It had been more than half a month since the defeat of the government troops at Shijie Lake. The shock that had occurred in Jeju had almost subsided.
As the storm gradually died down, Chao Gai felt that the time was right. He secretly discussed with Song Jiang and then prepared money and goods to pay his respects to the mountain.
This time, Chao Gai had come to Liangshan with three thousand taels of silver, as well as rice, pig iron, cloth, salt, medicinal herbs, and other valuables, which added up to about six thousand strings of silver.
This was definitely not a small sum, but Chao Gai had been selling salt illegally for many years, so why would he care about such a small amount of money?
Moreover, half of the six thousand strings of money was given to Song Jiang. However, Song Jiang, as a member of the government, couldn't appear on Liangshan, so he asked Chao Gai to send it over.
In addition to these treasures, Chao Gai thought that he needed to find someone who could give him ideas on this visit to Liangshan, so he called his good friend Wu Yong.
Wu Yong was a private school teacher in Dongxi Village. His name was Scholar, and his nickname was Mr. Jialiang. He was also familiar with some literary and military strategies. He had known Chao Gai since childhood and usually helped him with some ideas.
This time, when Chao Gai came to invite him, Wu Yong naturally agreed without a second word.
By the time Xu Fengwu received the news, Zhu Gui had already led Chao Gai, Wu Yong, and seven cargo ships carrying valuables straight to Golden Sands Beach.
Not long after, the Liangshan stronghold appeared in everyone's sight.
At first glance, Chao Gai and Wu Yong saw the majestic first pass. There were subordinates patrolling inside and outside, and there were two large apricot flags erected on it.
On the left side was written 'Enforcing Justice on behalf of the Heavens', while on the right side was' Eliminate the Violent and Enforce the Virtue'.
"What a good 'carry out justice on behalf of the heavens'. It's really the behavior of a Jianghu hero.”Chao Gai couldn't help but praise.
"This Moor Lord Liang Shan doesn't look simple!”Wu Yong had a deeper meaning.
As the two of them spoke, they saw two pairs of minions rush out from the first stage and stand on both sides of the road. Following them were Xu Fengwu, Shi Wengong, and the other leaders of the stronghold.
"Heavenly King Chao's visit brings light to our humble village!”Xu Fengwu looked at the 36-year-old man and cupped his hands with a smile.
"You're too polite, Village Chief Xu. I hope you won't blame me for suddenly disturbing you today.”Chao Gai was also an experienced veteran, so he immediately returned the greeting.
After that, everyone met one by one. The three Ruan brothers and Wu Yong had known each other for a long time. Although they had not seen each other for a long time, at this moment, they also began to chat enthusiastically.
Then, Xu Fengwu led Chao Gai and Wu Yong towards the Hall of Righteousness.
Along the way, they couldn't help but introduce the scenery in the mountains, which made Chao Gai and Wu Yong gasp in admiration. They also saw that the minions on the road were full of morale, each with their heads held high and chests puffed out. They marched in an orderly manner, and with their brown clothes, the spirit and energy on their bodies made Chao Gai and Wu Yong widen their eyes.
Chao Gai had raised fifty to sixty vassals in his own manor, all of whom were strong and powerful, but when compared, he felt that they were not as good as the Liang Mountain minions.
Moreover, the enemy had over a thousand troops. In the entire Great Song, this was a first-rate stronghold.
Wu Yong was familiar with military affairs. Seeing the elite troops of Liangshan, he couldn't help but be surprised. He said,"I didn't expect the Liangshan army to be so elite. No wonder they could defeat the government army.”
"What kind of elite are they? They've only been training for more than ten days and have just started to show some signs. They're still far from being true elites.”
Xu Fengwu smiled and sized up Wu Yong. This was one of the 'Poison Men' in the Water Margins. Whether it was assisting Chao Gai or Song Jiang, he was full of sinister ideas.
When this person had just arrived at Liangshan, in order to gain a foothold in Liangshan, he had immediately become a master of rhythm. His skill in controlling fire had reached the acme of perfection, and he had made Lin Chong fire and Wang Lun, pushing Chao Gai to the position of Fort Master.
Speaking of which, it was really not something that ordinary people could do.
When Chao Gai and Wu Yong heard this, they didn't know whether Xu Fengwu was being humble or showing off his strength, but their eyes were filled with shock.
As they spoke, everyone arrived at the hall and sat down.
Chao Gai cupped his fists at Xu Fengwu and said," Chief Xu, Chao Gai has taken the liberty of coming here today and specially prepared two small gifts. One is for me, and the other is for Song Jiang of Yuncheng County. I hope that your stronghold will be magnanimous and let Dongxi Village and Song Family Village off."”
Xu Fengwu smiled and said," Heavenly King Chao, you are too kind. Now, I, Liang Shanpo, carry out justice on behalf of the heavens, eliminate the violent and appease the good. The people I kill are all evil gentry and bullies." Heavenly King Chao has always been generous and generous. I have long heard of his name, so I naturally won't invade East Stream Village.”
Chao Gai heaved a sigh of relief and quickly thanked him,"Village Chief Xu is benevolent.”
"Heavenly King, there's no need to be so polite." Xu Fengwu waved his hand and smiled.
Chao Gai felt relieved and immediately smiled."Just now on the Golden Sand Beach, Chao Gai saw the words 'carry out justice on behalf of the heavens, eliminate the violent and appease the good,' and his heart was indescribably happy.”
Xu Fengwu sighed." The current emperor is fatuous. The treacherous officials are in power. All of us good people have no way to survive." " I came to Liangshan to seek a place to stay. I wrote these words to express my feelings and to remind myself not to oppress the kind people.”
These words were to Chao Gai's liking, and he immediately praised them. In the original novel, after he went to Liangshan, he did not allow people to kill the innocent. He even said,"We were brought to the mountain stronghold, so we can't hurt anyone.”
This kind of behavior could be considered benevolent in the forest of the Water Margins World.
Everyone then chatted for a while, and soon it was noon. Xu Fengwu immediately set up a banquet and asked the Ruan brothers to accompany Chao Gai, Wu Yong, and the others.
There were no chefs on the mountain now. The banquet was filled with fish and prawns from the lake, cooked beef and mutton, and some fruits, vegetables, and wine.
"Now that the village has just been established, we only have some simple food and tea.”Xu Fengwu invited the two of them to sit down with a smile.
"You're too polite, Chief." Chao Gai and Wu Yong said.
Halfway through the banquet, Xu Fengwu instructed his trusted aide to bring over a large bucket of snow salt.
Under Chao Gai's confused gaze, Xu Fengwu said,"It just so happens that Heavenly King Chao is here today. I have a business deal that I want to discuss with you.”
"Are you talking about the illegal salt business?" Chao Gai asked.”
"That's right!"
Xu Fengwu pointed at the bucket of snow salt and said,""I heard that the Heavenly King is doing a big illegal salt business. I wonder what the Heavenly King thinks of my refined salt?”
Chao Gai picked up a pinch of salt and put it into his mouth. He felt that it was salty but not astringent. The taste was pure and the appearance was excellent. It was definitely first-class salt.
"This refined salt is of the highest quality, comparable to Xiqiang's green salt and top-grade pool salt. Where did you get it, chief?" Chao Gai asked hurriedly.”
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