Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

Around noon, in the government office of Daming Prefecture, newly surrendered officials such as Du Yun and Li Cheng, along with Wang Zheng and Xi Sheng who accompanied the army, and members of the imperial clan, Lü Yan and Lü Guan, sat in the office looking up at the emperor.

"News has come from Hejian Prefecture that the armies advancing eastward to Zhending Prefecture are progressing smoothly and have encountered little resistance."

Lu Bu looked at the hanging geomantic map, took a bite of the local specialty braised donkey meat, and raised an eyebrow: "But we've also received news from the rear that because of our invasion, there's unrest in many places. They're frequently robbing merchants, attacking villages and military prefectures."

The people in the hall all looked very serious, except for Xi Sheng, whose expression was somewhat complicated and whose eyes were somewhat vacant, as if he was thinking about something.

Du Yun paused, then eagerly asked, "Does Your Majesty mean to protect the safety of the remaining military prefectures?"

“Now that we are on the southern expedition, I don’t have much time to spare for other matters.” Lü Bu waved his hand and put down the bowl. “But the two routes in Hebei will be mine sooner or later. If we let them be damaged too much, it will be troublesome to take them back later.”

Du Yun's eyes flickered, then his pupils darted around, revealing a hint of speculation: "Does His Majesty intend to contact those rebels, to persuade them to exercise restraint, or perhaps to turn them into his own forces?"

Looking approvingly at Du Yun, Lü Bu nodded: "That's right, that's exactly what I think. As long as they are willing to submit, I will welcome all who come. If they make meritorious contributions on the way south, they will be rewarded accordingly."

Du Yun's eyes flashed, and before anyone else could speak, he ran out of his seat, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Your Majesty, please entrust this task to me."

Seeing Lü Bu looking at him, he said, "I am a newly surrendered person, and I have not yet made any contribution. I don't know how to repay Your Majesty. Now that this matter has come to pass, I am willing to go and persuade those who are causing trouble, so as to contribute to the construction of our Great Qi."

He paused, still bowing, and said, "I was originally a subject of the Zhao Song dynasty, so I think it would be easier for me to gain their trust than others."

Li Cheng's eye twitched slightly. He glanced at Du Yun, his lips moved slightly, but he kept them tightly pursed before simply lowering his head and drinking a glass of wine.

Lü Yan and Lü Guan looked at Du Yun with meaningful glances and a few smiles on their lips. Xi Sheng just glanced at him casually and didn't say anything. Wang Zheng, on the other hand, looked at the surrendered officials with great interest.

"It's rare that Minister Du has such thoughts." Lü Bu laughed and clapped his hands: "Good, since you have such intentions, I cannot refuse. I will entrust this matter to you."

Du Yun was overjoyed and quickly bowed his head to thank him.

Lu Bu waved his hand casually: "Since you are permitted to act, does Minister Du have any requests?"

Du Yun's eyes darted around: "I wonder what rank of official position His Majesty will bestow upon someone?"

Lu Bu tapped his finger on the table a few times: "Give him the position of Colonel, and the title of nobility will be at most the seventh rank." Seeing Du Yun's hesitant expression, he thought for a moment and continued: "Our Great Qi values ​​military merit the most. We will not bestow high-ranking positions on him right away. If he has real ability, he will not be buried in the army. If he is a good-for-nothing, he will die in a few days on the battlefield."

Wang Zheng, Xi Sheng, Lü Yan, and Lü Guan all nodded in deep agreement. Du Yun gritted his teeth and said, "In that case, Your Majesty, please provide a few blank appointment documents so I can give it a try."

"Good!" Lü Bu praised his words and then gestured to Wang Zheng: "We'll ask Wang Zheng for the documents later; he'll cooperate."

Du Yun nodded to Wang Zheng before retreating.

With the matter settled, the group had barely taken a few bites of their meal when they heard footsteps outside. Bian Xiang, a burly figure, rushed in, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Lu Bu chuckled: "Weren't you in charge of the city's security? What are you doing here now?" Then he looked at him mockingly: "Don't tell me that Lu Junyi went to take revenge but ended up getting himself into trouble instead."

"How could that be? Your Majesty is joking." Bian Xiang chuckled, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "However, it does have some connection with Commandant Lu. Your Majesty, please wait a moment while I have a drink of water."

Lu Bu raised an eyebrow, about to ask Yu Cheng to bring it to him, when he saw Bian Xiang look around, walk over to Xi Sheng, grab the wine bowl, gulp it down, and wipe his mouth as Xi Sheng glared at him angrily: "Ha, that was refreshing."

Without further hesitation: "Does Your Majesty still remember the Liaodong map that used to hang in your study?"

"Hmm?" Lu Bu looked at him in confusion, then thought for a moment: "I remember, so what?"

“We’ve found Xu Guanzhong, the creator of that geomantic map.” Bian Xiang clapped his hands and laughed heartily: “Today, Lu Junyi came back and mentioned that Yan Qing met a friend, and that’s the name he was talking about.”

"Oh?" Lü Bu smiled. "What a coincidence."

"Yes." Bian Xiang nodded. "This humble general believes that such men are excellent at military mapping. Would Your Majesty like to meet them?"

"Hmm..." Lu Bu lightly patted the table: "Good, his map is indeed not bad. He helped us take Liaodong, so he can be considered a meritorious person. It would be good to call him over for a chat."

"Yes, then I shall take my leave."

Bian Xiang bowed in agreement, saw Lü Bu wave, took two steps, then suddenly turned back, grabbed the lamb leg from Xi Sheng's plate, and said, "Give this to me." He then turned and ran.

"Hey! You scoundrel!" Xi Sheng slammed his hand on the table and stood up, while Bian Xiang had already run out of the hall in three strides and disappeared into the distance.

Lu Bu smiled at the two of them and waved for someone to bring Xi Sheng a fresh batch.

As dawn continued to move, although Daming Prefecture was different from usual today, with the city gates closed for entry and exit, it remained as peaceful as ever. The continuous propaganda from the government and the Qi army, coupled with half a day without incident, gradually reassured the people in the city, and more people began to walk around outside.

That afternoon, the south gate of the city opened again, and cavalrymen galloped in. Soldiers in black military uniforms with white stripes stepped forward to stop them. The people in the city watched in surprise as the cavalrymen obediently slowed down, dismounted, and led their horses away. Even the general-like man at the head of the group did the same.

The group walked and stopped frequently before entering the government office. After being informed by the servants, the general, looking travel-worn, went in and said, "This humble general, Wang De, greets Your Majesty."

The number of people in the hall had dwindled, with only Xi Sheng, Wang Zheng, and Li Cheng remaining. Wang De stepped forward and knelt on one knee: "Last night, this humble general encountered Song troops south of the city. In the ensuing conflict, we almost annihilated them all, but their general was cunning and managed to escape."

Hearing this, Lü Bu recalled for a moment, looked at him and said with emotion, "You must have had a hard night chasing us. Get up first."

"Here." Wang De stood up, raised his hand and took off his helmet, sweat soon dripping down his face.

Wang Zheng looked at him and asked with some curiosity, "General Wang, do you know which Song army they are from?"

Wang De pursed his lips, looking sullen: "It's the same group that set fire to the camp that day. Their commander, Yue Fei, wanted to return to the city, but was discovered by Colonel Dong Xiaochou, who then surrounded and attacked him with his men. Now, almost all of his men have been killed or wounded, and only a few riders have managed to escape. I chased them for so long, but they managed to shake me off by taking advantage of the mountains and forests."

He paused for a moment, as if to comfort himself: "However, I did manage to capture a lieutenant named Suo Chao, so it's not like I gained nothing at all."

"Suo Chao? He's still alive?" Li Cheng had originally decided to remain silent, but upon hearing news from an acquaintance, he couldn't help but speak up.

Lu Bu and the others looked over, and the former military commander of Daming Prefecture thought for a moment, then clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Your Majesty, this Suo Chao is quite capable. He is one of the few brave warriors among the generals of Daming Prefecture. With his great axe, he has defeated many highly skilled generals in the army. In his earlier years, he was also known as one of the Five Tigers of Daming Prefecture, and..."

He glanced at Lü Bu and mumbled, "This man went to Liangshan some years ago."

"Oh?" Wang De raised an eyebrow: "There's such a connection. This fellow didn't tell me."

Lü Bu looked at Li Cheng: "Are you a friend of Minister Li?"

"No." Li Cheng shook his head and said frankly, "This man is vulgar and I don't get along with him. However, he always takes the lead in battle and never avoids fighting, which makes me somewhat fond of him."

"I see..." Lü Bu nodded at him, then looked at Wang De: "Have you tried to persuade him to surrender?"

“He has confessed.” Wang De nodded in response: “This fellow only said that he did not want to betray Yue Fei, and then he did not say anything more. I have already ordered someone to throw him into prison.”

"I see." Lu Bu said softly, his fingers lightly lifting and falling on the table. Seeing Lu Bu's indifferent eyes, Li Cheng opened his mouth, then closed it, and couldn't help but lick his dry lips before finally stepping forward: "Your Majesty, why don't you let this humble general try to persuade them to surrender?"

"Hmm?" Lu Bu looked at Li Cheng and then nodded: "Alright, if he is willing to surrender, you can keep him with you for now; if he is not willing, then kill him."

Li Cheng exhaled and clasped his hands in a deep fist salute: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lu Bu waved his hand, indicating that he could leave: "Zihua, you've had a long night. Go back to camp and rest."

"Yes, sir." Wang De respectfully replied, then turned and left.

……

In Daming Prefecture, the scorching sun beat down on people. Some impatient pedestrians sought refuge at a nearby cold drink stall, enjoying cold drinks chilled with well water while watching the passing Qi soldiers and former Daming Prefecture officials who had surrendered.

Some people's eyes glazed over for a moment, then they looked up at the Qi army flag erected on the city wall in the distance, sighed, and drank their cold beverages.

Li Cheng was constantly being stared at, but he didn't pay much attention to it. Those who knew him were mostly from the streets near the government office, and he was already used to being watched.

As he stepped through the prison gates, two faces, almost identical, approached him: "Greetings, Heavenly King Li..."

"What Heavenly King?" Li Cheng quickly stopped the two, turned around and looked around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he glared at the Cai brothers and said, "Now that we're in the new dynasty, don't use such nicknames anymore. Can't you see that no one here calls you that?"

"Oh, yes, yes, General Li... General Li is right." Cai Fu quickly put on a fawning smile: "I must thank you for reminding me, General, otherwise I would have made a mistake again."

Li Cheng ignored him and simply gestured inside: "Was a prisoner named Suo Chao brought over today?"

"Yes, yes!" Cai Fu and Cai Qing bowed hastily. "A troop of cavalry just came by and took Suo Chao inside. Does the general wish to go in and take a look?"

"Ah."

Li Cheng nodded, and the Cai brothers quickly bowed and invited him inside.

Crash! Snap!

Cai Fu, holding the key, opened the prison door. A damp, musty smell made Li Cheng instinctively frown before stepping inside.

The prison was filled with people, including those like Wen Huanzhang who had been imprisoned the previous night, as well as others who had been there for quite some time. When they saw Li Cheng in his brocade robe and with a long sword at his waist, those who didn't recognize him rushed forward and grabbed the wooden bars.

"Sir, please let us out. We've been framed."

"Yes, that guy surnamed Zhao doesn't treat us like human beings. If he lets us out, we can help him beat up that bastard Song."

Li Chengli didn't bother with it, but Cai Fu and Cai Qing felt it was beneath them. They pulled out short sticks from their waists and slammed them hard on their exposed fingers. "Ah!" "You son of a bitch!" The screams and insults immediately echoed in the prison.

"What are you all arguing about!" Cai Fu roared, his voice booming, "If you keep arguing, I'll beat your brains out!"

"Shut up, all of you!" Cai Qing pointed to the other side with his short stick: "If you want it hot, then continue."

The sounds from the prison cell immediately subsided.

Li Chengye didn't care about the noise. He walked inside and stopped. A figure wrapped in a white cloth came into view. He stared at him closely and said, "You, surnamed Suo, look rather handsome today."

Suo Chao shifted his body slightly, turning to the side with some difficulty to see who was standing outside. He then let out a snort.

Before he could speak, a gust of wind swept in, and Cai Fu and Cai Qing appeared on either side of Li Cheng, pointing their short sticks inward and immediately launching into a tirade.

"Hey—you shameless wretch, don't be ungrateful."

"You filthy brat, are you itching for a beating?!"

Suo Chao looked up at the outside and exhaled a puff of hot air from his nose.

Li Cheng frowned as he looked at the two Cai brothers: "Get out!"

Cai Fu and Cai Qing turned to look at him and saw that he looked displeased. Cai Fu quickly smiled and waved to his brothers, "Alright, General, please do as you please. Just let us know if you need anything."

Over there, a flower with its head bowed and nails drooping walked out with its brother.

Li Cheng glanced at their backs, then turned his gaze and took a breath: "Suo Chao... Yue Fei is still alive, right?"

Seeing the figure inside move slightly, Li Cheng smiled and said, "Let's talk."

……

Under the same sky, the wind blew through the felled forest, then moved away, rustling the towering treetops and leaves.

Yue Fei, who was lying on his back on the grass, suddenly turned his head and sneezed. He raised his hand to rub his nose and then reluctantly put himself back down.

"Someone is thinking about you, Pengju."

Wang Gui leaned against a large blue stone, removed his armor, and Zhang Xian, holding a sharp knife, cut open his slightly reddened wound and pulled out the arrow shaft.

"Ah! Seriously..."

"What are you yelling for!" Zhang Xian took out some wound medicine and sprayed it all over Wang Gui's wound.

The person whose wound was being drenched suddenly tensed up, leaning against the bluestone with their buttocks off the ground: "Ugh...uh...ah!"

Gritting his teeth and groaning a few times, Wang Gui plopped down and glared angrily at Zhang Xian: "You bastard Zhang, do you want to kill me?!"

"He's got plenty of energy, he won't die." Zhang Xian patted Wang Gui on the back of the head and quickly took out a white towel to bandage him up.

Wang Gui was covered in sweat and couldn't even speak.

Yue Fei lay on the ground, tilting his head to look at him and Zhang Xian. He knew that the two of them were doing this for his benefit. He smiled bitterly, and his resentment towards his brother for letting his soldiers take the blows for him seemed to have subsided a bit.

"Pengju, where do we go next?" Tang Huai sat leaning against a tree trunk, holding his long spear. He noticed that Yue Fei's expression had changed. "We probably can't go back to Daming Prefecture. There are only a few of us here. If we go back, we'll probably be surrounded and chopped into mincemeat."

"...I don't know." Yue Fei's eyes showed a brief moment of confusion, then he struggled to sit up. "Let's go back to Xiangzhou and see." (End of Chapter)