Chapter 27: Optimus Prime Encounters the Flea on the Drum

Ever since Liangshan conquered Xixi Village, its reputation for "acting on behalf of Heaven" had begun to spread far and wide. This was highly beneficial for the future development of the stronghold. However, for the chieftains of Liangshan, this period brought significant pressure.

The primary reason was the lack of a proper civil official among the leadership. Yuan Lang had studied for a few years, and Du Qian and the others were capable of keeping accounts, but that was the extent of their administrative talents. It was impossible for Ren Yuan to oversee every single matter personally. Moreover, the stronghold suffered from a severe disparity in martial prowess; while it boasted two top-tier experts in Ren Yuan and Yuan Lang, there were truly no other formidable fighters to speak of.

As Liangshan continued to grow, they desperately needed more capable leaders. The arrival of the three Ruan brothers had solved the issue of the naval forces, but other talents remained in short supply.

"Yuan Lang, during my absence, you will oversee Liangshan and be responsible for the security of the entire stronghold. The rules already established must be strictly enforced. As for any further additions, you may discuss them with the others and wait for my return to deliberate," Ren Yuan instructed.

"Brother, rest assured. As long as I, Yuan Lang, am here, nothing will go wrong at Liangshan," Yuan Lang declared, patting his chest. "But brother, are you truly certain you can go to Mount Shaohua alone?"

"Do not worry. Liangshan is currently in a period that requires stability, so I cannot have too many people leave with me. Look at all of you—everyone has their own duties. The Ruan brothers have just established the naval camp and are overwhelmed with tasks, and the taverns run by Zhu Gui and Zhu Fu have just opened, so they cannot leave either. Consequently, the main camp must rely on you, Song Wan, and Du Qian."

"But brother, you are now the Master of Liangshan. If something were to happen to you, Liangshan would fall into chaos," Yuan Lang insisted, still filled with concern.

"Rest assured. When I was learning my craft from my mentor, I traveled the world alone. Besides, with my martial arts, who is there to fear?" Ren Yuan patted Yuan Lang's shoulder to reassure him. After all, in terms of hand-to-hand combat, there were fewer than a handful of people in the entire Song dynasty pugilistic world who could stand against him.

"Then please, brother, return quickly. Liangshan can afford to lose anyone, but it cannot afford to lose you."

"Do not worry. I shall return in a month, or two at most."

"I promise, brother, that when you return, I will show you an even better Liangshan!"

After bidding farewell to Yuan Lang, Ren Yuan donned a Fanyang bamboo hat, strapped on a waist saber, shouldered a bundle, and took up a staff. He traveled alone to Jinsha Beach and set off in a small boat. His target was clear: the three heroes on Mount Shaohua in Huayin County. Calculating the time, Shi Jin should currently be studying under Wang Jin, and Zhu Wu and the others were likely just preparing to establish their stronghold. It would be a convenient time to persuade them. If it were on the way, he could also visit the master and his apprentice, Shi Jin. After all, by seniority, Wang Jin’s father and his own mentor, Zhou Tong, were of the same generation. Both had served in the Imperial Guard—one as the Chief Instructor of Spear and Staff, the other as the Heavenly-ranked Master of the Imperial Boxing Academy.

It was said that the two shared a deep friendship. If one were to trace the connections, as Zhou Tong’s disciple, he would have to address Wang Jin as a senior brother, which would naturally make Shi Jin his junior nephew. It was a pleasant thought; since they were all connected, future exchanges would be much easier. However, since Shi Jin’s training was not yet complete, Ren Yuan decided not to disturb them for now and would focus on recruiting the men from Mount Shaohua first. At the very least, the stronghold would finally have a proper military strategist!

Traveling was not difficult for Ren Yuan. He had no legal entanglements and no criminal tattoos on his face. As long as he did not go around declaring himself the Master of Liangshan, no one paid him any mind. After disembarking, he hired a horse-drawn carriage and made his way toward Mount Shaohua. The journey involved sleeping in the open, and he encountered a few dim-witted bandits, but none could last more than three rounds against him.

After traveling for over half a month, Ren Yuan arrived at a rural inn, intending to stay the night. Just as he was about to enter, he spotted a man walking out. The man was seven feet tall, with thick eyebrows and sharp eyes, and a very lean frame. As they brushed past each other, Ren Yuan’s eyebrows twitched. He suddenly reached out and clamped his hand onto the man's shoulder.

The man was no amateur. The moment he was grabbed, he retracted his arm, pivoted his body, and kicked out with both legs, attempting to vault into the air and shove Ren Yuan away. Ren Yuan was slightly surprised by the man's agility, but his reaction was faster. He intercepted the kick with his knee and executed a shoulder throw, slamming the man heavily to the ground.

"Shi Qian! Stop this at once!"

"Huh?" The man was stunned. His name had been called out? His hesitation confirmed to Ren Yuan that he had found the right person.

"Soft-boned and robust, with thick eyebrows and sharp eyes. A figure like a strange illness, moving like a flying immortal. Passing through walls in the stillness of night, hovering around houses in the dead of deep hours. A master of infiltrating camps, the 'Flea on a Drum,' Shi Qian. Tell me, is that not you?" Ren Yuan pressed down on Shi Qian and patted his back with a smile.

"Brother, I had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. I have offended you, and I hope for your forgiveness," Shi Qian pleaded, unable to break free.

"You scoundrel, you must have done your fair share of petty thievery. Get up, and remember, don't try to run." Ren Yuan retrieved his coin purse, patted Shi Qian's back, and gestured for him to rise.

"May I ask for your name, brother?" Shi Qian rubbed his arm. In that brief exchange, he realized he could never have escaped from such a man. Of course, had he not been caught, he would have been confident in his ability to flee, as he took great pride in his light-body skills.

"I am Ren Yuan."

Ren Yuan stated his name with a grin.

"Ah! So it is you, brother! I deserve to die! To think I would try to steal from you! Please forgive me!" Upon hearing the name, Shi Qian immediately bowed down.

"You have heard of me?" Ren Yuan helped him up. "To have heard of my reputation and still dare to strike at me—you are truly bold."

"Brother, please forgive me. It is no wonder I could not break free; your boxing techniques are world-renowned. Today, you have truly opened my eyes."

"Your light-body skills are unparalleled, but why do you always engage in such petty thievery?" Ren Yuan asked.

Shi Qian looked ashamed. "Brother, forgive me. My hands were just itching. Ordinarily, I only steal from wealthy merchants. While not as grand as your cause of 'acting on behalf of Heaven' at Liangshan, I consider it robbing the rich to help the poor."

"Are you interested in coming to Liangshan?" Ren Yuan looked at Shi Qian. Recalling his fate in the original records, he felt a sense of pity. In his eyes, Shi Qian’s light-body skills made him the perfect candidate for a scout.

"Brother, you are willing to let me join Liangshan?!" Shi Qian’s eyes widened. He had harbored such thoughts before, but he had always feared that his status as a thief would lead the people of Liangshan to look down on him. He never expected the Master of Liangshan to invite him personally.

"I am willing! I am willing to serve you, brother, through thick and thin!" Shi Qian quickly pledged his loyalty.

"Hahaha, good! It is the rule of Liangshan that when a chieftain joins, he receives 500 taels of silver for his family. I do not have that much on me now, so you shall follow me, and when we return to the mountain, I will make it up to you. Does that sound well?" Ren Yuan helped him up, feeling truly delighted. If used correctly, Shi Qian would be an invaluable asset.

"I shall follow your every command, brother!"