Chapter 109 A Glimmer of Light in the Dark
Yang Chang fought with Lu Zhishen for more than twenty rounds, and the wine he had just drunk had turned into sweat.

Hua Heshang was strong and agile. Yang Chang used [Power of a Tiger] in conjunction with his spear and stick skills, but not only could he not gain any advantage, he was even at a disadvantage. Fortunately, he had [Centipede Step] to maintain coordination, otherwise he would not have been able to fight him back and forth.

There was a muffled sound.

Yang Chang raised his stick and tried to block the heavy blow from the Zen stick, then dodged to the side and raised his fists.

"Master, your martial arts skills are amazing. I am ashamed of myself. It is better to stop here."

"Haha, you can stop, it feels so good."

Lu Zhishen swung his weapon and thrust the staff into the ground like a knife. He then turned to look at Wu Song and praised him, "Captain Wu, your brother is really good. I didn't hear you say he was such a good fighter."

"Haha, it's my first time seeing this too."

Wu Song smiled awkwardly, then looked at Yang Chang with a puzzled look.

I thought to myself, I know your abilities best. I taught you martial arts in Yanggu before, but your performance was only mediocre. How come you made such rapid progress in just two years?
He knew how capable Lu Zhishen was, and he also knew that Yang Chang was not a martial arts genius, so he found it incredible.

Wu Song has been hanging around in the streets since he was young. He had to endure countless beatings and practice for days and months before he acquired these extraordinary skills. How could someone go from nothing to something in just two years?

Wu Song was happy about the change in his brother. He might have had supernatural powers because he drank his father's "medicinal wine". Could it be that he had other adventures in the past two years?

Yang Chang understood Wu Song's confusion, and when he saw Song Jiang leading Hua Rong and others to surround him, he knew that if he didn't make up a reason, it would end badly, so he smiled and scratched his head and laughed at himself.

"Master, don't praise me. I am just a little brother in front of you. I fight with brute force. But in the past two years in Liangshan, I have received a lot of guidance from Master Lin. Now I am more like a decent fighter. It's really not worth mentioning."

"Master Lin? Lin Chong? Hahaha."

Lu Zhishen was stunned when he heard this, then he raised his head and laughed, "This is really a coincidence, Lin Chong and I are also brothers, and our friendship is the same as you and Wu Dutou."

"Leopard Head Lin Chong"

Wu Song frowned and muttered to himself, thinking, is it because he doesn't know how to teach others? Or maybe Sanlang is really a promising young man? He will ask him for advice when he has the chance.

Seeing him lower his head in deep thought, Lu Zhishen strode over and added, "My brother's martial arts are unfathomable. I have sparred with him many times and have been defeated. I will bring you to meet him when I have the chance."

"It's a deal!" Wu Song nodded vigorously, and then looked at Yang Chang and sighed: "As expected of you, you are the instructor of the 800,000 imperial guards. Just a little guidance from Sanlang has made his martial arts advance by leaps and bounds."

The people watching nearby were all stunned at first, but when they heard the conversation between the three people, they realized it was related to Lin Chong, and then they showed expressions of sudden enlightenment. Only Gui Cao, who was holding the knife, had a bitter look on his face, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings, as if a spice cabinet had been overturned.

It's really frustrating to compare yourself to others. The master only gave this guy some pointers, and he could fight Master Lu to a draw? I have learned spears and sticks from him for several years, but I can't even take a few moves from Yang Zhi, let alone fight Master Lu.

What went wrong?

Is it that I, Cao Zheng, have no talent?
The crowd of heroes watching did not notice Cao Zheng's expression, and they all followed Song Jiang and came forward to talk.

"Not only did he receive instruction from Master Lin, but I saw that Sanlang also practiced a lot in the back mountains. Not only was Erlang surprised by him, but even the brothers who had gathered at Liangshan were also surprised. Did you know that when they were rounding up Hu Yanzhuo last year, he captured his deputy commander alive on horseback?"

"Do you know how to fight a general? Or can you capture him alive in one move?"

With Song Jiang's help, Wu Song was surprised again. Yang Chang still smiled and responded modestly: "In fact, it was all luck at that time. Han Tuanlian didn't know how strong I was, so he was careless and was pulled off the horse."

"Haha, luck is also a skill."

Song Jiang nodded slightly to Yang Chang, then looked at Lu Zhishen and Wu Song and said, "The banquet in the tent is only halfway through. Are you two brothers enjoying the wine and meat? Do you want to go back and continue?"

"I'm hungry from fighting, so of course I have to go back and continue. Let's go, go, go."

Lu Zhishen touched his belly, and after saying this, he was the first to take the lead and stride forward, without any sense of restraint in the presence of outsiders.

Wu Song saluted Song Jiang with a fist, then walked side by side with Yang Chang.

As they walked into the tent, Wu Song stole glances at Yang Chang several times. He became more and more curious about what had happened to Yang Chang in the past two years.

Compared with the fight with Lu Zhishen just now, the additional information Song Jiang just gave made Wu Song feel even more incredible.

Yang Chang didn’t know how to ride a horse in Yanggu. Now he can not only ride a horse but also fight against generals, and not only can he ride a horse but also fight against generals and capture the enemy.

Song Jiang's praise was simple and clear, and Yang Chang's answer was also understated. Everyone's focus was on the fight just now.

Wu Song, however, focuses on something different from others. He has worked his way up from the bottom of society and knows that acquiring every skill is not easy.

Combat on foot and combat on horseback are two different concepts. Most of the skills learned by the gangsters cannot be fully applied on horseback.

To treat the horse as a part of the body and use the horse's strength to fight, one needs to accumulate experience through actual combat before one can achieve the state of unity between man and horse.

While serving as a captain in Yanggu, Wu Song tried to fight on horseback, but gave up after a few attempts.

His skills as a gangster are too advanced. It would be a waste of time and effort to give up his own strengths to practice new skills. It is also not in line with his personality.

Judging from Yang Chang's answer just now, his opponent is a militia commander. In the Song Dynasty, which values ​​culture over military power, and he can serve as Hu Yanzhuo's deputy general, he must have some abilities.

It is difficult and time-consuming to transform a foot general into a cavalry general.

But Yang Chang is an exception.

This kid is weird.

Wu Song had doubts in his heart, but he did not ask in front of others.

When they rested separately at night, he rejected Song Jiang's invitation to sleep on the same bed with him and chose to reminisce with Yang Chang.

In the first month of the year, the weather is freezing cold, insects hibernate at night, and wild animals hibernate.

The night was like a pair of invisible hands, holding the tiny sparks in the barracks and protecting the tiny light on the earth.

The wine is not finished, the mouth is not opened, and the night is still long.

The two brothers met again after a long separation. After drinking, they went back to the tent room and sat cross-legged on the couch facing each other.

They looked at each other in the dim light and expressed their worldly concerns.

"My second brother has lost weight."

"There is plenty of wine and meat on Erlong Mountain, but unfortunately I don't have the appetite I had before. Sanlang has grown a lot stronger and is much fairer than when he was in Yanggu."

"The food in Liangshan is good, and there's not too much to do, so..."

"With Brother Gongming taking care of you, I think things should be fine, but it's a pity that you still became a bandit."

After some greetings and reminiscing, the sense of alienation after a long separation gradually dissipated, and was replaced by deep brotherly affection.

Wu Song was about to ask Yang Chang about his change when he suddenly looked embarrassed, but soon regained his composure and brought up the heavy topic.

"Brother, there is something I want to tell you."

"Ok?"

"Two months ago, I went to Tokyo for work and ran into my sister-in-law and Pan Jinlian on Imperial Street."

"Is that whore really in Tokyo?"

After Yang Chang mentioned Pan Jinlian, he immediately lowered his head and did not look at Wu Song. Sure enough, Wu Song became excited after hearing it.

He turned his head slightly to observe, and saw that Wu Song's face was full of coldness. The hair hanging down in front of his forehead could not hide the murderous look in the corners of his eyes. His fists were reflected red by the firelight, like a Shura sitting at the head of the bed.

"Sanlang is kindhearted by nature and would never kill someone in public. Is this whore working as a prostitute in Tokyo?"

"Second brother understands me. I had things to do at the time, so I didn't want to cause trouble. Besides, Pan Jinlian didn't become a prostitute. She was sent to Tokyo by Ximen Qing, but I don't know whether it was Yang Jian or Cai Jing who accepted her. She usually made buns for the nobles."

"What?" Wu Song frowned when he heard the word "dumpling" and punched the edge of the couch with a dull sound.

After a moment of silence, he said in a cold voice: "I have investigated Ximen Qing before. He is related to a businessman named Chen in Tokyo, and that in-law is related to Yang Jian. This whore caused her brother to die tragically, but she is living happily in Tokyo. It's really hateful!"

"elder brother."

Yang Chang looked at Wu Song and swallowed his saliva, then added carefully: "Not only did I not kill her, I also left the recipe for the buns. I really couldn't bear to see Wu Ji's buns have a bad reputation. If you are angry, hit me twice."

"Hmm?" Wu Song stared at him for a long time, and finally shook his head and replied: "Why should I hit Sanlang? How can that whore make dumplings? Brother, you taught me everything in the beginning. Now that I am dead, why bother to maintain those false reputations?"

He wanted to say that fame was useless, but suddenly he thought of the night in the ruined temple.

My brother cursed at me. Wasn't he misled by rumors? Wasn't he burdened by false reputation?
"It's not that I'm cold-hearted. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I gave her the formula to repay her. Now we don't owe each other anything. I also wrote down her address, which will help you find your way to revenge yourself."

"Brother, I don't blame you. I will go to Tokyo too!"

Wu Song is familiar with Yang Chang's character. He knows that he is kind by nature and will treat the evils in the world with light, so his behavior is understandable.

Without experiencing pain and torture, it is difficult to develop a heart of stone. If everyone's heart is dead, the world will be no different from purgatory.

If the world is shrouded in darkness, Yang Chang is like a firefly. Although he is too small to dispel the darkness, he refuses to become a part of it.

He became a fugitive and became a bandit in Erlong Mountain, doing a bloody business.

Only when Wu Song thought of his sworn brother Yang Chang and his kind face did he feel that he was still alive in this world.

He is a glimmer of light in the darkness, although the area he can illuminate is very small and he will also be laughed at for being stupid.

Those who go against the flow are the most respectable. How can I bear to blame them?
The world before us is so filthy and dark because there are too few people like him.

Seeing Yang Chang hanging his head, Wu Song patted his arm and changed the subject: "Let's not talk about that whore. When Sanlang looks for a woman in the future, remember what my brother told me before, to marry a virtuous woman."

"Brother, I'm already married."

"What do you say?"

Before Yang could finish his words, Wu Song jumped up and interrupted him.

This news was more shocking than hearing about Pan Jinlian.

Wu Song's exaggerated expression seemed to be saying that you are too fast and you didn't even let your brother check it.

"I got married last year, and my wife is from Hujiazhuang, Dulonggang."

"Miss Hujiazhuang? You two are a perfect match."

Wu Song was halfway through his words when he suddenly realized the location of Dulong Hill, and asked hurriedly: "I heard that Liangshan attacked Zhujiazhuang, and it seems to be at Dulong Hill in Yanggu County. Could it be your brother's wife's manor?"

"Yes." Yang Chang nodded and responded, "At that time, there was a chaos in Zhujiazhuang, and Hujiazhuang had already joined Liangshan, but unfortunately they were still killed by Li Kui."

"If that's the case, you two are a perfect match." Wu Song frowned and nodded in affirmation.

You are the wife of the bandit leader who was taken back. Don't you think you have a bright heart? Isn't it a cliché?

Wait, Sanlang is kind-hearted and not the kind of person who is impatient for sex, so why did he marry the poor girl from Hujia Village? Is there another reason?

Thinking of this, Wu Song asked, "What do your sister-in-law look like?"

"Although she is not as beautiful as the moon and flowers, she is still beautiful and dignified."

"Dignified? Just be dignified!"

"Brother, my wife is very good at martial arts, especially horse riding. I learned riding skills mainly from her."

"I was wondering where Sanlang learned horse riding. It turns out that my sister-in-law has this skill. She must be a remarkable woman to have taught you to excel. I will introduce Sun Erniang to her later."

Wu Song originally wanted to find a companion for Hu Sanniang, but he didn't remember Yang Chang's performance at the Cross Hill, so when he heard the other party's reply that there was no need, he couldn't help but blink in surprise.

Seeing Yang Chang's serious expression, Wu Song took the initiative to change the subject.

"There are many heroes on Liangshan Mountain, and I guess many of them are single. For Sanlang to marry someone like my sister-in-law, I think it must be with the strong support of Brother Gongming, right?"

"Strong support?" Yang Chang smiled bitterly, shook his head and said calmly: "This matter is not so beautiful, I fought for it myself."

Wu Song listened to Yang Chang's story about the "bride-robbing" process, and his relaxed brows furrowed again. He wondered why the beauty was the root of trouble again? He was not a hero to turn his brothers against each other because of a woman.

As soon as Yang Chang finished speaking, Wu Song frowned and said, "Although this was caused by a misunderstanding, Brother Gongming is the second in command of the stronghold after all. Even if he is wrong, he should not be embarrassed. Sanlang acted rashly in this matter."

"Sanniang is only slightly shorter than me. Her whole family was killed by Li Kui. Brother Gongming married her to Wang Aihu, who is short and ugly. Isn't this just rubbing salt into Sanniang's wounds? Besides, it was Song Taigong who invited me to be his son-in-law. Even if I offend Brother Gongming, I will never regret it!"

Yang Chang spoke so righteously that Wu Song was left speechless.

When Wu Song thought of Yang Chang's short stature, he remembered his dead brother and could not help but agree with Yang Chang's point of view that a good horse should be paired with a good saddle.

"Okay, Sanlang, don't get excited. Since the matter has been settled, you should make up for it by doing meritorious deeds. Brother, go turn off the lights and go to sleep. By the way, did your sister-in-law teach you the kung fu? Did Master Lin give you any guidance?"

"The coach only teaches me about spears and sticks. Besides my wife who often fights with me on horseback, Zhu Jieji also teaches me a lot."

"The handsome bearded man Zhu Tong whom I met this afternoon?"

"Yes, he was originally the head of the cavalry of Yuncheng, and later he was transferred to the county prison as a supervisor. I have served under him, and I was also under his command during the attack on Gaotang Prefecture."

"I see."

When Wu Song heard Yang Chang mention Zhu Tong, he was immediately relieved.

It turns out that his riding skills are not acquired in vain. He has experienced a lot of ups and downs in the past two years. It seems that he has become more diligent and hardworking after getting married.

After turning off the lights and chatting for a while, I heard a slight snoring, and then the snoring echoed each other.

The next morning, the leaders of the four mountains, Liangshan, Erlongshan, Baihushan and Taohuashan, gathered in the central army.

After Song Jiang learned about the situation in Qingzhou, Wu Yong stepped forward and said, "As the saying goes, a snake cannot survive without a head. Since we are attacking the city together, it is best to have a unified command. I suggest that we first appoint a commander-in-chief and then arrange the combat missions."

"Do I even need to choose? It can only be my master."

"Brother Gongming is the one who takes the responsibility!"

With Kong Liang and Wu Song taking the lead, Hua Rong also stood up and clasped his fists in agreement, "Brother, please agree quickly. Who else but you?"

"I"

Song Jiang had lost the limelight yesterday. Now that he is finally being praised by everyone, he has to appear embarrassed and humble.

"Since it is the popular opinion, there is no need for Village Master Song to refuse."

"Brother, be quick and save time for the fight!"

Seeing that Yang Zhi also agreed with the advice, Lu Zhishen in the front row frowned and shouted, with no intention of cooperating with Song Jiang at all.

Seeing that he couldn't pretend any longer, Song Jiang nodded with a smile and said seriously, "Since you are so kind, I will serve as the commander. Just now, Envoy Yang said that as long as Hu Yanzhuo is captured, Qingzhou City will be as easy as pouring soup on snow. Who has the confidence to fight?"

"I"

Qin Ming was about to volunteer, but before he could say anything, he was stopped by Lu Zhishen.

The big monk pointed at Yang Chang and began to recommend him seriously: "We have fought with him in turns, but we have never been absolutely sure of capturing him. Brother Yang Chang is an outstanding martial artist and has experience in capturing his deputy general. Why not let him try?"

(End of this chapter)