Chapter 21: Optimus Prime Buys Fish in Jieti Village

With Chao Gai not appearing, Ren Yuan’s final concerns vanished. Although he would not have minded a clash with the "Heavenly King Who Lifts the Pagoda," it was naturally better if a fight could be avoided.

However, after the incident at Xixi Village, Ren Yuan realized there were several more pressing matters he needed to address.

First, upon returning to the mountain, he needed to establish new rules. For instance, he decided that one-third of all provisions seized during raids must be distributed to the local populace. If they were to "act on behalf of Heaven," they could no longer operate like typical outlaws; strict regulations were essential.

Second, he planned to hold a "grievance-airing" assembly on Mount Liang. This would bridge the gap between the new and old recruits. Everyone there was a downtrodden peasant with their own injustices, and sharing those stories would naturally foster greater unity.

Third, he needed to formalize a salary structure. Specifically, he had to set clear standards for how much plunder each subordinate would receive after a raid, how much those who stayed behind would get, and what the compensation would be for the injured or those who fell in battle. They had been lucky this time, with only minor scrapes and bruises, but as the stronghold grew, such casualties were inevitable. Planning ahead was mandatory.

Finally, and most importantly for the moment, he needed to establish a naval force. A navy would not only protect the stronghold but also assist with logistics. With the main base located in the middle of a vast lake, the current lack of a proper fleet made transport painfully slow. Furthermore, the existing boats were mismatched—honestly, they were quite uncomfortable to sit in.

Fortunately, if Ren Yuan remembered correctly, the founders of the Liangshan navy, the three Ruan brothers, were currently in Shijie Village at the foot of the mountain. In the original story, they were recruited by Wu Yong to assist Chao Gai. If he could bring them to the mountain first, Liangshan would possess a formidable naval force.

"Yuan Lang, after we return to the mountain, accompany me somewhere this afternoon."

"Does the Brother have some new idea?" Yuan Lang felt that his chieftain was a man who, once he decided to act, would always initiate a grand movement.

"There are three talented men I wish to invite to join us." Ren Yuan did not beat around the bush.

"If they have caught your eye, Brother, they must be extraordinary. I am happy to accompany you." Yuan Lang had not had his fill of action during this excursion and was eager to see more of the world outside, not to mention that his hands were itching for a good spar.

"Hahaha, Yuan Lang, these three men are no match for you on land, but if they are on the water, that is their domain."

"You intend to build a navy, Brother?" Yuan Lang immediately grasped the intent. It made sense; after this trip, the current state of Liangshan's naval capabilities was indeed worrying. To be precise, they were not a navy at all, but merely common fishermen.

"Exactly. Our stronghold is in the middle of the marshes, so the importance of a naval force is self-evident. These three are masters on the water. If we can bring them on board, the future of our navy will no longer be an issue."

"Then I shall go with you." Yuan Lang was determined to be part of the excitement.

"Brother, if you only take Yuan Lang, wouldn't that be playing favorites?" Song Wan joked.

"Once you return, you will have to supervise the storage of all these provisions personally. Where would you find the time?" Ren Yuan laughed. "Besides, upon our return, every chieftain shall receive five hundred taels of silver from Du Qian as a signing bonus. This will be the standard for all future chieftains."

"Five hundred taels? Isn't that too much?" Song Wan was startled. *My dear brother, you truly do not know the price of firewood and rice.* With six chieftains currently on the mountain, that totaled three thousand taels of silver. Which mountain stronghold in the Great Song operated with such extravagance?

"There is gain in giving. Money isn't saved by hoarding it. Besides, we are all brothers here; giving a little more is just for everyone's benefit." Ren Yuan waved his hand, his mind made up.

"If it is your wish, Brother, we shall not refuse." Yuan Lang exchanged a glance with Song Wan and thanked Ren Yuan. "However, since the stronghold is newly established, we have no immediate need for the money. Let us deposit it in the public coffers for now. I trust you would not embezzle our bonuses, Brother."

"Hahaha, you! Very well. But remember to set aside fifteen hundred taels for this afternoon. We cannot go empty-handed to visit such men." Ren Yuan saw through Yuan Lang's consideration—he was trying to save him from embarrassment. He said nothing more, but the rule was set: five hundred taels for every new chieftain, not a penny less.

"Naturally. I will also bring a few jars of 'Immortal’s Drunkenness,' a whole roasted sheep, and ten chickens to show our hospitality," Song Wan added. He was truly too busy with the logistics to join the afternoon trip.

"Right, Song Wan, discuss with Du Qian and draft a salary and pension regulation for all the brothers. People joined us to lead better lives; we cannot let them follow us on empty stomachs. Also, tell Zhu Gui and Zhu Fu to prepare the tavern, especially the business with Great Lord Chai—that needs to be on the agenda immediately."

"Rest assured, Brother. I will tell them, and we will get it done perfectly!"

***

Shijie Village was very close to Mount Liang. The people there lived off the water, primarily as fishermen. Usually, no outsiders visited; it was a place rarely trodden. It was difficult for strangers to find, as the reeds grew in dense thickets; without a local guide, one would easily get lost.

Although the weather was cold, the afternoon sun dispelled the chill on the water. Ren Yuan and Yuan Lang set off with fifteen hundred taels of silver, a whole sheep, ten jars of wine, and ten roasted chickens, all packed in gift boxes wrapped in festive red paper. They sat in one of the larger boats of the stronghold, guided by local oarsmen, and headed straight for Shijie Village.

"What a magnificent stretch of reeds!" Both Ren Yuan and Yuan Lang, who had been playing chess, set down their pieces to admire the view.

"Brother, without a guide, even three or five hundred men would never find their way here. My only concern is fire." Yuan Lang had read military treatises in his youth before he took to the martial world.

"But if they used fire, the attackers would have nowhere to run. And if they waited for the fire to die down, the villagers would have long since vanished." Ren Yuan offered his own perspective. It was indeed a natural hiding place; if the Liangshan navy developed here, it would serve as an excellent training ground.

"Two brothers, a little further and we reach Shijie Lake. That is the territory of Shijie Village; there might be bandits about," the oarsman warned.

"Hahaha, have you forgotten your own status? Strictly speaking, we are bandits too!" Yuan Lang laughed. Some of the oarsmen had joined only recently and hadn't quite adjusted their mindset.

"Chieftain! There is someone ahead!"

Just then, the sharp-eyed oarsman spotted a small boat gliding out from the reeds not far ahead. A man stood on it, wearing only a thin tunic, his strange eyes fixed on them as he shouted, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

Ren Yuan did not hesitate. He stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and shouted back, "I am Ren Yuan! I have long heard that the fish in Shijie Village are excellent, and I have come specifically to purchase some today!"