Defeat the bully by taking advantage of his own strategy

Chapter quotation: You lay out the bait to catch the golden turtle, and I set the net to catch the jackals.

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"A burly fellow with a Shandong accent?" Lu Junyi put down his copy of The Art of War after hearing Yan Qing's report, frowning slightly. "Could it be that he's one of the Liangshan bandits, still harboring evil intentions and plotting against me?"

After Yan Qing's subtle influence over the past few days, Lu Junyi's vigilance towards Liangshan had been raised to a very high level. His first reaction at this moment was not curiosity or contempt, but deep vigilance.

"Xiao Yi guessed the same thing," Yan Qing said solemnly. "They don't dare to take action inside the city, so they want to lure the master out. I just don't know what excuse they will use."

Lu Junyi snorted coldly: "No matter what the excuse is, as long as I don't leave the city, what can they do to me?" After experiencing what happened to Wu Yong, he knew that staying indoors was the safest thing to do.

Yan Qing shook his head. "Master, simply defending is probably not the best strategy. The thieves are already nearby. If you don't come out anytime soon, there's no guarantee they won't become desperate and harass the farmhands, rob the caravans, or even cause trouble at my Lu residence. That would only damage your reputation. Besides, if you can only steal for a thousand days, why should you be on guard against thieves for a thousand days?"

Lu Junyi looked at him: "In your opinion, what should we do?"

A glint of wisdom flashed in Yan Qing's eyes. "Since they want to lure our master out of the city, we will grant their wish. However, once we leave the city, whether we fall into their trap or are caught in the act is beyond their control."

"Take advantage of the enemy's tactics?" Lu Junyi became interested.

"That's right." Yan Qing took a few steps closer and whispered, "Master, do you still remember that I received a letter from a friend in Cangzhou the other day, inviting you to his farm in three days to appreciate a newly acquired Western Region BMW?"

Lu Junyi nodded: "It is true."

"This is a ready-made excuse," Yan Qing said. "Master can spread the word tomorrow that he will be leaving for Cangzhou to visit a friend the day after tomorrow. If the bandits are nearby, they will surely get wind of it. To get from Damingfu to Cangzhou, one must pass through the Wild Boar Forest fifty miles north of the city. The forest there is deep and the roads are dangerous, making it an ideal location for an ambush."

Lu Junyi's eyes narrowed. "You mean, they set an ambush in the Wild Boar Forest?"

"Nine out of ten," Yan Qing said confidently, "We can make arrangements in advance and turn the tables!"

He elaborated on his plan: "My master will publicly bring only a dozen or so capable attendants, a light carriage and a small entourage, to pretend he's visiting a friend. But secretly, I can, armed with my master's token, dispatch eighty elite guards from the mansion half a day in advance. Led by two of my most reliable teachers, they will disguise themselves as woodcutters and hunters, sneak into the Wild Boar Forest in groups, and ambush at strategic points. At the same time, I will write another letter and have it delivered by express horse to the nearest patrol station, requesting that they send troops to support the forest's periphery to prevent any escapees. This will also serve as a witness to prove the Liangshan bandits' crime of attacking the kind people."

The more Lu Junyi listened, the brighter his eyes became. He clapped his hands and praised, "Excellent! Repairing the plank road in the open while secretly attacking Chencang! With ambushes inside and government troops outside, we can't let those bandits escape even if they have wings! Xiaoyi, this plan is exactly what I want!"

He was a bold and courageous man. Previously, he had held his breath and only wanted to defend himself. Now, with such an opportunity to take the initiative, to eliminate the evil and make a name for himself, how could he let it go? He immediately made the decision: "Let's follow this plan! The people in the mansion are at your disposal! I will personally meet these Liangshan bandits the day after tomorrow to see what they are capable of!"

"Master is wise." Yan Qing bowed and said, "However, just in case, Master needs to put on a show after spreading the news tomorrow."

"Oh? What play?"

"Let's play out the 'master-servant estrangement' scene." Yan Qing's lips curled slightly. "Master can pretend to reprimand Xiao Yi for a trivial matter, or even pretend to temporarily expel Xiao Yi from the house to manage the estate outside the city. This way, the thieves will think Xiao Yi is not with the master, and their vigilance will be greatly reduced. Xiao Yi can use this opportunity to leave the city early and personally arrange everything in the Wild Boar Forest."

Lu Junyi was stunned at first, but then he understood and pointed at Yan Qing, laughing: "You are such a playboy! Even the wise man Wu Yong would fall for your tricks!"

The plan was decided, and the two of them acted according to it.

The next day, news spread from the Lu Mansion that Mr. Lu would be visiting a friend in Cangzhou the day after tomorrow. At the same time, from the study, one could hear Lu Junyi's angry rebuke and Yan Qing's aggrieved defense. Then, Yan Qing, covered in dust, left the mansion, leading a horse, and headed straight for his estate outside the city. He did not return for two days.

Naturally, this news was discovered by the Liangshan spies lurking outside Lu's mansion, and was quickly reported to Wu Yong.

"Lu Junyi will go to Cangzhou the day after tomorrow? Yan Qing was expelled from the mansion?" After receiving the news, Wu Yong pondered for a moment, and gently waved his feather fan, "God help me! The Wild Boar Forest is indeed a good place to take action. But... Yan Qing's departure from the mansion is too much of a coincidence." He was suspicious by nature and always felt a little uneasy.

Liu Tang, standing by, could not help but say, "Military Advisor, what are you still hesitating about? Without that pretty boy here, Lu Junyi is like a toothless tiger! Perfect time to strike! I'm willing to lead my brothers to the Wild Boar Forest and capture Lu Junyi alive!"

Wu Yong pondered the matter and felt his plan had no obvious flaws. Lu Junyi's love of fame and visiting friends to admire horses were in keeping with his nature; it was also understandable that the master and servant might have a quarrel over Wu Yong's affairs. Perhaps the heavens were truly helping Liangshan.

"Okay!" Wu Yong finally made up his mind. "Brother Liu Tang, you and the two leaders Du Qian and Song Wan, take a hundred strong men and set off immediately. Sneak into the Wild Boar Forest and set up an ambush. Remember, you only need to capture Lu Junyi and don't kill him. Anyone else who dares to stop us will be killed without mercy!"

"Understood!" Liu Tang rubbed his hands excitedly and went down to prepare immediately.

Wu Yong watched Liu Tang's departing figure, a lingering sense of unease still lingering in his heart. He thought to himself, "I hope... I'm just worrying too much."

Two days passed in a flash.

On the morning of the third day, Lu Junyi, indeed, accompanied only a dozen or so attendants, rode out of the north gate on horseback, carrying a few simple belongings, and wandered off towards the Wild Boar Forest. He was dressed in a brocade robe, a sword hanging from his waist, and looked relaxed, as if he were truly visiting a friend.

Meanwhile, in the Wild Boar Forest, Liu Tang, Du Qian, and Song Wan had already ambushed a hundred Liangshan thugs in the dense trees and rocks on both sides of the road. Armed with swords, spears, clubs, and clubs, they held their breath, waiting for their target to enter the encirclement.

Further out, deep in the dense forest and on several commanding heights, eighty Lu Mansion guards, under the command of Yan Qing and the two teachers, had already quietly formed a counter-encirclement, using the cover of vegetation to create a defensive perimeter. These guards were all highly skilled recruits hired by Lu Junyi at a significant expense, many of them retired soldiers. They were well-equipped with bows and crossbows, their eyes piercing, and their silence radiating a murderous aura.

Yan Qing hid in the dense canopy of a large tree, his figure almost blending into the branches. He toyed with a small silver gallbladder in his hand, his eyes darting down to the ambush point of the Liangshan troops, a hint of coldness playing on his lips. He saw Liu Tang, with his red hair and purple beard, and also the burly figures of Du Qian and Song Wan.

"As expected, they're here." He thought to himself, "Liu Tang, Du Qian, Song Wan... Wu Yong is willing to invest."

Time passed slowly, the sun rose higher, and the forest was silent, with only the chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects.

Finally, at the end of the road, the sound of horses' hooves and laughter could be heard. Lu Junyi and his group appeared on the forest road.

Liu Tang's spirits lifted, and he growled, "Get ready!"

All the Liangshan minions held their weapons tightly, waiting for the leader's order.

Seeing that Lu Junyi and his men had completely entered the center of the ambush circle, Liu Tang suddenly jumped out, holding a broadsword, and shouted: "Lu Junyi! The heroes of Liangshan have been waiting here for a long time! If you know what's good for you, dismount and be tied up, otherwise I will take action and kill you!"

Du Qian and Song Wan also appeared from both sides, each holding a weapon. A hundred minions shouted and rushed out from all directions, surrounding Lu Junyi and a dozen others.

Lu Junyi reined in his horse. Facing the heavy siege, his face showed no fear. Instead, he laughed heartily: "I was wondering who it was. It turns out to be the rats from Liangshanpo! Just a bunch of you, a bunch of dirtbags, dare to rob me, Lu Junyi?"

Liu Tang was furious: "You're about to die, and you still dare to be stubborn! Brothers, attack!"

Just when the Liangshan minions were clamoring to rush forward, something strange happened!

“Swish—bang!”

A flare arrow shot up into the sky with a sharp whistle, and exploded into a cloud of white smoke in the air.

Immediately afterwards, bowstrings rang out and crossbow arrows flew through the air from the dense forests on both sides of the road and beyond! Dozens of sharp arrows, like locusts, were accurately fired at the Liangshan minions rushing to the front!

"Ah!" "My leg!" "There's an ambush!"

There was a sudden burst of screams, and in an instant more than a dozen minions were shot by arrows and fell to the ground.

Liu Tang, Du Qian and Song Wan were horrified. Before they could react, they heard shouts and screams all around!

"Kill the thief!" "Protect the master!"

Eighty Lu Mansion guards emerged from the dense forest and from behind rocks like divine soldiers, swords and spears drawn, forming a battle formation and surrounding the Liangshan 100 men! These guards were well-trained and coordinated, far superior to the Liangshan henchmen. In a single encounter, they chopped down 20 to 30 of them.

"We've fallen into a trap! Retreat quickly!" Du Qian shouted hurriedly when he saw that the situation was not good.

"Where are you going!" A clear shout came from above.

Liu Tang felt an unfriendly wind blowing above his head and subconsciously raised his knife to block it.

"Dang!" There was a crisp sound and sparks flew everywhere.

But Yan Qing swooped down from the treetops like a hawk catching a rabbit, the short knife in his hand transformed into a flash of cold light, and slashed directly at Liu Tang's face! His body movements were as nimble as a swallow, but his knife skills were ruthless and tricky, focusing on the vital points.

Liu Tang was strong, but Yan Qing didn't fight him head-on. He used his superb sumo skills to fight him in close combat. In the flash of his sword, he had already cut several bloody wounds on Liu Tang's body. Liu Tang had a lot of strength, but he was forced into a panic and roared in anger.

On the other side, Lu Junyi had already drawn his sword and, with a loud shout, he rode straight for Song Wan. The sword flashed like a streak of silk. Song Wan barely managed to hold out for a few rounds before Lu Junyi slashed his wrist, sending his machete flying. He was captured alive by Lu Junyi.

Seeing Liu Tang being entangled and Song Wan being captured, Du Qian was terrified and wanted to break out, but was stopped by two teachers and their men. After a few rounds of fighting, he was tripped by a lasso and tied up tightly.

The main general was captured and entangled, and the minions were leaderless. Under the fierce attack of the Lu Mansion guards and the continuous cold arrows shot from the outside, they suffered heavy casualties. The remaining thirty or forty people shouted, dropped their weapons, and fled in all directions.

However, as soon as they escaped the Wild Boar Forest, they ran head-on into patrol officers and soldiers who had received the news and were already deployed on the periphery. Another round of killing and chasing ensued, and except for a few who were swift enough to escape by hiding in the mountains, most of the Liangshan bandits were either killed or captured.

A carefully planned ambush turned into a counterattack in the blink of an eye.

On the treetops, Yan Qing saw that the situation was settled, so he made a feint with his sword, forcing Liu Tang to retreat. His body floated and he landed several steps away. He stood there with the sword in his hand, breathing evenly, as if the fierce fight just now was just a warm-up.

Liu Tang was covered in blood and panting heavily. He looked at his brothers who were either dead or surrendering, and then at Du Qian and Song Wan who were tied up like dumplings, and Lu Junyi who was at ease and surrounded by guards. He knew that the game was over, and his eyes were full of despair and unwillingness.

"Red-haired ghost Liu Tang," Yan Qing looked at him and said calmly, "Do you still want to fight?"

Liu Tang roared angrily and pounced again like a mad tiger.

Yan Qing shook his head and stopped fighting him. He dodged the blade, tripped himself, and at the same time, his elbow struck Liu Tang's ribs with precision.

Liu Tang groaned, and his huge body fell to the ground with a bang. Before he could get up, several guards rushed over and tied him up tightly with cowhide ropes.

Lu Junyi strode over and looked at the three Liangshan leaders, Liu Tang, Du Qian, and Song Wan, who had been captured. He felt extremely happy and patted Yan Qing on the shoulder: "Xiao Yi, this battle is all thanks to you!"

He then turned to the patrol officers who had led their troops to meet him, and said, "I am deeply grateful for your assistance, gentlemen. These Liangshan bandits will be handed over to the authorities for justice!"

The official quickly returned the greeting, "Mr. Lu has been working to eliminate harm and protect the people. I will report this truthfully!"

After counting the battlefield, it was found that more than 40 Liangshan followers were killed in this battle, three leaders were captured alive, and more than 30 followers were captured. It can be said that this was a great victory.

When the news reached Daming Prefecture, the entire city was shaken. The news that Lu Junyi, with his wisdom and courage, had seen through the Liangshan plot, killed the bandits in the Wild Boar Forest, and captured three of their leaders alive spread quickly throughout the streets and alleys. Lu Junyi's reputation was unparalleled.

Wu Yong, who was waiting for news in the inn, received a report from the fleeing thugs. He learned that Liu Tang and his two companions were captured and most of his one hundred brothers were killed. He felt dizzy and almost fainted.

He held onto the table to steady himself, his face drained of all color as he murmured, "Yan Qing... Yan Qing! What a prodigal Yan Qing!"

Despite all his calculations, he ultimately fell at the hands of this young servant whom he had initially ignored. This time, the losses were severe; not only did they fail to capture Lu Junyi, but they also lost three of their leaders, significantly dampening the morale of Liangshan.

He knew that he could no longer stay in Damingfu and had to return to Liangshan immediately to make long-term plans.

After this battle, Yan Qing knew that his feud with Liangshan was complete. However, he did not feel much fear in his heart. Instead, he felt a sense of clarity and enlightenment.

Since he couldn't avoid it, he would face it head-on. For his master, and for those old friends he couldn't bear to see fall back into their past lives, he was destined to continue on this path of gambling with fate.

The smoke from the Wild Boar Forest dissipated, and sunlight shone through the gaps between the branches and leaves, illuminating Yan Qing's calm and determined profile.

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End of Chapter 4