The Cold Door Hero

Summary

As Song Jiang led his forces away from Suzhou, Fang La quickly recognized his intentions and split his troops, sending Liu Yan to guard the southern Wu River while he rushed towards Wuxi with elite soldiers. Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered at the dock square to witness the execution of Zhu Mian's family, who were condemned for their heinous crimes. Governor Zhao Lin explained the situation to the crowd, inciting them to chant for the execution. As Zhu Chong and his family awaited their fate, Li Yan Qing and Zhao Kai observed the execution from a ship, with Zhao Kai feeling guilty for breaking his promise to escort them safely. Li Yan Qing, however, remained unperturbed, arguing that promises to wicked individuals only perpetuate tyranny. After the execution, Zhao Kai decided to accept Li Yan Qing's proposal to frame Zhu Mian's death as a suicide to avoid blame from his father. As night fell, the fleet set sail but instead of heading towards Wuxi, it entered the Shantang Marsh. Dai Zong sensed something was amiss and informed Song Jiang. Local militia sealed off the marsh, preventing access to the waterway. A large ship began to sink in the marsh, making it difficult to salvage its contents, which were iron boxes containing wealth. Although sinking the ship was not the best strategy, Li Yan Qing preferred it to prevent the wealth from being squandered in the capital. Ruan Xiaowu reported back to Song Jiang that the ships were capsized and locked, making salvage impossible. Realizing their identities were exposed and staying in Jiangnan was unsafe, Song Jiang decided to retreat back to Liangshan, leaving their plans thwarted.

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