Water Margin: The Tale of Li Erlang of Guankou

Chapter 125 Li Hanxiao's righteousness shines through the heavens; the Hall of Light gathers it

"In this situation, although we can secure our position for the time being, I fear that in the long run, Brother Shi Jin will still be doomed. We must hurry to his aid... However, I am unfamiliar with the Northwest region, and it is not close. If a large army goes there, I am afraid that they will be discovered on the way. Only I can go there personally..."

Li Hanxiao knew that if he wanted to save "Nine-Tattooed Dragon" Shi Jin, he would probably have to lead a group of elite soldiers to form a "special forces" unit and travel day and night to the capital.

"No!"

Upon hearing this, Wen Huanzhang immediately jumped out to object.

"Chief, you mustn't! It's a long journey to the Northwest, where the situation is unpredictable. What if something goes wrong? Besides, the Western Army is elite, one of the best in the world. What if..."

Wen Huanzhang was very worried that if something went wrong with Li Hanxiao, he would not be able to find out in time, let alone rescue her, given the vast distance between them!

If it were nearby, it would be fine, but Jingzhao Prefecture is too far away, and the terrain is also very dangerous!

The Jingzhao Prefecture of the Northern Song Dynasty governed thirteen counties: Chang'an, Fanchuan, Hu, Lantian, Xianyang, Jingyang, Liyang, Gaoyang, Xingping, Lintong, Liquan, Wugong, and Qianyou. It was located in the heart of Guanzhong. It could be said that if Li Hanxiao's operation failed and the court sealed off Tongguan, he would most likely not be able to return unless he forcibly crossed the Qinling Mountains...

Even if Li Hanxiao successfully rescues "Nine-Tattooed Dragon" Shi Jin, the government will inevitably find out after "Nine-Tattooed Dragon" Shi Jin is kidnapped and will chase and capture him everywhere, making it even more difficult for Li Hanxiao and his group to escape!

"Not necessarily. I am familiar with the geography of the Northwest and know all about the affairs of the Western Army. I will accompany you, Chief, and ensure your safe return."

"Flowery Monk" Lu Zhishen was also worried about the safety of "Nine-Tattooed Dragon" Shi Jin, so he made a boast. Wen Huanzhang looked troubled. No matter how much "Flowery Monk" Lu Zhishen guaranteed, this matter was still extremely dangerous!

"Chief, what's more, Zhang Shuye is currently recruiting soldiers and stockpiling grain, which means he's planning something big for us. You've left the stronghold, and we don't know when you'll return. What if he comes to attack the mountain?"

Wen Huanzhang stated that it was impressive.

"map!"

Li Hanxiao did not answer Wen Huanzhang's question for the time being, but instead asked for a map of the Northwest Road to look at.

“If we go, we can go through Hebei and Shanxi to Shaanxi, but we can not go through the capital region. If we ride at full speed, a month is enough for a round trip. I am sure that Zhang Shuye will not be able to cause any trouble within a month. Brother Shi Jin has already decided to join Liangshan Marsh. Now that he has been arrested by the government, it is as if our brothers have been arrested. We cannot sit idly by. Mr. Wen, I will entrust Liangshan Marsh to you for this month. I will lead the men to Guanzhong to rescue Brother Shi Jin!”

Li Hanxiao's tone was resolute, indicating that he had already made up his mind about this matter.

He knew that rescuing people this time would not be easy, but when he was a special forces soldier in his previous life, every time was it a life-or-death struggle with swords and shadows.

He is not afraid of this situation.

In addition, Li Hanxiao also considered that, firstly, Shi Jin, the "Nine-Tattooed Dragon" on Shaohua Mountain, was a high-level combatant, and Zhu Wu, the "Divine Strategist," was a good strategist. Recruiting them could strengthen their forces. Secondly, Shi Jin, the "Nine-Tattooed Dragon," had a past relationship with Lu Zhishen, the "Flowery Monk." If he did not go to rescue Shi Jin, he was afraid that he would be looked down upon by Lu Zhishen, who would be unhappy. Naturally, he would risk his life to rescue Shi Jin, the "Nine-Tattooed Dragon."

Lu Zhishen, the "Flowery Monk," had a very complex network of relationships on Liangshan Marsh. He was friends with Lin Chong, the "Leopard Head," who had saved his life. Lin Chong also had an apprentice, Cao Zheng, nicknamed "The Knife-Wielding Ghost," and was on good terms with Wu Song. Lu Zhishen was also the leader of the infantry, and his prestige was extremely high...

If this incident were to trigger a chain reaction, it's safe to say that Li Hanxiao couldn't afford the consequences, and it could even lead to the disintegration of Liangshan Marsh...

On the contrary, if Li Hanxiao goes this time, regardless of whether he succeeds or not, he will have won over the hearts of the Shaohua Mountain leaders, and his reputation for righteousness and integrity will spread throughout the martial arts world. This will also help him establish a better image among the brothers within Liangshan.

Li Hanxiao had no choice but to scheme. In this mundane world, simply maintaining one's foothold was already quite difficult; to accomplish great things, to save China, the challenges were incredibly complex. The world was never simple; how could one possibly save it with a straightforward, single-minded approach? Could he possibly succeed without scheming?

"But, my lord, this journey is fraught with peril, and if we go and do not return..."

Wen Huanzhang knew he might not be able to stop Li Han from laughing, but he still wanted to remind Li Han to smile...

"So what if I go and never return!"

Li Hanxiao's only reply to Wen Huanzhang was this grand statement and a hearty laugh.

"Chief Li is truly a benevolent and righteous gentleman, even surpassing Guan Yu!"

At this moment, Yang Chun, nicknamed "White Flower Snake," was so moved by Li Hanxiao's words that tears and snot streamed down her face.

Li Hanxiao helped Yang Chun, nicknamed "White Flower Snake," to his feet and solemnly said to Wen Huanzhang, "If I do not return, although I will die, the responsibility of overthrowing the Song Dynasty, resisting foreign aggression, pacifying the world, and rebuilding the universe will fall on your shoulders, Mr. Wen. Today, in front of all my brothers, I want to make this clear: if I do not return, Mr. Wen can become the leader of the stronghold. You all should assist me wholeheartedly and create a peaceful and prosperous world for the people!"

Li Hanxiao's words at this moment had a strong sense of "entrusting the orphan to the emperor," and not only was Wen Huanzhang sweating profusely and falling to the ground, but the other leaders also knelt down.

“My lord, why do you say such things! Since ancient times, loyal ministers have remained faithful to one person until the end. I have heard that Huanzhang has followed you, and he should be loyal to you from beginning to end. How could he have any thoughts of overstepping his bounds! If you are no longer alive, I have heard that Huanzhang will commit suicide to follow you to the afterlife. Only you know me and understand me in this world. If you are gone, what meaning do I have in this world…”

At this moment, Wen Huanzhang was in tears, his true feelings revealed. For him, he had been waiting for an opportunity all his life, and Li Hanxiao had given him that opportunity. The moment Li Hanxiao took the stage to be appointed general, he had already considered his life as Li Hanxiao's. For Li Hanxiao, he would go through fire and water, and even be killed by a blade, without hesitation.

If Li Hanxiao is gone, what's the point of his life? Who would be worth following?

"No, Mr. Wen, you must not speak of life and death so lightly!"

Li Hanxiao helped Wen Huanzhang up with both hands. The two looked at each other, and Li Hanxiao's eyes were very solemn as he looked into Wen Huanzhang's eyes and slowly said, "I know Mr. Wen's heart, but I will not ask you to die. I will ask you to live. I ask you to live for me, to live for the people of the world, and to live for our great cause. Zhuge Liang once made six expeditions to Qishan, and even in death he did not regret it. I implore you, Mr. Wen, to live, to save the people of the world, to live, and to complete our great cause!"

"Your subject... obeys the order..."

At this moment, Wen Huanzhang was already weeping uncontrollably. Li Hanxiao was just like Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang at Baidi City, entrusting everything in Shu and the hope of restoring the Han Dynasty to Zhuge Liang. Now, Li Hanxiao was entrusting Liangshan Marsh to Wen Huanzhang, hoping that he could lead everyone to complete his unfinished work after his death...

"Alright, the matter is urgent, and I cannot give instructions to everyone individually. After I leave, everyone must follow Mr. Wen's arrangements and perform their duties. As for this trip to the Northwest, we need to select capable brothers to go with me, but we cannot lead a large army to avoid attracting attention."

After giving instructions to Wen Huanzhang, Li Hanxiao needed to consider who would go with him to rescue "Nine-Tattooed Dragon" Shi Jin.

The soldiers didn't really need to be led anymore, because a large number of people would not only slow down their progress but also attract attention and make them easy to be discovered on the road. Besides, this trip was extremely dangerous, and with the abilities of ordinary soldiers, it would be difficult for them to play the expected role. This was an elite operation, and only leaders could be put to use.

Besides, there are also troops on Shaohua Mountain. When we need people, we can just use the troops from Shaohua Mountain. Bringing the Liangshan bandits so far away might cause them to get sick from the change in environment, which could delay things!

Of course, Li Hanxiao couldn't take away all the elite troops from Liangshan Marsh. If someone took advantage of the situation, Liangshan would be in grave danger!

Li Hanxiao stood in the center of the Hall of Righteousness and Brightness. By now, all the leaders who were supposed to arrive had arrived. Li Hanxiao said loudly, "This trip with me to Shaanxi to rescue 'Nine-Tattooed Dragon' Shi Dalang is unlike any other. I fear it will be fraught with difficulties and dangers, and there is even the risk of dying far from home. I will not force any of you. Brothers, those who dare to come with me, please state yourselves and come forward—"

Before Li Han's joke had even finished, they heard the camp being set up below in an instant, with all the leaders shouting in unison, "I am willing to go!" "I am willing to go with the chieftain!" "Brother, don't forget your younger brother!" and so on.

It was truly a case of "a thousand calls, a hundred responses," and Li Hanxiao glanced around; almost everyone had spoken...

Li Hanxiao immediately pressed his hands down to signal everyone to stop, and then said, "Brothers with families should not follow. If anything happens to you, I will not be able to explain to your families. As for the other brothers without families, are there any who are willing to come with me?"

"Have!"

Although Li Han jokingly told those with families not to go, the remaining people without families still unanimously agreed.

"Alright, I appreciate your understanding, brothers. In that case, I'll be selecting the generals!"

"Commander Lu, Commander Yang, you two are both from Guanzhong and come from military families in the Northwest. Do you dare to come with me?"

Lu Zhishen, nicknamed "Flowery Monk," is a close friend of Shi Jin, nicknamed "Nine-Tattooed Dragon," and will undoubtedly do his best for him. In addition, as a former member of the Western Army, he can provide a lot of inside information about the Western Army to help avoid risks. Yang Zhi, nicknamed "Blue-Faced Beast," is a descendant of the Yang family generals, who were originally from Guanzhong and also came from a Western Army family. Yang Zhi is quite familiar with the geography and people of the Northwest. Both of them are quite capable, making them the most suitable to go along.

"I am willing to go!"

Lu Zhishen had already taken the iron staff in his hand and was eager to fight.

"Follow the village master's orders!"

Yang Zhi, nicknamed "Blue-Faced Beast," did not hesitate at all. Ever since Li Hanxiao sent people to retrieve their family's heirloom sword from Tokyo, he, "Blue-Faced Beast," had become completely devoted to Li Hanxiao!

"Alright, where are 'Desperate Saburo' Shi Xiu, 'Two-Headed Snake' Xie Zhen, and 'Two-Tailed Scorpion' Xie Bao?!"

"exist!"

Shi Xiu, Xie Zhen, and Xie Bao stepped forward.

"Come with me!"

"Order!"

Of the three, Shi Xiu, nicknamed "Desperate Saburo," is intelligent, quick-witted, and skilled in martial arts. He is courageous and resourceful, making him the most suitable for this kind of clandestine operation. The two Jie brothers are chosen because the journey involves various mountain roads, and the Guanzhong region requires specialized exploration. Furthermore, these two can disguise themselves as hunters to search for opportunities in various places. They can also climb cliffs to explore routes, doing what others cannot. These two brothers already possess the skills of ordinary mountain special forces soldiers. Who else would be chosen if not them?

"Alright, where is 'Iron Whistle' Le He? Come with me!"

"Order!"

Along the way, there were always people gathering intelligence. Erjie could go to places like mountain forests and inns, but they couldn't enter some elegant places. Even if they did, they couldn't get any information out of them. That's when they had to use "Iron Whistle" Lehe.

This man is shrewd and clever, quick-witted and adept at learning various musical instruments; he is thorough in his work; and when it comes to martial arts, he loves them like honey. He is a charming and versatile man who excels in both literature and martial arts, has a wide range of interests, and is exceptionally intelligent. He is the only one capable of finding out the details of "Nine-Tattooed Dragon" Shi Jin from the information about officials in various parts of the city.

"Chief, we two are willing to go. Don't forget about us!"

Before Li Hanxiao could call them, Wang Yin and Si Xingfang stepped forward and asked to go with them.

"With your martial arts skills, you can certainly go. Go together!"

These two are considered to be Li Hanxiao's old guard, but they have had few opportunities to use their skills since joining Liangshan. Sending them together this time will improve the overall combat strength and give them a chance to showcase their abilities.

"Brother, Lü Fang and Guo Sheng are willing to go!"

Before Li Hanxiao could continue to select his men, Lü Fang and Guo Sheng volunteered. Li Hanxiao thought to himself that these two men were decent in martial arts and not ostentatious. They were enough of the high-level combatants in his team. After all, he couldn't take all the high-level combatants from Liangshan with him. Letting them go along would be fine. Neither of them came from poor backgrounds, so having them around would not arouse suspicion in any high-level occasions.

"Alright, let's go together. Also, two more people need to come: 'Thunderbolt' Ling Zhen and 'Golden Hound' Duan Jingzhu. To rescue Shi Dalang, we need your sharp firearms to succeed. And the Golden Hound is familiar with the northern routes, so he can lead the way. I'll give you all a day to prepare. We'll set off with Brother Yang Chun a day later. Ling Zhen, quickly prepare firearms. They need to be powerful and easy to carry. Make sure you have enough!"

With everything arranged by Li Hanxiao and the leaders preparing, he remembered Li Shishi. He was heading to Guanzhong to face danger, and he felt he had to see her before leaving to say goodbye.