Liver in Water Margin, outlaw madman

Zhang Shan watched Wu Song quietly, neither urging him nor trying to persuade him.

He is not a god, just an ordinary person.

A bandit who lives hand to mouth, and has to be extremely careful and cautious to protect himself.

He is neither capable nor willing to stand up for Wu Song.

This matter involves Wuhan University, and if we are not careful, it could easily backfire.

Wu Song sat there, his brows furrowed in a knot. His wine cup was long gone, and in his mind it felt as if two armies were fighting, going back and forth several times, but still unable to determine a winner.

Du Qian watched for a while, then his eyes darted around before he suddenly spoke up: "Brother Wu Song, if you're still worried, why don't you come back with us to check? There are many of us, so the authorities won't investigate so thoroughly."

As he said this, he secretly glanced at Zhang Shan.

Having followed Zhang Shan for so long, he had figured out some of the tricks of the trade.

The village chief seemed to be particularly interested in this man named Wu Song.

When Instructor Hong caused trouble earlier, the chieftain remained outwardly calm, but Du Qian could tell from his eyes that he had something on his mind.

Wu Song was taken aback, then his eyes suddenly lit up.

Right, how come I didn't think of that?

He himself was just a fugitive who had killed someone, hiding here and there, not even daring to send a letter home.

But this group of people is different. They are true outlaws who dared to kill even Gao Qiu. They fought their way out of the capital city of Tokyo and made it all the way to Cangzhou without ever getting away unscathed.

They must have their own connections and methods.

"That would be best!" Wu Song's voice suddenly rose. "Then Wu Song thanks you very much! But..." He paused, carefully choosing his words.

"My brother, despite his short stature, is extremely cautious by nature, and ordinary people cannot get close to him."

This statement serves as both an explanation and a reminder.

Wu Da isn't the type of person who will talk to just anyone who approaches him.

They're polite, but they won't be close, much less open with each other.

Du Qian glanced at Zhang Shan again.

Seeing that the chieftain's expression remained unchanged, neither nodding nor shaking his head, he felt reassured.

He smiled and said to Wu Song, "Brother Wu Song, but we still need to go to Jizhou, so we can't go directly to Qinghe County. If you come with us, you'll have to make a trip to the north first."

"It's alright!" Wu Song waved his hand. "I'm sorry to have troubled you all. What's a little extra travel?"

It would have been better if he hadn't mentioned Wuhan University; once he did, the longing in his heart was like water that had been released from a dam, and he couldn't hold it back anymore.

My brother suffered countless hardships and tribulations alone in Qinghe County.

Before, with me by his side, at least I could shield him from some of the attacks.

Now my brother probably doesn't even have anyone to talk to.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shan chuckled softly.

This Wu Song is truly cautious.

She hesitated for a long time before agreeing, but as soon as she heard that she could come along, she immediately agreed.

In the end, she still couldn't let go of the brother who sold steamed buns.

"Let's have a drink together," Zhang Shan raised his glass, "Let's drink and be merry while we can."

Chai Jin watched from the side without saying anything.

On his estate, servants have come and gone, countless groups of people have changed.

Zhang San left and Li Si came; Li Si left and Wang Wu came. He was used to it all along.

Besides, in his eyes, Wu Song wasn't very capable; he just loved to drink, and when he was drunk, he liked to beat people.

The other villagers had said it countless times, but they simply didn't bother arguing with him and didn't want to fight him.

The effects of the alcohol hit quickly.

Baijiu (Chinese liquor) has a particularly strong aftereffect.

Before long, everyone at the table was staggering and drunk.

Even Wu Song was drunk. He slumped in his chair, his head tilted to one side, muttering two words over and over: "Brother... Brother..."

The next day, the morning light streamed in through the window, illuminating the entire room.

When Zhang Shan woke up, his head was still a little dizzy.

He rubbed his temples, got up to wash and tidy himself up, and then went to say goodbye to Chai Jin.

Chai Jin was drinking tea in the front hall when he heard Zhang Shan say he was leaving, and the smile on his face immediately disappeared.

He put down his teacup, stood up, and looked at Zhang Shan with a surprised expression, thinking he was joking.

In the past, which of those people didn't stay for ten days or half a month after they came?

No one will leave until the autumn wind has blown strong enough.

So, this Zhang Shan is really here to deliver a gift?

"Brother Zhang Shan, please stay a few more days so that I can do my best to be a good host." Chai Jin held Zhang Shan's hand, his face full of smiles, and his tone was earnest.

Zhang Shan gently shook his head and said, "Master Chai, the matter is urgent and cannot be delayed."

"What urgent matter could there be in the world?" Chai Jin waved his hand with a smile. "Let's stay a few more days, otherwise word will get out that I don't know how to entertain guests, wouldn't that make me a laughingstock?"

These words were spoken frankly, but Zhang Shan knew in his heart that he should only listen to Chai Jin's words and not take them seriously.

He smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Who in this world doesn't know Master Chai's reputation? How could a mere nobody possibly ruin it? I simply have other matters to attend to. Instructor Lin is still waiting on the mountain, and if we wait too long, something might go wrong."

Upon hearing the words "Instructor Lin," Chai Jin's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.

Yes, he had almost forgotten that the person in front of him was no ordinary customer who had come to freeload.

He was a member of Liangshan, a man who dared to kill the Grand Commandant of the current dynasty.

"Brother Zhang Shan is involved in important matters, and I dare not force him to stay." Chai Jin pondered for a moment, then raised his head with a sincere look in his eyes. "Is there anything I can do for you? If there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask."

Zhang Shan nodded and said without ceremony, "I do have a favor to ask. I would appreciate it if you could send one of your brothers who is familiar with the terrain to guide us. We are on our way to Jizhou, and we also need to go to a place called Yinmachuan."

These days, without maps or navigation, you have to ask for directions the whole time you go out.

If you're lucky, you might get the answer; if you're unlucky, you'll go in the wrong direction and not even realize you've taken the wrong path.

Zhang Shan inquired about Yinmachuan along the way, but no one knew about it. He didn't know if the place simply didn't exist or if ordinary people had never heard of it.

"That's easy." Chai Jin thought for a moment, then turned and called out towards the door, "Shi Yong! Come here!"

When Zhang Shan heard the name, it sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place where he had heard it before.

Before long, a man strode in. He had a pale yellow, bony face with few whiskers, a smooth chin, and bright, lively eyes.

As soon as he entered, he bowed respectfully and clasped his hands in greeting to Chai Jin: "My lord, what are your orders?"

"I remember Brother Shi Yong is from Daming Prefecture," Chai Jin asked with a smile. "Have you ever heard of a place called Yinmachuan?"

Shi Yong nodded and said crisply, "I've heard of it, but I've never been there. I've heard that there are bandits who frequent that place."

"Alright." Chai Jin pointed at Zhang Shan. "These heroes want to go to Yinma River. Do you dare to lead the way?"

Shi Yong stiffened his neck, patted his chest, and said, "Sir, don't underestimate me! What wouldn't I dare? If it weren't for your patronage, I would have already gone up the mountain to become an outlaw!"

These words sounded firm, but they also carried a hint of flattery.

Zhang Shan listened for a long time, and suddenly a brilliant idea flashed into his mind.

Shi Yong, General Shi!

Isn't this the person who delivered the letter home to Song Jiang?

He immediately laughed, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Is he known in the martial arts world as 'General Shi'?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Yong's face immediately lit up with a wide grin, his mouth practically stretching to his ears.

He was both surprised and delighted, rubbing his hands together, his voice trembling with excitement:

"May I ask your honorable surname, brother? How do you know my humble name?"