Returning to the mountains to report on work creates a rift
Volume 3: Love and Immortality
Preface: "For others, love is a calamity, an obstacle to spiritual practice; for me, it is the courage to act despite knowing it is impossible."
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The trip to Gaotang Prefecture was a complete success. Gongsun Sheng and I returned to Liangshan, and the treatment we received was completely different from when we left.
Needless to say, Gongsun Sheng's magical power of "Dragon in the Clouds" has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts. After this battle, his position is as stable as Mount Tai. Even when Chao Gai and Wu Yong discuss important matters with him, their tone is full of unconscious respect.
For me, the change was even more pronounced. In the Juyi Hall, I was no longer the "honored guest" who needed a special introduction and sat in the corner. Instead, I held a relatively stable position, closer to the core circle. When the leaders saw me, they would greet me with a fist bump, addressing me as "Miss Bu" or "Master Bu" (as my reputation for music gradually grew). The lower-level minions even spread the story with a sense of wonder, embellishing the story of me conquering demons with music under the ancient locust tree, as if I were some hidden goddess of music.
This elevated status brought some conveniences, but also new annoyances. Some of the chieftains' families, who had previously viewed me with a wait-and-see attitude or even contempt, began actively trying to connect with me, bringing me fruits, snacks, and needlework supplies. Their conversations often inquired about my relationship with Gongsun Sheng or the origins of my "miracle skills," often with a mixture of envy and flattery. Furthermore, even lustful individuals like Wang Ying, while daring not to act outright, still felt a tinge of anxiety from their occasional, greedy, and covetous glances.
I knew that in this male-dominated bandit den, a single woman with special abilities would be conspicuous and dangerous. All I could rely on was my own ever-increasing value and... Gongsun Sheng's increasingly visible protection.
After returning from Gaotang Prefecture, Gongsun Sheng still spent most of his time in seclusion, but he became even more attentive to my guidance. He even began teaching me some basic techniques for drawing talismans and harnessing spiritual power. While these skills were far inferior to his, they gave me a clearer understanding of the world's power systems and significantly improved my self-protection abilities.
However, the peaceful days did not last long. After the initial consolidation of Liangshan's massive war machine, it was ultimately impossible for it to remain in peace forever.
That day, the atmosphere in the Juyi Hall was solemn. Chao Gai held a secret letter, his face livid. Wu Yong waved his feather fan, his brow furrowed. Even the usually composed Gongsun Sheng, looking at the letter, took on a more serious expression.
"Brothers," Chao Gai slammed the letter on the table, his voice filled with suppressed anger, "News has come from Jiangzhou. Brother Song Jiang...something's happened!"
My heart sank. What was supposed to come finally came.
Wu Yong interrupted, "Brother Song Jiang wrote anti-government poems in Jiangzhou, but was reported by Huang Wenbing. He's now in death row and will be executed soon!"
There was an uproar in the hall!
"What?! Brother Song Gongming!"
"You bastard! Who the hell is Huang Wenbing? How dare he harm my brother Song Jiang!"
"Heavenly King! Send the troops! Go attack Jiangzhou and rescue Brother Song Jiang!"
Liu Tang, Li Kui and others were furious and asked to fight one after another, the atmosphere was very excited. Song Jiang's reputation as "timely rain" in the martial arts world was well-deserved, and there were many leaders on Liangshan who had received his favor or admired his reputation.
Chao Gai was also filled with righteous indignation. He stood up suddenly and said, "Brother Song Jiang has done us a great favor, and we are sworn brothers! Now that he is in trouble, how can we at Liangshan sit idly by? Send troops to Jiangzhou and rescue Brother Song Jiang!"
"Wait a minute, my Lord!" Wu Yong intervened. His gaze swept across the enraged crowd, finally landing on the silent Gongsun Sheng. "Jiangzhou is a vital town in the south of the Yangtze River. Its walls are high and its moats are deep, and it has a large garrison. With the governor, Cai Jiu, in command, a strong assault is no easy task. Furthermore, the imperial court is eyeing our Liangshan with eager eyes. If we all march out in force, our rear will be left empty, and there's a risk of unforeseen consequences. This matter requires careful consideration and a foolproof plan."
His words were like a bucket of cold water, calming the excited crowd down a little.
"What the scholar says makes sense." Chao Gai took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and looked at Gongsun Sheng. "Sir, what do you think we should do about this? Could you tell me the fortune and see whether Brother Song Jiang will be lucky or unlucky?"
Everyone's attention once again focused on Gongsun Sheng. On this crucial decision, one that involved the lives of his brothers and the fate of the stronghold, his opinion, as a discerning expert, was crucial.
Gongsun Sheng slowly opened his half-closed eyes, pinched his fingertips, and after a moment, he said calmly, "Star Master Song Jiang, your fate was not meant to end here. However, the journey to Jiangzhou is extremely risky and fraught with danger. Careful planning is required to avert this."
His words not only confirmed that Song Jiang had escaped danger, but also pointed out the danger of the journey, which coincided with Wu Yong's caution.
"Since you say so, sir, we must make some careful plans." Wu Yong waved his feather fan and began to analyze. "Jiangzhou is far away, so a brute force attack is difficult. We need to take it strategically. We can send our dedicated and capable brothers to infiltrate Jiangzhou first, gather information, and coordinate internal and external forces. At the same time, the stronghold must be prepared for support in case of any unforeseen circumstances."
"Who does the military advisor plan to send?" asked Chao Gai.
Wu Yong's gaze swept across the hall, finally landing on Dai Zong, the Speedy Speedster, and Zhang Shun, the White Shark in the Waves. "Brother Dai Zong's speed is unrivaled, making communication extremely convenient. Brother Zhang Shun is an expert swimmer and can be responsible for the waterway support. We also need a leader who is both courageous and careful, and possesses both wisdom and courage, to coordinate Jiangzhou affairs..."
His eyes seemed to pass over me intentionally or unintentionally, but in the end he did not stop, but looked at another leader.
I knew that rescuing Song Jiang in Jiangzhou was a crucial plot point in Liangshan's early history, involving Dai Zong, Zhang Shun, Li Kui (who would undoubtedly have insisted on going), and the many heroes who later disguised themselves as officials to rob the execution ground. For the time being, I had neither the need nor the ability to wade into this mess. My stage, and the turning point in my relationship with Gongsun Sheng, didn't seem to lie here.
Sure enough, after some heated discussion, they finally decided that Dai Zong, Zhang Shun, Li Kui, and several other capable leaders would sneak into Jiangzhou first and act accordingly. Chao Gai would stay in Liangshan, deploying troops and preparing for follow-up support.
The important matters were settled, and everyone took their orders and left.
As I followed the crowd out of the Gathering Hall, my heart sank. Song Jiang's arrival at Liangshan was inevitable, but his arrival also signaled a subtle shift in the internal power structure, challenging Chao Gai's leadership. And what role would Gongsun Sheng play in this?
"Miss Bu, please stay." A voice sounded behind her.
I turned around and saw Wu Yong. He was waving a feather fan, smiling, and walked towards me casually.
"Mr. Wu, what can I do for you?" I stopped.
"I don't deserve your guidance." Wu Yong smiled, but his eyes held a hint of meaning. "I've only seen Miss Bu's recent progress in cultivation, and her exceptional musicality, and I admire her deeply. Now that Brother Song Jiang's matter is pressing, and the stronghold is in need of personnel, I wonder if Miss Bu... has any other opinions on the future of the stronghold?"
He was testing me again. Was he trying to find out if I had a "different" perspective on Song Jiang's situation? Or was he trying to further explore the boundaries of my "precognitive" abilities?
I was wary in my heart, but I kept a straight face. "Mr. Wu, you flatter me. I have limited knowledge, so how could I dare to speak rashly on matters of military and national importance? Chief Song Jiang is a man of great integrity, and good fortune will come naturally. With you and the other chiefs planning and strategizing, we will surely overcome this adversity. I can only wish you a smooth journey, and within the stronghold, I will do my best to maintain stability in the rear."
I positioned myself as "maintaining stability in the rear", which not only showed my support but also avoided directly participating in the core planning and kicked the ball back.
A subtle flash of disappointment flashed across Wu Yong's eyes, but he quickly concealed it and said with a smile, "Miss Bu is very understanding and righteous. Wu Yong admires her. If there are any difficulties in the mountain stronghold in the future, I will need your help."
"It's my job, sir. You're too polite."
After parting with Wu Yong, I returned to my own courtyard, only to find Gongsun Sheng standing there waiting for me. He usually returned to his residence to cultivate himself after the meeting, but today was unusual.
"Master?" I was a little surprised.
He turned around and looked at me, as if trying to discern something. After a long pause, he finally said, "What did Wu Xuejiu...say to you?"
He actually cared about this? I told him the truth: "He just asked me what I thought about the matter of Chief Song Jiang, and I answered truthfully."
Gongsun Sheng was silent for a moment, then said, "Song Jiang's affairs involve a wide range of issues, and the cause and effect are complicated. You... don't need to get too involved."
His words were clearly meant to protect me. Did he not want me to be used by Wu Yong, or did he not want me to be involved in future power struggles?
"I understand." I nodded. Looking at his cold profile, I couldn't help but ask, "Master, you seem... not quite in favor of making a big fuss to rescue Chief Song Jiang?"
With his wisdom, it was impossible for him not to see the impact Song Jiang's arrival on Liangshan would have on the situation. And he had an even closer relationship with Chao Gai...
Gongsun Sheng raised his eyes, gazing at the mist-shrouded mountains in the distance. His tone was vague, "Destiny has its destiny, and human effort cannot prevent it. King Chao is a man of deep loyalty. This is his fate, but also his... destiny."
Fate?!
I was shocked! He had already seen Chao Gai's future?! Then he...
I wanted to ask again, but he had already withdrawn his gaze and looked at me, his eyes returning to their usual calmness: "Practice well and don't overthink it. Things in Liangshan will have their own destiny."
After saying that, he turned and left without saying anything more.
I stood there, pondering his words about "fate," my heart swirling with emotion. He knew Chao Gai faced a difficult road ahead, yet he still chose to assist him. Was it out of brotherly loyalty? Or was it because... this was the inevitable "karma" he had to endure?
Does his protection of me also mean that he has reserved a place for me in his seemingly detached state of mind?
The calamity of love has arrived, and the fate of immortality is uncertain. I know that with the arrival of Song Jiang, the waters of Liangshan will become deeper and deeper, and the feelings that have quietly grown between Gongsun Sheng and me will also face a real test in the storms to come.
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