Moma Liangshan

Chapter 94 The Turbulent Times on the Peninsula: Unpredictable Changes

Gao Chang said, "I would like to ask Young Master Wang to set aside a piece of land in Jiaozhou for the Liaodong Han people to live on." Lin Chong frowned and said angrily, "Don't you think Mr. Gao's request is too much?" This was the first time Lin Chong had spoken, and Gao Chang, Xue Burang, and Gongsun Ping all looked at Lin Chong at the same time. Lin Chong said, word by word, "Jiaozhou is your territory, young master, the heartland of the Song Dynasty. To rashly allow outsiders to enter, if they harbor ill intentions, the consequences would be unimaginable!" Gao Chang smiled insincerely and said, "Does General Lin perhaps believe that his soldiers are insufficient to handle the potential unforeseen events that might arise from the Han people settling in Jiaozhou?" Lin Chong was furious, but Wang Hao stopped him, saying, "I can agree to independently allocate a region for the Han people to settle, but they must be registered in Jiaozhou and abide by the laws of the Song Dynasty." Gao Chang was first puzzled, then impressed, saying, "The flames of war between the Khitan and Jurchen have already ravaged the lands of Changbai Mountain and Heilongjiang River, destroying countless families and clans. Now, the Han people of Liaodong are barely able to protect themselves, let alone contend for supremacy. If you, young master, can take the might of the Song Dynasty north to Liaodong and recover the lands beyond the Han and Tang borders, we are willing to submit to the Southern Dynasty, or even make you king!" Lin Chong's face lit up with joy as he looked at Wang Hao. Wang Hao, however, remained wary and said, "If one day I can implement benevolent rule in Liaodong, and the people's hearts are with me, I will not refuse." Gao Chang revealed a deep smile and said, "Your Excellency's benevolence is paramount, which we admire. In three days, we would like to exchange furs and medicinal herbs for grain and salt with you. Is that acceptable?"

Wang Hao didn't answer, but gestured to Chen Song. Chen Song said, "One thousand shi of rice and three hundred jin of refined salt—that's the goods we can produce in three days." Gao Chang, Gongsun Ping, and Xue Burang exchanged glances and said, "Furs and medicinal herbs are miscellaneous items, difficult to value immediately. Could you give us an answer in three days?" Chen Song smiled casually and said, "We will build shops outside the camp gate. We welcome any guests to come and trade at any time!" Gongsun Ping frowned and said, "Does the young master intend to trade with people outside the three clans?" Wang Hao didn't answer directly, but stood up and said, "Chen Song will be fully responsible for trade. I will only send people to supervise and will not interfere." After saying that, he turned and left. Chen Song laughed loudly and said, "My young master is new here, and all we can do is open the door to welcome guests. As for whether Liaodong's trade is unique or diverse, we don't care!" Such an open and frank exchange made Gao Chang, Gongsun Ping, and Xue Burang deeply feel the difference between these Southern Dynasty people. Xue Burang said, "Since we're each relying on our own methods, why waste more words? I'll take my leave now!" With that, he rose and left. Gao Chang and Gongsun Ping followed suit, saying, "See you in three days!" Chen Song and Lin Chong rose to see him off, saying, "No need to see us off!"

After seeing off the Liaodong men, Lin Chong, Chen Song, Yang Zhi, He Li, and Di Chuxiang arrived at Wang Hao's tent. Wang Hao said, "Although the situation in Liaodong is complicated, it is better than I expected."