Chapter 506

The resolution of the Hall of Gathering Righteousness could not change its own gradually stagnating essence.

Literal: "The resolution of the Hall of Gathering Righteousness could not change its own gradually stagnating essence."

We need to produce natural English: "The resolution of the Hall of Gathering Righteousness could not change its own gradually stagnating nature."

But "Hall of Gathering Righteousness" is a place: Hall of Gathering Righteousness (the meeting hall). Should we translate? It's a place name with meaning. So we translate as "Hall of Gathering Righteousness". Keep as is.

Thus translation: "The resolution of the Hall of Gathering Righteousness could not change its own gradually stagnating nature."

The resolution of the Hall of Gathering Righteousness could not change its own gradually stagnating essence.

But we must keep meaning: "Lin Chong, the Ruan brothers, and others obtained that limited manpower and the right to self-govern." Use "autonomous rights". Let's produce: "Lin Chong, the Ruan brothers, and others obtained the limited troops and autonomous rights."

Literal: "Lin Chong, the Ruan brothers, etc. obtained that limited manpower and autonomous rights."

We need natural English: "Lin Chong, the Ruan brothers, and others gained the limited troops and autonomy granted."

But we must keep meaning: "Lin Chong, the Ruan brothers, and others obtained that limited manpower and the right to self-govern." Use "autonomous rights". Let's produce: "Lin Chong, the Ruan brothers, and others obtained the limited troops and autonomous rights."

But we need to be faithful: "obtained that limited manpower and autonomous rights" = "obtained that limited manpower and autonomous rights". So: "Lin Chong, the Ruan brothers, and others obtained the limited troops and autonomous rights."

We need to keep meaning: "There was not the slightest delay, nor any desire to quarrel over Song Jiang's petty scheming." Let's produce: "They experienced no delay at all, and had no intention to quarrel over Song Jiang's petty scheming."

Literal: "Not the slightest delay, nor any intention to quarrel over Song Jiang's petty schemes."

Natural: "They suffered no delay whatsoever, and had no mind to quibble over Song Jiang's petty calculations."

We need to keep meaning: "There was not the slightest delay,

They knew well that every moment of delay brought the people of the North an extra share of suffering.

Literal: "They well knew, each moment of delay, the people of the northern lands would suffer an extra bit of hardship."

Natural: "They knew well that every moment of delay meant the northern lands' people suffered one more degree of hardship."

Let's produce: "They knew full well that every moment of delay meant the people of the Northern Lands suffered an extra measure of hardship."

On the day the order was issued, the lakeside bustled with activity.

Literal: "On the day the order was issued, the shores of the marsh bustled into activity."

Natural: "On the day the order was given, the shores of the marsh came alive with activity."

We'll produce: "On the day the order was issued, the shores of the Water Marsh bustled with activity."

Ruan Xiao Er, Ruan Xiao Wu, and Ruan Xiao Qi personally inspected the war vessels, repaired the equipment, and prepared to transport troops and supplies across the lake.

Literal: "Ruan Xiaoer, Ruan Xiaowu, and Ruan Xiaoqi personally supervised the war vessels, inspected equipment, and prepared to transport troops and supplies across the lake."

Natural: "Ruan Xiaoer, Ruan Xiaowu, and Ruan Xiaoqi personally oversaw the war vessels, checked the equipment, and prepared to ferry troops and supplies across the lake."

We'll produce: "Ruan Xiaoer, Ruan Xiaowu, and Ruan Xiaoqi personally supervised the war vessels, inspected the equipment, and prepared to transport troops and supplies across the lake."

Lin Chong, together with Liu Tang, Shi Jin, and others, tallied the fifteen hundred cavalry and infantry that had been allocated, selecting those fit for battle.

Literal: "Lin Chong, meanwhile, together with Liu Tang, Shi Jin, etc., jointly tallied the 1,500 horse infantry that had been allocated, selecting those fit for battle."

Natural: "Lin Chong, together with Liu Tang, Shi Jin, and others, counted the 1,500 horse infantry that had been allotted and picked out those fit for combat."

We'll produce: "Lin Chong, together with Liu Tang, Shi Jin, and others, tallied the 1,500 horse infantry that had been allocated and selected those fit for battle."

At the same time, people were sent to post notices everywhere, recruiting brave fighters and loyal souls from the refugees of Hebei and Shandong.

Literal: "At the same time, they sent people to post notices everywhere, recruiting brave fighters and loyal souls from the Hebei and Shandong refugees."

Natural: "They also sent people to post notices far and wide, recruiting brave fighters and loyal souls among the Hebei and Shandong refugees."

We'll produce: "At the same time, they sent people to post notices far and wide, recruiting brave fighters and loyal souls from the Hebei and Shandong refugees."

However, as soon as the operation began, it encountered an invisible resistance.

Literal: "However, as soon as the action began, they encountered an invisible resistance."

Natural: "However, as soon as the operation got underway, they ran into an unseen obstacle."

We'll produce: "However, as soon as the action began, they encountered an invisible resistance."

"Instructor Lin, it's not that I, Old Peng, am unwilling to help."

Literal: "\"Instructor Lin, it's not that Old Peng refuses to do a favor. \""

"Instructor Lin, it's not that I, Old Peng, am unwilling to do a favor."

Peng Peng, the leader in charge of grain expenditures, stood before the granary with a troubled expression, spreading his hands.

Literal: "The leader in charge of grain and funds expenditure, Peng Qi, stood before the granary with a troubled face, spreading his hands."

Natural: "Peng Qi, the officer in charge of provisions, stood before the storehouse with a troubled expression, spreading his hands."

We'll produce: "Peng Qi, the officer in charge of provisions, stood before the storehouse with a troubled expression, spreading his hands."

"Elder Brother Gongming may have issued a clear order to allocate grain and fodder to your unit, but the quantity and variety must be examined layer by layer according to the stronghold's old rules before they can be drawn."

Literal: "\"Although Brother Gongming has issued a clear order to allocate rations to your unit, this quantity and variety must be examined layer by layer according to the stronghold's old rules before they can be drawn. \""

We need to keep quotes. So: "\"Although Brother Gongming has issued a clear order to allocate rations to your unit, this quantity and variety must be examined layer by layer according to the stronghold's old rules before they can be drawn. \"" We'll produce: "\"Although Brother Gongming has issued a clear order to allocate rations to your unit, this quantity and variety must be examined layer by layer according to the stronghold's old rules before they can be drawn. \""

"Now the northern borders are in chaos, the grain transport is obstructed, our stronghold is large and prosperous, and everywhere needs provisions; this grain and fodder... we really must be frugal."

Literal: "Nowadays the northern borders are in great turmoil, transport is obstructed; our stronghold is large and prosperous, everywhere needs expenses; this grain and forage... really must be carefully budgeted."

Natural: "Now the northern borders are in chaos, transport is blocked; our stronghold is big and busy, everywhere needs supplies; this grain and forage... really must be carefully budgeted."

We'll produce: "\"Now the northern borders are in chaos, transport is blocked; our stronghold is big and busy, everywhere needs supplies; this grain and forage... really must be carefully budgeted. \""

His words were flawless, yet they blocked the large batch of grain and supplies urgently needed by Lin Chong.

Literal: "His words were watertight, yet they blocked the large batch of grain and supplies that Lin Chong urgently needed."

Natural: "His words were airtight, yet they held up the large shipment of grain and supplies that Lin Chong urgently needed."

We'll produce: "His words were airtight, yet they blocked the large shipment of grain and supplies that Lin Chong urgently needed."

Stuck in the cumbersome procedures under the guise of being frugal.

Literal: "Stuck dead under the cumbersome procedures and the banner of 'careful budgeting'."

Natural: "They were bogged down in tedious procedures under the guise of 'careful budgeting'."

We'll produce: "They were bogged down in tedious procedures under the guise of 'careful budgeting'."

On the other side, the leader responsible for military equipment allocation also showed a similarly troubled expression.

Literal: "On the other side, the officer in charge of armament allocation also likewise showed a troubled expression."

Natural: "Similarly, the officer in charge of armament allocation also wore a troubled look."

We'll produce: "On the other side, the officer in charge of armament allocation also wore a troubled look."

"Instructor Lin, the strong crossbows and arrows you need are indeed in the armory, but many of them are already registered in the ledger, prepared for changing guard and daily drills."

Literal: "\"Instructor Lin, the strong crossbows and arrows you want are indeed in the storehouse, but many of them are already registered in the ledger, reserved for rotating defenses and daily drills. \""

We'll produce: "\"Instructor Lin, the strong crossbows and arrows you want are indeed in the storehouse, but many are already logged in the ledger, reserved for rotating defenses and daily drills. \""

"If we were to take all of these at once, and if other brother strongholds have needs, or if the stronghold faces an emergency, I... would have trouble explaining this."

Literal: "If we suddenly move so many of them, if other brother strongholds have need, or if the stronghold faces a sudden situation, I... would have trouble explaining."

Natural: "If we were to pull out so many at once, should other brother camps need them or the stronghold face a sudden emergency, I'd have trouble explaining."

We'll produce: "\"If we were to pull out so many at once, should other brother camps need them or the stronghold face a sudden emergency, I'd have trouble explaining. \""

In their words, the intention to shift blame was obvious.

Literal: "In the words, the intention to shirk responsibility is obvious."

Natural: "His words made his intention to shirk responsibility obvious."

We'll produce: "His words made his intention to shirk responsibility obvious."

Lin Chong's face turned ashen, his grip on the steel spear tightening again and again.

Literal: "Lin Chong's face turned dark as iron, his hand gripping the steel spear tightened again and again."

Natural: "Lin Chong's face grew grim, his grip on the steel spear tightening relentlessly."

We'll produce: "Lin Chong's face grew grim, his grip on the steel spear tightening relentlessly."

Behind him, Ruan Xiao Qi could no longer restrain himself, jumping up and shouting:

Literal: "Ruan Xiaoqi, following behind him, could no longer restrain himself, jumping and shouting:"

Natural: "Ruan Xiaoqi, behind him, could no longer hold back, jumping and shouting:"

We'll produce: "Ruan Xiaoqi, behind him, could no longer hold back, jumping and shouting:"

"Damn it! The people of the North are about to be slaughtered by the Golden Dogs, and you're still here hemmed and hawing."

Literal: "\"Damn it! The northern folk are about to be slaughtered to extinction by the Jin dogs, yet you lot are still dilly-dallying here. \""

"Damn it!"

"Golden Dogs"

Thus: "\"Damn it! The northern folk are about to be slaughtered to extinction by the Golden Dogs, yet you lot are still dilly-dallying here. \""

We'll produce: "\"Damn it! The northern folk are about to be slaughtered to extinction by the Golden Dogs, yet you lot are still dilly-dallying here. \""

"What's with the old rules and excuses! Could it be that the stronghold's regulations are more important than resisting the Jin and saving the nation?!"

"What's with the old rules and excuses! Could it be that the stronghold's regulations are more important than resisting the Jin and saving the nation?!"

We'll produce: "\"What's with the old rules and excuses! Could it be that the stronghold's regulations are more important than resisting the Jin and saving the nation?! \""

The military equipment leader's face changed, but he dared not confront Ruan Xiao Qi head-on, merely lowering his head and murmuring without speaking.

Literal: "That armament officer's face changed, yet he dared not confront Ruan Xiaoqi head-on, merely lowering his head and muttering without words."

Natural: "The armament officer's face flushed, but he dared not confront Ruan Xiaoqi, merely lowering his head and staying silent."

We'll produce: "The armament officer's face flushed, but he dared not confront Ruan Xiaoqi, merely lowering his head and staying silent."

The atmosphere froze for a moment.

Literal: "The atmosphere froze for a moment."

Natural: "The atmosphere tensed."

We'll produce: "The atmosphere tensed."

"Seventh Brother, do not be rude."

Literal: "\"Seventh Brother, cease your insolence. \""

"Seventh Brother, cease your insolence."

A steady voice came from afar.

Literal: "A calm voice came over."

Natural: "A steady voice spoke up."

We'll produce: "A steady voice spoke up."

Everyone turned to see Wu Yong lightly shaking his feather fan, walking over slowly.

Literal: "Everyone turned back, only to see Wu Yong lightly shaking his feather fan, walking over slowly."

Natural: "Everyone turned to see Wu Yong gently swaying his feather fan, walking over slowly."

We'll produce: "Everyone turned to see Wu Yong gently swaying his feather fan, walking over slowly."

He first nodded to Lin Chong, then turned his gaze to the military equipment leader, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable force:

Literal: "He first nodded at Lin Chong, then turned his gaze to the armament officer, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable force."

Natural: "He first nodded at Lin Chong, then turned to the armament officer, his tone calm but leaving no room for doubt."

We'll produce: "He first nodded at Lin Chong, then turned to the armament officer, his tone calm but leaving no room for doubt."

"Leader Wang, in extraordinary times, one must employ extraordinary measures."

Literal: "\"Officer Wang, in extraordinary times, one must employ extraordinary measures. \""

We'll produce: "\"Officer Wang, in extraordinary times, one must employ extraordinary measures. \""

"Lin Chong's northern campaign against the Jin is carried out under the orders of Elder Brother Gongming; it concerns the prestige and righteousness of our Liangshan."

Literal: "\"Instructor Lin's northern expedition to resist the Jin is carried out under Brother Gongming's orders, concerning the prestige and righteousness of our Liangshan. \""

We'll produce: "\"Instructor Lin's northern expedition to resist the Jin is carried out under Brother Gongming's orders, concerning the prestige and righteousness of our Liangshan. \""

"As for the needed military equipment, you shall allocate it according to the numbers; if there is a shortage, or if others inquire, simply say that I, the humble Daoist, have decided."

Literal: "\"For the needed armaments, you shall allocate them according to the list; if there is a shortage, or if others inquire, simply say it was I who decided. \""

We'll produce: "\"For the needed armaments, you shall allocate them according to the list; if there is a shortage, or if others inquire, simply say it was I who decided. \""

"All responsibility shall be borne by me alone."

Literal: "\"All responsibility, I shall bear alone. \""

We'll produce: "\"All responsibility, I shall bear alone. \""

His gaze swept over Peng Peng.

Literal: "His gaze swept over Peng Qi."

Natural: "His gaze swept over Peng Qi."

We'll produce: "His gaze swept over Peng Qi."

"The same applies to grain and fodder."

Literal: "\"The same goes for grain and forage. \""

We'll produce: "\"The same goes for grain and forage. \""

"Leader Peng, immediately distribute the grain and fodder according to the list given by Instructor Lin, in full, without further delay."

Literal: "\"Officer Peng, immediately issue the full amount according to Instructor Lin's list, allowing no further delay. \""

We'll produce: "\"Officer Peng, immediately issue the full amount according to Instructor Lin's list, allowing no further delay. \""

"If the storehouse lacks sufficient stock, temporarily borrow from other expenditures."

Literal: "\"If the storehouse lacks sufficient stock, temporarily borrow from other expenditures. \""

We'll produce: "\"If the storehouse lacks sufficient stock, temporarily borrow from other expenditures. \""

"The matter of the northern campaign outweighs Mount Tai."

Literal: "\"The matter of Northward Aspiration outweighs Mount Tai. \""

We'll produce: "\"The matter of Northward Aspiration outweighs Mount Tai. \""

"Wu Yong has long held prestige on Liangshan, possesses deep strategic insight, and enjoys Song Jiang's apparent trust."

Literal: "Wu Yong has long held prestige in Liangshan, his strategies deep and far-reaching, and also enjoys Song Jiang's superficial reliance."

Natural: "Wu Yong had long held sway in Liangshan, his strategies deep and far-reaching, and also enjoyed Song Jiang's superficial trust."

We'll produce: "Wu Yong had long held sway in Liangshan, his strategies deep and far-reaching, and also enjoyed Song Jiang's superficial trust."

"He personally stepped forward; although Peng Peng and the Leader Wang were reluctant in their hearts,"

Literal: "He personally stepped forward; although Peng Qi and that armament officer were unwilling in their hearts."

Natural: "He personally stepped forward; although Peng Qi and the armament officer were unwilling in their hearts."

We'll produce: "He personally stepped forward; although Peng Qi and the armament officer were unwilling in their hearts."

"they dared not openly obstruct, and had to grudgingly comply, turning away to handle the matter."

Literal: "Yet they dared not further obstruct, only grudgingly complying and turning to handle it."

Natural: "Yet they dared not further obstruct, only grudgingly complying and turning to handle it."

We'll produce: "Yet they dared not further obstruct, only grudgingly complying and turning to handle it."

"Thank you, Military Advisor, for resolving the situation."

Literal: "\"Many thanks, Military Advisor, for lifting the siege. \""

We'll produce: "\"Many thanks, Military Advisor, for lifting the siege. \""

"Lin Chong clasped his hands, his tone sincere yet tinged with a hint of complexity."

Literal: "Lin Chong clasped his fists, his tone sincere yet tinged with complexity."

Natural: "Lin Chong clasped his fists, his tone sincere yet tinged with complexity."

We'll produce: "Lin Chong clasped his fists, his tone sincere yet tinged with complexity."

"He knew well that Wu Yong's move, while certainly supportive of the northern campaign,"

Literal: "He well knew that Wu Yong's move certainly supported Northward Aspiration."

Natural: "He well knew that Wu Yong's move certainly supported Northward Aspiration."

We'll produce: "He well knew that Wu Yong's move certainly supported Northward Aspiration."

"also pushed him deeper into opposition to the Song Jiang faction."

Literal: "Yet it also pushed himself deeper into the opposing camp of the Song Jiang faction."

Natural: "Yet it also pushed him deeper into the opposing camp of the Song Jiang faction."

We'll produce: "Yet it also pushed him deeper into the opposing camp of the Song Jiang faction."

"Wu Yong smiled faintly, tapping his feather fan toward the busy dock direction."

Literal: "Wu Yong gave a slight smile, his feather fan lightly tapping toward the busy dock."

Natural: "Wu Yong gave a slight smile, his feather fan lightly pointing toward the busy dock."

We'll produce: "Wu Yong gave a slight smile, his feather fan lightly pointing toward the busy dock."

"Instructor Lin, there's no need for courtesy."

Literal: "\"Instructor Lin, why stand on ceremony? \""

We'll produce: "\"Instructor Lin, why stand on ceremony? \""

"For the same great cause, this is only proper."

Literal: "\"Since we both serve the great righteousness, this is only proper. \""

We'll produce: "\"Since we both serve the great righteousness, this is only proper. \""

"He lowered his voice."

Literal: "He lowered his voice."

Natural: "He lowered his voice."

We'll produce: "He lowered his voice."

"'Elder Brother Gongming, though in his position, also faces difficulties.'"

Literal: "\"Brother Gongming, though in that position, also has his difficulties. \""

We'll produce: "\"Brother Gongming, though in that position, also has his difficulties. \""

"Your undertaking is of great importance; it is not only for resisting the Jin, but also for our 'Northern Hope' lineage to contend for a future."

Literal: "Your undertaking is of great importance, not only for resisting the Jin, but also for our Northward Aspiration lineage, to contend for a future."

Natural: "Your undertaking is of great importance, not only for resisting the Jin, but also for our Northward Aspiration lineage, to strive for a future."

We'll produce: "\"Your undertaking is of great importance, not only for resisting the Jin, but also for our Northward Aspiration lineage, to strive for a future. \""

"In all matters, consult more with the Stone Tomb brothers."

Literal: "\"In all matters, consult more with Brother Shi Dun. \""

We'll produce: "\"In all matters, consult more with Brother Shi Dun. \""

"The Stone Tomb he spoke of now stood beside Lin Chong, silent as a mountain; hearing this, he merely gave a slight nod."

Literal: "The Shi Dun he spoke of, at this moment standing beside Lin Chong, silent as a mountain, upon hearing this merely gave a slight nod."

Natural: "The Shi Dun he spoke of stood beside Lin Chong, silent as a mountain, and merely gave a slight nod upon hearing this."

We'll produce: "The Shi Dun he spoke of stood beside Lin Chong, silent as a mountain, and merely gave a slight nod upon hearing this."

"With Wu Yong's strong intervention, the allocation of grain and military equipment finally proceeded smoothly."

Literal: "With Wu Yong's strong intervention, the allocation of grain and armaments finally proceeded smoothly."

Natural: "With Wu Yong's strong intervention, the allocation of grain and armaments finally proceeded smoothly."

We'll produce: "With Wu Yong's strong intervention, the allocation of grain and armaments finally proceeded smoothly."

"Yet the invisible rift within the stronghold has become clearly visible."

Literal: "But that intangible rift within the stronghold had already become clearly visible."

Natural: "But the intangible rift within the stronghold had already become clearly visible."

We'll produce: "But the intangible rift within the stronghold had already become clearly visible."

"Those leaders supporting the northern campaign against the Jin include Liu Tang and Bai Sheng from the former Chao Gai faction, as well as the upright Shi Jin and Mu Hong."

Literal: "The leaders supporting the northern expedition to resist the Jin, such as Liu Tang and Bai Sheng from the former Chao Gai's old unit, the upright Shi Jin and Mu Hong."

Natural: "The leaders supporting the northern expedition to resist the Jin included Liu Tang and Bai Sheng from Chao Gai's old unit, as well as the upright Shi Jin and Mu Hong."

We'll produce: "The leaders supporting the northern expedition to resist the Jin included Liu Tang and Bai Sheng from Chao Gai's old unit, as well as the upright Shi Jin and Mu Hong."

"Also, many mid- and lower-level leaders who are deeply disappointed with the path of surrender have flocked to Lin Chong, offering manpower or contributing private savings."

Literal: "And some mid- and lower-level leaders who deeply despaired of the surrender path flocked to Lin Chong, either offering manpower or contributing private savings."

Natural: "And some mid- and lower-level leaders who had lost faith in the surrender path flocked to Lin Chong, either offering manpower or contributing private savings."

We'll produce: "And some mid- and lower-level leaders who had lost faith in the surrender path flocked to Lin Chong, either offering manpower or contributing private savings."

"Meanwhile, Song Jiang's direct followers, such as Li Kui, Hua Rong, and Dai Zong,"

Literal: "While Song Jiang's direct line, such as Li Kui, Hua Rong, and Dai Zong, etc."

Natural: "Meanwhile, Song Jiang's direct line—Li Kui, Hua Rong, and Dai Zong, etc. —"

We'll produce: "Meanwhile, Song Jiang's direct line—Li Kui, Hua Rong, and Dai Zong, etc. —"

"are clearly distant; even when they occasionally meet, they do so with a measure of politeness and a cold detachment."

Literal: "were clearly aloof; even occasional contact carried a hint of polite coldness."

Natural: "were clearly aloof; even occasional contact carried a hint of polite coldness."

We'll produce: "were clearly aloof; even occasional contact carried a hint of polite coldness."

Moreover, some leaders whose attitudes had been ambiguous, such as Lu Junyi, chose to shut their doors and not come out, neither helping nor being helped.

Liangshanpo, this once seemingly monolithic rebel group.

Under the catalysis of enormous external pressure, pre-existing internal ideological divisions quickly turned into actual factional opposition.

Led by Song Jiang, the faction that advocates joining the False Song regime through amnesty to seek 'legitimacy' and 'prospects' is the 'Surrender Faction'.

Still controls the stronghold's main power organs, most of its manpower, and the lifeline of grain and supplies.

And its core consists of Lin Chong and Wu Yong (covertly).

Raising the 'Northward Aspiration' banner, they advocate independence and resolute resistance to foreign invaders as the 'Northward Aspiration Faction'.

Then, through Shi Dun's networking and the support of some mid-level leaders, a force not to be underestimated quietly coalesces.

Roughly speaking,

Clear or leaning toward the 'Northward Aspiration Faction' already approaches forty percent of Liangshan's total forces.

They control part of the naval forces, several important forward outposts, and a lofty, unyielding will to resist the Jin.

In the deep night, within a hidden valley somewhere in Shandong, the newly expanded 'Northward Aspiration' secret base blazes with lights.

Chen Wen listened to Shi Dun's detailed report, his face showing no surprise.

He stood before a huge map of Shandong and Hebei, his gaze profound.

"Song Jiang's move is no surprise.

"He both wants to use others to kill, is reluctant to give up his children, and still wishes to preserve his 'Timely Rain' reputation for righteousness."

Chen Wen's tone was calm, giving no hint of joy or anger.

"The troops he gave us, facing the Jin cavalry, are undoubtedly a drop in the bucket.

But this is precisely our opportunity.

Chao Gai stood beside him, his burly frame casting a huge shadow in the light.

He slapped his thigh hard, his voice booming:

"Mr. Chen is right! With these troops, we can finally let loose and act!

We needn't endure Song Jiang and the Iron Crow Army's nonsense!

We'll recruit and equip ourselves, and under the banner of 'Northward Aspiration' we'll fight the Jin dogs with real swords and spears!

Chen Wen nodded, his finger pointing to Liangshanpo on the map.

"Liangshan has become a stagnant pool, trapped by the Iron Crow Army's 'script' and Song Jiang's selfishness.

But we cannot now break with it completely.

He looked at Shi Dun and Chao Gai.

"The Liangshan name still carries some sway among the greenwood; even if only a trickle of its vast resources can be siphoned off, it is vital to our early development.

What's more, breaking now would only hurt loved ones, please enemies, and waste our anti‑Jin strength for nothing.

His thinking was clear and calm.

"Issue the order: the 'Northward Aspiration Faction' will, in name, still honor Song Jiang as Liangshan's chief and obey the stronghold's commands—at least outwardly.

Instructor Lin will go north, still flying the Liangshan banner, but the core must firmly establish the 'Northward Aspiration' ideology.

"We will use the Liangshan signboard as cover while developing our own strength in parallel.

We must accelerate base construction, open the Martial Arts Academy immediately, and have the first batch of cadres promptly undergo the 'Ability Granting' initiation and rigorous training.

The 'Ability Granting' he spoke of is the external name for Ability Granting.

"As for provisions, we will continue to extract them from Liangshan on one hand, and on the other open our own channels.

Qian Gui will fully assist on his end.

"When we have secured a foothold in the north, made our name known, and the world knows 'Northward Aspiration' but not Liangshan or Song Jiang, that will be our true independence.

Chen Wen's eyes flashed with resolute light.

"By then, popular opinion will settle the matter of hearts.

Shi Dun replied in a deep voice:

"Understood.

As for Instructor Lin, I will ensure he understands and carries out this strategy.

Chao Gai also nodded heavily:

"Mr. Chen, rest assured—with us and the old brothers watching, we'll forge this base into an ironclad fortress!

We must make every brother who comes here understand what we are fighting for!

The night wind howled outside the valley, but it could not disperse the fervent zeal and determination surging within the base.

Liangshan's internal rivalry did not immediately lead to open conflict and split.

Yet under Chen Wen's will, it transformed into a more covert and efficient parallel development.

The Surrender Faction clings to its status and old dreams, while the Northward Aspiration Faction grips its weapons and faith.

Along two utterly different roads, they march toward the northern battlefield already stained red with blood and fire.

The tide of the era, with irresistible force, pushes once‑brothers toward opposite shores of fate.