It was already late at night, and the clear sound of a clapper could be heard from outside the small skylight. The bandits in the cell had all fallen asleep on a pile of straw. It was still early spring, and the accumulated snow had not melted. The cell was dark and damp.
However, there were different levels of thieves. Not only did Zhang Mao have a cell to himself, but he also had a wooden bed and a quilt that had been covered for who knew how many years. His situation was slightly better. However, the quilt was hard, wet, and heavy. If it were a weak person, he would probably be suffocated by the quilt.
It was cold without a quilt. A quilt … Can this even be called a quilt? Although Zhang Mao was a bandit, he had grown up in a wealthy family. He had never suffered like this. He moved his bed around angrily, but he could not fall asleep.
Just then, he heard the rustling of footsteps. Zhang Mao thought it was a guard on night patrol, so he did not pay much attention. However, the footsteps stopped in front of his cell door. Following that, someone took out a key. Zhang Mao curiously turned his head to look, and could not help but sit up in surprise.
He saw Jiang Bin standing at the door in his military uniform, holding a food box in his hand. Beside him, a guard was untying the iron chains. The door opened, and Jiang Bin stuffed an ingot of silver into the jailer's hand. He whispered a few words to the jailer before entering the cell. The jailer closed the cell door from behind and locked it again.
Zhang Mao tugged at the iron chains, then sat cross-legged on the bed without saying a word.
Jiang Bin carried the food box to his side and placed the dishes one by one on the bed. He took out two large bowls and took out a small jar of wine from the bottom of the food box. After filling the bowls with wine, he also sat cross-legged on the bed.
The cousins sat opposite each other in silence. After a while, Zhang Mao picked up a bowl of wine and gestured to Jiang Bin. The two clinked their glasses lightly, then downed the entire bowl of wine. Zhang Mao wiped his lips, then pressed his hands on his knees and wiped his eyelids. "Brother, I am a Ringing Horse Bandit, and you are a Bazhou guerrilla. You shouldn't have come."
"Brother, don't say such things to me. Come, drink!"
Zhang Mao let out a deep laugh. He opened his eyes and took the bowl. He clinked glasses with Jiang Bindi and drained it in one gulp. Then he asked, "My house has already been raided, right?"
"I haven't taken care of it yet. The imperial envoy's manpower is limited and he doesn't trust me. He only relied on his people to escort a large group of people back to Bazhou. It took him half a day and it's getting late. Now that he has people trapped in the house, tomorrow … it's hard to say. Big Brother, is there anything you need me to do? "
Zhang Mao didn't even raise his head. He smiled faintly and said, "Money and beauty are just fleeting clouds. They come and go as they please. It's nothing."
Jiang Bin sighed softly and handed the chopsticks to Zhang Mao. While serving the dishes, he said, "Big Brother, I was really shocked when I heard about you. It's already late at night, and I only remembered to visit you first. Big Brother, are you … really the Ringing Horse Bandit?"
Zhang Mao picked up a mouthful of food and stuffed it into his mouth. There was a trace of a smile in his eyes as he calmly said, "What do you think?"
Jiang Bin shook his head and said, "Impossible! Cousin's family has been a rich and powerful family in Bazhou for several generations. I remember when I came to visit with my mother when I was young. At that time, your family's land was boundless and you were a famous rich family in Bazhou. You don't lack food and clothes, why do you have to do this kind of business? "
Jiang Bin asked tentatively, "Is it … those Ringing Horse Bandits threatened you to do something for them and dragged you into this? If it is, you can tell me. No matter what, I'm still the Guerrilla Warfare General of Bazhou and have a good relationship with Duke Wei. I'll fight this case for you. "
Zhang Mao laughed heartily and said, "Alright, you're indeed my brother. Hehehe, brother, to tell you the truth, I'm not only a Ringing Horse Bandit, I'm also the real leader of the Ringing Horse Bandits."
He stroked his mustache and smiled, "Don't blame big brother for not telling you in the past. There's no benefit in telling you this. My ancestor was originally an ordinary herdsman of the Duoyan Sanwei. He could not survive outside the pass, so he fled to the Central Plains. The imperial court settled my family in Bazhou and gave us four acres of land, which was considered a shelter. When it comes to farming and doing business, how can we compare to the Han? We squandered it all in just a few years. How did you manage to buy such a large family business, huh? "
Jiang Bin was flabbergasted and murmured, "Could it be … could it be …"
Zhang Mao said, "That's right. My ancestor was a great bandit, a lone bandit. Later, he made a name for himself and took in some people. Many of them were from the Wu Liang What tribe who had migrated inland. They robbed everywhere for a living. My ancestor became the leader of the bandits. That's how the Zhang family's wealth was accumulated. When I go out to do business, I do it without any capital. Do you think I really traveled all over the country to earn small profits? "
Jiang Bin was tongue-tied and couldn't say a word. After a long while, he swallowed and said, "God, I really didn't expect … But you have such a large business now. Why do you still need to do this kind of business? If you had stopped earlier, how could you be here today?"
Zhang Mao chuckled, "Brother, a big business also costs a lot. I'm not good at farming and managing money, and I don't know how to do business either. Are you going to just sit around and eat your money away? What else can I do besides this business? Haha, don't feel sorry for me. I've enjoyed half of my life. Others can't enjoy the glory, wealth, wine, women, avarice, and temper. It's not a loss! "
Jiang Bin said, "You're not a loss, but what about the Zhang family?"
Zhang Mao chuckled and said, "I'm a great bandit, not a rebel. At most, I'll just confiscate my family's assets. I have two sons, the oldest of whom is only nine years old. I won't be implicated. If you're sincere, help me raise them."
Zhang Mao said in disappointment. He raised the bowl and took another big gulp.
Jiang Bin gritted his teeth and looked outside. He lowered his voice and said, "Brother, I don't care if you're a good citizen or a great bandit. I know you're my brother. I'll think of a way to save you!"
Zhang Mao's body trembled and he stared at Jiang Bin in shock. Jiang Bin's expression was resolute and he didn't even blink.
After staring at him for a while, Zhang Mao said in a low voice, "You're a You Ji General with a bright future ahead of you. If you save me, you'll become an imperial criminal and have to roam the world with me. Aren't you afraid?"
Jiang Bin said resolutely, "Between brothers, loyalty is as high as the clouds. If I haggle over such things, would I still be a man?"
Zhang Mao's eyes flickered for a while. He shook his head slightly and said, "Good brother, in order to save me, you'd rather give up your bright future. With a brother like you, I can die in peace. I'll take responsibility for what I've done. I can't let you down. It's enough that you have the heart! "
Jiang Bin said anxiously, "Brother, I'm sincere. You've been arrested this time not only for the ordinary crime of banditry, but also for attacking the imperial envoy's convoy. That's a crime punishable by death by a thousand cuts. How can I be at ease as an official? "
Jiang Bin said, "The imperial envoy's soldiers are guarding outside the prison. I can't mobilize them. I have just arrived in Bazhou and haven't gotten my feet wet in the officialdom yet. Although I have brought a few loyal brothers with me, I can't bear to ask them to do such a disgraceful thing with me. Secondly, they might not be willing to do such a big thing with me even if it's something else. I think … …
Your mansion covers an area of a few hundred mu. The soldiers won't be able to watch it. Tonight, I'll sneak into your mansion and rescue my two nephews. I'll send them out of the city first. Tomorrow morning, when the imperial envoy sends someone to bring you to court, he'll send Yamachi to escort you out of prison. This is our only chance. At that time, I'll prepare a horse in the dark and rescue you. With our martial arts skills, we'll definitely be able to kill our way out of Bazhou. "
Zhang Mao thought about it and shook his head resolutely, "No!"
Jiang Bin said anxiously, "Brother!"
Zhang Mao still shook his head, "No! I'm a bandit and you're a general with a bright future ahead of you. It's heartless to drag you down and flee the world with me! So many of my brothers have been captured and thrown into prison. If I escape from Bazhou alone and leave them behind, that's unjust. Zhang Mao is a man of indomitable spirit. If he does such an unjust thing, even if he escapes, how would he have the face to live in this world? "
Jiang Bin rubbed his hands, "Aiya, my silly brother, aren't these people your subordinates? They're doing the work of putting their heads in their pockets. If they really die, it's up to the heavens and they can't blame anyone else. "
"No, in Zhang Mao's life, there's only righteousness. Loyalty comes first. What's a mere life worth? Besides, if we escape from Bazhou, we can't stay. It's fine if it's just you and me, but how can we escape the soldiers' blockade with two babies? "
Jiang Bin stood up agitatedly and grabbed Zhang Mao's hand. He said in a trembling voice, "Brother, if I sit back and watch you get beheaded, how can I live in this world? Listen to me. Tomorrow, the imperial envoy will definitely interrogate you. I'll think of a way to save you. Brother's martial arts are better than mine. As long as you leave the prison, no one will be able to trap you.
Brother has been in business for many years and must have a few places to hide. I'll hide with my nephew for a while to avoid the wind and go far away. If brother is careless … careless … Brother, let my nephew be adopted into the Jiang family. I'm the only child in the Jiang family. It's enough to have someone to carry on the family line and fulfill my filial duty. I'll go prepare now! "
Jiang Bin turned and left after saying this. Seeing him stride like a shooting star, he didn't hesitate at all. Zhang Mao's heart wavered, and the little bit of doubt he had disappeared. He jumped off the bed, and with a clatter of metal chains, his five fingers clasped onto Jiang Bin's shoulder. "Come back! Sit down and talk! "
Jiang Bin struggled free and said, "What else is there to say? Listen to me. I'll go back and prepare now."
Zhang Mao pulled him back and pressed him down on the head of the bed. "Sit down! I've said it before. I, Zhang Mao, will never run away alone. Don't waste your time. With me here, they can still keep their lives. If I run away, the court will vent its anger on these brothers and behead them all. To tell you the truth, seventy percent of those captured are not my subordinates. They attacked the imperial envoy's honor guard for me, but now that I've run away alone, won't I be the laughing stock of those on the same path? "
Jiang Bin was taken aback. "What? Seventy percent of them aren't your subordinates? How … how did this come to be? "
Zhang Mao sighed. "It's a long story, so I won't hide it from you. My family's business is large, and our expenses are high. We don't have any other business, so we can't just run a business that doesn't cost us anything. But we've been here for a hundred years, so there are many things to worry about. That's why, a long time ago, I dismissed most of my subordinates, leaving only a few confidants. Every year, I only do one or two business deals to prevent my whereabouts from being exposed. Heh! If I had continued like this, the government might not have noticed my existence.
Once, I went to a better house, but when I entered the door, I found that someone had already made a move before me. How could I not be careful when there were unknown people on the same path right under my nose? I investigated openly and secretly, and found a large family that was easy to make a move on. In the end, I found traces of that group of people. As the saying goes, no discord, no concord. After some competition, their leader and I became sworn brothers.
They were both horse farmers in Bazhou. Their martial arts were outstanding, and their horsemanship was outstanding. Because the government was too harsh, they had no way to make a living, so they could only steal in the dark. I mainly stole, and only used force when I was discovered. But they really stole, coming and going like the wind. They relied on their martial arts, so they were once regarded as mountain bandits. I was a great bandit, and they were the real ringing horses.
The Ringing Horse Bandits were all local people. If they were familiar with each other, then as long as one of them made a mistake, the government could follow the clues and find all of them. Therefore, the leaders of the Ringing Horse Bandits were very shrewd. Since the beginning, when they had the idea of becoming Ringing Horse Bandits, they began to recruit people separately. Each of them would lead a sentry, and their subordinates would not communicate with each other. This way, no matter who was caught, if they could not endure the torture and rebelled, it would not affect others. This was much safer than me being a lone bandit, so I brought my men and joined them. "
Zhang Mao smiled bitterly. "Sigh! Who knew that I didn't give myself away as a Ringing Horse Bandit, but in the end, I failed because of my big backer. I don't have many trusted followers left. In order to save Zhang Zhong, I borrowed some men from my sworn brothers. They were captured because of me. I can't save them, but I can't abandon them! "
Zhang Mao let out a long sigh and patted Jiang Bin's shoulder. "Brother, there are things a man can do and things he can't. Although I am from a bandit family, bandits have their own principles. I, Zhang Mao, will not do anything that will let you down. It's just death, what's the big deal?"
Zhang Mao finished speaking and sat cross-legged. "I am already very happy that you came to see me today. Come, let's drink to our heart's content tonight. From tomorrow onwards, you don't have to come. With our relationship, we can't wait to avoid arousing suspicion."
He smiled disdainfully. "Although we are bandits, we are open and aboveboard. We treat our brothers with sincerity. If you want to talk about treacherous, despicable, and profit-seeking, then there is no better place than in the government. You are a You Ji General at such a young age. Don't give those who are jealous of you anything to use against you! "
Hearing bandits talk about righteousness and officials talk about benefits, Jiang Bin couldn't help but blush. But when he looked up, Zhang Mao's face was full of concern and sincerity. It was obvious that Zhang Mao really believed him.
Jiang Bin grabbed the wine bowl and drained it in one gulp. Leaning on the table, he muttered to himself. After a long time, he suddenly raised his head. "Since Big Brother is determined not to leave, I have another idea. Since we are willing to die together, why not live together with them?"
Zhang Mao was startled. "Live together? How are we going to save so many people? "
Jiang Bin said, "Why should we save them? Can't we make the Imperial Envoy release you on his own? "
Zhang Mao's gaze froze. "What do you mean?"
"Since defying is death and obeying is life, then why not … submit to the government!"
As soon as he said this, Zhang Mao's gaze suddenly became as sharp as an arrow. His pair of iron palms also straightened like knives.
Jiang Bin acted as if he didn't notice and continued. "Big Brother, I have understood what you said just now. Big Brother is a bandit for generations and has taken this as his career. But your sworn brothers and their subordinates are horse households in Bazhou. They are desperate to survive so they took the risk out of desperation. Speaking of which, there is no unresolvable hatred between them and the government. Isn't it just for money?
Duke Wei wants to completely wipe out the Bazhou Ringing Horse Bandits and restore peace to the people. But even if he managed to capture Big Brother, he can't do it. At the same time, it is impossible for Big Brother and his captured subordinates to escape. Since that is the case, why doesn't Big Brother submit to the government? With your martial arts skills, don't you think you can't have a bright future … "
Before he could finish, Zhang Mao's expression changed and he shouted angrily, "Shut up! Do you think Zhang Mao is a coward who is afraid of death? "
He paused for a moment before suppressing his anger. "To think that you are my brother and have my best interests at heart. Forget it! I will pretend that you have never said this. If it was someone else, just because he looks down on me, I will make him bleed! "
Jiang Bin wasn't afraid and said in a deep voice, "Big Brother, you have misunderstood me. I am not asking you to betray your friends for glory. Whether it is helping you escape from prison or persuading you to submit to the government, I only want you to escape this knife. Why are you bandits? Big Brother is from a great bandit family and you were born to be a bandit. You have never thought of finding another profession. Actually, with your current connections and assets, you can be a peaceful and wealthy man. Why are the Bazhou Ringing Horse Bandits? Isn't it that simple that they can't survive? Is it to enforce justice on behalf of heaven?
Duke Wei wants to wipe out the Bazhou Ringing Horse Bandits and make a great contribution. Why doesn't Big Brother give him this contribution? I am not asking you to join the government to wipe out the Bazhou Ringing Horse Bandits but to persuade your brothers to accept the government's offer of amnesty. When Duke Wei is at his wit's end, he will definitely agree to it.
Since it is a appeasement and they will submit to the government, he will have to think of a way to settle them down. Those ordinary horse farmers will be given land and they won't need to be bandits anymore. Big Brother and your sworn brothers will definitely be offered amnesty by the government as officials. If they become officials, won't they be better off being bandits? At the end of the day, Duke Wei wants no more Bazhou Ringing Horse Bandits and Big Brother wants to live a good life. Doesn't this mean that both of your wishes have been fulfilled? "
Hearing this, Zhang Mao's stern expression gradually faded and he slowly lowered his head. His expression was uncertain. Jiang Bin said, "Big Brother, you should have heard about the four great bandits of the Eastern Sea. They have also opposed the government for many years and killed ten times more soldiers than you. So what?
Among the four bandits, the stubborn Snow Cat and Fur Seal were slaughtered. However, Bai Xiaocao and Beauty Wang who sincerely pledged allegiance to the government are now military governors. The four great bandits of the Eastern Sea plundered the sea and took all the people and goods. They are guilty of the most heinous crimes, but the government has shown mercy and even entrusted them with important tasks. What is Big Brother afraid of? "
Zhang Mao silently looked at the Rustling Horse Bandits in the cells on both sides. They were huddled together to resist the cold, like dogs with cheap lives, pitiful and lowly.
"Then … how do you want me to surrender? How do I convince my sworn brothers? "Zhang Mao stared at Jiang Bin and suddenly asked.
Jiang Bin was stunned and said, "This … I … I also don't know. Uh, Big Brother agrees? Then … then I have to first probe the Duke's opinion and see if he is willing to offer amnesty. "
Now that Zhang Mao had really relented, Jiang Bin felt guilty. Zhang Mao saw that Jiang Bin was embarrassed and stuttering, and he no longer had any doubts. Cousin was definitely not sent by Yang Ling to lure me to surrender. Otherwise, seeing that I had relented, he would have thrown out an even bigger bait, such as an official title or a wish, to lure me into taking the bait. Now that he is stammering and wants to retreat, it looks like Cousin is truly thinking for me.
Thinking of this, Zhang Mao's expression softened and said, "Younger Cousin, I have wronged you. What you said makes sense. In fact, I occasionally think of the fact that my family has been bandits for generations and my descendants will also do the same. Can this continue forever? It's just that I can't think of any other way out. Try it. If Yang Ling is willing, then … I am willing to give it a try! "
※ ※ ※
"What? Let … let you out? "Jiang Bin's eyes widened.
It was over, he had messed up again. Yang Ling had originally instructed him to rescue Zhang Mao and find the bandits' lair to catch them all in one fell swoop. Who would have thought that Jiang Bin's acting was too righteous, and Zhang Mao was so touched that he refused to be a burden to his brother. Moreover, he could only be the only one who would be released. Yang Ling would not agree to let him 'rescue' all the Ringing Horse Bandits. Just this alone would make Zhang Mao, who was full of righteousness, not run away.
Seeing that his plan had failed, Jiang Bin had an idea and began to persuade Zhang Mao to surrender on his own. He did not expect Zhang Mao to really be tempted. Jiang Bin hurried back to report to Yang Ling. Yang Ling thought for a long time and finally agreed after weighing the pros and cons.
A ruler must have a long-term vision and not be calculative about temporary gains and losses. The Ringing Horse Bandits of Bazhou made a living by plundering and had indeed killed people. But at present, it seemed that using Zhang Mao to completely eliminate the Ringing Horse Bandits was not successful. If the Ringing Horse Bandits did not disappear, there was no telling how many more people would be harmed in the future.
Bazhou had now eliminated three pests in a row with thunderous means, like digging out three poisonous boils on a sick body. It was time to recuperate. The Ringing Horse Bandits were secretive, had no fixed base, and could not mobilize an army to eliminate them. Recruiting them was a good thing for the country and the people. Those who were in a high position would always consider the interests. They would choose how to let the court and the people get the most benefits, and not haggle over the past.
In order to show his sincerity, Yang Ling personally came to the prison to meet Zhang Mao to discuss the matter of recruiting him. He did not expect Zhang Mao to propose to let him out of prison and let him meet his sworn brothers alone to persuade them to surrender. This was different from Yang Ling's original plan. At that time, although he also wanted to let him out of prison, he wanted Jiang Bin, the spy, to follow him. Now to let him go alone? Would the High Duke believe that he would not run away?
Jiang Bin looked at Yang Ling worriedly, but he saw Yang Ling pondering for a while, as if he had made up his mind. He smiled faintly and said, "I agree!"
This time, even Zhang Mao was stunned. He said in disbelief, "High Duke … you trust me so much?"
"I trust you! Zhang Mao's words carry weight, and he is not a villain who forgets his principles for personal gain! However, this matter is of great importance, and the High Duke has to take precautions. If you leave the prison, it will not be empty. I want your son and daughter to be held hostage in this prison. Whether the recruitment is successful or not, I will pardon them when you return. If you don't come … "
Yang Ling's gaze turned cold, like two clusters of flames. Zhang Mao gritted his teeth and said, "Fine! I will use my son as a hostage! Whether it is successful or not, Zhang Mao will return here. "
"Good!" Yang Ling nodded and smiled. "Wooden Club, go to Zhang Mao's residence and fetch the two children. Don't scare them."
Big Wooden Club agreed and turned to leave. Yang Ling called out again, "Jiang Bin!"
Jiang Bin was in a daze. When he heard the call, he quickly cupped his hands and said, "High Duke!"
Yang Ling raised his chin towards the prison door and said, "Go in! If Zhang Mao doesn't return, you will take his place and take a stab in his place! "
"Ah?" Jiang Bin's eyes widened.
Zhang Mao heard this and said angrily, "Sir, what does this have to do with Jiang Bin? Why do you want to implicate him? "
Yang Ling smiled and said, "I wanted to comb through Bazhou from head to toe. Although it will take a long time and involve many people, I don't believe that I can't sift out the lice hiding among the people. It was Jiang Bin who suggested to the High Duke to recruit you, so he will naturally have to bear the punishment. If you leave, the High Duke can only punish him! "
Jiang Bin was quick-witted and understood that Yang Ling was using him to add more weight to his cousin's heart. Jiang Bin immediately strode into the prison door calmly and said in a loud and clear voice, "Good! Cousin, don't worry and go. Jiang Bin is willing to take your place! "
Zhang Mao's heart warmed and he patted Jiang Bin's shoulder. He pursed his lips but didn't say anything. At this moment, two prison guards came forward to remove his handcuffs and leg shackles. Zhang Mao stretched his limbs and bowed to his brothers in the various cells. He said in a loud voice, "Brothers, everyone can't live anymore. We have no choice but to walk the path of banditry. Otherwise, who would be willing to rob and rob and do this for a living?
Now, the High Duke has given us a way out. If we can convince the leaders to accept the imperial court's offer of amnesty, he will let us go. Zhang Mao will leave now to discuss with the brothers. If the brothers are willing to give up their lives, I will bring them back. If the brothers are unwilling, Zhang Mao will definitely come back and live and die with them. Within three days, Zhang Mao will definitely come back. Everyone, do you trust me? "
The prison burst into an uproar. The Ringing Horse Bandits all bowed and said loudly, "We trust you! We respectfully send Big Brother off and await Big Brother's good news! "
Zhang Mao laughed and met Yang Ling's eyes. He slightly bowed and walked out in large strides. His gait was like a dragon or a tiger. He looked disdainful and majestic. He indeed had the air of a great hero.
Yang Ling smiled and also walked out. Wu Hanchao followed closely behind. The prison was full of Ringing Horse Bandits. Jiang Bin did not dare to raise his voice and could only continue to pretend. He returned to the head of the bed and sat down. He began to let his imagination run wild again. Evil thoughts … it all started yesterday morning. Hmm, yesterday morning I took a concubine and moved into the new house. Then … I was busy all night. I haven't even returned home and now I have to stay here again. Is it because the fengshui of the house I bought is bad or is it because Wang Mantang's horoscope is bad?
Yang Ling followed Zhang Mao out of the prison. Zhang Mao had already leaped onto the horse that had been prepared for him. Zhang Mao lifted the reins and bowed to Yang Ling. He said, "High Duke, I will take my leave now!"
Yang Ling smiled and bowed. "I await Brother Zhang's good news!"
Zhang Mao grabbed the horse's abdomen and suddenly whipped it. The horse neighed and galloped away. Yang Ling watched as the man and horse disappeared at the end of the street. He was about to walk towards his sedan when he heard the sound of galloping horses from the other side. He turned his head and saw that it was coming from the direction of the sun. The sun was blinding.
He squinted his eyes and waited for the horse to gallop in front of him. Only then did he see that the handsome young general in front of him was Song Ai. Behind him was a man dressed in an ordinary grey robe. He looked travel-worn and seemed to have traveled a long way.
Song Ai dismounted and hurriedly came forward. She moved closer to Yang Ling and whispered a few words in his ear. Yang Ling's body shook violently. He turned his head to look at Song Ai again. His face had changed color. Song Ai nodded, and Yang Ling immediately walked toward the grey-robed man. Without waiting for the man to greet him, Yang Ling grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side, whispering to him.
Wu Hanchao saw that the High Duke was surrounded by soldiers and there were no passersby. He pulled Song Ai and asked in a low voice, "What happened?"
Song Ai lowered her voice and said, "Get the High Duke back to the capital immediately!"
"What?" Wu Hanchao was shocked and hurriedly asked, "What happened in the capital?"
Song Ai pulled his sleeve and said, "Be quiet, the Empress Dowager has passed away …"
"The Empress Dowager she …" Yang Ling composed himself and asked, "When will the imperial edict arrive?"
The man in the grey robe said, "The Emperor has just issued the edict. Eunuch Miao immediately ordered me to rush here to report the news. The eunuch who delivered the edict cannot compare to us Imperial Horse Supervisors. The carriage is very slow. It will take three days to travel more than two hundred li."
Yang Ling was slightly relieved. If that was the case, he still had time to deal with the successful recruitment of the Rattling Horse Bandits in Bazhou.
The man in the grey robe continued, "Scholars Li and Yang are already on their way back to the capital. Now they have received a notice from the courier office to speed up their journey. When the Former Emperor passes away and the new Emperor ascends to the throne, there will be both happiness and mourning. The scale may not be as grand as now. The Empress Dowager has passed away. As the grandson of the Emperor, the current Emperor must mourn and watch over the coffin. All the ministers and relatives of the Emperor must attend the funeral. This is a major event. You must not underestimate it. "
Yang Ling nodded. The ancients valued etiquette more than fate. He had learned this from Wang Qiong and the others.
The man in the grey robe lowered his voice again and said, "If it was only for this matter, Eunuch Miao naturally would not have ordered me to rush here in the night. High Duke, the Emperor has summoned you back to the capital. Liu Jin has asked for an imperial edict. Deputy Imperial Envoy Liang Hong will stay in Bazhou and guard it. He will also take over all the unfinished matters. If you want to deal with Zhang Zhong and the other corrupt officials, you must do it within these three days!"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
