Song Jiang's Diary: The Legend of "Jisiyu's" Ascent

Author: He Mingmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: If you have read the "Water Margin" annotated by Jin Shengtan, you must have had this realization: Song Jiang is simply a petty man who manipulates power. But don’t rush to draw this conclusion. Because Jin Shengtan’s thoughts have infiltrated your mind, making you believe Song Jiang is a petty man. I am Song Jiang, and I once planned the alias "Jisiyu" for myself—a move that was perfectly correct, allowing me to ascend Mount Liang through twists and turns. Being the leader on Mount Liang was not my actual goal; I was employing a strategy of indirect thinking. There are only two ways to gain attention from above: one is to prove my talent with my full capabilities, but this is my weak point. The other is to make the court worry about me, constantly wondering what I am doing? The world works like this: it’s not about……
Excerpt: Facing Rivals
I am now on Mount Liang, and the air here is truly refreshing! If I could sit in Chao Haidai’s throne, the air would be even better. Yesterday, the two guards escorting me wanted to pass through Mount Liang via the main road, and I grew a bit anxious. Because the martial men on Mount Liang are accustomed to intercepting people on the side roads. If I took the main road, would I miss my chance to ascend? So, I devised a plan and told them, "Now, the bandits on Mount Liang are extremely rampant. To prove their prowess, they never intercept people on the side roads. I, a condemned man, don’t mind dying, but you two young men still have a bright future. Why risk your lives in the hands of these outlaws? It would be unjust even if you become ghosts!" These foolish men immediately decided to take the side road. Thus, on the side road, we encountered people from Mount Liang. As soon as I saw Chao Haidai, I knew this man would be my rival in the future. From now on, I would have to challenge him. I believe that when facing a rival, the first step is to cater to their preferences. Because in this situation, I don’t have the strength to stand on equal footing with him, nor is it necessary to flatter him. The key is to treat the rival as a friend. How to treat a friend? Cater to their preferences! At that time, Liu Tang wanted to kill those two guards, and Chao Haidai was right there watching. I knew Chao Haidai didn’t like wanton killing, so I yelled, "Liu Tang, what are you planning?" Liu Tang was a straightforward man and replied, "Killing!" I glanced at Chao Haidai and saw him frown slightly. I understood. Grasping Liu Tang’s knife, I said, "Brother, we can’t kill the innocent. It would tarnish Chao Haidai’s elder brother’s reputation." Chao Haidai clapped his hands, "Good! Elder Brother Song is righteous. Liu Tang, what fault did those two guards have? If you must kill, kill the hypocrite, not these people who have parents!" Those words were truly sharp, as if they were speaking about me! I immediately felt a chill. It seems that one shouldn’t be too hypocritical, always walking on thin ice. "Haha," I laughed dryly, "Mount Liang has such an elder brother, how can it fail to thrive?" Chao Haidai even suggested that Liu Tang remove my shackles. How could I let that happen? There was a reason. First, I was comfortable with my shackles on; taking them off made no difference. Second, removing them would violate the law of the land, which would mean losing the "loyalty" I often boasted about. Third, now, it was Chao Haidai who ordered someone to remove my shackles. If I took them off immediately, it would save my life, and we would be even. How could it be that simple? Saving his life was my capital for ascending Mount Liang in the future. If I lost my capital like this, what was the difference between me and a pig? These reasons led me to make a bold decision. As Liu Tang was about to remove my neck shackle, I used all my strength and bit his ring finger with my teeth. He screamed as if he were a ghost. Chao Haidai also made a decision and immediately acted on it: he kicked me with a flying leg. I fell heavily to the ground, and Liu Tang was still groaning, covering his hand. I immediately shouted loudly, "How did you remove my shackles? I am a righteous man and follow others’ arrangements without question. Since someone put them on me, how could I dare remove them without permission? If Chao Haidai’s elder brother put them on me, would I remove them too?" These words left Chao Haidai speechless, standing there like a wooden chicken. He was moved. Earlier, he had even brought me a bowl of chicken soup. However, one thing made me feel uncomfortable in my heart—it was Wu Yong. After I finished speaking those words that moved Chao Haidai, that smiling face full of mischief said, "I understand what elder brother means." I inhaled sharply. Was this guy an enemy or a friend? How did he understand my intentions? During dinner, when I went to the toilet, I happened to meet him. He gave me a thumbs-up: "You are truly a master of showmanship! Chao Haidai is no match for you. The future leader of Mount Liang will definitely be you!" I was a bit at a loss for words, but after all, I was an old fox. I looked at the sky, then at the ground, and said, "Hmph, how can you say such things about elder brother? I am loyal and righteous, worthy of the sky above and elder brother below. I—" "Shit, stop showing off in front of me. Your tricks aren’t working. You just want to turn Chao Haidai against me, but the current situation isn’t ripe yet. I’ve noticed you already see Chao Haidai as your rival. But let me tell you, Chao Haidai doesn’t know your sinister intentions. His subordinates might, though. Don’t take everyone for fools!" I was defeated. Now, this guy doesn’t know what he’s up to, but I’ve learned something from his words. People are truly endless in their learning! So, my strategy against Chao Haidai is to cater to his preferences, making him think I am a principled person. This way, he will relax his vigilance against me. Haha!