Refusing the Marriage Alliance, I Founded a Dynasty - chapter 8

With the capital conquered, the Meng Clan’s banner of “Purge the Court” naturally lost its meaning. Fortunately, thanks to years of careful management, no one dared to oppose them for the time being.

The Last Emperor was like a sieve, filtering out all loyal and upright officials-killing, demoting, or exiling them. Those who remained were mere sycophants and flatterers.

I ordered the government offices to be sealed, investigated old cases, executed those who deserved death, and released those who deserved freedom.

Only one person troubled me.

Chief Minister of the Dali Temple, Feng Qing.

He was truly a breath of fresh air among officials.

Upright and unyielding, proud and incorruptible. After the offices were sealed, he denounced the Meng Clan as traitors and was thrown into prison, where he went on a hunger strike to show his resolve. Clearly, he refused to be complicit with me.

I carefully read through his case files and wandered the streets and alleys, hearing nothing but praise for him. He defied the powerful for the sake of the people, opposed the Emperor, and confronted his Mentor. His home was humble and simple; his relatives had turned away from him, but his child was young and steady.

I visited his home and saw Madam Feng tending the vegetable garden, wearing a simple hairpin and plain dress, her expression serene. His child, already twelve, was reading aloud nearby.

“The way of the Great Learning lies in manifesting bright virtue, loving the people, and reaching the utmost good. Only by knowing where to stop can one be determined; with determination comes tranquility; with tranquility comes peace; with peace comes deliberation; with deliberation comes attainment. Things have roots and branches, affairs have beginnings and ends. Knowing what comes first and last brings one close to the Way.”

Madam Feng approached, greeted me, and respectfully invited me inside to sit, then poured me tea.

She said, “With a Noble visiting, allow me to tidy myself before paying respects.”

I replied, “Madam, there is no need.”

She left with a gentle smile.

I sipped the tea; the leaves were coarse, but judging by the humble surroundings, I suspected this was the best tea they could offer.

The house was neither luxurious nor large, but it was sturdy-a shelter from wind and rain.

When I returned, she still wore plain clothes, clean and neat, with a simple silver hairpin in her hair-unadorned, yet elegant.

She greeted me, saying, “This humble home is crude, and our hospitality lacking. Please forgive us, Noble.”

I could not quite grasp the intentions of the Feng family.

Feng Qing was on a hunger strike, proud and unyielding. Yet Madam Feng treated me with courtesy and composure.

Was this Feng Qing’s intention, or did they simply disregard life and death?

Madam Feng said to me, “I understand the Noble’s purpose, but I must decline. My Lord loves his country and the people; neither I nor our son can persuade him otherwise.”

Knowing Lord Feng’s integrity, I did not expect Madam Feng to persuade him, but her courtesy puzzled me: “If so, why does Madam treat me so kindly?”

She replied, “My Lord greatly admires Magistrate He. When the Noble conquered Yongning County, he had already put life and death aside. Since my husband is so resolute, how could I not follow? There are only the two of us at home. Before leaving, my Lord said that although the Meng Clan are rebels, they are not villains; under their rule, the people prosper. If not for the fall of the dynasty and the ruin of the land, he would have welcomed the Meng Clan as honored guests. Now that my Lord is imprisoned for the nation’s calamity, I doubt my son and I can remain safe. My hospitality to the Noble is for your governance of the people, not for state affairs.”

I fell silent, gazing at the humble courtyard, then rose to leave. Madam Feng escorted me to the door. I bowed to her, saying, “Madam, your virtue is high. Please accept Yu’s salute.”

She returned the bow.

I said, “After I leave today, I wish to visit Mr. Feng in prison. If I can save him, I hope the Feng family will fight for the lives of the common people; if not, I will ensure the safety of you and your son. Should your son excel in his studies, he may enter court as a minister; if not, he may live in peace in the countryside for three generations. I only hope that you and your son will live in peace and happiness, and not let down Mr. Feng’s upright reputation.”

Madam Feng choked up, tears glimmering in her eyes. She wiped them away and said, “I will obey the Noble’s command. You are a talent sent by Heaven, born in troubled times, and have achieved great things. I hope that when you reach high office, you will remember the suffering of the people and follow Heaven’s will to protect them.”

I swore to her, “This is my resolve, never to be forgotten.”

Then I turned and left.