Reborn in Liangshan: I built the strongest lineup

Liangshan.

Because Bian Xiang succeeded in his breakthrough, the entire Liangshan area became even more lively, and another banquet was held.

"Hehe, Brother Bian Xiang, you'll have to spar with me more often in the future. Whether I can break through depends on you!"

As a fellow warrior wielding a large axe, Mi Sheng was especially happy that Bian Xiang had broken through his limits, allowing him to seek guidance from others!

"Sure, anytime is fine!"

Bian Xiang was overjoyed, as his long-held dream had come true today, which was truly exhilarating!

"Alright, brothers, drinking is allowed at today's banquet, but no more than three cups. After Guan Sheng returns, they may launch an attack on Liangshan at any time. All leaders must not get drunk, or they will be punished according to military law. Do you understand?"

Pei Xuan maintained order daily, and everyone unanimously agreed. There was no other way; no one in the entire stronghold dared to provoke Pei Xuan.

"Mischievous monkey".

Zhou Tong was also unusually present at the Hall of Gathering Righteousness today, because he had heard that Bian Xiang had made a breakthrough and came to see him.

Of course, he also gave Bian Xiang a round of encouragement!

"Master."

Ren Yuan stood respectfully behind Zhou Tong.

"Do you have any thoughts on Bian Xiang's breakthrough this time?"

“It’s no big deal, Master. Bian Xiang has been accumulating experience for many years. Today’s battle with Guan Sheng is the perfect opportunity to break through his limitations. Isn’t this a natural progression?”

Ren Yuan shrugged, indicating that this was perfectly normal!

"Hey~ I thought you'd be upset or even feel down, but it seems I was overthinking it?"

Zhou Tong looked at Ren Yuan with a teasing expression.

“Master, am I the kind of person who gets impatient? Obviously not.”

Ren Yuan shrugged.

"Besides, they've all been practicing martial arts for over twenty years, while I've only been practicing for a few years and I'm already about the same level as them. I'm more than satisfied, okay?"

"That's good. Remember, although you are exceptionally talented, the most dangerous thing in the path of martial arts is to be impatient. You can't eat hot tofu in a hurry. Besides, you are now the leader of Liangshan. As long as you can protect yourself, that's enough."

Zhou Tong was worried that his apprentice would feel pressured after seeing his subordinate's breakthrough, which would affect his mindset, but he did not expect Ren Yuan to have such a good mentality.

Zhou Tong never expected this. After all, Ren Yuan was an ordinary office worker in his previous life, and he had a great attitude towards slacking off. How could he possibly have any pressure?

"Don't worry, Master. Most of the people in the world who can defeat me are from Liangshan."

Ren Yuan looked at his master with a smile.

"Besides, I'm a genius. Maybe I'll break through tonight after just one night's sleep..."

"Snapped!"

Zhou Tong kicked Ren Yuan in the butt. "This brat! He's the leader of Liangshan now, and he still doesn't behave properly!"

"Senior brother! You got beaten by Master again!"

Yue Fei, already a young man, held a leg of lamb in both hands, gnawing on it until his mouth was covered in oil.

"Hehe, junior brother, you're asking for it again! I'm confiscating this lamb leg!"

Ren Yuan, who had just been kicked by his master, saw his junior brother and immediately found his target, rushing over to snatch the food from him!

If you can't beat your master, can't you beat your junior brother?

……

Compared to the bustling atmosphere at Liangshan, the atmosphere in Guan Sheng's camp is now somewhat somber.

"Inspector Guan, when shall we send troops?"

Shan Tinggui asked Guan Sheng.

"The Liangshan army is well-trained and has ample supplies. We cannot advance rashly; we must wait for the supplies to arrive."

"We can wait, but how long? We've already set up our forces at the gates of Liangshan, but we arrived quickly. The entire army only has enough rations for three to five days. What will we do once we run out and the supplies don't arrive?"

Wei Dingguo asked directly:

"Are we going to have to borrow grain from the people? I can't do that."

"Since the Grand Commandant said he would replenish our troops, provisions, and supplies, he definitely will. Let's be patient; perhaps the rest of our troops are already on their way!"

Hao Siwen reassured the two men, and to be honest, he thought that Grand Commandant Gao would keep his word.

This time, Hao Siwen was right.

Gao Qiu has indeed sent men with the remaining 4,000-plus troops, along with enough provisions and supplies for 20,000 men for two months, to set off.

The person they sent out is no ordinary person either; he's a celebrity!

Two days ago, this man came to Gao Qiu's residence to ask Gao Qiu for this opportunity.

"My lord, please let me go."

"Shimei, this is an expedition, it's risky. Are you confident?"

Looking at his handsome subordinate, Gao Qiu felt a pang of reluctance.

After all, this person was a trusted confidant that Gao Qiu had discovered back when he was still playing Cuju!

"No problem, sir. Leave it to me, I'll definitely make you satisfied! Besides, I really need this opportunity!"

Li Bangyan, courtesy name Shimei, was a handsome and forthright man with an elegant demeanor. He was quick-witted and skilled in writing.

This man grew up among commoners, was familiar with sordid matters, had excellent eloquence and quick wit; moreover, he was also very good at Cuju (ancient Chinese football), and had once been on the same Cuju team as Gao Qiu!

His most impressive feat was his ability to adapt worldly stories and sayings into folk songs, which were then sung in various brothels throughout the city. As a result, he was known as "Li the Prodigal."

In the second year of the Daguan era (1108), thanks to Gao Qiu's recommendation, Emperor Huizong granted him the title of Jinshi and appointed him as Fu Baolang.

However, he was impeached after only a few years in office.

He is now just a lowly school librarian, living a monotonous life with no hope of advancement.

Therefore, Li Bangyan always hoped to be reused.

Gao Qiu was one of his greatest hopes.

"My lord, back when we played football together, I knew you would rise to great heights. Now that you are Grand Commandant, I am willing to follow you for the rest of my life!"

"However, I regret that my official position is currently too weak to be of any help to you, sir. Otherwise, I would be willing to go through fire and water for you, sir, as long as you give the order!"

Li Bangyan certainly didn't come empty-handed; he brought Gao Qiu some of his treasured paintings, as well as silver.

Everything was for the sake of getting a chance from Gao Qiu!

Gao Qiu finally agreed. What could he do? Who could refuse a younger brother with whom they had played Cuju (ancient Chinese football)?

In addition, Li Bangyan had indeed been rewarded handsomely for his military achievements, and given his abilities, Gao Qiu decided that sending him would be very suitable.

With this military achievement, it wouldn't be difficult for Li Bangyan to be promoted a couple more times, and Gao Qiu's influence in the court would also increase.

As for what if we fail—who is Li Bangyan? I, Gao Qiu, don't know him!

What? You played Cuju (ancient Chinese football) with me? I don't remember, because back then when we played Cuju, everyone was watching the ball, who was watching me!

At this moment, Li Bangyan was urging the soldiers to advance towards Liangshan. He had already received instructions from Gao Qiu that once they got there, he could command everyone if necessary!

This pleased Li Bangyan greatly. This was exactly how it should be. Those warriors were too crude and should be guided by scholars!

Hopefully, this Guan Sheng with his great sword won't be ungrateful!

PS: It's true that Li Bangyan knows how to play Cuju (ancient Chinese football), so I arranged for him to become Gao Qiu's teammate. Of course, historically, Li Bangyan was a sycophant of eunuchs, which is actually Yang Jian. But whether it's Gao Qiu or Yang Jian, they're pretty much the same, so the substitution is the same.