Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

In the firelight, the arrowheads gleamed with a cold metallic sheen.

The torches flickered, casting a dim light on Bu Liang's dejected face. All around him were his troops, who had laid down their weapons. Qi soldiers dressed in the same color were using ropes to pull groups of Song soldiers aside to guard them.

Liu Zhengyan waved repeatedly, and the man stood frozen in place for a while before taking a step forward.

The crossbow turned, and Bu Liang paused. He saw the general next to Liu Zhengyan beckoning before he mustered up his courage and walked over. He first glared at Liu Zhengyan, then looked at the man who seemed to be a Qi army general. He saw that the man had a face like a red date, a beard that went past his belly, and a pair of bright phoenix eyes. He couldn't help but secretly admire his good looks.

It's like I've seen it somewhere before...

"So you are Bu Liang, the commander of Ningguo City?" The Qi general looked him up and down and smiled. "I am Guan Sheng. I used to serve in Jingxi. Now I am the Qi General Who Conquers the Barbarians."

Bu Liang glanced at him with some surprise, his lips moved but he didn't say anything, his expression relaxed.

Guan Sheng stretched his hand behind him: "Zhao Gou is right behind us. General Bu can go and meet him. I need your help with something later."

Bu Liang's facial muscles twitched for a moment, then he slowly nodded: "...Thank you."

Guan Sheng gestured to the guards beside him to watch him, and only after they had walked away did he turn to Liu Zhengyan: "General Liu has made great contributions today, please go and rest first."

Liu Zhengyan cupped his hands in thanks. He was covered in wounds and had lost a lot of blood that day. Although he was in high spirits, he still felt weak from blood loss. After saying a few words, he went to the back to rest.

In the torchlight-lit forest, people kept shouting at the prisoners to hurry up. The wounded soldiers groaned and struggled to their feet, while some who couldn't get up cried and begged for mercy before being forcibly dragged aside.

Han Qinghe and his son Han Chang walked over to look in the direction of Zhao Gou deep in the forest. The young Liao general rubbed his nose and said, "Now that I think about it, why bother with all this trouble? Just push Zhao Gou there directly, and Ningguo would surely open the gates."

"We don't know the character of that Ningguo magistrate. If he refuses to open the door even at the cost of his life, things might change."

Han Qinghe scratched his messy beard: "Hopefully that guy knows what's good for him."

Soon after, a military order was issued, with Yan Qing as the vanguard, accompanied by Liu Zhengyan and Bu Liang, and Lu Junyi, Han Chang, and Guan Sheng as the rearguard, to seize Ningguo.

……

The pitch-black night sky in the east faded, and the cold light cast by the crescent moon seemed much weaker.

Crossing mountain roads and traversing fields, at the foot of the mountain, swarms of soldiers emerged like ants, rushing in one direction, their footsteps echoing across the fields.

As dawn broke in the east, the city walls of Ningguo were already in sight in the distance. In the marching procession, Bu Liang's face was somewhat pale. He glanced at Yan Qing, who was walking on the left with an expressionless face, and then at Liu Zhengyan, who was standing on the right with a calm expression. He gritted his teeth and swallowed the sarcastic words that were about to come out of his throat.

This fellow surrendered to the Northerners, yet he used his father Liu Fa's reputation to deceive himself; he is truly not a son.

As they walked and pondered, the passage of time and space shortened until they could clearly see the shape of the entire city. When the familiar characters "Ningguo" came into view, it was already bright daylight. Many people carrying vegetables and pushing carts looked at the approaching army with curiosity in their eyes.

"Open the door! It's me, the general, who has returned!"

Bu Liang raised his head and roared. The people on the city wall, seeing it was him, dared not delay and opened the city gate before the appointed time.

creak-

The smiling faces of the guards were revealed behind the slowly opening city gate. Before they could even speak, one of the guards stepped forward, drew a sharp knife from his waist, and pressed it against the man's throat.

Soldiers from the rear surged in and quickly occupied the city gate. Some ran up the city wall, and two brief screams rang out. After that, only the sound of Qi soldiers running could be heard.

Bu Liang closed his eyes, listening to the sound of soldiers running into the city beside him, and felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

"There's no need for that."

After resting, Liu Zhengyan looked a little better. Seeing his grief-stricken expression, he couldn't help but reach out and pat him on the shoulder, only to be met with an angry glare. The middle-aged man didn't seem to mind, and just gave a sickly smile: "Sooner or later, this Jiangnan region will belong to the Qi army. What is there for you to be resentful about?"

He pointed his thumb backward: "With the Emperor in hand, do you think the Song Dynasty still has a chance to turn the tide?"

Bu Liang opened his mouth, only to find himself speechless.

Seeing this, Liu Zhengyan smiled and said, "That's it. Recognizing and accepting reality is what we should do. Just like when my father was forced to send troops by Tong Guan, he knew he couldn't disobey and had no choice but to do it."

Bu Liang remained silent for a long time before finally unable to hold back: "If General Liu Fa knew that his son was like this, he would probably want to chop you down first to cleanse the family."

Liu Zhengyan thought for a moment and nodded: "Given my father's temperament... perhaps he really could." Then he shrugged: "However, he was already killed by the Zhao Song court itself. He might not mind dying for his country, but as his son, I don't agree. I can't help but try to avenge him."

He sighed heavily, "It's a pity that Miao Fu and I were still a bit too timid, but the current situation isn't bad either." He looked at Bu Liang, who didn't know what to say, with a gloating expression, "Even if Emperor Taizu were to be resurrected, he couldn't turn the situation around now."

As the two were talking, Yan Qing arranged for the messenger to return. Seeing the two talking again, he said, "Gentlemen, stop arguing. The army will arrive soon. We might as well go to the prefectural government office first and take control of that area. General Bu, lead the way."

Liu Zhengyan patted the arm of the person in front of him: "What are you standing there for? You've already surrendered, so be more proactive."

Bu Liang recovered from his disappointment and knew he had no room to object. He didn't even have the strength to glare at Liu Zhengyan, so he resigned himself to his fate and led the Qi army into the city.

It was just past dawn, and there weren't many pedestrians in the city. Yan Qing led five hundred men to follow Bu Liang to the county government office. Many people on the way recognized Bu Liang, the city's commander, and thought something had happened. As they watched the man pass by, they began to discuss among themselves.

In the county government office, the newly arrived magistrate, Du Zhang, was having his meal when he heard of Bu Liang's arrival. Knowing that the events of the previous night had been resolved, he quickly sent someone to invite him in.

As I was eating my breakfast, I had just taken a bite of salt-fried noodles and hadn't even swallowed it completely when I heard a voice say, "Hey, what are you doing?" I looked up at the door and saw it slammed against the wall.

Several figures dressed in crimson military uniforms stepped in, each holding a long gun and pointing it at him.

Gumbling—

"Cough cough cough-"

The startled magistrate swallowed his food with difficulty. Du Zhang pounded his chest, which was sore from choking, and then drank the water in the cup. When he looked up, he saw a handsome general walking in, followed by the dejected city garrison commander Bu Liang.

"This……"

Du Zhang sensed something was wrong, stood up slightly, and looked at the figure that had barged in with surprise and uncertainty.

"Guards!" The stranger on the other end raised his hand. "Tie him up for me."

Several figures stepped forward. Du Zhang didn't know their background, but seeing that Bu Liang was also following behind and looked like a jinx, he assumed they were people from the court and let them tie him up.

Something seems off...

Looking at the handsome figure before him, Du Zhang hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Excuse me, may I ask how this general is addressed? What is his position in the army? Has this humble official offended any gentleman, that I have troubled you to grace us with your presence?"

In his line of sight, the handsome man grinned, revealing his teeth: "I am not a Song soldier." He raised his head slightly: "Yan Qing, Lieutenant General of the Great Qi." "Qi... Qi army?!" Du Zhang stared at him in a daze, then jumped up: "Why do this, why do this! I, no, I am a sinful subject, I have prepared a lot of white cloth, just to use when I encounter you, why make such a fuss."

Yan Qing was taken aback and looked him up and down.

Du Zhang looked at the reins on his body and smiled bitterly: "If you had told me earlier that you were a general of the Qi army, I wouldn't have needed any persuasion and would have surrendered directly. There would have been no need for this trouble."

He leaned forward slightly and said, "Excuse me, could you please help me untie this? I'll take the general to persuade the others to surrender; I'm sure it will be done soon."

"You're quite pragmatic..." A hint of unease flashed across Yan Qing's handsome face as he beckoned, "Untie him. If this helps persuade the officials in the city to surrender, you'll be credited with a favor."

"Thank you, General! Thank you, General!" Du Zhang beamed with joy. After the ropes binding him were removed, he bowed repeatedly to him and then gestured eagerly to the outside: "General, come with me. There is only one battalion of soldiers left in the city, and it is not even at full strength. Your army... no, our army does not need to be careful in the city."

Bu Liang looked up at the sky and sighed. Liu Zhengyan smiled, his face pale, and patted him on the shoulder: "See? This is what most people think. It's fortunate that you didn't insist on your own way, otherwise you wouldn't be standing here alive."

Bu Liang snorted and glanced at him, then turned his head away abruptly. Outside, Du Zhang, now free, smugly gathered the county officials, and his voice echoed in the courtyard.

The weather in late autumn was somewhat cool, and the clouds that covered the sky had somehow turned a leaden color. Birds flapped their wings and flew quickly across the sky, heading to their nests somewhere unknown.

Squads of cavalry and infantry galloped across the official road outside the city. The pedestrians hurried along, glancing at the road briefly before looking down and hurrying on their way. At this time of year, rain could fall at any moment, so it was best to get back quickly.

Horses galloped through the city gates, their hooves clattering on the solid dirt road. The general, clad in black armor, watched the figures waiting at the gate and followed them to the county government office inside the city.

The area that was originally the offices of officials is now filled with soldiers. The vigilant soldiers constantly scan every passing figure, making the people being watched uneasy. They unconsciously quicken their pace and run into the distance, wondering if some important person has come to the city today.

Upon entering the county government office, one finds it filled with soldiers holding their sword hilts. This small county government office is now extremely heavily guarded, with figures carrying swords and bows lined both sides of the courtyard leading in.

When Han Shizhong entered, Yan Qing, Lu Junyi, Guan Sheng, and others were already waiting inside. Upon seeing him enter, they quickly stood up and cupped their hands in greeting: "I have not failed you in your mission."

"Sit down, finally I can rest for a while." Han Shizhong stretched and sat down to the side, looking at the smiling stranger: "And this is..."

Before Yan Qing could speak, the overly familiar magistrate of Ningguo County bowed and scraped, saying with a fawning smile, "I am Du Zhang, the magistrate of Ningguo County. I have just heard General Zhenxi say that you are easygoing..."

Yan Qing glanced at him from the side.

"Now that I see it, it is indeed so. General, your appearance is dignified and awe-inspiring, yet you are approachable upon closer contact. Even a lowly person like myself feels close to you. You are truly a model general."

As he spoke, Du Zhang gave a thumbs-up.

Han Shizhong was somewhat taken aback. Even with his thick skin, he felt a little nauseous listening to these words. He looked at Yan Qing and pointed at the sycophant: "This...you..."

Yan Qing blushed, looking down at her toes, her usually quick-witted mouth at a loss for words.

Du Zhang stepped forward with a smile and poured tea and water for Han Shizhong: "I know that you generals have had a hard journey. I have already had people prepare courtyards and rooms for you to rest. If you are not comfortable with my residence, you are free to requisition civilian houses. I will handle all matters and make sure that no rumors among the people will damage your reputations."

"..."

In the hall, everyone from Han Shizhong to Zhang Qi stared at him with an indescribable look. After a while, Han Shizhong nodded: "He is a talent."

Du Zhang was overjoyed. Just then, a clerk ran in from outside: "My lords, there is a messenger from another state outside."

"Huh?" Du Zhang was taken aback, then looked at Han Shizhong.

The Qi army generals exchanged glances, and Han Shizhong looked at Yan Qing: "Xiao Yi, go with Magistrate Du to the front and see what's going on."

"Here!"

Yan Qing clasped his hands in a fist salute. Du Zhang's expression remained unchanged. He knew that these people could not trust him now. He bowed to Han Shizhong and went out with the others.

Before long, Yan Qing strode in with an official document in his hand: "General Han, His Majesty has captured Taiping Prefecture and is now attacking Jiangning Prefecture from both sides with General Mi Sheng. This is Jiangning Prefecture's request for assistance."

"His Majesty has crossed the river?!"

Han Shizhong, Guan Sheng, Lu Junyi, and the others stood up abruptly and quickly gathered around. They took the official document from Yan Qing and examined it carefully. After a while, Han Shizhong laughed heartily: "Heaven is helping us! Taiping Prefecture is right next door, and we will arrive in no time."

"That……"

Guan Sheng and Lu Junyi were extremely excited, their eyes seemingly shining.

"No need to leave."

Han Shizhong turned and took two steps: "Just guard Ningguo, Zhang Qi and Yan Qing."

"The end will be here."

The two people whose names were called stepped forward.

"You two go and rest now. Two hours later, take three hundred cavalrymen to Taiping Prefecture and inform His Majesty of our whereabouts."

Han Shizhong's cheeks flushed with excitement: "Your Majesty, please send troops south to Xuanzhou immediately. Zhao Gou is in our hands."

"Here!"

The two bowed and hurried out to find a place to rest.

As Du Zhang was walking inside, he saw the two of them come out and quickly stepped aside, then peeked at Han Shizhong and the others.

"Magistrate Du, you've come at the perfect time." Han Shizhong looked at him with a kind smile: "I was just about to send someone to find you."

Du Zhang rushed in, grinning, and said, "I wonder if there's anything I can do for you, General? Please give me your orders."

"Good!" Han Shizhong walked over, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "The magistrate should already know that our army has crossed the Yangtze River."

Du Zhang nodded repeatedly.

"I originally intended to rest here for a few days before leaving, but now it seems that the plan has changed. I intend to stay here for a while until His Majesty's army arrives."

Snapped--

Du Zhang clapped his hands: "Great news!" His face beamed with excitement: "To have this opportunity to meet His Majesty is an incredible stroke of luck. General Han, what should I do?" (End of Chapter)