vstars Chapter 37 Three Years of Hard Labor
Chapter 37 Three Years of Hard Labor
Filled with anticipation and excitement, Zhao Xiong and his entourage arrived in the capital under the escort of government soldiers. Dressed in new clothes, they walked with vigorous strides, their eyes sparkling with longing for a better future. The untamed figures that once roared through the mountains and forests now tried to restrain their former wildness, attempting to step into this bustling capital with a completely new attitude, welcoming the imperial court's offer of amnesty and favor.
Upon entering the palace, the magnificent buildings and splendid decorations dazzled them, filling them with awe and anticipation for their upcoming audience with the emperor.
They were convinced that, based on their achievements in the floods in Jiangnan, they would surely receive generous rewards and proper resettlement from the imperial court, or be granted fertile land and beautiful houses so that they could enjoy the rest of their lives in peace; or be incorporated into the army and given opportunities for promotion so that they could make meritorious contributions and wash away the stigma of their past as mountain bandits.
However, as they entered the main hall, before they could fully recover from the solemn atmosphere, they heard a eunuch's shrill voice proclaiming the imperial decree: "Zhao Xiong and his gang, though they have rendered meritorious service in the flood relief efforts in Jiangnan, committed countless atrocities and acts of utter depravity during their time as bandits. Now, considering their repentance, the court grants them amnesty, but they must first go to the main camp outside the capital to serve three years of hard labor to temper their character and atone for their sins. Any disobedience during this period will not be lightly punished!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiong and the others froze on the spot. The excitement on their faces instantly vanished, replaced by disbelief and anger.
The second-in-command, with his impatient nature, was the first to shout, "Why is this? We risked our lives in Jiangnan, helping with flood control and even reforming our ways. We thought we'd get a good place to go, so why are we being made to do hard labor? Isn't this treating us like laborers?"
The other brothers also began to whisper among themselves, and complaints arose.
Zhao Xiong frowned, his heart filled with confusion and grievance. He stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, we have repented and reformed. In Jiangnan, we wholeheartedly devoted ourselves to doing good and serving the court and the people. We originally thought we would receive Your Majesty's favor and serve the court with utmost loyalty, but we did not expect this arrangement. We beg Your Majesty to understand!" Although his words still carried a respectful tone, his dissatisfaction was evident.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense. The ministers watched coldly, while Emperor Murong Xuan sat upright on the dragon throne, his face stern and unmoved. He knew that if these people were not tempered, they would not be able to truly integrate into the court and become people who would benefit the country. This arrangement was indeed well-intentioned, but these former bandits would probably find it difficult to understand for the time being.
No sooner had Zhao Xiong finished speaking than a minister stepped forward, flicking his sleeve and rebuking him: "How dare you be so arrogant! In your days as bandits, you committed arson, murder, robbery, and all sorts of atrocities, committing heinous crimes. The court's magnanimity in granting you amnesty is already an act of imperial grace. Sending you to perform hard labor is merely to temper your violent nature and teach you to respect the law. How dare you complain here?"
Other ministers also echoed.
"Hmph, don't think that just because you've done a good job in controlling the floods, your past sins can be wiped clean. This is already a lenient punishment!"
"If they continue to make trouble, this attempt to be granted amnesty will likely fall through!"
For a time, rebukes rose and fell in the court. Although Zhao Xiong and the others were full of indignation, they were suppressed by the atmosphere and dared not utter a word.
At this moment, Emperor Murong Xuan slightly raised his hand, signaling the ministers to be quiet. Then, with a gentle gaze, he looked at Zhao Xiong and the others, and said earnestly, "Gentlemen, I know you feel wronged. However, my actions are not intended to make things difficult for you. Your past actions have caused immense suffering to the people of Jiangnan. If the court easily forgives you, how can it appease the people and uphold the law? This forced labor is meant to let you experience the hardship of labor and understand the importance of rules. I have also heard of your transformation in Jiangnan. If you can endure these three years, I will certainly reward you according to your merits, bestowing upon you honor and official positions, so that you may truly become pillars of our dynasty. My empire needs those who genuinely repent and are willing to work for the benefit of the people. I hope you will not disappoint my expectations."
Although Murong Xuan's voice was soft, it carried an undeniable authority and determination, echoing throughout the hall.
Hearing the Emperor's explanation, Zhao Xiong and the others' resentment did not dissipate. The brothers looked at each other, their anger and grievances growing stronger. They felt they had been clearly played by the court. Their bright future, which they had been full of expectations for, had instantly vanished, leaving only endless hardship and suffering before them.
“We don’t believe it! We were promised amnesty, how did it turn into hard labor? What’s the difference between this and going to jail?” One of the impatient brothers waved his arms and shouted loudly.
“We sincerely reformed ourselves in Jiangnan and even helped with flood control. Doesn’t that make up for our past mistakes?” another person chimed in.
For a time, complaints and protests rose and fell in the hall. Although Zhao Xiong wanted to stop them, he could not quell the anger of his brothers.
Seeing this, Emperor Murong Xuan's face darkened, and his previously gentle gaze turned cold. He waved his dragon sleeve and shouted, "Silence! Now that you have surrendered to the court, you should obey my decrees. What kind of behavior is this, making such a ruckus? I granted you amnesty because of your past merits, but with such a temperament, how can you shoulder great responsibilities? In that case, let you reflect on your actions in prison first, and then I will make a decision."
Having said that, the guards swarmed forward and escorted Zhao Xiong and the others to the prison. They struggled all the way, constantly proclaiming their innocence, but in the imposing imperial palace, their voices sounded so small and powerless. The prison doors slowly closed, cutting them off from the outside light, leaving only darkness and silence, forcing them to reflect on their mistakes and their future.