Chapter 61

Despite Li Wuching's harsh words, they were all true. Bai Pu, Duanmu Changge, and Yan Gang might have felt angry, but they were also disheartened.

Bai Pu bent down, picked up the body of the Prince of Huai'an, and said, "Having received the favor of the Prince, Bai Pu has never repaid it. I can only see you off today."

Liang Wenjing saw his sorrowful expression and felt a pang of sympathy, saying, "Why should Mr. Bai be so dispirited? Let's all think carefully. Perhaps we can come up with a solution."

Bai Pu nodded, glanced at Liang Wenjing, and then looked at the Prince of Huai'an's face. Just as he was about to sigh, he suddenly trembled, raised his head, and stared straight at Liang Wenjing.

Liang Wenjing felt uneasy under his gaze. Liang Tiande, noticing his strange expression, was also alarmed and moved closer to Liang Wenjing.

"Mr. Duanmu, do you remember what the Prince looked like five years ago?"

Bai Pu asked, staring at Liang Wenjing.

"I remember!" Duanmu Changge nodded. "What's the matter?"

"Five parts similar!" Bai Pu murmured. "If so..."

Duanmu Changge followed his gaze, looked at Liang Wenjing, and also trembled, exclaiming, "That's really strange. Now that you mention it... Could it be..."

He looked at Bai Pu, seeking confirmation. Bai Pu nodded, "You are indeed Mr. Duanmu..."

"Passing off a fake as real?" Duanmu Changge's expression was serious.

"Exactly!" Bai Pu clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly. "Passing off a fake as real."

Duanmu Changge pondered for a moment and said, "Good!"

"What are you talking about?" Yan Gang, feeling lost, asked bluntly.

Li Wuching's eyes flashed, and he smiled slightly, "Brother Bai has a good plan, but the strategy of passing off a fake as real can only deceive for a while, not forever. Moreover, even if the Prince of Huai'an really comes back to life, it's not certain that he can resist the Mongol invasion."

Bai Pu took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Deceiving for a while is better than nothing. If the Prince is alive, the Southern Song can be safe. If the news of his death spreads, the consequences will be severe, and Brother Yan should understand."

"Of course, I understand."

Yan Gang clearly understood the gravity of the situation.

"Rather than watch the country fall and our families perish, let's take a gamble—risk our lives to save the Southern Song!"

"Gamble?" Yan Gang's eyes widened.

"Exactly," Duanmu Changge continued, "Now that the Mongol army is at our doorstep, if the news of the Prince's death spreads, the morale of the troops will be shaken, and the situation will be hopeless. However, if we have a fake Prince to stabilize the troops, we might stand a chance against the Mongols. If this plan succeeds, it will benefit the people; if it fails, we will face the same fate as if the news of his death were to spread. Therefore, weighing the pros and cons, we should take this one-in-a-million chance and gamble on our luck."

Yan Gang was speechless for a long time before he said, "That sounds good, but where will we find a fake Prince?"

Bai Pu and Duanmu Changge pointed at Liang Wenjing, "Him!"

Liang Wenjing, who was not particularly brave, though not cowardly, was not the type to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He knew the risks involved in this plan and naturally did not want to participate.

Bai Pu ignored him and smiled slightly, "I just want to know Mr. Liang's opinion."

Liang Tiande looked up at the sky, silent.

Liang Tiande's face darkened as he gazed at the dark sky and sighed, "Twenty years!" he said softly, "No matter how hard we tried to hide, we couldn't escape."

"Twenty years?" Duanmu Changge stared at him for a moment and suddenly blurted out, "Could you be Liang Muyang, who assassinated Minister Ding and was implicated in the massacre of your family?"

"How do you know?" Liang Tiande was shocked and immediately became wary, taking a step back and bracing himself.

Duanmu Changge said, "I met you in Lin'an years ago. You led the imperial guards, were well-versed in military strategy, and were unmatched in archery. During the Duanping period, you shot a coin from five hundred paces on a galloping horse, outshining the Mongol archers and causing a sensation. I witnessed your prowess, and the memory has stayed with me for over twenty years."

Liang Tiande was greatly impressed, "You have a remarkable memory."

"Not at all," Duanmu Changge said, "It's because you were so famous back then! The Mongol archer was no ordinary man, and your victory was truly remarkable!"

"Father, were you really that good?"

Liang Wenjing couldn't help but interject, "Why didn't you teach me?"

"When did you ever practice properly?"

Liang Tiande was exasperated, "Your basic skills are a mess. Look at your arms; you can't even lift two hundred pounds or draw a four-stone bow. How can I teach you?"

"You have a point."

Liang Wenjing was at ease, "But, Father, you wouldn't make me pretend to be the Prince of Huai'an, right?"

Bai Pu clasped his hands and said, "Mr. Liang, with your loyalty, I believe you will not refuse."

Liang Tiande was silent for a moment and then said slowly, "I may not be as loyal as you say, but since we've encountered this, I cannot stand idly by."

Liang Wenjing was terrified, feeling dizzy and weak in the knees.

"Unfortunately, my son has always been a bit dim, and he is not up to the task."

Liang Wenjing smiled and straightened up, "Yes, yes, I've always said I can't pretend to be the Prince of Huai'an."

"However..."

Liang Tiande continued, "I am not a coward. I risked my life to assassinate the corrupt minister for the people of the Southern Song. Although I know my son is incompetent, the three of you are willing to risk your lives for the people. As his father, I cannot be timid and act like a woman!"

He sighed, looking at the stunned and tearful Liang Wenjing, "I'm sorry, but this is a heavy burden for you."

"Bai Pu, you haven't misjudged Mr. Liang!"

Bai Pu sighed and flattered him.

"I will be friends with Mr. Liang."

Yan Gang's loud voice echoed in the mountains.

"Yes, yes."

Duanmu Changge stroked his beard and smiled.

"I won't do it, I won't."

Liang Wenjing stomped his feet in protest, "I won't pretend to be that dead Prince."

"Is it up to you?" Liang Tiande said sternly, "You brought this upon yourself, and a man must take responsibility for his actions!"

"I don't want to..."

Before Liang Wenjing could finish, a hard blow landed on his head, making his eyes water and tears stream down his face.

"Ha ha ha, good, good. As the saying goes: 'Few heroes in the halls, many in the wild.' The four of you are concerned about the country and the people, willing to risk your lives for the greater good. I, Li Wuching, admire you greatly and will join your plan."

Li Wuching laughed.

The Mongol iron hooves have invaded the south, slaughtering countless Han people. Although Li Wuching cannot change the course of events, he can certainly take out his anger on the Mongols.

Bai Pu was delighted, "If Brother Li is willing to help, we are more than grateful."

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