Chapter 246: A Bright Future, Song Jiang Delivers Gifts

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Although Song Jiang employed every form of coercion and enticement, even appealing to emotion and righteousness, many still feared that the officials, gentry, and landowners they had killed would have relatives, disciples, or former subordinates in the capital seeking revenge, and they dreaded having to fight against Fang La's rebel troops—those brainwashed by the Moni Sect into fearing neither death nor wounds—so they grew fearful of accepting the imperial amnesty and chose to leave Song Jiang's army, either hiding their identities, becoming bandits, or joining Fang La.

Song Jiang made no effort to retain any of those who chose to leave; instead, he generously distributed gold, silver, silk, and cloth to them and let them go freely.

Once all who wished to depart had left, Song Jiang ordered Wu Yong to count how many remained willing to accept amnesty.

The result: Song Jiang's army still numbered over one hundred seventy thousand.

That meant only a little over twenty thousand had left.

Clearly, the majority still wished to wash away their criminal past and fight anew for glory, rank, and wealth.

Such a result was perfectly natural.

In this feudal age, for ordinary people without family background, the only perilous path to transcend class and alter fate was through bloody combat.

Just as during the Chu-Han Contention, the obscure Yang Xi of the Hongnong Yang clan, in the chaos of the Battle of Gaixia, risked his life to seize one of Xiang Yu's thighs—this seemingly brutal "military merit" earned the Hongnong Yang clan a marquisate and noble status from Liu Bang.

For the next several hundred years, the Hongnong Yang clan leveraged the political capital and ancestral foundation accumulated by their forebears, steadily expanding their branches and painstakingly cultivating their influence. Through the Han, Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties, and into the Sui and Tang, they endured for nearly eight centuries, becoming one of China's most illustrious aristocratic families.

Historical records show the Hongnong Yang clan produced over a dozen empresses: from Empress Yan of Emperor An of Han, to Empress Yang Yan, the Wu Yuan Empress of Emperor Wu of Western Jin, and Empress Yang Zhi, the Wu Dao Empress, then to multiple Yang empresses of the Northern Wei—some virtuous and supportive, others manipulating court intrigues, using family power and personal wit to leave deep marks in the harem and even the imperial court.

Moreover, the Hongnong Yang clan continually produced high ministers: from Chancellor Yang Shang of Western Han, to Grand Commandant Yang Zhen of Eastern Han, famed for his integrity with the phrase "Heaven knows, Earth knows, you know, I know," to the Sui imperial line of Yang Jian and Yang Guang—all descended from the Hongnong Yang clan.

The Hongnong Yang clan had once been mere lowly peasants, yet through generations of relentless struggle, they gradually transformed the life-or-death opportunities won by their ancestors into a centuries-long legacy of glory.

This was the finest example of how the lowly could rise and alter their fate.

For those in Song Jiang's army who chose to accept amnesty, how could they not wish to emulate Yang Xi—using their current bloodshed to secure for themselves and their descendants a chance at honor, glory, and a transformed destiny? Even if the path ahead meant facing the nine deaths of fighting Fang La, it was still a thousand times better than being forever trapped among outlaws with no hope of advancement.

Besides, banditry was a life of constant fear—lifelong fugitives hunted by the government and despised by society; joining Fang La was equally uncertain: not only was his success doubtful, but even if he triumphed, those who defected mid-way would have little chance of reward.

But accepting imperial amnesty was different: if they won military merit against Fang La, they could shed their bandit identity and become legitimate imperial troops; if they earned merit, they could even enfeoff their wives and grant hereditary privileges to their descendants.

This seemingly dangerous path was, in truth, one of the few precious opportunities they had to defy fate and change their destiny—hence most chose to stay, eager to carve their own grand road through this chaotic age with the swords and spears in their hands.

After unifying their thoughts, Song Jiang and Wu Yong invited Yuwen Xuzhong into Song Jiang's military command tent.

Song Jiang said to Yuwen Xuzhong: "Younger brother, I've made all preparations—when will the amnesty envoys arrive?"

Yuwen Xuzhong smiled and replied: "Hou She Ren has arrived in Xiuzhou and may come to our camp at any moment to read the imperial edict."

Upon hearing that Zhao Yu had sent Hou Meng—their old acquaintance—to deliver the amnesty, Song Jiang and Wu Yong immediately felt much more at ease.

To be honest, not only did the men below fear retaliation from court officials, but Song Jiang and Wu Yong themselves had the same fears—after all, they had killed too many, too many, too many officials, gentry, and landowners, and offended too many, too many, too many powerful figures.

Honestly, had this not been ordered by Zhao Yu—and had Zhao Yu not been a true emperor who fully controlled the Zhao Song dynasty—Song Jiang and Wu Yong might never have dared accept imperial amnesty.

Now, Song Jiang and Wu Yong had fully followed Zhao Yu's orders, doing everything they were supposed to do and everything they could do. Song Jiang felt it was time to ask Zhao Yu what reward they would receive—after all they had sacrificed, was it worth it?

So Song Jiang hinted: "My brothers and I were chosen by Your Majesty's discerning eye to carry out this great mission—we are already deeply honored, and ought not to harbor further desires. Yet this campaign against Fang La may bury half our brothers in the Jiangnan soil."

Glancing at Yuwen Xuzhong, Song Jiang added casually: "In ancient times, Emperor Gaozu enfeoffed meritorious ministers with land and titles; Emperor Taizong, after quelling rebellion, permitted meritorious officers to grant hereditary privileges to their descendants for three generations. Does Your Majesty… have any established protocol for rewards?"

Wu Yong timely added: "Brother speaks truly. Though we have not yet launched the campaign against Fang La, we have already fought for three years—what does Your Majesty intend for us?"

Fearing Yuwen Xuzhong might misinterpret, Song Jiang quickly softened his tone: "As for my brother and me, we need no assurances—after Fang La is crushed, even retiring to our hometowns would bring us no regrets. But our brothers have followed us north and south for over three years, enduring hardship, always wandering without a home. We only ask that they all find a stable future, so their descendants need not suffer as we have. Only then will they serve the court wholeheartedly—and we will have repaid their blood and sacrifice."

In truth, Song Jiang and Wu Yong dared ask Yuwen Xuzhong so bluntly because they had served together as brothers for over three years and had developed genuine affection.

Otherwise, with Song Jiang and Wu Yong's cunning, they would never have asked so directly.

Who among men is not moved by emotion?

Moreover, what Song Jiang and Wu Yong sought was not a great thing.

Especially since Zhao Yu had treated Song Jiang's army very well.

After a moment of silence, Yuwen Xuzhong said: "This matter should not be spoken of by this younger brother to you two elder brothers, but since you asked, I cannot conceal it—alas, I shall reveal a little."

Song Jiang and Wu Yong understood that leaking confidential information to court officials—allowing them to glimpse the Emperor's evaluations and appointments—violated palace secrecy protocols.

Yuwen Xuzhong, who handled intelligence, valued this even more and would never lightly commit such a breach.

Thus, Yuwen Xuzhong's willingness to reveal even a hint of secrets was a great act of trust and friendship.

Notably, Yuwen Xuzhong chose to leak this information not only because of their unusual bond, but because this was the final moment of amnesty for Song Jiang's army—Song Jiang and Wu Yong, as core leaders, could not be allowed to harbor doubts and jeopardize everything. Besides, Hou Meng would soon arrive to announce these very terms; a slight advance hint would have no impact on the overall plan.

Song Jiang immediately bowed and swore: "This once only—next time, Elder Brother will never trouble you again!"

Yuwen Xuzhong wasted no more words but lowered his voice: "Your Majesty appoints Elder Brother as Pacification Commissioner of Jiangnan, and Scholar Wu as Prefect of Hangzhou. He also grants you one hundred blank appointment scrolls. For any remaining matters, you may submit memorials directly to Your Majesty."

After a pause, Yuwen Xuzhong added: "This campaign, Your Majesty has not appointed a Deputy Pacification Commissioner."

Upon hearing Yuwen Xuzhong's reply, Song Jiang and Wu Yong were overjoyed!!!

Both Song Jiang and Wu Yong knew full well what rank and power the Pacification Commissioner held.

Crucially, Yuwen Xuzhong made it clear: Zhao Yu had not appointed a Deputy Pacification Commissioner. Thus, with Song Jiang as Pacification Commissioner, he was virtually the second-in-command of the Jiangnan theater. Whether he or Commander Liu Fa held greater authority was uncertain, but one thing was certain: Song Jiang would wield immense influence in Jiangnan. The greatest benefit? Song Jiang's army no longer needed to fear being used as cannon fodder, nor worry about being denied rewards or punished unfairly.

In short, with Song Jiang as Pacification Commissioner, Song Jiang's army now had a powerful patron.

More crucially, Song Jiang now had the right to submit memorials directly to Zhao Yu.

Thus, even Accompanying Tong Guan would have to give Song Jiang some face and not overly harass his army.

Though Hangzhou was still held by Fang La's rebels, once the imperial army and Song Jiang's forces joined forces, they would swiftly recapture it.

At that time, Hangzhou would remain the political, economic, and cultural center of Jiangnan—the most important prefecture in the south.

With Wu Yong as Prefect of Hangzhou, he would effectively control the region's economic lifeline and cultural core—his status would be that of a top-tier regional governor.

Originally, even if Wu Yong had topped the imperial examinations, he could never have risen to such a high office in just three years.

Crucially, Hangzhou had always been a land of rice and fish, a silk capital, a cradle of culture—its prosperity and wealth surpassed all others in the southeast. If Wu Yong, with his extraordinary wisdom and profound strategy, could lead Hangzhou's people to abundance and peace, stimulate commerce, and restore its former glory, his future would be boundless—he might even become a chancellor and realize his lifelong ambition of governing and pacifying the realm.

Even more crucially, once Wu Yong became Prefect of Hangzhou, Song Jiang's army's grain and supplies would be secured.

After all, Hangzhou Port, located in Hangzhou, would remain the key transportation hub of Jiangnan for a long time to come, with vast quantities of grain and supplies routed from there to various armies.

Also, do not forget: Zhao Yu granted Song Jiang one hundred blank appointment scrolls.

"Appointment scrolls" were official documents conferring official positions, akin to letters of appointment.

In the Zhao Song dynasty, when granting amnesty, the court sometimes awarded blank appointment scrolls to allow the rebel leader to fill in ranks for his subordinates according to merit—a flexible reward system that demonstrated imperial favor while enabling the leader to fairly distribute rewards and stabilize internal cohesion.

With these one hundred appointment rights, Song Jiang and Wu Yong could properly assign positions to the leaders of Song Jiang's army—even the most demanding among them would have to admit: Zhao Yu had treated them well.

With this, Song Jiang and Wu Yong could also give an account to those who had risen in revolt with them; they had not shared life and death in vain.

Song Jiang straightened his collar, faced the direction of Dongjing Bianliang, and bowed deeply: "Your subject Song Jiang thanks Your Majesty for your gracious favor!"

Wu Yong also knelt and bowed along with him.

After rising, Song Jiang bowed again to Yuwen Xuzhong: "Many thanks, dear brother, for speaking well of us!"

Song Jiang understood the matter well enough — how could he not see that, had Yuwen Xuzhong, who served as Zhao Yu's eyes and ears, not put in plenty of good words for them, Zhao Yu could never have rewarded them so generously.

Yuwen Xuzhong did not decline, but very courteously helped Song Jiang to his feet and said: "Brother, you speak too gravely. It is merely my duty to report things as they are. It is the Emperor's own magnanimity and breadth of mind, his ability to know and use men well, that makes people glad to serve him. It is also that brother and all the brothers have single-heartedly followed the court's commands and single-heartedly upheld justice by Heaven's will, with no other intent — that is why the Emperor values you today."

Song Jiang knew Yuwen Xuzhong spoke truth, but that still could not stop him from feeling grateful. Putting everything else aside, had Yuwen Xuzhong so much as twisted his mouth, their merits would surely have been heavily discounted. In that case, all their hard work might have been for nothing.

After helping Song Jiang to his feet, Yuwen Xuzhong said again: "His Majesty has one more oral decree, which he ordered me to bring to brother."

Song Jiang hurriedly bowed and said: "Your subject Song Jiang receives the decree."

Yuwen Xuzhong said: "Song Jiang may choose a day to return to the capital and appear at court. Respect this."

When the ceremony was done, Song Jiang asked Yuwen Xuzhong: "What does His Majesty mean by summoning brother back to the capital?"

Yuwen Xuzhong shook his head, indicating he did not know the reason either, but he still helped Song Jiang analyze it: "Most likely he wishes to hear brother's views on suppressing bandits and your insights on restoring the economy of Jiangnan."

Song Jiang knew that only a minister of great weight could present strategies for governing the realm face to face with the Emperor.

The key point — meeting the Emperor face to face was not only a chance to lay out one's own views on governing; it was also a mark of one's status and standing.

Put it this way: once Song Jiang had met Zhao Yu, his words would surely carry more weight before Accompanying Tong Guan.

In effect, this was a form of unspoken promotion.

Song Jiang and Wu Yong were even more delighted.

So much so that even steady-natured Song Jiang could not help pacing back and forth in the tent, agitated.

After a good long while, Song Jiang stopped in front of Yuwen Xuzhong and asked: "Dear brother, I wish to offer His Majesty some tribute gifts, but His Majesty owns all within the four seas — what would be fitting for me to present?"

Yuwen Xuzhong wanted to say, your going in person is enough, no need to offer tribute to His Majesty, His Majesty does not lack for any little gift of yours.

But Yuwen Xuzhong also understood Song Jiang — he knew Song Jiang still cared about his former identity as a bandit, feared Zhao Yu might look down on him, or even feared Zhao Yu meant to lure him back to be executed. If he could send Zhao Yu some gift that suited Zhao Yu's tastes, he would feel far more at ease.

So Yuwen Xuzhong lowered his voice and said: "His Majesty has no other liking — he alone delights in the fair sex…"

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Begging for monthly ticket support!

Wishing all the brothers who cast monthly tickets for me good health, longevity without end, boundless wealth, and a fine mood every single day!!!

(End of this chapter)