Each pursues his own future
Chapter Quote:
Liangshan reformed its system with a new atmosphere, and all the generals were given fiefs to show their abilities.
Xiao Yi left with a determined mind, and from then on he was free to roam the world.
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Spring arrived exceptionally early in the seventh year of the Zhenghe era. Shortly after the Waking of Insects, the ice and snow on Liangshan Lake had already melted, and the spring waters were beginning to rise. The 800-li lake shimmered, and the willow trees along the shore sprouted tender buds, a vibrant atmosphere permeated everywhere.
That morning, the square in front of the Juyi Hall was already bustling with activity. The leaders, clad in brand new official uniforms, stood in a solemn formation according to their rank. Soldiers in gleaming armor lined the square, their banners fluttering. Unlike the melancholy recruitment of Liangshan in previous lives, this time, Liangshan, as a powerful force, had forged an equal alliance with the imperial court.
At three quarters past noon, nine cannon shots were fired. Under the gaze of the crowd, the imperial envoy unfolded the bright yellow imperial edict and read aloud:
"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: The loyalty and bravery of the righteous men of Liangshan are commendable. The Jing'an Army is hereby established to permanently garrison Liangshan Lake, protect the territory and its people, and to demonstrate Heaven's grace..."
When they heard the words "forever guarding Liangshan," many veteran generals were moved to tears. This meant they no longer had to leave their homes, live under someone else's roof, and could continue to protect the land they had watered with their blood.
The following division of fiefs surprised and delighted everyone:
Lu Junyi was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Jing'an Army, in charge of the military and political affairs of the 800-li Water Margin, and was given a gold seal and purple ribbon;
Song Jiang was appointed as the envoy of pacification and given the title of commander of the light chariots, responsible for pacifying the local area.
Wu Yong was appointed as the military advisor and counselor of military affairs;
Lin Chong, Qin Ming and other five tiger generals were given command of the cavalry, infantry and naval forces respectively;
Even Shi Qian was given the title of Head of the Investigation Department, responsible for intelligence...
"Your Majesty is wise!" Lu Zhishen was the first to roar, his voice as resounding as a bell. "This arrangement is what we in Liangshan like! We don't have to look at the faces of those corrupt officials, and we can continue to uphold justice!"
Wu Song smiled, a rare sight, and whispered to Yan Qing beside him, "Brother, this ending is much better than Wu Song imagined."
Yan Qing smiled and nodded, but his eyes were already drifting off into the distance. He knew that after this grand ceremony, it would be time to say goodbye.
The conferment ceremony lasted the entire morning. Afterward, the village held a grand banquet to celebrate this historic moment. After three rounds of drinks, Yan Qing quietly left the bustling gathering hall and strolled to the observatory on the back mountain.
Gongsun Sheng had been waiting there for a long time. Seeing Yan Qing coming, he brushed his whisk and said, "I calculated that Xiao Yi would come to say goodbye today."
Yan Qing looked at the celebrating crowd at the foot of the mountain and said softly, "This matter is over. It's time to leave."
"Where are you going?"
"I don't know." Yan Qing smiled slightly. "Maybe I'll go to Jiangnan to see the beautiful scenery of Suzhou and Hangzhou, or maybe sail overseas to explore the fairy mountains. In this life, I want to truly be a free and unrestrained wanderer."
Gongsun Sheng pulled a smooth jade pendant from his sleeve. "This is what Master Luo asked me to give you the other day. He said if you ever run into trouble, take this jade and go to Erxian Mountain to find him."
Yan Qing took it solemnly and saw that the Big Dipper was engraved on the jade pendant, with a faint light flowing. It was obviously not an ordinary object.
Three days later, Yan Qing began to say goodbye one by one.
He first went to Lu Junyi's headquarters. This former official, now the commander of the Jing'an Army, was reviewing new chariots on the parade grounds. Seeing Yan Qing approach, he waved his attendants away, and the two walked side by side under the willow trees at the edge of the parade grounds.
"Xiao Yi, do you really have to leave?" Lu Junyi's eyes were filled with reluctance. "Now that Liangshan is undergoing restructuring, it's time to recruit more people. Wouldn't it be better if you stayed and helped your brother manage military affairs?"
Yan Qing smiled and shook his head. "You are now the commander of an army, so you must be fair. Xiao Yi being here would only make things difficult for you. Besides..." He looked out at the vast, misty lake. "For all these years, I have been working hard for Liangshan and my brothers. Now that the big thing has been decided, it's time for me to live my own life."
Lu Junyi sighed deeply and pulled out a black iron token from his bosom. "This is the Jing'an Army's mobilization token. Take it. Wherever you go, you can mobilize Liangshan troops at any time if needed."
Yan Qing could not refuse and had to accept it. The token was heavy in the hand, and it was engraved with the four small words "As if I were here in person", which showed the deep trust Huizong had in Liangshan.
Then he went to Song Jiang's yamen. Song Jiang, the timely rainmaker, was in his study reviewing official documents, his desk piled high with documents from various places. Seeing Yan Qing enter, he hurriedly stood up to greet him.
"Brother Gongming is now an official appointed by the imperial court. This is cause for celebration."
Song Jiang smiled bitterly: "This is all thanks to you, Xiaoyi. If it weren't for you, how could Liangshan be in such a good situation today?"
The two recalled the past with a sigh of regret. From the clever capture of the birthday gift to the upheaval in Tokyo, from the secrets of Qinghui Pavilion to the turmoil in the imperial court, this journey was truly thrilling.
"I remember when you first came up the mountain, you were a handsome young man," Song Jiang said with emotion. "Now you've become a man who can influence the government."
Yan Qing poured Song Jiang a cup of tea and said, "Brother Gongming, before we part, I have something to say."
"But you can say it."
"Although the Jing'an Army has gained independence, it is ultimately an imperial army. Brother, remember to balance firmness and flexibility in your dealings. You must preserve the foundation of Liangshan while also maintaining the dignity of the imperial court."
Song Jiang took note and took out a brocade bag: "Here are the contact information of my friends in the outlaws all over the country. Take it with you, it may be useful on the road."
After bidding farewell to Song Jiang, Yan Qing went to visit his other brothers.
In Lu Zhishen's Zen temple, the flower monk was instructing a young monk in martial arts. Seeing Yan Qing approach, he patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, brother Xiaoyi! I'm here to keep Liangshan safe! If you miss us brothers, send a message and I'll bring people to meet you for a drink!"
At Wu Song's residence, the tiger-slaying hero quietly took out a jar of aged wine and said, "Second brother is not good at speaking, so take this wine with you to quench your thirst on the road." After a pause, he added, "If you encounter difficulties, remember that Wu Er will always be your brother."
What surprised Yan Qing the most was Wu Yong. This wise man had set up a table of exquisite food and wine in his courtyard, waiting for Yan Qing.
"Scholar, this is..."
Wu Yong raised his glass and said, "This is a drink of apology. I hope Xiao Yi will forgive me for any offenses I have caused you in the past."
Yan Qing was startled, then realized he was referring to the investigation into his past. He raised his cup and emptied it. "The past is like smoke, so why should I worry about it, scholar? This is all for the greater good of Liangshan."
Wu Yong sighed, "Thinking back, if it weren't for Xiao Yi's constant support, Liangshan would have crumbled long ago. You've repaid evil with kindness, and I feel ashamed. This cup is a thank you."
The two drank three cups in a row, and all the grudges from the past melted away in the wine.
After bidding farewell to the leaders, Yan Qing strolled around the mountain stronghold again and took a last look at the land for which he had put so much effort.
In the school, children were reading his Thousand Character Classic, their tender voices clear and melodious. In front of the clinic, An Daoquan and his disciples provided free medical treatment to the people, with a long, orderly queue. In the workshop, Ling Zhen and Tang Long were testing new weapons, the clanging of ironwork incessant. In the fields, Zhang Qing was guiding farmers with spring plowing, and the lush green rice seedlings were growing beautifully.
All of this is the result of his hard work in this life.
The day of departure finally arrived. Before dawn, Yan Qing quietly arrived at Golden Beach, carrying only a simple bag. To his surprise, the dock was already filled with people bidding him farewell. Not only were there the chieftains, but also many ordinary soldiers and civilians.
"Brother Xiaoyi, take this!" A white-haired old man handed him a bag of carefully prepared dry food. "This is the bread I baked overnight. Eat it on the road."
"Captain Yan, this is a peace charm my mother embroidered..." A young man timidly handed over the sachet, "May it bless you with a safe journey."
"Brother Xiaoyi, take care!" a burly soldier shouted. "Remember to come back often!"
Yan Qing's eyes were filled with warmth as he thanked these simple people one by one.
Lu Junyi stepped forward and held his hand tightly: "Xiao Yi, remember, Liangshan will always be your home! No matter where you go, there will always be a place for you to stay here!"
Song Jiang's eyes were red as well, and he said, "No matter where you go, you must bring back a message! Let the brothers know your whereabouts!"
As the crowd watched, Yan Qing boarded a small boat. The boatman held out his long pole, and the boat slowly left the shore. Standing at the bow, Yan Qing took one last look at the land he had so much work to do.
The rising sun cast golden rays across Liangshan Lake, the shimmering surface seemingly covered in a layer of gold. The outline of the mountain stronghold loomed majestic in the morning light; it was his proudest achievement in this life.
This generation of Liangshan will not repeat the mistakes of the previous one. The brothers are all in their proper places, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the 800-li water marsh has truly become a paradise in troubled times.
When the boat reached the middle of the water, we suddenly heard a deafening cry from the shore:
"Farewell, Chief Yan!"
"Take care, Chief Yan!"
"Remember to go home and visit!"
The voices of tens of thousands of people echoed on the lake, startling a flock of water birds, which fluttered into the sky.
Yan Qing stood at the bow, letting the spring breeze blow his clothes. The loneliness of his past life and the bustle of this life intertwined in his mind, eventually transforming into a sigh of relief.
He could finally leave with peace of mind.
The boat went farther and farther away, and finally disappeared in the morning mist. And in the distant future, a new journey was waiting for him.
This time, you will truly feel that the sea is wide enough for fish to leap and the sky is high enough for birds to fly.
No one noticed that, on a distant hill, a woman in white silently watched the lonely boat sail away. She gently stroked the jade hairpin in her hand, tears glistening in her eyes:
"My child, I wish you a truly happy life..."
The wind blew away the veil covering her face, revealing a face that was exactly the same as the one in the painting that Yan Qing treasured.
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Chapter 69 End
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