Chapter 494

In the Liangshan marshes, inside the Hall of Gathering Righteousness.

Although nominally still a place of "gathering righteousness," since the appearance of the Stone Stele Astral and Song Jiang firmly taking the chief seat, the atmosphere in the hall has greatly changed.

In Chao Gai's time, though there were rules and regulations, they always carried a rustic, heroic spirit;

Among the brothers, even with seating ranks, things were generally quite casual.

Now, the tiger-skin chair at the head of the hall looms ever higher above all;

The seats of the various chieftains below are strictly arranged according to the "Heavenly Stalwarts and Earthly Fiends" order ordained by the Stone Stele, without the slightest deviation.

Song Jiang sits upright above, his countenance more solemn and awe-inspiring than before, yet also faintly bearing an inescapable weariness.

His gaze sweeps over the chieftains below, lingering slightly on Wu Yong, Lin Chong, and others seated in the front left.

Wu Yong remains as ever the picture of a carefree strategist, his feather fan lightly swaying, as if everything lies within his grasp.

Lin Chong, eyes lowered to nose, nose to heart, stands silent as an iron tower, giving no hint of his thoughts.

"Brothers all."

Song Jiang cleared his throat, his voice resonant, carrying his usual sincerity.

"Since the heavens sent down the Stone Stele, it has clearly shown our celestial order, aligning with the Mandate of Heaven above and following the people's will below;

we must diligently uphold our duty of 'Acting on Heaven's Behalf,' restrain our troops, put the stronghold in order, and await the opportune moment."

He paused, then added a bit more weight to his tone.

"Lately, both inside and outside the stronghold, some unsettling talk has been spreading."

"Some doubt the heavenly will, others rashly discuss the amnesty plan, and worse, in private they still use the old 'Northward Aspiration' saying to bewitch people's hearts!"

"Such conduct deviates from the Stone Stele's clear instruction and shakes the foundation of our Liangshan!"

Song Jiang hereby issues a strict order: from today onward, everyone in the stronghold shall speak only of 'Acting on Heaven's Behalf' and must no longer mention those out‑of‑date two words 'Northward Aspiration'!

"The contents of the Martial Lecture Hall must likewise be adjusted, emphasizing lectures on loyalty and righteousness and making clear the greater situation."

"Whoever violates this order, regardless of merit or rank, shall be severely punished according to the stronghold's laws without exception!"

Upon these words, the hall's occupants reacted in various ways.

Li Kui, standing beside Song Jiang, immediately bellowed: "Big brother speaks the truth! Whoever dares to spout nonsense again, my Iron Ox's axe will be the first not to spare him!"

Hua Rong, Dai Zong, and other confidants of Song Jiang also chimed in with agreement.

Lin Chong, Ruan Xiaoer, Ruan Xiaowu, Ruan Xiaoqi, and others, though they did not voice opposition, all had their faces sink.

Lin Chong's hand resting on his knee whitened slightly at the knuckles.

Ruan Xiaoqi could not help but curl his lip; had it not been for Ruan Xiaoer beside him quietly tugging his arm, he might have been unable to restrain himself.

Wu Yong spoke up at the right moment, his tone calm and meant to soothe:

"Brother Gongming's words are absolutely correct. With the Stone Stele set and the Mandate of Heaven revealed, we ought to unite our hearts and efforts to uphold righteousness.

These few discordant voices are merely some brothers who have not yet grasped Brother's deep meaning; a little guidance will set them right.

For now, with the stronghold just settled, internal harmony is paramount."

Though his words seemed to support Song Jiang, they actually gave both sides a face‑saving way out and temporarily shielded those who still held to the 'Northward Aspiration' idea.

Song Jiang gave Wu Yong a deep look and nodded.

"The strategist's words are reasonable. I hope all brothers can appreciate my painstaking efforts and put the stronghold's greater good first."

The meeting in the Hall of Gathering Righteousness thus ended in an atmosphere of outward compliance but undercurrents surging within.

After the meeting dispersed, Lin Chong said nothing and went straight back to his quarters.

He is now the commander of the cavalry, and under him still remain some brothers who once followed him or whose hearts lean toward 'Northward Aspiration'.

But Song Jiang has also placed many of his own men among them, nominally as assistants, in reality as overseers.

Daily drills have not ceased, but their content has changed greatly: more focus on forming arrays, stressing obedience to orders, while personal martial skills, small‑unit tactical coordination, and… the 'why we fight' ideology once stressed by Elder Brother Chao Gai and Master Chen are deliberately downplayed.

"Instructor Lin."

A low voice sounded from behind him.

Lin Chong turned his head and saw it was Ruan Xiaoer.

Ruan Xiaoer gave a meaningful glance; the two walked one after the other, seemingly strolling casually, to a secluded spot by the water.

"Second Brother, you heard what was said in the hall just now."

Lin Chong gazed out over the vast waters, his voice heavy with repressed resentment.

"'Northward Aspiration' has become taboo; the Martial Lecture Hall has changed its flavor.

If this continues, the brothers' hot blood will be worn away, and they may truly become mere subjects who only wait for amnesty."

Ruan Xiaoer sighed and glanced warily around.

"Little Seven just now could barely hold himself back.

In the present situation, open opposition is certainly not a good plan.

Brother Gongming has obtained the endorsement of that Stone Stele, giving him legitimate authority;

and the Iron Crow Army is pressing hard from behind; if we confront them head‑on, we will be the ones to suffer."

"Are we really to just watch it happen?"

Lin Chong clenched his fists.

"Master Chen, before his departure, told us to endure and accumulate strength.

But now, even the very foundation of that strength is about to be dug away!"

"Not necessarily."

Ruan Xiaoer lowered his voice.

"If the open way won't work, we'll go the covert way.

"Didn't the strategist say? Just add some 'guidance'."

Within what we can control, we should still train what needs training and speak what needs speaking; we just have to be more covert.

What about Shi Dun's side—can't we still get some 'special' things from there?

Besides, Mr. Chen said he and Elder Brother Chao Gai are plotting in secret; they surely have a backup plan.

He patted Lin Chong on the shoulder.

Instructor, keep your composure. Underneath the marsh, the undercurrents are rushing.

What we must do now is hold fast to whatever strength we still can grasp, and wait for the opportunity.

Lin Chong drew a deep breath; the marsh's damp, cold air surged into his lungs, calming him somewhat.

He nodded.

I understand. I'll steady those trusted old brothers in the army.

Meanwhile, in Wu Yong's quarters.

He was alone, facing the chessboard, the black and white pieces scattered—not a normal game, but rather as if he were simulating something.

Footsteps sounded; without knocking, a figure pushed the door open—none other than the disciple of Teacher Shi Wen Gong who had surrendered from Zengtou, Zeng Tu.

But this Zeng Tu now had an indifferent gaze, and a faint, chilling aura that clashed with Liangshan emanated from him.

Military Advisor Wu, what refined taste.

'Zeng Tu' spoke in a flat tone, devoid of any emotion.

Wu Yong's hand holding a piece paused slightly, then placed it down, his usual smile appearing on his face.

So it's Teacher Zeng.

I don't know what advice you have.

Today, Chief Song's words in the hall, the military advisor also heard.

'Zeng Tu' walked to the side of the chessboard, his gaze sweeping over.

Some people obey outwardly but defy inwardly; Military Advisor, are you aware?

Wu Yong swayed his feather fan.

What do you mean by these words, Teacher Zeng?

The brothers of the stronghold are united; where does this talk of outward compliance and inward defiance come from?

We don't speak hidden words before enlightened people.

'Zeng Tu' stared at Wu Yong.

Lin Chong, the three Ruan brothers, and you, Military Advisor Wu—what schemes you harbor in your hearts may fool others, but not us.

The Iron Crow Army wants an obedient Liangshan that can smoothly proceed toward its destined fate, not a swamp harboring the 'Northward Aspiration' calamity.

Chief Song is the 'Mandate of Heaven' executor we have selected; his authority brooks no challenge.

You had best behave; otherwise… Chao Gai's fate will serve as a warning.

Wu Yong's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes grew a bit colder.

Teacher Zeng, are you threatening this humble Daoist?

This humble Daoist always puts the stronghold's overall situation first.

As for Instructor Lin and the Ruan brothers, they are pillars of the stronghold and also respect Elder Brother Gongming.

Slight differences in opinion can be gently guided; why must we be so tense?

He shifted the tone of his speech.

Moreover, the northern lands are unsettled, the Jin forces are strong, the stronghold is in need of manpower, and internal turmoil would be no blessing.

Surely the existence behind you, Sir, should also understand this reasoning.

'Zeng Tu' gave a cold snort.

We naturally understand.

But as long as you do not cross the bottom line, we can coexist peacefully for the time being.

Remember, the matter of the Jade Seal is about to be settled; this is a crucial step for Chief Song to establish the Mandate of Heaven, and it cannot afford any loss.

You… do as you see fit.

Having said that, he said no more, turned and left.

Wu Yong watched his retreating back, then glanced at the board, and slowly placed a white stone into the midst of a black group.

The Jade Seal… a crucial step?

He muttered softly, the corner of his mouth twitching with an almost imperceptible arc.

Who knows if this isn't a lethal opportunity in one move?

The night grew deep, shrouding the eight-hundred-li marsh.

The lamps in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness had long been extinguished, yet in every corner of Liangshan, differing thoughts still surged and collided in the dark night.

Song Jiang was consolidating his power and course, relying on the support of the Mandate of Heaven and the Iron Crow Army.

Lin Chong, the three Ruan brothers, and others held firm amid repression, gathering undercurrents beneath the water.

Wu Yong navigated between the two sides, placing his pieces silently.

And no one knew that a storm aimed at the so‑called symbol of the Mandate of Heaven was quietly brewing beyond East Mountain.

The undercurrents beneath the marsh have already grown ever more urgent; awaiting only a breakthrough, they will erupt explosively.