The first appearance of Utopia calms the storm
Chapter Quote:
Working hard to create a new situation, Shuibo gradually became a secluded source;
When all the old hatreds are gone, we can see the true love in the world.
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Winter is approaching, but Liangshan Lake is bustling with activity. Three months have passed since returning from the capital, and thanks to Yan Qing's promotion, the stronghold is undergoing a complete transformation.
At daybreak, Yan Qing, Song Jiang, and Wu Yong went on a tour of the stronghold. On the training grounds, they saw Lin Chong practicing the new Mandarin Duck Formation. The soldiers followed orders with discipline, advancing and retreating with measured movements, like an elite force.
"Ever since Brother Xiaoyi proposed the strategy of 'streamlining the military and simplifying administration,' our army's combat effectiveness has more than doubled." Song Jiang pointed at the neatly-organized army formation, not without pride.
Wu Yong gently waved his feather fan and expressed his rare agreement: "What's even more rare is that after the implementation of 'soldiers and civilians are one', the soldiers can farm in their spare time and serve as soldiers in wartime. This has not only solved the problem of food and fodder, but also maintained combat effectiveness."
After turning the corner of the mountain, they arrived at the newly opened workshop area. Ling Zhen was directing the craftsmen to improve the artillery. The newly cast cannons were lighter, yet had a longer range. In the adjacent forging workshop, Tang Long and his apprentices were crafting a new chariot, its wheels clad in iron sheets and its hulls equipped with firing ports.
"According to Brother Xiaoyi's drawings, after this batch of tanks is completed, our army's field combat capability will be greatly enhanced." Tang Long wiped his sweat and reported excitedly.
Yan Qing carefully examined the structure of the chariot and put forward several suggestions for improvement, which made Tang Long nod repeatedly.
When they reached the back mountain, the sight before them was even more astonishing. They saw terraced fields nestled against the hillside, and the winter wheat had already sprouted, a lush green. In the orchard on the hillside, Zhang Qing was leading the veterans in pruning fruit trees.
"Captain Yan!" Zhang Qing saw him from afar and hurried over to greet him. "According to the grafting method you taught us, these pear trees will definitely bear fruit next year!"
Yan Qing squatted down and carefully examined the soil: "Pay attention to drainage, rainwater easily accumulates on this slope."
"We've dug drainage ditches as you instructed." Zhang Qing pointed to the newly dug canal on the mountainside. "We've also built three reservoirs that can be used for irrigation during droughts."
Song Jiang looked at the crops covering the mountains and fields and sighed, "I remember this time last year, the mountain stronghold was still worried about food and fodder for the winter. Now we are not only self-sufficient, but we also have surplus food to help the surrounding people."
As they were talking, Zhu Wu suddenly came hurriedly, his face solemn: "Brother Gongming, I just received a secret report from the capital that Yang Jian has been dismissed from office and imprisoned!"
Everyone was stunned. Yan Qing asked, "What happened?"
"Embezzling military funds and forming a clique for personal gain." Zhu Wu passed the secret report to Song Jiang. "It is said that letters between him and Cai Jing were found in his mansion, as well as an entire warehouse of stolen silver."
After reading the secret report, Song Jiang breathed a sigh of relief: "So, the account book issue has finally been settled."
Wu Yong pondered and said, "Yang Jian's downfall was too quick. I'm afraid there's something else going on."
Yan Qing remained silent. He remembered that in his previous life, Yang Jian was still in power in the court until Liangshan surrendered. He was afraid that the changes in this life were closely related to him.
That night, Lu Junyi privately found Yan Qing and whispered, "Xiao Yi, General Zhong Shidao sent a letter saying that Yang Jian's downfall was caused by someone secretly pushing for it."
Yan Qing's heart moved: "Could it be..."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Lu Junyi nodded. "Your Majesty is trying to clear up any future trouble for you. The letter also mentioned that most of the officials implicated in the account books have been demoted."
Yan Qing was silent. How could he not know Huizong's feelings? But...
"Master, I have a favor to ask of you."
"But it's okay."
"I want to implement new policies in Liangshan." Yan Qing's eyes were firm. "Not only do I want my brothers to live and work in peace and contentment, but I also want to make this eight hundred li marsh a pure land in this troubled world."
Lu Junyi clapped his hands and applauded: "That's exactly what we should do! Tell me, what should we do?"
The next day, at the Juyi Hall, Yan Qing proposed a comprehensive reform plan:
"First, we will set up a school. Ask Xiao Rang and Jin Dajian to preside over it. They will not only teach martial arts, but also agricultural and industrial skills, so that the brothers can have more career options."
Xiao Rang stood up and said, "I'll take care of this. I've already compiled the literacy textbook, and I've asked Brother Lehe to compose the music so the soldiers can learn by singing."
"Second, we will establish a clinic. Ask An Daoquan to be the general manager, recruit good doctors, and purchase medicinal materials. This will not only treat the brothers, but also provide medicine to the surrounding people."
An Daoquan twirled his beard and smiled, "That's exactly what I was thinking. I've already contacted a few old friends, and they'll be heading up the mountain soon."
"Third, we need to open up trade routes. We need to ask Mr. Chai Jin to come forward and use his connections to sell our specialties to various places."
Chai Jin nodded and said, "That's easy. I've already contacted several big businesses, and they're all very interested in the reed mats and farm tools we weave."
"Most importantly," Yan Qing glanced at the leaders, "I will formulate the Liangshan Charter, clearly stipulating: do not harm civilians, do not plunder merchants, and do not bully the good. Violators will be severely punished!"
This statement was agreed by most of the chiefs. Only a few chiefs who were accustomed to looting looked hesitant, but under the watchful eyes of the crowd, they could not object.
The reform went more smoothly than expected. In less than two months, Liangshan had a completely new look:
The academy was filled with the sound of reading, offering not only martial arts but also agronomy, engineering, and other courses. Long lines formed in front of the clinic, as people from the surrounding areas flocked to seek treatment. Caravans frequently came and went, selling Liangshan's specialties far and wide in exchange for much-needed supplies like salt and iron.
Most commendable was the implementation of the Liangshan Covenant. Yan Qing personally judged several cases of violations of the covenant, handling them impartially and convincingly. From then on, the stronghold maintained strict discipline and harmonious relations with the surrounding people.
One day, Yan Qing was inspecting the newly reclaimed rice fields when he saw Hu Sanniang approaching with a man. The man was dressed in plain clothes, but he had an extraordinary bearing.
"Brother Xiaoyi, this gentleman said he is an old friend of yours."
Yan Qing took a closer look and was pleasantly surprised: "Mr. Xu!"
The man who came was Xu Guanzhong. He looked around with a smile: "What a paradise! Xiaoyi, you really did it."
As the two of them strolled along the ridge of a field, Xu Guanzhong sighed, "Back then, you and I said we wanted to find a pure land, but I never thought we'd find it here in Liangshan."
Yan Qing pointed at the people working in the distance and said, "Mr. Xu, look! These people were once refugees, but now they can live and work in peace and contentment. Perhaps this is the path we have been pursuing."
Xu Guanzhong nodded. "But Xiaoyi, a tall tree attracts the wind. Liangshan's reputation is now far-reaching, and I'm afraid it will arouse the imperial court's fear."
"Don't worry, sir. I know what I'm doing." Yan Qing suddenly remembered something. "Sir, do you still remember the theory of 'three disasters' that we talked about back then?"
Xu Guanzhong's expression grew serious. "Of course I remember. It seems you've already overcome the first calamity, the mystery of your origins; the second, the turmoil in the imperial court. Only the third calamity remains..."
"'The choice of retreat,'" Yan Qing said, his eyes far-reaching. "This calamity is probably not far away."
As he was speaking, he suddenly saw Dai Zong galloping over, his face solemn: "Brother Xiaoyi, Brother Gongming asks you to return to the Juyi Hall as soon as possible. An imperial edict has arrived!"
In the Juyi Hall, Song Jiang was talking to a eunuch. Seeing Yan Qing come in, the eunuch immediately stood up, with a smile on his face:
"Master Yan, His Majesty has issued an order for you to come to the capital to see the Emperor immediately."
Yan Qing's heart moved: "May I ask, sir, what is going on?"
The eunuch lowered his voice and said, "His Majesty wishes to discuss the matter of recruiting the troops. He has specifically instructed that Master Yan depart immediately. His carriage is already waiting at the foot of the mountain."
The hall suddenly fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on Yan Qing.
Wu Yong spoke first: "Recruiting is a matter of great importance and requires careful consideration. How about I draft a set of rules first..."
Lu Junyi also said: "Xiao Yi just came back not long ago and is tired from the journey. It would be better to rest for a while before continuing on the road."
The eunuch said, "His Majesty has specifically instructed that Master Yan leave immediately. He also said..." He glanced at Yan Qing, "It concerns Master Yan's background. He has something important to tell you."
Yan Qing and Song Jiang exchanged glances, both realizing that this was more than just a matter of surrender.
Before leaving, Yan Qing went to find Gongsun Sheng.
"What can you see, Taoist priest?"
Gongsun Sheng gazed at the stars for a long time before saying, "Purple air coming from the east is a good omen. However..." He changed the subject, "This journey may signal a separation. The movement of Sirius indicates a long journey."
Yan Qing was silent. He had a premonition that if he left Liangshan this time, he might never return.
On his way down the mountain, Yan Qing took one last look back at the land he had so painstakingly cultivated. The vast expanse of the 800-li marsh was shrouded in mist, while smoke curled from the mountain village, creating a scene of peace and tranquility. The sounds of reading in the school, the clatter of ironwork in the workshop, and the laughter in the fields intertwined into a moving melody.
"In this life, Liangshan finally doesn't have to repeat the mistakes of the previous life."
He murmured to himself, turned and got into the carriage.
The carriage was halfway along when it suddenly stopped. Yan Qing lifted the curtain and saw a man standing by the roadside - it was Wu Song!
"Second brother? Why are you..."
Wu Song said with a smile, "Brother, you left without saying goodbye. How can a brother not see you off?" He handed over a wine bag and said, "The road ahead to the capital is unpredictable. Take care, brother!"
Yan Qing took the wine bag, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Lu Zhishen, Lin Chong, Xu Ning, and his brothers emerging from the roadside. Further away, Lu Junyi, Song Jiang, and Wu Yong also arrived.
"you..."
Lu Junyi strode forward and shook Yan Qing's hand: "Xiao Yi, Liangshan will always be your home! Go early and come back early!"
Song Jiang also said: "Whether you are recruited or not, you will always be our good brother in Liangshan!"
Yan Qing's eyes were slightly hot, and he clasped his fists together: "Take care, brothers! Yan Qing...I'll be back soon!"
Yet, he knew in his heart that this separation might be forever. The third calamity Xu Guanzhong had mentioned might be about to occur today.
The carriage continued to move forward. Yan Qing took out the jade hairpin left by his mother from his arms and stroked it gently.
In this life, he had changed the fate of so many people and found his true destiny. Now it was time to retire.
But he didn't expect that this trip to the capital would reveal a bigger secret...
On a distant hill, Xu Guanzhong looked at the departing carriage and sighed softly:
"The hidden dragon will eventually return to the vast sea. Once it leaves, I'm afraid we may never meet again."
His whispers were heard on the wind, and as the carriage drove away, they gradually dissipated between heaven and earth.
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Chapter 67 End
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