Early the morning of the second day, when Agub and Sked died at the same time. Achimuhan, along with the big leaders of Kubri, Nurdon, and Haji, came to the "royal palace" early and stood in front of the door of the council hall connected to Aguba's dormitory.

They were anxious to ask Aguba further about the operation of the "Great Screening" of "everyone" that he had personally arranged in his rage the previous night.

Because Aguba's prior explanation to them was very general, they didn't react at that time; As a result, when formulating a specific action plan, I felt that the scope was too large! It's really inoperable.

After these people discussed, they prepared a set of contingency plans according to Aguba's basic ideas: first, conduct a thorough investigation of those who are closer to the relationship with Numuti; Then the entire palace guard and the women and army officers of the "Lixiang Garden" were screened.

Such a range is greatly narrowed and operable. But is this in line with Aguba's vision of action? Hardly. Perhaps, Aguba, who was completely enraged by the fact that Numuti had absconded, would have even more crazy thoughts. Therefore, it is better to ask for instructions before making a decision to avoid further trouble.

The leaders waited for more than an hour, and they didn't hear the voice of Aguba's summoning, and they all felt a little strange. However, I also feel that the mental blow to "Your Majesty" is too great! It probably didn't stop all night; It's normal to get a little more sleep.

At this time, everyone smelled a little bit of Scotch whisky. I thought that His Majesty must have drunk too much and didn't wake up because he "borrowed wine to drown his sorrows". I had to wait for more......

Lieutenant Colonel Bigg, with a telegram in his hand, also hurried to the door of the council hall. He was a little puzzled when he saw that everyone was standing near the door and did not dare to approach.

However, he also understands the feelings of these people. For Aguba, these people are all people who are somehow related to the Mamuti betrayal incident that happened yesterday, and they are almost the objects of suspicion. Agubo hadn't spoken to summon him yet, and everyone would definitely not dare to take the liberty of disturbing and causing trouble.

Bigg and the leaders waited for a while, but there was no response. Bigg felt that what he had to report and discuss was very urgent, and he couldn't wait stupidly any longer! So he went up and knocked at the door; But after knocking many times, there was still no movement.

Bigg, who was a little anxious, boldly led everyone and gently opened the door of the conference hall...... The scene in front of them made them stunned!

The entire floor of the chamber was a mess! The strong, pungent smell of spirits permeates the entire hall space. In front of the giant couch, Aguba was lying on the ground, still holding a saber in his hand; The chief of his guard, Skede, lay on his back not far away, holding in his hand a long cowhide whip that had been cut in half. The whisky bottle was shattered on the ground, but the exquisite Scottish logo was still faintly recognizable...... The bodies of the two were already cold.

The frightened Aqimuhan, Kubri, Haji, Nurdon, Bigg and other leaders panicked and didn't know what to do! After a period of discussion, everyone finally decided on the emergency solution:

1. Immediately seal off the site of the council hall and the entire "royal palace", and no one is allowed to enter or leave.

2. In order to stabilize the morale of the army, the news of Aguba's death was strictly sealed.

3. Immediately notify Haigula, who was stationed in Yanqi, to rush back to Korla to deal with military affairs......

Receiving an urgent notice, Haigula thought that he might have absconded with Jin and summoned him back to Korla. He temporarily handed over the command of Yanqi's defense to Yunus and Patila, and hurried back to Korla from the Yanqi barracks.

Evening. When Hygura saw Aguba's corpse, he felt like thunder and a landslide! ……

Hygura and the leaders determined the cause of Aguba's death until late at night; There are still no definite conclusions. Because there are too many doubts that are too coincidental to explain. There are too many mysteries to solve:

Mystery 1: Why did Aguba's death happen almost the same day as Mamuti's "absconding with gold"? Why did Aguba suddenly order the evacuation of all the palace guards outside the palace? Why did the accident happen during the time when the palace guards were withdrawn from the palace?

Mystery 2: The chief of the guard, Skard, is a person whom Aguba trusts so much, why did he fight with Aguba? According to Skad's adjutant, the last time he saw Skaid was in the vault, and nothing unusual had happened at the time; After Skid inspected the stolen vault, he behaved normally. In the council hall at night were only Aguba himself and his chief of the guard, Skad; The vault was a little further away from the council hall, and no unusual movement was heard. Is the conflict between Skid and Agub related to the Numui incident? What is the connection between Skaid and Numti?

Mystery 3: Suppose an assassin carried out the assassination. Skaid would certainly shoot in self-defense; However, his gun was still in the holster, and he didn't even open the safe. Skid appears to have been killed by a blunt blow to the head, and the thick bottle may have been a murder weapon. Could it be that Aguba used a wine bottle to kill Skad?

Mystery 4: Although the palace guards withdrew from the "royal palace" at that time; However, the guards on the four defensive towers were not moved, and the guards did not notice anyone entering the "palace" from outside the main entrance. If an Assassin enters the court and enters the council hall to assassinate them, where did they come from? How to get out of the palace?

Mystery 5: The four soldiers who went out of the main gate at night were obviously sent out by Agub or Skad. Who are they? Where did it go? What tasks to perform? If these four men were assassins, after the deed was done; They could have entered the "palace" and then quietly left, and it was absolutely impossible for them to choose to leave the "palace" through the main gate guarded by heavy troops. Are these people related to Numuti? ……

Aqimuhan specially reminded: "Your Majesty has always suspected that some of those women in the 'Lixiangyuan' are colluding with Numuti, let us start examining these people at dawn today." However, the hostess of 'Pear Fragrance Garden' said that no one had entered or left 'Pear Fragrance Garden' last night. Then the assassination of 'Your Majesty' should have nothing to do with those women in the garden. Besides, they can't have that ability! ”

The bosses are still confused? There is no clear and credible context for solving the case. They all think that all this seems so coincidental and mysterious...... The exact answer to the riddle may have been taken to the Western Elysium by Agub and Skard.

Lieutenant Colonel Bigg kept the saber in Aguba's hand and the cowhide whip in Skede's hand. He was also thinking, but he obviously had a different direction of thinking about it. However, he did not say a word about his findings and his opinion. It may be that he feels disdainful of discussing with the people in front of him; It may also be that he is afraid that his judgment will lead these people who are already delirious astray, which is not conducive to the direction of the next action. He suddenly reminded the leaders:

'Everyone!' Your Majesty's cause of death is no longer important. When these people are arrested, the answer will naturally be there. The most important thing now is to quickly determine who will succeed the Great Khan? Who will command the army of the Khanate? ”

All the leaders are excited! Then, they all set their sights on Hygura.

Although Khygura was very concerned about his own status and influence in the "Hongfu Khanate"; But there is little interest in the location of the "Great Khan". He proposed that the throne should be inherited by his elder brother Berkhuri.

But these big leaders such as Aqimuhan, Kubli, Haji, Nurdon, and even Bigg, an Englishman, are resolutely opposed!

They all felt that Berkhuri was too insidious and cunning, vain and difficult to convince the public, and was not suitable for cooperating with the "Great Khan" of the "Hongfu Khanate"; Instead, it was up to Haigula to inherit the "throne" and rule the entire khanate.

It was just around dawn that the leaders decided on the final solution:

1. Lihai Gula is the new "Great Khan" of the "Hongfu Khanate".

2. Regarding the cause of death of the "former Great Khan" Aguba, the unified interpretation is: excessive drinking, resulting in sudden death from heart failure.

3. The new "Great Khan" Haigula will escort the body of the "former Great Khan" Aguba three days later, through Kucha, Aksu, and Kashgar, and return to his hometown of Kokand for burial. If the matter of returning home for burial, it is impossible to reach an agreement with occupier Russia; He was buried on the spot in Kashgar.

Fourth, the new "Great Khan" Haigula, before returning to the "palace" of Korla; The defense command of the Korla, Yanqi, Luntai, and Kuqa areas is temporarily under the full authority of Aqimuhan. Including moderation of all local garrisons.

5. Inform the "Great Prince" Berkehuri and the "Fourth Prince" to lead Shanghuli to greet the coffin of the "former Great Khan" in Aksu and return to China for burial in Kashgar.

6. Continue to search for the ......

Three days later. Haigula personally led the team of guardians from Korla to escort the coffin of his father Agubai to Aksu and Kashgar.

After a five-day journey, Haigula's party reached Zamutai near the city of Aksu, where they joined Berkhuri's party who had come to greet them.

This Zamutai was originally a military station set up by the Chinese army. Now, it has been expanded into a large military fortress by the "rear legion" of Berkhuri. It can garrison thousands of troops and become an important barrier to defend Aksu City.

After asking Hygura about the cause of his father's death, Berkhuri began to examine the body himself...... After the inspection. With a gloomy face, Berkhuri asked Hygura:

"Are you sure that my father drank too much alcohol and caused his sudden death?"

Hygura nodded and replied, "Yes! ”

At this time, Berkhuri did not know that Skid was killed at the same time as his father Khan. He glanced around Hygura, but failed to spot his father's favorite chief of the guard, Skede. Suddenly asked suspiciously:

"Where's Skard?"

"On the night of my father's accident, Sked disappeared! We suspect that he has something to do with the Numuti incident and are searching for his whereabouts. Hygura coped with the lines he had prepared in advance, but his heart was always very empty, and he seemed a little lacking in confidence.

Berkhuri asked again: "Are you sure that it was your father who left his last words and that you would inherit the 'throne'?" ”

Hygura nodded again and replied, "Yes! ”

Berkhuri's eyes were fixed on Hygura, and a menacing cold light began to appear in his eyes. He suddenly asked sharply:

"Hygura! The soul of Father Khan is alone in a foreign land, alone! Are you willing to accompany your father Khan to enjoy happiness and go to heaven together? ”

Hygura was shocked! Some wandering eyes, only then did he realize the murderous aura on his eldest brother's face! Instantly felt the threat of death; Subconsciously stretched out his right hand to his holster......

Before Hygura could pull out his gun, Berkhuri had it in his hand; A "snap" on the head of Hygura is a shot! The speed with which the gun was drawn and fired was unexpected. Moreover, the bullet was loaded in advance.

Caught off guard, Hygura fell to the ground and was killed instantly! The funeral procession of Hygura began to stir.

Berkhuri was prepared. He waved his hand, and the team he brought rushed towards the funeral procession like a wolf pounced on it...... Kill all of Haigula's sergeants who haven't understood what is going on in an instant!

Why did you shoot your own brother? staged the scene of brothers turning against each other and fratricidal, and even let go of these ordinary sergeants who sent them to the funeral, no one could explain it. Perhaps, only Berkhuri himself knows what is going on? However, when the body was examined, it was Berkhuri who found the blood marks on Aguba's face and the severed cervical vertebrae; thus determining that his father, Khan, was "murdered" and not "drunk to death"; And the possibility of killing the killer when it is determined that Haigula is one of the masterminds is relatively large.

One more thing is certain: Berkhuri's ambition for the "Great Khan" throne far outweighed Khaira's desire for the throne. In addition, Aguba's preference for Berkhuri's younger brothers has accumulated a deep resentment that Berkhuri has long buried in his heart and cannot release; Now it is completely aroused, and it may also be another fuse for this tragedy.

Two of Haigula's guards. Because of the urgency to go to the roadside woods to relieve his hands, he fell behind before reaching Zhamutai and escaped by luck.

After they fled back to Korla, they immediately reported in detail to the leaders of Aqimuhan, Kubri, Haji, Nurdon, and Lieutenant Colonel Bigg that Haigula and the funeral procession were all killed......

The leaders were shocked! Overwhelmed!

Bigg said angrily: "Minister Wittoma, he also called to ask about our actions to attack the Chinese army. We need to act as soon as possible to obtain the bargaining chips of the British Empire to mediate and force the Chinese to withdraw their troops. But now, the khanate has begun to kill dogs and dogs. How about attacking the Chinese? …… It's fucking ridiculous! ”

After a slight pause, he continued, "What's next?" Let's take your time. I will now go and generate electricity and explain to Minister Wittoma what is happening here. ”

With that, he turned around and walked out of the chamber.

"It seems that Berkhuri believed that Khagula had colluded with us to murder Aquba...... He even killed his own brother, can he still let us go? ”

There was a silence in the hall.

Haji muttered, "The three men who went to hunt down Mamuti have all returned." I didn't even see a shadow! What a hell of a thing. This numb has disappeared without a trace......"

Aqimuhan said indignantly: "Judging from the current situation, he ran the right way!" It was really prescient to mention this guy numbly; Unlike us, now sit here and wait to die! ”

Nurdon sighed, shook his head, and said, "I also guess that it was because the 'Great Khan' asked the 'Tax Police Corps' to take away most of the gold bricks in the treasury, which stimulated Nu Ti to take risks. However, 'absconding with gold' was enough, and he still had to take away the woman favored by the 'Great Khan', which completely angered the 'Great Khan'. I really don't know, what did he think? ……”

"The three women that Numuti took away are the three most beautiful in the 'Pear Fragrance Garden'. That's why Agubo is in a hurry! As a result, he died...... It can also be said that he died at the hands of a woman! Haji said angrily and gloatingly.

Kuburi has been pondering...... This is the first time in his life that he has encountered this kind of "dead knot" that cannot be untied; For the first time, I fell into this desperate situation of being extremely wronged, but I had no power to return to heaven! He feels that he has unparalleled wisdom, but he is also at a loss at this time...... However, the instinct to survive made him have a faint impulse in his heart. The prototype of this impulse was gradually rising in his mind......

Aqimuhan, Haji, and Nurdon, with almost desperate eyes, were all staring straight at Kubri. I look forward to getting a "good prescription" for "rejuvenation" from him, the military advisor with the oldest qualifications, the highest prestige, and full of wisdom.

Kubri pondered for a long time. Finally, from between his teeth, he squeezed out an earth-shattering sentence: "Rather than sit and wait to die; It's better to take risks! ”

The three of Aqimuhan were shocked! However, in the blink of an eye, I understood the general meaning of Kubley; But I wish he could be specific. All three of them eagerly urged Kubri to say what was going on.

Kuburi said calmly, "At this point, we have only two paths to go. Either surrender to the Chinese; Either stand on your own and stand up for it! ”

Achimuhan said worriedly: "We have killed so many Chinese; They will never let us go. Therefore, surrender must also be a death! Hurry up and tell me what is going on with standing up for yourself and fighting against each other? ”

Kuburi continued: "Not bad! If you surrender directly, you will definitely not be able to save your head. However, if we have enough capital in our hands and have chips; You will be able to negotiate with the Chinese in a decent way. And this bargaining chip, it is to have our own khanate in the first place! ”

Haji asked with some confusion: "You mean that we will completely break away from Berkhuri and establish our own khanate?" ”

"Yes! We must build a 'khanate' of our own in order to find a way to survive! In this way, you can gain bargaining chips with the Chinese; and can get the capital to deal with Berkhuri. As for the Great Khan of this khanate? …… Khagura is the new Great Khan of the 'Khunfu Khanate' that we all elected. Now that the new Great Khan has been killed, we should choose the new Great Khan's appointee, the local supreme governor, Aqimuhan, to take over as the next Great Khan of the 'Hongfu Khanate'! Kubri continued.

Achimuhan was surprised and delighted! Shocked, he didn't expect Kubri to push him to the forefront; Happily, if you can really succeed in ascending the "Great Khan" of the "Hongfu Khanate", you will be able to fulfill your lifelong wish! It's not worth this life.

At this time, he was no longer humble. Because he felt that he was the "supreme governor" appointed by Khagura; Khagura was killed, and naturally he should inherit the throne.

He thought about it for a while, and felt that he was still a little worried. Worriedly, he said:

"If we were to 'call Khan' in Korla, even if we didn't consider the threat of the Chinese army, Berkhuri would certainly not rest on our laurels. Then our incomplete legions, and the 'rear legions' of Berkhuri, will have a battle. However, now that there is a huge disparity in strength between the two sides, I am afraid that there is no certainty of victory, right? ”

Kubri waved his hand and said, "Not necessarily! Our new 'Hongfu Khanate' can only include the regions of Korla, Yanqi, Ruoqiang, Luntai and Kucha; The places of Kashgar, Shache, Khotan, Bachu and Aksu were still left to Berkhuri and Yinshanghuli. If he knows each other, we can coexist peacefully, and 'the water from the well does not interfere with the water of the river'.

"If he doesn't know each other and refuses to let us go, he has to try to dominate the world and lead troops to fight. We will 'recruit troops' as soon as possible, wait for work, and crush the 'rear army'." Take the opportunity to pocket all the territory of the original 'Hongfu Khanate'. At that time, we had all the chips we needed to negotiate with the Chinese. I think Lieutenant Colonel Bigg will stand with us. Because such an outcome does not contradict the interests of the British Empire, but is beneficial. Besides, he himself has no faith in Berkhuri! ”

Achimuhan looked at Haji and Nurdon and asked, "Do you think this plan is feasible?" ”

Nurdon said: "So far, this is the only way to give it a go. My 'Home Legion' and Haji's 'Guards Legion' are fine! However, the 'Forward Legion', 'Flanker Legion' and Patila's men and horses stationed in Yanqi cannot be said. Now, Yunus still doesn't know how Aguba died? I don't know what is happening to Hygura at the moment. You may also have to ask the Kuburi military division to go to Yanqi City......"

Kuburi hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Yunus, it's no problem!" I'll send him to inform him right now that he's coming to Korla. I'll take care of his business...... Now, we can bring in Lieutenant Colonel Bigg first. See what he thinks? ”

Two days later. The remnants of the invading army of Aguba officially established the "New Hongfu Khanate" in Korla, and Aqimuhan officially "called Khan" in Korla.

The magnificent palace of the "Hongfu Khanate" in Korla, which Aguba has built with all his might, has welcomed its third master, Aqimuhan. The war-torn city of Korla staged a grand farce of the "Great Khan's enthronement ceremony".

At Kubry's suggestion. Akimuhan then integrated the existing military forces. The original names of "Advance Legion", "Flanker Legion", "Guards Legion", "Native Legion" and "Ancient Pasture Garrison" were all cancelled. Three new regiments were formed: "Korla Legion", "Yanqi Legion" and "Kuqa Legion".

The remnants of Haji's "Guards Corps" were converted into "Korla Corps", with Haji as commander. Left behind in Korla; Responsible for the defense of Korla City, Korla Barracks, Iron Gate Pass, and Devil's Mountain.

The remnants of Nurdon's "Native Legion" were converted into the "Kucha Legion", with Nurdon as commander. Arrive at the Kuqa garrison; Responsible for the defense of Kuqa and Luntai areas.

The remnants of Yunnus's "Flanker Legion" merged with the remnants of Haigula's "Advance Legion" and Patilla's "Ancient Pasture Garrison" and converted into the "Yanqi Legion", with Yunnus as its commander. still left behind in Yanqi; Responsible for the defense of Yanqi City and the vigilance of the Chinese troops in the direction of Tuoxun.

Kuburi remained the commander of the "New Khunfu Khanate" and was in charge of the treasury, taxation, and foreign relations. It also includes contacts and negotiations with the Chinese armed forces that may take place at any time.

Lieutenant Colonel Bigg remained the top military adviser to the New Khanate. direct command of artillery divisions and military instructor corps, mercenary special combat teams; He continued to be responsible for liaison and coordination with the government of the British Empire.

The news that Aqimuhan was "called Khan" in Korla soon spread to Kashgar. Berkhuli, who has proclaimed himself the "Great Khan of the Hongfu Khanate" in Kashgar, is furious! These pieces of information further confirmed his judgment: it was Aqimuhan and these people, together with Haigula, who murdered his father, Khan Aguba.

Berkhuri began to intensify preparations for war. The plan was to completely destroy the enemy who betrayed him and his father - Aqimukhan and his "new Khunfu Khanate".

With the support of British military equipment, he recruited two cavalry divisions and one infantry division on the basis of his own "rear corps". The army under his control was increased to five cavalry divisions and three infantry divisions. With the addition of the expanded "Tax Police Corps" in Shanghuli, the size of the army reached more than 30,000 people......

And Akimuhan was not idle. He understood that his "new Hongfu Khanate" was in the disadvantageous position of "fighting on two fronts": the Chinese army in Tuoxun in the east, ready to attack his territory in the west; To the west, Berkhuri, gritting his teeth and staring at him, was preparing to attack east to take his life. Therefore, he is also desperately expanding his army......

At this time, Bigg was a little difficult. He was indeed not very optimistic about Berkhuri's rule of the "Hongfu Khanate", and had no confidence in him; However, in terms of the current strength of the army, only Berkhuri's "rear army" has not yet suffered a frontal attack from the Chinese army, and only these forces at his disposal can still fight with the Chinese army!

Moreover, all the new arms and materials transferred by the British Empire from Shimla have also fallen into the hands of Berkhuri, and its strength is still increasing.

On the other hand, look at the "New Hongfu Khanate" of Aqimuhan. Although these people are all old foundations of the Agubo era, they are the basic skeleton; But these four legions, due to the devastating blow of the Chinese army, have been in tatters!

Moreover, the armament could only barely survive by relying on the stocks previously provided by the British Empire. In a short period of time, it is impossible to recover.

It is simply unrealistic to count on the "new Hongfu Khanate" of Aqimuhan to fight the Chinese army...... In the face of these two hostile camps that are incompatible in the "post-Aquba era", who should I fully support?

Bigg truthfully telegraphed the reality of the situation to the British Minister to China, Wittoma. Wittoma called back and told him to do everything possible to mediate the conflict between them. so that they can unite against the Chinese army; Otherwise, there will be the consequence of "burning all the jade" and allowing the Chinese to "benefit from the fishermen."

Bigg also telegraphed the attitude of the British government and these general principles to Berkhuri. But how could Berkhuri, who was heavily armed and furious, listen to this?

Berkhuri's call back to Bigg made it very clear: if Aqimuhan did not surrender voluntarily, he swore that he would do whatever it takes! Eradicate all those who betrayed him and his father. Moreover, he had already detained the "field observation mission" sent by the British Empire in Kashgar. Don't let them come into contact with the "New Hongfu Khanate" Aqimuhan and these people.

Bigg saw that there was no hope of mediation, and that fire and war were about to begin. The only way to do this was to telegraph Berkhuri's determination and Achimuham's attitude to Wittoma again. At the same time, he put forward his own suggestions:

"In view of the hopelessness of mediating the internal strife of the 'Khunfu Khanate'. Considering the national interests of the British Empire in Xinjiang, China, and the offensive posture of the Chinese military. It is proposed to propose the following solution: send a note to the Qing government as soon as possible. Under the mediation and mediation of the British Empire, the 'Khunfu Khanate' or the 'New Khunfu Khanate' was willing to lay down its arms and surrender and sign the "Peace Agreement" if the additional conditions were met.

"The additional conditions are as follows: 1. Recognize the status of the 'Hongfu Khanate' or 'New Hongfu Khanate' as an independent vassal state of the Qing Empire, and exempt it from all taxes and tribute. 2. National borders are demarcated based on the current situation. 3. Independent vassal states shall have the right to conclude security and trade treaties with foreign governments such as the British Empire and to implement them. 4. The army of the Great Qing State immediately withdrew from its troops, and promised that all the soldiers of the vassal states who had previously participated in the war would not be held accountable. 5. The Great Qing State was not allowed to garrison troops in the vassal state. 6. After the surrender, the "Hongfu Khanate" or "New Hongfu Khanate" promised in the name of the vassal state that it would not invade the territory of the Great Qing State by military and other means in the future......

"If the Qing government agrees to these conditions, we can convince Berkhuri and Aqimuhan to accept the framework of the agreement as soon as possible. to preserve their present land and their lives. Such an outcome would be a fundamental part of the British Empire's 'Strategic Buffer State Plan'......"

At the end of the telegram, Bigg explained his views on the current situation and where he was going: "The accidental death of Aguba has made it inevitable that the battle between Berkhuri and Aqimuhan will be won. Regardless of the outcome of this battle, it will greatly weaken the remaining strength of the 'Hongfu Khanate'. It will also greatly affect the possibility of the British Empire's 'strategic buffer state plan' being achieved, and it will also become the best chance and final lead for the Chinese army to completely destroy the 'Hongfu Khanate'...... Out of prudence, we can only stay out and wait and see what happens. I plan to leave immediately from Korla to Kashgar to join the Imperial 'Field Observation Mission'. In the future, I will inform you separately! ”