Water Margin: I am Zhu Biao

into the night.

The Chai family's house has four courtyards, with the east wing containing guest rooms in the north wing.

Luan Tingyu adjusted the wick, put the lampshade back on, and suddenly spoke:

"Sanlang, are you interested in recruiting Wu Song?"

"Um."

Zhu Biao rolled up the map he had drawn himself, rubbed his chest, and winced in pain.

"He is strong, skilled in martial arts, and upright and straightforward. Now that he has fallen on hard times, he is worth befriending."

Luan Tingyu frowned slightly:

"But he's carrying a murder charge; what if it implicates you?"

Zhu Biao chuckled and shook his head.

"Master, if he really is guilty of murder, how could Master Chai have kept him for half a year?"

He certainly knew that Wu Song hadn't killed anyone, and he could also glean some clues from Chai Jin's behavior.

Those heroes who came to seek refuge after committing murder would be politely sent away after only a few days at the Chai family's house, without exception.

Lin Chong and Song Jiang were both like this.

Thinking of Lin Chong, Zhu Biao was somewhat lost in thought. He valued this instructor of the 800,000 Imperial Guards highly, simply because of the title "instructor".

Being good at fighting and being good at teaching are two different things.

Luan Tingyu's mind worked quickly, and he figured it out in the blink of an eye, his tone becoming playful.

"In that case, Master Chai's righteousness is rather lacking in substance."

Zhu Biao snapped out of his daze and pursed his lips.

"As a former member of the royal family, one should naturally keep a low profile."

"Sanlang, if he's just a figurehead, why should we still sell grain?"

"Sell."

Zhu Biao let out a sigh of relief.

"He offered a high price and wanted a large quantity. Master, it's not time to stockpile grain yet. We're even more lacking in horses, iron, hides, and tendons."

Luan Tingyu felt his mouth was dry and his tongue parched. He subconsciously glanced around and lowered his voice.

"Sanlang, if these items fall into the wrong hands..."

"It's alright. I am in charge of the local militia, with 800 soldiers under my command. If banditry becomes rampant in the surrounding area, I can increase the number of soldiers."

Zhu Biao's lips curled up, and he said quietly:

"Local soldiers are soldiers too. Lord Murong is still waiting for us to wipe out the Three Mountains of Qingzhou. Can't our men just go into battle with pitchforks and hoes?"

Just as Luan Tingyu was about to reply, he suddenly turned his head to look outside. Zhu Biao also raised his eyebrows slightly, a playful look on his face.

Shashasha~

Footsteps came from the courtyard, small and light, belonging to a woman.

Immediately afterwards, a soft, sweet female voice sounded from outside the door:

"Honored guest, the bath water is ready. The master has instructed me to serve you a bath to help you relax."

The master and apprentice in the room exchanged a glance. Luan Tingyu's eyes were filled with worry, but also a hint of envy.

Sanlang is in the prime of his life, with a beautiful woman in his arms, he would probably find it hard to resist. Meanwhile, Luan is still wandering the world, only occasionally visiting brothels.

"Tsk, they've really gone all out, even bringing out their most treasured repertoire of bathing and sleeping services."

Zhu Biao rubbed his chin, which was just starting to sprout sparse stubble.

"No wonder. With Chai Jin's insight, it's not hard to see the value of the Dulonggang militia. It's the gateway between Qing and Ji prefectures. How could that old fox Murong only care about money?"

Squeak!

The door opened, and the night wind, carrying snowflakes, rushed in. Zhu Biao squinted, scrutinizing the woman in front of him.

At the tender age of 18, she had a fair complexion, willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a pert nose. Even the heavy cloak could not conceal her slender figure.

She's a beauty, but still a virgin.

Zhu Biao's throat bobbed, his heart itching. It was a pity he was too thin and too small. If only he were a little more plump and bigger.

Damn it! I have to endure it, this is a pit I can't fall into.

If he dares to touch this girl tonight, Chai Jin will surely give her to him as a concubine tomorrow. In these days, a woman's chastity is of paramount importance, and he cannot refuse.

Then, the Zhu family and the Chai family would become related. If Chai Jin were even more ruthless, he could elevate her to the status of a sworn sister, and Zhu Biao would become his brother-in-law.

Who can tolerate having a nail buried next to their pillow?

Also, there's his childhood betrothed, Hu Sanniang. This woman is fierce, short-tempered, and highly skilled in martial arts, wielding the Sun and Moon Twin Blades.

If I get jealous, I might just snap a picture while he's asleep.

"My lord, my name is Amber."

The woman gave a graceful bow and spoke, interrupting Zhu Biao's soaring thoughts.

"This servant will attend to the noble lady's bath."

Her voice trembled slightly, her cheeks were flushed, and her doe-like eyes were moist, containing a hint of shyness, a hint of expectation, and a hint of charm.

I feel pity!

Zhu Biao secretly praised him, but said aloud:

"Thank you for your kind offer, sir, and for your kind words, Miss Amber."

He raised his hand, revealing two slightly swollen, reddish-purple spots on the back of his hand, glistening with badger oil.

"But I have frostbite and just applied medicine, so I can't get it wet and won't be able to enjoy it."

Upon hearing this, Amber was stunned for a moment, then pursed her lips and her eyes suddenly reddened.

"Yes, it is my misfortune that you, sir, have passed away peacefully."

After saying this, he curtsied, and as he turned around, he quickly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

Amber walked very slowly, until a thin layer of snow fell on her shoulders, before she finally stepped out of the courtyard, but she never received the expected request to stay.

The falling flowers are full of affection, but the flowing water is heartless; this young man, who is about the same age as her, has a heart as hard as iron.

"Sanlang, are you not even slightly tempted?"

Watching the figure disappear through the moon gate, Luan Tingyu clicked his tongue.

"Can't afford to move."

Zhu Biao replied sullenly.

It was late at night. The Chai family's bed was as soft as a cloud and incense. Lying on it, I felt as if my bones had become lighter.

Before going to sleep, Zhu Biao habitually glanced at his "hanging" (a euphemism for a device or object), and it was only at this moment that he remembered that he was a visitor from the future.

Gun skill level 4, proficiency 2315/4000.

Level 4 equestrian skill, proficiency 3056/4000.

Boxing skill level 3, proficiency 1742/2000.

Archery skill level 3, proficiency 1893/2000.

Knife skills level 2, proficiency 735/1000.

Level 2 in duck-riding, proficiency 462/1000.

"Tsk, a second-rate expert, practically a nobody, a jack of all trades, master of none."

"If I practice with Wu Er a few more times, my boxing skills will improve to level four. But I'm only seventeen. I have a bright future ahead of me."

Zhu Biao pulled the blanket up and turned over to sleep.

The next day, the snow fell even heavier, blanketing the world like goose feathers.

As soon as it was light, Luan Tingyu led his caravan back to the Zhu family. He still had to supervise the delivery of the next batch of grain. Chai Jin had ordered 3,000 shi of rice and 3,300 guan of cash.

At this moment, in front of the Chai family's main gate, Chai Jin held Zhu Biao's hand, his face full of reluctance, and said:

"Brother Zhu, the wind is fierce and the snow is heavy, making the journey difficult. Why not linger for a few more days?"

"My lord, I hope I am in good health. A little wind and snow will not bother me. I will come to bother you again on my way back."

Zhu Biao was determined to leave. After saying this, he withdrew his hand, leaped onto his horse, and appeared somewhat hasty and impolite.

He was really in a hurry!

With this wind, this snow, and that mountain temple, Instructor Lin might just unleash his fury tonight.

He didn't want to miss this grand event, nor did he want to miss this excellent opportunity to recruit people.

Since waking up, Zhu Biao had made inquiries and confirmed that Lin Chong was still in the Cangzhou prison camp. His trip north was most likely for this Leopard Head.

Chai Jin, true to his seasoned experience, turned to Wu Song with remarkable ease, perfectly concealing the embarrassment and displeasure in his eyes.

"Wu Song, please take good care of yourself."

As he spoke, he took a bulging bundle from the steward and handed it to Wu Song.

"This is some travel money and a few new clothes. If things don't work out, we'll go back to the manor."

Wu Song took the bundle, bowed, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and solemnly said:

"Thank you for taking me in and taking care of me, sir. I will repay this kindness in the future."

Zhu Biao and his party had disappeared into the snowstorm, but Chai Jin still stood outside the door, lost in thought.

"Sigh~"

After a long while, he let out a soft sigh.

"He's a remarkable person. I wanted to forge a good relationship with him, but alas, we're not on the same path."

Turning around, he instructed his personal butler:

"Chai Fu, you must go to Yuncheng yourself..."

The north wind swept by, swallowing his voice.

No one noticed that at that moment, inside the gate, beside the screen wall, a slender, lonely figure turned and left sadly.

"Second brother, don't panic! Tuck your calves in, squeeze your thighs together, and don't stiffen your waist and abdomen. Yes, move with the horse's movements."

On the official road, Zhu Biao was teaching Wu Song how to ride a horse.

He chose a docile mare. Wu Song had a stable stance, good coordination, and excellent comprehension. After traveling a few miles, he was already riding quite well.

"drive!"

After rounding a bend, Wu Song suddenly jerked the reins, and his horse galloped to the front of the group.

At that moment, he was as happy as a child who had just received a new toy.

"Hmph! He's barely learned to walk and already wants to run. Wait till he falls flat on his face, all bruised and battered, then let's see if he'll still be laughing then!"

Beside Zhu Biao, Zhu San glared at him irritably and muttered under his breath.

Pfft!

This guy's mouth was like it had been blessed; as soon as he finished speaking, Wu Song slumped off his horse.

However, as soon as he landed, he did a somersault and nimbly flipped himself up.

"Hahaha! That's great!"

Wu Song hastily wiped the snow off his head and face and laughed heartily.

"Take this!"

Before his laughter had even faded, a figure pierced through the wind and snow and pounced towards him. Before the person even arrived, the force of their fist was already upon him.

"Good timing!"

Wu Song's eyes lit up. He turned around, took a step back, and swiftly threw a punch. It was as fast as lightning, but he held back some of the force, making it just the same as Zhu Biao's.

Bang!

While Zhu Biao was in mid-air, he suddenly straightened his back, pulled back his fist, and kicked Wu Song's fist, causing both of them to sway.

"Again!"

Just as he landed, Zhu Biao pushed off with his feet and lunged forward again.

Become stronger! This matter is urgent, and Zhu Biao cannot afford to delay even for a moment!