Liver in Water Margin, outlaw madman

The situation in Wangjia Village was quickly ascertained.

"Brother, we've found out the situation in Wangjia Village. Wang Heng has dozens of farmhands under his command, all of them carrying knives, and he's also coercing a couple hundred fishermen. This guy's nickname is 'Dead Turtle.' In addition, his brother, Wang Jin, is a veteran official in Jizhou Prefecture and has considerable influence within the prefecture."

Ruan Xiaoer spoke slowly, but he clearly and concisely explained Wang Heng's background, his backers, and the defenses of Wangjia Village.

After listening, Zhang Shan tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, lost in thought.

He remembered Wang Jin.

This man is a seasoned veteran of Jeju Prefecture, known for his ruthlessness and cunning, earning him the nickname "Heart-Cutting King" among the underworld.

In the original Water Margin, Wang Jin later joined Gao Qiu's forces and tampered with the imperial edict of amnesty, harming many people.

Given Wang Jin's personality, after conquering Wangjia Village and killing his younger brother Wang Heng, he would certainly not let it go and would most likely try to take revenge on Liangshan.

Upon hearing Ruan Xiaoer's words, Wang Lun trembled slightly and couldn't help but whisper, "Chief, you absolutely mustn't! If we attack Wang Family Village and kill Wang Heng, and if the Jizhou Prefecture sends troops to besiege us, Liangshan will be in grave danger!"

Wang Lun was genuinely afraid. He had only joined the outlaws to seek peace and quiet, and he never dared to provoke the government, for fear of attracting a large army that would completely destroy his Liangshan base.

"You worthless wretch!" Lu Zhishen slammed his fist on the table, his eyes wide, and shouted, "If you're afraid of the government, why did you even bother becoming an outlaw in the first place? Becoming an outlaw is inherently about opposing the government; what kind of behavior is this, cowering and cowering like that!"

Looking at Wang Lun's terrified appearance, Zhang Shan also felt a sense of doubt.

Most people who go to the mountains to become outlaws do so out of desperation or when they have no other choice, but Wang Lun only failed the imperial examinations and then voluntarily became an outlaw.

After joining the outlaws, they lived in constant fear, afraid to provoke the government or expand their power. Such contradictions were truly strange.

However, attacking Wangjia Village is the top priority right now, so Wang Lun's thoughts have to be put aside for the time being.

Lin Chong, standing to the side, smiled faintly at Wang Lun's terrified expression and said, "Chief Wang, you are overthinking it. Mobilizing a large army is no easy task. Even if Wang Jin were to die, let alone just Wang Heng, the Jizhou Prefecture would most likely not send troops so easily."

"Huh? Why?" Wang Lun looked up abruptly, his eyes wide with surprise.

He had never been an official or served in the military, and he was completely unaware of the rules governing the government's troop deployment. He had always believed that the government could send troops whenever it wanted.

Lin Chong gave a bitter smile and slowly said, "Since the founding of the Great Song Dynasty, the most deeply guarded group has been the military. Military power is divided into extremely fine parts, and the command and control are separated. Let alone a Huang Tuanlian, even the Prefect of Jizhou Prefecture does not have the power to mobilize troops."

Seeing that Zhang Shan was listening attentively, he didn't keep him in suspense and continued, "If you want to mobilize a large army, the Jizhou Prefecture must first write an official document and report it to the Privy Council; after the Privy Council discusses it, it will then report it to the Emperor for approval; only when the Emperor approves will the Privy Council issue a military tally, allowing the Three Military Commands to mobilize troops, and only then can the Jizhou Prefecture send troops to encircle and suppress them."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shan frowned slightly and couldn't help but ask, "But if that's the case, what if we encounter bandits causing trouble and can't report it in time? Wouldn't that cause problems?"

"Third brother, you don't know this," Lin Chong explained with a smile, "We have local militia, archers, and village militia. These troops are used to capture thieves and deal with local bandits, so there's no need to report them to the Privy Council."

Lu Zhishen chimed in, rubbing his hands together excitedly: "Third brother, these soldiers are just for show. Their main job is to ensure the safety of the city. They can't be bothered with the villages and waterways outside the city, and they can't manage them anyway."

As he spoke, he patted the armor beside him, the armor plates making a crisp clinking sound: "Besides, how many capable soldiers could a mere Jizhou Prefecture have? I alone can break through their lines and ensure they don't return!"

He had been holding back for a long time, eager to find someone to fight, and his armor was itching to get to work.

Wang Lun stood to the side, his expression shifting rapidly, his mind in turmoil.

He always thought that once he went up the mountain to become an outlaw, the government would keep a close eye on him. The reason he hadn't been besieged all these years was because he had planned well and hidden himself well.

Now, after hearing Lin Chong say this, I suddenly realized what was going on.

It turned out that it wasn't that he hid well, but that he wasn't that important at all. The government was too lazy to bother to annihilate his small mountain stronghold of a few hundred people.

Once he understood this, Wang Lun's face flushed red and then turned pale. He felt both ashamed and angry, and he lowered his head even further.

Looking at his expression, Zhang Shan couldn't help but laugh, his tone confident: "Don't worry, everyone. That Prefect of Jizhou just wants to be a peaceful official and avoid trouble. If we don't cause him any trouble, that's lucky for him. He wouldn't dare to come looking for trouble with us."

As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of laughter erupted in the council chamber, instantly dispelling the previous tense atmosphere.

Zhang Shan's smile vanished, and he abruptly sat up straight, his gaze sharp as he scanned the crowd in the hall. He declared loudly, "Brothers, the opportunity to uphold justice and rid the people of this scourge has arrived! Wang Heng oppresses fishermen, monopolizes the fish market, and commits countless evils. Who is willing to come with me to Wangjia Village to eliminate this tyrant?"

"Third brother, I'll go with you!" Lu Zhishen was the first to stand up. "Back then, I killed Zhen Guanxi with three punches. Today, let me see if I can kill this bully Wang with one blow of my staff!"

"Third brother, you stay on the mountain and keep watch." Lin Chong quickly stepped forward, his tone earnest. "He's just a mere bully. My eldest brother and I can handle him. You don't need to risk your life."

He was still worried about Zhang Shan. After all, this was the first time Liangshan had gone down the mountain to carry out an operation, and if anything unexpected happened, the losses would outweigh the gains.

Ruan Xiaoqi grinned and patted his chest, saying, "Anyway, we brothers are going! We've just arrived at Liangshan and haven't accomplished anything yet. How can we command respect if we don't do something?"

"Exactly!" Ruan Xiaowu chimed in with a laugh. "Wangjia Village is right next to a lake, and we brothers are all good swimmers. We'll have to row the boat and lead the way for everyone. We can't do it without you."

Ruan Xiaoer nodded slightly, his tone steady: "Not only are we brothers going, but there are also a few skilled men we know in Wangjia Village. They are fishermen who have been bullied by Wang Heng and have nowhere else to turn. This trip will be a good opportunity to persuade them to join Liangshan and strengthen our forces."

Upon seeing this, Du Qian quickly bowed and said, "Chief, we are also willing to go. Although our martial arts skills are not high, we can still do our best."

"Chief, I've been to Wangjia Village a few times and am familiar with the terrain. I'd like to go with you!" Song Wan quickly chimed in. In the past, he and Du Qian would take turns going down the mountain to plunder and gather information, or they would go together. They were quite experienced.

Everyone chimed in, eager to volunteer, but Wang Lun stood there, looking embarrassed.

He didn't want to go in the first place, and even after joining Liangshan, he never came down to do anything.

But now, everyone is volunteering for the mission. If he doesn't go, he will seem out of place and might arouse Zhang Shan's suspicion. So he can only bite the bullet and say in a low voice, "Xiao Ke... Xiao Ke is also willing to go to Wangjia Village with the chieftain."

Looking at the enthusiastic crowd, Zhang Shan couldn't help but laugh. It seemed that he was a competent chieftain and could keep the situation under control.

After a moment's thought, he said, "Second Brother, this is our first time going down the mountain to carry out our mission. Someone must stay on the mountain to stabilize the situation. I ask you to stay on Liangshan and oversee the overall operation."

Actually, he also wanted to take Lin Chong with him. With Lin Chong around, he would have more confidence in fighting.

But he dared not gamble; he was used to having a backup plan and always considering all aspects of things.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chong quickly said, "Third brother, that's not appropriate. You should stay on the mountain, and I'll go down. You are the chieftain; you shouldn't take unnecessary risks."

"Second Brother, there's no need to argue." Zhang Shan said seriously, "The first time we go down the mountain, we must establish rules and regulations. My purpose in going there is to set rules for the brothers and to give the local bullies and officials a warning."

Lu Zhishen, standing nearby, also chimed in, "Second Brother, you stay here! With me here, I'll protect Third Brother and make sure he doesn't get hurt in the slightest. Once I smash Wang Heng's courtyard with my staff, I'll bring the brothers back!"

Lu Zhishen was worried that Lin Chong wouldn't stay behind, so he made him stay!

Looking at Zhang Shan's determined eyes and then at Lu Zhishen's eager expression, Lin Chong knew that there was no point in refusing any longer, so he could only nod helplessly: "Alright, take care, Third Brother. I will definitely guard the stronghold and wait for your triumphant return."

Having reached an agreement, Zhang Shan didn't delay any longer, stood up, and said, "Brothers, let's set off!"

The crowd responded in unison, their voices loud and clear, echoing throughout the council hall.

The group quickly walked out of the council hall and arrived at the shore of the lake.

The Nguyen brothers had already arranged forty or fifty small fishing boats, which were moored on the shore with oars neatly arranged, ready to set off at any time.

Two hundred Liangshan soldiers, each carrying a broadsword and looking spirited, boarded the fishing boat one by one.

His face was full of excitement and anticipation.