Loyalty is truly valuable even when the road ahead is fraught with difficulties.

On Liangshan Mountain, Song Jiang was receiving An Daoquan, Zhang Shun, and Wang Dingliu!

An Daoquan has settled Li Qiaonu, and Zhang Shun and Wang Dingliu have also settled their parents!

At this moment, An Daoquan saw Song Jiang walking briskly and looking radiant. He knew that Song Jiang was not sick at all, and that Yang Lin was just deceiving him!

But Yang Lin and Zhang Shun did indeed stand up for him and kill Zhang Wang and Sun Wu. Although he was somewhat unwilling, he had no choice but to accept his fate. He also realized that if Yang Lin and Zhang Shun hadn't killed those two villains, he would probably have lost his life if Yang Lin and the others had left, given the villains' vengeful nature.

Having already boarded the pirate ship, he sighed inwardly, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and said, "An Daoquan greets Clerk!"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Dr. An, you're being too polite. Don't worry, Liangshan is not a den of thieves, and Dr. An will surely be remembered in history!"

An Daoquan felt that Song Jiang's words were a bit exaggerated, but he didn't want to offend him, so he could only smile and accept it!

Song Jiang knew that An Daoquan was skeptical, and he chuckled inwardly, but didn't say anything aloud. He turned to Zhang Shun and said, "Brother Zhang Shun, I've been waiting for you for so long!

Zhang Shun was somewhat flattered, not expecting to be valued so much by Song Jiang, but he could also sense Song Jiang's sincerity rather than pretense!

Zhang Shun said with emotion, "Brother, what have I done to deserve such high regard from you!"

Song Jiang said, "Others may not know your abilities, brother, but I certainly do!"

Zhang Shun was moved to tears. He was just a river bandit, only slightly better at swimming. He had only wanted to go to Liangshan to see what it was like, but he never expected Song Jiang to think so highly of him!

Zhang Shun knelt down and said, "Brother, Zhang Shun is willing to serve you faithfully, like a dog or a horse!"

Song Jiang quickly helped Zhang Shun up, saying, "We are brothers, let's not talk about life and death like this!"

While there's some debate about whether Lu Junyi was the best horseman in the Water Margin (he lost to Li Zhu, and there's no record of Li Zhu using Taoist magic), Zhang Shun was undoubtedly the best in the world when it came to water skills!

To be able to swim forty or fifty miles on the surface of the water and lie submerged for seven days and seven nights is even more impressive than some amphibians!

Of course, Shi Nai'an may have exaggerated some of his records, but Zhang Shun never suffered a defeat in naval battles. He was invincible in every attack and every battle!

Flooding Li Kui, capturing Huang Wenbing alive, fighting against Tong Guan's five hundred soldiers single-handedly, and so on—the list goes on and on!

More importantly, Zhang Shun was extremely loyal and well-acquainted with all the brothers. He also saved Song Jiang from danger several times!

None of these things have happened yet, but that doesn't affect Song Jiang's fondness for Zhang Shun!

After thinking for a moment, Song Jiang said, "I plan to establish the Dragon King Camp, and Brother Zhang Shun, you will be in command. I hope you can build the strongest navy in the world!"

Zhang Shun was overjoyed and bowed, saying, "Zhang Shun will certainly live up to your high expectations, brother!"

The people around were quite surprised. Zhang Shun was a newcomer, yet Song Jiang valued him so much, appointing him as a commander without having accomplished anything!

Despite their surprise, no one had any other thoughts about Song Jiang's appointment!

It's not because Song Jiang was the leader of Liangshan, but because he never misjudged anything!

However, the three Nguyen brothers also harbored competitive thoughts and were determined to test their swimming skills against Zhang Shun in the water when the opportunity arose!

If Song Jiang knew, he would definitely raise his hand in support; healthy competition is something he has always wanted to see!

Seeing that Zhang Shun seemed to have something to say, Song Jiang said, "Brother, please speak frankly!"

Zhang Shun nodded and said, "I have an older brother named Zhang Heng, also known as 'Boat Fire,' who makes a living on the Xunyang River. If you don't mind, brother, I'd be happy to invite you to join me on the mountain!"

Zhang Shun was actually embarrassed to say this. His older brother, Zhang Heng, was really a good-for-nothing with a bad reputation. But he had found a good place to go by joining Liangshan. He couldn't just sit idly by and watch his brother rob money on the river!

Without hesitation, Song Jiang decisively replied, "In that case, I'd like to trouble you, my brother, to write a letter to Brother Zhang Heng and invite him to come along!"

Is Zhang Heng a villain? Without a doubt! But according to Song Jiang's understanding, Zhang Heng was merely putting on a show with Zhang Shun on the river, and his hands were not stained with blood. In that case, why not give Zhang Shun some face and invite him to come to Liangshan together?

Upon hearing Song Jiang's prompt reply, Zhang Shun exclaimed excitedly, "I'll go write a letter to my brother right away!"

After Zhang Shun left, Song Jiang walked towards Wang Dingliu!

Wang Dingliu was somewhat uneasy, as his martial arts skills were really not up to par, and he didn't have any special skills!

Song Jiang knew that Wang Dingliu's martial arts skills were completely mediocre, but he had two extremely important qualities: first, his loyalty to Song Jiang; and second, his initiative to join Liangshan!

Seeing Wang Dingliu's unease, Song Jiang laughed and said, "Brother Dingliu, don't be nervous. You can practice your martial arts if you're not good enough, but I value loyalty even more!"

Wang Dingliu felt a warmth in his heart and knelt on the ground, saying, "I am willing to go through fire and water for my brother!"

Song Jiang patted Wang Dingliu on the shoulder and said, "You will take over Brother Zhu Fu's inn for now. Learn martial arts in your spare time. Once you've improved, I'll arrange for a personal attendant to be by your side!"

Wang Dingliu was overjoyed, and Song Jiang smiled and gestured for Wang Dingliu to step back!

Just then, a soldier from the first squad arrived. Seeing that the room was full of people, he swallowed the words he was about to say.

Seeing that he was one of the patrolmen, Song Jiang said, "Speak frankly if you have something to say."

The man bowed and said, "Reporting to brother, a boat just arrived at the water pavilion. Two old men disembarked with two children, saying they are looking for you."

Song Jiang nodded and asked, "Did they give their names?"

The man said, "The old man said his name was Yang Zhong, and the child's name was Yang Zaixing. Another old man said his name was Luo Zhong, and the child's name was Luo Yanqing."

Song Jiang was overjoyed and shouted, "All leaders, come with me! We will go to greet them personally!"

On the Golden Beach, Song Jiang saw two old men standing there, with two children standing beside them. The two old men were probably in their fifties, but they looked energetic and spirited, with relaxed expressions on their faces, just like kind-hearted old men.

However, Song Jiang dared not underestimate these two old men. Their powerful aura was so oppressive that it made people afraid to look them in the eye. They were definitely extraordinary masters.

Song Jiang hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "It is an honor to have you two seniors here. I have failed to greet you properly."

Yang Zhong raised his hand and smiled, "No need for formalities, clerk. I am here on the young master's orders. I hope you will take good care of me in the future."

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Senior, you're too kind. From now on, Liangshan will be your home. Now that you're back home, please don't stand on ceremony with me."

Luo Zhong also laughed and said, "We're getting old. We hope you'll take care of us in our old age."

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Senior, you are in great spirits, far surpassing me, a junior. Please don't say you're old. Of course, once you're at Liangshan, treat it like your own home. If you need anything from me, just ask."

Wu Yong also spoke up, saying, "We have prepared a banquet, and we hope that you two seniors will attend."

The two men smiled and nodded, then pulled Yang Zaixing and Luo Yanqing along with Song Jiang.

Others might think Song Jiang's words were somewhat hypocritical, but in fact, Song Jiang's respect for these two men was genuine, not pretentious. In ancient times, it was a great honor for a family to produce a military talent. However, a general must be prepared to die for his country. If he died on the battlefield, who would inherit his family's martial arts skills? They couldn't be lost!

In China, family martial arts or skills are generally passed down to men, not women. This is because women eventually get married, and their skills might be learned by their sons-in-law, which would be equivalent to passing them on to outsiders. However, if the inheritor dies unexpectedly, the skill is lost.

Therefore, to avoid such a thing from happening, under normal circumstances, a loyal and reliable person would be found and adopted as a son. Of course, some people would not want to be adopted sons and would only want to be called master and servant. However, they are often irreplaceable in terms of loyalty. In order to prevent the family's martial arts from being lost, the head of the family would pass them on. If he had something to do or was on the frontier battlefield, he would have them teach his son or heir. Of course, some heads of families would keep a secret technique to teach themselves as a precaution. But if they unfortunately died for their country, the secret technique might be lost.

When Luo Cheng died, Luo Tong was only three years old. His martial arts skills were taught by his servants and Qin Qiong, and he also had a family-inherited spear manual. However, no matter how he used the unique skill of the Returning Spear, he could not do it as well as Luo Cheng. His Throat-Locking Spear was also far inferior to Luo Cheng's. Therefore, although Luo Tong became the Second Route Marshal at the age of thirteen and swept through the northern frontier, in terms of martial arts, he was far inferior to Luo Cheng.

Although these two old men were servants, they had been taught the Luo family spear and Yang family spear techniques many years ago, and their martial arts skills were already first-rate. However, what Song Jiang admired more was not their martial arts skills, but their loyalty and unyielding spirit. They never abandoned their master, whether in times of glory or in times of adversity.

Loyalty—two simple words, yet not so easy to achieve. From the nation to the family, those who can be loyal are all worthy of respect.

At the dinner table, Song Jiang insisted that Luo Zhong and Yang Zhong sit in the main seats. The two old men were somewhat flattered. If Song Jiang's words at the beginning made them feel the praise they hadn't heard in a long time, now they could truly feel Song Jiang's heartfelt respect for them, rather than just putting on an act.

After much refusal, he couldn't resist Song Jiang's insistence and had to sit down. Song Jiang and Wu Yong sat with him, Liu Tang and Bian Xiang sat at the lower table, and the three Ruan brothers, Zhang Shun, Li Kui and others sat at another table.

The wine had already been served, and the dishes were being served slowly. Song Jiang filled his cup with wine, raised his bowl, and toasted Yang Zhong and Luo Zhong, saying, "These two seniors are honored guests whom I could not invite even if I tried. It is truly an honor to meet you today."

Yang Zhong and Luo Zhong couldn't remember the last time they had received such courtesy. Especially Luo Zhong, whose ancestors, Luo Cheng and his family, were once very powerful in the Tang Dynasty. By the Song Dynasty, the Luo family had indeed declined. Although they weren't exactly destitute, compared to their glorious Tang Dynasty days, it was like heaven and earth. Seeing Song Jiang's respect for him, Luo Zhong's eyes welled up with tears. He didn't say anything, picked up his bowl, and drank it all in one gulp. Unexpectedly, the wine was too strong, and he coughed from the choking.

Yang Zhong shook his head with a smile, patted Luo Zhong on the back with one hand, and picked up the bowl with the other and drank it all in one gulp. He hadn't expected that he would underestimate the strength of the liquor, and he started coughing as soon as it went down his throat.

Wu Yong laughed and said, "The two seniors are not used to this wine for the first time. This is wine brewed by my elder brother. It is stronger and more mellow than any wine outside."

Yang Zhong took a sip of tea to calm himself before speaking, "I'm getting old, I'm no longer useful."

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Senior is still vigorous despite his old age; may he live to be a hundred years old."

Everyone laughed, and the dinner began in this pleasant atmosphere.

Having learned from their previous experience, Yang Zhong and Luo Zhong drank less aggressively than before. However, the straightforwardness of warriors meant they never refused a toast, and all the leaders of Liangshan came over to offer them a round of drinks, keeping the two old men's faces full of smiles.

After several rounds of drinks, Yang Zhong, holding a bowl of wine, approached Song Jiang and said, "Clerk, at first I didn't understand why the young master sent us to Liangshan. Although we weren't rich, we were at least able to eat our fill, until the young master's accident..."

Song Jiang stood up, smiling as he picked up the bowl. Yang Zhong pressed down on Song Jiang's hand holding the bowl and continued, "Young Master has always praised your great benevolence and righteousness. At first, I didn't believe it, but only today do I realize that Young Master's words are too mild. Clerk is truly a man of unparalleled benevolence and righteousness."

Song Jiang felt as if the hand pressing on his shoulder was an iron chain binding him, and he could not break free at all. He secretly admired the old man's skill.

"Young Master Sun, please come here." Yang Zhong called out to Yang Zaixing.

Yang Zaixing put down the bowl in his hand and walked over happily.

"Young Master Sun, I trust your judgment," Yang Zhong said solemnly.

Yang Zaixing nodded, looking at the person in front of him with excitement. He was not tall, not fair-skinned, and not handsome, but his uncle praised him highly.

"Zaixing, from now on Liangshan will be your home, so don't be shy," Song Jiang said happily, looking at the child in front of him.

This is a future super general!

Luo Zhong also brought Luo Yanqing over and said with a smile, "Clerk, you can't show favoritism."

Looking at the slightly flushed child before him, Song Jiang smiled and said, "You will be the pillars of Liangshan in the future. Do you have the confidence to shoulder this heavy responsibility?"

Looking at the two children nodding solemnly, Song Jiang smiled from the bottom of his heart. In terms of martial arts in a one-on-one fight, Luo Yanqing might be slightly better; the Luo family spear technique was ruthless, sharp, and wide-ranging, using offense as defense. But when it came to charging into battle, Yang Zaixing was undoubtedly superior, having made many contributions after joining Yue Fei's army. And now these two generals, no less than, or even surpassing, the Five Tiger Generals of Liangshan, were all on his side. How could Song Jiang not be happy?

"Starting tomorrow, you can focus on your martial arts training. If you need anything, just tell Mr. Wu."

After thinking for a moment, Song Jiang added, "For a general, charging into battle is only one aspect. I hope that Zaixing and Yanqing can study military strategy diligently in their spare time to improve themselves so that they can take charge on their own in the future."

Yang Zhong and Luo Zhong were overjoyed. If they still couldn't tell how much Song Jiang liked these two youngsters, then they would have lived in vain for all these years.

The two little ones answered, pretending to be mature for their age, "Okay." Everyone present laughed.