Moma Liangshan

Chapter 32 Wang Hao's Conferment of a Nobility, the Alliance of Eunuchs

Seeing that Emperor Huizong was in a good mood, Wang Hao said, "Your Majesty, I have already transported the tribute of flowers and stones back to the royal gardens. I wonder if the matter of establishing sea routes to the Jurchens should be implemented immediately?" Emperor Huizong pondered for a moment and said, "I previously ordered you to salvage the tribute of flowers and stones to test your abilities. Now that the task has been successfully completed, your abilities are beyond doubt. In my opinion, you can first recuperate in the capital. It is not too late to consider the matter of going to sea after the Three Departments have drafted the regulations and you have received your rewards." Although Wang Hao was anxious, he understood the principle that haste makes waste and said, "Your Majesty is magnanimous, I thank you for your kindness!"

Two days later, in the Chongde Hall, Emperor Huizong and his officials held court. Huizong began, saying, "Wang Hao, without spending a single coin or tael of silver, or employing a single person or horse, successfully retrieved the precious stones and flowers from the Yellow River and transported them to Dongjing (Kaifeng). He deserves a substantial reward. Have the Three Departments (of government) drafted a plan?" Gao Qiu and Cai Jing exchanged a glance and stepped forward, saying, "The original intention of retrieving the precious stones and flowers was to assess Wang Hao's abilities and determine his suitability for the important task of communicating with the Jurchens by sea. In our humble opinion, if Wang Hao can successfully travel to the Jurchens and help the court recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun, then rewarding him for both achievements is not too late." The retrieval of the precious stones and flowers was merely a private affair of Huizong's, a frivolous pursuit. Most officials scoffed at it, even categorizing Wang Hao as a treacherous and petty official. Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's opposition to rewarding Wang Hao instantly garnered the support of the other officials. Seeing the officials' resolute attitude, Emperor Huizong, not wanting to act unilaterally, compromised, saying, "Wang Sheren has indeed rendered meritorious service to the court. To leave him without any reward would be unfair. A heavy reward is inappropriate, but he cannot be left without one!" Cai Jing, after a moment's consideration, said, "Your Majesty may confer upon Wang Sheren the honorary title of Flying Cavalry Captain, but not promote him." Gao Qiu echoed from the side, shouting, "I second that!" With the two high-ranking military and political officials simultaneously expressing their support, the remaining officials, without hesitation, all stated, "I second that!" Seeing the officials' firm resolve, Emperor Huizong said, "Draft the decree!"

In the afternoon, Eunuch Chen personally went to Erlibao to deliver the imperial edict. After receiving the edict, Wang Hao asked, "May I ask, Eunuch Chen, what is the rank of Flying Cavalry Captain? What is the difference between a rank of honor and a noble title?" Eunuch Chen replied, "The rank of Flying Cavalry Captain is a sixth-rank honor, equivalent to the rank of Imperial Attendant. Simply put, those granted noble titles are of the upper class, while those granted honors are of the lower class." Wang Hao then asked, "Is there a stipend?" Eunuch Chen said, "A stipend of three hundred coins per month." Wang Hao was incredulous and asked, "Are you sure it's three hundred coins?" Eunuch Chen nodded awkwardly and whispered, "His Majesty..." The intention was to promote the young master three ranks, but unfortunately, the officials obstructed the process. Even this position of Flying Cavalry Captain was obtained through the Emperor's own efforts. Wang Hao sighed unconsciously and said, "The Emperor cares for his subjects, and Wang Hao will remember this!" Seeing no complaint on Wang Hao's face, Eunuch Chen asked, "Young Master Wang, do you have no grievances? As far as I know, you spent 35,000 taels of silver on the Flower and Stone Tribute?" Wang Hao suddenly said, "This is not the place to talk. Please, Eunuch Chen, allow me to have a chat in your humble abode!" Eunuch Chen was very curious about Wang Hao and said, "I would be honored to accept!"

Upon entering the living room and having brewed some tea, Wang Hao said, "My current position is entirely due to His Majesty's favor. Without His Majesty, I would remain a commoner. Therefore, in my eyes, His Majesty's recognition is of paramount importance. As for official titles and ranks, they are merely icing on the cake!" Eunuch Chen pondered for a moment and said, "Young Master Wang's considerations are unlike those of court officials, more like those of us close palace servants!" Wang Hao said, "Please enlighten me, Eunuch Chen!" Eunuch Chen said, "Could it be that court officials are divided and vying for fame and fortune?" "The palace attendants form cliques and engage in corrupt practices, all for the sake of the emperor's favor." Wang Hao, surprised by Eunuch Chen's frankness, exclaimed, "A single conversation with you, Eunuch Chen, is worth ten years of study!" Eunuch Chen waved his hand gently and said, "Since we're having such a heart-to-heart talk, flattery is unnecessary; it's best to keep it brief. I've served His Majesty since he was Prince Duan, over thirty years now. Our Emperor is extremely kind to those close to him and trusts all the officials in the court immensely. But those in the court, having read too many Confucian classics, are all..." "Utterly pedantic. Not only do they not consider relieving the Emperor's worries, but they also spend their days eyeing his private wealth. Our Emperor is no ordinary ruler; he is proficient in all the arts, yet the officials in the court, besides constantly talking about the state of the nation, are utterly incapable of sharing the Emperor's burdens. Therefore, Young Master Wang should strive to relieve the Emperor's worries in the future, unlike those officials who only cause him trouble." Wang Hao humbly accepted the advice and said, "In terms of vision, I am no match for even a fraction of yours, Eunuch. In the future, if the Emperor has any troubles, please feel free to offer your advice." "Wake up. As long as it's within my power, I will certainly do my duty without hesitation." Eunuch Chen nodded in satisfaction and said, "From today onwards, I and Young Master Wang will serve His Majesty together, one inside and one outside." Wang Hao was overjoyed and said, "I will never forget your guidance, Eunuch Chen!" Eunuch Chen said, "I have a nephew who was adopted by me at a young age. He is my stepson, has attended a private school for a few years, and has practiced some martial arts. He is about the same age as Young Master Wang. I want him to train under Young Master Wang for a few years so that he can secure a future for himself!"

Wang Hao was surprised and said, "I would certainly be delighted to do so. But please forgive my bluntness, but wouldn't you feel wronged to have your stepson serving under me?" Eunuch Chen replied, "Young master, you are a rare talent of our time; how could you feel wronged?" Wang Hao said, "Your influence over the Emperor surpasses even that of Grand Tutor Cai and Grand Commandant Gao. In other words, though you lack the title of prime minister, you possess the prestige, while I was merely a commoner a year ago." Eunuch Chen said, "A commoner, arriving alone in Dongjing, without the protection of high officials or the backing of powerful clans, yet managing to navigate the various factions with ease in just one year—how could I not be impressed? Moreover, you are different from those aristocratic scions; you show no contempt for those of us with physical disabilities." Wang Hao said, "If your stepson is willing, I am willing to..." They swore an oath of brotherhood. From now on, Wang Hao would privately address the eunuch as "Uncle." Eunuch Chen was deeply moved and said, "You should know that within five years, you will surely have a place in the Song Dynasty court. I, on the other hand, am already over fifty, and by then I will be nothing more than a despised old eunuch." Wang Hao said, "If you, Eunuch, could show me kindness when I was young, why can't I repay you with filial piety in my old age?" Eunuch Chen said, "The rising sun is about to reach its zenith, while the setting sun is about to fade. It's incomparable!" Wang Hao shook his head and said, "To stand in this world, one must have morality in one's heart. This morality is not the great virtues of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness, but the principle of repaying kindness. Great virtue is the foundation of one's life; this principle is the guarantee of a good beginning and a good end." Eunuch Chen pondered for a long time and said, "Young master, you are truly a remarkable person. Tomorrow, my stepson will come with a visiting card."

The next morning, just as Eunuch Chen had predicted, a boy of about fourteen or fifteen years old came to visit. Wang Hao welcomed him inside and asked, "What is your name?" The boy was quite stubborn and said, "It's already written on the invitation, why ask?" Wang Hao said, "I'm asking as your elder brother, you can't ignore me!" The boy frowned and said, "My surname is Chen, yours is Wang, how can we be brothers?" Wang Hao said, "I have received your father's permission to be your elder brother!" The boy was indignant and said, "Did you even ask for my opinion?" Wang Hao said, "There's no need to ask for your opinion! A person cannot choose their parents, cannot choose their own..." "Brothers and sisters, this is called destiny and lineage." The boy was about to argue when Wang Hao interrupted, asking, "What's your name?" Intimidated by Wang Hao's imposing manner, the boy replied, "Chen Song." Wang Hao nodded, saying, "Brother Chen Song, from today onwards you will live in my Erlibao, and follow Yang Zhi to learn martial arts and serve him." Chen Song asked, "Who is Yang Zhi?" Wang Hao answered, "My subordinate, a direct descendant of General Yang, whose Yang family spear technique is unparalleled." Chen Song sneered disdainfully, saying, "How will you know if I have real skills if I don't try?" Wang Hao nodded and called over... Yang Zhi instructed, "Chen Song is my sworn brother, and he wishes to test your skills. You must subdue him within three moves without causing injury. Can you manage that?" Yang Zhi looked at Chen Song and said, "Rest assured, young master." He then looked at Chen Song again and said, "Please choose a weapon, young master Chen!" Chen Song went to the weapon rack, picked up a long spear, and said, "You are skilled with a spear, so I will also use a spear, lest you later claim that I have the advantage of the weapon." Yang Zhi said, "Is young master Chen ready?" Chen Song asked, "You don't want a weapon?" Yang Zhi said... "No need for you to worry, young master. May we begin our duel?" Chen Song, his heart pounding with fear, replied, "We can begin." Yang Zhi smiled slightly and said, "Excuse me!" Before he finished speaking, Yang Zhi took two steps forward, sidestepped behind Chen Song, grabbed his belt, and lifted it above his head with one hand, asking, "Do you concede, young master?" Chen Song was terrified, fearing Yang Zhi might throw him in anger, and said, "This is a sneak attack. If you dare to put me down and subdue me again in this way, then I will concede!"

Yang Zhi sighed softly and said, "Young Master Chen, why go to all this trouble? Fine!" He then put Chen Song down. Chen Song, still shaken, asked Yang Zhi, "May I ask when we can begin, Young Master Chen?" Chen Song glanced at Wang Hao and said, "Wait a moment, let me tidy my clothes." Half an hour later, Chen Song said, "Yang Zhi, take two steps back!" Yang Zhi didn't reply but took three steps back. Seeing Yang Zhi had distanced himself, Chen Song swung his wooden stick and shouted, "Begin!" Yang Zhi suddenly pushed off the ground and leaped up, pouncing on Chen Song. Chen Song swung his stick to block, but Yang Zhi reached for the end of the stick, pulled hard, and dragged Chen Song away. Chen Song staggered towards Yang Zhi, who slightly shifted to the side, grabbed Chen Song's belt again, and lifted him above his head.