Chapter 2: Black and White

  According to the Song Dynasty, one chi is approximately equal to 31.2 cm in modern times. However, in Water Margin, it's often mentioned that someone is eight chi tall, which would be an unbelievable 2.49 meters. If not for the exaggeration of the storyteller or the use of Han chi (23 cm), then the heights mentioned in the text are directly converted from Han chi to modern metric units, while others are from Song chi. The Damascus steel sword has records of soft swords up to three meters long, similar to the one used by Shishio Makoto in Rurouni Kenshin, but slightly shorter.

  At this shout, there was a great commotion at the western crossroads, and passersby and merchants all fled in terror.

  The crowd parted, and a dozen or so ruffians dressed as men surrounded a large man who rushed forward in a straight line. Along the way, they couldn't help but grab a few handfuls of goods from the vendors on one side, or pick up a pear to take a bite and throw it away, or take two pancakes and eat one while hiding the other. Occasionally, there were also women's shrill cries, followed by the sight of some ruffian revealing a lewd smile, and it was clear that they had taken liberties with someone.

  As he walked closer, Gao Qiang saw the face of the big man in the middle and thought to himself: He's indeed worthy of being called Jiangmen Shen! This person was nearly two meters tall, with a black face like the bottom of a pot, his head wrapped in a scarf, wearing an outer jacket with an open chest, revealing a patch of black body hair on his chest. His belly was big and round, and when he walked, it seemed as if the ground was shaking beneath him. Judging from his appearance, if someone were to paint a picture of him, it would be perfect for posting on the door during Chinese New Year.

  Seeing the other side's momentum was fierce, Shi En, who was sitting on the cabinet, did not dare to slack off and quickly led a dozen or so soldiers beside him to jump out and form two arrays with Jiang Mengyi's group in front of Kuaihuolin Wine House.

  The people around had already retreated to a safe distance, fearing that they would be affected by the commotion. The shop assistant, who was still jumping around just now, was so scared that his legs turned soft and he was about to run away when Lu Zhishen grabbed him by the front of his shirt and growled: "Wait a minute, little second, tell me quickly what's going on with these two groups of people."

  That little servant was startled by Lu Zhishen's sudden grab, his face turned pale, and his lips trembled as he stuttered out words, but couldn't say a complete sentence. Gao Qiu saw this and secretly shook his head, smiling at the little servant: "Don't be afraid, my master is just curious, and has nothing to do with these people. Just tell me clearly what you know, and I'll let my master know. If you speak clearly, I'll give you a reward." As he spoke, he took out a string of copper coins from his side and shook them twice in front of the little servant.

  The little servant saw that he spoke in a harmonious manner, and also saw Brother Kong waving his hand without stopping. His courage was boosted, and he stood firmly on the ground with both feet. A smile appeared on his face as he said: "You gentlemen are probably visiting Mengzhou Road and Kuaihuolin for the first time. It's not surprising that you don't know some things. As the saying goes, 'not knowing is not a crime.' Who can know everything unless they are saints?"

  I don't know if it was the copper coins that dazzled his eyes or if he had an attack of occupational disease, but this little servant opened his mouth and spoke like a continuous river, yet after dragging on for half a day, he still hadn't gotten to the point. Lu Zhishen listened impatiently and couldn't help but shout: "You little servant, I only asked you about the origins and actions of these two parties, who cares about your nonsense? Speak quickly!"

  Although he didn't speak loudly, Huahe Shang's glare was not to be underestimated. The young waiter was startled and didn't dare say another word. His thin lips moved quickly up and down, and before long, he had given a rough account of the situation.

  It turned out that this fair-faced young man, Shi En, was the son of the commander of Mengzhou's prison camp. From a young age, he loved to wield spears and staffs, befriending heroes from all walks of life. People say that it's easy for the rich to learn martial arts, as long as they have money at home. This young commander Shi En invited teachers from all over the world to teach him, and after a few years, he mastered eighteen types of weapons, earning himself the nickname "Golden-eyed Leopard".

  This Shi En felt that his martial arts skills were accomplished, and he couldn't help but have some entrepreneurial spirit. Looking at the bustling crowd outside Mengzhou City's Happy Forest, where thousands of people made a living, he got an idea. Coincidentally, his old man was the commander of the city garrison, with hundreds of soldiers under him, and there were many ruffians in the area. Shi En gathered a group of people and opened a wine shop in Happy Forest, specializing in food wholesale and retail dining. All the wine shops in this area had to buy wine and meat from him. He also ordered his subordinates to spread the word everywhere that all business establishments, including shops, pawnshops, casinos, brothels, inns, and street performers, had to pay a regular fee to Jin Yan Biao (Golden Eye Leopard). Otherwise, they would be forced to shut down or even be driven out of town. After several minor clashes, Shi En's group dominated Happy Forest, with a steady stream of income that made them feel carefree.

  But where this self-proclaimed Jiang Zhong came from, the shopkeeper didn't know. As he spoke, he stared at Gao Qiang's money pouch with eager eyes, wondering how much tip he could get for providing half of the information.

  Xie laughed loudly, tossing the copper coins to him. The little servant was overjoyed and hastily thanked him profusely as he took them, sneaking a glance at Lu Zhishen who didn't bother with him anymore, then quickly pocketing the coins and scurrying away.

  "Both Strong and Lin Chong focused on the scene, then asked: "Two masters, Brother Yang, how should this matter be handled?" Since leaving Bianliang City, he had changed his words to call Yang Zhi brother."

  Lin Chong snorted, but before he could speak, Lu Zhishen spat and said: "This kind of messy thing, I'm too lazy to look at it, just drink wine and let these thieves fight it out."

  Lin Chong heard

  Yan smiled: "Brother's words are in line with my intentions, just look at this strong newcomer, but the various streets and alleys do not have a hostile heart, it can be seen that Jin Yan Biao and his gang may not have won people's hearts, let's see what the newcomer means, and then make sense."

  Gao was secretly impressed by these two reasonable people, and what was happening in front of him was probably just a gang fight over territory, which wasn't worth getting involved in. He picked up his wine glass and toasted everyone, then turned back to watch Shi En and Jiang Meng exchange blows.

  Only then did Jiangmen Sheng, with a loud and sonorous voice, say: "I am Jiang Zhong, the champion of the Taiyue wrestling competition for three years running. Recently, I heard that the Kuaihuolin outside Mengzhou City is quite prosperous, so I came to take a look. Indeed, it's a great place, and I've decided to stay here for a while. I'm here to ask Brother Shi if I can borrow a road to pass through."

  Shi En, a small-time bandit, led nearly a hundred men and had some guts. He cupped his fists and said: "So you're the Jianghu legend who's been dominating Taiyue for three years, Brother Jiang. I apologize for not showing respect earlier. You said you want to borrow a road from me, but I don't understand what you mean. Please explain yourself."

  Jiang Men laughed loudly and said, "I've visited all the shops in Happy Forest, but I still like this Happy Forest Hotel the most. I'd like to borrow it from you, brother, to make a living." By saying that he wanted to borrow the hotel to make a living, he was clearly implying that he had come to cause trouble.

  Shi En was furious upon hearing the words, and seeing the younger brother on the street giving a secret signal, indicating that everything was arranged properly, he turned his face and took action: "How dare you come to our Mengzhou Happy Forest and cause trouble! You want to occupy Happy Forest? Ask my brothers first!" With one whistle from his underling, dozens of big men, either wearing numbered clothes or bare-chested, holding rods, water fire clubs and other objects, rushed up from all sides, surrounding Jiang Zhong and his gang in the middle.

  Xie En smiled complacently and laughed loudly at the gate of Jiang's house, saying: "Hey, Jiang Zhong, do you still want to borrow a road from Xie? The surrounding soldiers all burst out laughing and ridiculed him, naturally with some curses.

  Jiang Zhong looked around and sneered: "Shi younger brother, are you relying on the fact that there are more of you to bully my family because we have fewer people?"

  Xie En had not yet responded when someone next to him smiled complacently and said, "How about it, big guy? Don't think that just because you're tall and powerful, and undefeated in the Taiyue wrestling match, you can run amok in our Mengzhou Happy Forest! We outnumber you, and we'll bully you for sure!" As soon as he spoke, there was a chorus of cheers from the people around him, naturally his brothers.

  Jiang Mengen sneered and gave a signal to the person beside him. That person took out a fire arrow from his bosom, lit it, and shot it straight up into the air. When it reached over ten zhang high, it exploded with a loud "boom". At the same time, he shouted loudly: "One branch of the Piercing Cloud Arrow, come and meet the thousand armies and horses!"

  Gao Jian Zheng was a mouthful of wine in his throat, and upon hearing this, he almost spat it out. What is all this nonsense? Are they the legendary Axe Gang heroes?

  Suddenly, this rocket exploded, and countless people rushed out from nowhere around it. At least hundreds of them were gathered, each one neatly dressed, some holding knives and guns, shouting loudly, with a mighty momentum that instantly overwhelmed the dozens of people on Shi En's side.

  When Shi En looked carefully, his face changed greatly and he cried out: "Zhang Duotou, what does this mean?" It turned out that these were actually the local garrison troops, with Zhang Duotou, the leader of the local militia, at their head.

  "That's all, Du heard the words and coldly laughed: 'Xiao Guan Ying, you usually swagger around in this Happy Forest, showing off your power and prestige. I, as the leader, have been lenient with you due to our familial relationship with your respected father. However, today you've actually gathered a crowd to cause trouble, openly bullying outsiders under broad daylight. As the leader responsible for maintaining peace in our territory, I will not tolerate such reckless behavior from you!"

  Xie Enqi's whole body trembled with anger, and he clearly saw that Jiang Mengen and Zhang Doutou were colluding together, singing the same tune. He couldn't help but shout loudly: "Zhang Doutou, are you helping outsiders to rob my nephew of his wealth?"

  "That's not right, Xiao Guan Ying," said the leader with a stern face. "The troops I brought are all from the Song Dynasty to maintain law and order. How can we rob you of your wealth? We just won't allow anyone to gather in the city and fight." After saying this, he exchanged a glance with Jiang Meng, and both of them couldn't help but burst out laughing.

  At this moment, the situation is unfavorable, and it's impossible to show mercy again. Moreover, he has a youthful temperament and everything has been going smoothly for him; how could he have ever experienced being treated like this? He shouted: "Chiang Men Shen, I want to duel with you one on one!"

  Jiang Mengen looked up at the sky and laughed loudly, pointing at Shi En and shouting: "Golden-eyed tiger, you scoundrel! Just now you wanted to take advantage of your numerical superiority, but if it weren't for Zhang's fairness and severity, wouldn't my family have fallen into your evil clutches? Now that your treacherous plot has been foiled again, you still dare to speak of single combat. Ha! My Taiyue has been undefeated in three years of fighting, so why should I fear a beardless boy like you? Come on up and meet your death!"

  Shi En was young and vigorous, although he had also heard of Jiang Meng's reputation, but in his heart he was arrogant about his own martial arts skills. At this moment, he could no longer hold back, took off his outer robe, let out a tiger roar, and charged forward.

  PS: From today on, two chapters will be updated every day.

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