Secretly passing through Chencang on the Qingzhou Road

Chapter Quote: It is easy to dodge an open spear, but hard to guard against an arrow from the dark. Some disasters must be prevented before they happen.

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The incident in Yuncheng County was resolved, but Yan Qing did not linger. Zhu Tong and the young yamen were temporarily safe, but Wu Yong had already set his sights on this place, and there was no guarantee he would not devise another sinister plan. He left a vigilant attendant to keep a secret watch in Yuncheng while he led the rest of the group towards the border of Qingzhou.

What he was worried about was another tragedy that was about to happen - the double-gun general Dong Ping massacred the family of Governor Cheng and forcibly married his daughter.

Although this incident occurred during Liangshan's attack on Dongping Prefecture, Dong Ping's violent and arrogant character had been evident for a long time. Resolving this feud earlier would not only save Cheng Taishou's entire family, but perhaps also spare Dong Ping the infamy he would bear, and further weaken Liangshan's pretext for attacking Dongping Prefecture.

Disguised as merchants, the group soon arrived at the borders of Qingzhou. Adjacent to Jeju, home to Liangshan, Qingzhou boasts rugged mountains and frequented by bandits, creating a markedly more tense atmosphere than Daming Prefecture. Undeterred, Yan Qing ordered his companions to disperse and gather information, paying particular attention to the movements of Dong Ping, the military commander of Dongping Prefecture, and the latest developments at the residence of Prefect Cheng.

A few days later, news came back one after another.

Dong Ping, true to his previous life, was a youthful, energetic figure with exceptional martial arts skills. Wielding a pair of long spears, he possessed the courage of a thousand men, commanding considerable prestige within the Dongping army. However, he possessed a hot temper, often causing disagreements with his colleagues, particularly with Prefect Cheng. This tension seemingly stemmed from Dong Ping's request to marry Prefect Cheng's daughter, which was rejected by the governor as "uncouth and vulgar," a resentment that Dong Ping harbored.

The governor Cheng was an upright man and was popular among the people, but his son Cheng Wanli was a playboy who often caused trouble and brought a lot of criticism to the Cheng family.

"The seeds of disaster have already been sown." Yan Qing frowned. Dong Ping's marriage proposal was rejected, and he felt resentful; Cheng Wanli's unfilial behavior gave him something to hold against him. If the Liangshan army were to approach the city, this conflict would become the fuse that ignited the tragedy.

He needed to find a point of entry that could both ease the relationship between Dong Ping and Prefect Cheng and make Cheng Wanli restrain himself, or at least avoid giving Dong Ping an excuse to attack.

It was unrealistic to go directly to Dong Ping or Cheng Taishou. His identity was sensitive, and if he showed up rashly, not only would it be difficult to gain their trust, but it might also arouse suspicion.

"I need to find someone like that," Yan Qing pondered. He thought of one person—Zhang Qing, also known as the "Featherless Arrow." Zhang Qing was probably serving as a general in Dongchang Prefecture at this time, equally renowned as Dong Ping, known as "The Gallant General with Two Spears, the Brave General with Featherless Arrow." Though they served different masters, they admired each other and perhaps had a friendship. If he could influence Dong Ping through Zhang Qing, perhaps it would be effective.

But Zhang Qingyuan was in Dongchang, and distant water could not quench a nearby fire. Moreover, he had no contact with Zhang Qingsu, so how could he gain his trust?

While he was thinking about it, the attendant who was sent to inquire about Cheng Wanli's movements came back with an unexpected news: Cheng Wanli was seriously injured by a group of people of unknown origin in a fight for a singing girl outside the city three days ago. Now he is bedridden. Prefect Cheng is angry and anxious, and is offering a reward for the capture of the murderer.

Yan Qing's heart moved! This is an opportunity! If he can find the culprit who beat Cheng Wanli and do a favor to Cheng Taishou, perhaps he can use this opportunity to get close to the Cheng Mansion and make plans later.

He immediately ordered his attendant, "Go and investigate! Thoroughly investigate the origins of this group of people and find out where they came from! Remember, this must be done in secret, without making any noise."

The attendant took his orders and left. Yan Qing, in turn, changed into scholar's attire, fanned himself with a folding fan, and took a window seat at the most prosperous restaurant in Dongping Prefecture. He poured himself a drink while keeping an eye on the goings-on in the street and listening to the idle chatter of the other drinkers.

As expected, the beating of Master Cheng had become a popular topic of conversation. Most people were gloating over his misfortune, expressing dissatisfaction with Cheng Wanli's tyranny and some praise for the gang of thugs who were "doing justice for the people."

"I heard that group of people were very ruthless and specifically hit people in the face. I'm afraid Master Cheng's face is ruined."

"Serves him right! He's a perpetual bully!"

"I just don't know who is this brave man who dares to attack the son of the prefect?"

"I heard... they seem to be from Liangshan..."

The last sentence was spoken in a very low voice, but it flashed through Yan Qing's mind like a flash of lightning!

People from Liangshan?!

That's right! In their previous life, Liangshan attacked Dongping Prefecture, precisely by exploiting the conflict between Dong Ping and Prefect Cheng. Even before the conflict erupted, Liangshan had already laid out their plan, secretly attacking Cheng Wanli. This would both intensify the conflict between Dong and Cheng and discredit Prefect Cheng, creating public opinion for the future siege!

What a Wu Yong! He is indeed very cautious and vicious!

Yan Qing's mind suddenly became clear, yet at the same time, he felt a sense of urgency. Liangshan had already taken action, so he had to move faster!

In the evening, the attendant who went to inquire about the news came back and confirmed Yan Qing's guess.

"Brother Xiaoyi, we've investigated. That group was acting in secret, but one of our brothers was injured while being treated by Black Doctor outside the city. Our men encountered him and, after interrogation, revealed that they were indeed from Liangshanpo, led by Bai Sheng, the 'Day Rat'! They were under orders from military advisor Wu Yong to deliberately provoke trouble and severely injure Cheng Wanli, intending to stir up trouble!"

Bai Sheng! A cold glint flashed in Yan Qing's eyes. This useless idler was only suitable for such a despicable act.

"Where is Bai Sheng now?"

"After the success, most people retreated to Liangshan, leaving only Bai Sheng and two others in the city to clean up the mess. They seemed to want to spread rumors. They hid in the gambling house in the west of the city."

"Very good." Yan Qing put down his folding fan. "Get ready. We're going to 'pay a visit' to Chief Bai Sheng tonight."

It was a dark, windy night. The gambling houses west of the city were still bustling with activity and filled with smoke. Bai Sheng, who had won several rounds without a fight, was drinking in a room in the backyard of the gambling house, embracing a heavily made-up woman and boasting proudly about his "achievements."

"...That Cheng Wanli was just a piece of silver and tin. Grandpa took care of him in a few moves! Hehe, when this is done, the military advisor will definitely get a lot of benefits from us..."

Before he could finish his words, there was a "bang" and the door was kicked open!

Bai Sheng shuddered with fright and half sobered up. He looked up and saw three masked men in black standing at the door. The first one was tall and straight. Although his face could not be seen clearly, his eyes were frighteningly bright in the dark.

"You... who are you?" Bai Sheng shouted sternly, and his hand quietly reached under the pillow, where a dagger was hidden.

"The one who wants to kill you!" The man in black who was leading the group was naturally Yan Qing. His voice was hoarse and low, filled with murderous intent.

The woman beside Bai Sheng screamed in fear and collapsed to the ground. Bai Sheng suddenly pulled out his dagger, but his eyes blurred and his wrist ached. The dagger had already changed hands! Then his chest went numb, having been hit in the acupoint. His whole body was stiff and he could not move.

Just as the other two Liangshan Poros were about to take action, they were quickly subdued by the attendants behind Yan Qing.

Yan Qing walked up to Bai Sheng and looked down at him with a cold gaze: "Bai Sheng, you are so bold! You dare to act wildly in Dongping Prefecture."

"Good...good man, spare my life!" Bai Sheng was so frightened that his soul was about to fly out of his body. "I...I am only following orders!"

"Whose orders are you following? What are you doing?" Yan Qing asked.

"Yes...it was Military Advisor Wu Yong...who asked us to teach Cheng Wanli a lesson and sow discord between Dong Ping and Governor Cheng..." In order to save his life, Bai Sheng spilled the beans.

What Yan Qing wanted was his confession. He took out the paper and pen he had prepared long ago and threw them in front of Bai Sheng: "Write it down! Sign it!"

Under Bai Sheng's horrified gaze, Yan Qing added coldly: "Write it clearly, and perhaps you can still live. If you dare to play tricks, you will be sent to see the King of Hell immediately!"

Under the threat of death, Bai Sheng dared not disobey. He wrote down his confession tremblingly, explaining in detail how Wu Yong had instructed him to beat Cheng Wanli and spread rumors, and finally put his fingerprints on it.

Yan Qing put away the confession, looked at Bai Sheng, whose face was ashen, and said to his attendant, "Tie them up tightly, gag them, and throw them into the stinking ditch east of the city. Whether they live or die will depend on their fate."

After dealing with Bai Sheng, Yan Qing didn't stop. He changed back into his scholar's clothes and, before dawn, went to the back door of Cheng Taishou's residence. He nailed Bai Sheng's confession and a note that read, "The truth is here. Be careful not to sow discord among Liangshan. Be cautious." to the door with a flying knife.

After doing all this, he quietly disappeared into the darkness before dawn.

The next morning, the servants of Cheng's house found the flying knife and confession on the door. They were horrified and hurried to report it to the prefect Cheng.

When Governor Cheng opened the letter, he was shocked and furious! He had already harbored suspicions about his son's beating, but now, upon seeing Liangshan's Bai Sheng's handwritten confession, he suddenly understood! This was Liangshan's nefarious scheme! Their goal was to exacerbate the conflict between him and Dong Ping, and perhaps even to frame him for collusion with bandits!

After realizing this, Governor Cheng broke out in a cold sweat! He immediately ordered a strict secrecy on the news and personally visited Dong Ping.

In the military camp, Dong Ping was filled with resentment towards Governor Cheng because of Cheng Wanli's incident. Seeing Governor Cheng coming to visit, he wanted to make some sarcastic remarks. Unexpectedly, Governor Cheng dismissed his attendants and handed him the confession.

Dong Ping's face changed after reading the confession. Although he was angry that Cheng Taishou had rejected his marriage proposal, he hated being used as a pawn even more! Liangshan's plan was clearly to use him, Dong Ping, as the knife to kill the official!

"General Dong," said Governor Cheng sincerely, "my earlier refusal of the marriage was due to my inconsiderateness and my words being offensive. I hope you will forgive me. The enemy is now powerful and their intentions are sinister. You and I are both appointed officials of the imperial court. We should prioritize the greater good and work together to maintain the peace of Dongping Prefecture!"

Dong Ping remained silent for a long time. Though arrogant, he was not unreasonable. Cheng Taishou's initiative, and his sharing of such a confidential matter, showed sufficient sincerity. To dwell on old grudges would only make him appear petty.

He clasped his fists and said, "Your Excellency, you are too kind. It was Dong who acted rashly before. Since the Liangshan bandits are so vicious, you and I should put aside our past grudges and unite against them!"

A potential crisis was quietly resolved under Yan Qing's secret manipulation.

A few days later, Yan Qing learned that relations between Dong Ping and Prefect Cheng had eased, and that they had even begun working together to improve the city's defenses. This reassured him somewhat. But he knew this wasn't enough. If Liangshan wanted to attack Dongping Prefecture, they could always find another excuse. Only by strengthening Dongping Prefecture itself could they truly keep the enemy at bay.

He wrote again, anonymously, to Dong Ping and Prefect Cheng, each a letter. In his letter to Dong Ping, he warned him to be wary of Liangshan's possible tactics of luring the enemy, especially to be wary of "food and grass" traps; in his letter to Prefect Cheng, he advised him to strengthen the city's defenses, stockpile food and grass, and seek assistance from neighboring prefectures.

As for whether they would listen or not, that was up to fate. Yan Qing had done his best.

Standing on the high slope outside Dongping Prefecture, Yan Qing looked at the city that was about to be caught in the storm and sighed softly.

"Next stop, it's time to meet that 'One Zhang Qing'. Zhu Family Manor... We can't let Hu Sanniang repeat the mistakes of her past life."

He turned his horse and galloped towards Dulonggang.

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Chapter 8 End