Volume One, Chapter Twelve: The Three Leaders Eavesdrop and Secretly Bargain

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Fei Junzhong’s suggestion might be one solution.

However, although Li Shandao had never commanded troops before, he was no fool. At least he understood the principle of combining benevolence with authority. Simply relying on harsh punishment and oppression would not work, so naturally, he would not follow Fei Junzhong’s advice of relentlessly wielding the “big stick.”

Then, what exactly should be done?

After assuming the position of brigade commander at the Gathering Hall, Li Shandao had been pondering this very question. Yet, due to other matters demanding his attention, he hadn’t had the time to think it through carefully, so he still had no mature plan.

But there was no rush. This matter could wait.

As he ushered a hundred or so men into the mountain valley, he decided to observe the situation for a couple of days before making any decisions.

This small mountain valley was somewhat remote, with no nearby water source and limited space. That was why it remained unoccupied, with no brave men from the stronghold choosing to settle here.

Although just over ten days ago, upon joining the stronghold, Xu Shiji had assigned this valley to Li Shandao, today was Li’s first visit.

Upon entering the valley’s mouth and walking a few steps, thick weeds and thorns blocked the way. Looking around, the valley spanned several hundred paces in all directions, enclosed on three sides by mountain walls, with only this one entrance. Inside, wild grass grew densely, wild trees twisted their branches, and strange rocks lay scattered about. Clusters of wildflowers added a touch of charm. Disturbed by their arrival, a few mountain sparrows and partridges flew off squawking, while two or three foxes or rabbits darted through the grass.

Li Shandao placed his hands on his hips and surveyed the scene for a moment, then smiled and said to Qin Jingsi, Wang Xuda, and others, “This valley looks quite decent, enough space for us to live. But there’s too much overgrowth; we’ll need to tidy it up properly first.”

Wang Xuda replied, “Sir, we have many men; clearing it won’t take long.”

The red sun hung low, the jade mirror dimming.

The sunset was about to sink behind the western mountain; the sky was filled with fading hues, signaling the approach of night.

Li Shandao said, “We can’t sleep in the valley tonight. The ground outside the valley is fairly flat; let’s rest there for the night. Tomorrow, we’ll clear the valley together, build thatched huts and lean-tos, and then move in. What do you all think?”

“Brothers,” he addressed Wang Xuda, Chen Jinger, and Luo Zhong.

All three agreed without hesitation, saying, “We will follow your orders, sir.”

The group followed Li Shandao out of the valley.

Outside the valley entrance was a flat area, though still overgrown with weeds, thorns, and scattered stones. Without needing further orders, Wang Xuda, Chen Jinger, and Luo Zhong each directed their men to pull up vines, uproot thorns, and move stones. Soon, the debris was cleared.

Wang Xuda, knowing what to do, had already instructed his men to erect a simple shelter in a good spot cleared earlier and invited Li Shandao to rest there.

During the clearing, Li Shandao had worked hard alongside them, even cutting his hands on the weeds.

Yao A’gui fetched water from afar, and Li Shandao was washing his hands and face.

Afterward, he smiled and said, “Brother, Lord Zhai is hosting a banquet tonight to celebrate the merits of Lord Shan and Xu Dalang and has invited me and Chou Nu as well. The feast is set to begin at the first watch; it’s almost time, so I must hurry and won’t join you in the shelter to chat. I see you’ve brought some dry provisions; tonight we’ll make do with those. Tomorrow, I’ll ask Xu Dalang to allocate some rations for us, and we’ll buy some wine and meat for a proper feast.”

Just as he mentioned “rations,” seven or eight men carrying packs, singing as they came down the mountain path, arrived at the valley entrance.

The leader was someone Li Shandao recognized—Liu Huer, a personal retainer of Xu Shiji.

He bowed and said to Li Shandao, “Second Young Master, our Lord Dalang ordered us to bring you food.”

Seven or eight packs mostly contained rice and flour; the rest held cooked foods, including cakes and meat, plus two barrels of wine, the aroma of wine and meat wafting enticingly.

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Liu Huer declined any thanks with a smile: “Second Young Master, we’re all from the county; it’s common to see each other there. No need to be so polite. Lord Dalang told me to say the first watch is near; please settle your men quickly and set off. He’s waiting at his residence to accompany you to Lord Zhai’s banquet.”

Li Shandao replied, “Very well. Brother, please return first; I’ll leave immediately.”

Liu Huer left the packs and went off.

Wang Xuda and the others standing nearby overheard the exchange.

They already knew that the “Phoenix” in the “Phoenix Guard” assigned to them referred to the branch stronghold on Phoenix Mountain to the west. Xu Shiji was the chief of the Phoenix Mountain stronghold—their highest-ranking officer.

Wang Xuda, feeling grateful, sighed and said, “Before the young master even arrived, the food and meat were sent. Xu Chief truly cares for his men! Of course, that’s because he values you, sir. We admire Lord Zhai, Chief Xu, and you for your righteous reputations and came from Jibei to join them, and we certainly chose correctly! You don’t know how hard life was for us in Jibei! At last, we can live more comfortably.”

Li Shandao’s clothes, worn since he descended the mountain to seize Kang Sanzang’s merchant ship, had been the same for nearly half a month. Although he had bathed while staying in Liu’s Village and other places, his clothes remained unchanged and had become quite dirty.

Gao Chou Nu took clean kerchiefs, undershirts, robes, shoes, and socks from the luggage they had brought when joining the stronghold.

Present were only men, no women, so Li Shandao did not hesitate; he stripped naked, discarded the dirty clothes, and changed into fresh ones.

While changing, he smiled and said, “What righteous reputation do I have? You may already know I joined the stronghold not long ago, only a little earlier than you. By the way, how was life for you in Jibei? Why was it so hard?”

Wang Xuda smiled apologetically, “Although you also joined recently, you are quite different from us. You’re from the same county as Chief Xu and are close to him. Soon after joining, a few days ago, you and this honorable brother Gao achieved great deeds for the stronghold. Lord Zhai personally appointed you brigade commander—that’s not something we dare compare to! We’re but foolish, clumsy oafs! Please don’t think us simpletons!”

That was no empty boast.

Li Shandao chuckled, “Leaving other things aside, just your skill in wrestling—I’d like to ask you more about it when we have leisure.”

“Sir, you like wrestling too?”

Li Shandao said, “I do, but I’m not skilled. I can’t even beat the Thirteenth Lang—the one who just wrestled me.”

“Wrestling is a rough art, nothing special. If you like it, when you ask me later, I won’t keep anything from you.”

As they talked, the question about how life was tough in Jibei faded away. Li Shandao finished changing, and Gao Chou Nu changed as well. Once ready, night had fallen.

Li Shandao instructed Qin Jingsi, Wang Xuda, and others, “Chou Nu and I will attend the banquet. Eat the wine, meat, and flatbreads Xu Dalang sent to fill your bellies. If you’re still hungry, cook some rice or flour. But remember two things: first, don’t get drunk; second, watch the fire carefully, don’t let it spread.”

Qin Jingsi, Wang Xuda, and the others respectfully promised.

With torches lit, Li Shandao and Gao Chou Nu each carried one and headed north along the mountain path to meet with Xu Shiji and Shan Xiongxin.

Only after escorting the two more than a mile along the mountain path did Qin Jingsi and the others turn back.

When they joined the stronghold, Li Shandao and his group had brought no cooking utensils, nor had Wang Xuda’s and Chen Jinger’s groups. Only Luo Zhong’s group had brought some.

Following Li Shandao’s orders, they used a battered iron pot brought by Luo Zhong’s men. A few younger, lower-ranking ones were assigned to start the fire and cook rice. The rest sat by groups and, taking the wine, meat, and flatbreads, ate and drank by the campfire.

Holding their cups, Wang Xuda, Chen Jinger, and Luo Zhong gathered together and toasted Qin Jingsi, Jiao Yanlang, Yao A’gui, and others, excusing themselves before moving aside. They did not immediately return to their own groups but whispered among themselves for a while.

Luo Zhong said, “Xuda, when you talked to Li Sir, I was watching nearby. Li Sir seems to have some roots, being from the same county as Chief Xu, and he’s not harsh or difficult to please; he speaks quite kindly. Following him, we probably won’t face too many hardships.”

Wang Xuda stroked his beard but said nothing.

Chen Jinger laughed, “What’s the matter, Brother Wang? Why so silent? Oh, I see—you’re worried that that Thirteenth Lang Jiao will cause you trouble?”

Wang Xuda chuckled, “I’m not worried about that. When it came to wrestling, he insisted on challenging me; I didn’t seek him out! Besides, I held back. What more trouble could he cause?”

Chen Jinger asked, “Then why don’t you speak up?”

Wang Xuda said, “I’m thinking this: Li Sir, as Brother Luo said, is kind, but since we are outsiders who recently joined, relying on his kindness alone won’t be enough to establish ourselves.”

Chen Jinger and Luo Zhong exchanged glances and felt Wang Xuda’s words were wise.

Luo Zhong asked, “Xuda, what do you suggest?”

Wang Xuda said, “First, we must unite, no quarrels among us. Second, others entered the stronghold earlier through Brother Wang Bodang; in our spare time, we should prepare gifts and visit them. First, since they joined earlier, they can advise us on what to watch out for. Second, since we all came through Brother Wang Bodang, we’re ‘guarantors’ for each other; if trouble arises, we can watch each other’s backs. Third, Li Sir is our leader—we must flatter him well! These are my initial thoughts. Brother Luo, Brother Chen, what do you think?”

Just as Li Shandao had heard from Huang Junhan upon arriving at Wa Gang, banding together as outlaws was a life-or-death matter, not something anyone could casually join. Usually, one needed an introduction and guarantee. Wa Gang was here; according to Wang Bodang, if Wang Xuda and others wanted to join Wa Gang, why wouldn’t they come directly instead of going through Wang Bodang as an intermediary? That was the reason behind “guarantors.”

Chen Jinger showed his white teeth and said with a smile, “No objection! I think it’s good.”

Luo Zhong nodded, “Xuda, you’ve thought it through. If anything happens in the future, you should take the lead.”

“Ha, Brother Luo, Brother Chen, although we weren’t close before, we at least know each other. Now that we’ve joined Wa Gang together, we should cooperate. If trouble arises, we can discuss it together, with the wise offering advice and the strong lending strength. I can’t say I’ll take the lead in everything.”

Chen Jinger and Luo Zhong agreed, “Good!”

Wang Xuda noticed Qin Jingsi glancing toward them two or three times, so he said, “Brother Luo, Brother Chen, let’s stop here for now. Let’s call our small leaders to toast Brother Qin and the others.”

“Small leader” is a term for a low-ranking leader of a lean-to or small group.

Chen Jinger and Luo Zhong agreed, and the three summoned their small leaders to join Qin Jingsi and the others in a toast.

Qin Jingsi did not act haughty; even as a small leader, he drank whenever a toast was offered.

After the toast, Wang Xuda and the others returned to their groups to eat and drink.

Though Liu Huer’s group brought plenty of wine and meat, these men were hearty eaters; like a whirlwind, the meat and cakes were soon gone, and even the cooked rice was eaten clean. Only then were they satisfied. The young cooks, smoky and flushed from their efforts, had worked hard for a while but barely got a bite of meat, only some rice.

Qin Jingsi remembered Li Shandao’s instructions; they ate the meat and rice but did not drink much wine.

After everyone was full, Qin Jingsi extinguished each fire pile one by one.

Then, each group selected two or three men to keep watch. Qin Jingsi took the first half of the night shift; the rest went to sleep.

Qin Jingsi volunteered for the first half of the night watch, waiting for Li Shandao’s return.

He expected Li Shandao to return by the third watch at the latest, but it was not until the fourth watch that the two appeared, carrying two torches along the mountain path. Qin Jingsi drew his sword and went to greet them; it was Li Shandao and Gao Chou Nu returning.

Sheathing his sword, Qin Jingsi approached Li Shandao, noting he showed no signs of drunkenness, took the torch from him, and smiled, “Second Young Master, why are you back so late? I thought you’d drunk yourself to sleep at Lord Dalang’s house.”

“Long story,” Li Shandao replied.

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