Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

Hangzhou and Lin'an.

The surging tides crashed against the wooden stakes standing on the Qiantang River. On the wooden ferry bridge, figures carried sacks and wooden boxes, the wood creaking underfoot.

Soon, a group of people walked over, escorted by soldiers in scarlet uniforms. One of the young figures looked at the river and let out a long sigh: "This river looks much more magnificent than the Grand Canal in Bianliang."

Behind him, a eunuch came over with a cloak: "Your Majesty, it's windy by the river, don't catch a cold."

Zhao Gou grabbed the cloak and draped it over his shoulders. Looking back, he saw Wang Boyan stroking his beard as he walked over. Wang Boyan said softly to Zhao Gou, “Your Majesty, I have discussed this with several colleagues, and we think it would be better to expand the prefectural government office. The prefectural government office is close to Phoenix Mountain and Huifeng Peak, which can serve as the foundation for palaces, gardens, and pavilions.”

"Very well..." Zhao Gou forced a smile: "The court's finances are not in good shape right now, so let's do as you say."

"Your Majesty has been wronged." Wang Boyan smiled gently. "When tax revenue increases in the future, we can expand the project, and then we won't have to feel so constrained."

"As long as we can safeguard this foundation, I don't mind suffering some hardships." Zhao Gou sighed softly, "Now that we've arrived in the south, is the army still stable?"

"The soldiers in the army are doing fairly well. Although some are unwell from being away from their homeland, they are still doing alright. However, many generals have asked the court for military pay, and I have been stalling by saying that the national treasury is empty. But I'm afraid this excuse won't last long."

"The southeast is a land of tax revenue. Given time, the national treasury will surely be full. Let the generals in the army find a way to be patient..."

Zhao Gou paused, then shook his head: "Enough. They all fled south with the court during a time of crisis. We can't let them down." He turned to his trusted prime minister behind him: "Later, grant the generals the right to sell ordination certificates to raise funds for the army."

Wang Boyan's eyes lit up: "Your Majesty's plan is excellent. It saves the court a lot of trouble and also satisfies the demands of those military men." He gave a thumbs up: "Brilliant!"

Zhao Gou smiled smugly, then looked at the river, his gaze darkening: "Has any news come from the north?"

Which pot should not be opened and lifted...

Wang Boyan paused for a moment, then slowly said, "The Qi army in the north is attacking and seizing territory. It would be good if we could just hold onto the Huai River region."

Zhao Gou remained silent, slowly walking forward. He picked up a pebble from the ground and gently tossed it into the river, creating ripples. After gazing at it intently for a while, he spoke softly, "Do you think the Qi army might be chasing after us?"

"Probably not." Wang Boyan adjusted his robes, then, feeling that he had spoken too confidently, he said somewhat vaguely, "I dare not say for sure, but judging from the previous actions of the Qi Kingdom, its ruler is a vicious tiger with hungry wolves under his command, so he might have some ideas about us."

"...If that's the case, do you have any suggestions?" The sound of the river reached his ears, and Zhao Gou looked somewhat irritated as he walked along the riverbank.

“I have also thought about it.” Wang Boyan followed closely behind: “Your Majesty might as well send someone to the north to negotiate with Lü Bu, acknowledge all the land he owns… uh, all the land he currently possesses, and at the same time promise him a high annual tribute.”

Seeing Zhao Gou frown and hesitate, he quickly continued, "What Lü Bu hates is nothing more than the two emperors. Now that they have been captured, there is no reason to pursue Your Majesty. We can negotiate with them. If the matter is successful, we can divide the country along the Yangtze River and Your Majesty will at least have most of the country in your hands."

Moisture wafted from the riverside breeze onto the two men. After hearing these words, Zhao Gou's steps slowed slightly. He turned his head to the side, and the Imperial Guard flags came into view behind him. His expression was unreadable. After a long while, he said, "The army also needs to make some changes now. If it remains the same as before, I'm afraid we won't be able to defend even half of this country."

“What the Emperor means is…” Wang Boyan walked over.

Zhao Gou shook his head. He didn't know how to change things, but he knew in his heart that things couldn't go on like this. A gust of river wind blew by, and his cloak swayed against his body. He frowned and turned back.

The river wind howled, and banners fluttered all around. Many imperial guards stamped their feet in the wind, and the sunlight shone on their faces, revealing the anxiety in their eyes.

"Although I have some knowledge of military affairs, it is not in-depth. Let the officials in the court and the generals in the army discuss how to make changes, and then submit a plan to me."

Wang Boyan bowed respectfully: "Yes, Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements upon my return."

He then looked up at Zhao Gou, who was gazing at the Qiantang River, and let out a sigh of relief. In fact, he understood the young emperor. Everyone in the court knew that the army was facing serious problems, and that the deep-rooted issues could not be resolved overnight.

It will take time for the army to suddenly possess the strength to defeat the Northern Army, which is exactly what is lacking now. Everything depends on whether the emperor in the north is willing to indulge in the glamorous world of Bianliang. The feeling of entrusting one's future and life to others is terrible, but that's how things are. People have no choice but to follow the predetermined path.

Accompanied by eunuchs, the two walked along the riverbank toward the military tents erected behind them. A cacophony of sounds filled the air. The winter supplies brought in by water showed that the southern military prefectures were still willing to obey the decrees of Emperor Zhao Gou. The soldiers' excited expressions made the two feel much better.

In the current situation, it is not necessary for everyone to be loyal to the Song Dynasty. As long as they are willing to obey the decrees of the new dynasty and follow the orders of Emperor Zhao Gou, then there is still room for negotiation. At worst, we can identify who is loyal and who is treacherous and replace them.

With ample supplies, the troops and generals coming from the north and south had something to do: build new camps, construct warships, train soldiers, and conscript a large number of able-bodied men from the southeastern military prefectures to assist. At the same time, along the Yangtze River and Huainan military prefectures, a series of defensive measures such as beacon towers and wooden fortifications were built to prevent the southward invasion of the troops attacking the capital region in case of an attack.

From late summer to winter, the newly appointed emperor, who had not yet settled in the palace, mobilized all available people from the northern military prefectures and ordered Zhang Jun, Liu Guangshi, Liu Qi, Yue Fei, and others to train troops in the north. A total of 200,000 troops were transferred there to replenish the troops in Huainan East Road.

In addition, he sent people to build naval vessels and appointed Liu Menglong, the naval commander of Jiangning Prefecture, as the chief commander to oversee the naval forces. He also posted recruitment notices along the river and coast, promising ample money and provisions, which attracted many poor men to join the army.

Suddenly, the southern lands became lively. The “strange tale” of the new dynasty recruiting soldiers and promising not to drink their blood swept across the southern coast in an instant, and even the fishermen on the islands heard about it.

"It seems the imperial court is severely short of personnel..."

A fire was lit in the stone pit in the house, and the sea fish stuck upside down on the bamboo strips emitted a scorching aroma. A wiry figure picked up a grain of salt the size of a pebble and put it into the water to stir, while looking at two other familiar faces.

"We've been hiding on Dongtou Island for so long, shouldn't we make a move?"

"Move? What are you going to move?" The unshaven figure used a knife to pry open the oyster shells, placed them on an iron plate, and moved them over to the fire pit to roast. "Is it because you, Lü Shi Nang, have money? Or because you, Chen Gu Tong, have soldiers?"

The two remnants of the Great Le Dynasty who were named exchanged a glance: "Brother Fang seems to have lost his former boldness."

"This is not the Fang Qifo I know."

The sound of the voice didn't make Fang Qifo move. He simply picked up a crab, swung his knife and cleaved it in two, removed the gills and other parts, and put it on the fire to roast. Without even looking up, he said, "It's already a blessing from heaven that I'm alive. To let me go and fight the Song army empty-handed..."

Watching Lü Shinang brush the dissolved salt water onto the grilled fish, he said, "I can't do that right now."

Lu Shinang couldn't help but glance at Chen Gutong: "See, I told you it was useless."

Fang Qifo paused his movements for a moment, then continued as if nothing had happened.

Chen Gutong shrugged: "Don't look at me. Fang Shuai is right. We only have about a hundred people now, so we really can't cause as much trouble as we did back then."

He paused, then turned to Fang Qifo: "But Commander Fang, neither of us said we wanted to start another uprising."

Fang Qifo finally raised his head and looked at this.

That smug smile is annoying. Look at that one.

That "I have an idea" attitude is still annoying.

He snorted twice and said, "You two, spit it out! Don't pretend to be bloated and have a full stomach."

"Hey, you... don't use such foul language."

"It's almost time to eat, General Fang, please don't be so disgusting."

Lü Shinang and Chen Gutong tilted their heads back slightly.

Fang Qifo snorted and lowered his head to rearrange the seafood.

Seeing this, Chen Gutong stopped joking and said, "Commander Fang, you should relax a bit." He paused and then said, "I had heard about the Song court's recruitment of soldiers and was thinking about how to join them. Commander Lü gave me a good idea: we can borrow someone else's identity to join the Song court's navy."

Fang Qifo stroked his long beard: "What's the use of joining the army? If we sheep go and stay with the wolves... we'll be eaten alive sooner or later."

"Don't worry." Lü Shinang chuckled. "We'll just go and see how things go. If things don't work out, we can take the opportunity to escape north. I've heard that Wang Yin and Shi Bao have become high-ranking officials in the Qi army. We can go and join them then."

Fang Qifo glanced at him, a thoughtful expression on his face. Seeing this, Chen Gutong seized the opportunity to speak: "Commander Fang, you have always wanted to avenge the Holy Duke, so you should try other methods. Uprisings and rebellions are indeed not feasible in the current situation. Since that's the case, why not find another way?"

The aroma of grilled fish wafted into his nose. Fang Qifo lowered his gaze, looking at the fish's fine scales opening and turning slightly golden brown. He nodded and said, "Okay, let's give it a try." Then he looked up at the two of them and said, "Don't try to fool me."

"Don't worry, Commander Fang."

"I also want to avenge my old brothers."

Chen Gutong and Lü Shinang were overjoyed and immediately picked up the fish and took a bite.

Fang Qifo stretched out his hand: "Hey, wait..."

"Pooh--"

"puff--"

The fish, still covered in saliva, was spat on the ground. The unkempt figure shrugged and said, "What's the rush, you two? It's not even cooked yet."

The response was two "Ugh—"

……

A five-clawed golden dragon flag fluttered atop the city walls of Bianliang, while a flag bearing the character "Qi" stood beside it, its wings billowing in the wind. A fast horse galloped into the city, and the common people, accustomed to this, parted to make way, discussing where the latest news of victory had come from.

As the emperor's current residence, a large number of officials and their entourages, along with their families, entered the city. News of the wars on the east and west sides, as well as in Liaodong and Goryeo, had already become known throughout the court.

The imperial army swept through Shandong and Huaihai, leaving the officials of the Ministry of Personnel with mixed feelings of pain and joy. Officials who had recently risen through the civil service examinations excitedly carried their appointments to the land that originally belonged to the Song Dynasty.

The renaming of the regions to Qingzhou and Xuzhou brought great joy to the people of both places, and also made many surrendered officials and generals aware that the imperial court would certainly not stop its advance.

Compared to the sporadic battles already underway in Shandong, the entire Northwest battlefield was ablaze with activity. Sun An and Du Xue attacked two separate Song armies, but encountered fierce resistance from the Northwest generals. Several well-known local armies were wiped out, and the two generals were also separated in Yan'an Prefecture and Deshun Army, respectively.

"The Qingxu army can retreat a bit. This winter, let Xi Sheng and Mi Sheng recruit some new soldiers there. Once they are trained well, these people will be an asset when we march south."

Lu Bu sat in the warm pavilion, and the eunuchs poured the brewed wine into his wine cup and the cups of Wang Zheng, Fang Xuedu, Li Ying, and Jiang Jing.

Li Ying glanced at Lü Bu, pondered for a moment, and then said, "What about the northwest region..."

"Let the Bingzhou governor's office send troops to assist, and the troops from Hedong can also be transferred there. We should break through the Song army's blockade as soon as possible and conquer Western Xia. The next two years are the best time."

Without hesitation, Lü Bu said, "It seems the northwestern army will be absent from next year's southward campaign... What a pity."

Fang Xuedu drank the still-warm wine, his face flushed: "Your Majesty, I previously reviewed the records with the court officials, and many tribal cavalry on the grasslands could also use them."

He reached out and pulled out an account book: "Now the grasslands are blessed with favorable weather and abundant harvests, and with Your Majesty's support, life is getting better day by day. I fear that if this continues, problems will arise."

Lu Bu reached out and took the book, flipping through it: "As for the legitimate conquest, there's no need for those steppe cavalry to come."

Wang Zheng glanced at Fang Xuedu and thought for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, I believe we should let them come."

"Hmm?" Lu Bu stopped and looked up at him.

"The grasslands have developed well in recent years, and the population has increased. Why not conscript them to fight against the Western Xia and Goryeo? Give them some money and food to fight, and we can deplete some of their resources, which will prevent them from causing trouble again in the future."

He glanced at Lü Bu and continued, "In the past, during the late Han Dynasty, the heroes of the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu mostly fought amongst themselves. Although they suppressed foreign powers, they did not inflict much damage on those foreign tribes. In the end, when the Jin Dynasty came to an end, the people who came from the grasslands took advantage of the situation."

Lu Bu raised an eyebrow, reached for the wine, took a sip to warm himself up, and said, "Continue."

"Your Majesty should provide money and food to the grassland cavalry. The tribal chiefs will be happy. Those who die in battle will be given compensation. Ordinary herding families will be happy to support this. If those who die in battle are given compensation, then no one can criticize Your Majesty in terms of reputation."

Lu Bu's eyes darted around: "What if someone tries to plunder?"

“Your Majesty’s military regulations are not just for show.” Wang Zheng raised his hand and said, “Killing them can serve as a warning to the others.” He paused for a moment, then added, “As for the aftermath of the war, the court can appropriately reduce local taxes and offer some preferential treatment, shifting the blame to the steppe soldiers. However, these are all matters for the future and can be considered gradually.”

"That's one way to do it." Lü Bu nodded, then looked at Jiang Jing and Li Ying: "Do you have enough money and supplies to support us during wartime?"

The two men in charge of money and provisions paused simultaneously, nodding somewhat reluctantly: "Tighten your belts, it's still enough."

"Then it is settled. Summon the troops from the grasslands to attack Western Xia and Goryeo. The armies of Qing, Xu, and Ji will accompany me south to crush their defenses as soon as possible." (End of Chapter)