I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 228 Desiring an official position, he committed murder and arson before accepting amnesty.
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After listening to Yuwen Xuzhong recount Zhao Yu's Water Margin plan, Wu Yong, who was restless at heart, showed no signs of worry, fear, or reluctance; instead, he was filled with undisguised excitement.

Upon seeing this, Yuwen Xu thought to himself, 'This man is truly audacious. Faced with such a shocking plan, he shows no fear whatsoever, but rather feels a sense of elation. Is it a blessing or a curse for His Majesty to have such a person?'

Yuwen Xuxin pondered inwardly, but revealed nothing. He merely nodded slightly, his tone carrying a hint of probing and consideration: "The court's implementation of the two new policies to save the people has been secretly obstructed by the gentry. The gentry have many collusions with local officials and their power is deeply entrenched in the local areas, making it impossible for the court's orders to be implemented. The court had no choice but to take such a risky step to force the gentry to accept the reforms, give up some of their vested interests, and leave some way for the people to survive."

Yuwen Xuzhong then defended Zhao Yu, saying, "If it weren't for this, why would the court have taken such drastic measures?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yong smiled and said, "I come from the common people, and my hometown is also implementing the two new policies. How could I not know how the gentry resist the court's reforms? In my opinion, the court's policy is absolutely correct. The gentry's problem is like a stubborn disease that has taken root in the bone, and it can only be cured with strong medicine."

Yuwen Xuzhong never expected that Wu Yong would accept this treacherous plan so easily. You must know that when he first learned that he was to carry out this treacherous plan, he struggled with all sorts of emotions, feeling as if a thousand ants were gnawing at his heart. After weighing the pros and cons several times, he finally convinced himself to embark on this bloody path that was destined to kill countless gentry, considering it the only way to save the country from its crisis, in order to repay Zhao Yu's kindness and to prioritize the greater good of the country.

Seeing that Wu Yong not only showed no aversion to this treacherous plan but even wholeheartedly agreed with it, Yuwen Xuzhong was secretly surprised and puzzled. He couldn't understand why Wu Yong would accept it so readily, and even seemed to harbor some kind of expectation. He stared into Wu Yong's eyes, which gleamed with cunning, trying to catch a clue, but he only saw a desire for unknown challenges and indifference to the fate of the gentry.

What Yuwen Xuzhong couldn't understand the most was that Wu Yong was also a scholar, and he almost passed the imperial examination. He should be considered a member of the gentry. He should have resonated with the gentry. How could he so easily stand on the opposite side of the gentry, and even seem to be observing the storm about to happen to the gentry with an almost indifferent bystander attitude?

This is what Yuwen Xuzhong, who easily passed the imperial examination and was quickly given an important position by Zhao Yu, did not know: for a poor family like Wu Yong who failed the imperial examination, such an opportunity to rise to prominence was extremely rare.

To put it simply, even if you asked Wu Yong to slaughter all the officials and gentry like Huang Chao did, this poor man, who harbors a deep-seated desire for advancement, would probably agree without hesitation. Because in his view, this is not just a reform of the court, but also a golden opportunity for someone of his humble origins to rise above his circumstances and rewrite his destiny.

Wu Yong's eyes gleamed with an indescribable light—a thirst for power, a pursuit of status, and a desire for revenge for the days when he was ridiculed and looked down upon because of his humble origins. He knew that no matter the circumstances, as long as he closely followed Zhao Yu's lead, he could transform himself from an unknown commoner into a key figure who could influence the situation, gain the fame and fortune he desired, and realize his political ambitions.

Yuwen Xuzhong didn't quite understand Wu Yong, but that didn't matter, because his task was only to keep an eye on Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and the others, to prevent them from escaping Zhao Yu's control and to prevent the matter from getting out of control. Other matters would be handled by Song Jiang and the others.

Next, Yuwen Xuzhong and Wu Yong carefully discussed and sorted out the Water Margin plan. In the end, the two decided that Wu Yong would return to his hometown to persuade Song Jiang to start an uprising, and Yuwen Xuzhong would recruit people for Song Jiang and Wu Yong to ensure the smooth progress of the uprising plan.

Wu Yong gladly accepted the order, his heart surging with even greater passion, as if he could already see himself standing in the imperial court, commanding the nation in a glorious future.

After the two had finalized their plan, Yuwen Xuzhong said to the person outside the door, "You two may come in."

As soon as Yuwen Xuzhong finished speaking, two burly men entered from outside the door.

These two burly men, one with a leopard's head and bulging eyes, a swallow's chin and tiger's beard, eight feet tall, and about twenty-five or twenty-six years old; the other six feet five or six feet tall, with a very slender waist and broad shoulders, and about twenty-something years old.

Yuwen Xuzhong pointed at the two burly men and said to Wu Yong, "These two are named Lin Chong and Xu Ning. They will help you and Song Jiang start the uprising. After I have finished making arrangements here, I will come to find you. Remember, my name is Gongsun Sheng!"

At this point, Yuwen Xu was still puzzled, not understanding why Consort Zhang would give him this name, and even less understanding why Consort Li and Consort Ye were laughing so meaningfully.

Shaking his head secretly, Yuwen Xuzhong took out a thousand taels of garlic gold and gave it to Wu Yong as start-up capital. Then he sent Wu Yong, Lin Chong, and Xu Ning back to Jizhou.

After they left, Lin Chong asked Wu Yong, "Scholar, can you ride a horse?"

Wu Yong blushed. Although his family was considered well-off, it depended on who he was compared to. Compared to ordinary people, that was true. But compared to the real high-ranking officials, noble families, wealthy households, and tycoons, calling his family poor was an understatement. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to work part-time as a teacher in a wealthy family.

Seeing that Wu Yong couldn't ride a horse, Lin Chong found him a donkey.

And so, the three of them returned to Jeju.

On the way, Wu Yong found out about Lin Chong and Xu Ning's backgrounds, learning that one was an instructor of the Imperial Guards and the other was a teacher in Zhao Yu's personal guard's Golden Spear Class, and that they had been inexplicably selected to join this matter.

Speechless all the way.

Soon, the three arrived at Yuncheng County, Jeju Prefecture.

After resting briefly at Wu Yong's house, the three of them went to the teahouse opposite the Yuncheng County Government Office to wait for Song Jiang.

When Song Jiang walked out of the county government office with a servant, Wu Yong greeted him on the street and said, "Clerk, please sit down and have some tea."

Upon seeing his friend Wu Yong, Song Jiang smiled and asked, "Scholar, weren't you going to the capital for the imperial examinations? How come you've returned so quickly?"

Wu Yong smiled and said, "Please come to the teahouse for tea and a chat, sir."

Seeing that Wu Yong did not answer, but only invited him into the teahouse to talk, Song Jiang could easily understand that Wu Yong had something important to tell him.

Without further ado, Song Jiang followed Wu Yong into the teahouse and then into a private room in the corner.

Here, Song Jiang saw Lin Chong and Xu Ning.

Upon first meeting them, Song Jiang could tell that Lin Chong and Xu Ning were not only physically imposing and brave, but also possessed extraordinary bearing. They were the kind of people who had definitely seen the world.

Song Jiang took the initiative to bow and said, "I dare not ask your honorable names, esteemed brothers?"

Lin Chong bowed politely and said, "I am Lin Chong, and I used to be an instructor in the Imperial Guards of the capital."

Xu Ning, who was relatively taciturn, also bowed and said, "Xu Ning was once an instructor in His Majesty's personal guard, the Golden Spear Class."

To be honest, neither Lin Chong nor Xu Ning were of high status.

But it depends on who you compare them to. Compared to Song Jiang, a minor official, Lin Chong and Xu Ning, especially the latter, are of much higher status.

Upon hearing the high status of Lin Chong and Xu Ning, Song Jiang quickly said, "I am sorry for not recognizing you, my humble servant. I am Song Jiang."

Lin Chong and Xu Ning returned the greeting: "We have long admired your name, but have never had the chance to meet you. Fortunately, we are acquainted with you, Scholar, and have been able to pay our respects."

Song Jiang said, "I am humbled. Instructor, please take a seat."

Lin Chong said, "How dare we two take the seat of honor? Clerk, please invite us to take a seat."

Song Jiang said, "The instructors and teachers are all important figures from the capital, and guests from afar, so they should naturally take the seat of honor." The three of them politely declined for a while. Lin Chong and Xu Ning, who knew who should be the leader of their group, insisted on not taking the seat of honor. Song Jiang had no choice but to take the main seat, with Wu Yong sitting next to him, and Lin Chong and Xu Ning sitting in the guest seats.

Song Jiang ordered the tea server to bring four cups of tea.

The tea arrived shortly afterward.

The group drank tea for a while.

Song Jiang then asked, "What official business do the instructors and teachers have in our county?"

Lin Chong and Xu Ning did not answer, but looked at Wu Yong.

At this point, Song Jiang realized that despite Lin Chong and Xu Ning's high status, they seemed to listen to Wu Yong.

This made Song Jiang secretly curious, wondering what special experiences his friend had that made important figures like Lin Chong and Xu Ning listen to him.

Song Jiang looked at Wu Yong, as if to say, "We're brothers, so let's not stand on ceremony. Just tell me what you need my help with."

However, Wu Yong did not immediately discuss having Song Jiang organize an uprising. Instead, he first asked, "Brother, what are your thoughts on the two new policies implemented by the court?"

Song Jiang thought to himself, "How can I feel about this? Of course I'll oppose it. If the court implements this policy, how much less money will my family earn in a year? Where will I get so much money to do good deeds and help people in distress?"

But Song Jiang and Wu Yong were friends for many years, and he knew that Wu Yong wouldn't ask such a question without a reason.

When Song Jiang saw that Lin Chong and Xu Ning came from the capital, or rather, from the imperial court, he immediately understood.

Song Jiang said, "This plan is a good one to save the people. If it can be implemented, our Great Song Dynasty will surely be prosperous and peaceful, and the people will live and work in peace and contentment. It will be a great blessing for the whole country!"

Seeing Song Jiang's quick wit, Wu Yong secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but outwardly looked at Lin Chong and Xu Ning, as if to say, "See, I made the right choice in recommending them, didn't I?"

Lin Chong and Xu Ning's mission was simply to cooperate with Song Jiang and Wu Yong in their uprising. Therefore, they could only smile and remain silent in the face of Song Jiang and Wu Yong's coordinated efforts.

Wu Yong felt like he had punched cotton.

Shaking his head secretly, Wu Yong stopped looking at Lin Chong and Xu Ning and said to Song Jiang, "To tell you the truth, I have a wonderful opportunity to help us brothers on our trip to the capital. If this is successful, not only will we rise to prominence, but many of your friends will also benefit greatly."

Upon hearing this, Song Jiang's heart stirred!
Although he was a clerk in Yuncheng County, he was just a minor official. Despite having studied the classics and history since childhood and possessing political acumen and talent, the career advancement of a minor official was limited in the official system of the Song Dynasty, making it difficult for him to realize his lofty ideals.

The reason he liked to associate with chivalrous heroes and was often generous with his money was because he was frustrated in his official career and sought recognition and a sense of accomplishment in the martial arts world.

Song Jiang knew that Wu Yong understood his ambitions, so Wu Yong dared to say that if they succeeded, they would rise to prominence, and even the brothers who followed Song Jiang would greatly benefit. This was enough to show that this was definitely a rare opportunity for promotion and wealth.

Song Jiang's eyes flickered, his heart surging with barely suppressed excitement and anticipation. He slowly said, "Scholar, don't keep us in suspense. What good thing has fallen on our shoulders? Is it that the instructor or teacher wants to take us on as a mentor?"

Wu Yong laughed and said, "It is indeed a good thing that you and I, brothers, have stumbled upon, but this good thing did not come from the instructor or teacher, but rather..."

At this point, Wu Yong pointed to the sky.

Song Jiang looked at the sky, and for a moment he didn't react.

But soon, Song Jiang caught a glimpse of Xu Ning out of the corner of his eye, and immediately realized that Wu Yong was referring to the fact that the person who asked them to do things was the current emperor, Zhao Yu.

The usually composed Song Jiang immediately stood up abruptly, panting heavily, and pointed his trembling index finger at the sky.

Wu Yong nodded.

Song Jiang felt his heart was about to jump out of his chest!
Song Jiang knew Wu Yong wouldn't lie to him, but he still couldn't help but confirm: "Is this really true? This is a matter of great importance; scholar, you must not treat it lightly!"

Song Jiang's voice trembled slightly, his eyes showing both unbelievable surprise and a hint of trepidation and unease.

Wu Yong nodded slowly with a solemn expression. He lowered his voice and said, "This matter is absolutely true. During my trip to the capital, by a stroke of luck, I caught the eye of His Majesty, who entrusted me with an important task. He also instructed me to recommend a hero from Jizhou to take the lead. I guarantee with my life that no one else but you will be chosen..."

Then, Wu Yong recounted in detail to Song Jiang the miraculous experiences he had encountered on his journey to the capital for the imperial examination.

Although Song Jiang believed Wu Yong wouldn't lie to him, to be honest, no matter how Song Jiang listened, he thought it was all too absurd. The emperor raising a thief to enhance his own power? That didn't make any sense.

However, Song Jiang thought again that these gentry were all local tyrants in their respective villages, and the imperial power was completely ineffective in their remote areas. Thinking about the methods these gentry used to resist the court's implementation of the two new policies, it seemed that perhaps without using such extreme measures, it would be impossible to get the gentry to accept the reforms.

Therefore, what Wu Yong said might be true.

Wu Yong also knew that this matter was of great importance, and if he wanted Song Jiang to believe him, he had to produce something substantial.

But the truth is, Zhao Yu didn't give Wu Yong any token at all.

Wu Yong understood this. On the surface, Zhao Yu would never admit to having any connection with them. So, if they did this well, they would definitely reap the rewards. But if they did it poorly, needless to say, they might actually become bandits.

Wu Yong could only say to Song Jiang, "Once you've made all the necessary preparations here, the imperial court will send a high-ranking official to join us in this important undertaking. What else could you possibly worry about?"

Hearing from Wu Yong that Zhao Yu would send men to join their uprising, Song Jiang felt somewhat relieved, but he still couldn't help but hesitate. This matter was far too significant; if they were to take it on, too many people would be killed.

Seeing Song Jiang hesitate, Wu Yong became a little anxious. He simply went straight to the heart of the matter: "If you want to get an official position, you must kill and set fires and then accept amnesty. Otherwise, do you want to be a clerk for the rest of your life?"

Wu Yong's words struck a chord with Song Jiang. A fierce glint flashed in Song Jiang's eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "Fine, then we brothers will accept being bandits who commit murder and arson..."

……

(End of this chapter)