Chapter 108: Negotiation

Li Wenqing's face changed, and he hurriedly said:

"Stronghold Chief, your words are mistaken!"

"In these troubled times, only by relying on the Imperial Court can we preserve peace in one region."

"Could it be that Stronghold Chief wants to rebel?"

Lin Xiaodong laughed loudly, his voice full of contempt, saying:

"Rebel?"

"I, Lin Xiaodong, was a commander of the previous dynasty's imperial guards, loyal and righteous through the generations—how could I commit such treason?"

"It's just that the Imperial Court is corrupt and incompetent, oppressing the people; we simply refuse to aid a tyrant."

Li Wenqing's face grew even uglier; he hadn't expected Lin Xiaodong to be so unbending.

He looked to Jiang Xiaomu for help, hoping he would say something.

Jiang Xiaomu had been quietly observing Lin Xiaodong; he had already investigated Lin Xiaodong's background and knew he was not one who sought wealth and status.

His becoming a bandit was not for himself, but to protect his brothers and the local populace.

"Stronghold Chief," Jiang Xiaomu said gently.

"I know you are not a person who seeks wealth and status."

"Everything you have done is for your brothers and for the people."

"Now the Imperial Court is corrupt, the people cannot make a living; your actions are indeed a helpless measure."

Lin Xiaodong's eyes flashed with surprise; he hadn't expected Jiang Xiaomu to see through his thoughts at a glance.

Jiang Xiaomu continued:

"But, Stronghold Chief, have you ever considered."

"Hiding in this stronghold, how many people can you really protect? What can you actually change?"

"What do you mean?"

Lin Xiaodong asked in a low voice.

Jiang Xiaomu smiled faintly, his tone still gentle, saying:

"Now there are only two paths to take."

"First, submit to the Imperial Court; the Court is now widely recruiting talent."

"With your abilities, becoming a marquis and premier is no problem."

"High office, generous salary, riches and honor are within easy reach."

"Second, disband the stronghold, let the brothers go their separate ways, return to farming, and live ordinary lives."

"That way, you can also avoid the Imperial Court's pursuit and suppression."

The hall fell silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Li Wenqing also froze; he hadn't expected Jiang Xiaomu to propose such a suggestion.

Lin Xiaodong pondered for a moment, his sharp eyes fixed on Jiang Xiaomu, and asked in a low voice:

"Why should I trust your words?"

Jiang Xiaomu smiled, composed, and said:

"The Big Boss may choose not to believe."

"But have you considered how long this stronghold could hold out if the Imperial Court's army surrounds and attacks it?"

"Once the supply lines are cut, without the troops even lifting a finger, this stronghold will collapse on its own."

"How many of your brothers could possibly walk out of these mountains alive?"

Lin Xiaodong fell silent; Jiang Xiaomu was right.

Although the Imperial Court's army is corrupt, it is numerous and well-equipped.

This little stronghold simply cannot withstand the Imperial Court's army laying siege.

He looked at the brothers around him; they followed him through life and death, isn't it just to have enough food and warm clothing, to live a stable life?

"If I submit to the Imperial Court, will the Court truly forgive past offenses?"

Lin Xiaodong's voice was low, tinged with hesitation.

Jiang Xiaomu nodded confidently and said:

"I can guarantee it with my life; as long as the Stronghold Chief sincerely submits, the Imperial Court will surely treat you well."

Lin Xiaodong was still hesitating. He was not one who feared death, but he could not let go of his brothers in the stronghold.

"Big Boss, I trust Jiang Xiaomu's character."

Li Wenqing also spoke up to persuade:

"In these troubled times, only by relying on the strong can one preserve oneself."

"Submitting to the Imperial Court is our only way out."

Lin Xiaodong looked at Li Wenqing, then at Jiang Xiaomu, finally let out a long sigh, and said:

"I have so many brothers under me who follow me to earn a living; I owe them an explanation!"

"As for the amnesty, I need to think it over."

Jiang Xiaomu did not press Lin Xiaodong further; some people need time to digest, especially someone like Lin Xiaodong who bears the lives of many brothers.

He stood up, clasped his hands, and said:

"Stronghold Chief, I have troubled you long enough today; I will take my leave."

"Please give it careful thought, Stronghold Chief; I, Jiang, will await good news."

Lin Xiaodong nodded, as a response.

Seeing this, Li Wenqing also hurriedly rose to take his leave.

Two people walked out of Ju Yi Ting and descended the rugged mountain path.

Li Wenqing couldn't suppress the doubt in his heart and asked:

"Mr. Jiang, do you really think Lin Xiaodong will accept the amnesty?"

Jiang Xiaomu's lips twitched into a mysterious smile; he did not answer directly, but instead countered:

"What do you think, Sir Li?"

Li Wenqing pondered for a moment, then said:

"In my view, Lin Xiaodong is not one who fears death and clings to life; he merely worries about the safety of his brothers."

"Now the Imperial Court is powerful; Heifengzhai will sooner or later be conquered."

"Rather than suffer the annihilation of the entire force, it is better to accept the amnesty, which can also preserve their lives."

"What Sir Li says is absolutely correct."

Jiang Xiaomu lightly echoed his agreement.

Li Wenqing asked again:

"But, Mr. Jiang, why are you so certain Lin Xiaodong will accept the amnesty? What confidence do you have?"

Jiang Xiaomu stopped, turned his head to look at Li Wenqing, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, and said slowly:

"Sir Li, I have observed Lin Xiaodong's appearance; though he looks rough, his mind is actually meticulous."

"He is no reckless brute, nor the sort of fool who would endanger his brothers' lives for the sake of so-called righteousness."

"The reason he hesitates is that he needs a way out."

"And I happen to have given him that way out."

Li Wenqing suddenly understood, and couldn't help but admire Jiang Xiaomu's insight.

Returning to Xian Ya, Li Wenqing immediately wrote a letter, detailing today's meeting with Lin Xiaodong and Jiang Xiaomu's analysis, and reported it thoroughly to Prefect Zhao.

At the same time, inside Heifengzhai, Lin Xiaodong sat alone in Ju Yi Ting, tightly gripping a wine cup in his hand, yet

he could not drink a sip.

He is no fool; he naturally understands the meaning behind Jiang Xiaomu's words.

The Imperial Court's great army presses the border; the stronghold's situation is perilously critical.

To continue resisting will only lead to a dead end.

Accepting the amnesty might be the only way out.

"Big brother, what are you thinking about?"

A rough voice interrupted Lin Xiaodong's thoughts.

Lin Xiaodong looked up and saw his trusted second-in-command, Second Boss Zhang Hu.

"Second brother, what do you think we should do?"

Lin Xiaodong set down the wine cup and asked in a heavy tone.

Zhang Hu walked over to Lin Xiaodong's side, sat down, and said in a low voice:

"Big brother, the brothers all trust you; whatever you decide, we will follow."

Lin Xiaodong gave a bitter laugh and said:

"But I really don't know what to do."

Zhang Hu patted Lin Xiaodong's shoulder and comforted him:

"Big brother, don't overthink it; no matter what you decide, the brothers will support you."

Lin Xiaodong looked at Zhang Hu, his eyes full of gratitude.

"Second brother, what do you think the brothers would think if we accepted the amnesty?"

Lin Xiaodong asked.

Zhang Hu pondered for a moment, then said:

"If we can accept the amnesty and live peaceful lives, the brothers will naturally be happy."

Lin Xiaodong nodded slightly, his heart easing a bit.