Thirty-Nine Loyalty to the Country Eighteen War Sea State

  Near the New Year, it is the busiest time for sea routes. The number of boats in the Haizhou Zhushan Estuary has increased sharply, and merchants from the north and south are engaged in maritime trade here. Although it is not as big as Quanzhou or Guangzhou in the Song Dynasty, it is also the main port for going out to sea in the two Huai regions.

  However, recently, the merchants and ship owners in Jishan Kou have been worried, not for anything else, but because Song Jiang's gang suddenly appeared in the waters near Yuzhou Island, hijacking many ships, causing heavy losses to everyone, and naturally they went to the government to report.

  Zhang Shunye received the indictment, but did nothing and continued to train the thousand "Dare-to-Die" soldiers. He didn't even take a break on New Year's Eve. The people of Haizhou spread rumors that Zhang Shunye had been intimidated by Song Jiang and only thought about defending the city to the death, not daring to launch an attack.

  The thirty-six sworn brothers on the island of Yu Zhou were originally fishermen and pirates, and they were most skilled at driving ships to commit crimes. This time, they became sea pirates, and it can be said that they returned to their natural habitat, feeling extremely pleased with themselves. Several times they went into action, not once failing, and their mountain stronghold was filled with the loot they had plundered, with everything they needed for food, drink, clothing, and use available in abundance, and rare treasures and precious objects were piled high before their eyes. Adding to this the accumulation of the past two years, it was enough for all the good fellows to live a life of ease and comfort for the rest of their days, truly having passed the most prosperous and peaceful year since leaving Liangshan Marsh.

  The only one who didn't feel at ease was Xiao Wu. Every time a holiday came around, he would think of his parents and wife back home, his heart burning with anxiety. Two years had passed without any news from him; would they think he was no longer in this world? He had abandoned his filial duties as a son and his responsibilities as a husband, becoming a carefree wanderer, truly ashamed before heaven and earth.

  With such a mood, Xiao Wu naturally couldn't drink and have fun, so he volunteered to stand guard and watch the wind. He stood alone on the tower, overlooking the surroundings, looking down at the dark expanse around him, with faint fish lights flickering in the sea and occasional wild beast howls coming from the mountains. The icy mountain wind carried a strong smell of seaweed. The only thing that showed warmth and light was the bamboo hut, where the good guys were laughing and making noise inside, drinking and competing in wine games, and the aroma of meat and wine could be smelled several miles away.

  "Song, Big Brother Song, I've never heard you recite poetry or sing songs. Today's a happy day, come on and do one!" Monk Hua's voice floated over from afar, his tongue was already thickened, he had indeed drunk quite a bit, only he dared to make such a request of the leader, Big Brother Song.

  "Sing on, sing on!" Wu Xingzi struck his fan in time.

  "The firecracker sounds mark the beginning of a new year, and the warm spring breeze enters the Tou Su. On this day when thousands of doors and millions of households are decorated with couplets, people generally replace old symbols with new ones. Brother Song, little sister has thrown out bricks to attract jade." Xiaojiao also joined in, her voice clear and pleasant.

  "That's the way to do it." Song Jiang, drunk and swaggering, got up, "To be a hero, one must be fierce and bold. With sword in hand, roam the world, and kill at will. Drink the blood of the rivers in the morning, and return with human heads in the evening. Killing one person is a crime, but killing ten thousand makes you a champion. The great deeds of past dynasties are all based on killing..."

  Song Jiang's "Killing Song" clearly reached Xiao Wu's ears, and he suddenly woke up, as if he had been struck by a stick on the head. Although every time he fought with the government army, he relied on his accurate shooting skills to achieve the goal of not killing if possible, and not wounding if possible, but the murderous intention had long been inflated. If this continued, he would eventually fall into Song Jiang's pleasure in killing people and becoming famous for killing thousands. The country was in a state of turmoil, and it was also the time for good men to devote themselves to serving their country. A person's life is only about 100 years, and his body would not be abandoned on the rivers and lakes.

  Never had he been so determined, Xiao Wu was like a stone statue, quietly listening to the movements below. The noise of the disturbance gradually subsided, but a lantern left the bamboo grass hall, he concentrated his eyes and saw a slender figure, it was Han Jiuer who didn't drink a drop.

  Xiao Wu waited for a while, but no one else came out. The good men should have all fallen down drunk. He then descended from the watchtower, not even mentioning the lanterns, and took advantage of the moonlight to sneak around, wanting to find Han Jiu'er to make things clear.

  Han Jiuer's boudoir was set up in the deepest part of the mountain stronghold, a bamboo building built by all the good men working together. The inside and outside were plastered with mud mixed with straw to keep out the wind and preserve warmth. Yizhang Qing lived downstairs, while Han Jiuer lived upstairs.

  Xiao Wu knocked on the door of Yi Zhang Qing's house, but no one responded. Confirming that she was still in Zhu Cao Tang, he felt at ease and went upstairs. Just as he was about to knock on Han Jiu Er's door, it creaked open, and the candlelight illuminated a smiling, rosy face: "Brother, little sister has been waiting for you for a long time."

  "Do you know I'm coming?" Xiao Wu entered the house with a hint of doubt, only to see the fireplace burning brightly, a tea table set with various pastries and fruits, as well as two steaming cups of tea. Indeed, someone was waiting for her. She then looked at Han Jiu'er, who wore a yellow silk dress with intricate embroidery, adorned with golden and silver ornaments, looking elegant and refined, exuding an air of youthful charm. It seemed that the little girl had grown another year older in the new year's attire.

  "Did Brother freeze on the watchtower? First, drink a mouthful of hot tea to warm up your body. This is the local high-quality cloud and mist tea." Han Jiu'er gently pushed Xiao Wu, who was somewhat dazed, onto the chair covered with animal hide, and personally served him tea.

  "It doesn't matter..." Xiaowu took the tea with a flustered expression, for a moment not knowing how to start the conversation. This was the first time in two years that the two of them had been alone together.

  "You and I are siblings, we should also spend the New Year's Eve together." Han Jiu'er elegantly took a sip of tea, then picked up a melon seed and cracked it into her mouth, that air of leisurely elegance, as if she had never left the loving care of Hu Jin Tang.

  "That is... that is..." Xiao Wu also seemed to have returned to the years when he was a tenant of the Han Mansion, extremely cautious and struggling to find the right words.

  "Brother, are you thinking of your parents and sister-in-law? Want to bring little sister back home for a visit?" Han Jiuer's tone was affectionate, truly treating her as a member of the family. She directly got to the point, revealing Xiao Wu's intention with one sentence, yet chose her words carefully, in case there were prying ears behind the wall.

  "Ah......" Xiao Wu never thought that the words in her heart would be spoken by her first, and she was shocked to put down her tea and stand up. The little girl really had the ability to see through things and predict them like a god!

  "Little sister also misses her parents." Han Jiu'er suddenly pouted, and with a thud, she buried her head in Xiao Wu's arms and began to sob.

  "Sister..." Xiao Wu did not expect the little girl to cry, he couldn't bear to see women cry, so he hurriedly comforted her by stroking her hair. His heart ached, she was still young and had been away from home for a long time, it was only natural that she missed her parents and family.

  "Brother..." Han Jiuer's shoulders heaved, as if he had suffered infinite grievances. However, from the small pouch on his waist, a bright and clear eye peeked out, without a hint of tears. He gave a sly smile and said in a voice that only he could hear, "Little sister has been waiting for this day for a long time."

  "You..." Xiaowu didn't think she was acting at all and subconsciously wanted to push her away.

  "Don't move, let others carefully tell you their escape plan." Han Jiu'er said in a low voice, stopping Xiao Wu's action.

  "Ah?" Xiao Wu felt like he had really become a fool, since entering the house, not saying half a sentence, all led by Xiaonizi's nose, but her every word hit his heart, that kind of passive and comfortable feeling was unprecedented in this life.

  In the first month of Xuanhe Year 3, Tong Guan, who had taken over as the head of the Secretariat, led tens of thousands of elite Song troops that were originally preparing to attack Liao in the north, but instead marched south to suppress the Fang La rebellion. At the same time, he issued an imperial edict in the emperor's name, announcing the abolition of the Flower and Rock Tax, in order to placate public outrage.

  In the second month, a high-ranking official presented a memorial to the imperial court, stating: "Song Jiang and his thirty-six men have been rampaging across Qi and Wei, and the officials and soldiers of the Eastern Capital dare not resist them. His talent must be extraordinary. Now that the bandits in Qingxi have risen up, it would be better to pardon Jiang and order him to capture Fang La to atone for his crimes." As a result, an edict of "pardoning and recruiting" was issued, and Emperor Huizong decreed to pacify Song Jiang's bandits. Proclamations were posted in the counties of Haizhou, calling on them to surrender.

  At this time, on the island of Yu Zhou, the Thirty-six Pledges were planning to attack Haizhou City, but Xiaojiu had a different plan. She thought that since the heroes wanted to establish themselves on the island for a long time, they must make a show of force and teach the surrounding states and counties not to look down on them.

  A group of good men gathered ten large ships they had seized, ready to set off. In all, there were thirty-six people, and even if they were evenly distributed, each ship would have only three or four people on it. With their forces so scattered, how could they possibly attack a provincial city in broad daylight?

  It was Xiaojiu's strategy of deception, as she commanded ten brothers to lead a ship each, creating the illusion of a large and powerful army on the sea. The remaining twenty or so people were led by Song Jiang, who boarded a light boat and landed ashore, infiltrating Haizhou City and capturing the prefecture in one fell swoop, taking Zhang, the prefect, alive.

  This plan is excellent, with internal and external pincer attacks, the strange army will win, even if we consider the small five, it seems that there is no loss at all, let alone this is his and Han Jiu'er's golden cicada shell plan, the two siblings can take advantage of this opportunity to leave the Thirty-six Gang and return home.

  It is said that man's plan cannot compare to heaven's plan, and at this time the news of amnesty came, causing the heroes' minds to be in a state of flux, undecided on whether to attack Haizhou City. They were again divided into two factions, Hua the Monk and Wu the Warrior firmly wanting to fight, opposing amnesty, while Song Jiang and his followers believed that for now it was not suitable to provoke the authorities, and they should temporarily observe.

  Xiao Wu and Han Jiu'er were of one mind, joining the two monks' camp. Xiao Wu only showed her attitude, while the little girl made a situation analysis: whether to surrender or not, attacking Haizhou City was urgent, first, morale would be boosted, second, if they could take down the city, it would prove the strength of the good men, adding weight to future negotiations.

  After listening to Xiaojiu's words, Song Jiang's eyes flickered and he deliberated for half a day before finally deciding to stick to the original plan and deploy troops. The Thirty-six Sworn Brothers drank a toast of farewell, smashed their wine cups, shouldered their bows and arrows, inserted their waist knives, grasped their long-handled weapons, boarded their ships one by one, divided into two routes, and charged straight at Haizhou City.

  Ever since the news of Song Jiang, the leader of the outlaws, spread, the waters near Haizhou have been unusually calm, with few merchant ships passing through this route, most taking a detour. Suddenly, a fleet of ten ships appeared, standing out remarkably.

  Xiao Jiu sat in the middle of the boat, with a one-zhang green flag beside her responsible for signaling. Looking far into the distance, the blue waves were surging, and the coastline was already in sight. Xiao Nizi's chest rose and fell, having traveled the rivers and lakes for two springs and autumns. She had finally become tired of wandering and was about to return home, but she had grown from a naive and ignorant young girl into a female military strategist who could plan and scheme.

  Another small five on the light boat, similarly stirred in his heart, looking at the two monks and the crowd of brothers rubbing their fists, finally arrived at the day of parting, with a hint of reluctance in his heart, yet reminding himself to muster up his spirit, to do his best as an archer in this final battle in Jianghu, not to waste the lives of his brothers.

  It can be said that since Xiao Wu joined, the heroes unknowingly gained a long-distance protector. That simple, ancient bronze-colored large bow has saved his brothers countless times. This is also one of the reasons why the 36 sworn brothers have been able to roam freely without anyone getting hurt until now.

  At noon, the sun was shining brightly in the sky, and the sea was a deep blue. The waves were rolling in from afar, and the long, narrow boat, with ten people sitting on each side, moved swiftly across the water, its oars flying in unison, as if floating on the surface. It quickly reached the shore and docked at a quiet rocky outcropping.

  The good men hid the boat well and divided their troops into two routes. Ruan Xiaoer and Ruan Xiaogui led several brothers, disguised as fishermen, and first mixed into the city. The rest of the people walked towards Baitu Mountain on foot.

  Baitu Mountain, overlooking Haizhou City in the southwest, was named after its white stones that resemble a sleeping tiger roaring and whistling. Many good men quietly climbed this small mountain with no vegetation, waiting for Xiaojiao's fleet to arrive, and when they heard the drumbeat signal, they joined forces with Ruan brothers who had entered the city earlier, and charged into the city gate together.

  Xiao Wu crouched behind a rock, listening to the gentle chirping of the mountain sparrow, smelling the unique earthy scent of the land, and his heart had already flown back to his hometown thousands of miles away. People are strange like this, if there is no thought it's fine, but once thoughts arise, they can't be stopped.

  "Wu Er, Mu Gun, what are you staring at? Are you also thinking of surrendering?" The dissatisfied voice of Hua He Shang came from behind, ever since Song Jiang reluctantly agreed to attack Haizhou City, this straightforward and honest Shaanxi man had been displeased with everyone.

  "Ah?" Xiao Wu subconsciously glanced at Wu Xingzhe, who was gazing down at the state city below the mountain with a gentle expression in his eyes. As a local, he had a deep affection for his hometown.

  "The boom, boom, boom" of the drumming finally sounded, and the good men were greatly encouraged by the sound. Each of them held up their long weapons, ready to charge down the mountain. But Xiao Wu's heart suddenly skipped a beat - no, how could this drumming be so close?

  He sprang to his feet and looked down, suddenly taking a deep breath, only to see that in the fields at the foot of the mountain, countless figures emerged like sprouts, with swords and spears as dense as forests, and there were ambushers waiting for a long time!

  At almost the same time, a thick smoke billowed up from the surface of the sea near the city. Xiao Wu immediately thought of Xiao Jiu's fleet and wondered if they had also been ambushed. His heart was on the verge of breaking.

  The drumming ceased, and the city gate at the foot of the mountain swung open. Amidst the swirling yellow dust, a team of cavalry emerged, their banners fluttering, soldiers shouting, horses neighing, surging towards the foot of the mountain to join forces with the ambush troops.

  The heroes on the mountain were at a loss, completely unprepared for this unexpected situation, stunned on the spot, each and every one of them lost their minds, not knowing what to do or where to go.

  "Welcome! Let me have a good fight!" Only Hua and the monk didn't think so much, and recklessly raised his steel Zen stick, ready to start a big killing spree.

  "Hold on, hold on!" Wu Xingzhe blocked Hua He Shang's path.

  "What, you're scared too?" Hua He Shang glared with tiger eyes, puffed out his whiskers, and was full of murderous intent.

  "Look closely, look closely!" Wu Xingzi calmly pointed at the mountain below.

  "Xiao Jiu, Ruan brother..." Xiao Wu had already shouted loudly, he saw clearly that among the dark and dense militia at the foot of the mountain, more than a dozen men were being led out with their hands tied behind their backs. They were indeed Xiao Jiu and Ruan Xiao Er, who were dressed as men, and it seemed they had all been captured.

  Presently, a general wearing armor and helmet rode out on horseback, stood on a mound of earth, and shouted over: "You rebels listen well! I am Zhang Dani, the governor of Hai Prefecture. Now I have received an imperial edict to call upon you to surrender. This mountain has been surrounded by my troops on all sides, your accomplices are also in my hands, why not lay down your arms and accept amnesty?"

  "Xiao Wu, shoot this corrupt official dead with one arrow!" Monk Hua angrily shouted.

  "I won't be able to do it!" Xiao Wu's eyes were filled with frustration, and he shook his head in difficulty. With Jiujiu in the opponent's hands, he didn't dare make any move that might harm her.

  "Haha, you're all scared?" Flower Monk's anger turned to laughter as he swept his gaze around the silent crowd of brothers. "I'd rather die than surrender. If you want to defect to the imperial court, take me with you to beg for mercy."

  "Hua Xian, you know that the brothers of various families are not such people, and Xiao Wu is even more so. It's just that one of our brothers has fallen into enemy hands." After half a day of silence, Song Jiang finally spoke up, "Alright, I'll go down the mountain to negotiate with the corrupt officials. As long as they release our captured brother, we will leave the borders of Haizhou and find another place to settle."

  "Thank you, Song Ge." Xiao Wu's eyes showed gratitude, but he couldn't figure out how Zhang Shu had predicted the ambush. What was even more frustrating was that his and Han Jiu'er's plan to escape had been ruined, and now being able to retreat safely was already a great fortune.

  "Be careful, Big Brother Song!" Monk Hua muttered to himself, but if it were anyone else, he wouldn't have taken it to heart. However, Xiaojiao was like a younger sister to him, and he felt that he had been reckless just now.

  "Rest assured, with the likes of us, can't we deal with a mere dog official?" Song Jiang said with a stern tone, then took off his armor and descended the mountain with quick steps.

  "I see, I see... Brother Song seems a bit off..." Wu Song watched as Song Jiang's figure disappeared into the distance, muttering this sentence to himself.

  Xiao Wu, who had been confused, was suddenly enlightened. He looked around and saw that the brothers beside him were mostly opposed to surrender, while those captured at the foot of the mountain were mostly followers of Song Jiang. Could it be...

  Just as Xiao Wu was in a state of uncertainty, Song Jiang had already arrived at Zhang Shun's horse and suddenly fell to the ground, performing the grand ceremony of a commoner meeting an official. Then he turned around and shouted loudly towards the mountain: "All brothers listen up! The emperor's great virtue is that past mistakes are not held against you. I have decided to serve the imperial court and contribute my strength to the country! Brothers who want to follow me, throw down your weapons and come down the mountain. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to uphold justice and lead the government troops to attack the mountain!"

  The situation changed again and again, Xiao Wu was stunned, never expecting it to deteriorate to this point. It turned out that the leader had betrayed his brothers, and this stab in the back was deep! Looking at those captured brothers, they were all untied, and Han Jiu'er was no exception. Could she have also colluded with Song Jiang? Or was this her real plan to escape? As a daughter of an official family, she could be said to have been coerced into joining the bandits, so returning to the imperial court was only natural.

  "You two-faced, three-timing scoundrel! You gutless, spineless little runt! I was blind to your scheme and fell for it. I regret not beating you to death with a stick..." Monk Hua shouted in anger, cursing him with every insult he could think of.

  "Everyone, brothers, whether to leave or stay, decide for yourselves!" The martial artist wielded his eyebrow-level short staff and stood together with Flower Monk.

  The thirty-six sworn brothers, originally united in heart, suddenly split and dispersed. The many good men on the mountain had lost their will to fight, and were surrounded by heavy siege. In such a situation, those who stayed behind were looking for death. With a loud shout, they dropped their weapons one after another and walked down the mountain. In the blink of an eye, only Hua the Monk, Wu the Ascetic, and Little Five remained on the mountain.