Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 419 Declaration
After breakfast, Zhao Zhen took another nap before going to the front hall.

When everyone in the training ground saw him, they all rushed over. Bao Xu asked, "Master, do you have a place to go?"

Zhao Zhen said, "A few days ago, Yuncheng County Magistrate Kong Hou wrote to the court saying that there were bandits hiding in Yuntaigang and Duozishan in the territory. Although there were not many bandits, they were still a potential threat. Now that the land and population of Yuncheng County have been registered, I want to mobilize Liu Tang and his men to suppress the bandits while we have some free time. We can go with them, first to suppress the bandits, and second to clear the wild beasts in the mountains."

"There is no need to mobilize many troops, just mobilize the Shenji Battalion to go with us."

Bao Xu said: "It's a pity that I can't protect you, sir."

Zhao Zhen asked: "Brother Yan Shude is going to visit his relatives, and the village still needs your support."

As he spoke, Zhao Zhen ordered the Shenji Battalion, the Huqi Du and the Qingqi Liuye Du, and the understaffed Hongqi Nv'er Du to pack up and assemble in front of the village in half an hour. The heroes who accompanied them included the commanders of the various battalions and four people from Shezhou.

As they were talking, Zhao Zhen saw Ding An coming in from outside the manor. Ding An said, "Sir, this is a pigeon letter from Fan County."

Zhao Zhen took the pigeon letter and unfolded it to read. It was from the county magistrate Wang Lun. The letter said: The angel has arrived in Fan County, Chao Gai is escorting the militia, and will arrive at Liangshan in one or two days.

After Zhao Zhen looked at it, he said to everyone, "It seems that the winter hunt will have to be postponed for a few days."

Yu Baosi heard this and said, "Sir, if you want to fight, I never went into battle when I was fighting against Song Jiang in Qingzhou, but you want me to be the vanguard this time."

Bao Xu said: "You are the chief guard, the commander of the Fengshuai Banner, how can you lead the charge? I lead the heavy front and I can't even be a vanguard."

Zhao Zhen said, "What kind of war can there be in Fan County? We have received the imperial decree to suppress Song Jiang. An angel will come to deliver the decree in the next two days. Therefore, the winter hunt will be postponed for two days. Today, all brothers should prepare for the winter hunt. During the winter hunt, we should compare our harvests. I will take out ten pieces of exquisite gold and silver jewelry newly made by brother Zheng Tianshou from the storehouse as prizes."

After hearing this, everyone responded loudly and went down to prepare.

Zhao Zhen sent someone to call Xiao Rang, Pei Xuan, Jiang Jing and Zhu Wu to discuss matters, and also ordered people to prepare to welcome the angel.

Soon, the four of them, along with Liu Huiniang, sat down in the hall. Zhao Zhen told them the news. Everyone pondered for a moment, and Xiao Rang spoke first, "There are quite a few people coming. Apart from the craftsmen and their families, there is no hope for anything else."

Pei Xuan said: "There must be many words of praise in this imperial edict, but as for the rest, don't expect too much. After all, we are just a vassal state, and we have never paid tribute. This has always been the case with the court."

Xiao Rang said, "After the imperial edict arrives, how should we greet him? There are also etiquettes involved, and we should not use etiquette. I heard that there is a lady named Wang in Yuncheng County who seems to know something, so why not invite her to assist us?"

Pei Xuan shook his head and said, "I have also seen the governor of a prefecture receiving an imperial edict. When the imperial edict arrives, the governor should lead all the officials in full ceremony to welcome the emperor at Pingzheng Bridge, return to Zhenya Bridge to get off the sedan chair, and lead all the palace officials to announce the imperial edict."

"Then the curtain of the Spring Pavilion was issued, and all the officials bowed again on the incense table. The Sibin, holding incense, led the judge to the left of the Edict Pavilion, and the judge stood on the right. The judge held his hut in the pavilion, holding the Edict and turned back to the pavilion. The left seat stood facing south, and the Sibin invited the prefect to come forward. The left seat faced north, facing the judge, and the judge knelt to present the Edict, and the prefect knelt to receive it, and they all prostrated themselves, and the prefect held up his hut and held the Edict."

"He walks to the right prayer position, facing north, opposite the judge, kneels to present the edict, the judge kneels to receive the tablet, and each bows down. The prefect returns to stand slightly in front of the incense case, the judge holds the edict, goes up to the reading platform and stands facing south. After reading, he steps down from the platform, holds the edict and places it in the pavilion, and the judge returns to his seat. The prefect leads all the officials to bow again. This is the end."

Zhao Zhen frowned and said, "This is too complicated."

Pei Xuan said: "This is intentional by the court. The ceremony for the local officials to welcome the emperor is so grand and complicated, just to publicize the court's control over the local areas. It is to prevent the people from only knowing the parents but not the emperor."

Seeing that Zhao Zhen seemed reluctant, Jiang Jing said, "Sir, although the welcoming ceremony is complicated, it is not unavoidable. Liangshan is currently building a city wall, and all parts are incomplete. We will use this as an excuse to appeal to the angel. We will also ask the cavalry of the Left and Right Brave Cavalry Battalions to be fully equipped and go ten miles outside the city to welcome us, and then directly bring us to the village to receive the order on the parade ground."

Zhao Zhen said: "This is the best. It can save trouble and show the bravery of the soldiers."

Xiao Rang wanted to say something but stopped himself. Seeing that no one objected, he did not say anything more.

After some discussion, everyone decided to let the left and right brave cavalry battalions set out early to meet the angel on the road.

Pei Xuan led his men to set up the incense table. He did not want the common people to gather around and watch, so only the troops from the two camps of Chongfengdu watched the ceremony in the parade ground.

Liu Hui Niang then said, "Sir, do you know who the angel who came to announce the decree is?"

Zhao Zhen shook his head and said, "It was not mentioned in the pigeon letter. He is just an official in the court who announces the imperial edict. I think he has some relationship with Tong Shumi."

Liu Hui Niang said, "Sir, many of these heroes are wanted. I'm afraid the court is not completely unaware of this, but it's better not to expose it in public. We should be careful about this. If we pretend not to know about it, there will be a chance to turn things around."

Everyone nodded in agreement after hearing this. Although it was a Ji Mi state, superficial respect was still required.

However, the angel who brought the imperial edict to the group of people in Tokyo was not what Zhao Zhen had guessed. This person was indeed a graduate of the imperial examination, a disciple of the emperor, with a surname of Hou and a single given name of Meng. He also came with a secret imperial edict, intending to inspect Liangshan.

In addition, Zhang Ganban was sent from the residence of Grand Tutor Cai, and Li Yuhou was sent from the residence of Marshal Gao Dian. On the contrary, Tong Guan did not send anyone. The two accompanied Hou Xuanzhi on the road, and they also intended to observe.

After all, in the two expeditions to suppress Song Jiang, the other armies suffered heavy casualties, and the one with the greatest victory was Liangshan Prefecture, which was the least valued by the court.

On the third day, the angel finally arrived. Baishi Manor, as agreed, laid out five-colored silks and satins, and hung colorful flowers in the hall. Wang Tianba, Tang Bin and other officers greeted the angels and escorted them all the way to the Baishi Manor training ground. Hou Meng and others brought the imperial edict into the manor and set up the Dragon Pavilion incense table.

Zhao Zhen led Xiao Rang, Zhu Wu and other generals, Cheng Wan'er and other wives and concubines, and knelt in a row facing north. Pei Xuan shouted at them to bow. After bowing, Hou Meng faced south and stood to the left of the Dragon Pavilion. He unfolded the imperial edict and was about to read it when Li Yuhou behind him suddenly said, "Zhao, why don't you invite all the elders and common people in the city to come forward and listen to the imperial edict?"

Pei Xuan on the side scolded: "Who are you? How dare you interrupt in front of Xuan Zhao?"

Li Yuhou said: "I am Li Yan, Yuhou of the Grand Tutor's Mansion. I am here to escort the angels on the orders of the Grand Tutor."

Pei Xuan said: "Even so, you are not allowed to speak carelessly in front of the Marquis's decree."

"The construction of Liangshan Prefecture has been delayed because of the campaign against Song Jiang. Now, while it is still ice-free, we are conscripting corvée laborers and speeding up the construction of the city walls to prevent small groups of thieves from infiltrating."

Li Yuhou listened and took a step back. Hou Meng then read out:

The decree said: "I respect the heaven and follow the example of my ancestors, and inherit the great foundation. I rely on your outstanding support to support the great cause. Recently, there have been many alarms at the border, and the country has been in sparse peace. You have been sent to Zhaoze, traveled through mountains and rivers, crossed dangerous obstacles, and achieved the feat of beheading the enemy and capturing the city. I really appreciate your help."

Today, I have specially sent Hou Meng to bring the imperial edict, and give Zhao Ze gold, silver, robes, satin, famous horses, clothes, armor, imperial wine and other things to commend your merits. The powerful thief Song Jiang has rebelled in Qingzhou and recaptured the city. I have ordered Zhao Ze to be the vanguard of the expedition to the Eastern Capital, the General Dingyuan, to lead the Liangshan troops to suppress Song Jiang.

You soldiers, you have worked together and been loyal. If you have made great contributions to the rebellion, you will be rewarded. Soldiers will still be sent to defend the captured prefectures and counties. After the rebellion is stabilized, officials will be appointed to take up their posts. The leaders of the three armies, Zhao Ze, will take the spoils from the prefectures and counties invaded by Song Jiang, and give them as rewards, and make a list to report to the emperor.

The original fugitives, thinking of Wu Song, Lu Zhishen and others, who have always been loyal and righteous and have never been violent, are now determined to repay their merits in the expedition against Song Jiang. Although they have committed crimes, they all have their own reasons. Looking at their true feelings, we feel deeply sorry for them.

I have now specially sent Hou Meng to carry the imperial edict and personally go to Liangshan to pardon all crimes committed by meritorious personnel, big or small. You should respect it! Special decree.

The winter month of the first year of Xuanhe.

After Hou Meng finished reading the imperial edict, Zhao Zhen and others shouted "Long live the emperor" and expressed their gratitude.

Hou Meng issued three more imperial edicts and read them out in public, which indeed conferred the titles of Ruren on Zhao Zhen's three concubines, Liu Huiniang, Hu Sanniang, and Chen Liqing, who had not yet married into the family.

After the two received the order, Hou Meng took the gold, silver, and silk and handed them over to Zhao Zhen one by one, including: 200 taels of gold, 1,000 taels of silver, ten linings of brocade, a set of brocade robes, a third-level iron-backed silver-maned horse, a set of third-level black lacquer armor with Shunshui Mountain pattern, and 100 bottles of imperial wine.

Finally, the lady's ceremonial clothes, including the imperial robe, the imperial chariot, the imperial robe, the red robe, the hairpin and the daily clothes were taken out, and Liu Huiniang, Hu Sanniang and Chen Liqing stepped forward to take them.

Zhao Zhen bowed again, and then invited Hou Meng and his party to the hall. The artisans who came with the army were taken care of by the Military Equipment Supervisor. The guards of the imperial guards were also settled.

Cheng Wan'er and the others had different expressions. After paying their respects, they left first.

Zhao Zhen held a grand banquet, and everyone took turns drinking. There was a lot of fanfare in front of the hall. There were mountains of meat and seas of wine. After the reception, the angel was sent to rest.

Zhao Zhen drank the hangover soup and cheered himself up. He said to Xiao Rang, "Brother Xiao Rang, this Hou Meng is quite kind and his words are respectful. What's hateful is that Li Yuhou and Zhang Ganban are testing us in every way. They even shamelessly asked for the imperial wine at the banquet. This wine is given by the emperor. We brothers have never drunk it. How dare a mere Yuhou ask for it."

Xiao Rang said, "It's easy to see the King of Hell, but it's hard to deal with the little devil. If you offend him like this at the table, I'm afraid he will slander you in front of the Grand Master."

"Tomorrow these guys actually want to inspect the soldiers. It seems they want to find out more about us."

Zhao Zhen said: "Reviewing the soldiers is exactly what I want. The cavalry of the two capitals and the heavy vanguard that showed up today will be in the front tomorrow. Those who gathered in the nearby villages at the back, wearing rattan armor and holding machetes, just said that there is a lack of military equipment, which will let the court know that I am not easy."

After hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Zhu Wu said, "I will send people to all the villages to pass the message and select strong men. Let the angels see that our soldiers are willing to fight, but they are short of weapons. This way, we can also reduce the number of troops to be sent."

The newcomer Pang Wanchun spoke up at this time: "Sir, these two bastards, Li Yuhou and Zhang Ganban, are so arrogant that they don't take us seriously at all. When they leave, I will ambush them on land and shoot them with one arrow. I won't kill them, but I will just shoot off one of their arms with a chisel arrow."

"Back in the capital, these two disabled people will certainly not be welcomed by their master. This can be considered as a way to vent their anger."

Chao Gai shouted, "Brother, what you said is true. These two birds have been restless all the way. They ask questions and look down on people. If it weren't for the fact that he is an angel's follower, I would have beaten him with my fists."

Zhao Zhen shook his head and said, "In Liangshan territory, it is always inappropriate for angels to be attacked."

Pang Wanchun heard this and spat, "It's just his luck."

After the discussion, everyone was about to leave when Bai Sheng, who was on patrol outside, came in, walked up to Zhao Zhen, and whispered a few words.

After hearing this, Zhao Zhen frowned and said, "Brothers, follow the discussion and prepare to review the army tomorrow. Brothers Xiao Rang, Pei Xuan, Jiang Jing, and Chao Gai, please stay. There is another difficult matter that needs your help."

After the heroes dispersed, Zhao Zhen repeated Bai Sheng's words.

After hearing this, everyone frowned.

Xiao Rang spoke first, "Lai Yong'er is so bold. We have just captured four of his cities and captured four big leaders, Xu Pingsheng, Han Tongyin, Wu Qian, and Wang Feibao. He actually dared to come to Liangshan to pay a visit to the great official."

Pei Xuan said: "Since you brought gifts, I'm afraid you're here to seek peace."

Jiang Jing said: "Now that the angel is here, if we run into him, we will be speechless."

"This is what we should worry about." Xiao Rang said.

Zhao Zhen said, "Fortunately, Brother Bai Sheng is smart. In the future, Yong'er and his group will be sent to the Red Leaf Tree Barracks for supervision. There is no need to worry about the two sides running into each other. After inspecting the soldiers tomorrow, ask Brother Chao Gai to escort the angel out of the country."

"Lai Yong'er and his party, wait until the angel is sent away, and then come to meet. I would also like to hear what Song Jiang is planning."

Xiao Rang said, "Sir, mobilize a team of heavy front-line soldiers and ask Brother Bao Xu to supervise them. Also, get some wine and meat to entertain them. Don't let Lai Yong'er cause trouble."

After hearing this, Zhao Zhen nodded and sent someone to inform Bao Xu.

Then, Zhao Zhen said to Xiao Rang, "Lai Yong'er is full of tricks. We need someone to find out his intentions."

Xiao Rang said: "I will go there tonight."

Zhao Zhen nodded after hearing this.

Chao Gai said, "If Lai Yong'er knew that the angels were coming, they would probably take action. If they attacked the angels on the way and were killed by us, it would show that our guards were not good enough and Song Jiang was more arrogant. The angels would definitely report to the emperor, which would show our loyalty."

After hearing this, everyone pondered and discussed it and decided on a plan.

Pei Xuan hesitated for a moment and said, "Sir, there is one more thing I must tell you."

Zhao Zhen said: "Brother, if you have anything to say, just speak directly."

Pei Xuan said: "Today, the three ladies are canonized as Ruren. Although it is a grace from the court, you, the great official, need to be more careful."

Seeing Zhao Zhen puzzled, Pei Xuan frowned and said, "Sir, this is not something I should comment on. But since ancient times, there has been a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, and a hierarchy. Now that the three ladies have received the imperial edict, there will be many changes in their lives in the future. Therefore, you must pay more attention."

Zhao Zhen naturally understood Pei Xuan's intention after hearing this. Thinking of the three people being rewarded with imperial edicts, the expressions of the other wives and concubines were indeed strange.

Zhao Zhen said, "I've made a note of it."

(End of this chapter)