Song Jiang misses out on a great general, Leopard Head befriends heroes

Chapter 136 Song Jiang misses out on a great general, Leopard Head befriends heroes

Du Xue is definitely one of the top five, if not the top three, fighters in Water Margin. Some say that even Lu Junyi was no match for Du Xue, which is why Sun An stepped in to help him take down Du Xue!

Of course, in Song Jiang's view, Du Xue's martial arts skills could never be better than Lu Junyi's. Lu Junyi was at the top level, and Du Xue could at most be on par with Lu Junyi!

Now that they had met Du Xue, Song Jiang was determined not to let Du Xue go, no matter what. Although he did not know what crime Du Xue had committed, he was willing to try any method as long as he could rescue Du Xue!

Before Du Xue could speak, Wang Qing interjected, "This Brother Du Xue was imprisoned because he saw me being beaten by a group of yamen runners on the street, stood up for me, and injured the runners!"

As Song Jiang was pondering this, Wang Qing spoke up again with a laugh: "Could this hero be eyeing my brother Du Xue?"

Hearing Wang Qing's frank words, Song Jiang didn't hide anything and said directly, "I think this Brother Du is a good man, so I'm trying to find a way to rescue him!"

Wang Qing smiled and shook his head, saying, "I have offended Tong Guan. Apart from the current emperor, no one can protect him. Brother Du and I are kindred spirits, and he will definitely not abandon me!" After saying that, he looked at Song Jiang as if to tell Song Jiang that it was impossible for him to poach his man!

Song Jiang looked at Du Xue and saw Du nod to indicate that Wang Qing's words were true. He sighed inwardly. It was impossible not to regret missing out on such a good man as Du Xue. However, everything depends on fate. Since he was not destined to be with Du Xue, he should not force it.

Thinking that Li Zhu and his nephew and Mi Sheng went to Huaixi to find heroes for him, his biggest idea was to send them to Du Zhui, but Du Zhui was right here, and he was afraid that they would come up empty-handed!

However, he had made a vow in Chai Village that since he had intercepted so many people from Wang Qing, he would treat Wang Qing to wine and meat if he ever met him. Now that he had met him, he would treat him to wine and meat as well!

However, twenty taels seemed a bit insufficient, so for Du Xue's sake, Song Jiang took out another thirty taels of silver and said, "I feel quite at ease with the three of you. Here's another thirty taels of silver; consider it my treat for you to wine and meat!"

Wang Qing smiled and accepted the silver, saying, "I'm becoming more and more interested in this hero. It's a pity he's in prison, otherwise I would definitely become sworn brothers with you!"

Song Jiang turned around, raised his hand and waved it, saying, "Don't worry, we will definitely meet again outside the prison. If we do meet, I will become your sworn brother."

Stepping out of the prison, the sunlight outside was dazzling. Although it couldn't completely dispel the chill, it did warm one's heart!

Tang Long bid farewell to Song Jiang and went back to take care of Madam Xu before discussing Tang Maojia's matter. Song Jiang, on the other hand, took Yue He back to the inn.

The Meteor Shattering Rock Blade is a family heirloom of the Yang family. Whether or not to give it away is up to Yang Zaixing to decide, and Song Jiang has no right to make that decision for him!

Inside Song Jiang's room at the inn, several people sat together and began to discuss things.

Without hesitation, Yang Zaixing took out the Meteorite Rock-Shattering Blade and said, "What does a blade matter if it can save lives? Uncle Song, take it!"

Song Jiang felt relieved and patted Yang Zaixing on the shoulder, saying, "This knife will surely be returned to its rightful owner one day!"

Yang Zaixing nodded firmly. He trusted Song Jiang's words completely. Since Song Jiang had said so, he would definitely return the item to its rightful owner!

Now that the matter has been discussed, Song Jiang still has some items to sell, so he plans to go out for a while!

Just then, someone knocked on the door and said, "I wonder if Clerk Song is in his room?"

Song Jiang recognized the voice. When Yue He opened the door, a tall figure appeared in the doorway. It was none other than Leopard Head Lin Chong!

Seeing Song Jiang in the room, Lin Chong hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "I was in the army for the past two days and only returned home today. I was surprised to hear about what happened to Instructor Xu. I went to his house only to find out that Clerk Song had already taken care of everything?"

Xu Ning is currently in dire straits, yet Lin Chong still visits his home, which shows the depth of their friendship and makes the saying "a friend in need is a friend indeed" even more precious!

Seeing Lin Chong's anxious expression, Song Jiang sighed and told Lin Chong the whole story. Lin Chong was furious and wished he could pick up a spear and go to seek justice for Xu Ning!

Song Jiang spoke up, "Instructor Lin, there's no need to get so angry. However, after this matter is over, Instructor Xu will no longer be able to stay in Dongjing!"

Lin Chong naturally knew the intricacies of the situation. No matter what the final outcome was, Wang Shen would not let Xu Ning stay in the capital. He would definitely send him as far away as possible. Thinking of the two of them discussing martial arts, and now seeing Xu Ning in such a state, he couldn't help but feel sentimental and let out a long sigh!

Song Jiang could only offer words of comfort: "Since Instructor Xu has survived, he may still have a chance to make a comeback in the future!"

Lin Chong immediately understood the need for words of comfort. After thinking for a long time, he finally spoke, "This isn't the place to talk. Clerk Song has come from afar, so why don't we go to my house? I'll treat you, and we can all go for a drink. That way, we can say some things more easily!"

Upon hearing this, Song Jiang nodded and smiled, "I am indeed a little hungry. Since Instructor Lin has so kindly invited us, we will gladly accept!"

Many people simply categorize Lin Chong as ungrateful and cowardly, but in reality, Lin Chong also possesses a generous and righteous spirit, and a desire to make friends with heroes from all over the world. It's just that sometimes reality falls short of ideals, and he ultimately succumbed to reality!

After tidying themselves up, the group arrived at Lin Chong's house. Lin Chong's father-in-law, his wife, and their maid, Ying'er, were all there. Seeing this, Song Jiang felt awkward about entering.

After all, he wasn't particularly close to Lin Chong, and with a beautiful wife at home, it was inconvenient for him to go to Lin Chong's house. It wouldn't be appropriate for him to go there, either in terms of manners or reason!

Lin Chong understood Song Jiang's meaning and laughed, "It's alright. I often invite my brothers to my home, so please do invite them!"

After saying this, Lin Chong called Ying'er over, took out a silver ingot and gave it to her, asking her to buy some wine and dishes and have them delivered to their door. He then sat in the hall chatting with Song Jiang and the others.

In fact, Lin Chong's life was not wealthy, at least compared to Xu Ning's, whether it was the size of his mansion or the furniture!

Before long, Ying'er called for the people outside to bring up the wine and dishes, which were then placed on the table.

Madam Lin also stayed in the inner room and did not come out, accompanied by Instructor Zhang, Lin Chong's father-in-law!

Actually, when Song Jiang first arrived at the Lin family, he saw Lin Niangzi, the woman that Gao Yanei longed for but could not have!

To be honest, although Madam Lin is somewhat beautiful, she has a gentle and kind temperament, but she is far from being stunningly beautiful or capable of captivating the world!

It's unclear why Gao Yanei would cause Lin Chong's family to be destroyed and his family to die for Lin Niangzi, ultimately forcing him to join the Liangshan bandits. Perhaps it was his obsession that led him to believe that what one cannot have is always the best!

Thinking of Lin Chong's tragic life, Song Jiang couldn't help but let out a long sigh!

Lin Chong hurriedly asked, "Why is Clerk Song sighing?"

Song Jiang, of course, couldn't say he was sighing for your fate. Instead, he said, "Our Great Song Emperor Taizu swept across four hundred prefectures and counties with a single stick, yet now we're being forced by foreign tribes to send tribute. I truly can't swallow this insult!"

Lin Chong was surprised that Song Jiang was sighing for the sake of the country and its people. He nodded in agreement, saying, "Who can argue with that? It's a pity that with all my life's talents, I've longed to charge into battle and wipe out the foreign enemies, instead of wasting my precious time as an instructor!"

As they ate and chatted, their relationship gradually improved, and they shifted their focus from Xu Ning's affairs to matters of national importance.

Initially, Lin Chong did underestimate Song Jiang, as Song Jiang's martial arts skills were, in his eyes, quite unremarkable. He actually held more respect for martial artists like Bian Xiang. However, after talking with Song Jiang, Lin Chong discovered that Song Jiang far surpassed him in both eloquence and knowledge, especially in his unique insights into various matters. The story of Xu Ning particularly moved Lin Chong! This gradually transformed Lin Chong's initial disdain for Song Jiang into admiration.

Song Jiang took a sip of wine and said, "Instructor Lin, I've heard that you studied under the master Zhou Tong. Do you know if the old hero Zhou is currently in the capital?"

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Lin Chong also took a sip of wine and said, "My mentor is currently on the northwestern border, fighting against Western Xia alongside Commander Tong, and is not in the capital!"

Song Jiang sighed with regret and said nothing more!

"However, it seems my mentor is returning to the capital soon!" Lin Chong added.

Seeing Song Jiang's puzzled expression, Lin Chong smiled and said, "My esteemed teacher is about to celebrate his sixtieth birthday, and with victory reports constantly arriving from the Western Xia battlefield, there's no need for him to remain there. Commander Tong has specially ordered him to lead an army back to the capital, ostensibly to report good news, but in reality, to celebrate his sixtieth birthday!"

Song Jiang secretly thought that Tong Guan was a master at winning people's hearts. No wonder that after the victory of the Battle of Wolf City in Western Xia, Tong Guan's popularity and prestige reached the peak of his life. His power was comparable to that of Cai Jing. People at the time called Cai Jing "Prime Minister" and Tong Guan "Grand Minister".

The fact that a eunuch received this "honor" shows how high his status was in the court.

In the common people's hearts, Tong Guan was called Master Tong, as a sign of their deepest respect!

As for Tong Guan eventually becoming one of the Six Thieves, that was for a different reason!

The meal was finished in a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. Lin Chong was very happy to have met Song Jiang and the others today, and he was obviously drunk!

Seeing this, Song Jiang knew it was inappropriate to linger. He said goodbye to Instructor Zhang and left with his brothers.

Gongsun Sheng, Zhu Jing, and Jiao Ting led Yang Zaixing and Luo Yanqing back to the inn, while Song Jiang, Bian Xiang, and Yue He found one of the larger pawnshops in Kaifeng!

The sun had long since set behind the mountains, and it was now dusk. There were no customers in the shop except for an old clerk sitting at the counter, and two waiters sitting idly at the shop entrance, waiting for customers to arrive.

When Song Jiang entered the shop, the two shop assistants ignored him. They figured that if they had any goods, the old shopkeeper would take a look, and they wouldn't be of much use to them.

Song Jiang walked to the tall table, took out a small, square wooden box, and handed it in a colorful glass ball.

The old stylist, who was used to seeing treasures, immediately stood up when he saw the glass ball. He took the glass ball with both hands and looked at it for a long time, but he couldn't figure it out.

It wasn't that he was ignorant, but rather that he had never seen such a thing before. It was about the size of a cat's eye, crystal clear, and incredibly smooth. What on earth was this thing?

Normally calm and collected, he felt a slight excitement in his heart. This was either a priceless treasure or a deception. But judging from Song Jiang and his group's clothes, they didn't seem to be from poor backgrounds. If this was a priceless treasure, why would Song Jiang make a move?

A pawnshop owner needs not only a keen eye for treasures, but also a keen eye for people. This old clerk certainly has a good eye, and Song Jiang and his companions are no ordinary people. He couldn't figure them out for the time being!

He had many thoughts on his mind, but his face remained impassive as he asked the waiter to bring him two more candles, which he carefully examined under the light.

After a long while, he placed the glass ball on a piece of floral cloth between Song Jiang and him, indicating to Song Jiang that he had not tampered with it.

This is also the rule of the pawnshop, indicating that they will not secretly switch the treasures!

The old magistrate looked at Song Jiang solemnly and said, "Esteemed guest, I have been here for over twenty years and have seen countless treasures, yet I do not recognize this treasure. I would be grateful if you could enlighten me."

Song Jiang laughed and said, "This thing is called the Heavenly Eye Glass Bead!" Song Jiang made up this name. In fact, this glass bead is just the glass bead that children often play with after class or school. He had bought it when he was a child. Forty beads cost one dollar, but in ancient times, it was a priceless treasure!

Old Master Chao had heard of and even seen glass beads, but this was the first time he had ever seen a Heavenly Eye Glass Bead. The color inside this glass bead was something he had never heard of or seen before, just like an eyeball. It was quite appropriate to describe it as a Heavenly Eye!

Taking a deep breath, the old peddler knew he had struck gold, but still asked, "May I ask where you obtained this item, sir?"

Song Jiang knew that he was worried that the pearl was of dubious origin, either stolen or robbed. If the original owner of the treasure came to cause trouble after it was pawned, the pawnshop was not afraid, but it would still be troublesome to deal with!

Song Jiang laughed and said, "This bead is naturally a family heirloom. Otherwise, it could have been stolen?"

Upon hearing this, the old clerk quickly said, "Sir, please don't misunderstand, that's not what I meant!"

Song Jiang opened the wooden box, inside which were eleven identical glass balls, their light so bright it nearly blinded the old clerk with his presbyopia!

Song Jiang sighed and said, "If I weren't in dire need of money, I would never have pawned this item. You can name a price, and if I'm satisfied, I'll take it from you!"

Old Master Chao pondered for a long time. He knew that this treasure was priceless and that if it appeared on the market, countless wealthy families would be willing to spend a fortune to buy it. However, he didn't know how much to offer. After all, he couldn't accurately judge the value of the glass bead. If he offered too little, Song Jiang would be dissatisfied and leave, thus missing out on a great deal. But if he offered too much, the glass bead would be stuck in his hands, resulting in a huge loss!

After a long pause, the old clerk finally said, "Sir, this item is too valuable and rare. May I take it to the back and discuss it with the owner and the other clerks before setting a price?"

Song Jiang shook his head and said, "This is against the rules. Take it to the back. If this treasure is switched, even if I smash the sky with a stone, it will be useless!"

Old Master Chao hurriedly said, "I misspoke. I'll have them come to the front hall to watch and discuss it together!"

Song Jiang didn't mind. He invited Bian Xiang and Yue He to sit down, took a sip of tea, and said to them with a smile, "Have some tea. This tea isn't very good, but it's still palatable!"

Note: Du Xue will definitely follow Song Jiang in the end, but if Wang Qing, Tian Hu and Fang La have no one, they will have difficulty even protecting themselves, let alone starting a rebellion. So one or two of them were left. As for Wang Qing's final fate, you can guess!

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