Chapter 236

…

Fang La was originally a laborer in the lacquer garden of Fang Youchang, a gentryman from Qingxi; though born lowly, he was tall and imposing, loved making friends, and his family was full of talent. His uncle Fang Fei was known for his wisdom; his brothers Fang Wu and Fang Qi were both extraordinarily strong; even his sixteen-year-old sister Fang Baihua was skilled with spear and staff.

This made his name, Fang La the Thirteenth, known throughout a ten-li radius.

Previously, Fang La had seen his own reflection in the water of the Xin'an River wearing a dragon robe and a crown—he boasted of this to everyone, claiming he was destined by heaven.

Since ancient times, the land of Mu Zhou has carried prophecies of "the Emperor's Foundation" and "Ten Thousand Year Tower"; over a hundred years ago, a local woman named Chen Shuozhen declared herself emperor here, calling herself the "Wenjia Emperor," adding a layer of mystique to this land.

Fang La's "imperial physiognomy" made people regard him as extraordinary, treating him as a second Chen Shuozhen, and more eager to befriend him; his reputation spread rapidly, even reaching Wang Gonglao, the leader of the Moni Sect Sect, who invited him to sit beside him during every sermon.

Fang La spent his days idling, avoiding work, and associating only with ruffians and the underworld, speaking nothing but wild talk of "changing heaven and earth," and even fraternizing with the Moni Sect Sect, a secret organization branded a demonic cult by the court—causing Fang Youchang to lose sleep and appetite.

Fang La was indeed a servant in Fang Youchang's household, but the two families were also related—they had not even passed the fifth degree of kinship—and rebellion, a capital crime punishable by extermination of nine clans, would drag Fang Youchang's entire family to the executioner's block if Fang La were convicted.

After much deliberation, Fang Youchang decided to strike first: he ordered his third son Fang Geng to capture Fang La and imprison him in the granary, then sent his second son Fang Xiong to ride through the night to the county seat to report Fang La's rebellion to County Magistrate Chen Guang, hoping to sever ties with Fang La and earn promotion by presenting his head.

This matter was soon discovered by Fang Fei, the clan head of Fang La's branch.

Fang Youchang knew rebellion was a crime punishable by extermination of nine clans—how could Fang Fei, famed for his wisdom, not know? If Fang La's rebellion were confirmed, every male in their clan would be executed, every female sent to the courtesan bureaus—none would escape.

In Fang Fei's eyes, Fang Youchang was not trading Fang La's head for his family's wealth—he was staining his family's official hat with the blood of their entire clan.

How could Fang Fei endure this?

So Fang Fei struck the ancestral temple drum, gathering over a hundred men under the banner of rescuing Fang La; they carried torches, hoes, and sickles, surging like a tide toward Fang Youchang's home and freeing Fang La.

Seeing the situation turn dire, Fang Youchang fled with his entire family to their lacquer garden.

After being rescued, Fang La harbored deep hatred toward Fang Youchang's family for ignoring distant kinship and trying to kill him—and even endanger his branch. Believing no threat could be left behind, he swiftly, upon learning their whereabouts, incited those who had rescued him to rebel, then sought vengeance against Fang Youchang's family to eliminate all future danger.

Fang Youchang's family fled to the lacquer garden precisely because it housed over a thousand workers, apprentices, and laborers, along with dozens of household guards and estate tenants—they believed Fang La and his friends would not dare to come after them there.

But Fang Youchang's family never imagined Fang La had anticipated this: he knew that when they moved to kill Fang Youchang, the workers and laborers would not defend the cruel gentry—they might even join in to settle old scores.

The outcome proved Fang La right.

Seeing Fang La and his friends come to kill Fang Youchang's family, many workers and laborers, long crushed under Fang Youchang's exploitation and unable to endure life, joined Fang La without hesitation and began killing.

Because so many had joined the killing, Fang Youchang's estate guards and household troops dared not step forward to stop them.

As a result, Fang Youchang's entire family of forty-two was slaughtered to the last.

This world had no Huashigang, but the gentry's exploitation of the common people was no less brutal than Huashigang.

The key issue was not scarcity, but inequality; against the backdrop of northern peasants' decent lives, southern peasants struggling to survive appeared even more wretched.

Moreover, the Zhao Song dynasty always offered amnesty to rebellious armies that grew too fierce, paying them to cease fighting and instead suppress other uprisings.

It was said that Song Jiang's rebel army in the north had received amnesty from the court multiple times; the court even granted Song Jiang the high rank of "Peacekeeper," and every one of his followers received promotion and reward—but because Song Jiang refused to exterminate the gentry, his army steadfastly rejected amnesty.

This gave those with rebellion in their hearts a glimmer of hope: succeed, and become new nobility; fail, and still accept imperial amnesty. Either way was far better than their current life, shrouded in darkness.

Precisely because of this, the slaughter of Fang Youchang's family by Fang La and others, combined with Fang La's incitement, and crucially, his use of the "Imperial Mandate from Heaven" to invoke spirits and gods to legitimize the rebellion, and most crucially, his slogan of "seize the wealth of the rich and distribute it to recruit followers"—how could these oppressed, suffering masses not respond enthusiastically?

"Excellent!!!"

Seeing the people's hearts were won, Fang Fei lowered his voice to Fang Wu, Fang Qi, Fang Baihua, and other core members: "The momentum is now ours—hurry and recruit the brave!"

That very day, the Fang family recruited over a thousand brave men.

Fang La successfully led his followers into rebellion.

In the days that followed, people nearby heard of Fang La's rebellion and flocked to join him.

In just over ten days, Fang La's rebel army exceeded ten thousand.

At this moment, two extremely important figures arrived at Fang La's rebel army.

The first was Bao Kang, the fifth-generation descendant of the Zhao Song dynasty's famed minister Bao Zheng.

Bao Kang had harbored extraordinary ambitions since childhood, expressing extreme outrage at the Zhao Song court's political corruption, rampant corruption among officials, and crushing tax burdens.

Over the years, Bao Kang had traveled widely, lecturing and making many friends; Fang La was one of his closest companions.

In fact, most of what Fang La knew about rebellion came from Bao Kang—indeed, it was Bao Kang who had implanted the very ideas of rebellion into Fang La's mind.

Thus, Bao Kang and Fang La shared a relationship of both teacher and friend.

Therefore, as soon as Fang La's rebellion succeeded, he immediately sent a messenger to invite Bao Kang to join him.

Fang La valued Bao Kang not only for his ability, but even more for his noble lineage.

—Fang La, of humble origins, now desperately needed to enhance his own prestige to secure his position as rebel leader; Bao Kang's arrival was like coal in snow, greatly boosting Fang La's standing.

The second extremely important figure was the Daoist who had given Fang La the "Tui Bei Tu"—that is, Wu Yong, the second-in-command of Song Jiang's rebel army.

After the initial surge of passion, Fang La realized rebellion was not a banquet—it was a gamble with one's head on the line, a life-or-death venture. Though his heart burned with grandeur, he could not help feeling unease.

The arrival of Wu Yong, the second-in-command of Song Jiang's rebel army—who had led a rebellion that held out against Song troops for over two years—was a powerful tonic for Fang La's uprising.

Thus, already respectful of Wu Yong, Fang La now treated him as an honored guest, addressing him always as "Mr.," and showing him every courtesy.

After hosting a grand banquet to welcome Wu Yong and Bao Kang, Fang La, together with his chief strategist Fang Fei, invited them to the main hall to discuss the future of Fang La's rebel army.

After a servant poured tea for the four, Fang La opened directly: "What counsel do you, sirs, offer this humble one?"

Bao Kang gestured to Wu Yong, signaling him to speak first.

Wu Yong did not refuse: "The foremost priority in rebellion is its guiding principle. If the principle is sound, it unites hearts, clarifies direction, stirs nationwide resonance, and makes the rebel army unstoppable. Looking at history, most rebellions have rallied under slogans of equalizing wealth and opposing corruption—truly the voice of the people. Yet such principles, though popular, invite the court's suspicion and close the door to amnesty. Therefore, I believe our rebellion must blend popular appeal with strategy: give the people hope, yet leave room for future amnesty."

Fang La frowned at this. He had risen in rebellion not to seek amnesty, but to become emperor. He was no Song Jiang, a leader without ambition—he was the Son of Heaven, destined by heaven. He believed this with all his soul. Wu Yong saw Fang La's reluctance, but he did not care; for these words were not meant for Fang La—they were meant for those who followed him. So he continued: "If our army targets and exterminates gentry who resist court reforms and deny the people livelihood, we gain popular support and attract followers. And if we later choose to abandon rebellion and accept imperial amnesty, we can become officials of the court without being rejected—this is a perfect solution."

He paused, then added: "The current Emperor is wise and martial—he has reclaimed Qing Tang, Western Xia, and the Eleven Prefectures of Yan-Yun; he has reclaimed the tribute extorted by the Liao; he frequently exempts the people from taxes; he has enacted wise policies such as 'Gentry and Commoners Pay Grain Equally' and 'Labor Tax Incorporated into Land Tax'—saving the people, blessing all living beings. Northern peasants now live in abundance, peace, and contentment—all thanks to His Majesty. If your army raises the banner of opposing the Emperor, you will surely lose the hearts of the people and face isolation. I humbly suggest your banner should not oppose the court outright, but focus on purging local gentry and aiding the court's reforms. Thus, you align with popular sentiment while avoiding total war with the court, preserving room for future amnesty."

Here, Wu Yong smiled slightly: "This is merely my personal view—if any part is inappropriate, I beg your indulgence."

Before Fang La could speak, Bao Kang said: "Mr. Wu's words are entirely correct. I have just returned from the north; after the court's reforms, the north is orderly and harmonious, the people well-fed and secure. Whenever they speak of the Emperor, they call him our Holy Sovereign, filled with gratitude and praise. If our rebel army rashly raises a rebel banner against the Emperor, it would be unwise. Moreover, the Emperor gathers talent, governs diligently, and the state is entering a golden age—public sentiment and historical tide are with him; they cannot be reversed."

Hearing Bao Kang say the same, Fang La was deeply disappointed.

Fang La's gaze shifted between Wu Yong and Bao Kang, his heart filled with conflicting emotions. He had hoped to present his grand vision to these two sages, but never imagined they both advocated reconciliation with the court and the path of amnesty—utterly opposed to his dream of becoming emperor.

At this moment, Bao Kang asked: "Where is your army now?"

Wu Yong did not conceal: "In Haizhou. We will soon head south, entering Jiangnan entirely."

The speaker meant nothing; the listener took it deeply. If Song Jiang's army crossed the river and seized territory from Fang La's army, who would control the south? Who would be emperor of the south—Song Jiang, or Fang La?

The key point is that Song Jiang's rebel army now has one hundred thousand troops—troops that have been maneuvering against the Song army for two years—and Fang La has heard that many of Song Jiang's forces are former regular Song soldiers; this is something Fang La's rebel army, currently numbering only ten thousand peasant laborers, cannot match.

This sent alarm bells ringing in Fang La's heart.

On the other side, Bao Kang asked with no small surprise: "Oh? Your army also intends to come to Jiangnan?"

Wu Yong said with no small pride: "Reforms in the north are complete; northern gentry no longer dare resist the 'Equal Taxation of Gentry and Commoners' or 'Incorporating Head Tax into Land Tax.' Northern commoners now live in plenty and peace, no longer needing us to act on Heaven's behalf. But southern gentry still resist imperial reforms, oppress the people, and drive them to despair, siphoning off their blood and sweat, leaving Jiangnan's people still in dire suffering. Our rebel army must march south to rescue Jiangnan's people from their plight."

Here, Wu Yong revealed the purpose of his visit: "I have come to discuss with your army how we may unite to exterminate the gentry, assist the imperial court's reforms, and help southern commoners live as the northern people do."

Bao Kang nodded: "This matter indeed requires discussion. If our two forces can unite wholeheartedly, the liberation of the south cannot be far off."

Fang La forced a smile: "Your words are wise, gentlemen, but how we unite must be carefully planned…"

Then, Fang La "warmly" arranged for Wu Yong and Bao Kang to rest.

But Bao Kang, who knew Fang La well, turned right back around and returned, speaking frankly to Fang La:

"I've seen the north myself—it has developed extraordinarily well. Even if we were to govern it, we could not do better. And do you know why Song Jiang's band has roamed the north for over two years without being crushed? Because the court has no intention of crushing him—it has not deployed the Divine Mechanism Army, the Four Auxiliary Armies, or the Border Armies that defeated the northwest barbarians to encircle him. Otherwise, how could his forces still roam free?"

"Our southern people harbor no ill will toward the court; they only hate the gentry for denying them a way to live. If we raise the wrong banner, all our efforts will be in vain."

"… "

Bao Kang spoke at length to Fang La, offering him Jin Yuliangyan advice urging him not to choose the wrong enemy.

The key is, most of Fang La's rebel army, including Fang La's top strategist Fang Fei, agree with Wu Yong's view: that they should kill only the gentry, not oppose the court, so that regardless of victory or defeat, they can become officials and new gentry.

Regarding this, Fang La was very depressed and didn't know how to choose their political platform.

Until this day, Wang Gonglao Buddha, whom Fang La had been eagerly awaiting, arrived to join Fang La.

Wang Gonglao Buddha did not come alone—he brought three hundred Moni Sect followers.

These three hundred Moni Sect followers were all core members, deeply steeped in the sect's doctrines and absolute pillars of rebellion.

In other words, Wang Gonglao Buddha had nearly brought the entire Moni Sect's foundation with him.

Upon hearing this news, Bao Kang told Fang La: "The Moni Sect once helped Chen Shuozhen rise in successful rebellion, but it reveres Er Sect and the Three Ages, making inciting revolt its mission. Thus, this sect may be used, but never relied upon."

Fang La smiled: "I once heard Wang Gonglao Buddha preach. His sect's core tenets are 'Purity, Light, Strength, Wisdom'—it seeks light, goodness, frugality, and fellowship, a good religion that teaches people toward virtue, not the demon sect the court claims it to be."

Bao Kang had never deeply studied the Moni Sect, so upon hearing Fang La's words, he fell silent.

Wang Gonglao Buddha was an elderly man with a very kind face, dressed in extremely plain attire, clearly a man of ascetic practice.

The followers Wang Gonglao Buddha brought were all lean and upright, none resembling wicked or evil men.

Bao Kang thought: "I've heard the Moni Sect forbids lust and meat-eating—apparently the rumors are true."

Fang La approached Wang Gonglao Buddha, clasping his hands: "Greetings, Master. The Final Age has arrived; Light shall surely triumph over Darkness."

Wang Gonglao Buddha smiled benevolently and said something astonishing: "I intend to pass the position of Sect Leader to you, and together with all disciples, aid you in defeating Darkness. What do you say?"

Hearing Wang Gonglao Buddha's implication—that he was to become leader of the Moni Sect—Fang La's heart leapt with joy!

The Moni Sect had vast numbers of followers in the south; with the title of Moni Sect Sect Leader, Fang La would never lack followers for his rebellion.

Moreover, the Moni Sect, skilled in rebellion, possessed a complete strategy for uprising: establishing a full administrative structure like the Five Ministries and Six Departments, and methods to ensure vast rebel armies remained steadfastly loyal—all of which the Moni Sect excelled at.

Though Fang La was deeply eager to become Moni Sect Sect Leader, he still declined slightly: "Your disciple is dull-witted and dares not assume such a great responsibility."

Wang Gonglao Buddha clasped his hands and said: "Now the Kingdom of Darkness is filled with ignorance, greed, arrogance, discord, anger, impurity, destruction, dissolution, death, and madness. The Kingdom of Darkness is ruled by Zheng Mo Wang and his five classes of demons. If our sect members do not unite to subdue these demons, how can we return truth to its root, let Light return to Great Ming, and Darkness return to accumulated Darkness, each of the Two Sects restored, both returning to their source?"

Wang Gonglao Buddha added: "You are the Heaven-chosen God of Light—who else but you could possibly shoulder this?"

Hearing this, Fang La clasped his hands: "Your disciple was deluded by appearances."

After hosting a banquet to welcome Wang Gonglao Buddha and his followers, Fang La invited Wang Gonglao Buddha to a secret chamber and told him his greatest current problem: his rebel troops wished only to kill the gentry, not oppose the court, and all hoped for imperial amnesty.

After listening, Wang Gonglao Buddha frowned deeply.

The Moni Sect's doctrine is rebellion; without rebellion, its very foundation collapses.

But the current situation is that others do not wish to rebel—they only want to ensure harvests regardless of drought or flood.

Facing this, Wang Gonglao Buddha's eyes turned, and a plan came to mind. He said to Fang La: "We may raise the banner of 'Clearing the Emperor's Side'…"

…

(End of Chapter)