I quickly said, "Old Wang's Fang La is still working as a carpenter at Yucai School. I'm talking about the Fang La you're talking about right now."
Wu Yong paused for a moment and said, "Yes, Fang La became Old Wang after he died. He's still alive now, so he's still the Fang La from Jiangnan."
Zhu Gui said, "Let him rebel if he wants to—" He scratched his head and said, "Old Fang hasn't met us yet, which means he has nothing to do with us."
I said awkwardly, "That's the problem. One of our missions in Liangshan is to fight Fang La."
Zhu Gui immediately said, "Why should I? I won't fight! I think Old Fang is a pretty good guy."
Wu Yong said intently, "Let Xiao Qiang finish speaking."
I rubbed my hands together and said, "That's right. All those of us who came to my place were indeed sent back. That year was practically a freebie, so you could say you made double. But then, our clients also had tasks they had to complete, which were basically all landmark achievements from the past. Our Liangshan... has to fight Fang La."
I explained everything about the Human Realm Axis and the Point Table to Wu Yong in detail, especially the serious consequences of violating the rules. The bandits acted entirely based on their own likes and dislikes, and if I didn't explain the situation clearly, they might try to take advantage of the situation.
Wu Yong frowned deeply and remained silent for a long time. Zhu Gui said in frustration, "What the hell is this?"
Wu Yong said slowly, "This matter is quite difficult, and I'm afraid it must be approved by Brother Song Jiang."
I said, "Isn't Brother Song Jiang determined to accept the imperial pardon?"
Wu Yong said, "What I'm worried about now is that our 54 brothers will refuse to go to fight Fang La after taking the medicine."
This is exactly what I'm most worried about—I'm not afraid they won't conquer Fang La, I'm afraid they'll actually go!
During their year at Yucai, the heroes and Fang La seemed to be bickering and fighting on the surface, but they eventually became like brothers. If they were to actually fight again now, it would be incredibly awkward for both of us. Although Fang La is currently oblivious, it's still questionable whether the heroes would be able to bring themselves to do it if a real fight broke out.
Wu Yong continued, "If we don't give them medicine, then it's possible that everyone will follow Brother Song, who wants to be granted amnesty, to fight Fang La... However, doing so is neither realistic nor kind."
Zhu Gui asked anxiously, "Then what should we do?"
Wu Yong resolutely said, "The best course of action now is to wake everyone up first. After all, more people mean more ideas. Especially Brother Junyi and Instructor Lin and the others."
I said, "There are so many people, how can we rely on just Zhu Gui and me..."
Wu Yong said, "I'll join too. Let's split into two groups, I'll go west and you go east, I'll take care of Old Lu and Instructor Lin."
I shoved two handfuls of blue medicine into his hand and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, strategist. I won't count these medicines; bring me back any you don't finish."
Wu Yong nodded and said, "By the way, let's not give anything to that black-faced bastard Li Kui yet. We'll talk to him last, otherwise we'll be at a disadvantage if he makes a fuss."
Zhu Gui and I both agreed. Just as we reached the door, Wu Yong added, "Also, remember who you've given it to and who you haven't. Although you can feel who you've eaten it from, there's always a chance of making a mistake."
I think this suggestion is very timely. If too little medicine is given, it can be supplemented, but if too much is given, the consequences will be serious!
We ran into Duan Jingzhu as soon as we left Wu Yong's courtyard. Zhu Gui and I exchanged a glance, and Zhu Gui took a blue pill from my hand and waved it at Duan Jingzhu, saying, "Brother Jingzhu, here's something rare for you to eat."
Duan Jingzhu squinted at him and said, "You have something good that you're willing to give to me?" He took the blue medicine, sniffed it, and was immediately captivated by the fragrance. He couldn't help but put it in his mouth and start crunching. Zhu Gui glanced at him and said, "Come find us yourself in a little while. We'll go visit Doctor An again."
Duan Jingzhu, who was behind us, said, "It smells good, but it doesn't taste anything special..." Then he stood there, a little dazed.
I knew this medicine wouldn't take effect for a while if taken dry, so I left Duan Jingzhu behind and continued walking with Zhu Gui. Suddenly, a burly, red-haired man came up to us, patted Zhu Gui on the shoulder, and said loudly, "Old Zhu, what are you doing up the mountain instead of staying at the hotel?"
While giving a perfunctory answer, Zhu Gui asked me in a low voice, "Among our 54 people, is Red-Haired Devil Liu Tang among them?"
I hesitated and said, "No, I don't think so..."
“Never mind him—” Zhu Gui asked me cautiously, “Can you remember all 54 people?”
"Uh...we'll see. I'll probably remember once I see the person."
...When we first met them, these 54 people swarmed out in a chaotic rush, and I didn't have a chance to systematically examine who they were until I saw them off. Even among bandits, there are differences in status and personality; some like to show off, while others prefer solitude. Ultimately, there are varying degrees of familiarity and awkwardness in their interactions. Although I'm unlikely to make a mistake, I must say there was still a certain risk involved.
This is the downside of being organized but undisciplined. It's different with 300; their formation is fixed, and I've seen it so many times that I naturally have some impression of it.
Leaving Liu Tang, turning past another courtyard, I arrived at the territory of the legendary physician An Daoquan. Two large, ancient locust trees stood in the center of the courtyard, and An Daoquan was playing chess under them with another old man, none other than Jin Dajian. Both old men had wrinkled skin and white hair, and an exquisite purple clay teapot sat beside the chessboard, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an ancient painting. However, I knew perfectly well that these two old men were terrible chess players, and upon closer inspection, it was indeed true—
"I am General Jumping Horse!" This is An Daoquan.
"Hey, I'm back." That's Jin Dajian.
I'll jump again!
"I'll go up!"
"I'll keep jumping!"
...The two old men are grinding chess pieces again! I casually said with my hands behind my back, "Zhi Shi Bi Ma Tui."
Jin Dajian sighed, "That's right, how come I didn't see that move?"
I:"……"
At this moment, Zhu Gui had already put both pills into the tea, and winked at me: "Let's go."
After Jin Dajian helped the soldiers up, he danced around excitedly and said, "Let's see what you do now!"
An Daoquan looked at me pleadingly. I had already taken several steps away, but in the end I couldn't help but say, "If he supports you, then eat him."
An Daoquan watched for a while and exclaimed, "That's right! Anyway, those two have already separated. Haha, I should have seen through this trick a long time ago!"
Everyone: "..."
An Daoquan, feeling smug, picked up his teacup and took a big gulp. Suddenly, he let out a soft "Huh?" at my retreating figure as I was about to walk out the door. I turned back and gestured for him to be quiet, then pointed at Jin Dajian. An Daoquan understood and shouted at Jin Dajian, "Hurry up, whoever loses this round drinks the tea..."
With An Daoquan dealt with, it's only a matter of time before Jin Dajian submits. Three people have already been recalled in less than five minutes; at this rate, everyone should be gathered by the afternoon. In my optimism, I couldn't help but imagine myself as a virus, spreading rampantly within someone else's computer…
Zhu Gui tugged at me and pointed to a small pavilion on the opposite slope, saying, "Look who's that?"