Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

The sound of footsteps thundered as a few warhorses pounded the ground. Zhang Kui and the vanguard entered the city before leading their troops inside.

Just as he stepped out of the city gate, a shout of "Report!" from behind drew his attention back. He reined in his horse and waited for the people behind him to gallop over.

"General, troops are approaching from the rear, numbering approximately two thousand."

"Which army..." Zhang Kui murmured, then suddenly frowned, looking at the man with some tension: "Whose banner are they flying?"

"There was no banner, only a large flag."

Wang Junfu and Ma Rouji led their troops inside, but did not see Zhang Kui. They followed the path out and saw him standing there. They quickly spurred their horses over and asked, "What's wrong? Why aren't you going in?"

Zhang Kui looked at the two of them and said, "There are soldiers coming from somewhere outside."

The two men's expressions changed, and they exchanged a glance. Ma Rouji, being impatient, said, "I'll go take a look."

“Wait…” Zhang Kui called out, his eyes darting left and right. Finally, he made up his mind and gritted his teeth, saying, “I’ll take over this door first. You go and ask around. If it’s an enemy, lure them in and bury them here.”

"got it."

Ma Rouji responded, grabbed his broadsword, spurred his horse, and galloped away, shouting, "Bring a battalion of men with me!"

Soldiers immediately followed, running out with a thunderous thud.

Under the daylight, a continuous stream of banners approached, stirring restlessness among the Red Heart Army soldiers. Ma Rouji took a deep breath on horseback: "Why are there so many people?"

The wind howled as the rider carefully observed the people ahead, noticing the black and white strips of cloth tied to their right arms. His eyes lit up, and he had a vague idea of ​​what was going on. He gestured to his personal guards and boldly stepped forward: "Halt! Where did you come from? And why are you here?"

The group was still moving forward when Han Shizhong narrowed his eyes. Han Chang leaned closer to him and whispered, "Should we rush over there?"

“Something’s not right. Don’t act rashly.” Han Shizhong replied, “I’ll go take a look.” As he spoke, he spurred his warhorse forward with a dozen or so guards.

Xu Ning and Han Chang reined in their horses and simultaneously raised their hands to signal the army to stop. They then quietly instructed the archers in the army to be on guard. Han Chang himself gently pulled his warhorse back, hiding behind Xu Ning and his personal guards. He took out his precious bow and gently nocked an arrow.

As the warhorses drew near, Han Shizhong's eyes swept over the army before him, his gaze lingering on the enemy's right arm for a moment. A hint of doubt crept into his mind, but this was not the time to ponder it further. He stopped a few feet away from the Song general and asked, "We have come under orders. Who are you?"

Ma Rouji felt even more relieved: "Could it be that Commander Miao entrusted you with this task?"

……who?

Despite his doubts, Han Shizhong's face hardened. He raised his steel spear and pointed it at him, asking, "Who are you? Where is Commander Miao?"

"Wait, wait." Ma Rouji waved his hand repeatedly from his horse: "You and I are on the same side, it would be unfair if we started fighting now."

Seeing that Han Shizhong remained silent and only stared at him, he said with some helplessness, "What I said is true. You... never mind. I am a member of the Red Heart Army. We all follow Commander Miao's lead."

He reached out and beckoned to Han Shizhong, a smile on his face: "I wonder when Commander Miao contacted you all. I haven't seen any of you brothers here in the military camp." He looked at the other party and found that they all looked travel-worn. He wondered which state they were from. Generals Miao and Liu's rebellion must have been planned for a long time.

Han Shizhong slowly put down his steel spear, shook his head, and said with a serious expression, "It's not that I don't trust you, but I can't say it now."

"You're such a letdown." Ma Rouji frowned, then sighed helplessly as if she had just thought of something: "Never mind, we'll find out later."

Han Shizhong nodded with a stern face, then turned to one of his personal guards and said, "Order the troops to continue advancing."

The guard was quick-witted; he nodded, said "Yes!" and turned to run.

Ma Rouji watched as Han Shizhong signaled the troops to continue advancing, and he also ordered someone to report his safety to Zhang Kui and the others. However, he did not notice that the generals under his command, upon hearing the report from his personal guards, sent out several scouts to the rear.

"General, please forgive me. I am a cautious man. My surname is Mo, and my given name is Ti." Han Shizhong rode over and nodded apologetically to the Song general opposite him. "I have not yet asked your name, General. What are you doing here? Why don't you just go into the city?"

"This is Ma Rouji, the commander of the Chixin Army." The Song general smiled at Han Shizhong: "Today, during the military coup, Commander Miao and Deputy Commander Liu went to the palace. Our mission was to seize the city gates. I wonder what orders this brother has received?"

Han Shizhong remained calm, his grip on the spear shaft tightened and then loosened, his tone puzzled: "This is strange, we were also ordered to storm the palace."

Ma Rouji paused for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "Perhaps Commander Miao is worried about not having enough manpower, after all, there are still quite a few imperial guards in the capital."

"Perhaps so..." Han Shizhong mumbled a vague agreement.

The two of them, one speaking and the other giving evasive answers, did manage to reveal some of the truth.

Han Shizhong had already realized that he had encountered a mutiny. He glanced at the white cloth strip on the other side's arm and couldn't help but feel secretly glad that he had ordered his soldiers to tie black and white cloth strips on their arms to distinguish them. Otherwise, if he had fought with these mutinous people outside the city first, he would have been wronged and died after learning the truth.

While he was speaking and pondering, the soldiers were already close to the gate. Zhang Kui had already received news from the front that the soldiers were all wearing white cloths, so he could finally relax.

This was Liu Zhengyan's fault. He believed that the troops sent today were all his own people, and he always believed in the saying "things are accomplished by secrecy and ruined by leaks." He kept the list of generals who participated in the military remonstrance very secret, and only he and Miao Fu knew about it. Little did he expect that another man would sneak in.

The commander of the Red Heart Army stepped forward and bowed, saying, "It is truly gratifying that this general has come to join us in this important matter. I wonder where he comes from? This gives me some insight."

Han Shizhong's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. He had already prepared his speech on the way here, and now he gritted his teeth and feigned anger: "Let me be frank with you all first. We all disapprove of Wang Yuan's greed for money and his arrogant behavior, and we hate the treacherous eunuchs who stifle free speech and accept bribes. But please forgive us, we cannot tell you the specifics. If this matter succeeds, you will naturally know; if it fails..."

His eyes swept over Zhang Kui and the others, his face sincere: "Those of us behind us can still find a way to escape, so we won't sink with them."

"Enough, enough. You're so calculating. The person behind you is probably just a big-headed guy too."

Han Shizhong didn't say anything, but just glared at him with feigned displeasure.

Zhang Kui had a suspicion and thought this man was just a suicide soldier pushed out, so he didn't bother with him anymore. He simply waved his hand and said, "Go into the city and help Commander Miao. My Red Heart Army is here at the city gate."

"Thank you for your trouble." Han Shizhong cupped his hands in greeting, called to the soldiers behind him, and jogged inside.

Seeing the people enter the city, Zhang Kui waved his hand and said, "Guard this place well, and take over the other places according to plan."

The troops quickly left, moving along the city wall towards the rest of the city.

……

A pair of footsteps ran through the streets of Lin'an. Xu Ning and Han Chang both had dazed expressions on their faces as they looked at the Jiangnan-style buildings that were different from those in the north. After a long silence, the northern youth spoke first: "We can't believe we've encountered something like a military coup. I don't know what kind of luck we have."

"Of course, it's good luck."

Without hesitation, Han Shizhong couldn't help but grin and say, "This is what they call 'Man proposes, God disposes.' All the effort we put into thinking about this and that before was no match for the Song army's mutiny in the city."

Xu Ning squinted and chuckled, "Since the entry went smoothly, I suppose we'll be able to bring Zhao Gou back soon."

“Of course.” Han Shizhong gripped the reins tightly. “The capture of three emperors of the Zhao Song dynasty by us will surely leave a strong mark on history.” He then turned to look at the fluttering banners, his eyes darting around. “Order the soldiers to lower the flags.” He chuckled. “From now on, we are the Red Heart Army.”

Han Chang and Xu Ning glanced at him and simultaneously revealed a wicked smile.

Han Shizhong then instructed the cavalry general Zhang Qi: "You stay here with your men and adapt to the situation."

"Here!"

……

"This way, this way."

Amidst the booming footsteps, Miao Fu saw the figure waving and hurried over to greet him: "Brother Wu, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you again."

"Don't mention it." The general named Wu Zhan shook his head: "I am a little sorry for Brother Miao. It was not my turn to be on duty today, so it may have caused you inconvenience."

"Not at all." Miao Fu smiled as he looked at the more than three hundred people behind him. "If it weren't for Brother Wu's help, I wouldn't even know which way the palace gates lead."

"Brother Miao, you jest." Wu Zhan's expression relaxed, then his spirits lifted as he looked at Miao Fu: "That Kang fellow is dead?"

"No, this fellow isn't in the manor. He should be in the palace and hasn't returned yet. No rush..." Miao Fu snorted, looking at the commander of the central army in front of him: "He can run away, but he can't hide. We've surrounded the palace today, how can he escape?"

"That makes sense." Wu Zhan nodded, agreeing with what he said.

As the two were talking, Liu Zhengyan led his troops over. Wang Shixiu, behind him, lifted up Wang Yuan's head to show it off, then clasped his hands in a fist salute on horseback: "I have fulfilled my mission!"

"Good! Today's mission is accomplished!" Miao Fu clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "Men, put this old thief's head on a bamboo pole and shout the slogans!"

At that moment, a soldier took a bamboo pole that was ten and a half feet long, tied the head to it, and hoisted it high. Under the command of their general, the gathered rioters shouted loudly: "We will not fail our country, but only rid the world of this scourge."

"Purge the court of corrupt officials and eliminate the eunuchs!"

"The treacherous eunuch has ruined the country; we will eliminate him for our lord!"

The deafening slogans and the assembled army caused the people of Lin'an to scatter and flee, closing their doors and windows tightly and cursing inwardly.

A procession of thousands marched through the streets and alleys, gathering in front of the inner palace walls. The palace guards had already closed the gates, and they nervously looked down from the city walls. The officers on duty scrambled in to call for reinforcements.

When the news reached the palace, Zhao Gou's expression changed immediately. Although he had taken action against Miao Fu and Liu Zhengyan in the past two days, he did not expect that these two audacious bastards would dare to raise an army to besiege the imperial city.

"What to do... what to do?"

The young emperor paced back and forth, his face filled with terror: "These two bastards, pulling this stunt now! I will exterminate their entire clan!"

Kang Lü, Lan Gui, Zeng Ze, and several other trusted eunuchs were also present. Upon hearing this, they looked at him anxiously, not daring to even breathe loudly. As he paced back and forth, Lan Gui stepped forward and knelt down with a thud: "Your Majesty, those who staged the mutiny today are all servants and others. Please, Your Majesty, send us out to appease the army."

Kang Lu and Zeng Ze were startled at first, but then they reacted and knelt down to kowtow: "It is all our fault, Your Majesty. Please punish us!"

Zhao Gou was already annoyed. Upon hearing this, he looked at them and waved his hand irritably: "Get up! I am the emperor of a country. How can I be forced by two scoundrels to hand over my trusted confidants? Do they think I have a good temper?!"

The three eunuchs felt slightly relieved, but before they could speak, a commotion arose outside. They could vaguely hear shouts such as, "Gentlemen, do not barge in..." and "The Emperor is inside, no noise is allowed..." followed by sounds of beatings and screams.

Zhao Gou's face darkened, and he slowly turned his body around.

Snapped--

The door was pushed open.

Kang Yunzhi, the prefect of Hangzhou, entered with more than a dozen officials, followed by many officials with apprehensive expressions.

The former stepped forward and bowed deeply to the ground: "Your Majesty, now that the rebels have attacked, please ascend the city wall to reassure the people."

……

"We will not fail our country, but only for Heaven..."

The chaotic noise reverberated in front of the palace. Han Shizhong and his two generals, who were walking among the imperial guards, exchanged glances. Han Chang spoke up: "It seems it has begun. Should we wait here to intercept them, or..."

Xu Ning stroked his beard: "Let's go take a look first."

More than two thousand soldiers followed behind, carrying shields and swords. The thunderous sound of their footsteps made the rebels guarding the street turn around, and a captain stepped forward.

Han Shizhong narrowed his eyes and looked at Xu Ning. The man quickly stepped forward and shouted, "We are the Red Heart Army. My commander sent us to help!"

The people on the other side who were about to question them looked at their arms, then stepped back and let them pass.

Han Shizhong saw the dark mass of soldiers standing scattered about, with a severed head hanging in front of them. He pondered for a moment and said, "Let's go forward and see what happens."

Han Chang and Xu Ning both nodded, then turned around and secretly gave instructions. Before long, the entire team was relaxed on the outside but tense on the inside.

As more than two thousand people approached, Miao Fu, Liu Zhengyan, and other generals had already received the news. However, seeing that the approaching people were all wearing white cloth, they only instructed the archers and swordsmen to be slightly on guard.

As the people drew near, Wang Shixiu rode forward, but before he could rein in his horse, Han Shizhong came out and said, "I am Mo Ti, the commander of the Chixin Army, and I have come to provide support on the orders of Commander Zhang."

Wang Shixiu swallowed his question and turned to look at Miao Fu and Liu Zhengyan. The two of them were also listening. They exchanged a glance, and the latter chuckled, "It seems that Zhang Mawang wants to put in more effort so that he can claim credit from us later."

"Give them to them." Miao Fu squinted, his expression relaxing. "Do you think I'm afraid they'll try to gain merit? Let them go forward..." He rolled his eyes and chuckled. "At the very front."

Liu Zhengyan also laughed out loud.

Before long, a messenger came. Han Shizhong, upon hearing that they were to be at the forefront, did not refuse. He exchanged a glance with Xu Ning and Han Chang, and then led the troops over.

Ahead, the rebel army revealed a passage on the left and right. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, they walked to the front and deployed their troops in front of the rebel army, one by one, as if they were attacking a city.

Miao Fu, standing behind, pointed and said, "Look, this is the kind of person who gets things done. Once this is over, we'll definitely have to ask Zhang Kui and the others to bring this Mo Ti over... Tsk, what a terrible name."

He then turned to look at his trusted general Zhang Zheng and said, "Order the whole army to be more alert."

Zhang Zheng naturally understood his meaning and quickly turned to give the order. The chaotic troops behind him gradually formed ranks and looked much more orderly. (End of this chapter)