CCWAD – Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Removing the Fire from Under the Pot

Prologue:

“When I discovered that the rice bags in the granary had all turned to sand, I knew Song Jiang was making his move. ‘Go investigate the canal transport,’ I told Shi Xiu, ‘Someone intends to starve tens of thousands of brothers on Liangshan.’ On the docks late at night, the glint of swords reflected the moonlight, colder than the waves of the marsh.”

—

The aftermath of the life-and-death arena lingered on Liangshan for several days, and Yan Qing’s prestige soared to unprecedented heights. The wavering leaders began to actively gravitate towards her, and even some of Song Jiang’s trusted confidantes discreetly showed their favor. But Yan Qing knew that beneath this superficial calm, undercurrents were gathering.

That morning, she patrolled the various camps as usual. As she approached the western mountain granary, the guard’s flustered demeanor caught her attention.

“Open the granary doors,” Yan Qing said calmly.

The guard stammered, “This… I don’t have Leader Song’s order…”

Yan Qing said no more, signaling Shi Xiu behind her to step forward. Shi Xiu shoved the guard aside and split the heavy lock on the granary door with his axe.

The moment the door opened, a wave of musty odor assaulted them. Inside the granary, which should have been overflowing with rice bags, only a few scattered bags lay on the surface, revealing sand beneath!

Yan Qing’s pupils contracted sharply. She rushed forward and tore open a rice bag – yellow sand poured out from the tear.

“The other granaries!” she commanded sternly.

Half an hour later, the compiled results left everyone ashen-faced. Of Liangshan’s eight granaries, six had been tampered with. The remaining grain was less than thirty percent, enough to sustain the entire army for only half a month.

“A clever ploy to remove the fire from under the pot,” Yan Qing sneered. No wonder Song Jiang had been so quiet these past few days; he was waiting for this.

In the Hall of Righteous Gathering, Song Jiang slapped the table in anger after hearing the report: “This is outrageous! Who dares to be so audacious in such a vital place as the granary?”

Wu Yong stroked his beard and pondered, “This is peculiar. The granary is guarded day and night. To tamper with so much grain would not be an easy task.”

Everyone’s gaze turned to Yan Qing. It was common knowledge that grain supplies had always been controlled by Song Jiang’s faction. Now that such a significant failure had occurred, the greatest suspicion fell upon Yan Qing, who had recently taken on some of the authority.

“Xiao Yi,” Song Jiang said in a deep voice, “you have been frequenting the granary lately. Have you noticed anything unusual?”

These words struck at the heart of the matter. Yan Qing inwardly sneered but maintained a calm expression: “This younger brother has indeed been to the granary often. Precisely because I go there often, I noticed that many of the guards were unfamiliar faces. If Brother Gongming permits, this younger brother is willing to investigate this matter personally.”

“There’s no need,” Song Jiang refused decisively. “This matter is of great importance, and I will handle it myself.”

Yan Qing had expected this and did not insist, only saying, “Then I ask Brother Gongming to make a swift decision. Tens of thousands of brothers are waiting to eat; we cannot afford delays.”

Leaving the Hall of Righteous Gathering, Yang Bamei whispered, “They are trying to frame you.”

“More than that,” Yan Qing’s gaze was icy. “They intend to starve Liangshan.”

That night, Yan Qing secretly summoned Shi Xiu: “Go and investigate the canal transport. Especially the records of all grain transport ships from the past month.”

Shi Xiu accepted the order and left. This silent man was now utterly loyal to Yan Qing and was the most reliable in carrying out tasks.

At the third watch, Shi Xiu returned with news: The three batches of canal-borne grain that should have arrived in the past half-month were inexplicably delayed. Even more suspicious was that those responsible for escorting the shipments were former subordinates of Zhang Qing and Dong Ping.

“As expected,” Yan Qing sneered. “Issue an order. Tomorrow at dawn, I will personally inspect the canal transport.”

Before dawn the next day, Yan Qing, accompanied by Shi Xiu, Yang Bamei, and over twenty skilled fighters, quietly descended the mountain and headed straight for Liangshan Marsh’s largest pier – Golden Sand Port.

As the first light of dawn broke, a misty haze enveloped the pier. Several canal boats lay quietly anchored, with figures moving about on deck.

Yan Qing signaled her companions to conceal themselves while she, Shi Xiu, and Yang Bamei crept closer.

She overheard hushed voices from the boat: “…We must transport it tonight. Leader Song has given the order…”

“…Don’t worry, everything has been arranged…”

Yan Qing’s eyes sharpened. Just as she was about to act, she heard the sound of something whistling through the air from behind her!

“Be careful!” Yang Bamei’s silver spear darted out, deflecting several crossbow bolts.

Dozens of figures in black emerged from the mist, their swords flashing, aiming directly at Yan Qing!

“Protect Brother Yan Qing!” Yang Bamei shouted, her silver spear dancing as she intercepted the attackers.

Shi Xiu was even more ferocious, his twin axes flying, instantly felling three men.

Yan Qing, however, did not engage in prolonged combat. Her body flickered, and she darted towards the canal boats. Utilizing her Flowing Cloud Steps, she weaved through the clash of blades like a phantom.

The people on the boats, seeing the unfavorable turn of events, hurriedly weighed anchor to escape. Yan Qing’s toes touched the ship’s railing, and she gracefully landed on the deck.

“Where do you think you’re going!” she cried out, drawing her long sword.

The escorts on board were skilled fighters and immediately surrounded her. Yan Qing’s swordplay was like flowing silk, creating several cold glints in the morning mist. In moments, several men had fallen.

Only then did she clearly see that the ship’s hold was not filled with grain, but with weapons and armor!

“Well done, Song Jiang!” Yan Qing laughed in extreme anger. “Not only do you intend to starve the brothers, but you also plan to frame me for hoarding weapons!”

Just then, shouts erupted from the shore. Song Jiang and Wu Yong arrived with a large contingent of men.

“Yan Qing! You are hoarding weapons and harboring rebellious intentions. What crime do you deserve!” Song Jiang roared.

Yan Qing stood at the bow of the ship, her green robes fluttering in the morning breeze. She looked at Song Jiang on the shore and suddenly smiled: “Brother Gongming has arrived at the perfect time; it saves me the trouble of inviting you.”

She bent down, retrieved a set of armor from the hold, and tossed it onto the shore: “Everyone, please look! The markings on this armor!”

As the armor landed, a clear insignia was revealed – it was the mark of the Western Army under Tong Guan!

The entire crowd erupted in an uproar!

“This… this is…” Song Jiang’s face contorted.

Yan Qing sneered, “Brother Gongming, if you intend to frame me, you should put more thought into it. How would Tong Guan’s armor come into my possession?”

Her gaze was like a knife, piercing Song Jiang: “It is you, Song Jiang! You are secretly colluding with Tong Guan, diverting grain, and secretly transporting weapons. Are you trying to sell Liangshan to the imperial court?”

These words struck like thunder, stunning everyone.

Wu Yong hastily said, “Xiao Yi, do not speak such nonsense! These weapons must have been planted to frame you!”

“Frame me?” Yan Qing took a letter from her bosom. “This is a personal letter from Tong Guan to you, arranging to meet at Golden Sand Port to exchange weapons. Shall I read it aloud for everyone to hear?”

This letter, of course, had been prepared by Li Shishi long ago and now served as the final straw.

Song Jiang’s face was ashen, and he staggered back: “You… you…”

“Brothers!” Yan Qing turned to the crowd on the shore. “You have all seen it! Song Jiang is secretly colluding with Tong Guan, diverting grain, and intends to starve us, the tens of thousands of brothers on Liangshan!”

Li Kui was the first to erupt in fury: “Song Jiang! You scoundrel, you have a heart of stone!”

Wu Song, Lu Zhishen, and others also showed anger on their faces. Even Song Jiang’s trusted confidantes were now wavering.

Yan Qing knew the time was right. She leaped ashore and pointed her long sword at Song Jiang: “Song Jiang! What else do you have to say?”

The dawn light broke, illuminating Yan Qing. Her dark hair flew in the wind, and her heroic spirit was awe-inspiring. Behind her stood the enraged heroes of Liangshan.

Song Jiang looked at the scene, knowing that the tide had turned against him. With a long sigh, he dropped the weapon in his hand.

The morning mist at Golden Sand Port gradually dispersed, and the sky over Liangshan changed color forever.

—

(End of Chapter 29)