chsdbacks Chapter 141 The Impatient and Opportunistic Yang Guangzhang Arrives
Chapter 141 The Impatient and Opportunistic Yang Guangzhang Arrives
"Master Shan! Old You!"
A shout came from behind, and Cheng Yaojin, dragging his large body, caught up panting heavily, his forehead covered in sweat.
"Old Cheng? You...you've thought it through, you want to come with us?"
Upon seeing this, You Junda was overjoyed.
Cheng Yaojin, having caught his breath, said with a bitter face:
"Can't you stay? We're brothers who've sworn brotherhood. Whatever grudges we have, we can just talk them out. Why make things like this..."
"Yao Jin".
Shan Xiongxin interrupted him, his voice calm yet resolute:
"When Lü Zilie was driven away in the past, we chose to stand by and watch. Today, as I am leaving, I am giving you another chance to choose."
"Li Mi was not a wise ruler, nor was Qin Qiong someone who could be completely relied upon."
"It doesn't matter if you die, but what about your mother?"
He spoke these words with great emphasis, implying something deeper, which he did not explicitly state.
But after today's events, he has completely seen through Qin Qiong's character.
In this chaotic world, it's simple to live only for yourself.
However, if you want to protect your loved ones, you need to plan your escape route early.
"this……"
Cheng Yaojin was speechless for a moment, his fat face scrunched up like a bitter gourd.
On one side are his loyal brothers, Shan Xiongxin and You Junda.
On one side is Qin Qiong, whom she grew up with. This choice is too difficult.
"But...if we leave Wagang, who can we go to for refuge?"
Cheng Yaojin sighed, his tone filled with confusion and helplessness.
"Old Cheng, I have an idea. How about we go and seek refuge with Lü Xiao?"
Seeing his hesitation, You Junda quickly spoke up.
This kid was the first to leave Wagang, and now he's doing very well, having become a Prince of the Sui Dynasty at such a young age.
Following him is a hundred times better than following the likes of Li Mi and Wang Bodang.
"Have you no shame?"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yaojin reached out and gently patted You Junda's cheek, his tone full of rebuke and shame.
This guy actually has the nerve to say he's going to seek refuge with Lü Xiao?
If only they had stood up for Lü Xiao when he was driven away.
Having nowhere else to turn, I still have some confidence to seek refuge with Lü Xiao.
Now that he can no longer stay in Wagang, he thought of seeking refuge with Lü Xiao.
Lu Xiao's decision not to kill them with a single sword strike was already a great concession to them.
"I'm not going either."
Shan Xiongxin spoke slowly.
He knew he had wronged Lü Xiao in the past, failing to help him when he was in his most difficult time, and now he had no face to seek refuge with him.
If we actually go, we will only be humiliating ourselves.
"So, where do you want to go?"
You Junda became anxious.
Erxianzhuang has long been reduced to ashes, and Wunanzhuang no longer exists.
Now they are truly like stray dogs, not even as good as ordinary bandits who have turned to outlaws.
At least they have a mountain stronghold to defend!
"Huh?" You Junda's eyes suddenly lit up. "How about we become outlaws ourselves? Let's go back to our old ways and become mountain kings!"
"That's one way to do it."
Shan Xiongxin pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.
Now, war has broken out in various places, and the imperial court has to deal with Wagang and suppress various uprising armies.
They couldn't afford to worry about these petty thieves for the time being, so finding a safe place on a dangerous mountain to settle down was a way out.
"It's settled then!" Cheng Yaojin gritted his teeth. "Let's go back to our old ways, banditry! You'll be Cheng Da, and I'll be Eugene! We'll be mountain bandits, at least we won't starve!"
The three agreed that Cheng Yaojin should immediately return to the village to fetch his mother and pack his valuables.
When he went out of the village gate again, he saw another person by the mountain path.
The man in the blue robe and silk turban was none other than Wei Zheng.
"Mr. Wei? What's wrong with you...?"
Wei Zheng smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "If the three of you do not mind, I am willing to accompany you."
"Sir, are you also going to become an outlaw?"
Cheng Yaojin was taken aback.
"It is always better to travel with you all than to travel alone," Wei Zheng said calmly. "I only seek a quiet corner to observe the changing times."
Shan Xiongxin and You Junda exchanged a glance, both filled with surprise and delight.
With a strategist like Wei Zheng joining them, this band of outlaws became quite extraordinary.
"Okay! Let's go together!"
The four mounted their horses, while Cheng Yaojin's mother sat in a makeshift carriage. The group traveled along the mountain path and gradually disappeared into the twilight.
Time flies, and news comes like the wind.
The Eastern Capital, the Shuo Prince's Residence.
"It's over?"
Lu Xiao put down his teacup, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Zhai Rangzhi's death was within his expectations, but the departure of Shan Xiongxin, Cheng Yaojin, and others from Wagang was somewhat unexpected.
"That's right." Zhao Chong stood to one side with his hands at his sides, giving a detailed report.
"Now Wagang Village is led by Li Mi, with Xu Maogong, Wang Bodang, and Qin Qiong as his assistants."
"Shan Xiongxin, Cheng Yaojin, You Junda, and Wei Zheng left quietly a few days ago and their whereabouts are unknown."
"Wei Zheng has left too?"
Upon hearing these two words, Lü Xiao was slightly moved.
He seems to be on the path of collecting famous ministers. Now he has Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, and he is only missing Wei Zheng.
"Yes, should we send someone to find out their whereabouts?"
After a moment's thought, Lü Xiao waved his hand and said, "No need. Just keep a close eye on Wagang Village."
He didn't have that much hostility towards Shan Xiongxin, Cheng Yaojin, and others.
He knew in his heart that these people had their own stance and their own difficulties.
Back in Wagangzhai, although they didn't help him, they didn't kick him when he was down either.
But the remaining people of Wagang Village, such as Wang Bodang, Xu Maogong, and Qin Qiong, were a different story.
They were the ones who conspired to ostracize and expel me.
Lu Xiao didn't have so many concerns about these people.
Kill those who deserve it, and don't let a single one go. This is also a way of avenging the expulsion we suffered back then.
"Your Highness, His Majesty summons you to the palace."
A palace servant hurried inside and respectfully reported.
"understood."
Lu Xiao stood up, straightened his robes, and walked outside.
"Husband, where are we going?"
Just as Lü Xiao was about to walk out of the palace gate, a gentle voice came from outside.
With her slightly protruding belly, Yang Ruyi slowly walked forward and gently tugged at Lü Xiao's sleeve.
Lu Xiao turned around and smiled helplessly: "Where else can we go? Your father summons us."
Yang Ruyi approached, straightened his clothes, and said softly, "Father seems a bit impatient lately. Please try to persuade him and don't let him talk back."
Lu Xiao held her hand and said gently, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
After the great victory in the eastern expedition against Goguryeo, the northern border of the Sui Dynasty was secure, and the world was in awe of its power. It should have been a time of great prosperity.
However, Yang Guang seemed to be caught in some kind of anxiety, constantly increasing the scale of various projects and becoming increasingly severe in his suppression of powerful families.
Opposition gradually arose between the government and the public, and uprisings continued in various places.
Lü Xiao simply couldn't believe that these uprisings weren't fueled by powerful clans.
A good game of chess seems about to be ruined again.
……
Deep within the palace, in Yang Guang's study, the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.
Bowl after bowl of bitter medicinal soup was brought in by palace servants and then taken out again.
The strong smell of medicine overpowered the faint incense in the study, permeating every corner of the room.