Water Margin people

"What rules do you know? I think you are looking for death!"

  Zhu Fu looked at these merchants coldly. He was the prefect of Liangshan City in Qi State, in charge of the logistics of the army. These merchants actually dared to act so presumptuously in front of him. If he didn't punish them severely and the news got out, how could he live his life?

Qi State is not only a country, all the upper-level officials are also brothers from the Liangshan period. If he commits corruption, bribery and betrayal of his brothers, that one crime is enough to be punished by a thousand cuts, and no one can save him.

"Mr. Zhu, this is just a token of my appreciation. There will be absolutely no problem with the quality of the goods!"

The merchants immediately said in a serious tone that even if they had the guts, they would not dare to cut corners on the army's supplies. Qi State had killed many people over the years, and just last year most of the wealthy merchants in Jiangnan were wiped out. If they were to offend now, they would be seeking death.

"Humph, don't play these tricks on me. If you have any intention, just use it on the goods. Get out of here!"

Zhu Fu shouted to the runners at the government office.

The officers came up with water and fire sticks and chased them away. The merchants fled out of the government office in panic.

Outside the government office, the commotion quickly attracted the attention of the people, who pointed and looked at the merchants who were driven out.

Zhu Gui, who had just arrived, looked at everything in front of the government office in confusion. He did not go through the main gate as there were too many people watching, so he went around to enter through the back door.

"Brother, what's wrong with you?"

Zhu Gui asked, looking at Zhu Fu who looked worried.

"Brother, why are you here? Please take a seat!"

When Zhu Fu saw Zhu Gui coming, he quickly asked him to sit down.

"It's all those merchants who are trying to bribe me!"

Zhu Fu talked about what had just happened.

"You can confiscate it!"

Zhu Gui looked at Zhu Fu and asked.

"How could I possibly accept that money!"

Zhu Fu immediately said, he is not a fool, why would he accept the money? He knows the emperor's character best, he has never treated them badly, if they choose to betray, the result will definitely not be good.

"It's fine if you confiscate it. You know it clearly in your head. There is no need for me to explain some things. The army is marching west to recover the Western Regions. This is the top priority. It is also an important battle for Qi to surpass the Han and Tang Dynasties. There must be no problems!"

Zhu Gui looked at Zhu Fu and said.

"Of course I know this. We don't lack this little money!"

Zhu Fu repeatedly said that as long as they didn't make any mistakes, based on their brothers' current status, their descendants would not have to worry about anything.

"Brother, are you here for something today?"

Zhu Fu looked at Zhu Gui and asked.

"You have a new mission!"

Zhu Gui took out an imperial edict and looked at Zhu Fu and spoke.

"Imperial decree!"

Zhu Fu was shocked. He didn't expect that it would be his elder brother who came to convey the order.

"Originally, the guards should have come to deliver the order, but His Majesty also knows that the news that you are in charge of supplies has leaked out. If the guards were sent at this time, it would be too conspicuous, so he asked me to go."

Zhu Gui spoke.

"Alas, I don't know how the news leaked out!"

Zhu Fu shook his head and sighed. If the news hadn't leaked out, he wouldn't have had so many troubles.

"There is no such thing as a wall that is impenetrable. No matter how carefully you purchase, such a large amount of goods is bound to be discovered. In addition, there are many big mouths in the army, and the news will get out."

Zhu Gui said that the army needed a lot of supplies. Weapons could be provided by the Ordnance Department, but clothing and other daily necessities had to be purchased from the public. It was impossible to completely block the news.

"What instructions does Your Majesty have?"

Zhu Fu nodded and asked.

"His Majesty transfers you to the position of Governor-General of Yongxing Military Road, in charge of the government affairs of four prefectures, fifteen states, five armies, and ninety counties. In addition, you will also be responsible for the army's baggage supply." Zhu Gui handed the imperial edict to Zhu Fu and said.

"Yongxingjun Road!"

Zhu Fu's eyes widened. He didn't expect it to be such an order.

"The army is heading west, and all the weapons and supplies have to be gathered from the Central Plains. If we want to transport them to the Western Regions, Guanzhong is the best place to gather them."

Zhu Gui looked at Zhu Fu and said that the vanguard of the army had already set out, and the transportation of weapons and supplies must be put on the agenda.

"I see!"

Zhu Fu nodded immediately. He certainly understood the importance of Guanzhong. Guanzhong was the ultimate support point for the Western Expedition.

"In addition, His Majesty has also sent a large army to the Qilian Mountains just in case. You must pay special attention to their food and supplies. The Qilian Mountains are towering like clouds. Even in midsummer, the top of the mountain is covered with snow."

Zhu Gui talked about the main items again, among which the materials needed for the Western Expedition Army and the Qilian Mountain Defense Army were completely different.

"Is that so?"

Zhu Fu keenly thought of the key point. The Western Expedition was different from previous wars, and the supplies required were completely different.

As far as clothes are concerned, when conquering Liaodong, only seasonal clothing needs to be prepared, but the Western Expedition requires preparation in advance, because it takes several months to transport clothes to the front line, and winter clothes need to be shipped in summer.

"There are many things you need to think about on your own. Your Majesty has too many things to do right now and may not have the energy to take care of these things. We have to help share the worries."

Zhu Gui looked at Zhu Fu and spoke.

"Well, I understand. I will find out these things immediately and start preparing!"

Zhu Fu nodded and said that there were many merchants from the Western Regions in Guanzhong, and he could find out about the situation in the Western Regions from them.

"Then I'll be ready to go!"

Zhu Fu knew that the situation was urgent. Du Fu's army had already set out, and he had to raise supplies as quickly as possible.

"Well, go ahead. If you have any questions, write to me in time! By the way, His Majesty has arranged some help for you, and they will be here soon."

Zhu Gui nodded and said that he came here in person because the matter was urgent, and this time he asked Zhu Fu to go in person because there was no one else suitable. To be responsible for the logistics of the army, he must have a person who is good at dealing with many people.

“There are still people!”

Zhu Fu was pleasantly surprised. He said that it was difficult for him to be responsible for such a big thing alone. It would be best if someone could help him.

Just at this moment, Yan Qing walked in from outside the yard.

"Xiao Yi!"

Zhu Fu looked at Yan Qing who walked in with surprise.

"Your Majesty asked me to obey your orders!"

Yan Qing said with a smile.

"Xiao Yi, what are you talking about? Let's just discuss it!"

Zhu Fu quickly smiled and invited Yan Qing to sit down.

Yan Qing is indeed the most suitable person to be responsible for this matter, and Zhu Fu is loyal and tactful enough, but the problem is that Zhu Fu alone cannot be responsible for such a large-scale procurement of civilian supplies.

Yan Qing used to be a personal servant of Lu Junyi, the richest man in Hebei. Lu Junyi dared to call himself the richest man in Hebei. The business in his mansion was quite large, and there were many merchants coming and going. Yan Qing was very good at dealing with these people.

"Governor Zhu, you are joking. I really just followed orders. His Majesty asked me to assist in the procurement and dispatch of materials. I don't have an official position."

Yan Qing smiled and said that he had not done much for the State of Qi, nor had he any military merits, and that officials in the State of Qi must make corresponding contributions, so he did not have an official position in Qi.

"Isn't it here when I come back from my errands this time?"

Zhu Fu smiled and said that he knew Yan Qing's ability. As long as he made some efforts, his official position would not be a problem at all. (End of this chapter)