Chapter 69

"Master, they have arrived."

As Han Liangchen stood beside me, bowing his head and loudly reporting, it was as if I were truly a superior whom he obeyed and revered. The others also perked up, trying to hypnotize themselves into believing that I was an important representative on the Tiananmen Gate, about to receive a military parade.

The dilapidated door of the shrine was pushed open with a creak, revealing a group of drenched people. The smell of incense inside made them cough loudly, looking somewhat uncomfortable.

Relieved, they saw that we were only a few people holding weapons and bows, and couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. Then, with a mix of confusion, they focused their gaze on me, who was surrounded by them.

"From Raozhou, the Chen family, we thank you for your assistance."

The person heavily protected in the center turned out to be an elderly woman, which made me frown slightly.

Although she was drenched and had clearly been through a harrowing escape, she still exuded a dignified and graceful demeanor, as if she were in a reception hall or a front courtyard, rather than a dilapidated shrine. She was composed and courteous.

Hmm, she reminded me a bit of the late Dugu senior, who died tragically.

At least her ability to control the scene was strong. When she spoke, her attendants remained almost completely silent, like a silent backdrop. Only when they were bandaging the wounded did they emit suppressed groans.

"Madam Chen, I hope you are well."

Fortunately, I wasn't a novice. With all the experiences I've had, I had some basic social skills.

"Though it's just a simple makeshift shelter, please sit by the fire and talk."

After she nodded slightly, the attendants supporting her were slowly lowered and took up the space we had deliberately left open. The hearth and firewood were placed there and lit. Although there were a few coughs from the smoke, they were quickly suppressed.

The space was large enough that even with a dozen people inside, it still felt spacious. Thus, they naturally formed two small groups.

Of course, our deliberate positioning could somewhat compensate for our numerical disadvantage. If there were any conflicts, we could retreat behind the shrine and fight in a narrow space.

Fortunately, the other side was quite sensible and well-mannered, showing no signs of being unsettling or threatening.

"May I ask for your esteemed name?"

Madam Chen spoke again.

"I dare not claim such a name. I am just a simple villager."

I stepped aside and gestured to Han Liangchen, who was standing respectfully.

"This is General Han, a commander under the Ming Gong of Jiangning. He is temporarily serving with me."

Han Liangchen didn't speak, just glanced at them, then returned to his position behind me with his bow and sword. Then I introduced Bo Fu.

"This is Bo Fu of the Huaiyang Governor's Office."

This introduction surprised them, making them more cautious or even a bit nervous. Then I continued.

"As for me, my surname is Lin. You can call me Lin Sheng."

"Lin Sheng, may you have many blessings. Such a distinguished person, may I ask which noble family you come from?"

"Not from any noble family. My home is in the north, where we are relatively well-off and have no worries about food and clothing."

I chuckled.

"As for me, I have no great ambitions. I just read a bit and enjoy traveling the world."

"So, after arriving in Jiangning, due to the unrest on the roads, I asked the governor for General Han and Bo Fu to assist me."

"Unfortunately, we encountered a flash flood, and most of my companions were scattered. We are now trapped here."

I glanced at her.

"Your refined and elegant interests are enviable. May I ask, where are you heading?"

She looked thoughtful.

"Yuezhou."

I casually mentioned a place.

"I've heard of the eighteen scenic spots there and the legacy of Liang Gong. I admire the deeds of Liang Gong very much."

Then I nodded and swayed, as if lost in admiration.

"Those who are high in the temple worry about the people, and those who are far in the rivers and lakes worry about the ruler, fearing slander and criticism."

If you want to talk about background and origins, I'll talk about historical anecdotes. In short, I'll confuse them first. When it comes to knowledge and experience, I doubt anyone in this era can match me, a former forum moderator who dabbles in political commentary.

After a round of conversation, both sides naturally had some impressions.

We were clearly imposters, but the identity of Madam Chen, the family of the Chief Secretary of Raozhou, was also not entirely revealed. At least, I had never seen a Chief Secretary's family with so many fearless guards, just to protect a few family members.

Looking at their cloaks and long coats, they wore half-armor made of leather and iron, and their weapons and bows were of the highest quality, finely crafted. Not to mention the people they had fought.

Such well-trained bandits, I had only seen similar things in the main camp of Liangshan. However, how many of the Four Great Bandits are there in the world? It's not possible to encounter them everywhere.

There was also her unassuming old servant. The bone structure and muscle definition of his hands and shoulders reminded me of the martial arts instructors in the academies, who were skilled in full-body training and close combat. He could probably kill with his bare hands.

As for the foot-long sword hanging from Madam Chen's waist, it didn't look like a decoration. It suggested that she was not a weak woman and could likely commit suicide to avoid being captured and humiliated.

Discussing the weather, the northern landscape, geographical attractions, and contemporary scholars, I was getting a bit impatient.

Although this brief exchange and probing wouldn't completely dispel our mutual suspicion or lead to deeper understanding and trust, it provided a surface reason for us to temporarily cooperate.

"Let's not mention assistance."

Thinking about this, I shook my head and spoke frankly.

"That arrow was just a warning. They won't let go easily."

"From now on, I believe we both know what to expect."

"They are not ordinary bandits."

"Their movements are as disciplined as a military formation."

"If you tell me they are from a powerful noble family or involved in a power struggle, I wouldn't be surprised."

"I believe that with enough incentives, anything can be bought."

"Since we've stumbled upon this, it will be hard to remain uninvolved."

"So, Madam, is there anything you're still hesitant to share?"

"Lin Sheng, you make me laugh. My past actions have caused some resentment."

Madam Chen smiled helplessly.

"This time, they took advantage of my return home to strike."

Then she looked at her attendants.

"Thanks to these brave men who fought to protect me."

The attendants looked proud, and even the wounded straightened their backs, showing that she had their respect and loyalty.

"Brave indeed."

I clapped.

"I see that Madam has many loyal and fearless warriors."

"Too kind."

"Is there anyone among them who could be a suitable commander?"

"What do you mean by a suitable commander?"

Madam Chen raised an eyebrow, speaking calmly.

"Please enlighten me."

Alright, finally, we're getting to the issue of leadership in our cooperation.

Since I brought up this potential topic, I had a reason. I saw the greatest weakness of the other side: the original leaders of their guards were mostly dead or injured. Although Madam Chen had authority and could command her followers, she lacked military experience and tactical knowledge.

At least I had Han Liangchen as a figurehead.

"In my humble opinion, commanders can be divided into different levels based on their abilities."

Of course, I had to say some convincing words. As a former forum moderator and a pseudo-military enthusiast, I could at least talk the talk.

"The most basic skill is to enforce orders and ensure they are carried out without much deviation. This is the backbone of a strong and disciplined army."

I glanced at her attendants.

"A more experienced commander can adapt to the situation and assist their superiors in achieving specific goals. They can lead a flank or serve as a deputy."

"An even more capable commander can take the initiative to support their allies and achieve overall victory. They can lead a division and excel in both offense and defense."

"An even more outstanding commander has a basic strategic awareness and can seize opportunities to complement and improve the overall strategy. At this level, they can lead an independent force."

"An even more exceptional commander not only pursues victory but also understands why victory is necessary. They can expand local victories to strengthen and improve their side's position. At this level, they can lead a major force or govern a region."

"An even higher level of commander is exceptional, as they can win and lose, with a broad strategic vision and the ability to command various forces or coordinate campaigns, sitting in a strategic position."

"But this is not all. At the highest level, you have the marshals and regional governors."

"At this level, they must not only be skilled in leading and winning battles but also be adept at managing relationships, communicating with the central government, and ensuring smooth operations to avoid being hindered by human factors."

"They must accumulate advantages and resources to create overwhelming power on the battlefield or consolidate their position and use patience and strategy to outlast the enemy until the balance of power shifts in their favor."

"What does this mean?"

Madam Chen suddenly interrupted.

"In today's world, at least, it means the scale and capacity of a regional lord or governor."

I answered.

Of course, what I said was a summary of common knowledge from later times, applicable to classical cold weapon warfare. Due to the limitations of productivity and communication, personal intelligence, bravery, command experience, and adaptability played a larger role.

In the age of full-fledged firearms, it would be a different story. However, the fate of soldiers as expendable resources has not changed much in most eras, and the intensity and brutality of warfare have only increased.

She suddenly stood up.

"Men."

"Yes."

"From now on, follow Lin Sheng's orders, including me."

"Any disobedience will be punished by death."

Her decisiveness was faster than I expected. I thought she would hesitate or consult internally first.

Although it was only temporary obedience, it was still reassuring. She was a reasonable and communicative person, which was a relief.

If she had been a hysterical or emotionally driven woman, I would have had to resort to some pre-arranged plans, like the hidden traps in the hearth or the things on the beams, to take her hostage; or abandon the animals and wagons and risk a breakout, even if it meant leaving behind a useless ally. The hill behind was steep, but it was easier to slide down with a rope.

"First, let's replace the guards outside."

I looked at the faces that clearly lacked trust.

"We need to cherish every bit of strength."

They looked more uncertain at the injured on the ground, one of whom was likely their former leader or captain.

"Go now."

Madam Chen said sternly, and they finally moved. The brief rest had made them sluggish.

"No need."

Bo Fu, who was on guard on the beam, suddenly said.

"They are already here."

The door burst open, bringing a rush of rain and cold wind, and a stumbling figure crashed in, dimming the fire and warmth.

Then we inventoried weapons and supplies, gathering and dismantling everything useful without damaging the building. The beautifully painted wooden wall panels were tied and nailed into makeshift shields. The cross-shaped stone in the shrine was pushed to the door to reinforce it, ensuring it wouldn't easily fall.

Our elevated position and the building's cover greatly compensated for our numerical disadvantage. The rain clearly weakened the other side.

The reduced visibility and wet conditions would make their bows and crossbows less effective. The rain also reduced the risk of a fire attack. The slippery steps made the shrine even more defensible. Other directions, though climbable, would be slow and inefficient due to the rain.

The other side was determined, willing to overcome these harsh conditions to attack. The guards outside only managed to bring in one severely injured person.

We had seven fresh troops, though they were tired. After resting or drinking hot soup, four lightly injured could stand and use spears as support. Five severely injured could not move much but could be stationed at the corners to relay messages and guard inside.

They were under Han Liangchen's command, adjusted based on their reported skills and equipment. My group of five, led by Bo Fu, served as a reserve and support.

Madam Chen, her old servant, and two unassuming young relatives, along with a middle-aged accountant with a goatee, formed the third line, boiling water, tending to the injured, preparing more firewood, cutting cloth into bandages, sharpening broken table legs, and placing broken tiles and bricks on the beams as traps and obstacles.

"These ingenious devices are also your work, Lin Sheng?"

"Just a bit of knowledge."

I humbly replied.