Chapter 120: The Transport Envoy

Wang Lun was somewhat bewildered. He had been completely unprepared for the olive branch suddenly extended by General Wanyan Zonghan.

“I am deeply grateful for the general’s kindness, but I am a loyal subject of the great Song Dynasty. Whether in life or death, I belong to Song. Your goodwill is acknowledged and appreciated,” Wang Lun declined firmly.

Wanyan Zonghan was the eldest son of Wanyan Sagai, the prime minister of the Jin Kingdom. Not only was he a brilliant military strategist, but he also possessed remarkable foresight in governance. At this moment, the Jurchen people had established the Jin Kingdom. The transformation from tribal management to a structured state governance system was a drastic change—one that the Jin people had yet to fully grasp.

Although the Jin cavalry could easily breach the gates of the Song Empire, Wanyan Zonghan keenly understood that the Jin Kingdom’s civilization lagged far behind that of Song. Thus, he sought to learn from Song. Upon encountering Wang Lun, he greatly admired his talent and intellect, and so he contemplated recruiting him.

Wang Lun’s refusal did not surprise Wanyan Zonghan. Smiling gently, he said, “Do not be so quick to refuse. Take some time to think it over. Here in Song, you are but a minor envoy, never rising above the fifth rank. Yet in our Jin Kingdom, you would become the Transport Commissioner of Shandong Circuit. Surely you understand the difference.”

The position of Transport Commissioner was not just a title; it was akin to the modern tax bureau official responsible for collecting and transporting taxes from Shandong to the central government. It was a lucrative post, for in those times, even quietly siphoning off a little during tax transport could go unnoticed. For Wanyan Zonghan to offer Wang Lun such a position showed he truly wished to recruit him.

Wanyan Chang, caught off guard by his brother’s sudden proposal, gaped in surprise and attempted to intervene. But Wanyan Zonghan waved him off, silencing him.

“A loyal minister serves no two masters,” Wang Lun said without hesitation. “Though I am unworthy, I still know the basic principles of loyalty and honor. I cannot betray my lord for personal gain.”

“You’re refusing wine but will drink the penalty,” Wanyan Chang threatened. “The general values you highly and offers you this post. Dare to refuse, and beware my great axe!”

“I have already faced death once. Death holds no fear for me,” Wang Lun spoke calmly and resolutely.

“I advise you to reconsider. I’ll give you until morning. If you still refuse then, don’t blame me for being unkind,” Wanyan Zonghan said. Being publicly rejected was a great humiliation, and he was visibly displeased.

That night, Wang Lun was imprisoned. Throughout the evening, many defected Liao generals came to persuade him.

The last to arrive was Li Shifu, specially sent by Wanyan Zonghan. As a former Song general who had surrendered, Li was intended to use his example to convince Wang Lun to submit.

“You are a Song man?” Wang Lun questioned.

Li Shifu smiled bitterly. “I am from Qingjian in the Suide army. Last year, when the Jin forces advanced south and conquered Shandong, I was forced to surrender.”

Wang Lun sneered. “Forced to surrender? Well said. If it was forced, then are you now forced to come and persuade me to surrender?”

Li Shifu shook his head, smiling ruefully. “You must think little of me. But unlike you, I have over two hundred family members. Had I not submitted, they would all have been implicated. I could not bear to see them perish.”

Wang Lun scoffed. “If that is so, our paths diverge. Do not waste your breath trying to persuade me. I will never surrender to Jin.”

Li Shifu said earnestly, “Your loyalty is well known, and His Majesty surely knows it too. But under the eaves, one must bow. Only by living can one serve one’s country; death serves no purpose.”

Wang Lun laughed coldly. “I cannot agree. General Li, please take your leave. And tell Wanyan Zonghan not to waste his time. I will never accept his offer.”

Li Shifu’s expression grew grave. “Wang envoy, Wanyan Zonghan has already decided to execute you if you refuse. Tomorrow morning, you will be beheaded and displayed.”

“As an envoy, I have long cast aside fear of life and death. Even if these Jin bandits kill me, they will never make me submit. I live for Song, and in death, I am a ghost of Song. This shall never change,” Wang Lun declared resolutely.

“Wang envoy, as the saying goes, ‘As long as the green hills remain, one need not worry about firewood.’ Why suffer unnecessarily? Better to accept Jin’s offer for now, and when chance permits, escape back home,” Li Shifu urged.

“I cannot stoop to such treachery. Do not mention it again,” Wang Lun said, then closed his eyes, ignoring any further words.

Li Shifu shook his head helplessly. He admired Wang Lun’s integrity but was powerless. When man is the fish and knife the butcher, even he could not save himself, let alone others.

The night passed quickly.

Early the next morning, Wanyan Zonghan summoned Wang Lun.

“How do you find yourself after a night’s consideration?” Wanyan Zonghan asked with a seemingly harmless smile.

Wang Lun, despite injury and sleeplessness, maintained a firm spirit and replied, “I have thought it through. I thank you for your kindness, but I will not surrender to Jin.”

Wanyan Zonghan was not angry. “Are you sure? My patience has limits. Do you know the consequences of refusing me?”

Wang Lun laughed heartily. “Kill me if you will. I should have died long ago but for His Majesty’s grace. If I die now, it is a fitting end. But I will never kneel and submit.”

“Words are useless on a man courting death. Since you seek death, I shall grant it. Take him away and behead him!” Wanyan Zonghan said, furious.