A Confluence of Storms and Torrential Rain: Memories of the Past Resurface

The girl's suggestion is not bad. If Song Jiang hadn't gone to Liangshan, he could have considered it. But now, there's absolutely no need to try it!

He smiled and said, "I'm used to being free and easy, I appreciate your kindness, Miss!" His refusal was obvious.

The young woman was somewhat disappointed. In the past, the man hadn't rushed to fawn over her; anyone else would have probably agreed by now! A little dejected, she didn't press the matter, and said, "In that case, sell me some wine first!"

Song Jiang only had two gourds of wine, each gourd holding about a liter of wine. He originally planned to take the wine to the county office for Shi Wenbin to taste, and maybe extort some weapons or something. But since the young girl had asked him, and since his purpose in brewing the wine was to sell it, he couldn't possibly refuse. As for the young man, Song Jiang simply ignored him!

Bai Sheng sold Yang Zhi wine at Huangni Ridge for five strings of cash a barrel, which was about fifteen liters at most. The twelve men escorting the birthday gifts each had a ladleful, and they drank it all up in no time.

Song Jiang was very confident in the wine, and coupled with the young man's rude remarks, he decided to set a high price. With that in mind, he said directly, "This gourd of wine will cost ten taels of silver!"

"Ten taels of silver? Why don't you just rob me? I never expected you to be so black-faced and black-hearted!" the young man said sarcastically.

Song Jiang gave him a cold look and said indifferently, "Slap him!"

The young man shivered. His eyes held disdain, contempt, and a disregard for his life, as well as a sharp edge that could kill him at any moment.

Upon receiving the order, Li Kui stepped forward and delivered two large slaps to the face, "Slap! Slap!"

The young man couldn't dodge it. He let out a "whoop" and was spun around in place as he was whipped. His face swelled up like a steamed bun!

"If you dare to make another sound, I will take your life!"

The young man no longer dared to be presumptuous; he was completely convinced that Song Jiang was capable of such a thing!

The girl didn't stop Li Kui from hitting people, but frowned and said, "It is indeed a bit expensive. Can you make it cheaper?" Ten taels of silver for such a small amount of wine? No normal person would buy that! Although the girl wanted to drink, she wasn't one to be fooled!

Song Jiang picked up another gourd of wine and said, "Why don't we try this one too?"

A peculiar aroma wafted out, a sweet fruity scent mixed with the unique fragrance of baijiu, reminiscent of the purity of lychee, the gentleness of chrysanthemum, and the assertiveness of baijiu. The various aromas blended together without being unpleasant; on the contrary, they were refreshing and memorable.

The girl's eyes lit up. She took a deep breath, as if she were surrounded by a hundred flowers in full bloom. This wine was absolutely exquisite. Just smelling it was enough to make her so intoxicated. If she were to take a sip, wouldn't that be amazing?

The girl dared not think any further. She took out a cup she always carried with her and poured some wine into it. The wine was as clear as honey and as translucent as amber, exuding a rich and fresh aroma!

Unable to resist any longer, the girl downed the drink in one gulp, completely disregarding her goddess image!

The wine is sweet on the palate, with a hint of sourness and bitterness. As it goes down, a spicy sensation emerges, followed by a warm feeling in the lower abdomen, which then slowly rises to the heart and then to the head, leaving a faint fruity aroma in the mouth.

After a while, the fruity aroma dissipated, and the effects of the alcohol emerged. The four flavors of sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy intertwined in my mouth, just like my life. The sourness was like the person in front of me refusing to go back with me, and I was afraid that I would rarely be able to drink such wine again. The sweetness was like my two older brothers who had spoiled me since I was a child. Thinking back to the time I spent with them, those were the happiest days of my life. The bitterness was like when I was practicing martial arts. No matter how difficult it was, I always gritted my teeth and persevered. The spiciness was like my heartless father who insisted on marrying me off to the person I didn't like, without any regard for my feelings.

I sighed, thinking about how so many thoughts had come to mind after just one sip of wine. This wine is truly magical!

Bringing her mind back from its reverie, the girl's gaze towards the wine changed!

"Is this wine like life? It has all the flavors of life, some bitter, some sweet, some sour, but in the end, the harvest will surely be plentiful," Song Jiang said like a wise man.

Although he didn't know if the girl could understand, she was indeed beautiful and charming. Although Song Jiang had no particular interest in her, he still offered a word of advice.

The young girl carefully considered Song Jiang's words, finding them full of philosophical wisdom. Deeply moved, her eyes filled with hope as she said to Song Jiang, "Hearing your words is like receiving a sudden enlightenment; some things cannot be forced!"

Song Jiang handed the two gourds of wine to the young woman, saying, "I'll sell them both to you; you set the price!"

The girl laughed, "I definitely won't let you suffer a loss!" Then she turned to the pig-headed youth and said, "Give me your money pouch!"

Although the young man was somewhat reluctant, he couldn't resist the girl's insistence and reluctantly took out his money pouch!

The young woman weighed the money pouch in her hand and handed it to Song Jiang, saying, "There are about thirty taels of gold here. Consider it payment for almost bumping into you three while riding your horse!"

Song Jiang didn't take the money bag, and laughed, "That's a bit too much!"

The girl continued, "My friend spoke arrogantly and should apologize to the three of you!"

Song Jiang still laughed and said, "That's too much!"

The girl gritted her teeth and said, "Could you provide me with these two kinds of wine every month? Consider this money a small gift!"

Song Jiang was taken aback. He hadn't expected this young woman to have such a unique way of handling things, and it suited his taste quite well!

Of course, the young woman also realized that Song Jiang was no ordinary person. His insights, his speech, and even the oppressive aura he exuded for a moment all made her want to befriend him!

Song Jiang thought for a moment and said, "This wine has a long brewing time; it took me several months to make this much!"

The girl was somewhat disappointed, so Song Jiang added, "It's a year. After a year, this wine can be served in full every month!"

The girl laughed, "In that case, it's a deal! If I don't see you here a year from now, I'll search the ends of the earth to drag you into my home and brew wine!"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "If I break my promise a year from now, you won't need to tie me up; I'll personally go to your house to brew wine!"

The two exchanged a smile, and the young woman said, "May I ask your esteemed name?"

Song Jiang glanced at the young man and laughed, "I never change my name or surname, I am Wang Ying, the Dwarf Tiger!" Since he had already made an enemy of the young man, Song Jiang was naturally not foolish enough to reveal his real name. Anyway, that wretched fellow Wang Ying was short, so using his name wouldn't hurt. If the young man wanted revenge, he could go find Wang Ying!

"Wang Ying, Wang Ying!" The girl felt a strange sense of familiarity with the name. How to describe that feeling? There was disgust, there was helplessness, and she didn't know why she felt this way!

Suppressing her strange feelings, the girl said, "My surname is Hu, and my given name is Rong!"

Song Jiang's heart skipped a beat. He already had some guesses about her identity, so he asked, "Is your name, Miss, Hu Sanniang?"

The girl asked curiously, "I'm the third child in my family, so people who know me well like to call me Third Sister, or Hu Third Sister, but no one calls me Hu Third Sister!"

Uh! Song Jiang was completely bewildered and didn't know what to say for a moment!

The girl continued, "Hu Sanniang, that's a nice name, much better than Hu Sanmei. From now on, I'll be called Hu Sanniang!"

Picking up the two gourds of wine, the young woman said, "Until we meet again, Wang Ying! Don't break your promise!"

After saying that, he mounted his horse and headed north. The young man quickly mounted his horse as well and followed him!

Only Song Jiang was left, bewildered in the wind!

"Brother, that woman has already gone far away! If we wanted to find a suitable match, we should have captured her from the beginning, instead of letting her go!" Li Kui said when he saw Song Jiang in a daze.

"You scoundrel, where did you get all that vulgar language from!" Song Jiang scolded.

Li Kui laughed, "Judging from your distraught appearance, brother, you must have taken a fancy to that woman!"

Song Jiang glared at Li Kui but ignored him!

Li Kui, having been rebuffed, fell silent, but the smile on his face was impossible to hide! Zhu Gui also tried very hard to suppress his laughter!

Song Jiang was somewhat helpless, but he couldn't stop his brothers from laughing! Song Jiang genuinely had no romantic feelings for her; it was only because of him that the woman called Hu Sanniang that she started calling him that. What happened before that? Was it Zhuangzi dreaming of being a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming of being Zhuangzi? Was it a mirage or a dream? Song Jiang was completely numb, especially after meeting Gongsun Sheng. He felt his entire worldview had been utterly overturned!

"Brother, judging from this person's clothes and manner of behavior, he seems to be an official or a wealthy young man. Letting him go like this might cause trouble," Zhu Gui said worriedly.

How could Song Jiang not know about this? But it was definitely not appropriate to silence him just now. Besides, how could he accomplish great things if he was afraid of this and that?

"Brother, don't worry. If he dares to bring people to seek revenge, I'll chop off his dog's head." Li Kui was still as fearless as ever.

Song Jiang was quite satisfied with Li Kui's performance just now. He would never use words if he could use his hands. This was the Black Whirlwind, the top fighter in the original story.

Song Jiang waved his hand dismissively, saying, "It doesn't matter. If he can find us, then I'll consider him someone important!"

Song Jiang guessed that the young man was Zhu Biao, the third son of the Zhu Family Village. The Zhu Family Village had many connections with the head of Xixi Village, and he was no good person. He would be eliminated sooner or later. It wouldn't hurt to give them some breathing room. Let them fatten up before slaughtering them!

The group walked a few more miles. Zhu Gui said, "Brother, please don't see me off any further. Even after a thousand miles of seeing someone off, we must eventually part ways. Brother, you have matters to attend to, so don't delay your business."

Song Jiang took out the money pouch the girl had given him earlier and said, "Here's some travel money, take it!"

Li Kui and Zhu Gui naturally knew how much gold was in the bag, and quickly declined to accept it!

Song Jiang said, "If anyone refuses again, I will not acknowledge him as a brother."

This seemingly tactic of feigning retreat left the two with no choice but to accept the money bag!

Song Jiang laughed and said, "You must know that a poor family is rich when traveling. There are many expenses when you are away from home. This journey back home is long, so you must be careful in everything you do. Think thrice before you act. If you have different opinions, you can discuss and resolve them. You must not act unilaterally, especially you, Tie Niu." The two of them hurriedly agreed.

Song Jiang waved his hand and said, "It's still early, let's take our leave now and get on our way!"

The two bid farewell and left. Song Jiang watched them walk until they disappeared from sight before turning around and heading towards Yuncheng County.

Unlike the usual hustle and bustle, Yuncheng County was now quiet and desolate, as if the prosperity had come to an end. There were occasional pedestrians on the streets, but the vast majority of people stayed at home and did not go out!

Since the theft, Shi Wenbin has issued an order that no strangers are allowed to enter the city, and all residents are not allowed to leave the city. Residents must stay at home unless they have something important to do!

Shi Wenbin was known for his integrity. Although the people were not entirely convinced by his decree, they were all understanding and could only feel deep resentment towards the thieves!

"Clerk, clerk!" Song Jiang was walking on an empty street when he heard someone call his name. He turned around and looked at the person.

"Clerk!" The man ran up to Song Jiang, panting, and called out to him!

Upon closer inspection, Song Jiang realized it was Tang Niu'er, also known as Tang Erge. Song Jiang usually took good care of him, often giving him money. Whenever Song Jiang needed his help, Tang Niu'er would do his best to assist him.

(Tang Niu and Yun Ge are minor characters from the common people, featured prominently in the original novel. Tang Niu, in the end, helped Song Jiang by intervening in the affair with Yan Po, becoming Song Jiang's scapegoat. He was severely beaten twenty times by the magistrate, Shi Wenbin, and exiled five hundred li away, which was truly unfortunate. Song Jiang didn't care about him in the end. So, Song Jiang's money wasn't so easy to get; if you took it, you had to be prepared to either sell yourself or risk your life.)

"I have important business to attend to, so just say what you need to say!" Song Jiang didn't have time to waste words with Tang Niu'er and told him to get straight to the point!

Tang Niu'er was taken aback. Song Jiang's attitude was quite different from usual, but considering the somber atmosphere that seemed to pervade the entire Jizhou, he didn't hesitate and said, "Jizhou Prefecture has lost a treasure, Clerk!"

Song Jiang frowned. This was utter nonsense. He didn't want to pay any more attention to him. He took out two coins and said, "Here's some money. Take it and buy some medicine for your father!" After saying that, he turned and left.

"Clerk, clerk!" Tang Niu'er called out to Song Jiang again!

"What is it?" Song Jiang asked patiently.

Tang Niu'er looked around to make sure no one was there before whispering, "I saw a thief that night!"

"What!" This time it was Song Jiang's turn to be flustered. Tang Niu'er's words really surprised Song Jiang!

The entire Jeju Prefecture is now desperate to find the person who stole the treasure, even if it means digging three feet into the ground. Tang Niu'er actually told me that he had seen that person!

"Is this really true?" Song Jiang asked in a low voice. This matter was of utmost importance to Shi Wenbin and could not be taken lightly!

Tang Niu'er nodded and said, "Although I didn't see the person's face, their accent was from Qinghe County. If they're lying, may I die a horrible death!"

Song Jiang asked in confusion, "How could you tell he spoke with a Qinghe County accent?"

Tang Niu'er's eyes reddened, and she sobbed, "My mother is from Qinghe County!"

Song Jiang was taken aback, realizing that Tang Niu'er's mother had long since passed away and that he was living with his elderly father. His question must have reminded Tang Niu'er of his deceased mother!

With an apologetic tone, Song Jiang said in a low voice, "This is not the place to talk. I'll come find you later!"

Tang Niu'er nodded and said, "I'll wait for the clerk at home!"

Unlike in the past, the Yuncheng County Government Office now exudes a "serious" atmosphere from front to back, something that has never been seen before.

County Magistrate Shi Wenbin sat silently on the throne with a long face. Zhu Tong and Lei Heng also stood to the side with gloomy faces. The others also stood on both sides with different expressions. As soon as Song Jiang entered, he felt very depressed. All kinds of negative emotions were intertwined, as if a sad funeral was being held, which made him extremely uncomfortable!