Chapter 29: Infiltrating the Camp

Although he was responsible for military training, Liang Wanshen never set foot on the drill grounds. Instead, he lounged comfortably in the rear barracks, leaving all training matters to his subordinates.

In truth, even if he were forced to train the troops, he wouldn't have the slightest idea how to do it. Although he came from a military family, it was not one of any great standing; his ancestors had simply been fortunate enough to earn some merit, which had been gradually squandered over the years. By his generation, he had become an expert in pulling strings and navigating relationships, and while his archery and horsemanship were passable, he was completely clueless when it came to the practical, hands-on business of drilling soldiers. He simply couldn't stomach the hardship.

Fortunately, he had subordinates to do the work while he claimed the credit, so his position as the regional inspector remained secure. However, as the saying goes, "the lower levels follow the example of the higher," and his officers had become just as lazy. Had he not remained in the camp to supervise, the training would have ceased the moment he turned his back. It was precisely for this reason that he hadn't yet retreated to the city to enjoy a life of luxury.

One day, while he was hiding in the shade eating watermelon, his personal guard reported that a visitor was requesting an audience. Initially, Liang Wanshen assumed it was someone sent by Magistrate Ding, but upon inquiry, he learned it was a stranger—though one bearing a considerable amount of gifts. Upon hearing that someone was bringing gifts, Liang Wanshen was immediately delighted. He quickly tidied himself up, wiped his face, and ordered the guard to bring the visitor into the main tent.

The visitor was none other than Zhu Fu. After extracting plenty of information from Li Yun the day before, he had prepared gifts and come to pay a visit. *Those who love money are easy to deal with,* he thought. *Now that I have gold and silver in hand, what is there to fear about gathering intelligence?*

Upon entering the barracks, he observed everything from the forward camp to the center, straight through to the rear tent, committing the layout of all the sentries to memory. Once inside the rear tent, Zhu Fu set down the various gifts he had been carrying and bowed low.

"Your humble servant, Zhu Fu, pays his respects to the General."

Liang Wanshen’s eyes flicked to the boxes on the floor, and recognizing they were of great value, he beamed and waved a hand. "I am but an inspector; do not call me General. Please, take a seat."

After Zhu Fu sat down, Liang Wanshen said graciously, "The camp is crude and lacks tea, so please forgive me, Manager Zhu." He then added, "I have only just arrived and have yet to pay respects to the local gentry. May I ask which esteemed household you serve?"

Judging by his attire and the way he spoke, it was clear that Zhu Fu did not come from an elite background, so Liang Wanshen naturally assumed he was a manager from some prominent family. The proverb says that even the gatekeeper at a prime minister's residence holds the rank of a seventh-grade official; a manager from a gentry household was not someone a mere military officer could afford to offend.

Zhu Fu hurriedly clarified, "I am no manager, but a common merchant who runs a tavern outside the west gate."

Upon hearing this, Liang Wanshen’s attitude cooled instantly. Though he was only a military officer, he was still an official of the imperial court; what right did a common merchant have to sit in his presence? He frowned, ready to lash out.

Zhu Fu, having anticipated this, picked up a box from his feet, opened it, and presented it with both hands. "A small token of my esteem, General. I hope you will accept it."

Liang Wanshen glanced inside to see a bolt of silk. One look at the fabric revealed it to be high-quality material from Shu, far superior to common goods and worth at least several dozen strings of cash. His anger vanished instantly, but he could not be bothered with pleasantries. "What is it you seek?"

"I dare not deceive you, General. I have always harbored aspirations of serving the country and have practiced martial arts since childhood, but I have never found an opportunity. Now that you have come to suppress the bandits, I wish to follow you, earn some merit, and secure a respectable future."

Zhu Fu spoke politely, but Liang Wanshen was a man of the same ilk and understood perfectly. If he merely wanted to enlist, he would have signed up at the recruitment office; why bring such expensive gifts? He was clearly looking for an officer's commission.

Liang Wanshen weighed the value of the gifts and replied, "In that case, you shall be a squad leader in my army. Once you earn some military merit, you will naturally be rewarded accordingly."

"I seek the position of a battalion commander," Zhu Fu said, picking up another gift box. He opened it to reveal a set of jade ornaments, worth at least a hundred strings of cash.

Liang Wanshen clicked his tongue. "It is not that I am unwilling, but a battalion commander holds a formal rank. Without merit, the regional government will not approve it."

"That is easily solved! There will surely be opportunities for merit when we suppress the bandits," Zhu Fu hinted.

Liang Wanshen understood perfectly—Zhu Fu intended to seize the credit belonging to others. "Such things... they tend to cause quite a stir."

Zhu Fu did not waste words. He pulled a small pouch from his robe, opened it, and presented it with both hands. It was filled with gold beads. Liang Wanshen took it, tucked it away, and burst into laughter.

"Ha-ha! Consider it done. You shall hold the title of squad leader for now, and after this campaign, merit will surely be yours."

Zhu Fu bowed with a smile. "I leave everything in your hands, General. Also, I beg you to exempt me from the daily training duties; I truly cannot endure such hardships."

"Ha-ha! That is simple enough. It is granted."

"I run a tavern," Zhu Fu offered. "Perhaps you might come for a visit so I may express my gratitude."

Liang Wanshen hesitated, then politely declined. "I must remain here to command; otherwise, those fools will slack off at the first opportunity. Let us save the banquet for after the bandits are suppressed and we celebrate our victory."

Though it was a pity he couldn't lure him out of the camp to be killed, Zhu Fu had a backup plan. "That is also simple. I shall prepare the feast and bring it here. It will be a good chance for me to get to know the other officers and build some rapport, what do you say?"

Having been confined to the camp for days, Liang Wanshen was bored to death. He clapped his hands in approval. "Excellent!"

"Come in the evening. Once the training is over, I will gather the others, and we shall all enjoy ourselves."

The standing order forbidding alcohol in the camp was already forgotten. That night, Zhu Fu prepared a full spread and had men carry it into the camp. Every officer from the rank of sub-commander and above attended. As the wine flowed, they soon came to treat Zhu Fu as one of their own.

In the following days, Zhu Fu brought food and wine every night, drinking and carousing with the officers as brothers. By day, he wandered the camp freely, inspecting every corner. The other officers paid him no mind, letting him probe the camp’s defenses as he pleased.

Within a few days, Zhu Fu had uncovered all the details of the camp’s layout. He recorded everything in words and diagrams, then slipped away back to Yu Mountain to report to Li Gui.

Armed with such detailed intelligence, Li Gui no longer hesitated. He mustered his troops and led them down the mountain in small, silent groups, gathering secretly at Zhu Fu’s tavern outside Yishui County.

They waited only for Li Gui’s command to descend upon the camp and pull out this thorn in their side once and for all.