Riding alone into the camp to meet the old master
Chapter Quote: A lone rider enters the camp, and the old lords are terrified when they meet. They discuss the pros and cons and form an alliance, and return home deep into the night.
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On the north bank of Liangshan Lake, a series of camps lined the water, flags fluttering and swords and spears like a forest. The flags of Lu Junyi and the allied forces of Dongping Prefecture fluttered in the wind, and a solemn and murderous atmosphere permeated the land.
A galloping horse came from the direction of Liangshan, its hooves kicking up a cloud of dust. On horseback, Yan Qing, dressed in blue and unarmored, bore only the familiar short sword at his waist. His expression was calm, his gaze resolute. He had no followers behind him, only a flag-bearing officer sent by Liangshan, carrying a white banner embroidered with the words "Liangshan Messenger."
When they were still a few miles from the coalition camp, they were stopped by a patrol of cavalry. The leading officer shouted, "Who are you? Stop!"
Yan Qing reined in his horse and said in a loud voice, "Yan Qing, the leader of Liangshanpo, has come to visit Mr. Lu Junyi on orders from Brother Gongming to discuss important matters!"
"Yan Qing?" The sentry officer had obviously heard of his name. His face changed, and he subconsciously tightened his grip on his spear. The cavalry behind him also became alert. The story of Yan Qing's assistance in Zengtou City and his subsequent "defection" from Liangshan had long been widely spread.
"It is Yan." Yan Qing's expression remained unchanged. "When two armies are fighting, envoys are not executed. Please inform Mr. Lu."
The sentry officer did not dare to delay, so he left his men and horses to guard the place and rode back to the camp to report.
After about an incense stick of time, the camp gates flew open, and several riders rushed out. Leading the way was a white-faced, beardless general, holding a spear. He was none other than Dong Ping, the military commander of Dongping Prefecture. He sized Yan Qing up, his eyes sharp, a mixture of scrutiny and pride. "Are you Yan Qing? Mr. Lu invites you to come with me! However, you must remove your weapons!"
Yan Qing smiled faintly, untied the short sword from his waist, and threw it to the personal guard beside Dong Ping: "Thank you, General Dong, for leading the way."
Under the "escort" of Dong Ping and his personal guards, Yan Qing passed through the layers of camps. Seeing the neat and orderly military appearance and high morale, he secretly praised Lu Junyi's ability to lead the army. Soon, he arrived outside the central army tent.
The curtain was lifted, Yan Qing took a deep breath and stepped in.
The tent was brightly lit, and several people sat at attention. At the main seat sat a man in a brocade robe. His face, though slightly haggard, held an air of valor undiminished. It was none other than the "Jade Unicorn," Lu Junyi! Below and to his left sat Cheng Wanli, the prefect of Dongping Prefecture. To his right sat an elderly man dressed as a civil servant, one of Cheng Wanli's staff. Dong Ping stood at Lu Junyi's side, sword drawn, his gaze fixed on him.
Yan Qing's eyes met Lu Junyi's instantly. Instantly, both master and servant were overwhelmed with emotions. Lu Junyi's eyes flashed with an unconcealable excitement, relief, and deep worry. Yan Qing, however, suppressed his surging emotions, striving to maintain a calm exterior. He took a few steps forward and, as per etiquette, bowed.
"Yan Qing, the messenger from Liangshan Lake, pays his respects to Mr. Lu and the Governor Cheng."
He did not call him "Master", but used official titles and underworld terms, deliberately keeping a distance.
Lu Junyi's throat rolled and his voice was a little hoarse: "Little... Leader Yanqing, there is no need to be so polite. I wonder why Leader Song sent you here?" He tried to make his tone sound official.
Cheng Wanli coughed lightly and continued, "Yan Qing, you were originally a subordinate of Mr. Lu and were deeply grateful to him. Why did you defect to Liangshan and become the enemy of your old master? You come here again today, are you here to lobby for Liangshan?" There was a questioning and disdainful tone in his voice.
Yan Qing stood up and looked at Cheng Wanli calmly, "You are wrong, Governor Cheng. Yan Qing came to Liangshan for his own reasons, and Mr. Lu must be well aware of them. As for the lobbyists..." He paused, turned to Lu Junyi, and said sincerely, "Yan Qing is not here to lobby for Liangshan. He is here to save Mr. Lu, Governor Cheng, and the countless lives of the north from a senseless war."
"Oh? What do you mean?" Lu Junyi's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Master, Governor Cheng." Yan Qing looked around at everyone in the tent, his voice clear and steady. "Liangshanpo sent Yan Qing here to make our intentions clear to you two. Liangshan gathered to uphold justice and resist corrupt officials in the imperial court, not to make enemies of the loyal and good people in the world. All the misunderstandings before were caused by instigation by villains and poor communication. Chief Song and Military Advisor Wu have issued clear orders: Liangshan has no intention of attacking Daming Prefecture or Dongping Prefecture in the north."
Dong Ping snorted coldly: "Empty words, who would believe it? You Liangshan people are always cheating!"
"General Dong's disbelief is understandable," Yan Qing said without anger. "Therefore, Liangshan is willing to demonstrate its sincerity through concrete actions. Our army has ordered the suspension of all military operations to the north. At the same time, Chief Song is willing to sign an alliance with Mr. Lu, bound by the existing borders, to non-aggression and mutual trade. If Mr. Lu and the prefect agree, Liangshan will immediately withdraw its troops as a demonstration of sincerity."
He put forward the conditions of "non-aggression and mutual trade and travel", which was undoubtedly a great concession and recognition to Lu Junyi and Cheng Wanli.
Cheng Wanli exchanged glances with his staff, clearly tempted. If they could force Liangshan to withdraw without a fight, thus ensuring peace in Dongping Prefecture, that would naturally be the best option.
Lu Junyi pondered for a moment and stared at Yan Qing: "Xiao Yi, are you serious? Song Jiang and Wu Yong, are you really willing to stop here?" He still habitually called out the old names, with a hint of imperceptible concern in his tone.
Yan Qing felt a slight warmth in his heart, and said solemnly, "Sir, I am willing to guarantee this with my life. This is what Chief Song said himself. Liangshan has made many enemies now. To the north, there are government troops threatening us, and to the west, there is the unresolved Zengtou City. We really don't want to be enemies with heroes like you anymore. Turning hostility into friendship will benefit both sides."
He paused, lowering his voice so only the few people inside the tent could hear, "Your Excellency has just taken over the reins and needs time to consolidate your foundation and eliminate internal troubles. Governor Cheng also needs to appease the locals and restore people's livelihoods. A desperate battle with Liangshan at this time, even if we win, will be a pyrrhic victory, a waste of strength, and the possibility of being taken advantage of by others. It would be better to take this opportunity to stabilize the northern border and accumulate strength, which is the long-term strategy."
These words were entirely based on the immediate interests of Lu Junyi and Cheng Wanli, and their analysis was perfectly logical. Lu Junyi's eyes flickered, clearly persuaded. He truly needed time to absorb the power of Daming Prefecture and completely eliminate the residual influence of Wen Wenbo and the others.
Cheng Wanli stroked his beard and nodded, "If Liangshan really keeps its promise and stops fighting, it would be a good thing indeed. But...how should this alliance be signed?"
"The specific details can be discussed in detail by representatives from both sides." Yan Qing felt relieved when he saw the other party's attitude soften. "Yan Qing has come here only to convey Chief Song's sincerity and to ascertain the intentions of the official and the prefect. If you two are interested, Liangshan can immediately send Military Advisor Wu Yong to discuss the details of the alliance with you."
Bringing Wu Yong out for negotiations not only showed Liangshan's importance, but also handed over the subsequent wrangling matters to Wu Yong, allowing Yan Qing to get out of it.
Lu Junyi and Cheng Wanli whispered to each other for a moment. Finally, Lu Junyi raised his head and looked at Yan Qing with a complicated look. "Okay! Xiao Yi, I'll trust you this time. Go back and tell Song Jiang that I am willing to sign an alliance with Liangshan and cease fire. The specific matters can be discussed at another place."
"Master, you are wise!" Yan Qing bowed, a huge weight lifted from his heart. He knew that Lu Junyi's decision was not only based on profit, but also included his unwavering trust in him.
Having accomplished his mission, Yan Qing did not stay any longer and said goodbye and left the tent.
Looking at Yan Qing's departing back, Lu Junyi remained silent for a long time. When Cheng Wanli and Dong Ping also said goodbye and left, leaving him alone in the tent, he slowly sat back in his chair, closed his eyes tiredly, and muttered to himself:
"Xiao Yi... I'm sorry for your hardship..."
He knew that Yan Qing was in Liangshan, like being in a dangerous place, with every step he took being extremely dangerous. Behind this seemingly successful mission today, there were countless difficulties and calculations hidden.
As Yan Qing rode away from the allied camp, he gazed back at the endless stream of lights, a wave of emotion welling up in his heart. He had successfully averted a bloody battle for both Liangshan and Lu Junyi. But how long could this temporary peace last?
The night was as dark as ink, swallowing up his lone figure. The road ahead was long and full of dangers, but his eyes remained firm.
No matter how difficult it is, he will fight for a glimmer of hope for the people he cares about in this torrent of fate.
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Chapter 43 End
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