Gao Qiu, after all, is Qiu, the second highest official position and the highest-ranking military commander. He is regarded as an important official of the court. If such an important official is killed by an anti-thief, the court will definitely choose to destroy Liangshan at all costs, instead of recruiting Liangshan.
If you kill one or two small officials and collectors, the court can turn a blind eye and ignore them, and you can just make amends and make meritorious deeds. But dare you touch Qiu's level? Aren't you a little too taken for granted?
After all, the court is also proud, and the court is not just trying to please everyone. If you treat me like a soft persimmon, you can pinch it as you like, then you look down on the imperial court. The court chose to woo you out of pity outside the concept and give you another chance. It is also because the imperial court spent too much energy on it, too much effort and money.
This is why Song Jiang tried to save Gao Qiu's life for three transgressions and five times. Because if Gao Qiu is injured, Liangshan's harness plan will be completely cold. If the imperial court really wants to destroy Liangshan at all costs, then Song Jiang and others have absolutely no hope of resistance.
By that time, it is estimated that the court will choose to woo Fang La, and then let Fang La conquer Liangshan. Liangshan's attack on Fang La suffered heavy losses. If Fang La goes to fight Liangshan, even if Liangshan can win, it will be disastrous.
At that time, if the court sends troops to attack Liangshan again, I'm afraid Liangshan will be wiped out. After all, from ancient times to the present, the example of confronting the whole country with a corner has never been successful.