Chapter Fifty-Six: The River Syndicate Boss

Previously, Shi Qian had told Zhao Yu that Wu Yong was hiding in Zhao Kai’s residence, so when he heard this group mention Zhang Shun, Zhao Yu immediately knew that the famous Wise Star had arrived.

History had already become chaotic due to Zhao Yu’s journey across time, and the appearance of characters from the Water Margin had only made things more unrecognizable. Zhao Yu had no idea who might appear next. Precisely because of this, he was all the more eager to meet this legendary figure from the novel.

The official boat docked and dropped anchor; soon after, guards lowered the gangplank. Lin Chong was the first to jump down, standing at the side with folded arms, coldly watching Wu Yong and his companions.

Wu Yong was tactful enough, cupping his hands to Lin Chong, then stepping onto the deck alone.

Wu Yong of Water Margin was not a scholar without strength, and Zhao Yu could tell from Wu Yong’s movements that he was quite skilled—at the very least, better than Zhao Yu himself.

“Master Wu, I have long heard your name. It is an honor to meet you,” Zhao Yu greeted politely, cupping his hands first.

Wu Yong was momentarily taken aback; he hadn’t even introduced himself yet. He had gone to great lengths to keep his identity hidden, instructing Zhang Shun and the others not to mention his name, yet the young Prince of Yi had directly called him out. How did he know?

The smarter a man, the more he thinks. Zhao Yu’s simple greeting made Wu Yong instantly suspicious.

“A humble subject greets Your Highness.”

“Please, Master Wu, have a seat. Wine and dishes are prepared, awaiting your presence,” Zhao Yu said, making a welcoming gesture. His status demanded it, and besides, no matter how modest one tried to be, one shouldn’t go hungry.

It was the same table where Zhao Yu and Xu Jiang had just played chess, but now Xu Jiang stood quietly to the side, together with Yan Qing, flanking Zhao Yu like steadfast guardians.

“Please, Your Highness.”

Wu Yong carefully took his seat opposite Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu picked up the wine pot, poured himself a cup, drank it first, then filled Wu Yong’s cup.

He smiled warmly. “The Canal Guild in Bianliang is run by one of my men. In a sense, we are colleagues. Fate has brought us together—please, Master Wu!”

Zhao Yu’s gesture was meant to reassure Wu Yong: the wine was safe, there was no need to worry. He would not harm him.

But Wu Yong wasn’t here for wine. He had already realized that trying to seize that stone by force was unrealistic—Lin Chong alone was an obstacle he couldn’t overcome.

He thanked Zhao Yu, then probed, “May I ask how Your Highness learned of my identity?”

Zhao Yu’s face retained the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa, and he replied obliquely, “How is Brother Gongming?”

Zhao Yu mentioned Song Jiang rather than Chao Gai, knowing that Wu Yong shared Song Jiang’s aspiration for imperial amnesty. Otherwise, Wu Yong would not have chosen to work with Song Jiang after knowing he was responsible for Chao Gai’s death.

Zhao Yu revealed Song Jiang as the true leader of the Canal Guild because his agents sent to Shandong to search for Wu Song and investigate Song Jiang had reported that Song Jiang had long resigned his post and disappeared.

Thus Zhao Yu made his claim, though there was an element of bluffing Wu Yong—and from Wu Yong’s reaction, it was clear Zhao Yu had guessed correctly.

“You… you…” Wu Yong rose in shock, staring at Zhao Yu as if seeing a ghost, unable to speak for a long time.

“There are no real secrets in this world, just as everyone knows I am the little brother in the capital, only no one says it outright. I wish to be friends with you, and so I have always treated you with respect. I hope you won’t do anything to disappoint me,” Zhao Yu’s expression grew cold, changing so quickly that Xu Jiang behind him was taken aback, privately marveling at the prince’s extraordinary nature.

“So Your Highness knows my purpose here?” Wu Yong was not an ordinary man. After his brief shock, his composure returned; he sat back down and looked Zhao Yu in the eye.

“There are those who covet what is not theirs, who overestimate themselves. Let me remind you, Master Wu: do you think my father would let such an important thing escape again?”

Everyone knows the danger of possessing what others desire, so Zhao Yu would never admit to holding the item.

Wu Yong stared at Zhao Yu for a while, trying to discern any flaw in his expression.

With two lifetimes’ experience, Zhao Yu’s expression was impenetrable, revealing nothing.

After a while, Wu Yong said, “I believe Your Highness speaks truly. Since you understand the gravity of the matter, I will say no more. But allow me to advise you: on your journey south, it would be best to steer clear of Fang La.”

Zhao Yu suddenly smiled. “Master Wu, what is your ambition?”

“That is not for Your Highness to worry about. Farewell.”

“When the cunning hare dies, the hound is boiled. Master Wu, I hope the brothers of the Canal Guild won’t let themselves be used as pawns.”

As Wu Yong turned to leave, Zhao Yu did not rise to see him off, but spoke coolly to his back.

Wu Yong paused for a moment, then quickly jumped onto the deck and departed.

“Forgive me for asking, Your Highness, but what did you mean by your words to that man?” Xu Jiang finally couldn’t help but ask after Wu Yong left the boat.

“They are a band of heroes at the mercy of the powerful in the capital—a pity,” Zhao Yu sighed as he shook his head. He didn’t know if his words had fooled Wu Yong, but Wu Yong’s sudden appearance made him realize one thing: Wu Yong had likely already pledged allegiance to Zhao Kai, waiting for an opportunity to clear his name.

Yet these men failed to see that Zhao Kai, for the sake of his own reputation, would never truly associate himself with outlaws.

Song Jiang, Wu Yong—their fate, as in Water Margin, was already sealed.

Thinking of Zhao Kai, Zhao Yu couldn’t help but laugh silently. That fellow was even better at disguise than himself, almost fooled him.

The shadow of Zhao Kai had just passed when another thought resurfaced.

Because of his intervention, the story of Liangshan would not unfold as it had; so how would Zhao Kai use these outlaws?

Wu Yong had just advised him to stay away from Fang La, clearly aware of Fang La’s intentions. Could it be that they were Zhao Kai’s secret weapon against Fang La?

Zhao Yu speculated, but felt things were not so simple. Earlier, when Deng Yuanjue kidnapped him, it was implied they had informants in the capital—so who might that be?

Xu Jiang watched Zhao Yu sigh and smile to himself, and was tempted to check his temperature, wondering if the prince was feverish.

As he pondered, a carrier pigeon suddenly swooped down from the sky.

Yan Qing hurried forward, quickly detaching a small paper slip from the pigeon’s leg and handing it to Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu opened it, a faint smile flashing across his lips, then passed the pigeon message to Xu Jiang.

Xu Jiang took it and glanced at the note, which was very short, containing only one line:

“It is widely rumored in the capital that Your Highness is a devotee of the Manichaean faith!”