Darkroom planning and new arrangements

Chapter Quote: External threats are temporarily alleviated, while internal worries deepen. Skillfully show kindness and loyalty to win people's hearts. Secretly weave a trap, waiting for the wind to rise, and the chess game gradually enters a subtle state.

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Huangfu Duan's departure by boat eased the pressure of the Dengzhou crisis, but the atmosphere within Liangshan Marsh remained tense. Yan Qing knew Wu Yong would never give up because of a temporary setback, and Dai Zong's departure for Tokyo was a guillotine that could fall at any moment. He must use this brief respite to weave a tighter web in the shadows.

He first set his sights on the seemingly insignificant craftsmen and low-level leaders in the back mountains. These individuals, though of low status, often had access to the most authentic and detailed information, serving as the stronghold's eyes and ears. Yan Qing continued to oversee the construction work in the back mountains daily, but his focus was no longer solely on progress and technical expertise. Instead, he consciously cultivated closer relationships with the head craftsmen and smaller leaders responsible for specific tasks.

He no longer merely instructed them on their craft; he would occasionally sit with them at the construction site for meals, listening to their complaints about material shortages, the harsh criticism of certain leaders, and even the mundane details of their families. He listened patiently, occasionally interjecting with understanding and respect, and even casually shared his own slightly better portion of food with the sallow-faced craftsmen. He remembered an old carpenter who mentioned his son's frail health. The next time he came, he "happened" to bring some mild tonic herbs he had begged from An Daoquan (actually for his own use), claiming they were just cheap earthwork. He saw a small-time quarrying leader with an old wrist injury, so he took the opportunity to relieve the pain with his delicate massage techniques under the guise of learning from him.

These subtle acts of care, like a trickle of water, silently nourish everything. Gradually, the artisans and small-time leaders' initial awe and distance transformed into a trusting, close relationship. They might not be able to fight for him in crucial moments, but the gossip they overheard and the subtle anomalies they observed could become crucial pieces in Yan Qing's quest to piece together the truth.

One day, Yan Qing was inspecting the foundation stone of the newly built sluice gate when the junior leader whose wrist injury he had helped relieve came over. He looked around to see if anyone was paying attention and said in a low voice, "Leader Yan, I went to the front camp yesterday to deliver stone materials. I heard... I heard two brothers guarding the warehouse chatting. They said that Leader Dai Zong left the mountain a few days ago in a hurry, leaving even his most trusted brothers alone. He said he was following a secret order from the military advisor..."

Yan Qing's heart moved, but his expression remained calm. He just nodded slightly and said, "Brother Dai Zong has the unique skill of 'divine speed' and often runs around for the stronghold. You must have worked hard."

Seeing his flat reaction, the small leader seemed a little disappointed, but added, "They also said something strange... They said that Chief Dai Zong's trip this time seemed to be more than just a business trip. The military advisor specifically asked him to investigate something... some old files, it seems, about a major fire in Tokyo over 20 years ago..."

Over twenty years ago? The Tokyo fire? Yan Qing's heart skipped a beat! Could this be the "old case" Wu Yong had asked Dai Zong to investigate? Was it related to him? His mind raced through fragments of memories from his past life, but he had no clue. His master had never mentioned any connection between his life and the fire case.

"Oh? There's such a thing?" Yan Qing pretended to be surprised. "Perhaps the military advisor has other important matters. These old matters have nothing to do with us. Just do your own thing." He patted the small leader's shoulder and said gently, "Your wrist injury has just healed. You still need to be careful when lifting heavy objects."

Seeing that Yan Qing seemed uninterested, the little leader said no more and retreated in embarrassment.

Yan Qing, however, had the words "over twenty years ago" and "Tokyo Fire Case" firmly etched in his mind. This was definitely the key clue! He had to get to the bottom of this old case as soon as possible!

However, his resources on Liangshan were limited, and direct investigation would easily expose him. He once again considered the "Hidden Post." That night, he risked sending another secret letter, relaying the crucial information about the "Tokyo Fire Case 20 Years Ago," and requesting Gongsun Sheng mobilize his forces to investigate outside.

After dealing with this matter, Yan Qing turned his attention to another possible force: those leaders who were dissatisfied with the status quo or marginalized. In addition to Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong, with whom he had formed a preliminary alliance, another person caught his attention: the "devil king of chaos" Fan Rui.

Fan Rui, said to be proficient in sorcery and magic, gained considerable influence when he declared himself king of Mangdang Mountain. However, after ascending the mountain, his uncanny methods displeased Song Jiang and Wu Yong, and he was gradually marginalized, leaving him feeling frustrated. Yan Qing once overheard someone mention that Fan Rui was close to Qiao Daoqing, who, in turn, seemed to have some old friendship with Lu Junyi.

Perhaps, we can find some breakthroughs from Fan Rui?

That evening, Yan Qing, under the pretext of a stroll, came to the remote, even somewhat eerie, courtyard where Fan Rui lived. He did not visit him directly, but stopped on a small slope outside the courtyard where he could see the door, as if admiring the sunset.

Soon, Fan Rui, dressed in a Taoist robe and holding a whisk, emerged from the courtyard, his face gloomy, as if he were heading to the back mountain. Seeing this, Yan Qing took the initiative to greet him, bowing and smiling, "Brother Fan Rui, you're in a good mood. Are you going to the back mountain to gather Qi and refine the elixir?"

Fan Rui was slightly taken aback when he saw Yan Qing. He had no prior contact with Yan Qing, but he had recently heard that he was quite popular and seemed to be on bad terms with Wu Yong. He stopped, bowed, and said in a neutral tone, "So it's Chief Yan Qing. I'm just taking a casual stroll, not really interested in anything."

Yan Qing didn't care, walking alongside him and casually chatting about Taoist health preservation and breathing exercises. He had a wide range of knowledge in his previous life, and with some guidance from Gongsun Sheng, he could speak so clearly about this that Fan Rui couldn't help but look at him a few more times.

"I didn't expect that Chief Yan Qing also had knowledge of Huang Lao's techniques." Fan Rui's tone softened a little.

"I only know the basics, so please forgive me for making fun of you, Senior Brother." Yan Qing said humbly, "I've long heard that Senior Brother Fan Rui of Mangdang Mountain is a master of magic, once dominating the area and inspiring great admiration. It's a pity that with so many heroes emerging on Liangshan these days, it seems that Senior Brother, with such great talent, feels a little... inferior."

His words were subtle, but they hit the nail on the head. Fan Rui's face changed slightly, and he snorted, "It's time, it's fate. The current situation in Liangshan is beyond my control."

Yan Qing observed his expression and knew that the time had come. He said no more and sighed, "Yes, the village seems prosperous now, but in reality... Well, it's better not to say it. Yan Qing only wishes he could find a quiet place like my senior brother, to cultivate his mind and character, rather than being caught up in this chaos and disputes all day long."

His words were filled with a sense of sympathy. After hearing this, Fan Rui was silent for a moment, and suddenly said, "Leader Yan Qing is a wise man. This Liangshan... the water is too deep. You'd better take care of yourself." After that, he said no more, quickened his pace, turned into a small path, and disappeared into the twilight.

Yan Qing watched him from behind, knowing that today's encounter had planted a seed in Fan Rui's heart. This person might not become an ally right away, but at least, they were no longer a complete stranger.

Just as Yan Qing was secretly plotting, news finally arrived from Dengzhou—Huangfu Duan had lived up to expectations, using his extraordinary skills to stabilize Sun Li's condition. While the poison hadn't been completely cured, he was temporarily out of danger! Upon hearing this, everyone in Liangshan breathed a sigh of relief. Song Jiang praised Huangfu Duan immensely, and even placed greater reliance on Guan Sheng, who had recommended him.

This result undoubtedly indirectly proved the value of the anonymous letter, making it difficult for Wu Yong to use it to cause trouble in the short term even if he suspected Yan Qing.

However, Yan Qing sensed something unusual in this "good news." Huangfu Duan had merely "stabilized" the patient's condition, not "eliminated" the poison. This implied that the person who had poisoned him was highly skilled and must be behind a larger conspiracy. And Sun Li's poisoning itself was like a lit fuse—temporarily extinguished, but the powder keg remained.

The calm before the storm is often the most depressing.

Yan Qing knew he had to move faster and more cautiously. The day of Dai Zong's return was approaching, and the results of the investigation in Tokyo would determine his future.

He stood at the highest point of the back mountain, overlooking the entire Liangshan Lake. The water strongholds were connected, flags were waving, and it was a prosperous scene. But beneath this prosperity, how many undercurrents and murderous intentions were hidden?

He gently stroked the cold and smooth dagger in his sleeve, his eyes as sharp as an eagle.

The chessboard is set, waiting for the storm to arise.

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Chapter 52 End