novelhk Page 269
Page 269
“Brother Gongming, although there have been uprisings and rebellions in various places over the years, very few of them have been able to be recruited by the government.”
Hua Rong was the military commander of Qingfeng Village.
When dealing with rebellious bandits,
They're quite experienced.
He immediately said,
"Most of the bandit camps eventually met their end with being breached by government troops!"
"The leaders and chiefs were all executed, and the henchmen were either exiled or incorporated into the army."
"That's because these bandit camps aren't strong enough! They're not strong enough to instill fear in the government troops!"
Song Jiang said loudly,
“Look at Liangshan Marsh, it has only been half a year since it rose up, and it has already openly raised the banner of rebellion.”
"But which local government in Shandong would dare to provoke them!"
"In my opinion, it won't be long before officials submit a memorial suggesting that Liangshan Marsh be granted amnesty."
Hua Rong asked.
"So, Brother Gongming, did you mean that we should also take advantage of the situation and join Liangshan, and then wait for the day when we are granted amnesty?"
"If Liangshan were to accept the imperial pardon, it would indeed be the best option for us,"
At this point, Song Jiang said,
He suddenly sighed.
"But you've met the leader of Liangshan. Do you think Zhao Dalang is someone who would willingly accept the imperial court's offer of amnesty?"
Hua Rong pondered for a moment,
He then shook his head.
"Although Chief Zhao of Liangshan was a kind person, he was not sharp-tongued."
"Judging from his actions after joining Liangshan, this person is definitely not one to stay put."
"I fear that in the future, he will become like Wang Qing of Huaixi, Tian Hu of Hebei, and Fang La of Jiangnan,"
"He was single-mindedly plotting to overthrow the imperial court and seize control of the world."
"Brother is right,"
Song Jiang nodded heavily.
"I was originally a minor official in Yuncheng, which is right next to Liangshan Marsh."
"Since Zhao Dalang became the leader of Liangshan, in just over half a year, Liangshan Marsh has gradually gained more prestige than the government in the hearts of the people in the surrounding prefectures."
“There are ignorant people who have been misled by this. When they encounter problems, they do not go to the government, but instead go to Liangshan to ask them to uphold justice for them.”
"By now, the government offices in Jizhou and Yunzhou have probably become empty shells."
"If Liangshan continues like this, sooner or later all of Shandong will fall into their hands."
“The Liangshan bandits have ulterior motives. We, the loyal and righteous, cannot allow them to steal the land and rivers of the Great Song.”
The eight characters that Wu Xuejiu wrote on the paper were: "The guest is overbearing, the host is usurping the place!"
"The idea is that we should find a way to join Liangshan Mountain and then develop our own power there!"
"Brother, as you just said, who in this world would willingly choose to be a thief for life!"
"Furthermore, the current court is far from being in a state of divine wrath and popular resentment, and the people's hearts are not completely lost."
"Those on Liangshan Mountain who were willing to follow Zhao Dalang down the same path to the end were ultimately a minority."
"If we can gather these people together, we can then sideline Zhao Dalang."
"When that time comes, whether Liangshan Marsh accepts the imperial pardon or rebels will be up to us to decide!"
"This is the true meaning of Wu Xuejiu's eight words, 'The guest is too powerful to bully the host, and the cuckoo has taken over the magpie's nest.'"
"I see (Wang Hao),"
Hua Rong couldn't help but nod.
But then,
He then recalled the incident at Qingfeng Mountain.
His expression immediately became somewhat subtle.
Song Jiang was observant and perceptive.
He naturally possesses a unique skill in winter.
Seeing that Hua Rong's expression was strange,
I immediately understood the reason.
"Brother Hua Rong, are you worried that Liangshan will not accept us?"
“Brother Gongming, we had a very unpleasant falling out with Liangshan at Qingfeng Mountain before,”
Hua Rong asked.
"Although Chief Zhao is a kind and generous man, he is still willing to help me rescue my wife and little sister."
"But he's not stupid, why would he genuinely accept us up the mountain!"
Chapter 374 They've Been Discovered
“Zhao Yuan may not be willing to accept us, but brother, you've forgotten about Qingfeng Mountain.”
Song Jiang said with a light laugh,
“I have been friends with Chao Gai, the Heavenly King who holds the Pagoda, for many years.”
"Although this person acts with a magnanimous spirit, he has a chivalrous air about him."
"But he is easily swayed and indecisive in his actions."
"In addition, King Chao highly values loyalty and brotherhood among men."
"Even though the previous events have occurred, we two are returning to Qingfeng Mountain this time."
"I'm afraid that King Chao will still value us."
"If we can gain a foothold in Qingfeng Mountain,"
"Then we can advise King Chao to incorporate Qingfeng Mountain into Liangshan."
"In that case, wouldn't it be the same as us joining the Liangshan Marsh?"
Hua Rong arrived at this point.
She had already been persuaded by Song Jiang.
But thinking of how Chief Zhao had previously forgiven them,
Willing to help him rescue his wife and younger sister.
Now he has to conspire with Song Jiang to scheme against him.
In Hua Rong's heart
I inevitably felt a little guilty.
"Brother, do not feel guilty."
Song Jiang advised,
"If Zhao Dalang is determined to rebel, he will inevitably face death sooner or later!"
"Now, although you and I have outmaneuvered him..."
"But if Liangshan successfully accepts the imperial pardon, wouldn't Zhao Dalang, as the leader of Liangshan, also enjoy high-ranking official positions, generous salaries, and wealth?"
"Isn't this way, like 263, much better than him, who is single-mindedly rebellious!"
“…Brother Gongming is right,”
Hua Rong was finally persuaded by Song Jiang.
They got on the "amnesty" ship.
After the two finished their discussion at the Song Family Ancestral Hall,
Seeing that the sun was already getting late,
Song Jiang was on his way to find his father and brothers.
They were urged to set off quickly.
Unexpectedly at this time,
Suddenly, someone knocked on the gate of the manor.
"It's bad, brother! The two constables from the county government have come looking for us with a group of yamen runners."
Song Jiang's brothers,
Song Qing, the Iron Fan, ran over in a panic.
"What can we do!"
For a moment, Song Jiang...
Some people panicked and became flustered.
It was still Hua Rong,
He is, after all, from a military background.
After calmly pondering for a while,
He then smiled with relief.
"Brother Gongming, Brother Song Qing need not worry!"
"The two of us were able to get back to Jeju Island at this time,"
"It is because we have been working day and night without stopping."
"But the officials from Qingzhou, when they come to Yuncheng, are they as anxious and impatient as we are?"
"At normal speed, they will arrive in Yuncheng at the latest the day after tomorrow, and at the earliest tomorrow."
"Those officials from Yuncheng must be completely unaware of what's happening in Qingzhou."
"They came to check now probably because Grandfather Song and his brothers packed their luggage too ostentatiously, attracting attention, which is why they came to ask a few questions."
"Brother Hua Rong is right,"
Song Jiang nodded in sudden realization.
Then he let Song Qing with the iron fan,
Go open the door and deal with the officials.
........
Those waiting at the entrance of Song Taigong's manor in Songjia Village...
It was those two constables from Yuncheng.
Zhu Tong, the Bearded Gentleman, and Lei Heng, the Winged Tiger!
previously,
After Song Jiang killed Yan Poxi,
They fled Yuncheng.
Although Magistrate Shi Wenbin did not make things difficult for Song Taigong,
But it also made the government officials and their servants...
Pay close attention to what's happening in Songjia Village.
Today, someone discovered that there was also Song Taigong and Song Qing.