Refusing the Marriage Alliance, I Founded a Dynasty - chapter 11

The next day, I ordered the Dali Temple to be opened. My Retinue, clad in black armor, struck the Petition Drum at the entrance of the yamen.

I told the onlooking commoners that if they had grievances, they could strike the drum to appeal for justice. The people only watched, heads lowered, as if they dared not look up at me.

“Lord Feng is here.”

I don’t know who shouted it, but the crowd instantly boiled over like hot water poured into a pot of oil.

Lord Feng, Feng Qing, arrived dressed in the official robes of the Chief Minister of the Dali Temple. His cap was worn perfectly straight, and he walked at a measured pace, the very image of a gentleman.

He was an honest official, a sincere scholar, the clear-sky judge in the hearts of the people.

Feng Qing stopped and bowed solemnly to the people. He didn’t need to say anything; just by standing there, he won the hearts of the people.

Feng Qing was a good official, but no one believed that the Black Armor Army at my side were good officials, nor did anyone believe I was a good official. Some pedantic scholars even loudly accused Feng Qing of changing sides and being fickle in his loyalties.

Without my intervention, the people themselves beat that scholar bloody and sent him away, covering his face. Seeing that I did not stop them, they seemed to gain some confidence. Though they still dared not speak to me, their whispering grew louder.

On the first day, no one dared to respond.

On the second day, an orphaned girl accused an East Street bully of seizing her family property and forcing her to become a concubine.

On the third day, a flower vendor accused a servant of the Prime Minister’s residence of riding horses recklessly in the market and, together with his master, taking lives as if they were nothing.

By the fourth day, the place was packed with people.

For ten days, the gates of the Dali Temple yamen were wide open. Anyone with grievances could strike the Petition Drum. The line at the booth for writing complaints stretched long, and my soldiers stood guard nearby. If the grievance was found to be true, they would assist the yamen officers in handling the case. As for bullies and ruffians, needless to say, even the Aristocratic Families were not exempt; my soldiers would go and summon them to see the officials.

The Aristocratic Families in the capital were naturally displeased. Unfortunately for them, though they had wealth and titles, they could not match the elite troops under my command. Their retainers wrote dozens of impassioned denunciations, but I remained unmoved and continued as before.

Finally, on the tenth day, someone accused one of my own soldiers of looting property and abducting women.

Feng Qing dared not delay. After thorough investigation, he confirmed the accusation was true and asked me what should be done.

I asked him, “According to the law, how should this be judged?”

Feng Qing replied, “Thirty strokes of the cane and exile three thousand li.”

I smiled. “Sir, according to military law, he would be beaten to death.”

I ordered the villain who had bullied men and women to be brought in, shackled, and asked him, “Do you know your crime?”

The man was pressed to the ground, still defiant. “General, do you not fear chilling our hearts by treating us this way?”

Other soldiers pleaded for him as well.

“Yes, General, he knows he was wrong.”

“We’ve fought for you for so many years, have we ever let you down? Today it’s just a mere girl, must you be so harsh, General?”

“He took some property; we brothers can pool money to compensate.”

“That girl’s family is poor-let her marry him as a wife, it’s not a disgrace.”

I sneered, snatched the military rod from my Retinue, and struck the man’s shoulder hard. He cried out in pain. I said, “You may have no parents, but do you think others have no family? If your father were killed, your mother humiliated, your sister taken, your property looted-just because the perpetrator was a soldier, just because his General led him to merit-should he act lawlessly, above the law? How would you feel?

“You have never let me down, but have I ever let you down? Have your pay and rations ever been delayed? Have you lacked winter clothing, food in the camp, or festival rewards? You have followed me to great achievements; when you are ennobled and your sons protected in the future, will you remember your General’s guidance?”

The man on the ground continued to cry out in pain. The others covered their faces in deep shame.

I said coldly, “I cannot control what others think. Since you have broken the law, you will be dealt with according to the law, and then punished by military discipline.”

Feng Qing asked, “General, what do you think is the proper judgment?”

I said, “The law and my military regulations are in conflict. Today, Lord, follow my military regulations and spare him exile. First, according to the law, give him thirty strokes, then use the military rod.”

Inside and outside the yamen, all was silent. I said, “Beat him to death.”

I flicked my sleeves and left. Behind me came the sounds of agony. I ordered compensation to be given to the family who had been wronged.

Feng Qing hurried over. I stopped, and saw him bow to me, saying, “Heaven’s mandate is merciful to let me meet a wise lord. General, please accept my bow.”

I accepted it calmly.