Liver in Water Margin, outlaw madman

Since learning that Lin Chong had joined Liangshan, Chai Jin's attitude towards Zhang Shan and his group became much warmer.

As the banquet was set out, dishes were served one after another. Chai Jin personally raised his glass to toast the guests, his words full of hospitality.

But Zhang Shan knew in his heart that Chai Jin's enthusiasm was not without its limits.

Whoever he focuses his attention on gains his money, his favors, and his absolute power in the circle.

This situation is similar to that of Emperor Huizong of Song, who is currently in power.

Whoever the officials favor will be promoted and become wealthy, rising rapidly in rank.

Just as they were enjoying themselves, they heard footsteps outside the door.

A burly middle-aged man strode in, dressed in a dark brown short-sleeved shirt with a belt around his waist, his steps exuding an air of superiority.

As soon as he entered, his gaze swept across the table, a smirk playing on his lips. He bowed slightly to Chai Jin, his voice carrying a sarcastic tone: "My lord, who is this guest now, who specifically asked me to keep you company?"

Zhang Shan paused slightly in his wine glass.

He looked displeased.

To be honest, he's really annoying.

I am merely a passerby in Chai Jin's manor, staying for only one day before leaving.

Even a mere passerby could cause trouble.

Some people are just like that.

Maggots in a cesspool are always worried that people who come to defecate will steal their excrement, but they don't realize that what they should be most wary of is dogs.

Chai Jin's expression changed slightly, and he quickly stood up to introduce, "Instructor Hong, this is a distinguished guest from Liangshan."

"Liangshan? Distinguished guests?" Instructor Hong tilted his head, his voice rising a few decibels. "They're just relying on a high-ranking official to have a place to stay. What, are they here to beg for money again?"

Du Qian sat at the lower end, his face flushed red.

He wanted to argue, but after opening his mouth, he couldn't say anything.

It is true that Liangshan received financial assistance from Chai Jin in the early stages.

Without Chai Jin's money, Liangshan would have fallen apart long ago.

Zhang Shan gently placed the wine glass on the table and sighed inwardly.

At that moment, he truly regretted not bringing Han Bolong along.

Although that guy was flamboyant, in this kind of situation, he could shut Hong up with just one word.

This messed-up society always has people who like to pat others on the back and show off.

Wouldn't it be better for everyone to have a peaceful and harmonious meal?

He glanced at Chai Jin out of the corner of his eye.

Chai Jin held his wine cup, watching Hong Jiaotou speak with a smile, neither stopping him nor helping Zhang Shan out of the predicament.

He just sat there smiling, as if watching a good show that had nothing to do with him.

Zhang Shan knew perfectly well that Chai Jin looked down on Liangshan.

Even if we know Lin Chong went up the mountain, so what?

In terms of wealth, connections, and hidden influence within the Song Dynasty court, Liangshan was worlds apart from Chai Jin.

In terms of martial prowess, Chai Jin was confident, after all, he had many instructors and guards on his estate, and a full range of weapons.

Just then, a cold snort suddenly came from the corner.

"You're nothing but a freeloader."

The voice wasn't loud, but it was like a knife, stabbing straight in.

Zhang Shan looked in the direction of the sound and saw a burly man sitting at the doorway.

The man was tall and imposing, with a pair of sharp and piercing eyes, but there was a hint of melancholy between his brows, and his whole body exuded an aura that made him someone not to be trifled with.

This person is not from Zhang Shan's group.

"Wu Song!" Instructor Hong's expression changed slightly. He turned and glared at the man. "What's it to you? Mind your own business!"

Wu Song.

Zhang Shan's heart skipped a beat, and he subconsciously glanced at the big man again. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and his fists had large knuckles. He sat there with his back straight, which was completely different from the loose and slouching people around him.

So this is Wu Song, Wu Erlang.

Wu Song sneered: "Grandpa just can't stand it. Don't forget, you also have a few instructors ahead of you."

These words struck a nerve with Coach Hong.

His facial muscles twitched twice, his lips trembled, but he couldn't get a word out.

How come he didn't know those instructors in front?

One by one they came and went, and then came again, all because Chai Jin forgot the old friends when he saw new ones.

Therefore, he has kept a close eye on Chai Jin all these years. Whenever a stranger comes to the manor, he always comes over to check things out, determined not to let anyone else take away his full bowl of rice.

Chai Jin sat in the main seat, watching with a smile as Instructor Hong and Wu Song exchanged words, without saying a word.

He slowly spun the wine glass in his hand, his gaze shifting between the two men as if he were watching two fighting cocks.

In his eyes, no matter who wins or loses, they are all his people, they have all received his kindness, and they should all remember his good deeds.

Instructor Hong ultimately remained silent.

He had suffered at the hands of Wu Song and knew that this man was not to be trifled with.

On the surface, he was the instructor, but in private, he had fought with Wu Song several times, and each time he ended up lying on the ground.

Later, they joined forces with other people in the village to ostracize Wu Song and gossip about him in front of others and behind their backs.

Seeing this, Zhang Shan smiled, stood up, picked up a cup of white wine from the table, and walked over to Wu Song: "Hero, come, let's drink together."

Jiao Ting was like a silent gourd the whole way. He was obedient, but he never dared to make decisions on his own. He would do whatever he was told to do.

Normally it's fine, but in these kinds of situations, it's not enough to just have obedient people; you also need people who can get things done.

If Shi Xiu were here, he could go up and fight Instructor Hong right away, instead of having to go through all the trouble of finding someone himself.

Wu Song glanced at him, refused the wine, and turned to leave, saying, "No need, I'm just angry at people who are blind to talent."

Upon seeing this, Zhang Shan burst into laughter. Even Wu Erlang was now able to insult people indirectly.

He took two steps after Wu Song, holding the wine glass, and handed it directly to him: "Brother Wu Song, I have some good wine here, would you like to try a cup?"

Wu Song stopped in his tracks.

He smelled the aroma of wine.

It's not the mild, mellow aroma of ordinary rice wine, but a sharp, domineering fragrance that goes straight into your nose.

His throat involuntarily bobbed.

"What kind of good wine?" Wu Song asked.

"Strong liquor."

How intense?

"You'll know once you taste it."

Wu Song looked down at the cup of wine, then at Zhang Shan.

Zhang Shan was looking at him with a smile, his gaze honest, not like he was playing any tricks.

He reached out and took the cup, bringing it to his nose for a deep sniff. The strong aroma made him squint.

"What is there to be afraid of!"

Wu Song tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

Chai Jin stared wide-eyed at Wu Song, waiting to see him cough incessantly from the choking.

When I drank that liquor just now, I choked so much that tears came out. How could Wu Song possibly be any better off if he gulped it down?

Wu Song swallowed the whole thing in one gulp, and his expression suddenly changed.

A surge of scalding heat rushed from his throat into his stomach, like a fire exploding in his chest, making his whole body feel hot.

But the fire didn't burn his heart; instead, it seemed to ignite all the pent-up frustration, resentment, and humiliation he had accumulated over the past few days, burning them to ashes.

"ha--"

Wu Song let out a long breath, raised his head, and his eyes shone as brightly as if they were lit.

"Excellent wine!"

He burst into laughter, his laughter loud and clear.

"What strong liquor!"

Chai Jin was stunned.

Zhang Shan also burst into laughter, and as he laughed, he reached out and patted Wu Song on the shoulder: "Come on, let's have some wine together."

This time, Wu Song did not refuse.

Chai Jin also came to his senses at this time. Although he was sometimes petty, he never hesitated to show respect to capable people.

He raised his wine cup, offered a toast to Wu Song from afar, and said with a smile, "Wu Song, let's drink together."

Wu Song glanced at Chai Jin, nodded, and strode over to the table.

Instructor Hong was sitting there, putting a piece of fatty meat into his mouth with his chopsticks.

Wu Song walked up to him, looked down at him, and said coldly:

"Move aside, I want to sit here."