Undercurrent Northland New Covenant
Chapter Quote: The war has subsided for now, and the situation in the north has quietly changed. Using both kindness and force to gain new support, the alliance has gained new strength.
---
A decisive victory at Zengtou City temporarily thwarted Liangshan's northern advance. Shi Wengong displayed his prowess on the battlefield, slaying several Liangshan generals with his painted halberd. His reputation as a "divine spearman" resonated throughout the north, and his relationship with the Five Tigers of the Zeng Clan eased considerably after their shared battles. Zeng Nong even relied on him as a vital pillar, consulting with him on many important military matters.
Yet, beneath the victory, undercurrents still surged. Liangshan retreated, but they did not flee far, remaining stationed at the border, threatening to take the city. While morale was high after the battle in Zengtou City, the losses in both manpower and food supplies were significant, and rest and external aid were urgently needed.
Yan Qing did not leave. He found a secret base called "Hidden Post" outside Zengtou City and stayed there. While recuperating from his injuries, he closely monitored the development of the situation. He knew that after this battle, the attitude of Shi Wengong and Zengtou City would be crucial to the "Anti-Liang Alliance".
That day, he received a secret letter from Shi Wengong, inviting him to have a chat in the city.
Entering Zengtou City again, the atmosphere was vastly different from my last infiltration. The pedestrians' expressions had relaxed somewhat. While still on high alert, they also expressed a sense of relief at having survived. Military personnel and civilians spoke of Teacher Shi with unwavering praise, calling him "a white jade pillar supporting the heavens, a purple gold beam bridging the seas."
In the study of Shi Wengong's simple yet heavily guarded mansion, Yan Qing met this northern hero. Shi Wengong dismissed his attendants and bowed deeply to Yan Qing: "Brother Yanqing, if you hadn't warned me in time, I and Zengtou City would be finished! I will never forget this kindness!"
Yan Qing quickly returned the greeting, "Teacher Shi, you are too kind! We are all fighting against Liangshan together, and it is our duty. It is not worth mentioning."
As the two men sat down, Shi Wengong sighed, "After this incident, I've finally realized how treacherous the world is and how unpredictable people are. That Wu Yong is truly vicious!" He looked at Yan Qing with a sincere gaze, "Brother Yanqing, I'd like to hear more about the 'Anti-Liang Alliance' you mentioned earlier."
Yan Qing's heart moved, knowing that the opportunity had come. He explained the alliance's purpose, structure, and the current combined forces to Shi Wengong in detail (hiding some core secrets).
Shi Wengong pondered for a long time after hearing this. He was a proud man who refused to be inferior to others. However, the situation was now stronger than he was. Liangshan was powerful, and Zengtou City could not stand alone. Seeking allies was inevitable. This "Anti-Liang Alliance" did not require him to obey orders, but rather an equal alliance, mutual assistance and mutual benefit, which was exactly what he wanted.
"The idea of an alliance is very much to my liking." Shi Wengong finally nodded. "I am from Zeng Toushi, and I am willing to join the alliance and fight against Liangshan with all the heroes!"
Yan Qing was overjoyed: "With the addition of Mr. Shi and Zeng Toushi, the alliance's strength has greatly increased. This is truly a blessing for the people of the North!"
"However," Shi Wengong changed the subject, his eyes gleaming, "the matter of alliance still needs to be considered with Grandpa Zeng. Grandpa is old and prefers stability, so he may not be willing to openly oppose Liangshan. This matter can be handled secretly by me, mobilizing Zengtou City's resources to cooperate with the alliance, but publicly, Zengtou City will remain neutral for the time being."
Yan Qing understood this was a prudent and mature move. Zengtou City's public neutrality, while secretly aiding the allies, would not only prevent them from becoming Liangshan's primary target, but also provide substantial support to the allies. It was indeed a win-win strategy.
"That's great!" Yan Qing agreed. "Specific matters of communication and coordination can be handled directly by Teacher Shi with the Hidden Post and Shaohua Mountain."
With the important matter settled, both men breathed a sigh of relief. Shi Wengong added, "Brother Yanqing, you are both intelligent and courageous, and you have also managed to connect with all parties. I admire you. With the current situation in the North, what do you think will happen next?"
Yan Qing pondered, "Having recently suffered a defeat, Liangshan should be unable to launch another large-scale offensive in the short term. However, they will never accept defeat and will undoubtedly plot secretly. I believe the alliance's immediate priorities are, first, to consolidate their existing sphere of influence, second, to weaken Liangshan, and third... to find new allies."
"New ally?" Shi Wengong raised his eyebrows.
"That's right." Yan Qing cast his gaze northwest. "After this great chaos in Lingzhou, the government's prestige has been completely destroyed, and local tyrants have risen up. As far as I know, Zengtou City is not the only one in Lingzhou resisting Liangshan. For example... Sun An, the 'Dragon Slayer' of the Dragon Slaying Villa, and Mi Xian, the 'Red Hair and Yellow Beard', are all famous heroes, and they have no good feelings towards Liangshan. If we can persuade them..."
A strange look flashed in Shi Wengong's eyes. "Sun An? Mi Xian? These two are as skilled in martial arts as I am. They are truly heroes. However, they are aloof and arrogant, and may not easily be willing to join forces."
"Everything depends on human effort." Yan Qing smiled faintly. "Besides, with Liangshan's troops now targeting Lingzhou, no one can remain unscathed. They must understand the principle that unity is beneficial, while division is detrimental. Perhaps Teacher Shi, acting as a local tyrant, could conduct preliminary investigations?"
Shi Wengong thought about it and nodded, "Yes. I have met Sun An several times before, so I can write a letter to him and find out what he has to say."
Just as Yan Qing and Shi Wengong were discussing this, a trusted general hurried in and reported, "Teacher, there's a group of men outside the city seeking to see you. They claim to be under the command of Sun An, the 'Dragon Slayer' of Hebei, and they have something important to discuss!"
Yan Qing and Shi Wengong exchanged a glance, each seeing the surprise in the other's eyes. Speak of the devil, and he'll appear!
"Please let them in!" Shi Wengong ordered.
A moment later, a dusty man with a sharp gaze was ushered into the study. He clasped his fists towards Shi Wengong and said, "My name is Bian Xiang. I'm here to pay a visit to Mr. Shi on the orders of our master, Sun'an Manor!"
Bian Xiang? Yan Qing's heart moved. This man was also a famous hero in Hebei. It seemed that Sun An came here with sincerity.
Bian Xiang continued, "The Liangshan bandits are wreaking havoc in Lingzhou. My master is well aware of the principle of 'the lips and the teeth are cold.' Upon hearing that Teacher Shi had defeated Liangshan in Zengtou City, the master was deeply impressed and sent me here to offer his congratulations and... to discuss plans with Teacher Shi to resist Liangshan!"
Shi Wengong was secretly delighted, but kept a straight face. "Master Sun, you are so polite. I wonder what you think?"
Bian Xiang glanced at Yan Qing beside him and hesitated slightly.
Shi Wengong said: "Just say it, Brother Yanqing is not an outsider."
Bian Xiang then said, "My master wishes to unite the heroes of Lingzhou who are unwilling to join the rebellion. We will form an alliance to help each other and fight against Liangshan! If you, Mr. Shi, do not mind, I am willing to accept you as the leader of the alliance!"
Appoint Shi Wengong as the leader? Shi Wengong couldn't help but be tempted by this suggestion. This would be equivalent to handing the leadership of the anti-Liang forces in Lingzhou into his hands, greatly increasing his power and prestige.
However, Yan Qing frowned slightly. If the Lingzhou Alliance became independent, how would its relationship with the Anti-Liang Alliance be handled? Would they merge or cooperate? If Shi Wengong established his own faction, things might change.
Shi Wengong was no fool; he instantly understood the situation. He glanced at the silent Yan Qing, laughed heartily, and said to Bian Xiang, "Brother Bian Xiang, I appreciate Master Sun's kindness. However, I'm unworthy of the position of leader. Fighting against the Liang is a common cause for all righteous men in the world; how can we separate them? How about this? I, Zeng Tou Shi, have formed an 'Anti-Liang Alliance' with other heroes, including Lu Junyi of Daming Prefecture, Shaohua Mountain, and Sun Tixia of Dengzhou. If Master Sun doesn't mind, why not join this great alliance? Wouldn't that consolidate our strength?"
Bian Xiang was surprised to hear this. He had clearly not expected Shi Wengong to have such extensive alliances with the outside world, and even to have surrendered his position as leader. He paused for a moment, then said, "Teacher Shi has a broad mind. I admire you! This matter is of great importance. I must report this to the owner of the manor immediately for a decision."
"It should be so." Shi Wengong nodded. "No matter what decision Master Sun makes, I, Zeng Toushi, am willing to fight alongside Slaying Dragon Villa!"
After sending Bian Xiang away, Shi Wengong looked at Yan Qing and said with a smile, "Brother Yan Qing, is this a good solution?"
Yan Qing bowed and praised sincerely: "Teacher Shi is very clear about the righteousness and takes the overall situation into consideration. Yan Qing admires him!" Shi Wengong's move undoubtedly incorporated Lingzhou's anti-Liang forces into the "Anti-Liang Alliance" system, avoiding internal disputes and strengthening the strength of the alliance.
After this incident, the anti-Liang situation in the north quietly changed. Zengtou City became a solid bastion of the alliance in the north, and the potential joining of forces such as Lingzhou Sun An further extended the alliance's reach.
However, Yan Qing knew that the expansion of the alliance would also mean facing an even more ferocious counterattack from Liangshan. Wu Yong had suffered a series of setbacks, and his next move would surely be even more ruthless and treacherous.
The storm is coming, so we must prepare for it.
He stayed in Zengtou City for several more days, helping Shi Wengong establish stable communication channels with "Yinyi" and Shaohua Mountain, and reporting the latest situation in the north back to the headquarters.
After everything was settled, Yan Qing bid farewell to Shi Wengong once again. He needed to return to Daming Prefecture to report the situation in the north to Lu Junyi and to discuss the alliance's overall strategy with Gongsun Sheng and others.
As he left Zengtou City, Yan Qing looked back, seeing this fortified northern city standing majestically in the setting sun. He knew that the war had subsided temporarily, but the entire world's anti-Liang chess game had just entered its middle stage.
And he is still an indispensable piece in this game and one of the players.
---
Chapter 33 End
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
