to speak.

El-zhidai was a descendant of Chaozhen Orte, the youngest son of Kaidu, the sixth ancestor of Genghis Khan, and ranked fortieth among the founding heroes of the Great Mongol Empire.

Although the ranking is not high, in this era where the older generation of Mongolian generals are passing away, his words already carry a lot of weight.

Furthermore, since he is of the same lineage as the Golden Family and poses no threat to their status, this is the most opportune time for him to speak.

Erle understood that arguing like this would not yield any results.

Investigating the case? Hada is in charge of Ögedei's food and drink. Even if there was something wrong with that wine, it has been replaced long ago. What can they possibly find out?
There's something even more crucial.

Now, Zhao Shuo has just conquered the southern Song state and is eyeing it covetously. The Tolui lineage hates the Ögedei lineage to the core.

Meanwhile, Güyük, the most promising figure in Ögedei's faction to hold the line, was still far away in the West!

Without concrete evidence, doing anything to Yibahe would only give those with ulterior motives an excuse to start a civil war!

Eller said, "Is it something to be proud of if the Great Khan is poisoned to death in his own palace? Why must the Great Khan be insulted in this way?"

"It is true that the Great Khan has always enjoyed drinking. It is also true that Hada has always served as the Great Khan's servant, preparing food and drink for him and serving him wine cups without ever making a mistake. Now that the Great Khan has passed away, it is his destined time, and I think there is nothing to argue about."

“Ele is right.”

Empress Naimazhen echoed, "The Great Khan returned to the embrace of the Eternal Heaven after drinking the wine. He was blessed, passing away without any pain. From now on, no one is allowed to say anything that insults the Great Khan or his illustrious name."

Naimajin originally had a husband, but as a prisoner, she was given to Ögedei by Temujin. How much affection could she possibly have for Ögedei? Her previous flattery was merely because she coveted Ögedei's power.

Now that Ögedei is dead, Naimajin not only has no sadness or desire to avenge Ögedei, but also feels a strong sense of joy at gaining power.

"The Empress is wise!"

All twenty-three of them felt that now was not the time to cause any trouble, and they unanimously agreed with Naima's opinion.

"Let's settle on this."

The other five queens, including Bolakhjin, and Ögedei's five sons who were present also expressed their agreement.

Naimajin continued, "From today onwards, I will rule as regent and take charge of Mongolia in place of the Great Khan. After Guyuk returns from the west, we will convene a Kurultai to appoint a new Great Khan."

"Isn't this inappropriate?"

Zhenhai suddenly raised his voice in protest, saying, "When the Great Khan was in a coma, you temporarily took charge of the government, which was not inappropriate. However, this time the Great Khan has passed away, which is different from last time. According to the rules of the grassland tribes, when the chief dies, the first lady should take charge of the government before a new chief succeeds to the throne."

Naimazhen looked at Bolahzhen and said, "Bolahzhen, what do you say?"

"me……"

Bolaizhen had been suppressed by Naimazhen for over twenty years. If he had truly dared to confront Naimazhen head-on, he wouldn't have agreed to Naimazhen's opinion and stopped pursuing Yibahe.

Under Naima's intense gaze, she habitually yielded and said, "I think it's better if you take charge."

Naima Zhen then looked at Zhenhai and asked, "Now, do you have anything else to say?"

"This old minister... has nothing to say!"

"very good!"

Empress Naimazhen was overjoyed and said happily, "From today onwards, I will rule as regent and exercise all the powers of the Great Khan of the Mongols!"

"Meet the Queen!"

Everyone bowed deeply in reverence, signifying their obedience to Empress Nomajin's authority.

"It's over!" Zhenhai sighed inwardly.

If Bolahjin were to take charge, Zhenhai believed that although Bolahjin lacked ability, with his and Henian Chongshan's assistance, there shouldn't be any major trouble.

But, if Naima really takes charge? Zhenhai is now in despair.

However, if Bolai Hezhen himself doesn't try to fight for it, what can Zhenhai do?
Even knowing there was a cliff ahead, Zhenhai could only watch as Mongolia jumped off.

"It's done!"

Yibahe, however, was extremely pleased.

Ögedei's death was indeed related to her.

She did indeed tamper with the wine she presented to Ögedei.

Unlike Tolui's sister Sorghaghtani, Yibahahe had always harbored deep hatred for Genghis Khan and the Great Mongol Empire.

When Temujin took her as a concubine, she deeply hated him for destroying the Kereit tribe and forcibly taking her, and wanted to take revenge.

Unfortunately, whether Temujin saw something or he was truly blessed by the Eternal Heaven and had a nightmare, he gave her to Jochi again.

Her hatred for Temujin for abandoning her after initially seducing him deepened.

Now, although Temujin has long since died, she has finally gotten the chance to take revenge on the legacy he left behind and on his descendants.

Ögedei must die now!
If Güyük had returned to Mongolia before Ögedei's death, a Kurultai could have been convened quickly after Ögedei's passing to elect a new Great Khan. Regardless of who became Great Khan, it wouldn't have caused significant harm to Mongolia.

Now that Ögedei Khan has died suddenly, it has given Empress Naimajin the opportunity to hold power for a long time.

This woman was greedy, unrestrained, and narrow-minded; she would ruthlessly suppress anyone who dared to disobey her orders.

Empress Naimazhen was at odds with the Left Chancellor Zhenhai, with the Right Chancellor Henchengshan, and with Yalaowachi, the chancellor of the former Western Liao Khanate of Ögedei Khanate!

None of Ögedei's key ministers hadn't clashed with her!

Most importantly, the authority that Empress Naimajin held during her reign was completely different from that of Ögedei Khan when he was in a coma.

Empress Naimazhen now holds all the power of the Great Mongol Khan, and theoretically, all Mongol subjects must obey her.

In that case, how could these important Mongol officials possibly survive?
To what extent would the authority of the Mongol court decline?
come on!

Fight!

Kill it!
Yibahe longed to see the five Mongol factions rise up in a fierce battle, with rivers of blood flowing!
She longed to see the Great Mongol Empire, built by Genghis Khan, collapse!

(End of this chapter)