The Emperor's Petition Decides the Fate of the World

Chapter Quote:

The Golden Palace offered a good plan, and the word "An" had two interpretations;

The king and his ministers reconciled and put aside their past grudges, and from then on they went their separate ways.

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It was nearing the end of the year when Yan Qing returned to Bianjing. Unlike the previous time, when undercurrents were turbulent, this time Yan Qing came to the capital by imperial decree, with a magnificent procession and respectful welcome from all the prefectures and counties along the way. However, the more this happened, the more Yan Qing knew: this audience with the emperor would determine the ultimate fate of Liangshan.

Inside the Wende Hall, Huizong sat on the dragon throne, flanked by princes and ministers, as well as several otherworldly figures in Taoist robes. Yan Qing recognized one of them: none other than Luo Zhenren.

"I am Yan Qing, a humble servant, and I pay my respects to Your Majesty." Yan Qing paid his respects according to the etiquette, but he was quickly calculating the situation in front of him in his mind.

Huizong smiled and raised his hand. "Please stand up, my dear minister. I have summoned you to the capital to discuss three matters."

He looked around at the ministers and said slowly, "First, to discuss the issue of Liangshan's recruitment; second, to determine your status; third..." He looked at Master Luo, "to ask Master Luo about the fate of the Song Dynasty."

Yan Qing knew clearly that these three things seemed unrelated, but in fact they were closely linked.

Grand Tutor Cai Bian was the first to step forward and said, "Your Majesty, although Liangshan has made some contributions, they are ultimately bandits. In my opinion, you should grant them honorary positions and disperse them to avoid raising a tiger that could become a threat."

Immediately, several ministers echoed: "What the Grand Tutor said is absolutely right!"

Yan Qing was calm and composed. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

"But it's okay."

"I believe that the key to recruiting is not official title, but sincerity," Yan Qing said in a clear voice. "If you only offer an empty title, it will inevitably make people feel disheartened. If you treat us with sincerity, everyone in Liangshan will swear allegiance to us until death."

He took out a memorial he had prepared long ago and said, "This is a detailed account of Liangshan's current military strength, farmland, and workshops. Your Majesty, please review it."

The eunuch took the memorial and presented it. Huizong carefully read it, and the more he read, the more astonished he became: "Eighty thousand elite soldiers? Two hundred thousand acres of fertile farmland? And so many workshops?"

Upon hearing this, the officials looked at each other in bewilderment. They had never imagined that Liangshan had grown to such a scale.

Yan Qing added, "Your Majesty, Liangshan is willing to use these as a foundation to establish the 'Jing'an Army', which will be dedicated to suppressing bandits and pacifying the people, protecting the territory and the people. This will not only help the court solve the problem of military pay, but also ensure peace in the area."

This proposal was beyond everyone's expectations. Even Master Luo, who had been silent the whole time, opened his eyes.

Cai Bian said anxiously, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! If we allow them to form their own faction, wouldn't that be nurturing a tiger to cause trouble?"

"Grand Master, you're worrying too much," Zhong Shidao retorted, stepping out of the group. "This old minister thinks this proposal is a very good one. It will not only save the court money, but also allow these brave men to make the most of their talents."

The two groups of ministers immediately started arguing endlessly.

Huizong looked at Master Luo and asked, "What do you think?"

Master Luo slowly stood up, his eyes sweeping over Yan Qing like lightning. "I observed the celestial phenomena tonight and saw that the star of generalship is bright. It is the time to employ men. However..." He changed the subject, "I'm afraid this Young Master Yan is not interested in this."

Everyone's eyes were focused on Yan Qing.

Huizong sighed, "You have a keen eye. Xiaoyi, I know you don't want to be bound by an official position. But you are my flesh and blood, so you must have a status."

Yan Qing knelt down and kowtowed: "Your Majesty, I appreciate your kindness. But I am used to being idle and cannot bear the constraints of the palace. Besides..."

He raised his head, his eyes firm. "If I accept a title or reward, it will inevitably lead to criticism and accusations that Your Majesty is prioritizing personal interests over public service. It would be better for me to be a free and unrestrained wanderer, which would preserve Your Majesty's wisdom."

These words were said so sincerely that even Cai Bian and others were moved.

Huizong was silent for a long time, and finally sighed: "In this case, I will not force you. But..."

He produced an imperial edict: "Regarding the Liangshan annexation, we will proceed as you have instructed. Establish the Jing'an Army, with Lu Junyi as commander-in-chief and Song Jiang as deputy. The remaining leaders will be appointed based on their abilities."

"As for you..." Huizong produced another secret decree, "I grant you the title of 'Marquis of Xiaoyao'. You will not be granted any fiefdoms or salaries, but you may see officials without having to accept them, and you may enter and leave the palace freely."

This is an unprecedented grace! Although the ministers were surprised, they were speechless when they thought of Yan Qing's identity and merits.

Yan Qing kowtowed again to express his gratitude.

Huizong continued, "This third matter... Master, please explain it to me."

Master Luo, whisk in hand, slowly walked into the hall. "I have deduced the mysteries of heaven and see that the fortunes of the Song Dynasty were declining, but have turned around in recent years. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that an anomaly intervened and altered the destiny."

His gaze fell on Yan Qing: "Master Yan, do you know who this anomaly is?"

Yan Qing was shocked. Could it be that Master Luo saw that he was a reborn person?

"The real person is joking, the common people don't know."

Master Luo smiled faintly: "The secret of heaven cannot be revealed. I just want to say that since fate has changed, we should go with the flow. Your Majesty..."

He turned to Huizong and said, "For the next twenty years, the Song Dynasty will have no worries. Just remember: be close to virtuous officials, stay away from villains, prioritize people's livelihood, and reduce corvée labor."

Huizong stood in awe and said, "I will remember the teachings of the Immortal."

After the court meeting, Huizong left Yan Qing alone.

"Xiao Yi, come walk with me."

The two of them strolled in the imperial garden, where the snow had just melted and the red plum blossoms were in full bloom.

"Your mother loves plum blossoms the most." Huizong plucked a red plum blossom and gently placed it in Yanqing's hand. "She said that plum blossoms are the most noble and graceful, standing tall and proud in the snow and frost."

Yan Qing took the plum blossom, feeling mixed emotions.

"Your Majesty, I have something I don't understand. Since you already know my identity, why..."

"Why didn't you recognize me earlier?" Huizong smiled bitterly. "The affairs of the emperor's family are intertwined. If you hadn't come this far through your own efforts, even if I wanted to recognize you, it would be difficult to stop the gossips from the world."

He stopped and looked at Yan Qing seriously: "This is the best now. You have earned respect with your own ability, and I can take care of you openly."

Yan Qing was silent. He finally understood Huizong's good intentions.

"Your Majesty, I am about to go on a long journey. I have a word of advice for you before I depart."

"you say."

"The Song Dynasty's troubles lie not in external enemies, but in internal affairs," Yan Qing said solemnly. "If we can rectify the administration and improve people's livelihood, there is no need to worry about the prosperity of the country."

Huizong nodded: "I've made note of it."

It was already dusk when we left the palace. Wang Duzhi personally saw us off and handed us a brocade box.

"This is what His Majesty asked me to give to you. His Majesty said that if you miss him, you can open it and take a look."

Yan Qing took the brocade box with mixed feelings.

When they returned to the posthouse, Lu Junyi and Song Jiang had been waiting for a long time.

"Xiao Yi, what was the outcome of the court meeting?"

Yan Qing recounted the whole story in detail, and the two were surprised and delighted after hearing it.

"So, the recruitment is successful?" Song Jiang asked excitedly.

"It's done." Yan Qing nodded. "But Brother Gongming, remember, from now on, Liangshan is no longer a bandit group, but the imperial court's Jing'an Army. You must act with caution."

Lu Junyi asked with concern, "Xiao Yi, what about you? Are you really going to leave Liangshan?"

Yan Qing looked at the bright moon outside the window and said softly, "All good things must come to an end. My mission is complete, and it's time to leave."

The next morning, Yan Qing quietly left Bianjing without alerting anyone, leaving only a letter to Lu Junyi.

The letter contained only a few words:

"My dear lord, in this vast world, we must eventually say goodbye. May Liangshan remain a pure land forever, and may each of us brothers find our place. If fate calls, we will meet again in the rivers and lakes."

The sound of horse hooves carried Yan Qing away into the morning mist.

This time, you will be a real traveler in the world, free and easy.

At this time, Yan Qing still didn't know that in the distant south, a familiar figure was waiting for his arrival. The trajectory of fate had already changed quietly without him realizing it...

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Chapter 68 End