Chapter 2, Surprise Attack (Part 2)

Note 1: Blank Degrees Certificate: During the Tang and Song dynasties, many individuals aspired to become monks or Daoists as they could be exempted from labor taxes and corvée. In response to this situation, the government implemented strict examinations to reduce the number of monks and Daoists, while also selling blank degrees certificates as valuable securities to increase government revenue. During Wang Anshi's reforms, some officials even used blank degrees certificates as capital to promote the Market Exchange Law and the Green Seedling Law. This highly profitable business kept the Tang and Song governments engaged, and the price of blank degrees certificates fluctuated, generally ranging between 200 and 300 guan. During Wang Anshi's reforms, some officials even used blank degrees certificates as capital to promote the Market Exchange Law and the Green Seedling Law. This highly profitable business kept the Tang and Song governments engaged, and the price of blank degrees certificates fluctuated, generally ranging between 200 and 300 guan.

Brother Wen, Zhao Yu waved to Zhao Wen, who was also staying here, and whispered, "This time when we go into battle, don't rush in blindly. Pay more attention to Uncle San and stick close to him. If Uncle San loses even a single hair, just see if I won't hold you accountable"

"Who says otherwise?" Zhao Wen said with a smile as he walked behind Zhao Wu, "When I came back, I was also urged to leave. It was pitch dark, and several times I almost stumbled into the bamboo stakes."

Chen Wudun paused for a moment, returned a salute, and said solemnly: "Er Lang, rest assured. Chen will not fail your trust." After saying this, he led his troops out the door and headed south

It indeed looks quite good. Zhao Yu silently nodded in agreement. This team consists of battle-hardened men, so there is no need to worry about them losing their nerve in the heat of battle

The task assignments have been finalized, and each will lead their troops accordingly

In this temple, in addition to the venerable Zhishan, there is also an elderly abbot over seventy years old, along with two novice monks who could not afford to be ordained. A few months ago, Zhao Yu had come to this temple to plan this surprise attack and had met those three individuals. At that time, he had made arrangements with Zhishan, deciding that before taking action, they needed to eliminate these three obstacles. Earlier, Zhao Wen had come to find Zhang Gui, and he helped him kill the three abbot and novices in the meditation room at the back, leaving no one to escape.

Zhao Yu explained the plan in detail and emphasized several key points. The leaders all nodded in agreement. As he put away the map, Zhao Yu sighed to himself, realizing that these pirates were not tight-lipped individuals. Therefore, the plan must remain undisclosed until the moment of action; otherwise, if the details were leaked in advance, this surprise attack would essentially lead to their own demise.

It is almost midnight

Zhao Yu's plan is actually quite simple: to close the door and beat the dog. First, they will split into two groups to deal with the guards at the city gate along the small paths at the base of the city wall. Then, they will leave a necessary force to secure the city gate to prevent anyone from escaping to report. The remaining troops will gather in front of the bell and drum tower in the center of the county town, directly targeting the county office in the west of the city. On ordinary days, the archers and officials on night duty at the county office do not exceed ten people combined, and today is New Year's Eve, so it is even less likely to exceed this number. Moreover, even if the county office is prepared during the attack on the city gate, setting a fire would suffice. The location of the firewood room in the county office's backyard has already been clearly scouted. By throwing two torches and securing the front and back doors, they can wait for the people inside to rush out to their deaths.

After the plan was explained, the tasks for each person were quickly assigned. The one hundred and twenty individuals were originally divided into ten teams, each consisting of twelve members, including one team leader and one deputy leader. Chen Wu led the fourth team, with his targets being the West Gate and the South Gate. Zhao Yu, in addition to guarding the North Gate and the East Gate, was also responsible for an additional mountain pass, thus leading the fifth team. The remaining team stayed at the temple, ready to guard the back door of the county office when Zhao Yu and Chen Wu began their assault, to prevent anyone from escaping. The walls of Changguo City are narrow; it is only a hundred steps or so from the Guanyin Temple to the back door of the county office, with a bridge in between, making it quite easy. Zhi Shan, who had old injuries and could not endure fatigue, was naturally assigned to lead this task. Zhao Yu's few close aides, along with two scouts, were also evenly divided into three groups, each accompanying one team, serving as a means of mutual communication.

Putuo Mountain is indeed located within the territory of Changguo, and the people on the island have always shown great reverence in their offerings to Guanyin of the South China Sea. It is quite common among the pirates of Changguo, like Zhao Yu, to first pay their respects to the compassionate Guanyin before engaging in acts of violence and arson

"Hush, don't talk too much!" Zhao Yu admonished from behind the two, "Watch your step and just follow along."

Inside the door is a courtyard measuring twenty paces on each side, which is considered large in this small town. However, when Zhao Yu and the others entered through the small side door from the west and the library, over a hundred robust men filled the courtyard to capacity. The main entrance of the courtyard faces south, while to the north stands a small hall dedicated to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, which is the Guanyin temple where Zhang Gui is registered.

However, the monk did not return the greeting, but anxiously stamped his foot: "What greeting is there to speak of? Don't you see the situation? Are you tired of living? Don't delay, come with me quickly!" Without waiting for a response, he turned and led the way.

Zhao Yu observed this and turned back to give a knowing glance. Zhao Wen, with a keen and perceptive mind, hurried forward to help Zhi Shan massage his legs. The monk squinted his eyes and accepted the gesture with a smile

Chen Wu has left, and it is now Zhao Yu's turn. Zhao Wu leads a team ahead. Zhao Yu turns back to look at the team remaining in the temple, each member is full of spirit and seems somewhat eager.

Zhao Wen lowered his head in agreement, but behind him, Zhi Shan called out. Earlier, when Zhao Yu and Zhao Wen were talking, he had already approached and overheard: "Yu Ge, why do you look more and more like a woman as you grow older? Always rambling on. When your third uncle was rampaging at sea with your father and your second uncle, your brother was still in diapers! You little brat, what are you worrying about! Today, your third uncle will take down a couple more for you to see, to show whether 'Ironfoot Turtle' is really getting old or not!" Although he was cursing, the squinting eyes revealed that he was actually quite pleased.

After kneeling in prayer, everyone found a place to sit in the hall and assigned the upcoming tasks. With some time left before the third watch, they could also take a moment to rest and regain their strength. Due to the smooth entry into the city, the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

At this moment, the sound of firecrackers in the city grew increasingly loud

About a quarter of an hour later, Zhao Wen finally returned in a hurry. Like Zhao Wu, he was also accompanied by someone. This person, clad in a monk's robe and with a shaved head, was indeed a monk

Zhao Yu spread the map on the ground and took a candlestick from the altar to weigh down one corner of the map. Everyone gathered around. He pointed at the map and said: "The day before yesterday, I discussed this with my father, second uncle, third uncle, and elder brother. We have planned it thoroughly, and now I will clarify it for everyone..."

After passing through the fence, directly in front of them was another courtyard wall, separated from the fence by a narrow alley wide enough for two people. A small door in the courtyard wall stood open, and Zhao Wen took the lead, guiding the group in single file.

Zhao Wen chuckled foolishly. In fact, he was well aware; he was merely allowing Zhi Shan to show off on purpose.

After the third team, Chen Wu personally led the fourth team in preparation to depart Zhao Yu cupped his hands towards him and sincerely said: "Brother Chen Wu, please be careful in everything. I entrust all matters to you"

At this moment, Zhao Yu and Zhao Wu remained behind, waiting for everyone to pass through the fence and enter the city. They assisted Master Zhishan in lifting the fallen fence back into place. Then, the three quickly slipped inside the door and gently closed it.

Zhao Yu straightened her back, no longer speaking, and led the last group out the door, heading north.

Zhao Wu followed closely while chuckling, "I never expected that after several years of vegetarianism and meditation, Uncle Zhang San would still have such a quick temper"

The Zen Master Zhishan opened his eyes, his expression somewhat displeased: "In a family, one should not speak as if from two different families. Although your third uncle has become a monk, he is still a person from Langgangzhai. How can doing family matters be called 'helping'?"

Three cushions were taken by Zhao Yu, Zhi Shan, and Chen Wu, while the others sat scattered on the threshold or the floor tiles. Only Zhao Wen and Zhao Wu, being less experienced, were not qualified to sit and had to stand behind Zhao Yu

Zhao Yu, Chen Wu, Zhao Wen, Zhao Wu, and several other leaders entered the hall, kneeling in unison to pay their respects to the Bodhisattva with several bows. Zhi Shan stood to the side, lighting a stick of incense and offering it with utmost reverence.

Er Lang, sitting quietly to the side, suddenly spoke up, "It is time to discuss serious matters."

Zhishan stood at the edge of that gap, waving his hand and lowering his voice to urge Zhao Yu and the others to hurry inside

Zhao Yu and Zhao Wu saw the monk and quickly clasped their hands in greeting, saying: "We have met Uncle San."

After taking a few more steps, the shadow of the city wall could be faintly seen ahead, signaling the exit from the mountain. Zhishan led the group to the left, heading towards the wooden fence. No bamboo stakes appeared beneath his feet, as that area had long been cleared, transformed into a safe passage marked by a diagram. The section of the fence directly opposite this passage had also been laid down, creating a gap wide enough for two people to pass through

Interrupted by Chen Wu, Zhi Shan fell silent, his expression displeased. Zhao Yu observed it all. He reined in his smile and said solemnly: "What Brother Wu said is correct"

The crowd descended along the mountain path, just catching sight of the antlers at the foot of the mountain. However, Zhi Shan did not continue downward; instead, he turned right and walked towards the southern forest, where there was a small path.

Zhang San Shu, whose real name is Zhang Gui, is known in the martial world as Ironfoot Turtle. He is the sworn brother of Zhao Lu, the adoptive father of Zhao Yu, and a notorious pirate leader. Three years ago, he suffered serious injuries and can no longer endure the harsh winds of the sea. Additionally, being childless and without anyone to support him, he did not wish to be a burden in the village and attract disdain. Therefore, Zhao Yu went to great lengths to privately gather 200 guan, purchased a blank monk's certificate, and helped Zhang Gui become a monk, who was given the Dharma name Zhi Shan. Over the years, this Master Zhi Shan has been residing at the Guanyin Temple in the county town, effectively cleansing his identity. In terms of status and position, this uncle is not someone Zhao Wen and Zhao Wu can mock, and Zhao Yu inevitably has to remind them to observe propriety.

Zhao Wen and Zhao Wu exchanged a glance, stuck out their tongues, and no longer dared to speak further, lowering their heads to follow Zhi Shan ahead. Zhao Yu closely followed them, with over a hundred people behind them lined up in a single file, silently trailing along.

Sigh... to the utmost goodness, I don't know what came to mind, appearing somewhat emotional, pointing at Zhao Yu, "Only you, kid, possess this filial piety. As for the others..."

Zhao Yu and his companions followed Master Zhi Shan along a path parallel to the wooden fence, walking unevenly for about half a mile. Occasionally, someone would stumble, but they were immediately helped up without any delay

Killing these three individuals, Zhishan need not worry about his retreat. Initially, he became a monk to enjoy a peaceful retirement, but in the past two years, the Zhao family's influence in Changguo has surged, and their main base has moved to Qushan Island, making it easy for them to help him find another place for retirement. This is not like a few years ago when he was cooped up in Langgang Mountain, where the combined area of the three small islands on https://www.hetushu.com was smaller than that of a county seat, leaving no room to even stretch his legs.

On Chenwu First Road, the soldiers of the Fourth Squad streamed out through the small entrance. Zhao Yu stood at the door, frequently raising his hand to pat the shoulders of those exiting, reminding them to be careful. Many among these four squads were affiliated with his elder brother, and their usual interactions were marked by a facade of harmony concealing underlying discord. Now that an opportunity had arisen, Zhao Yu naturally sought to take advantage of it to win their hearts.

Zhao Wen noticed the atmosphere was not good and quickly interjected, "Third Uncle, I see that the courtyard of this Guanyin Temple is quite large. If we disperse during the day and blend in, hiding in the courtyard until nightfall, wouldn't that save you the trouble of leading us around?"

Zhi Shan sat cross-legged on the cushion, rubbing his calves, with a hint of fatigue on his face. Today, he had first killed three people, then walked several miles through the night, and had also endured the cold wind; his body was indeed feeling somewhat worn out. However, he was of the Jiang Gui nature and would never concede to aging in front of the younger generation

Can you blend in? Indeed, Zhi Shan has successfully diverted attention. He scoffed, saying, "Kid, it's fine to be foolish, but you must learn to conceal your shortcomings. Silly words should be kept to yourself; don't bring them out for others to laugh at. How many households are there in Changguo County? Suddenly, over a hundred unfamiliar faces enter the city one day, especially right before the New Year; anyone would know something is amiss. Moreover, don't underestimate my small temple; during the day, the incense offerings are quite prosperous, with people coming and going. Where would you hide?" Suddenly, over a hundred unfamiliar faces enter the city one day, especially right before the New Year; anyone would know something is amiss. Moreover, don't underestimate my small temple; during the day, the incense offerings are quite prosperous, with people coming and going. Where would you hide?

Although the plan is simple, it is sufficient. That said, even if one wishes to arrange a more complex plan, these pirates would not be able to execute it

He took out a cloth bag from his pocket, casually opened it, and inside was a neatly folded piece of rice paper. This was the map of Changguo City that Zhao Yu had drawn during his recent visit to the city for reconnaissance.

As Jian Zhishan enjoyed himself, Zhao Yu smiled and said, "Today, we owe it all to Uncle San; without his help, we would not have been able to enter this city."

Zhao Yu smiled gently, bowed to Zhi Shan, and said: "Then the nephew wishes Third Uncle a victorious start, swift success, and great profits!" This elicited a hearty laugh from him

Zhao Yu lowered his head and smiled apologetically, "It is because I see my third uncle working so hard that I feel guilty in my heart."