第三十七章 见义款李纲挥老泪 闯空邸林冲报旧仇 (Chapter 37: Moved by Righteous Donations, Li Gang Sheds Old Tears; Breaking into an Empty Mansion, Lin Chong Avenges a Past Grudge)

Now, Li Gang in the capital had been occupied for days with matters of military provisions. He saw the treasury depleted and enemy forces pressing on the borders. His heart was filled with worry and indignation.

On this day, he came to the marketplace. There, he witnessed the people donating money and goods. The elderly offered their savings. Women and children took off their jewelry, all to support the army resisting the Jin.

Li Gang watched this scene and could not help but shed hot tears. He sighed to his attendants, "With such popular sentiment, the affairs of state may yet be salvaged. It is only a pity that treacherous ministers hold sway, ruining our rivers and mountains!"

Meanwhile, Lin Chong had been lurking in the city of Eastern Capital for many days. He finally discovered the residence of Lu Qian, a trusted henchman of Gao Qiu. In the past, Lu Qian had framed Lin Chong, causing his family to be destroyed and his life ruined. This enmity was as deep as heaven and earth.

Under the cover of a moonless night and howling wind, Lin Chong, clad in night attire and holding his decorated spear, sneaked into Lu Qian's empty mansion. Inside, it was silent and deserted. Only a flickering lamp remained.

With light steps, he passed through halls and chambers. He searched until he found a secret chamber in the rear courtyard. Sure enough, Lu Qian was there conspiring with one or two accomplices. Lin Chong's anger burned fiercely. He kicked the door open and entered.

Lu Qian was greatly startled and tried to draw his sword to resist. His rage flared. Lin Chong's spear thrust forth like a dragon, and in moments he had struck down the accomplices, leaving only Lu Qian kneeling and begging for mercy.

Lin Chong shouted, "Traitor! Did you ever think of this day when you harmed me in the past?" Lu Qian's face turned ashen. He had no words to reply.

Lin Chong raised his spear and brought it down. He ended the enemy's life. The knot of resentment in his heart loosened somewhat. Yet he felt no joy whatsoever, only a boundless desolation.

He wiped the blood from the spearhead. He looked up to the sky and sighed, "Vengeance is swift, but the nation's enmity remains unavenged. How can I call any place home?" Then he slipped quietly away, merging with the shadows of the night.