Chapter 3, The Guanyin Maid

The open lake, surrounded by dense reeds, is approximately the size of half a football field. Five small boats are confronting each other in a tense standoff, with three of the boats manned by fierce-looking men. However, the weapons in their hands are as mismatched as their appearances, with one even carrying a rusty manure fork, indicating that this group of bandits is truly not doing well.

Changsun Sheng may not be as famous as Changsun Wuji in later generations, but during the Sui Dynasty, he was indeed a prominent figure, being a core member of the Changsun family and highly valued by both emperors of the Sui Dynasty. It was he who skillfully implemented the strategy of "dividing the strong and uniting the weak" to fracture and dismantle the Turkic tribes, allowing the Sui Dynasty to extricate itself and unify the nation, thereby rapidly growing stronger.

Zhang Jincheng lamented, "Yang Guang is tyrannical and lawless, engaging in military aggression and oppressive taxation, causing the people of the world to suffer, with nine out of ten households empty. Last year, Shandong experienced a severe drought, and this year, floods have ravaged the land, resulting in a complete failure of crops, with countless commoners starving to death. Even so, Yang Guang still issued an edict to conscript two hundred thousand laborers to march against Goguryeo. As the saying goes, 'official oppression leads to rebellion.' Now, those raising the banner against the Sui are widespread, and General Changsun is a true hero. Why continue to assist this foolish monarch, Yang Guang? If General Changsun is willing to abandon the darkness and embrace the light, to rise up and avenge the suffering of the people, we are willing to follow the general in great endeavors. With the general's capabilities, there is bound to be significant achievement."

At this moment, the chubby Zong Sunwuji also arrived and, upon seeing the middle-aged man holding a bow, immediately exclaimed with joy: "Father, your child has come to assist you!" After saying this, he steered the boat straight over.

This general listens respectfully

Although Gao Bufan is not a historian, how could he not be familiar with Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin? Changsun Wugou is also a very famous virtuous empress in history. No wonder the name Changsun Wuji sounds so familiar; he is actually the brother-in-law of Emperor Taizong, ranking first among the twenty-four founding ministers of the Lingyan Pavilion

Zhang Jincheng exclaimed: "Are you the Long Sun Sheng who achieves two goals with one arrow?"

Zhangsun Sheng was highly skilled in martial arts, particularly adept at horseback archery, with an arrow technique that was almost divine. During his mission to the Turks, he once shot down two large eagles with a single arrow in front of the Turkic khan Shaboluo, astonishing everyone present. This event is also the origin of the idiom 'to kill two birds with one arrow'.

At this moment, Changsun Sheng finally spoke, staring at Zhang Jincheng and articulating each word clearly: "Release the young lady, and I, the general, will allow you to leave and will not pursue this matter any further"

In contrast, the individuals on the other two boats, though fewer in number, were dressed neatly, with their standardized sabers glinting coldly in the sunlight. The middle-aged man at the forefront even carried a beautifully crafted horn bow, which was evidently of considerable value, and their equipment overwhelmingly surpassed that of the bandits opposite them

The bandit leader Zhang Jincheng commanded the ship to approach, surrounding Chang Sun Sheng and Gao Shilian along with three other pirate ships. However, when he saw the three floating corpses of the bandits on the lake's surface, his expression instantly darkened, and he sternly asked: "Who killed my men?"

The little girl, whether stunned by fear or simply oblivious, remained calm and composed despite the knife pressed against her neck. She sat quietly with her knees hugged to her chest, exuding an air of dignity and refinement

Zhang Jincheng looked around with a fierce gaze and coldly said: "Now there are as many self-proclaimed generals as there are running dogs, who exactly are you?"

The middle-aged man holding the bow was none other than Changsun Sheng, the father of Changsun Wuji. He nodded approvingly at Changsun Wuji, but a swordsman from another boat nearby reproached him, saying: "Wuji, why have you come here?"

Zhang Jin was secretly angry; he certainly did not want to offend a powerful figure like Changsun Sheng. After all, with his current strength, if the court were to dispatch heavy troops to suppress him, he would absolutely be unable to withstand it. However, Changsun Sheng's condescending tone was truly displeasing to him. Moreover, if he were to back down at this point, his prestige among his brothers would inevitably diminish, making it difficult to lead the team in the future

Hahaha! Changsun Sheng laughed heartily, pointing at Zhang Jincheng and sternly rebuking, "You little thief, how dare you speak so arrogantly? With your capabilities, do you think you are worthy?"

Changsun Sheng furrowed his brow. It was not that he could not afford the three thousand taels of silver, but if this matter were to spread, not only would the Changsun family lose face, but the court would also suffer a significant loss of dignity. Moreover, given Emperor Yang Guang of Sui's capricious temperament and his narrow-mindedness and suspicion, it was possible that he might even impose punishment on him.

"On the contrary, I only wish that Wuji could grow up faster," said Changsun Sheng, followed by a couple of dry coughs, his slightly pale face flushing with a sickly hue.

Brother, I am fine, do not worry, listen to grandfather! The little girl unexpectedly began to comfort Changsun Wuji.

Gao Shilian held a long sword tightly and said nervously: "Do not be afraid, Wugou, your uncle will definitely rescue you."

"This general will kill them," Changsun Sheng said calmly, yet his tone conveyed an underlying sense of firmness.

"Young Master, this fellow should be the bandit leader Zhang Jincheng, also known as Golden Tooth Horse. His wanted poster is posted at the city gate, and as long as we capture him and hand him over to the county office, we will be rewarded with two hundred taels of silver" Gao Ren greedily swallowed his saliva

At this moment, the two ships of bandits pursuing from behind also entered the lake, while the three ships of bandits confronting Changsun Sheng and the others suddenly erupted in loud cheers, all shouting: "Great Chief!"

At this moment, the bandit leader at the bow of the ship suddenly turned his head and glared over here, his gaze fierce as if it were tangible. Gao Shou and Gao Ren instantly turned pale, and Gao Bufan also felt a slight chill in his heart. Did he hear that?

Changsun Sheng waved his hand and said: "It is rare for my son to have such courage. Since he has come, it is good to let him train a bit. Shilian need not blame him."

Changsun Wuji, blushing, lowered his head and said: "Uncle, I truly cannot rest easy about Guanyin's maid."

Three corpses of bandits were seen floating on the water's surface, each with an arrow lodged in their throats, their necks pierced through completely, dead beyond any doubt. It was evident that the middle-aged man with the bow possessed exceptional archery skills, having shot three arrows in succession, each one piercing a throat.

Just as Gao Bufan was filled with doubt, the bandit leader suddenly grinned maliciously, revealing two gleaming golden teeth. He raised his left hand and made a gesture of cutting his throat, then laughed maniacally!

However, Changsun Sheng pondered for a moment and ultimately decided to pay the ransom to save the person. He said in a deep voice: "Alright, but you must release the person immediately. In three days, I will send someone to deliver three thousand taels of silver here."

Innocent? Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Gao Bufan's mind, and he almost blurted out, "What the heck, is it Changsun Wuji, the empress of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin? ... Could it be that this little loli is ... ?

Gao Bufan was secretly astonished; although he was unsure of the martial arts skills of the bandit leader Zhang Jincheng, his hearing was remarkably acute, as he could hear what Gao was saying in a low voice from quite a distance away

The bandit leader Zhang Jin clearly did not take Gao Bufan and his two companions seriously. After issuing a threat, he left a pirate ship to block the entrance of the lake and then directly approached Changsun Sheng and the others, presumably intending to deal with Changsun Sheng first before taking care of the inconsequential Gao Bufan.

The swordsman was named Gao Jian, courtesy name Shilian. He hailed from the prestigious Gao family of Bohai and was the brother-in-law of Changsun Sheng. Upon hearing this, he could only respond with a bitter smile, saying, "Elder brother, you are too indulgent of Wuji."

"Hey, you little brat, you think you're tough? Do you believe I won't just stab your little sister right now!" A crooked-mouthed bandit lifted the little girl and pointed a dagger at her abdomen

Gao Shilian wished to speak but hesitated; he merely glanced at the anxious Changsun Wuji and ultimately chose to remain silent

The little girl was so frightened that her face turned pale, tears welling up in her eyes, yet she bravely held back her cries. Changsun Wuji was both shocked and angry, drawing his bow and nocking an arrow but dared not shoot, fearing he might hurt his sister, and he was so anxious that he stamped his feet in frustration

Thus, Zhang Jincheng cupped his hands and said: "General Changsun, I am Zhang Jincheng. I respect you as a true man. Had I known in advance that the large boat passing through the canal was carrying your family, I would certainly not have committed any offense. However, as the saying goes, a thief does not leave empty-handed, and there are rules on the road. If you wish for me to release the person, you may do so by bringing three thousand taels of silver for ransom. In this way, I can also provide an explanation to my brothers."

Gao Bufan looked carefully from a distance, and saw a little girl, about eleven or twelve years old, being held captive by two robbers on a pirate ship blocking the waterway's exit. She was exquisitely beautiful, with bright eyes and a charming demeanor, clearly still a little loli.

"You scoundrel, since you are aware of my father's power, why do you not immediately release my sister? Otherwise, you will find yourself without a burial place," Changsun Wuji exclaimed with a stern expression.

Changsun Wuji felt both ashamed and pained; his father always said that one must maintain a calm demeanor in the face of significant events. Alas, in this regard, he found himself even inferior to his younger sister

Zhang Jin waved his hand generously and said: "No need for that. I trust General Changsun. It is fine to release the person first, but I have a piece of good advice to share with General Changsun."

The bandits were clearly intimidated by the opponent's fierce archery skills. Although they were numerous, they did not dare to attack collectively, nor did they have the courage to turn and flee. However, since the bandits had hostages in their hands, the middle-aged man with the bow was also cautious and did not dare to act rashly. Thus, both sides found themselves in a stalemate.

The rule in our line of work is to exchange people with one hand and goods with the other said the second-in-command Sun Yan with a cold smile

Gao Shilian angrily rebuked: "Dog thief, have you lost your dog eyes? You dare to rob right under the head of the General of the Right Xiaowei, simply courting death. If you are wise, immediately order your subordinates to release the captives, otherwise, when the imperial army arrives, they will surely trample Gaojipo flat"

Gao Bufan felt a stir in his heart and fixed his gaze ahead, where he indeed saw a robust and imposing man standing at the bow of the ship. The man wore a sleeveless tunic that revealed his muscular arms, and he carried a gleaming ghost-headed broadsword over his shoulder. His long hair danced wildly in the wind, exuding an air of dominance.

"Nonsense, aren't you just causing trouble?" the swordsman reprimanded.

"That must be a life for a flower." Gao Shou said with a look of fear: "It is said that this bastard led people to massacre in Wangpo Village, sparing not even infants under a month old, truly worse than beasts!"

The bandits could not help but show their anger, and Zhang Jin also felt displeased. If it were not for the fear of the renowned archery skills of Changsun Sheng, he would have already taken action to eliminate this even more arrogant little chubby man.