The General Who Establishes Righteousness
The deep darkness that had settled over the Black Mountain Bandits' encampment in Taishan was slowly being pushed back as campfires began to flicker to life one by one. The thick heat of the day had faded into faint traces, replaced by a cool breeze that swept through the night air.
In the tent where the imperial envoy had just departed, Yu Byeok and I sat facing each other. I slowly tilted my cup and spoke.
“Yu Byeok.”
The surface of the cup reflected the firelight, rippling gently. The rich aroma of the liquor slid smoothly down my throat.
“Yes, Chief.”
Yu Byeok knelt before me without hesitation, just as he always did. He hadn’t been much of a talker when we first met, and he still wasn’t particularly chatty. But he had always stood firmly by my side, a reliable presence.
I stared at my cup for a long moment before continuing.
“Once that envoy delivers his proper report… I’ll be completely finished with banditry.”
Yu Byeok’s eyes flickered slightly.
“You know that So-yeon is my woman, right?”
“Yes.”
“And Do Eung is the watchdog that Do Gyeom planted here. You know that too, don’t you?”
“…Yes.”
“And you’ve followed me faithfully all this time. But that was back when I was still ‘Jang Yeon, Chief of the Black Mountain Bandits.’”
I picked up the wine jar and slowly poured into Yu Byeok’s cup. The quiet sound of liquid filling the vessel echoed softly in the tent.
“You know better than anyone that I don’t talk in circles, right?”
Yu Byeok nodded silently.
“So. What will you do? Will you follow me? Or leave? If you go, I’ll make sure you get a fat share to take with you.”
At those words, Yu Byeok let out a deep breath. Then, as if steeling his resolve, he lowered his head while still kneeling.
“…Chief, your actions and words have always been rough, but you’ve always had principles and never been capricious.”
His voice was serious.
“Whenever you gained wealth, you divided it fairly. Even now, you live no differently from the rest of us. Well, the way you slap women’s asses is the same too. Honestly, someone in your position could indulge in luxury and no one would complain.”
I held my cup and listened quietly.
“I’ve always thought you were a truly strange man. And after watching you build this bandit group into what it is, I made up my mind long ago.”
He bowed his head deeply.
“From now on, I will serve you as my lord.”
I nearly burst out laughing. The sight of Yu Byeok actually saying the word ‘lord’ felt strangely ticklish. I raised the corner of my mouth and emptied my cup.
“Good. Then since you’re no longer a bandit… you’ll have to learn to read and write.”
“…Pardon?”
Yu Byeok’s face twisted as if he’d been struck by lightning.
“You know how it is. From now on you’ll need to write reports. Memorials to the throne too. And you’ll have to read important intelligence yourself.”
“……”
Just then, the sound of footsteps came from outside the tent. I deliberately clapped my hands once, loudly. The tent flap lifted, and So-yeon appeared gracefully.
“I will be in your care from now on, Lord Yu Byeok.”
At So-yeon’s words, Yu Byeok’s face flushed red and he hurriedly lowered his head.
“Wait… do I really have to learn, my lord…?”
I nodded with a smile still on my lips.
“Of course. If you want to stay under me.”
Yu Byeok downed the full cup of liquor in one gulp. Then he let out a long sigh while still holding the empty cup.
“Haa… I never imagined a lifelong bandit would end up studying letters…”
I laughed heartily. My gaze drifted outside the tent. The night was dark, but the moonlight brilliantly illuminated Taishan.
Zhongping 3rd Year (186 AD), Eighth Month. Inner Palace, Luoyang Imperial Palace.
Late at night, the palace lanterns flickered dimly. Thin wisps of incense rose gracefully, drifting through the golden-decorated inner chamber.
Deep within the chamber, Emperor Ling sat half-reclined against his bed, holding a small, exquisitely carved white jade wine cup. His gaze was fixed on the darkness beyond the window, his eyelids half-lowered.
Kneeling respectfully before him was the Lesser Yellow Gate, Jo Heum.
“—So,” Emperor Ling shook his cup lightly and asked in a low voice. “Did you sell it?”
Jo Heum carefully raised his head and answered.
“The Taishan Governor position… could not be sold, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Ling’s hand stopped. The liquor in his cup rippled gently.
“You couldn’t sell it?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Jang Yeon claimed he was unworthy of the governorship and politely declined.”
Emperor Ling’s eyes narrowed.
“So you returned empty-handed?”
Jo Heum immediately lowered his head.
“However, Your Majesty, Jang Yeon made a new proposal.”
“A new proposal?”
“Yes. Instead of the governorship, he requested the honorary title of General who Establishes Righteousness, along with the court’s recognition of his control over the three eastern counties of Taishan and the command authority over the Black Mountain Army he leads.”
Emperor Ling gave a thin smile.
“An honorary title and half-baked governing rights… and you accepted that?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. In exchange, the amount was adjusted.”
Only then did Emperor Ling bring the cup to his lips.
“So, how much did you receive?”
Jo Heum spoke quietly.
“One million two hundred thousand coins.”
The moment the liquor slid down his throat, Emperor Ling’s expression subtly twisted.
“One million two hundred thousand… only one million two hundred thousand?”
“Yes.”
A brief silence fell. Emperor Ling set down his cup, slowly leaned back, and muttered.
“I told you to sell the Taishan Governor position for three million coins, and you only got one million two hundred thousand…”
Jo Heum broke into a cold sweat at the Emperor’s words and quickly spoke up.
“Your Majesty, I do not believe this is a loss. The authority he requested covers only the three eastern counties of Taishan, not the entire commandery. Even excluding those three counties, the governorship can still be sold to someone else.”
Emperor Ling tapped his fingers on the table.
“That may be so… but the price has dropped. And with three counties removed, you won’t be able to get the full value, will you?”
Before the Emperor’s mood could sour further, Jo Heum quickly continued.
“Jang Yeon’s forces were closer to a proper army than typical bandits. Furthermore, he personally stated that his army would not follow the court’s orders, but only Your Majesty’s commands.”
Emperor Ling’s eyes narrowed.
“…Only my commands?”
“Yes. He declared himself Your Majesty’s subject and swore he would not move for any order except those from Your Majesty. He also said he would only mobilize his troops when Your Majesty commanded it.”
Emperor Ling let out a quiet laugh, sounding somewhat impressed.
“Hoh… that fellow has quite the business sense. An army that follows only my commands…”
He slowly sat up straighter.
“He is truly cunning. But it is a cunning I rather like. Lately, there have been far too many in the realm who defy my will. What use is wealth and glory if one cannot protect it?”
Emperor Ling turned his gaze toward Jo Heum.
“An army that moves only at my command… I like it.”
Jo Heum remained silent, bowing his head. Emperor Ling gave a small chuckle and picked up his cup again.
“Very well. It falls short of three million, but at least we’ve recovered our capital.”
He swirled the cup lightly. The previously still surface distorted and rippled.
“Jo Heum, you have negotiated well on my behalf. You may retire and rest now.”
“Your servant is overwhelmed with gratitude.”
As Jo Heum quietly withdrew, he felt a chill run down his back. The Emperor’s words had been gentle, but another calculation had already begun behind them.
Inner Chamber, Luoyang Imperial Palace. Behind a quiet corridor on the northern side of the main hall. A place so deep within the palace that neither nobles nor ministers could enter.
While the Emperor slept, the Ten Eunuchs began their meeting. Hot tea filled silver pots, and red smoke rose from the incense burners.
Those seated here were the ‘Ten Eunuchs,’ the ones who enjoyed the Emperor’s favor and moved the levers of power.
Jang Yang, leader of the Ten Eunuchs, spoke quietly without touching his tea.
“I hear Jo Heum has returned.”
Gwak Seung asked with a faint smile.
“What were the results? I heard the Taishan Governor position was to be sold for three million coins.”
Jang Yang slowly shook his head.
“It was not sold.”
“Then it was a failure?”
Dan Gyu asked, narrowing his eyes. Only then did Jang Yang take a sip of tea before speaking.
“Not exactly. Jo Heum sold not the three-million-coin governorship, but a one-million-two-hundred-thousand-coin honorary title.”
Silence fell. Then Jo Chung gave a low chuckle.
“Hehe… if they paid that much for one million two hundred thousand coins, is it really a loss?”
“Listen. According to Jo Heum’s report, Jang Yeon declined the governorship itself. Instead, he requested the honorary title of General who Establishes Righteousness and asked the court to recognize his control over the three eastern counties of Taishan and command of the Black Mountain Army.”
At those words, Son Jang muttered quietly.
“How strange. An honorary title… isn’t that fellow a bandit by origin?”
Jang Yang’s lips curved slightly upward.
“Furthermore, that bandit declared that his army would follow not the court’s commands, but only ‘His Majesty’s commands.’”
Once again, silence descended. Dan Gyu laughed softly.
“Heh heh, quite the smooth-talking bandit.”
Gwak Seung also smirked and narrowed his eyes.
“Saying he will follow only His Majesty’s commands… that is indeed cunning. His Majesty may have taken quite a liking to it.”
Jang Gong, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
“He is truly a wise bandit. It must be because of those conditions that Jo Heum accepted one million two hundred thousand coins.”
Jang Yang nodded slowly.
“There’s more. That bandit very prettily declared that he would obey not only His Majesty, but also ‘those loyal to His Majesty.’”
Pil Lam, who had been savoring his tea, emptied his cup and said,
“Oh? Then his forces could become a blade for us.”
Jang Yang nodded at those words and murmured.
“I have confirmed that Ha Jin has been secretly gathering people lately. Since this falls under the Grand General’s authority, we cannot openly find fault… but shouldn’t we prepare countermeasures?”
Song Jeon gave a cold laugh.
“The Grand General is making a very poor choice. No matter that he is the Emperor’s relative by marriage, causing such commotion…”
Jang Yang tapped the table twice with his finger.
“Which is why Jo Heum’s negotiation result is rather satisfying. One million two hundred thousand coins may not please His Majesty, but having a dagger prepared outside the eight gates is not a bad thing.”
The other eunuchs nodded in agreement.
“It would be best if we never have to use this dagger.”
A chilly silence fell over the chamber. As if to break it, Jang Yang spoke again.
“Now that the rebellions across the realm have been mostly suppressed, it seems time to discuss rewards and promotions.”
The others nodded. They shed their appearance as mere eunuchs and began to discuss the affairs of the empire.
The names of those who had bribed the Ten Eunuchs came up first. The prices of various offices and the amounts to be offered to Emperor Ling were exchanged. No matter how well-known one’s achievements were, official positions on earth were determined by the weight of the pouch handed to the eunuchs.
Zhongping 3rd Year (186 AD), Early Tenth Month. Black Mountain Bandits’ Encampment, Taishan.
Autumn had fully arrived in Taishan. A grayish-white mist hung over the area, creating a solemn atmosphere.
A splendid carriage adorned with golden decorations and red banners slowly climbed the path before coming to a stop.
I stood before the newly tiled red gate in formal attire, having seen the carriage arrive. So-yeon, Yu Byeok, and Do Eung stood silently in a row on either side of me.
The carriage door opened, and the imperial envoy, dressed in full ceremonial robes, stepped out with a dignified stride. He gestured to his attendants, then carefully retrieved a golden box engraved with a phoenix and opened its lid. Inside lay a heavy-looking document.
“Jang Yeon of Taishan, receive the Emperor’s decree!”
I knelt on both knees before the envoy, pressing my forehead to the ground.
“This servant receives His Majesty’s decree.”
The envoy then began to read the imperial edict aloud.
Thou, Jang Yeon, originally dwelt among the rabble of Taishan, yet thy heart was not set upon selfish gain. Thou discerned the will of the people, forbade plunder, guarded the roads, and prevented the rise of bandits. Embracing righteousness of thine own accord, thou subjugated evil foes and brought peace to the common folk. This is truly the conduct of one who takes the people as his foundation, and the unyielding loyalty of one who follows justice without regard for personal benefit.
We have always sought to cherish the myriad people, spread enlightenment, and establish virtue throughout the realm. This year, the traitor Jang Ju falsely claimed the Mandate of Heaven, calling himself the True Son of Heaven and raising rebellion. Thou followed righteousness, crushed his forces, captured the ringleader, and presented him to the court. This can be called punishing the chaotic and restoring the rightful way.
Therefore, We, admiring thy merit, appoint Jang Yeon of Taishan as General who Establishes Righteousness, bestow upon thee a golden seal and insignia, and grant the counties of Bonggo, Bak, and Chi in Taishan as thy domain. Thou shalt ease the lives of the people and maintain strict military discipline.
Furthermore, the Righteous Army of the Black Mountains that thou leadest originally lacked proper justification, but since thy loyalty already aligns with the Way of the realm, its name shall not be changed. It shall henceforth be regarded as the empire’s elite soldiers. Thy officers and men shall not dare disobey Our commands.
Jang Yeon of Taishan, receive this edict. Do not grow arrogant. Devote thyself to loyalty, attend to the livelihood of the people, stabilize their lives, and widely carry out Our will.
After the imperial edict was read, I bowed deeply once more.
“Your servant is overwhelmed with gratitude.”
The envoy then handed me the golden seal and insignia.
“General Jang’s loyalty has already been highly praised by the court. I hope that in the future, you will continue to comfort the people and maintain strict military discipline in accordance with the will of His Majesty and the court, thereby practicing righteousness and virtue.”
Only after hearing the envoy’s courteous words did I truly feel that I was no longer a ‘bandit,’ but a ‘general’ officially recognized by the court.
The banquet held to welcome the imperial envoy was grand and lavish.
‘Fuck, how much more money got burned just preparing this damn banquet?’
A smile was plastered on my face, but my stomach felt like it was about to burst from all the recent expenses. Oblivious to my inner turmoil, the envoy offered more kind words.
“I was truly impressed by General Jang’s loyalty. His Majesty was greatly pleased as well.”
“You flatter me. Without His Majesty’s grace, Taishan would have fallen into ruin long ago.”
As wine flowed and the atmosphere relaxed, I cautiously spoke up.
“There is one thing this humble one wishes to ask, even if it is presumptuous…”
The envoy nodded with a smile.
“Please speak.”
“Who else received rewards this time? Having stayed in Taishan, I am rather uninformed about court affairs.”
The envoy placed a hand on his brow for a moment before reciting several names.
“First, Governor Yu Gong of Youzhou has been promoted to Minister of the Secretariat due to his great virtue and reputation. His Majesty personally referred to him as ‘a man of propriety and loyalty.’”
“Minister of the Secretariat… that is indeed a very high position.”
“Indeed. Won Bon-cho, who served under the Grand General, has also been promoted to Colonel of the Tiger Ben Warriors.”
I nodded at the envoy’s words.
“Additionally, Jo Meng-deok, who recently gained fame for suppressing the Yellow Turbans in Yanzhou, has also been rewarded. He has been appointed Governor of Jinan.”
“…Governor of Jinan, you say?”
I paused with my cup halfway to my mouth. The name sounded very familiar.
‘Jinan…? Fuck, where have I heard that before…?’
It wasn’t far away. A hazy map unfolded in my mind, and soon a name pierced through my thoughts.
‘That fucking married-woman hunter bastard… became my neighbor?’
Noticing my sudden silence, the envoy asked carefully.
“General Jang, your complexion suddenly looks poor. Are you alright?”
I quickly smiled and nodded.
“Ah, it’s nothing. I was simply surprised because the name Jinan sounded familiar.”
“Haha, is that so?”
Entertaining the envoy continued late into the night. After the banquet ended, I called So-yeon, Yu Byeok, and Do Eung separately.
In the quiet predawn inside the tent, So-yeon spoke first.
“Lord Jang Yeon, why have you summoned us?”
Looking into So-yeon’s eyes, I asked quietly.
“Where is Jinan again?”
Yu Byeok, Do Eung, and So-yeon all widened their eyes at the same time and answered.
“Right next door, my lord.”
I lifted the wine jar and muttered inwardly through gritted teeth.
‘Fuck, that married-woman hunter bastard Jo really became my neighbor?’
When they saw me clutching my head, the three of them looked at me with worried eyes.