The Legend of Song Jiang in Water Margin

Chapter 134 Encountering a Hermit in a Tavern: Xu Ning Wrongfully Imprisoned

The scholar was not at all reserved and found an empty seat to sit down!

Although Song Jiang's table had burly men like Bian Xiang, Zhu Jing, and Jiao Ting, as well as Gongsun Sheng dressed as a Taoist priest, and Yue He who was more refined, along with children like Yang Zaixing and Luo Yanqing, this combination seemed strange to outsiders. However, the scholar always wore a smile, as if there was no doubt about it!

Song Jiang instructed the waiter to bring a bowl, chopsticks, and a wine cup and place them in front of the scholar.

The scholar said, "Judging from this official's accent, he is from Shandong!"

Song Jiang nodded and admitted, "I am indeed from Shandong!" There was nothing to hide about being from Shandong!

The scholar laughed and said, "I've heard that Shandong is home to many heroes who uphold justice throughout the land. Seeing them today, I can see that their reputation is indeed well-deserved!"

Song Jiang glanced at the scholar and laughed, "When you see injustice on the road, you should draw your sword to help. The common people fear such wicked people like tigers. If we don't teach them a lesson, I'm afraid even more people will suffer from them in the future!"

Upon hearing this, the scholar stood up and bowed deeply, saying, "I underestimated the heroes of the world. Your words earlier stirred my blood, and now, hearing your generous and magnanimous speech, I realize you are a true hero. Please accept my bow!"

Song Jiang rose and returned the greeting, saying, "Sir, you are too kind. I cannot stand those who oppress the people and exploit the villagers. I will deal with such people every time I see them, simply to have a clear conscience!"

The scholar smiled slightly, raised his cup to clink with the others, and then said, "I never expected to meet such an important person on my way out today. It is truly fate. May I ask your honorable surname, sir? I would like to befriend you!"

Song Jiang found the man before him to be eloquent and kind-looking, and felt an immediate connection with him. He had long intended to befriend him, so upon hearing this, he quickly replied, "My surname is Song, and I am from Yuncheng, Shandong!"

The scholar's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "May I ask if you are Song, the 'Timely Rain' clerk from Yuncheng, Shandong?"

Song Jiang was surprised that the man recognized him and laughed, "That's just the kind words of my friends in the martial world. I'm just an ordinary man! I wonder what your name is, sir?"

The scholar said, "My surname is Wen, and I am just a village schoolteacher. I'm sure you haven't heard of my name, sir!" He then sighed somewhat forlornly.

Song Jiang exclaimed in surprise, "I have heard of a village called Anren outside Kaifeng, where there is a virtuous man named Wen Huanzhang. May I ask if you are him?"

The scholar was surprised that Song Jiang could guess his identity, as his reputation was far less than Song Jiang's. After carefully examining Song Jiang, he laughed and said, "I never expected that someone as insignificant as me, a mere clerk, would know!"

Song Jiang bowed and said, "Professor, you possess extraordinary talent, unfathomable wisdom, profound understanding of strategy, and thorough knowledge of military tactics. How could Song Jiang not know of such a great talent!"

When Wen Huanzhang heard Song Jiang praising him so highly, he was speechless for a moment. After a long while, he finally spoke with emotion: "There was once a man who praised me like you, clerk. Thinking back, it has been more than ten years. But talking with him feels like it was just yesterday."

Song Jiang smiled and asked, "Could it be a traveling performer known as the Four-Legged Snake?"

Wen Huanzhang was even more astonished. He and Xu Jing had been close friends for many years, despite their age difference. Xu Jing was twenty or thirty years older, but they got along very well. Xu Jing would often bring wine and meat to Anren Village after his performances to enjoy the moon and tea with him. These were the days Wen Huanzhang cherished most!

Xu Jing once praised Wen Huanzhang, saying, "If I achieve great success one day, I will surely make you live a life of wealth and honor by my side!"

Thinking of the past, but not knowing where Xu Jing is now, Wen Huanzhang sighed deeply! Once young and impetuous, full of ambition and lofty aspirations, many years have passed, but he is now just a schoolteacher in the village, wasting his years and feeling sad!

When Song Jiang first met Wen Huanzhang, he was not full of vigor, but he was a calm and indifferent person who was not interested in fame and fortune. However, after a conversation, he found that Wen Huanzhang exuded an indescribable sorrow and desolation!

If Song Jiang put himself in Wen Huanzhang's shoes, he could understand Wen Huanzhang's feelings of dissatisfaction with the status quo but helplessness!

This man has the talent to save the world and bring peace to the country, but he has always been frustrated and unsuccessful. Many people value his exceptional wisdom, but no one is willing to befriend him sincerely!

It's nothing more than jealousy! In the Northern Song Dynasty, it was already incredibly difficult for a scholar to obtain even a minor official position. This explains why Gao Qiu, a down-on-his-luck and dissolute young man, was able to rise to the top of the Three Departments. It's simply because it's much easier to become a military official than a civil official. One has to admire the Emperor Zhao's painstaking efforts in pushing Gao Qiu to such a high position to avoid any criticism from outsiders!

Wen Huanzhang is very talented. If he were given an official position, and the Emperor Zhao valued him, then what future would others have? Therefore, the Emperor Zhao was polite to Wen Huanzhang on the surface, but suppressed him as much as possible, just to prevent him from standing out.

Liangshan was desperately short of scholars at this time, and people like Wen Huanzhang were even rarer. In terms of ability, he was probably no less capable than Wu Yong. Thinking of this, Song Jiang said, "Professor, are you willing to waste your time here? As the saying goes, 'When you're poor, no one cares even in the bustling city; when you're rich, even distant relatives come to visit.' Your abilities shouldn't be buried like this!"

Upon hearing this, Wen Huanzhang smiled knowingly and stared into Song Jiang's eyes, asking, "Does the clerk have a good way out?"

Song Jiang also smiled and said, "I am not very talented, but I have some property in Yuncheng. I would like to ask you, sir, for your help!"

Wen Huanzhang laughed loudly, then said in a low voice, "If it's a business, why would I need to help? I've met many people before, and the people around you, Clerk, don't seem like ordinary guards. Clerk is probably not as simple as he appears..."

Wen Huanzhang didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present knew what he meant!

Song Jiang just smiled but didn't answer. The matter of property was just an excuse. Wen Huanzhang was a smart man and naturally understood what he meant, but he couldn't reveal everything. After all, they were in the capital, where there were many people watching and listening. If the news leaked out, he might not be able to return to Liangshan!

Wen Huanzhang lowered his head and pondered for a moment before asking, "May I ask what brings you to the capital this time, Clerk?"

Just as Song Jiang was about to speak, Yue He, standing to the side, laughed and said, "This year is the Qibaoge Auction, held every seven years. My brother has come to the capital to see the excitement!"

Le He was clearly trying to conceal Song Jiang's trip to the capital to find craftsmen and buy armor, using the Qibaoge incident to cover up the truth!

But Song Jiang had never heard of Qibaoge before, and this was the first time he had heard these three words, so he couldn't help but be very curious!

Wen Huanzhang replied, "I see. I've heard that the Qibao Pavilion holds an auction every seven years, and all the items auctioned are priceless! This year's auction will be held at Tongtian Garden in the capital!"

Song Jiang was surprised that Wen Huanzhang actually believed Yue He's words, and asked in astonishment, "I wonder who the owner of this Qibao Pavilion is, that he has such great power!"

Yue He said, "No one in the martial arts world knows about this, not even the government!"

Song Jiang asked in disbelief, "Is this really true?! Can the imperial court allow such a completely unknown force to exist?"

Le He shook his head and said, "There seems to be a tacit understanding between the government and Qibaoge. The imperial court never interferes in Qibaoge's affairs, and Qibaoge only holds auctions and doesn't participate in anything else. Qibaoge's origins are very mysterious, and many people don't even know it exists!"

Song Jiang's curiosity grew stronger. This existence, which was completely beyond his understanding, was a novel thing for him. Perhaps he would gain something unexpected if he went there?

Wen Huanzhang stared at Le He for a long time, then laughed, "This brother even knows about things like the Qibao Pavilion!"

Le He also laughed and said, "I'm very interested in strange and unusual things. I once heard about the Treasure Pavilion, and after I told you, you came to the capital to have some fun!"

Wen Huanzhang praised, "It's truly a great fortune for the clerk to have such a talented person by his side!"

Song Jiang also said, "I wonder if Professor would be willing to go to Shandong with me to see what's going on? Perhaps it would be just right for you?"

Wen Huanzhang sighed and said, "This matter is of great importance. Please allow me a few days to consider it."

At this moment, a burly man rushed into the tavern anxiously, knelt down in front of Song Jiang, and cried out, "Brother, save my cousin!"

Song Jiang was taken aback and helped the big man up. It was none other than Tang Long. Then the cousin he mentioned must be Xu Ning!

Song Jiang poured a cup of tea and handed it to Tang Long, saying, "Don't be anxious, what happened to Instructor Xu?"

Tang Long burst into tears, choking out, "My cousin has been imprisoned. Besides my brother, I really can't think of anyone else to turn to!"

""

Song Jiang was startled. What is meant to be will be! Could it be that Grand Commandant Wang had still targeted Xu Ning?

Thinking of this, Song Jiang said, "Tell me everything about this matter, and we'll figure out a solution together!"

It turned out that two days ago, Xu Ning was drinking with Tang Long at home when a servant came to deliver an invitation!

It turned out that the eunuch Gao Qiu was taking a concubine and had specially invited a group of ministers to his residence for a banquet!

Xu Ning initially wanted to decline the invitation, but then he remembered that Gao Qiu was a favorite of the emperor and not someone to be offended. So, after getting dressed, he bid farewell to his family and went to Gao Qiu's residence with his servant!

Upon arriving at Gao Qiu's residence, a group of commanders greeted them and invited them inside. There, they found some of their colleagues who were usually there. Gao Qiu's residence was decorated with lanterns and streamers, and was filled with a festive atmosphere!

Xu Ning felt somewhat relieved and greeted his colleagues one by one!

A short while later, Gao Qiu, dressed in his wedding robes, arrived at the hall. Upon seeing Xu Ning, he exclaimed happily, "Instructor Xu, I think of you every day while you serve by His Majesty's side. Today is my joyous occasion, and you've come to my residence to acknowledge me as a friend. I've prepared some wine and snacks, so everyone should enjoy themselves to the fullest and not complain to His Majesty that I neglected you!" He then burst into laughter.

Xu Ning said, "I am grateful for your kind offer, but I am on duty tonight and dare not comply. I will come to your residence to express my gratitude after I have met His Majesty. We will drink until we are drunk."

Gao Qiu laughed loudly, "Instructor Xu is very dedicated and I admire him greatly. However, today is my joyous occasion. If Instructor Xu comes again tomorrow, wouldn't it be too late? Why don't we have three cups? After that, I won't urge you to drink anymore. Later, I will also play a game of Cuju with His Majesty. Then we can all go to the palace together. Instructor Xu, what do you think?"

Hearing Gao Qiu's words, Xu Ning had no choice but to accept the offer and settle down.

Gao Qiu took the main seat, Xu Ning sat to the side, and the others followed suit. The entire hall was bustling with noise. As Xu Ning took his seat, the sounds of sheng and xiao filled the air, the candles shone brightly, and delicacies were served in abundance.

Gao Qiu stepped forward to offer a toast, and other colleagues urged him on, so Xu Ning had no choice but to fill each cup to the brim and drink it all in one go.

Xu Ning had a high alcohol tolerance, but with so many people around, he soon became dizzy and disoriented!

After drinking a few more cups, Xu Ning got extremely drunk and collapsed unconscious in the hall!

When Xu Ning woke up, he found himself already in prison and looked around blankly!

Seeing a jailer outside the door, Xu Ning rubbed his throbbing head and asked, "How did I get here?"

The jailer looked at Xu Ning with pity and said, "This is the Kaifeng Prefecture Prison, Instructor Xu, you are about to face a great calamity without even realizing it!"

Xu Ning was shocked and asked, "What have I done wrong?"

The jailer shook his head and remained silent.

Not long after, two yamen runners arrived to interrogate Xu Ning. In the main hall of Kaifeng Prefecture, the prefect slammed his gavel and said, "Xu Ning, as the instructor of the Golden Spear Corps under His Majesty's command, you have knowingly broken the law. Now that you are here in the main hall of Kaifeng Prefecture, do you know your crime?"

Xu Ning's mind was in a complete mess, and he hurriedly asked, "But I don't know what I've done wrong?"

The prefect roared, "You behaved improperly while drunk, barging into the bedroom of Attendant Gao to take advantage of the bride. When she resisted, you refused to yield and instead murdered her! You are a beast in human form!"

Xu Ning was stunned for a moment, then shouted that he was innocent: "I did this! I'm innocent!"

The prefect slammed his gavel and said, "There is ample evidence and witness testimony; you cannot deny it. I advise you to confess the truth to avoid further punishment!"

Xu Ning spoke firmly, each word distinct: "This was definitely not my doing; I am innocent!"

The prefect shouted, "Fight me!"

The bailiffs on both sides picked up their clubs and started beating the yamen runners down on it.

Xu Ning initially refused to confess, but the pain in his body intensified, and he was soon covered in bruises. Realizing that this was not a good story, he had no choice but to confess falsely: "I was just unconscious after drinking, and what I did was not my intention!"

The prefect said, "Fortunately, the bride is neither dead nor born. Whether she lives or dies depends on her fate. If she gives birth, you can save your life; if she dies, you will not escape death!"

After saying this, he ordered Xu Ning to draw up a confession, then took him to prison to hear the verdict!

After hearing Tang Long's words, Song Jiang was speechless for a moment. However, there was no point in saying or thinking anything at the moment. He could only rescue Xu Ning first!

"How is Instructor Xu now?" Song Jiang asked.

Tang Long shook his head and said, "My cousin is already feeling down, and he's been beaten badly. Is that even a place for a human to live in? My sister-in-law and I have tried several times to bribe the jailers to treat my cousin well!"

It's impossible to expect them to take good care of Xu Ning, given that they're all money-grubbing types. Song Jiang still plans to go to the Kaifeng Prefecture prison himself!

Looking at Tang Long, whose face was streaked with tears and whose eyes were red, Song Jiang was deeply moved. Was this still the same Tang Long who had sold out his cousin without hesitation? Seeing Tang Long running around trying to save Xu Ning, Song Jiang made up his mind that he would do whatever it took to rescue Xu Ning!

At this moment, Yuehe asked, "What is the bride's name?"

Tang Long paused, then thought for a moment and said, "It seems her name is Liu Hanyan!"

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