Song Jiang, the reincarnation of the Heavenly Star, possessed remarkable abilities in this life, even though he had previously been just a minor official in Yuncheng.

The titles of "Calling for Justice" and "Timely Rain" are well-deserved.

Later, he killed Yan Poxi in a fit of rage and was exiled; not long after, he was rescued from the execution ground by the Liangshan heroes for writing a rebellious poem and officially joined the gang.

Afterwards, Chao Gai, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, ignored the advice and died on the battlefield. The leaders then pushed Song Jiang to take over the leadership of Liangshan.

Song Jiang was resourceful and cunning, employing both kindness and severity, and was clear about rewards and punishments, which undoubtedly enabled this water stronghold to grow rapidly.

Not only did it leave Liangshan far behind during the reign of Wang Lun, the White-Robed Scholar, by a wide margin, but it also far surpassed Liangshan under the leadership of Chao Gai.

It was also during this period that Liangshan Marsh became famous throughout the Southern Continent, and was known as one of the four great rebel kings in the Song Dynasty, along with Tian Hu of Hebei, Wang Qing of Huaixi, and Fang La of Jiangnan!

Among them, Liangshan in Shandong and Fang La in Jiangnan are ranked first.

Undoubtedly, Song Jiang used this opportunity to solidify his position as the leader of Liangshan, gaining the trust and respect of everyone.

Even the direct followers of Wang Lun and Chao Gai in the past had to admit that, in terms of developing Liangshan, Song Jiang was far superior to the former two leaders.

It can be said that Liangshan under Song Jiang's leadership was well-ordered and the soldiers were of one mind. If they really rebelled, there was indeed a great chance of changing the dynasty!

How could the corrupt Song Dynasty withstand such a powerful Liangshan Marsh?

Even when dealing with figures like Fang La in Jiangnan, they seemed rather helpless.

Unfortunately, Song Jiang, along with Wu Yong, Lu Junyi, and others, were corrupted by the celestial beings and lost their will to stand on their own. They repeatedly yielded to the Song court and were bullied to the point of exhaustion, yet they still chose to "endure"... As a result, Liangshan's rebellion failed miserably and ended in utter defeat.

Many brothers were also exhausted and buried in foreign lands.

On the contrary, Song Ting was relieved of internal and external troubles. He contributed manpower, effort and money, and was treated with more care than a biological son!

Cao Ya estimated that he wouldn't need to do much; he only needed to erase the corruption of Jiutian Xuannv and others, and let Song Jiang and the others remain true to themselves... then the Water Margin grand plan would be impossible to achieve!

It should be noted that among the 108 Demon Stars, there are countless talented and extraordinary individuals.

Talented individuals are available in all aspects, from infantry and cavalry warfare to commanding troops, logistics, and internal administration.

In fact, in the original book, if Song Jiang and his gang hadn't only hoped for amnesty, and instead had the ambition to establish a nation... then conquering the Song Dynasty and annexing the Liao Dynasty would have been inevitable.

It's unbelievable that after defeating the Liao Dynasty and occupying prefectures and counties, the Song court would return everything to the Liao, and fail to reward the Liangshan army for their immense achievements...

Well, this is the Song court's standard practice: using civil administration to control military affairs. This works well in peaceful and prosperous times, but in chaotic times of warring states, they become targets for attack and have to send annual tributes to enemy countries.

Where did the large sums of tribute money come from? Naturally, it came from exploiting the common people.

Otherwise, why were there so many uprisings during the Song Dynasty?

"It's indeed not a good time for Liangshan to declare itself king right now!"

Cao Ya thought to himself, "As the saying goes, 'The first bird to stick its head out gets shot.' Although Liangshan's strength is not bad, if it stands out too much, it will be targeted by the Song court... and that could easily lead to unforeseen events."

Ultimately, Liangshan's territory was far smaller than that of the Song Dynasty.

Even if the generals and soldiers of Liangshan are more capable fighters, unless the outcome is decided in one decisive battle, the Song Dynasty still has a greater chance of winning if the battle drags on.

To change this situation, Liangshan must expand its territory to the west, south, and north.

Even the vast ocean to the east can be explored, islands seized, and the seas dominated.

The deep sea holds many fine things, enough to make one envious, enough to fill the treasury and reward the soldiers.

Given Liangshan's strength, they could certainly conquer all sides one by one.

Soon after, Cao Ya saw that the Liangshan gathering was complete, and the 108 demon stars had been assigned seats and duties, all based on the abilities of the leaders, and there was no random selection of troops.

Liangshan Marsh first honors Song Jiang, the "Timely Rain," who is the Heavenly Star of the First Rank, and then Lu Junyi, the "Jade Kirin," who is the Heavenly Star of the Second Rank.

Then, a grand feast was held throughout Liangshan, where all the men ate and drank to their hearts' content, having a wonderful time.

However, after everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, someone brought up the idea of ​​being granted amnesty.

In an instant, the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness fell silent, and all the leaders' eyes were fixed on Song Jiang.

“Hey, because of their different backgrounds, everyone’s expressions are quite different.” Cao Ya raised an eyebrow.

People like Wu Song, Lu Zhishen, and Yang Zhi, who had witnessed the dark side of officialdom, were naturally unwilling to accept amnesty.

However, some generals who originally belonged to the Song Dynasty were still reluctant to give up their official positions in the Song court, and even hoped to use them as a stepping stone to advance their careers and gain titles and privileges for their wives and children after being granted amnesty.

There were also some leaders left, such as Sun Erniang and Gu Dasao, who were neither good nor bad.

"In the original book, the leaders, including Song Jiang and Wu Yong, were determined to accept the imperial pardon."

"With the help of another group of leaders, the momentum immediately rose, and no one could object. In the end, it all ended up like the birds being used up and the bow being put away, or the rabbit being killed and the dog being cooked."

"As for now..."

Cao Ya smiled slightly. How could the secret inducements and attempts by the Nine Heavens Mystic Maidens and their ilk to corrupt the minds of Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and their accomplices possibly be effective?

As long as Song Jiang doesn't lose his mind and blindly accept amnesty, with Liangshan's ability to conquer cities and seize strongholds, he could easily establish a regional power, and even dominating the world wouldn't be out of the question.

"Today you offer amnesty, tomorrow you offer amnesty again. Brother, if you say this, won't you chill the hearts of our brothers?"

Like the wandering monk Wu Song, who was drinking fine wine, he suddenly stood up and spoke loudly.

Today is a grand occasion for Liangshan. Wu Song is overjoyed and he and the other leaders are toasting and drinking together in a joyful atmosphere.

But when his face darkened, the entire Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness fell silent, and everyone held their breath.

Because Wu Song wasn't alone. The Lone Star Flower Monk Lu Zhishen beside him, as well as the Dark Star Blue-Faced Beast Yang Zhi, the Earthly Yin Star Mother Tiger Gu Dasao, the Earthly Punishment Star Vegetable Garden Zhang Qing, and the Earthly Strong Star Mother Night Demon Sun Erniang, all of whom were from the Erlong Mountain lineage, shared the same attitude as Wu Song.

Furthermore, figures such as Shi Jin (Nine-Tattooed Dragon) of Tianwei Star, Zhu Wu (Divine Strategist) of Dikui Star, Chen Da (Leaping Tiger) of Dizhou Star, Yang Chun (White Flower Snake) of Diyin Star, Li Zhong (Tiger-Slaying General) of Dipi Star, and Shi En (Golden-Eyed Leopard) of Difu Star, can, in a certain sense, also be considered as part of the Erlongshan lineage.

It should be noted that Liangshan Marsh was a powerful force, with 108 demon stars from all over the country, with different backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. How could their ideas be entirely similar?

It is not surprising that there are such complex factions and cliques.

As the saying goes, "Where there are people, there is a world of intrigue." With so many extraordinary people gathered together, it would be strange if there weren't some internal struggles.

However, as the leader, Song Jiang needed to control the degree and intensity of the situation and not go too far.

Healthy competition is beneficial to the development of Liangshan.

But if they get desperate... the collapse of Liangshan Marsh could happen in no time.

Fortunately, Song Jiang has a firm grasp on this matter, and so far, there haven't been any problems.

Regarding the topic of being granted amnesty... rumors had already been circulating within the water fortress to gauge people's reactions.

Everyone had already anticipated this, and they all understood exactly what the idea was.

It wasn't just the dozen or so leaders from the Erlong Mountain faction who opposed the offer of amnesty.

Even the three Ruan brothers, namely Ruan Xiaoer, the Heavenly Sword Star, Ruan Xiaowu, the Heavenly Sin Star, and Ruan Xiaoqi, the Heavenly Defeat Star, as well as Lin Chong, the Leopard Head, Lin Xiu, the Desperate Saburo, and Yan Qing, the Prodigal Son, all shared the same opinion as Wu Song and his companions: they did not approve of the amnesty.

Even Li Kui, the Black Whirlwind and a staunch confidant of Song Jiang, widened his eyes like copper bells and shouted, "Amnesty? Amnesty? What kind of amnesty is this?"

Li Kui stared at Song Jiang, who sat at the head of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, and shouted loudly:

"Brother, we support you! Let's march on Tokyo, seize the throne, and live a joyful life!"

"At that time, we'll all be subjects who have followed the emperor. Compared to those who have been granted amnesty, we'll be much more uncomfortable having to put up with the attitudes of that damned Daoist emperor and that scoundrel Gao Qiu."

Although Li Kui is a black whirlwind with a straightforward personality, and usually appears reckless and rough, he is not stupid. Occasionally, when he uses his brain, he can say things that go straight to the heart.

Wu Song, Lu Zhishen, Yang Zhi, Lin Chong, the three Ruan brothers, Shi Xiu, Yan Qing, and others all secretly gave a thumbs up upon hearing this.

“Yes, we pushed our brother over the throne and marched towards Tokyo… Hehe, even someone like Emperor Daojun could sit on the throne, so why can’t our brother?” Yang Zhi said.

If the emperor of the Song Dynasty were still like Emperor Taizu...

Well, that's too much to ask. Even if it were something less demanding, like Emperor Taizong, Emperor Renzong, or Emperor Zhezong, Yang Zhi would have agreed to Song Jiang's idea and accepted the possibility of the Song court offering amnesty.

But with that damned Daoist Emperor on the throne, Yang Zhi felt disgusted just hearing such rubbish decrees!

On the contrary, everyone deeply admired Song Jiang's magnanimity, character, ability to command troops, and political acumen.

"The emperor's throne rotates, next year it'll be my turn!" Shi Xiu shouted. "Brother, are you going to waste all the hard work the brothers have put in?"

When Yang Xiong heard this, he was startled and quickly pulled Shi Xiu out from under the table.

How could you speak to Brother Song Jiang like that?

At the same time, Yang Xiong also believed that accepting amnesty was not a bad thing.

Given the prestige of Liangshan Marsh, if the Song court intends to grant them amnesty, it will inevitably offer them high-ranking official positions and generous salaries.

Isn't this much richer and more lucrative than being a bandit in a water village?

"Hmm?" Yang Xiong looked around and was surprised to find that, under the repeated persuasion of Wu Song, Li Kui, Yang Zhi, and Shi Xiu, many of the leaders who had originally agreed to accept the amnesty were now wavering.

Yes, how noble are those who follow the emperor? Even those generals who are granted amnesty cannot compare.

However, people still had some doubts about whether Liangshan could overthrow the Song court.

If we fail... we'll lose everything, our lives and everything, and even our last hope will be dashed.

This is why dozens of leaders had previously preferred to be granted amnesty.

At least this move carries little risk. The Liangshan warriors fought the Song army for three hundred rounds, demonstrating their strength and making them worthy of the Song court's offer of amnesty, without endangering their lives.

How could it be like a complete rebellion... that would mean defeating all the Song armies, pacifying rebel kings like Tian Hu, Wang Qing, and Fang La, and even attacking the Liao Dynasty in the north to defend the borders... how difficult that would be.

However, what they didn't know was that Liangshan Marsh in another timeline had actually accomplished the above, achieving astonishing military exploits!

Large-scale casualties only occurred when the power of Fang La, the Holy Duke of Jiangnan, was finally quelled.

The problem is that they have not had time to rest and recuperate. After surrendering to the Song court, they have been fighting all the way without ever having a moment of peace. They have not even seen any supplies or the rewards they deserve.

Under normal circumstances, there shouldn't be too many setbacks, and they should be able to defeat Fang La of Jiangnan, just like in the previous times.

“Although Liangshan Marsh, spanning eight million li, is rich in resources and products, it is difficult to support an imperial court… difficult! difficult! difficult!” Qin Ming, the Heavenly Fierce Star Thunderbolt, suddenly shook his head.

This is the realm of immortals, where the aura of immortals permeates the air. All beings in the three realms are extraordinary, making it a suitable place for cultivation.

Liangshan Marsh, on the other hand, spans a full eight million li, boundless and vast.

But to use this against the vast, populous, and economically developed Song Dynasty...

Many people are afraid of it.

Some of the surrendered generals of the imperial court, such as Qin Ming, the Thunderbolt of the Heavenly Fierce Star; Hua Rong, the Little Li Guang of the Heavenly Heroic Star; Hu Yanzhuo, the Double Whip of the Heavenly Mighty Star; Zhu Tong, the Bearded Gentleman of the Heavenly Full Star; Lei Heng, the Winged Tiger of the Heavenly Retreat Star; Suo Chao, the Vanguard of the Sky Star; Xu Ning, the Golden Spear of the Heavenly Blessing Star; and Li Ying, the Sky-Soaring Eagle of the Heavenly Wealth Star, were all eager to be granted amnesty.

They had sensed that Song Jiang and Wu Yong were both inclined to accept the imperial pardon, but they remained quite calm.

Those people's opposition, at most, caused a ripple, but ultimately proved useless.

Who would have thought that today, with the thirty-six Heavenly Spirits and seventy-two Earthly Fiends gathering in front of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, Brother Song Jiang, judging from his appearance, seemed to have a different mindset.

How can this be done?

"Brother, don't ruin the important matter! Continuing to fight will only harm all the brothers!" Huyan Zhuo said.

“Brother Huyan, you are mistaken…” Yang Zhi began to argue.

The two leaders clashed over their differing attitudes toward accepting amnesty, causing unrest in the Loyalty Hall.

They each have a large number of supporters, and neither is afraid of the other.

The leaders of the last group listened silently without uttering a word.

They went with the flow and were granted amnesty without much objection, while those who were determined to rebel could also be accepted.

However, everyone knows that on Liangshan, the one who truly makes the decisions, from beginning to end, is still Song Jiang!

So, does Song Jiang, the timely rain and the star of heaven, still eagerly await amnesty as before?

“Brother…” Wu Yong, the strategist and wise man, stopped fanning himself and looked at Song Jiang at the head of the table, urging him to set the tone as soon as possible and quell the dispute.

Otherwise, if the quarrels continue, the relationships between the various factions within Liangshan will break down, which would not be good for the eight million li of water fortress.

It should be understood that whether one accepts amnesty or is determined to rebel, all leaders need to maintain a unified pace and advance and retreat together.

The slightest misstep could weaken Liangshan, leading to frequent problems and potentially a major defeat.

However, Song Jiang's next move was completely unexpected.

Since the start of the conflict, Song Jiang, who had been sitting calmly and peacefully in his chair as if lost in thought, suddenly snapped out of it, a tear streaming down his face, revealing his grief.

Just as people were puzzled, Song Jiang suddenly stood up, raised his palm, slammed it heavily on the long table, and shouted:

"Who said anything about accepting amnesty? This matter should never be mentioned again!"

“Brothers, since you trust me so much and have given me the top seat, then I, Song Jiang, must take responsibility for your safety.”

"That Song Ting... cannot be trusted!"

Qin Ming, Hua Rong, Hu Yanzhuo, Xu Ning, Suo Chao, Lei Heng, and others: "???"

Brother, you weren't like this before... You were just fooling us, weren't you?!

"Haha, Brother Song Jiang, one day we'll muster our troops, knock that Emperor Daojun off his horse, and you'll be the one to rule the capital!" Shi Xiu laughed loudly.

"Charge to Tokyo and kill Emperor Daojun!" Li Kui shouted.

Wu Song, Lu Zhishen, Lin Chong, Yang Zhi, and the three Ruan brothers were also mentioned with great emphasis.

However, they were also quite puzzled by Song Jiang's sudden change.

Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, and others were also very confused.

"Brothers, I, Song Jiang, am sorry!"

Suddenly, Song Jiang bowed deeply and then knelt down.

"Brother, how could you...please get up quickly!"

The leaders were shocked. Lu Junyi and Wu Yong, one on each side, quickly helped Song Jiang up.

The two looked at each other, completely baffled.