Xia Royal Palace, atop the Bell and Drum Tower.
Shang Jin, a eunuch, unfurled an imperial edict that still carried the fresh scent of ink. His voice rang out, loud and resonant: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have heard that the greatest virtue of Heaven and Earth lies in the preservation of life, and the primary duty of a benevolent ruler is the pacification of the people. Now, the rebel Prince of Hexi, Li Feng, has gathered his partisans and attempted to overturn the order of the state... Yet, mindful of the suffering of the masses, I am unwilling to see blades clash and mountains and rivers stained with blood. Thus, I issue this decree: repent of your ways and surrender immediately."
"First, all who have participated in the rebellion shall be granted full amnesty for their past crimes, provided they repent, lay down their weapons, and submit to the Imperial Court without delay."
Chapter 100