Reborn in Liangshan: I built the strongest lineup

A few days later, at the entrance of an unnamed mountain valley on Jingdong East Road, a group of people gathered and talked.

"Strategist, why are we leaving? Things are unstable everywhere right now. We've finally found a place where we can settle down, why are we in such a hurry to leave?"

"That's right, strategist! We worked so hard to cultivate this land, and we raised these chickens, ducks, cattle, and sheep with great effort. We all worked so hard to build these houses. Now you're suddenly saying you want to leave? We're not willing to accept that!"

Fang Xuedu doesn't have many people around him anymore.

The main problem is that he spends his days fighting guerrilla warfare in the mountains, running here today and there tomorrow. Not only does he suffer hardship and exhaustion, but he also doesn't earn much money.

Everyone here is just trying to make a living. They thought they could do better under Tian Hu, but after Tian Hu fell from power, they could only scatter like birds and beasts!

Following Strategist Fang would spare them from the punishment of being captured by the Song court, but the problem is they'd be forced to flee from now on! While they wouldn't go hungry for three days straight, things wouldn't be much better.

Tian Hu's territory was close to the Liao Kingdom, which was the most turbulent place. The Liao people would often raid southwards, then Zhao Ji would go north, and then Cai Jing would rebel. There was basically no peace in this small territory in the north! Various forces were fighting each other, and it was a case of the big fish eating the small fish!

Many of the people Fang Xuedu originally brought with him couldn't stand this kind of life and left him. Some started their own businesses, some concealed their backgrounds and joined the army, and some even ran to the Liao people's territory. No one knows what they did there.

After hiding for more than a year, the situation in the north became increasingly chaotic, and it was truly impossible to survive there any longer! Left with no other choice, Fang Xuedu secretly brought his men to Jingdong East Road, hoping to establish a foothold there and settle everyone down.

But they truly didn't expect that no faction could stand firm on Jingdong East Road now! There was only one voice on the entire Jingdong East Road! That voice was Liangshan!

Helpless, the group could only hide in the mountain valley and make a living by hunting, farming, gathering, and taking odd jobs from time to time.

Ironically, these odd jobs were things that Liangshan assigned to repair roads and bridges, protect trade routes, and so on. Fang Xuedu never imagined that after leaving Tian Hu, he would have to work for Liangshan.

However, perhaps because he still harbored a deep attachment to Tian Hu, Fang Xuedu was unwilling to admit that he was able to settle here because of Liangshan's kindness. Therefore, he refused to join Liangshan and only hoped to use his own abilities to provide a place for his brothers to stay in the mountains.

"Gentlemen, the situation in the world is very unpredictable. In the eastern part of Jingdong, our small mountain village will sooner or later be targeted by the Liangshan people. For everyone's safety, I am considering leaving."

Fang Xuedu explained his reasons for leaving, but the others didn't buy it.

"Strategist, we were indeed the people of the Great Jin Dynasty before, but the problem is that the Great Jin Dynasty is long gone!"

“That’s right, strategist. We’ve been in Jingdong East Road for quite some time now, and we haven’t seen any Liangshan people causing trouble. On the contrary, if we hadn’t taken on a few odd jobs from Liangshan, we wouldn’t even have any money. How would we have had the opportunity to start a village here?”

"That's right, strategist. We've been running for so long, the brothers really can't run anymore. There are fields and houses here, the brothers don't want to go any further."

……

Basically, no one is willing to run anymore. After wandering for so long, they finally have a place to stay, who would be willing to abandon it?

Besides, even if people from Liangshan come in the future, so what? As long as they don't say anything, who will know what they did before? Just say they came as refugees and want to establish a village here. Based on their understanding of Liangshan during this time, Liangshan will support this.

"Sigh... Never mind, it's fine if you stay, I won't force you."

Seeing everyone's expressions, Fang Xuedu understood a bit. In the end, he couldn't let go of his bond with Tian Hu. These brothers didn't owe Tian Hu anything, so let them stay and live peacefully.

"Strategist, I just don't understand. Why are you so unwilling to associate with Liangshan? They've already established a kingdom, and their momentum is much better than that of the Great Jin Dynasty back then. You're capable, so why can't you go to Liangshan and try to get an official position?"

“That’s right, strategist. When I was a guard, someone said that Liangshan has now established a kingdom called Dayi, and it is in dire need of scholars. We illiterate people are no good, but people like you are very rare.”

Seeing that Fang Xuedu seemed unwilling to stay, the former Jin soldiers who had followed him for a long time and even developed feelings for him asked him questions.

Fang Xuedu sighed helplessly:

“Alas, brothers, it’s not that I, Fang Xuedu, am unwilling, but a loyal minister cannot serve two masters. The king has treated me well in the past, and I truly…”

"You are a truly pedantic, stubborn, and self-deceiving bastard!"

A thunderous shout suddenly rang out behind everyone, startling them!

However, having been used to being strongmen, everyone had weapons on their waists and backs. After regaining their senses, they all drew their weapons and turned to look at the source of the sound.

A nine-foot-tall man, carrying a giant axe on his shoulder, exuding an imposing aura, appeared not far from the village entrance.

His eyes shone brightly as he pointed a finger at Fang Xuedu:

"Old Fang, long time no see! You've actually gotten worse with age! Still holding onto this kind of thinking, I'm really disappointed in you!"

“Bian! Xiang!”

The moment Fang Xuedu saw this person for the first time, he couldn't help but want to curse!

Once upon a time, Bian Xiang was also under Tian Hu's command, and he even introduced himself to Tian Hu!

As a result, one day Bian Xiang went out and never came back!

When I heard news of Bian Xiang later, he was already a general of Liangshan!

During that period, Tian Hu gave him a lot of hard time!

"You bastard, how dare you show your face in front of me?"

Seeing Bian Xiang's appearance, Fang Xuedu immediately lost his guard. He drew his sword and strode towards Bian Xiang!

However, before he could reach him, Fang Xuedu seemed to regain his senses and threw the sword in his hand to the ground!

"You are a general of Liangshan! Your arrival means that Liangshan has discovered us!"

"I definitely can't beat you in a fight! So please hurry up and do it, and show me some respect!"

After Fang Xuedu finished speaking, he closed his eyes, stretched his neck, and seemed to wish that Bian Xiang would give him an axe.

"Ha ha ha ha……"

However, instead of Bian Xiang's axe blade, he was met with Bian Xiang's loud laughter!

"Bian Xiang! The victor is king, the loser is villain. You did indeed choose a good master, but what do you mean by this? Are you mocking me?"

Provoked by the laughter, Fang Xuedu opened his eyes again and glared at Bian Xiang!

"Yes, I'm mocking you."

Bian Xiang gripped the axe handle and planted the axe head on the ground.

"After all these years, you threaten suicide the moment we meet? What are you afraid of?"

"You, Fang Xuedu, aren't even afraid of death, so why would you be afraid of me saying something?"

"Fang Xuedu, I despise you for being like this!"

……