Dark night glimmer of light gathers stars
Chapter Quote: A single tree cannot support a river, a single hand cannot clap its hands. To resist a flood, you need to gather small grains of sand.
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With the matter of Xu Ning settled, Yan Qing did not remain in Tokyo for long. He knew it was a hotbed of controversy, and any further stay would only lead to unrest. Just as he was about to return to Daming Prefecture, he received a letter via carrier pigeon from a trusted aide in the Lu Mansion, stating that Lu Junyi had recovered well and was able to handle government affairs. All was well in Daming Prefecture, and that he was advised not to worry, but to remain in the capital for a few days to monitor the court's actions regarding Liangshan.
Yan Qing pondered for a moment before deciding to stay in Tokyo. Daming Prefecture was safe for the time being, but he truly needed to ascertain the imperial court's stance on Liangshan. If he could leverage the imperial court's influence to curb Liangshan, perhaps that would be more effective than if he could act alone.
He remained in hiding, gathering information through the Lu family's shops in Beijing and through the various people he had made friends with. However, the news he received was not optimistic.
Although the imperial court sent Hu Yanzhuo to suppress the rebellion, it seemed to take it lightly, treating them as ordinary bandits. In addition, powerful officials such as Gao Qiu and Cai Jing controlled the government, and military affairs were neglected. Although Hu Yanzhuo was brave, he was alone in deep territory, and his food and supplies were often limited, and the war became stalemate.
What alarmed Yan Qing even more was that he had vaguely heard that Liangshan had not given up on cracking the linked horses because of Xu Ning's incident and was secretly searching for other skilled craftsmen to find another way. Furthermore, Liangshan's tentacles seemed to extend beyond Shandong and were quietly infiltrating surrounding prefectures.
"We must make the imperial court take this seriously!" Yan Qing was anxious. If he allowed Liangshan to grow too powerful, war would break out everywhere, and countless lives would be lost. Even if he had the ability to reach the sky, how many people could he save?
He thought of one man—General Su Yuanjing. He was a rare and upright figure in the court. While he held no real power, he had direct access to the emperor's ears. If he could persuade him, perhaps he could influence the emperor's will.
However, how could a commoner like him meet the Grand Marshal? Even if he could meet him, how could he gain his trust without any evidence?
While he was thinking, an informant he had planted at the dock brought him an unexpected news: Zhang Qing, known as the "Featherless Arrow", whom he had met once in Dongping Prefecture, was ordered by Dongchang Prefecture to escort a batch of military equipment to Beijing. He arrived in Bianliang recently and stayed in the official inn.
Zhang Qing! Yan Qing's eyes lit up. This man was an official appointed by the imperial court, highly skilled in martial arts and possessing a righteous disposition. He had always held no sympathy towards the Liangshan bandits. Perhaps he could be the starting point?
He immediately wrote a letter, unsigned, referring only to "old friend from the Jianghu." He described Liangshan's recent activities, particularly its infiltration of various states and its illicit plots. He urged General Zhang Qing to remain vigilant and urged him to convey the dangers of this to General Su. The letter was earnest and logical, and even alluded to several locations where Liangshan was operating covertly.
He sealed the letter and ordered a clever attendant to disguise himself as a postman and slip the letter into the food while delivering it to Zhang Qing.
The letter had been sent, and whether it would succeed or not depended on fate. Yan Qing did not pin all his hopes on this, as he had another thing to do.
Not all of the 108 Liangshan warriors were ruthless villains. Some, like An Daoquan, Xiao Rang, Jin Dajian, and Le He, possessed extraordinary skills but faced tragic fates. They were forced or deceived into joining Liangshan. Finding a way out for them beforehand would both preserve them and weaken Liangshan.
He thought of Huangfu Duan, the "Purple Bearded Master." He was a master of horse appraisal and medical treatment, and was probably practicing medicine in the capital area. If he could recommend him to the Imperial Household Department or the army, he would no longer be willing to join the bandits.
Then I thought of Xiao Rang, the "Saintly Hand Scholar," and Jin Dajian, the "Jade Arm Craftsman." One excelled at imitating handwriting, the other at carving gold and stone. They were probably still in dire straits. If I could support them so their skills could be put to good use, perhaps...
And that "miracle doctor" An Daoquan, who should be practicing medicine in Jiankang Prefecture at this moment, if he could...
An idea gradually crystallized in Yan Qing's mind. He couldn't directly confront the surging tide of Liangshan, but he could, like a firefly, light up a tiny glimmer in the dark night, gathering those who hadn't yet fallen into the abyss and guiding them on another path.
This is not something that can be accomplished overnight. It needs to be done slowly and in an extremely secretive manner. If it is discovered by Liangshan, it will endanger the lives of these people.
He first set his sights on Huangfu Duan. Through the Lu family's connections in the medicinal materials business, he soon learned that Huangfu Duan was treating the beloved horse of a powerful family in the suburbs of Beijing.
Yan Qing disguised himself as a traveling doctor and went to wait outside the manor of the powerful manor. It was not until sunset that he saw an old man with a long purple beard, carrying a medicine box on his back, walking out of the manor with a tired look on his face.
Yan Qing stepped forward and bowed, "Is this Mr. Huangfu Duan?"
Huangfu Duan glanced at him warily: "Who are you?"
"I've been asked by a friend to tell you something," Yan Qing said, lowering his voice. "I've heard that the Liangshan bandits have been searching for a skilled horse doctor lately. I'm afraid your name has reached them. You're a doctor, so why would you associate with bandits? Mr. Lu Junyi's residence is in need of a good doctor. If you're willing, take this letter to Daming Mansion and I'll definitely hire you."
As he spoke, he stuffed a letter of recommendation written in Lu Junyi's voice (naturally, his imitation handwriting) and a small ingot of gold into Huangfu Duan's hand. Without waiting for his reaction, he turned around and walked away quickly, disappearing into the twilight.
Huangfu Duan stood there in a daze, holding the recommendation letter and the gold ingot, his mind awash with doubt. Liangshan? Lu Junyi? He'd practiced medicine for years, seeking only a safe and secure life. He'd never imagined he'd be involved in these underworld affairs. But the man didn't look like he was being sham, and Lu Junyi's reputation for righteousness was well-known...
He held the recommendation letter in his hand, looking at the direction where Yan Qing disappeared, feeling a conflict between his conscience and his desires.
Yan Qing didn't expect Huangfu Duan to leave immediately; he simply planted a seed. Whether it would sprout remained to be seen.
After dealing with Huangfu Duan's affairs, Yan Qing managed to find out where Xiao Rang and Jin Dajian lived. They were indeed poor, renting a shabby room in the suburbs of Beijing and scraping a living by copying and printing for others.
Yan Qing did not go to meet them in person, but hired a reliable old man, pretending to be a wealthy businessman from Jiangnan. He admired the talents of the two and wanted to place long-term orders for their calligraphy, paintings and seals. He paid a generous deposit in advance and only asked them to concentrate on their skills and not take on any other jobs.
Xiao Rang and Jin Dajian were overjoyed to get this opportunity, and naturally agreed without hesitation, and were extremely grateful to the "rich businessman from Jiangnan".
After all this, Yan Qing felt exhausted. This process of secretly planning and gradually changing things was far more draining than the glare of swords and sabers. But he knew that this was the long-term strategy that could truly shake the foundation of Liangshan.
Just as he was about to leave Tokyo and return to Daimyofu, the letter he had sent earlier received a reply.
One day, he was packing his things at the inn when he heard a knock on the door. He cautiously gripped the dagger in his sleeve and asked in a deep voice, "Who is it?"
"But Brother Yanqing?" A clear and slightly hoarse voice came from outside the door.
Yan Qing's heart was shocked! This voice... He opened the door and saw a man standing outside. He was wearing ordinary cloth and a bamboo hat that was pulled down low on his head. But that tall figure and vaguely visible resolute face, who else could it be but Zhang Qing!
He actually came to my door in person!
"General Zhang?" Yan Qing stepped aside to let him in and quickly closed the door, feeling uncertain and confused. He had been acting so secretly, so how could Zhang Qing have found this place?
Zhang Qing took off his bamboo hat, revealing a dusty face with a sharp gaze. He looked at Yan Qing with scrutiny and a hint of curiosity. "It's you, after all. Did you write that letter?"
Yan Qing knew he couldn't hide it, so he said frankly, "It is me. I hope the general will forgive me for the indiscretion of writing this letter."
Zhang Qing waved his hand, his expression solemn. "The matters contained in the letter are of grave importance. I have reported this to General Su. He was deeply shocked and has secretly informed the emperor. However... there is considerable resistance within the court, and General Gao and his men are unconcerned."
Yan Qing's heart sank. It was indeed so.
"However," Zhang Qing changed the subject, looking at Yan Qing with a burning gaze, "the letter contains a detailed account of Liangshan's movements and its various strongholds. Brother Yan, who are you exactly? Why are you so concerned about this matter?"
Yan Qing was silent for a moment, knowing that if he didn't reveal the truth, he'd be hard-pressed to gain the trust of this upright general. He said briefly, "I'm Yan Qing, a disciple of Lu Junyi, a member of the Daming Prefecture. Wu Yong, the bandit leader of Liangshan, has repeatedly plotted to harm my master and even attempted to kill him. Both publicly and privately, Yan Qing is irreconcilable with Liangshan. All the information I know is gathered from various sources."
"Mr. Lu? But that's the Jade Unicorn of Hebei?" Zhang Qing said with emotion, "I've long heard of your name! No wonder you have such skills and knowledge!" He paused, lowering his voice, "To be honest, I'm not transporting weapons this time, but I'm under secret orders to investigate Liangshan. General Su wants to push for an all-out crackdown on bandits at court, and he needs solid evidence. Brother Yan, are you willing to help me?"
Yan Qing looked at Zhang Qing's frank gaze, his mind racing. Cooperating with Zhang Qing and leveraging the imperial power was undoubtedly the best way to curb Liangshan. However, this move was extremely risky; if exposed, he would face Liangshan's ferocious retaliation.
However, thinking of the suffering that would follow Liangshan's growth, and thinking of those old friends who might repeat the same mistakes, Yan Qing no longer hesitated.
He cupped his hands and said solemnly, "That is what I wish for, but I dare not ask for it. Yanqing, I am willing to lend a helping hand to the general!"
Outside the window, the lights of Bianliang City were just beginning to come on, and the atmosphere was filled with singing and dancing. Meanwhile, within this small inn room, a secret alliance against Liangshanpo was quietly forming.
Although the light is weak, it can illuminate a dark area when gathered into a torch.
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Chapter 14 End
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