Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 414 Qiao Daoqing's Fortune Telling

However, this Zhaojia Village has been established in Mengyin since Taizu founded the country.

After the father died, the son took over the leadership of the village of Zhaojia Village. Because of the fog, most of the county officials were mediocre people. Seeing that they could not get any benefits, they did not bother. This made Zhaojia Village famous, and many farmers who could not make ends meet came to surrender. There were more than 3,000 households in one village, and a two-meter-high wall was built.

In this generation, the leader of Zhaojia Village was named Zhao Xin. He wielded a 49-jin gilded hammer and was brave enough to defeat ten thousand men.

Zhao Xin had four capable men under his command: a Taoist priest hired as a secretary, named Shi Gugong, a caravan manager Shen Bo'er, and two militiamen named Hua Diao and Jin Zhuang, who were also skilled in martial arts and trained the young men in the village on a daily basis.

Besides, his wife Liang was better at martial arts than Zhao Xin. Because her original surname was Gao, she had the surname Gaoliang.

Born with a face as white as a mirror, people called him "Mirror Gaoliang". He liked to wear flower branches, so he was also called "Pile of Flowers". Gaoliang was strong and did not use a spear or a halberd, but wore sixteen flying knives.

There were four maids around Gao Liang: Osmanthus, Mint, Buddha's Hand, and Rose. They all had some martial arts skills, but they were gentle and graceful, and usually never took action.

The group of people treated Zhaojia Village like an iron barrel, and outsiders dared not provoke them easily.

After Wu Song captured Mengyin County, he sent officials to lead the soldiers to collect autumn taxes from various villages in accordance with Zhao Zhen's request.

Among them was a bailiff. His son had a conflict with the people of Zhaojia Village because of his business. He was hit on the head by a stick under Shen Boyer's men and died. Therefore, he always kept the incident in mind.

When Song Jiang conquered Mengyin, this man persuaded the chief guarding the county to go to Zhaojia Village to collect money. However, this chief was a timid man who only guarded the city, so the bailiff's plan to kill someone with a borrowed knife failed.

When Wu Song broke into the city, the bailiff was still employed because he had not been identified, which led to the subsequent events.

Wu Song found out the truth and sent someone to inform Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen was unwilling to give up when he saw that he had suffered a loss. He called Wu Yong, Qiao Daoqing and Liu Huiniang to discuss sending troops to annihilate Zhaojia Village.

Wu Yong heard this and said, "Sir, this Zhaojia Village has always been rude. They have 3000 brave men and a strong city. I'm afraid we won't be able to win this battle easily. There is someone doing bad things here. No matter what, we can't let this petty official go. If everyone follows suit, it will be disastrous."

"This Zhao Xin claims to be a hero, but there are only 3,000 households in the whole village. I am willing to go there in person and persuade Zhao Xin to apologize. This will avoid unnecessary fighting and casualties."

Qiao Daoqing heard this and said with a smile: "How can the military advisor act rashly? How about I go for him? Since he calls himself a hero, he will not make things difficult for me."

Zhao Zhen thought about Qiao Daoqing's attributes and found that he was just right for going.

world log
Name: Qiao Daoqing (Hero, originally named Qiao Lie. His mother was pregnant and dreamed of a jackal entering the room, which later turned into a deer. When she woke up from the dream, she gave birth to Lie. In order to escape the lawsuit, he disguised himself as a Quanzhen and called himself Daoqing)
Nickname: Phantom Demon
Race: Terran

Reputation: 80 (An Dingzhou once prayed for rain, but refused to compromise and beat the storekeeper to death.)
Occupation: Taoist priest

Sub-career: None

Level: Level 4 and Level 3 (Strength 53, Commander 50)

Attributes: Strength 35, Constitution 36, Agility 30, Spirit 53
Skills: Taoism 4th level (guiding and training qi to seek longevity, strength +4), talisman 3th level (drawing talismans and chanting spells, spirit +3), deceiving the people 3th level (fabricating lies, playing tricks, inciting fools, spirit +3)

Spells: Flying Sand and Rolling Stones 4th level (wild winds blow, the sky is dark, the sun and moon are dim, spirit +4), Three-flavor True Water 4th level (turn the plain into an ocean, white waves are surging, boundless, but like the East China Sea, spirit +4), Magic Weaponry 4th level (cut out heavenly soldiers and generals from colorful paper, capture generals and kill enemies, spirit +4), Control Weaponry 3th level (control weapons, fight in the air, spirit +3), Pray for Rain and Clear Sky 3th level (set up an altar to bring down sweet rain, disperse dark clouds to see clear sky, spirit +3), Summon 3th level (control objects and transform into shapes, spirit +3), Black Dragon Bone Shedding 2th level (return in an instant, agility +2)

Commander Skill: Bewitching Level 2 (touching people’s hearts with words, attracting people’s attention, morale +2)

Martial Arts: Sword (Proficient, using sword weapons with force +3, thirty-six Yin-Yang sword techniques.)
Equipment: Kun Iron Ancient Sword (Level 4, Features: Sharpness +2, Sturdiness +)

treasure:

Purple Gold Inlaid Gem Fish Tail Taoist Crown (Level 4, Demeanor +.)
Black-edged Fiery Brocade Crane Cloak (Level 3, Effect 3: Out of this world, wearing a crane cloak, extraordinary and otherworldly, demeanor +. Effect : Formal dress, worn for offering sacrifices to the gods, effect +.)
Cloud-headed square red shoes (Level 2, extraordinary, demeanor +2, agility +.)
Mount: Snowflake Silver Horse (Level 2)

Monthly salary: 15 dollars

Zhao Zhen said: "Although I don't want to cause trouble, I can't ignore it. The Taoist priest will go and act according to circumstances. There is no need to force it. If he apologizes, it's fine. If not, the truth will be revealed on the battlefield."

Qiao Daoqing said: "Don't worry, sir, I will understand."

After saying this, Qiao Daoqing said goodbye to Zhao Zhen, dressed up, mounted his horse and headed for Zhaojia Village.

Not to mention that Zhao Zhen mobilized troops and prepared for fighting.

Qiao Daoqing rested in Mengyin County for one night. The next day, after lunch, Qiao Daoqing dressed up again. He wore a fish-tail Taoist crown inlaid with purple gold and gems, a black-rimmed brocade crane cloak, a colorful silk belt around his waist, and cloud-shaped square red shoes. He carried an ancient iron sword and rode a snowflake silver horse. He shook the copper bell in his hand, rode the horse slowly to Zhaojia Village.

In Zhaojia Village, Zhao Xin heard that the tax collectors had been beaten, but he didn't take it seriously. He continued to practice martial arts and train the local militia in the training ground.

Secretary Shi Gugong was the most attentive. After hearing the news, he came to find Zhao Xin. Shi Gugong said, "Boss, the soldiers came to collect the autumn tax two days ago. I'm afraid there will be trouble later."

Zhao Xin said, "Sir, don't worry about it. When has the village ever paid the autumn tax to the county? A few officials, just beat them up, what's the big deal? I also heard that Song Jiang and his gang occupied the state capital. Mengyin County is full of useless people. If they come to Zhaojia Village, they will definitely fight."

Shi Gugong shook his head and said, "Boss, I asked the patrolling militiamen, and they said that it was not Song Jiang's group that came. Mengyin County is now occupied by Zhao Zhen of Liangshan. Most of those who were beaten were Liangshan soldiers."

Gao Liang, who was standing by, frowned and said, "I've heard Shen Bo'er talk about this man a lot. He has a great reputation in the martial arts world. He has gathered many heroes under his command. Now that they have a grudge, I'm afraid it won't be easy to resolve it."

As he was talking, a farmhand walked into the training ground quickly, ran up to Zhao Xin and said, "Master, there is a Taoist priest in the village. He looks very good. He is now parading around the village. From what he says, he knows everything about astronomy and geography. He can predict the misfortunes and blessings of the world. But he charges one gold coin for divination. Now he is followed by many children, walking around everywhere."

Zhao Xin heard this and said, "Sir, don't worry about Liangshan for now, and meet this Taoist priest."

As he spoke, Zhao Xin put down the gilded drill in his hand, changed his clothes, and walked straight towards Qiao Daoqing with Shi Gugong.

Qiao Daoqing naturally saw Zhao Xin approaching. When the children nearby saw Zhao Xin, they did not dare to act rashly and stood aside obediently.

Qiao Daoqing said, "Sir, what do you want to see me for?"

Zhao Xin said: "You are a Taoist priest, aren't you good at fortune-telling? How come you don't know what I am doing here?"

Qiao Daoqing said, "Master, why do you have to make it difficult for me to make a living? For one gold coin, I will tell fortunes, read faces, predict characters, fulfill dreams, or read feng shui. If you choose one, and if it is not accurate, I will return it tenfold."

Zhao Xin had also seen Taoism, and Shi Gugong beside him was well versed in the art of Taiyi Ren Dun and Youdu Chuandi. Seeing Qiao Daoqing's confidence, Zhao Xin took out a tael of gold from his bosom and handed it to Qiao Daoqing.

Qian Daoqing did not refuse. He put the gold in his arms and said to Zhao Xin, "Just guess a word." Looking around, there was no paper or pen, so Zhao Xin wrote the word "Liang" on the ground with his foot.

Qiao Daoqing took a look and frowned as he said to Zhao Xin, "'Liang' means water bridge, composed of water and wood, with the sound of 刅. This word is very good, but if it falls on the ground, there will be disasters such as war. Sir, should you prepare early?"

Zhao Xin frowned and asked, "What do you mean, Taoist priest?"

"If Liangshan falls here, doesn't that mean Liangshan should come here?"

Zhao Xin heard this and pretended to be shocked: "Master, do you have a way to crack it?"

Qiao Daoqing said: "You already have your own ideas, why bother asking me?"

Zhao Xin asked, "How dare you, Taoist priest, say that there will be war here?"

"I heard that there is a gentleman in Zhaojia Village named Shi Gugong who is also good at fortune-telling. Why don't you tell me a fortune?" Qiao Daoqing said to Shi Gugong who was standing aside.

Shi Gugong did not ask for divination. He raised his head and looked around, and saw that the trees on the horizon seemed to be covered in a red gauze curtain.

Shi Gugong pointed to the sky glowing red and said to Zhao Xin: "Boss, look at the sky. This red light must be the Red Corpse Qi. This Qi is the source of war. Wherever the Red Corpse Qi covers, there will be devastation. Now this Qi is still far away. It should reach this place in a few days."

After hearing this, Zhao Xin's face became heavy.

He bowed to Qiao Daoqing and said, "Since you can predict that there will be a war here, I think you also have a way to break it. Please tell me clearly."

"The bridge is a bridge over water, it has always been convenient for people. If you want to open it, it depends on you."

After saying this, Qiao Daoqing bowed and said goodbye.

Zhao Xin was unable to keep him, so he took out ten taels of gold from his pocket to thank Qiao Daoqing.

Qiao Daoqing said, "It only costs one gold coin to tell fortunes by word reading. The official has already paid for it."

After saying this, he rode on his silver horse covered with snowflakes, rang the copper bell, and left Zhaojia Village.

When the two returned to the farm, Gao Liang saw that Zhao Xin looked worried and asked, "Sir, why do you look like this after seeing this Taoist priest?"

Zhao Xin told Gao Liang what the Taoist said. Gao Liang was furious and said, "Where is that Taoist? How dare he talk nonsense?"

Shi Gugong said: "Madam, I have also observed that there is indeed a sign of war here."

Gao Liang heard this and said, "It's just a few minor soldiers who were beaten. For such a small matter, Liangshan Prefecture is going to raise an army to attack us. Once the war starts, regardless of whether he can deal with the Qingzhou bandits, even if we can't defeat them, he will lose three to five thousand soldiers. Isn't this a loss of the greater for the smaller?"

Shi Gugong said, "Madam, that's not how you calculate it. If he doesn't get back at the humiliated soldier, who will be willing to work hard in the future? Even if there are many casualties, the soldiers will obey your orders after hearing this."

Gao Liang asked, "Isn't this battle inevitable?"

Shi Gugong said: "Not necessarily."

Zhao Xin asked, "What do you mean?"

Seeing Shi Gugong hesitate, Gao Liang said impatiently: "Sir, if you have something to say, just say it."

Shi Gugong said: "Boss, now that I think carefully about what this Taoist said before leaving, I'm afraid this Taoist is from Liangshan."

Seeing that both of them were looking at him, Shi Gugong continued, "Zhao Zhen has a great reputation in Shandong and Hebei, and everyone knows it. He defeated Song Jiang and occupied Mengyin, so he naturally had to collect money and grain for the army. Zhaojiazhuang refused to obey the county's management, and the people from Liangshan probably didn't know about it, so they came to collect the autumn tax. This caused a misunderstanding and a fight."

"Master Zhao must have inquired clearly and knows the reputation of the owner and his wife. It is said that Master Zhao cherishes good men the most and he is currently suppressing Song Jiang's gang, so he probably doesn't want to cause trouble. But now that the soldiers have been beaten, he is in a difficult situation. As long as the boss can offer a way out and Master Zhao has explained to his subordinates, he will probably not investigate further."

"'Liang is a bridge over water, and it has always been convenient for people.' This must be a hint that Mr. Zhao has no intention of making things difficult for Zhaojia Village."

After hearing this, Zhao Xin said, "If it were Song Jiang, he would never try to make peace even if it meant that both of them would perish together. He is called the Timely Rain in vain. Since he became a bandit, he has been recruiting fugitives but has not been able to control his subordinates. He has been robbing, raping and pillaging."

"But we don't even know anyone from Liangshan Prefecture, how can we persuade Xiang?"

Gao Liang said, "What's the problem? Since he is here to collect the autumn tax, just send this year's tax over, and pick up two treasures to send with him."

Zhao Xin said, "It's not a big deal if we send the two treasures, but if we send the autumn tax, won't we have to pay the spring and autumn taxes in the future?"

Gao Liang smiled and said, "Sir, he is the governor of Liangshan Prefecture. This time he is only here to suppress bandits. How can he stay in Yizhou permanently?"

Zhao Xin heard this and smiled, "That's right. In that case, there's no time to lose. Now pack up the food and grass, pick out the two treasures, and I'll personally deliver them to the army."

Gao Liang said, "Sir, I will go with you. If anything happens, I will take care of you. Besides, I heard that Master Zhao of Liangshan married a woman named Hu Sanniang, and I want to get to know her."

Shi Gugong said: "There are two regiments guarding the village, Hua Diao and Jin Zhuang, and I will also go with the host."

At that moment, Zhao Xin asked Shen Boyer to prepare food and fodder. Zhao Xin personally went to the storehouse to select two sets of golden chain mail and matching phoenix-wing helmets, front and back breastplates, wrapped them in oil paper, and put them in the box.

After Shen Bo'er loaded the food and fodder, Zhao Xin, Gao Liangshi and Shi Gugong took 1000 militiamen and escorted more than a hundred carts to Mengyin County.

For fear of causing misunderstanding, Shi Gugong personally took a few attendants to Mengyin County to meet Wu Song and explain the situation.

After hearing this, Wu Song sent someone to rush to the outside of Xintai City to report the news. Only after receiving Zhao Zhen's reply did he feel at ease to let Zhao Xin and his party pass.

Standing on the top of the city wall, watching more than a hundred racks of grain and fodder passing by, the soldiers behind Wu Song all held their heads high and puffed out their chests, looking proud.

When Zhao Zhen heard that Zhaojia Village was sending food and grass, he said to Qiao Daoqing beside him, "Brother Dao is really talented. He was able to persuade Zhaojia Village to apologize without any effort."

Qiao Daoqing said: "He is just relying on the reputation of the great official."

(End of this chapter)