Zhao Hong, Shen Fa, and Nangong Feiying, the three of them, came in a hurry and left just as quickly, with Nangong Feiying only having time to wave at Yang Ge.
Yang Ge also waved back, watching the three of them depart.
He knew that another storm was about to begin...
"Does the matter in the Southwest have anything to do with the White Lotus Sect?"
Yang Ge bent his head to continue burning paper, muttering the question out loud.
The Flea pondered for a moment and replied, "The White Lotus Sect has deep ties with those native chieftains in the Southwest; their rising up is somewhat related to the sect, but as far as I know, this action was not instigated by the White Lotus Sect, and the sect’s branches in the Southwest region did not participate in this uprising."
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After pausing, he cautiously asked, "Should I send someone to give the White Lotus Sect a heads-up on your behalf?"
He was aware of Yang Ge’s good relations with the twelve branches of the White Lotus Sect.
Yang Ge did not answer but went straight to the second question, "You just said, the chieftain who took up arms against the government did so because they could no longer bear the government’s oppression and humiliation... Is that just a slogan, or is there truth to it?"
Upon hearing this, the Flea instinctively glanced at Zhao Miao.
Zhao Miao, befuddled, returned his gaze.
The Flea carefully chose his words, speaking softly, "To answer your question, Second Master, I’m aware that some local officials in the Southwest, um... indeed do not have decency, treating chieftains like slaves and commoners like pigs and dogs..."
Yang Ge was silent for a moment, then softly said, "Do you have a way to get the message to the ears of the chieftain leading the rebellion?"
Without any hesitation, the Flea replied, "It’s a piece of cake!"
Yang Ge nodded slightly and said calmly, "Then please relay a message for me: remind him of the reasons he rebelled. If he is going to oppose, he should do so with the grandeur of a king, not like a bandit causing chaos everywhere."
The Flea: ...
Zhao Miao: ...
Both racked their brains, earnestly trying to determine whether his statement was sarcastic or meant to be taken at face value.
In the end, both were shocked to realize what he said... appeared to truly be at face value!
He had sided with the court several times, so much that even those who had been around him for years had almost forgotten that Yang Erlang had always stood with the common people. It was only sometimes that the stance of the common people and that of the court overlapped; him standing with the court was in actuality standing with the people, creating a misconception to others that he was supporting the court...
Then, looking back and thinking about it, what had he gained from the court over the years?
Marquis Lu Ting? Grand Preceptor?
If the Zhao Dynasty could promote and ennoble him, it was not a privilege for Yang Erlang, but a privilege for the Zhao Dynasty!
A salary? Awards?
With his house almost overflowing with silver about to grow moldy, did he need those insignificant gifts from the court?
Were that small change supposed to entice such an extraordinary individual as him to abandon his principles and engage in actions against his conscience?
Even Zhao Miao, who had risen to be the current princess, found it absurd!
Since he stands with the common people, why should he interfere with a chieftain who took up arms against the government because he could no longer bear their oppression and humiliation?
To enable other local officials to oppress the common people even more unrestrainedly?
’Audacious, you insignificant commoners dare to oppose us officials? With the millions of the court’s army close at hand and ’Divine Monarch’ Yang Erlang, the foremost in the world, as our backup, a mere flick of our finger will crush generations of your ancestors!’
Such a picture of despair, just to think about it is enough to send chills down one’s spine!
The Flea, understanding the complexity of the situation, was deeply touched and immediately bowed, saying, "Yes, I assure you that I will relay your words exactly to the chieftain Yang Zaixian of Guizhou and will assign extra men to watch over him. If he dares to raise his sword against the common people, there’s no need for your words, I will personally bring his head to you!"
Yang Ge managed to squeeze out a smile, "Thanks, stop by my house later, and we’ll settle the recent accounts."
As soon as the Flea heard this, he immediately protested, "Second Master, those words of yours are really degrading me, tossing my face into a privy. You, Second Master, are known for your great kindness and bravery, and I’m not the petty type who is greedy for money. If you want to give other rewards, I will gladly accept, but let’s not talk about money for this matter!"
After speaking, he bowed again solemnly, "You’re busy, so I’ll be back soon."
He turned and strode away quickly, giving Yang Ge no chance to speak.
Yang Ge turned to Zhao Miao beside him and said softly, "It’s not that I don’t want to help your family, but they have to show some spirit before I can truly help."
Zhao Miao looked straight into his eyes and said with a smile, "You don’t have to say more, Second Brother, I understand... The daughters of our Zhao family learn one thing above all - to accept their fate, and you are my fate, which I accept!"
She spoke earnestly, her tone not overly impassioned, her expression even showing a touch of girlish naivety.
Yet her voice was like a warm spring, flowing into Yang Ge’s heart, gradually softening his hardened heart.
He reached out and tightly grasped Zhao Miao’s hand. The cold wind poured backwards into the hall, causing the ceremonial banners to rustle loudly, sounding much like Shopkeeper’s "give give give" laughter.
The snowy night was long, but he was no longer alone.
...
Shopkeeper’s mourning lasted four days, and his burial took place outside the city in the early morning of the fifth day.
Of Yang Ge’s close friends, only Li Jincheng, who like him was not fond of long journeys, managed to arrive at Lu Ting before Shopkeeper’s burial...
The dawn’s firelight illuminated the cheeks of the mourners.
Liu Mang forcefully pulled Yang Ge forward, each scooping up a handful of yellow earth, which they sprinkled onto the coffin.
Huang, as if walking in a dream these past five days, seemed to suddenly become aware at that very moment, squatting by the gravesite and digging furiously with its front paws, its wails echoing through the night across several mountains...