Chapter Eleven: Offending the Petty

Five pounds of cooked beef, a plate of boiled broad beans, and three jars of aged wine—this was the fare with which Zhao Yu entertained Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong, not in some upscale restaurant, but in a humble little tavern on the outskirts of the city.

Even so, Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong could feel that Zhao Yu was sincere in his desire for friendship.

“Thank you, brothers, for not turning me away and giving me this opportunity. I have nothing to offer in return, so let me drink first as a sign of respect.”

With these words, Zhao Yu tipped back his head and drained a whole bowl of wine. It was not that he possessed exceptional tolerance, but the wine of this era was generally low in strength, which allowed him to drink so boldly.

When men gather, wine is the best bridge for conversation, and a man’s character is revealed in how he drinks. Zhao Yu’s style suited Lu Zhishen’s temperament perfectly.

“When I heard someone had crippled that brat from the Gao family, I had my apprentice look into you, this legendary Little Yu. And it’s true—you haven’t disappointed me. You’re worthy of the title ‘hero.’”

Lu Zhishen was a righteous and straightforward man, most fond of punishing evil and promoting good. In his mind, there was only virtue and vice, never a question of status. If Zhao Yu had tried to act the prince before him, Lu Zhishen would likely have slapped him.

Lin Chong, too, was genuinely happy. Zhao Yu’s candor and sincerity made him reflect that the royal family truly possessed a different kind of spirit.

Now that Gao Gan had been crippled, the episode of Gao Lian harassing Lin Chong’s wife would no longer occur. Yet who could say what the future held?

After Zhao Yu set the tone, Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong raised their bowls in turn. The wine flowed freely, and soon enough the three of them were deep into their cups. Lin Chong’s cheeks were flushed, and he no longer seemed as constrained as before.

“Brothers, I want to ask you about someone. There’s a petty official in Shandong named Song Jiang, also known as Song Gongming. Do you know him?”

After some idle talk about all corners of the realm, Zhao Yu finally voiced the question that had been lingering in his mind.

Lin Chong, a lover of martial arts, spent most of his time in the military camp and knew little of affairs in the underworld.

Lu Zhishen was different. Hearing Zhao Yu’s question, he nodded immediately. “There is indeed such a man in Shandong. He’s said to be very righteous and is called ‘Timely Rain.’ Who’d have thought his fame would reach the imperial family! Ha...”

Zhao Yu had no interest in befriending that hypocrite. He brought up Song Jiang only to warn Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong against being deceived by Song Jiang’s false humility in the future.

For now, Shandong was still quiet. Zhao Yu had even sent someone to inquire at the Ministry of War: there were outlaws everywhere, but no one had heard of any major disturbances around Liangshan.

In other words, Song Jiang had not yet risen to prominence. If circumstances allowed, Zhao Yu would not mind arranging for Song Jiang to be eliminated early—he was the character he disliked most in Water Margin.

Shaking his head, Zhao Yu said, “I’ve heard of him, but contrary to what you say, reliable sources claim he only appears righteous and bold, but is in truth a despicable and cunning villain.”

Lu Zhishen was taken aback and about to speak when Lin Chong suddenly shouted, “Who’s there?”

With a loud cry, the wine bowl in Lin Chong’s hand became a blur as it flew toward the tavern’s rear window. Lin Chong himself leapt after it, following closely.

The sound of shattering porcelain mingled with a scream of pain from behind the window.

In novels and television, Lin Chong and Lu Zhishen’s skills were said to be evenly matched, but from these two moves, Zhao Yu felt clearly that Lin Chong was superior, and far more vigilant—Lu Zhishen hadn’t noticed anyone behind the window at all.

Lin Chong reached the broken window, and, unexpectedly, after peering outside for a moment, did not pursue further.

“What happened? Where did he go?”

Upon Lu Zhishen’s inquiry, Lin Chong frowned deeply, pondered, then asked Zhao Yu, “Your Highness, after Kaifeng Prefecture reissued the arrest warrant, did Grand Marshal Gao have any reaction?”

Lu Zhishen called Zhao Yu “brother” freely, but Lin Chong had yet to grow accustomed.

Zhao Yu was puzzled by the sudden question, but replied directly, “My guards say Lord Liu arranged for a condemned prisoner to take the blame, and personally handed the confession to Gao Qiu. Gao Qiu said nothing. Why do you ask, second brother?”

Lu Zhishen was the elder brother, Lin Chong the second. If Zhao Yu hadn’t feared they might refuse, he would have sworn brotherhood with them right then.

After Zhao Yu spoke, Lin Chong’s expression grew even heavier. He said in a low voice, “The eavesdropper just now was Lu Qian, Grand Marshal Gao’s commander of guards.”

Lu Zhishen, though straightforward, was quick-witted. He said angrily, “Why didn’t you chase him down and finish him? If he goes back and tells Gao Qiu about brother’s identity, Gao Qiu will never let it rest!”

Zhao Yu understood Lin Chong’s dilemma and reassured him, “It’s fine, elder brother. Even if Gao Qiu knows I did it, he has no proof and can do nothing to me. Don’t blame second brother; he and Lu Qian are colleagues. Even if he caught him, he couldn’t bring himself to kill.”

Lu Zhishen was unconcerned by this, but Lin Chong was surprised—how did the Prince of Yi know so much? After all, Lin Chong and Lu Qian did have a good relationship.

“But you, second brother, must be cautious in the Imperial Guards. If Gao Qiu knows we are close, he may not be able to touch me, but he could vent his anger on you. Why not resign your post and become an instructor in my household instead?”

Zhao Yu spoke from the heart. If Lin Chong joined his household, not only would he escape Gao Qiu’s persecution, but Zhao Yu would gain a powerful protector—a win-win situation.

Lin Chong’s expression dimmed, but soon he laughed cheerfully. “I conduct myself uprightly. If others wish to frame me, it won’t be so easy.”

Drawing upon both his knowledge from novels and TV dramas, and his current interactions, Zhao Yu still could not define exactly what kind of man Lin Chong was. One thing was certain: if Lin Chong served his ruler, he would be an utterly loyal subject.

After this incident, the mood for drinking was lost. It was now midnight, and in another city, curfew would be in effect.

They agreed to drink together another day, then parted ways.

With the wine’s effects fading and the night breeze blowing, Zhao Yu quickly sobered.

Reflecting on the night’s events, it felt like a dream: not only had he befriended legendary heroes of Liangshan, but whether it was the Jurchen assassins encountered with the Khitan girl or the recent eavesdropping by Lu Qian, it all revealed the shortcoming that he had no capable people beside him.

Lu Zhishen would make a fine elder brother, but not a good subordinate. Lin Chong was impressive, yet Zhao Yu’s current strength was not enough to command him.

But what about after Lin Chong had suffered hardship?

At this thought, Zhao Yu’s gaze grew deep and contemplative...

Grand Marshal’s residence, Gao Qiu’s study.

With a sharp crack, a fine jade artifact was smashed to pieces on the floor.

Wu Zidao winced at the sight—such a treasure, why not give it to me? Why must it be destroyed? What a waste...

“Is what you say all true?”

Though Gao Qiu struggled to suppress his anger, the bloodshot eyes and bulging veins betrayed that his fury was at its limit—a single spark would ignite it.

“I dare not lie. The true culprit who injured the young master was Lin Chong, that dog. After I uncovered his secret, he even tried to kill me to silence the matter. Had I not fled quickly, I would have lost my life to that villain...”

Lu Qian knelt before Gao Qiu, seemingly humble, but his words were full of resentment...