Day and night changed, heavenly winds blew. On the land of the Wu dynasty that spanned tens of thousands of li, the border had always been a subtle and sensitive term.
Liao, Xixia, Tubo, Dali, from the impregnable pass of the north to the mountains of the southern frontier, the border was only a thin line. One step away was a foreign land, and one step back was the old country. However, on this kind of border, there would always be pieces of land that were subtly pulled between the cracks. This place did not enjoy the peace and tranquility it should have. The armies on the border didn't care about it, and the people within the country would selectively ignore it. There were many people who didn't even know that these places existed.
In people's eyes, there was the smoke and clouds of the ancient capital, the splendor of the Qinhuai River, the prosperity of the capital, the osmanthus of Jiangnan, and the road north, there was also a battlefield that was like an asura's field. However, there was no concept of this crack. It was just like the unavoidable losses on the battlefield. Because it was unavoidable, people simply didn't think too much about it. They threw it to the back of their minds and only focused on battle.
As the gullies turned, the breeding wolf packs walked through the barren and dangerous wilderness. Mount Lu Liang was one of the regions that existed between these cracks. The people of the Wu dynasty did not view this place as an enemy country, but they also did not view the people here as comrades. Not many people knew about the matters here, and not many people understood the ecology here. If it wasn't because of the entanglement of benefits, the Green Wood Stronghold of Mount Lu Liang wouldn't have had much of a relationship with the people of the outside world. It would have existed here, and it would have been annihilated here, until it disappeared in the memories of a handful of people …
But even with the appearance of the involvement of profit, there were still not many people who truly understood this place. On the map to the northwest of Mount Lu Liang was an unremarkable little place. It was a valley that already had several thousand people living in. The valley had rapidly expanded in a short period of time, and all development seemed rushed and bloated.
On the market outside the valley, row after row of houses and shops crowded along the rugged side of the mountain. The outskirts of Green Wood Stronghold was originally a place for passing peddlers to rest or trade with each other. Because Green Wood Stronghold maintained basic order, it could at least guarantee the safety of the majority of people, and so it quickly expanded. Now, dirty water flowed freely here, and people were crowded. Nearby heroes and mountain bandits gathered. Beggars, cockroaches, and rats fought for a place here. And this place had been the most peaceful place in all of Mount Lu Liang in the last year or two.
Meanwhile, in the inner valley, the inner stronghold, where ordinary people were not allowed to enter, was much more spacious compared to the outer stronghold. However, due to the rapid development of the stronghold, there were many new people joining the stronghold. This part of the valley was still very busy. A large number of simple houses had been built, and the wood and resources that came in and out of the stronghold every day seemed to be piled up in a disorderly manner. However, with such development, there were not too many problems in the end.
This was never a place that emphasized equality and fairness. The chaos and noise were mixed with a primitive and barbaric aura. This place had never been a place that emphasized and of of of of of of. of. and were not. of people of of land. and of Stronghold. The Blood Bodhisattva, who was the most skilled in martial arts and also the most ferocious, did not allow open internal strife to exist. He also did not allow people to break a few simple rules in the mountain. Once broken, there would be no humane service such as reasoning or counseling. Most of the time, they did not even have the chance to be mercifully chased out of the mountain stronghold.
If you made a small mistake, it meant that you were courageous. If you made a big mistake, it meant that you deserved to die.
Along with this kind of high-pressure power, there was a clear and enlightened path to the top. The principle of joining a stronghold was very simple. As long as you had the skills, or were willing to work hard, you would be quickly absorbed into the Cyanwood Stronghold. Craftsmanship encompassed all aspects. Of course, superb martial arts was the most straightforward and the simplest. Even if it was making noodles or pancakes, it didn't matter. As long as you proved that you had a skill that you were good at, you would definitely be able to join.
As long as they understood the rules and were willing to endure hardship, they could also be recruited by the stronghold. The rules were also very simple. They had to train with the newcomers in the stronghold for 10 to 15 days in the harshest environment. For example, they had to run or simply stand. They had to work hard, be obedient, and not give up. After being drilled until they were half-dead, they could join the stronghold.
These things were not simple. It did not mean that people who came from a place like Lu Liang Mountain would be able to endure hardships. It was like bandits who were used to robbing people in the mountains and were often unwilling to work in the fields. It was also like young people in the modern world. Of course, it was due to the environment and education, but more often than not, it was because they were gluttonous and lazy. Although it was not stable, at least it was easy and easy. There was no threshold, and there was no need to work overtime in the factory for 12 hours.
Of course, such people would not receive sympathy. They would be abandoned and then wander around Lu Liang, joining other groups of bandits. Then, under certain circumstances, they would be oppressed by the Cyanwood Stronghold, or they would die due to various reasons. If people had to die under certain circumstances, then in this cruel world, those who did not make progress would naturally become the most natural sacrifices.
In fact, in the social structure of ancient times, people might have yearned for a free and equal Great Harmony society, but at the social level, class was not necessarily something that needed to be cared about. In most cases, a stable social structure did not need to care about whether people were equal or not. The core of maintaining a stable social structure was to try to be as fair as possible.
A country or organization could have great disparities in class, but those at the bottom could study, those who studied could take the imperial examinations, and those who passed the imperial examinations could become a privileged class. As long as this system worked well, the organization could be maintained stably. The reason for the internal destruction of most countries was that this path to ascension gradually became rigid. For the sake of their long-lasting and hereditary privileges, the privileged class began to monopolize the path to the top. As it became more and more difficult for the intelligent people at the bottom to ascend, their dissatisfaction would pile up, and in the end, they could only choose to rebel.
Because of this, the Cyanwood Stronghold continued to expand. Although it also caused all sorts of problems, there were no truly troublesome shocks. When Tan Zhen's' Enlistment Edict 'was issued that summer, those who could turn their attention to the interests of Lu Liang gathered here. What they saw was a stronghold that was so chaotic that it was difficult to understand.
It was completely different from the various flourishing or not flourishing cities in the south, and presumably from the barbaric and primitive cities of the north. Because of business deals, it developed and became lively. It was also filled with bloodshed and barbarism. Those above used brute force to control everything, and the interior also seemed to be filled with all sorts of contradictions and unstable factors. Yet, just like that, it was pieced together like a monster.
"Old Master Liang, I know that you are an intelligent person. You are different from those who grew up in the mountains. You have seen the world. For you to be able to manage the stronghold to this state, you must be able to see just how many benefits Lord Tan's enlistment edict this time … "
On a cloudy day, in a small courtyard room halfway up the mountain in the Cyanwood Stronghold, a middle-aged man was talking.
"To the south of Lu Liang, what we really need to talk about is the territory of our Qi family. After accepting the enlistment edict, not only will we have status, we will also have military equipment. How many of these benefits we can obtain will all depend on our relations in the capital … I know that there are many people who have come to Lu Liang this time. What they are interested in is none other than the businesses that Green Wood Stronghold is currently managing. But Old Master, you can see … on the military side, whether it is Wu Shengjun or Dong Pang'er, these soldiers are all ruthless people. When it is time to follow the rules, they will not follow them. When it is time to take benefits, they will not be lenient at all. Furthermore, the military does not know how to do business. If your stronghold falls into their hands, it will really be a waste … "
"Our He family is a businessman. We do not do superfluous things. If everyone can unite and make money together, that is the right thing to do. Furthermore … behind us is the power of the Qi family. Right now, several of the mountains in the south are already willing to join forces with us. Adding on the business in Lu Liang, how much will we earn by shipping things to the north? You can calculate for yourself … Furthermore, on the surface, how many people can go against Dong Pang'er and Wu Shengjun … "
His words were neither fast nor slow, and he kept saying them one by one. When he finished speaking, a series of coughs rang out in the room. After a while, the coughs suddenly grew louder. The old man, who was half-lying in the room, coughed for a long time as if he was about to die. He finally stopped with great difficulty. His voice was weak and hoarse.
"He … Ahem, Squire He, this old man has also thought about what you've said. It's just like what I've said, with regards to the matters of the stronghold … such important matters have always been decided by the Stronghold Master … I'm already old, my body can't take it anymore, and my mind … sometimes becomes muddled. I think what you've said makes sense, but … I don't know if I've thought things through clearly. I need to think more and discuss with others. Therefore, these matters, it's better … ahem, it's better to wait for the Stronghold Master to come back before we can make a decision. But Squire He, I think what you've said makes sense. I'll tell the Stronghold Master about it … "
"Uh, I know that too. But Old Master Liang, Stronghold Master Lu has been gone for so long. He's been waiting for too long." Squire He revealed an awkward expression. "I know that you're the backbone of the stronghold, Old Master Liang. You know, with these matters, it's always better to make a decision as early as possible. The Qi family is waiting for my reply … Old Master Liang, let's not beat around the bush. Just give me a definite answer. If you nod, we'll consider it a done deal, okay? Please don't make things difficult for a junior like me. "
"Ah, Squire He, you're too serious. This old man … ahem, every word I say is from the bottom of my heart. Ahem … Ahem, ahem, ahem, ahem …"
The coughs rang out again. After a while, the middle-aged man surnamed He reluctantly took his leave and left the courtyard with his attendants. His face was gloomy. Looking down at the valley in such weather, the shadows of people were moving back and forth. The decorations were chaotic. A few children in shabby clothes were running around in high spirits.
"Motherf * cker, he's really working hard. That old thing …" Squire He cursed in a low voice. "He still won't let go."
The attendant next to him came over. "Squire, why are you angry with these people? It's all business …"
"Motherf * cker, look at these people." Squire He pointed down. "You don't know, do you? They don't even have enough to eat. A bunch of beggars and bandits. In this desolate place, if we hadn't given them a way to make money, they would still be hungry now. Do you know what it's like to be hungry? I told them to eat, and they'll eat! After eating a little of what we left, they'll start to take action. Now there are several parties coming to look for them, but the stronghold master doesn't even show up … By the way, did you find out about the group of people who arrived yesterday, the ones who looked fierce … "
"Not yet, I'm asking."
"Go and find out." Squire He glared at the attendant and then looked down. "Although this place is desolate, if this business falls into my hands, I can multiply it several times at any time. Now it's being controlled by a bunch of poor beggars. Really … Motherf * cker, after the matter is settled, I'll teach them a lesson. I'll also take their stronghold master home and play with him. When I'm bored, I'll give him away … Motherf * cker! That old thing … "
In a low voice, he cursed and left. In a room in the courtyard, the old man coughed for a while. After drinking some tea to soothe his throat, he felt slightly better. He was the old man who had always been in charge of the affairs of Greenwood Stronghold, Liang Bingfu. He had been in charge of the affairs of Greenwood Stronghold for half his life. He had also raised and taught Red Ti. Now, the old man's health was gradually deteriorating, but he still managed most of the affairs inside and outside of the stronghold. After seeing off Squire He, he lay there, wrapped in a blanket, and closed his eyes to rest for a while. About an hour later, someone suddenly came in from outside and said something in his ear.
Liang Bingfu opened his eyes. In that instant, his eyes shone with a brightness that hadn't been seen in a long time. After a while, he gripped his walking stick with one hand and tried to get up from the reclining chair.
The person in charge of taking care of him was a dark and thin youth. He came over to help him up. Liang Bingfu's movements were shaky, but there was a sense of hardness in them. He walked out with the support of his walking stick, and his pace seemed a little fast. This courtyard had only been built this year. There weren't many decorations, and the courtyard itself wasn't big. A man came over and said, "Grandpa Liang, why did you come out?"
Liang Bingfu said, "I'm picking someone up … picking someone up!"
The other person seemed a little confused. The man who had just come in to inform him went over and explained the matter in a low voice.
With the support of his walking stick, the old man walked out of the courtyard. The dark and thin youth next to him was still supporting him, but he pushed him away with one hand. "Go away." Then, he realized that there was a blanket draped over his shoulder. With a whoosh, he threw it to the youth. "Take it away!"
At this moment, he had already used both hands to support himself with the walking stick. He knocked it on the ground a few times and then stood there majestically. His face was already full of wrinkles and age spots. He pursed his lips, making them seem thin, and gave off a solemn and strict feeling. The mountain path ahead was still empty. Looking down from the mountainside, the stronghold that was getting bigger and bigger was also becoming more crowded. There were more people, and in the past year or two, they no longer had to go hungry.
Many people had already died …
He wasn't a genius with great talent and strategy. In terms of talent and learning, he might not even be considered an average person in the past. He was saved by Hong Ti's master and went to the former mountain village, and then to the former stronghold. The woman said to him, "Please help take care of this place." He still remembered the woman's appearance at that time. Although her appearance might have been imagined, he remembered her expression at that moment more clearly. Therefore, he lived here, supported the stronghold, and taught the disciples so that they could survive. But many people still died.
From the clumsiness of the past to the majesty of the current standing figure, what pressed down on him was heavy responsibility, a responsibility as heavy as a mountain. Some people's backs collapsed because of responsibility, but some people would obtain equally powerful strength because of responsibility.
On the other side of the road, there seemed to be a heavenly wind blowing over. He went out to pick up the man that Hong Ti brought back, but for some reason, when he stood there with the support of his walking stick, he suddenly thought of the woman in the past. Many years ago, she carried a sword on her back and rode away on a horse. What did she leave behind? Now, these things might be able to carry on …
Not long after, a few figures walked over from the other side of the road. Hong Ti was still wearing her cloak, but her hair was slightly fluttering in the wind. She only had her usual smile and indifferent expression on her face, but her steps were no longer as heavy as before. The old man could see it at a glance. After all, he had watched her grow up since she was a young girl.
The scholar beside her was also walking over. The old man leaned on his walking stick and looked at him from the doorstep. He tilted his head and then looked up at the old man. His gaze was complicated and steady. He didn't look like a junior, but he wasn't arrogant either. When he walked up to him, the scholar lowered his head, cupped his hands, and bowed deeply.
This doesn't look like a son-in-law meeting his father-in-law … the old man thought to himself, but his serious gaze didn't change. After a moment, he asked, "Why did you bow to me?"
The scholar had already stood up. "I want to thank you for what you have done for this place."
"Hmm." Liang Bingfu nodded. His gaze stopped somewhere in the air for a moment. Then, as if coming to his senses, he turned sideways again and nodded. "Hmm, come in. All of you … come in."
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