The sunset glow spreads over the countryside of Jiangzhou, revealing a blurry smoke and water vapor.
In Fangjiazhuang, after dinner, the villagers began to patrol the streets.
This was requested by the rich man Fang. If anyone discovered the traces of the Red Scarf Army and reported it in advance, they could be rewarded with a bushel of rice.
"Gouzi, hurry up!"
A young man named Erniu squatted on the wall, urging his friends.
"No hurries?"
The young man called Gouzi was biting a straw and carrying a fish basket, ready to catch fish.
"Of course I'm anxious. If I can be the first to discover the Red Scarf Army, I can get a bucket of rice, and my sister can also have a few full meals."
Erniu licked his mouth.
"You might as well go fishing!"
Dogs despise.
"I caught fish for three months, but I can't exchange it for a bucket of rice!"
When Er Niu saw that his friend was not interested in patrolling, he immediately became disappointed. Since they were good friends, he was willing to give Gou Zi half of his rice.
The two people walked silently along the field ridge.
"Are you worried?"
Erniu suddenly spoke. On weekdays, Gouzi talks a lot and even inquires about his sister.
"I……"
Gouzi hesitated again and again, but finally said it: "I'm going to Zhaoshan to join the Red Turban Army!"
"What?"
Erniu was startled: "You don't want your life? Those people are bandits. They were caught by the government and they want to behead them at Caishikou."
"But they are rebels who specialize in doing justice for heaven!"
Gouzi looked into the distance: "Did you know? Since the Red Scarf Army became famous in the past month or so, my family's life has become much better."
Gouzi's father borrowed a lot of money from the landlord in order to treat his mother. He had no choice but to sell Gouzi to Blacksmith Li in the county town as an apprentice. But who knew that because of the appearance of the Red Scarf Army?
, the landlord actually stopped collecting debts.
"If it weren't for the Red Scarf Army, I would die of exhaustion in the blacksmith shop in my life."
Gouzi knew that although it sounded like being an apprentice, he was actually a slave who had signed a contract to sell himself to Blacksmith Li's family. In addition to blacksmithing, he also had to serve others in daily life.
As for salary, there is none. It is good to have three meals a day.
Many families who cannot survive will choose this path and send their children away.
The two cows were silent.
His family is now a tenant farmer of the landlord's family. I heard from my father that the family used to have six acres of paddy fields, but they ended up like this because they borrowed money from the landlord's family to save money.
I really can't afford to pay back the loan shark.
"Bah, even if I see the Red Scarf Army, I won't report it to the Fang family."
The dog spat.
The two people prepared to take a shortcut and entered a bamboo forest, but soon their bodies froze because there were more than a hundred big men resting in the bamboo forest.
They wore red clothes and red scarves on their heads, looking like flames in the sunset.
"Red...Red Scarf Army?"
Er Niu was so frightened that his legs were shaking.
"Run!"
Gouzi let out a low growl and pushed the two cows, but he stayed and at the same time tightened his grip on the hatchet hanging on his waist.
This is purely an instinctive reaction.
Although the Red Scarf Army claims to do justice for heaven and not harm the common people, many people have never seen it with their own eyes. What if it is fake?
"Hey, this guy is so loyal at such a young age, he will definitely be a good man in the future!"
Pork Gui has a loud voice. He looked at Gou Zi with admiration: "Young man, do you want to come to Zhaoshan Luocao?"
"Are you Yanzi Li San?"
Gouzi asked boldly.
"Do you think he is so fat that he deserves to be a swallow?"
Someone joked, causing a lot of laughter.
"I call pork expensive!"
Zhu Zhugui looked at Gouzi: "Let's go, I'll take you to see the leader!"
Gouzi followed him by surprise. He thought that the boss of the Red Scarf Army would be a big-bodied, round-waisted man with a handsome face, but unexpectedly, he turned out to be a handsome young man.
He was sitting on a large bluestone, holding a book and reading it attentively. The rays of the setting sun fell on his face, which was carved with a knife and axe, giving off an air of elegance.
Is this actually a bandit leader?
Gouzi was dumbfounded. His family had no money and couldn't go to a private school, but he went to eavesdrop and found out that the gentleman's temperament shocked him. But compared with this young man, it was nothing to mention.
Soon, Gouzi saw that the young man began to scold the man for being expensive.
It is said that it is harmful to persuade people to become bandits. A young man like him should study, learn the principles of life, and learn a skill. Even if he cannot serve the country, at least he can ensure that his family has food and clothing.
I don’t know why, but after hearing these words, Gouzi’s heart was touched.
"Go home and don't run around at night!"
Sun Mo smiled at the young man, took out a silver coin and threw it to him: "I'm giving it to you, young man, you must study. If you don't get into school, go to a private school. If you do, then use this money.
Go to Jiangzhou City to take a look and broaden your horizons!"
The dog looked confused.
Not to mention myself, even my father has never touched broken silver since he was a child. Now this ingot of silver is at least fifty taels, right?
You can sell me ten times!
"Dalang, it's almost time."
Sun Erniang came to invite you.
"Well, let me know and get ready to go!"
Sun Mo closed the book. When he walked past the young man, he hesitated and handed the book to him: "This is a book called "Historical Records". You can read it when you have nothing to do. After all, reading history makes people wise!"
Plop!
The dog knelt down and kowtowed three times.
"Big boss, I am willing to Luocao and follow you!"
After Gouzi finished speaking, he found that the young man with a warm smile, like the spring sunshine, his face darkened.
"Young people should have lofty goals and pursue the title of marquis and prime minister. What kind of thieves do they want to be?"
Sun Mo refused.
When Sun Erniang saw this scene, her beautiful eyes were full of respect.
Other leaders would like to raise some young dead soldiers and persuade people to die every day, but Sun Mo only thinks about them.
No wonder he calls himself the famous master Sun Mo Red Scarf Army.
Landlord Fang was very afraid of death. During this period, the number of servants in the hospital doubled, and in order to make them work hard, their salaries were doubled.
It is a pity that Sun Mo's Red Scarf Army has evolved a long time ago. It has been three months since their first expedition. They have gone through more than 20 plunders and have been tempered by blood and fire.
Not an exaggeration.
Skilled night raids and step-by-step small team attacks, when the Red Scarf Army took advantage of the night to break into the landlord's house, the battle was basically over.
The servants wanted money, but more importantly, their lives. After seeing that these bandits in red were indeed as rumored, fearless of death and superb in swordsmanship, their morale quickly collapsed.
Of course, there were also servant swordsmen who were not afraid of death, but after Sun Mo led his elite troops to attack fiercely, they collapsed.
"If only there was gunpowder!"
Sun Mo looked at the several Red Scarf soldiers lying in a pool of blood and was very depressed. He knew the ratio of gunpowder, but the materials were difficult to handle.
Now, Sun Mo's team was large enough to empty out the entire grain depot, but as usual, he kept a third of it and distributed it to the villagers.
The villagers all covered their faces, happily carrying grains, and finally set fire to the landlord's house.
At dawn, there were many young people and teenagers in the village, either with their parents' permission, or running away privately. Anyway, there were dozens of them, chasing Sun Mo's Red Scarf Army.
The thieves and bandits have long been accustomed to this kind of thing. Sun Mo didn't need to arrange it and just took them to transport food.
…
"The fourth master has returned to the mountain."
When the fleet appeared on the water near the mountain stronghold, the bandits shouted, and then groups of people recognized them and greeted them.
“Returning with a full load again!”
"I also want to follow Si Dangjia to be popular and drink spicy food!"
"I don't know if the Red Scarf Army is still allowed to join?"
The thieves were extremely jealous as they looked at the cargo being moved off the ship.
The headmaster stood on the hillside, looking at the brothers welcoming Sun Mo with smiling faces, his face became more and more gloomy.
I haven't made a decision yet on whether Sun Mo will be the fourth master of the family, but the thieves and bandits have begun to call him that, which means that Sun Mo's reputation is surpassing his own.
The most troublesome thing is that every time he comes back, he brings a new group of people.
These newcomers only recognized the Red Turban Army and did not recognize him as the big boss.
"If this continues, my village will be taken over by magpie nests and doves."
The boss didn't want to sit back and wait for death, so he had to find a way to suppress Sun Mo and let him know who was the boss.
"Brother Sun, let's have a drink together?"
The third boss came and invited Sun Mo to drink.
At the wine table, the third master tried to persuade me.
"I heard some news that you went too far and the governor of Jiangzhou decided to send troops to destroy the Red Turban Army!"
Sun Mo curled his lips and said nothing.
"Sun Mo, stop it!"
The third master sighed: "Although the Dajing Kingdom has a foolish king and sycophantic ministers, in my opinion, this country will not decline for at least fifty years. Isn't it good for us to live a peaceful life?"
"Why are you studying?"
Sun Mo asked back.
"Of course it is for the sake of shepherding one side and supporting thousands of people!"
Although the Third Master is a scholar, he also has great ambitions.
"I study to establish my mind for the heaven and the earth, to establish my destiny for the people, to carry forward the unique knowledge of the past saints, and to create peace for all generations. Even if I become a thief, I will still not change my original intention!"
Sun Mo drank a glass of wine and made a loud noise.
The Third Master was completely stunned. These four words were like a thunderbolt that struck his Heavenly Spirit Cap, leaving him so shocked that he could not speak.
"Since the ignorant king has no virtue, wouldn't it be better to change to a wise king?"
Sun Mo chuckled.
rub!
The Third Master stood up in fright. Such words were extremely disrespectful and would be punished by the Nine Clans.
"You have become thieves and bandits. You are going to die anyway. What are you afraid of?"
Sun Mo shrugged his shoulders.
"Wait, change it? Do you want to..."
The Third Master guessed a possibility.
"Build the reputation of the Red Scarf Army, and then force the court to recruit troops. When the time comes, our troops can support a wise king to ascend the throne!"
Sun Mo deceived the third master.
"Although it is difficult, it is not without opportunities."
The Third Master was no longer in the mood to drink. He frowned and thought about it. All his life, he had longed to clear his name and enter the court. Being an official was a huge attraction to him.
"The governor wants to kill me?"
Sun Mo smiled: "How many bandits are hiding in these eight hundred miles of water? Some of them have caused trouble for hundreds of years. What will happen if I help them wipe out them?"
The Third Master's eyes lit up, this was a great achievement.
"Also, what do you think will happen to me, a capable Red Scarf Army, who finally takes orders from the governor? Of course, the governor doesn't want us. All we need is another one. I don't believe that this court is monolithic!
"
Sun Mo had already thought about his development route.
"I heard that His Royal Highness, King Qi, is less intelligent, more quick-witted, and unparalleled in benevolence. We are not as good as..."
The Third Master was excited, but when he thought about the difficulty of destroying those water bandits, he felt discouraged.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it. But this time, we need the government's cooperation. Shouldn't you ask someone to take a walk?"
Sun Mo lowered his voice and described his plan to the third master.
The next day, Sun Mo became the fourth master of Zhaoshan with the support of the third master. As soon as he took the fourth position, he proposed to send invitation letters to all the thieves and chiefs in the eight hundred miles of water.
Half a month later, they came to Zhaoshan to discuss important matters.
At this time, the eight hundred miles of water were full of wind and clouds.
…
Xu Hong is an old bandit. The force he belongs to is called Guoshanlong. His reputation is very scary, but in fact there are only about 500 people.
"Boss, it won't be the Hongmen Banquet this time, right?"
A younger brother is worried.
"You are stupid. Although the Red Scarf Army is very famous, it is still difficult for them to conquer so many forces."
Xu Hong cursed: "If you still have such words, don't say them nonsense."
The fishing boat approached the pier, and Xu Hong saw thieves in red scarves standing on the wooden pier. They all held their chests high and their heads high, full of energy.
"Nima, this looks more elite than the Forbidden Army?"
Xu Hong was a little scared.
He stepped onto the dock and saw a few acquaintances, all of whom were leaders of other forces. Anyway, the owners of the big villages were not here.
"Everyone, please!"
Sun Erniang was responsible for reception and arranging food and lodging for everyone.
That night, Xu Hong and his party ate fragrant and glutinous rice and large pieces of pork.
"Boss, I've seen it. Those old and weak people also eat this!"
A younger brother whispered.
Generally speaking, in the village, people only eat so well when they go out to plunder. They usually live frugally, let alone the old, weak, sick and disabled. Because there is no productivity, the food is even worse.
"It seems that the Red Scarf Army has made a lot of money recently!"
Xu Hong was envious: "Forget it, no matter what that Sun Tianwang wants to do, eat first and then talk about it. Even if you die, you will be a dead ghost."
After Xu Hong finished eating, he went to add more food, and then walked away reluctantly.
Because the cook who is helping is so beautiful.
"Tsk, such a beautiful woman actually does such a rough job. If she is placed in my village, she will definitely be the wife of the village owner!"
While Xu Hong was eating, he was thinking about how to strike up a conversation, but a strong man got there first.
He drank wine, talked dirty words, and wanted to do something, but the little lady had no choice but to keep retreating.
"That's unreasonable!"
Xu Hong wanted to be a hero and save the beauty, but he knew this strong man, his name was Zhang Kui, and he was the most capable of fighting among the bandits in Zhaoshan, except for the leader Lu Er.
He can't afford it.
"What are you doing, birdman?"
A loud shout resounded in Xu Hong's ears, and then he saw a large bowl flying over. If Zhang Kui hadn't dodged quickly, he would have been smashed all over his face.
Then, a tough man rushed over.
"Pork is expensive, don't you think the beating I gave you last time wasn't bad enough?"
Zhang Kui snorted coldly.
"Sister-in-law, are you okay?"
Zhu Zhugui ignored Zhang Kui and asked Mei Niang if she was okay.
"I'm fine!"
Mei Niang didn't want to cause trouble to Sun Mo.
"The wife who bullies my Brother Sun is bullying Brother Sun. I, old pig, don't want my life, but I will make you pay the price!"
Pork is expensive and angry.
"What? We have been brothers for many years, and you are going to turn against me because of a woman?"
Zhang Kui scolded.
Xu Hong understood that this woman was Sun Mo's wife, and Zhang Kui must have been ordered by a certain leader to deliberately cause trouble for Sun Mo and lose his face.