The Heroes of Jeju Prefecture Suffer from Lost Treasure; Song Jiang Meets Yang Zhi at the

"Gongming, you're here!" After not seeing him for several days, Shi Wenbin looked haggard and distressed, as if he had aged seven or eight years. He was nowhere to be seen in his former high spirits!

"Clerk!" Zhu Tong stepped forward and began to recount the theft of the treasure!

It turned out that during that stormy night, thieves broke into the prefectural governor's residence!

Although Jeju City wasn't exactly an impregnable fortress, it was still heavily guarded, with sentries every five steps and patrols every ten. It was impossible for an ordinary person to sneak in unnoticed. Moreover, the location of the treasure was extremely well-hidden, with few even within the city knowing about it, let alone outsiders. Every two hours, two people would patrol the rooms, and soldiers guarded the entrance around the clock. Under such protection, not even a fly could get in!

But thieves broke in and stole two treasures that the prefect of Jeju had intended to present to Emperor Dojong for his tenth anniversary celebration next year. Who knew that they would disappear without a trace!

Song Jiang frowned. This matter was quite strange. First of all, why would the thief steal these two treasures? These lost treasures were top-grade luminous pearls and Ruyi Eight Treasures Chests. Although they were worth a fortune, they could not be sold on the black market and there was even a risk of being exposed. Such things were extremely difficult to sell, so stealing them was pointless. It would be more practical to steal some gold and silver!

Secondly, how did this thief know the layout of the Jeju government office? There is only one explanation: someone was helping him, or even an inside agent within the government office who told him about the layout. Only then could he succeed so easily. Of course, this is on the premise that he himself possessed superb skills. Otherwise, even with an inside agent, if he was not strong enough, he would never have been able to steal the treasure!

Who else in the entire Water Margin could be considered to have reached this level of skill besides Shi Qian, the Flea on the Drum?

However, Shi Qian was never from Qinghe County, nor is there any record of him ever going to Qinghe County. Moreover, Shi Qian was always cautious, and the things he stole were petty thefts. It is unlikely that he would do something as risky as stealing treasures in Jizhou Prefecture!

Song Jiang was at a loss for the moment, feeling that the matter was not as simple as it seemed on the surface, and that there were probably many secrets behind it, but he couldn't say what those secrets were!

There are two tricky points now. The first is that the thief was last seen in Yuncheng County, so Yuncheng County will be the first to be implicated. If the thief cannot be found, Shi Wenbin will definitely be severely punished!

Secondly, regarding the thief, if anyone else finds him, they will surely die, with no chance of survival!

But how could Song Jiang watch such a talented person die in vain? Joining Liangshan was the best option for him, especially since he didn't even know if it was Shi Qian!

"What good ideas do you have for this matter?" Shi Wenbin asked first when everyone remained silent.

"Thieves deserve to die! How dare they come to Jeju to steal treasure!" Zhang Wenyuan shouted.

Everyone had different expressions, and Song Jiang sneered inwardly. Now that this had happened, what was the point of saying such nonsense?

Sure enough, Shi Wenbin spoke up, "Zhang Wenyuan, do you have any ideas?"

Zhang Wenyuan hurriedly shook his head and said, "I'm useless, I can't think of a solution!"

Shi Wenbin frowned and said, "If that's the case, then say no more!"

Seeing that everyone remained silent, Shi Wenbin sighed and said, "You all go about your duties and leave to find where the thieves are hiding. The two captains will lead the soldiers to search the streets and alleys for anyone suspicious! Gongming, stay behind!"

After everyone left, Shi Wenbin led Song Jiang to the back hall!

With no outsiders present, Shi Wenbin said with a wry smile, "Gongming, this matter is unlikely to end well. I just don't know if I'll end up losing my position or facing imprisonment!"

Song Jiang bowed and said, "Brother, Gongming will never allow this to happen!"

Shi Wenbin just smiled bitterly and didn't say anything!

Madam Shi came out carrying a plate of pastries and said, "Gongming, your brother hasn't slept for several days! He's heartbroken and has no one to confide in but you!"

Song Jiang looked at Madam Shi. She was no longer as radiant as before. Perhaps it was because her appearance reflected her inner state. At this moment, she was just like Wenbin, with a worried face. She had lost her former eloquence and understanding.

These two were among the few people in Yuncheng County who genuinely cared about Song Jiang, especially Shi Wenbin, who was also his mentor and friend. There was no way Song Jiang could sit idly by and watch him get into trouble!

Thinking of this, Song Jiang stepped forward and said, "Today I ran into Tang Niu'er on the street. He overheard the thief speaking and said he was from Qinghe County, but we only met briefly and I didn't see the thief's face!"

Shi Wenbin was taken aback at first, then exclaimed with delight, "Is that really true? Why didn't Tang Niu'er come to me? He actually came to you!"

Song Jiang quickly whispered, "I once did him a favor, and he told me that perhaps he wants me to perform a meritorious service in front of my elder brother!"

Shi Wenbin laughed and scolded, "This Tang Niu'er, he's got quite a few tricks up his sleeve!"

Song Jiang said in a low voice, "Brother, I do have some thoughts, but I don't know if I should say them!"

Seeing that Song Jiang's voice had lowered, Shi Wenbin turned to Madam Shi and said, "Madam, please go inside first! I have important matters to discuss with Gongming!"

Madam Shi, knowing the gravity of the situation, didn't throw a tantrum and nodded, saying, "Gongming, you must help your brother. My wife and I may really have to rely on you this time!"

Song Jiang nodded and said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry. My brother is a lucky man, he'll be fine. I, Song Jiang, won't let anything happen to you two!"

After Madam Shi entered the inner hall, Shi Wenbin said in a low voice, "Gongming, please speak freely!"

Song Jiang nodded and said in a low voice, "In my opinion, there are many suspicious points in this matter. If we want to retrieve the treasure, I'm afraid we'll have to go to Qinghe County!"

Shi Wenbin pondered for a moment before asking, "Are you confident?"

Song Jiang nodded and said, "I'm about 70% confident we'll find the thief. I suspect he's being manipulated by someone, and without going to Qinghe County, some things might remain unclear!"

Shi Wenbin said, "This trip will definitely be risky. I'll have Zhu Tong go with you; he can protect you!"

Song Jiang did not refuse Shi Wenbin's offer, nodding and saying, "The sooner the better. I plan to set off tomorrow!"

Shi Wenbin said, "Be extremely careful. Whether this succeeds or fails depends entirely on fate, but you must return safely!"

Song Jiang bowed and said, "Brother, please write up an approval document and affix the official seal. It might come in handy when we arrive in Qinghe County!"

The two discussed some more matters in hushed tones, and then Song Jiang took his leave.

When they arrived at Tang Niu'er's house, Tang Niu'er was cooking a bowl of porridge, and there was a dish of filth and a dish of pickled vegetables on the table!

Song Jiang placed some wine and meat he had bought on the table, then took out two taels of silver and placed them on the table, saying, "Tang Niu'er!"

When Tang Niu'er saw Song Jiang arrive, he quickly put down the porridge he was holding and stepped forward to bow to Song Jiang!

Song Jiang pointed to the table and said, "Here's some wine, meat, and money for you and your son. Don't mention what I told you to anyone!"

Tang Niu'er nodded and said, "Don't worry, Clerk, if I want to say something, I can go to Magistrate Shi that very day!"

Song Jiang smiled and asked, "Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

After thinking for a moment, Tang Niu'er told Song Jiang everything he had seen that day!

Song Jiang understood, and smiled slightly, saying, "When I return, you won't need to sell your dirty tricks anymore; I'll certainly give you a good promotion!"

Tang Niu'er was overjoyed and said, "Thank you, Clerk!"

The next day, Song Jiang, Gongsun Sheng, and Zhu Tong set off together on their way to Qinghe County!

Qinghe County is located in Hebei Province, not too far from Shandong Province, but it is only accessible by waterway!

Song Jiang originally planned to go with only Zhu Tong, but Gongsun Sheng insisted on going along, saying that he wanted to protect Song Jiang's safety and also hoped that Song Jiang could go directly to Erxian Mountain with him after finishing his business!

Song Jiang thought about it and realized that it was questionable whether Gongsun Sheng could actually command the wind and rain, but his martial arts skills were indeed quite good. With him on the road, there would be more protection. As for Erxian Mountain, since there was no rush, it was not unreasonable to wait until they set off from Qinghe County!

The three of them traveled together. Although they weren't in the mood to appreciate the scenery along the way, they had something in common to talk about and chatted happily. They didn't find the journey boring at all!

After traveling for two or three days, the three arrived at the ferry crossing and hired a boat to cross to the other side!

The boat sailed at a leisurely pace. The Yellow River a thousand years ago was far less polluted than it is today. Although it was still turbulent with huge waves and the rushing water occasionally lapped against the side of the boat, the water was a light green and azure blue, and could be seen at a glance.

As the boat beneath his feet was about to dock, Song Jiang was filled with mixed emotions. It was his first time leaving Shandong and he had seen the magnificent Yellow River. Just for this reason alone, the trip was worthwhile!

The boat docked, and the three disembarked. Song Jiang took a deep breath and laughed, "The road ahead may not be easy!"

Zhu Tong laughed and said, "Brother, don't worry. With just this knife in my hand, I'll risk my life to protect you!"

Song Jiang quickly interjected, "Brother, please don't say that, it sounds like a life-or-death separation. None of the three of us can be missing on this journey!"

"Look, clerk!" Gongsun Sheng pointed to a spot not far away, where a man was looking out over the Yellow River, seemingly about to commit suicide!

"Don't try to kill yourself, everything can be discussed!" Song Jiang hurriedly stepped forward and said to the man!

Zhu Tong also hurriedly stepped forward to grab the man!

Hearing the voice, the man turned around and laughed, "I'm not looking for death, I'm just a little annoyed, so I'm just staring at the Yellow River in a daze!"

Song Jiang looked at the man, who was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old. He wore a felt hat, and his sword-like eyebrows and tiger-like eyes were piercing straight ahead, making people feel intimidated. He had a short beard on his chin, was seven feet five or six inches tall, and had a powerful and imposing presence. He was strong and handsome! The only flaw was a huge blue birthmark on his face, which gave him a dull and gloomy appearance.

These features were so striking that Song Jiang's heart skipped a beat. He bowed and asked, "Is this hero the famous Blue-Faced Beast Yang Zhi?"

The man asked in surprise, "How do you know me, sir?"

Song Jiang couldn't possibly say that he recognized him because of the blue birthmark on his face!

So he said, "I have long admired Commander Yang's reputation; I never expected to meet him here today!"

Yang Zhi's face darkened with disappointment, but he remained silent.

Seeing his pathetic state and his constant pacing along the Yellow River, Song Jiang figured that the Yellow River's waves must have been too strong, capsizing the boat carrying the tribute of flowers and stones. He was helpless and dared not go back to report, so he could only stay there!

Thinking of this, Song Jiang spoke up: "Commander Yang is a descendant of three generations of generals, the grandson of Marquis Yang, and should be serving His Majesty at this moment. Why are you here today?"

Yang Zhi, holding his sword, bowed and said, "May I ask your esteemed name?" Although Yang Zhi's official rank was not high, he was a seasoned official and would not be foolish enough to reveal all his secrets to just anyone he met!

Seeing that Yang Zhi was also cautious, Song Jiang returned the greeting and said, "I am Song Jiang, a clerk from Yuncheng County. This is Zhu Tong, the head of the cavalry from Yuncheng County, and that Taoist priest's Buddhist name is Master Yiqing!"

Yang Zhi's expression changed. These two were actually from the county government. Realizing that his attempt to seize the precious stones had failed was also a dereliction of duty, he was worried that these two might plot against him behind his back. With that thought, Yang Zhi cupped his hands in greeting and said, "I have important matters to attend to, so I must leave now!"

Although Song Jiang did not know what Yang Zhi was thinking, he knew that Yang Zhi was a man who always ran away from difficulties and had no sense of responsibility. He guessed that when Yang Zhi heard that he was from the government, he would want to run away again!

But now that they had seen Yang Zhi, how could they let him leave so easily? Although Yang Zhi was "cowardly," he was a true master of martial arts. He was able to fight to a draw with three great masters: Lin Chong, Huyan Zhuo, and Lu Zhishen. This record was outstanding in the entire Water Margin!

Although Song Jiang knew that Yang Zhi only wanted to bring glory to his ancestors and had no chance of joining Liangshan with him, the trip to Qinghe County was bound to be anything but peaceful. With such a skilled bodyguard by his side, his safety would be greatly enhanced. If Song Jiang let such an excellent bodyguard go, he would be unworthy of the title "Timely Rain"!

"Commander Yang, please wait!" Song Jiang said, trying to persuade him to stay.

Yang Zhi was somewhat puzzled, but still asked, "Is there anything else, Clerk Song?"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Commander Yang, do you perhaps know that I am a government official, and because you lost the tribute of precious stones, you fear that I might plot against you behind your back, and therefore you wish to leave quickly?"

Song Jiang spoke calmly, but Yang Zhi was inwardly startled. This Song was incredibly shrewd; he actually knew what I was thinking. Wait, how did he know that the shipment of precious stones had capsized? At this time, those people should still be on the Yellow River, not yet in Kaifeng. There was no way the news of the capsizing could have gotten out! At first, I hadn't paid much attention, but the name Song Jiang sounded familiar. Could it be him?

"Is the clerk the same Song Jiang who is known as the Timely Rain?" Yang Zhi was certain in his heart that although there were people with the same name, it was impossible for it to be such a coincidence!

Song Jiang smiled calmly and said, "That's just the kind gesture of friends in the martial world!"

Yang Zhi breathed a sigh of relief. He had heard of Song Jiang before, though he had never met him. He knew that Song Jiang was generous and upright, and would never do something so treacherous! But he was still puzzled as to how Song Jiang knew that he had lost the Flower Stone Tribute!

"How did Clerk Song find out about my affairs?" Yang Zhi found it difficult to talk about the loss of the Flower Stone Tribute, but he was truly distressed by the unresolved doubts in his heart!

Song Jiang laughed and said, "I've heard that His Majesty is planning a major overhaul of the mountain pass and has appointed His Highness as the Imperial Envoy to escort it. I imagine Imperial Envoy Yang is among them. I saw him wandering by the Yellow River with a worried look on his face. I suppose the only reason Imperial Envoy Yang is in such distress is because the tribute of rare stones and flowers fell into the Yellow River and couldn't be retrieved!" Of course, this was utter nonsense. Even if Song Jiang was highly intelligent, he couldn't possibly know the whole story just by looking at Yang Zhi once. He was simply a prophet!