Reborn in Liangshan: I built the strongest lineup

When the Jurchens declared war on the Liao Dynasty, Tong Guan's army on the Song Dynasty's side also withdrew from the campaign.

Although Tong Guan did not find Tian Hu himself after storming into Weisheng, he had a double who looked seven or eight parts similar to Tian Hu, and there were also rumors in the martial arts world that Tian Hu had died.

So Tong Guan gritted his teeth, publicly beheaded the stand-in, and declared that this was the real Tian Hu.

This did indeed boost the morale of his troops!

In addition, Wang Qing also gave him some of the treasures seized from Tian Hu, so Tong Guan was able to report back to his superiors.

Since that's the case, there's no need to linger in Hebei any longer. The soldiers have been away for so long; it's time for them to go back and see their families.

Therefore, even though Fang Xuedu was still leading Tian Hu's last remaining stragglers in guerrilla warfare across the mountains, Tong Guan decided to withdraw his troops.

He had already prepared his explanation: the bandit leader Tian Hu was beheaded, and the other bandits who refused to surrender were killed in the chaos of battle, their bodies never to be found. Some of the more powerful figures realized their mistakes and surrendered to the court, intending to atone for their crimes through meritorious service.

This decision was unanimously agreed upon by all officers and soldiers, after all, they had been fighting for so long and didn't want to fight anymore.

Those under Tian Hu who surrendered also breathed a sigh of relief. Well, their lives were saved, so the surrender was worthwhile.

"Wang Qing, are you sure that Zan Tongmei is truly surrendering?"

Tong Guan's only worry was Zan Tongmei, especially after hearing that Zan Tongmei was Tian Hu's most capable general. Tong Guan became even more worried.

Is this guy planning to feign surrender?

But Wang Qing assured him that Zan Tongmei would be fine. Although Tong Guan still had some doubts, he decided to give Wang Qing a chance.

"Don't worry, father-in-law. This Zan Tongmei is a bandit, and his word is law. He will be fine under my command."

Wang Qing's meaning was quite clear: Zan Tongmei was fine with me, but if he followed someone else, things were not so sure.

"Okay, then I'll recommend you for credit, but listen carefully: if anything goes wrong, it has nothing to do with me, understand?"

Tong Guan's meaning was quite clear, and Wang Qing, of course, dared not say anything more and could only agree.

"Yes, you have indeed improved a lot. From now on, you can eat with me at the manor."

Tong Guan nodded with satisfaction at Wang Qing's reaction.

Originally, Wang Qing was someone who shouldn't even be seated at the table in the Tong family mansion, but now Tong Guan has actually agreed to let him sit at the table!

"Thank you, father-in-law!"

Wang Qing was naturally happy. The higher his status, the better it would be for both him and Tong Jiaoxiu.

"Don't thank me, you should keep up the good work."

Tong Guan waved his hand. To be honest, after this great battle, he found that Wang Qing was not entirely useless, so he was willing to give this son-in-law a chance.

After all, of the eight military commanders that Tong Guan originally transferred to fight Tian Hu, half of them had been lost after such a long battle. Now, Wang Qing was actually the most useful sharp knife under Tong Guan's command.

When Tong Guan's army returned to Tokyo, they received a warm welcome from the imperial family.

After all, this was one of the few major victories since Zhao Ji came to power.

"Prime Minister Tong, you've worked hard."

This time, Cai Jing, representing Emperor Huizong of Tang, personally led a group to the city gates to welcome Tong Guan and his troops back in triumph.

"I am deeply apprehensive about the arrival of Grand Tutor Cai in person."

Although Tong Guan made a great contribution by destroying Hebei this time, Cai Jing was still a powerful figure in the court, and Tong Guan would not take the initiative to cause trouble for Cai Jing.

"Privy Councilor Tong has made such a great contribution this time, what reward does he want?"

Cai Jing said to Tong Guan with a forced smile.

"What reward? Serving the Emperor is my duty, Grand Tutor, please don't joke."

"Is that so? In that case, shall we not reward you this time?"

Cai Jing frowned slightly as he looked at Tong Guan, who seemed more assertive than before.

"This old man without OO, after fighting a battle, does he think he's got a strong backbone now?"

"Grand Tutor, you flatter us. Although our contribution this time was not great, we still risked our lives for the army. Whether or not we should be rewarded is up to His Majesty to decide."

"Although the Grand Tutor is a senior official in the court, he is still just a Grand Tutor."

Tong Guan also retorted gently, not giving Cai Jing any face.

After the two bigwigs finished speaking, they fell silent, staring at each other with a palpable tension.

"Grand Tutor Cai, why go to such lengths?"

After a long while, Tong Guan spoke softly.

“I, Tong Guan, only want to fight wars and have no intention of taking control of the court, so Grand Tutor, you don’t need to be so wary of me.”

If this were a military camp, Tong Guan would never have spoken first, but because this is the capital, Cai Jing's territory, Tong Guan had no choice but to back down.

"Hmph, don't forget, you still owe me an explanation."

Cai Jing's attempt to sabotage Tong Guan was not because he had a grudge against Tong Guan; in fact, their relationship was actually quite good.

However, Tong Guan's daughter, Tong Jiaoxiu, took advantage of the amnesty to openly bring back her lover, who was a convict!

Moreover, after the two of them returned, they ate and lived together in the Tong residence. Do you think nothing happened between them? Nobody believes that!

Although the marriage agreement between the Tong and Cai families had long been a dead letter, and they each went to find male lovers without caring about each other.

But all of that happened behind the scenes!

By bringing her lover back to the mansion in such a high-profile manner, Tong Jiaoxiu was slapping Cai Jing in the face!

So, wouldn't Cai Jing have some reservations?

How can it be!

"Wang Qing, come here for a moment."

Tong Guan looked at Cai Jing, whose face said, "If you don't give me an explanation, you're not getting out of here today."

Left with no other choice, Tong Guan had to ask Wang Qing to come.

"Father-in-law, I'm here. And this is..."

Wang Qing thought his father-in-law had called him over to show him off in front of others, so he was quite excited on the way.

When he arrived at Tong Guan's side, he discovered that an adult was confronting his father-in-law.

"This is Cai Jing, Lord Cai."

Tong Guan succinctly and directly revealed Cai Jing's identity.

"Lord Cai loves talented people, especially those who are worth promoting, so he wants to see you."

This is Cai Jing?!

Wang Qing was startled, and cold sweat broke out on his back.

He didn't believe Cai Jing was trying to promote him.

This guy is definitely going to settle scores with me!

"father in law……"

Wang Qing looked at Tong Guan with a pleading expression.

No, dear father-in-law, you can't just leave me to Cai Jing all by yourself! I've done a lot of good this time and provided you with so much money!

You're leaving me alone with Cai Jing now? Isn't that like discarding a donkey after it has served its purpose?

"You must be Wang Qing. You certainly have a handsome appearance."

Cai Jing sized up Wang Qing, his eyes filled with disdain.

"I heard you made a contribution this time? Young man, do you know how serious a crime it is to claim credit for something? If you're going to claim credit for something, you'd better say so now, lest you get caught and not only lose your own head, but also implicate your father-in-law."

Cai Jing looked at Wang Qing and spoke very bluntly.

Wang Qing, a man who brought shame upon the Cai family, still wants to achieve something? What are you thinking!