Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

Night falls.

The elegantly dressed maid cleared the leftovers from the table, brought up the steaming soup, and then left space for several concubines and the emperor.

The three children were a little sleepy, so their mothers took them to their rooms and coaxed them to sleep.

Yelu Daribo was not feeling well today, and after talking to Lu Bu for a few words, he took his leave and returned to his palace to rest.

He raised his hand to pick up the hot soup, blew away the hot steam, and then took a sip. It had a sour and spicy taste, and then his body felt warmer.

Not long after, Wu Qing came back, sat at the table, gently stroked his chest with his hand, and gently picked up the soup to drink.

"Is Wen'er asleep?"

"Sleep, it's much easier to coax her to sleep now, just tell her two stories and she will fall asleep."

"After all, I've grown up now. When I was little, I got into trouble because of my childhood."

"I've only coaxed the child a few times."

"There are still many times when I am not on the battlefield. I don't avoid it when I am at home."

"Virtue."

After sending away the serving palace maids and eunuchs, the two men relaxed and chatted casually. In the room without outsiders present, they resumed their old ways of addressing each other, and the bickering man and woman also felt the fun again after a long time.

Wu Qing picked up a dried fruit, peeled off the skin near the top, and handed it to Lu Bu: "My dear, go to Jin Niang's room and sleep later."

"Hmm?" Lu Bu raised his eyebrows and chewed something in his mouth: "What's wrong? Isn't it Sanniang tonight?"

Wu Qing rolled her eyes at him and said, "You were too harsh on Jin Niang today. You even said that Qun'er was the young emperor of Han. How unlucky."

The man touched his nose and said helplessly: "No, how could I possibly want my child to become the young emperor."

He clenched his fist, making a "cluck" sound, and curled his lips downwards: "Even if my child cannot become Emperor Wen or Emperor Wu, he should be Emperor Jing or Emperor Xuan."

Wu Qing's eyes moved and he shook his head: "Your Majesty, please compare it to the emperor of the Han Dynasty. Don't make it seem like a foreign relative is in power."

"...No." Lu Bu's body tensed up and his pupils shrank for a moment, then he leaned back in his chair and relaxed: "It hasn't come to that yet. We have to take down the Nine Cauldrons before considering matters like relatives, eunuchs, and civil officials."

He smiled somewhat self-deprecatingly: "I have thought about these things before, but later I looked at the feng shui map and realized that I only occupy a small corner of the land, so how can I worry about these things."

Wu Qing's face was slightly unhappy again, and he frowned: "My dear, you shouldn't underestimate yourself. I have never seen anyone in this world who started from scratch and occupied half of a country like you."

"Forget it, let's not talk about this." Lu Bu waved his hand, picked up the soup and drank it all in one gulp, exhaling a breath of hot air: "Besides, there are no such ambitious people in the Hu family and the Su family now, so there is no point in thinking too much."

"My dear, what you said is true..." Wu Qing rolled her eyes, then leaned back and moved her legs towards the brazier below. "The Hu and Su families are both well-off families. It's rare that Sanniang and Jinniang became imperial concubines without any rumors of bullying men and women."

"Isn't it the same for you?"

"It's different. I only have one widowed sister-in-law in my family."

The two men and women were talking, and the latter had a nostalgic look on her face, but she finally shook her head and said, "It's getting late, you should go to Jin Niang as soon as possible."

"Well." Lu Bu stood up, raised his arms, and stretched his body lazily. "I am really tired today. You should rest early."

Wu Qing also nodded in response, watched Lu Bu walk out, then stood up and walked towards his own bedroom.

The man over there walked into the palace on the other side. The candlelight reflected the figures of the man and woman on the window. The slender body that kept twisting finally fell into the arms of the majestic black shadow behind.

The moon hangs cold in the sky, and its lonely shadow shines on the palace door.

The tiger leaned in and spoke gently to ease her embarrassment.

Don’t worry about your gentle words, and let the slightest anger blow away with the wind.

The beauty finally smiles, and the cold wind brings back spring.

……

White clouds are endless, and winter snow covers the north. The bare branches are covered with snow. Occasionally, a branch cannot bear the weight and hangs down, shaking off the snow with a rustling sound.

Several figures riding fast horses ran across the snow and entered the city ahead along the official road. The view moved up to the sky, and hundreds of similar figures entered different cities at the gallop of strong horses. Then, figures wearing different clothes took the imperial edict handed to them.

Guards from all over Qi State began to gather.

In the second half of the first lunar month, the farthest Luebin Prefecture summoned 800 soldiers from the Zhechou Prefecture. Bian Xiang, who was stationed there, left 500 soldiers from his own army to guard the city, and then led his army westward to join the Pulumaoduo and Hue Wang guards, who totaled more than 1,200 people, and a total of 7,000 soldiers went to Shangjing.

Huanglongfu, Liaoyangfu, Yinzhou, Taizhou and even the Northern Frontier Protectorate, where troops were stationed, began to move. A large number of cavalry and infantry soldiers made their way through the snow, and figures in black armor walked on the roads, bringing a different color to this white world.

Marching troops from far and near would eventually meet each other from time to time. Generals who had not seen each other for a long time would laugh and hug each other. Some would take out their treasured wines, and some would have a good fight with their brothers first to make sure there would be one less opponent in the upcoming competition.

In Goryeo far to the east, poor people in thin clothes huddled together shivering. Some of them gradually stopped shaking, while others held picked up dead branches and struck the flint with their red, frozen hands. The rising flames made them squint their eyes comfortably.

Different from the misery among the people, the small palace of Goryeo was much warmer, but people were in a hurry here, and the faces of the ministers, men and women coming in and out were solemn.

Several women who were better dressed were crying. From time to time, people who looked like imperial doctors came in and out of the king's bedroom. When they met people who asked questions, they stopped and said a few words. Then many people put their hands on their foreheads to thank God. Officials and generals gradually dispersed and walked out of the low palace gate.

Someone went home, changed into casual clothes, walked into a restaurant, said a few words to the guards guarding the corridor with swords and knives, then walked to the end of the corridor and knocked on the door. What came into view was a man with white hair sitting there, eating white rice and drinking hot soup made from kelp.

The man in casual clothes quickly took two steps forward, knelt down, and buried his head deeply: "Your humble servant Cui Siquan, I pay my respects to Li Zhuguo."

The powerful official named Li Ziqian ignored him and ate his rice leisurely, occasionally taking a bite of pickled vegetables, looking like he was enjoying himself. After a while, he put down his bowl and chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a warm white towel, and said without even glancing at him, "How is the king?"

"The condition has improved." Cui Siquan lowered his head: "This humble official and the others all think that Haruhi is fine."

"That means... the king is fine?" Li Ziqian threw the white towel on the table, his eyes a little disappointed, touched his beard with his hand, then shook his head and smiled slightly, finally turned to look at him: "You did a good job, if there is anything in the future, remember to tell me first.

Someone will deliver the reward to your house in a moment, so go back first."

"Thank you for the reward!" Cui Siquan was overjoyed when he heard the words. He kowtowed again, then stood up, bowed his body and stepped back.

Li Ziqian sat in the room, his hands on the table, thinking about something. After a while, he gently patted the table and said, "Someone come."

dong dong dong-

Footsteps were heard from outside, and the guard who opened the door knelt down, bowed his head and waited respectfully for the master inside to speak.

"Send someone to the northeast to find Tuo Junjing, the military commander, and tell him that I will find an opportunity to transfer him back and ask him to find a reliable person to take charge of the troops in the northeast."

"Yes." The guard bowed, then stood up, closed the door, and walked out in a hurry.

The powerful Goryeo official sat for a while before he stood up and walked slowly outside.

……

At the end of mid-spring, the troops heading to the capital began to move. The generals' flags were erected on the parade ground, and the flags fluttered in the still somewhat cold wind.

Young generals such as Di Lei, Zhao Li, and Yang Zaixing stood in the front of the formation. Han Shizhong of Ningzhou and Niu Gao of Northern Frontier Protectorate, who had arrived earlier, stood on the side with their respective troops. The conscripted grassland cavalry looked at the dark phalanx with red eyes. The light reflected from the swords and spears was even more tempting.

"These weapons and armors are really eye-catching. If our tribe has these things, who would we be afraid of?" He licked his lips with his bright red tongue, took a look at the leather armor on his body, and whispered to the tribesmen beside him: "This time when we go south, we must gain the emperor's appreciation, so that we can exchange our military merits for weapons and armor."

The person next to him also nodded vigorously, twisted his body in his fur coat, and looked at the Qi army with fiery eyes.

A cold wind blew through the black square formation. The colorful cloaks worn by the generals suddenly fluttered, making a sound, and then calmed down again and hung behind them. A little dust was blown up and passed through the square formation.

dong dong dong-

The sound of war drums beat out an exciting sound above the parade ground, and a loud voice of "Your Majesty has arrived--" came from the camp gate.

Outside the parade ground, the sound of horse hooves roared, and the raised dust rolled in the air. Dozens of cavalrymen wearing black armor and white cloaks roared past, and then a fiery red figure appeared in everyone's sight.

Lu Bu, wearing a golden beast-faced armor, a purple gold crown on his head, a Fang Tian Hua Ji in his hand, and a red cloak fluttering behind him, galloped in on his Red Hare, which was as hot as charcoal.

"It's been a long time since I've seen His Majesty look so majestic."

Under the general's flag, Di Lei let out a long breath, turned around and said something to his brother beside him.

"After all, the present is different from the past. Your Majesty is busy and cannot be in the army all the time." Di Yun looked at the red shadow flying by with some excitement: "Brother, whether we brothers can be the vanguard next month depends entirely on you."

"Just do your best."

Di Lei curled the corners of his mouth, his expression calm. He glanced at Zhao Li and Yang Zaixing who was farther away, narrowed his eyes slightly, and then continued to watch the fiery figure over there stop.

Lu Bu waved his hand, and his blood-red cloak spread out in the air. He said in a powerful voice, "My soldiers, after a year of rest, do you still remember how to wield your weapons?"

boom--

The gun handles and spears were placed on the ground, and then raised. The sharp blades shone with a faint light in the sunlight, and countless voices roared: "Fight for His Majesty——"

“Hahaha, okay—”

Lu Bu laughed loudly and rode his Red Hare in front of the army. "I won't say any more words. Take your weapons and follow me—"

He shook the reins with one hand and suddenly urged his mount again, running from the front of the parade ground to the front row of soldiers and horses, with the painted halberd raised in his hand, and the halberd's blade made of refined iron collided with the long spears and iron spears held high in the hands of the soldiers.

Bang, bang, bang——

The sound of metal clashing was heard in the front row, and it happened back and forth again and again. A big hand pulled the reins, and the Red Hare stood up and shouted "Hiroludi--", then put down the horse's hooves and stood on the ground again.

Lu Bu raised his long weapon and said: "Follow me south to hunt and seize military merit, land, and women!"

With the painted halberd pushed forward, Red Hare jumped out of the camp gate first. The cavalrymen outside the camp who had not yet entered the camp hurried forward to protect him, and the war horses roared away.

"Victory, victory, victory—"

Countless soldiers howled and raised their troops in response, their eyes red. After waiting for a year, they finally had the opportunity to gain military merit again.

The flags formed an ocean in the wind, fluttering in the air, covering the sky and the sun. The army set out, and countless black figures turned into a torrent and rushed out of the city.

Young and strong men and herdsmen pulling carts and driving cattle and sheep followed immediately. The transported food and fresh meat were the basis for ensuring the combat effectiveness of the soldiers in the army. The people of the former Liao Kingdom were already accustomed to the Han and Fan peoples joining together to go on expeditions. Moreover, every time they responded to the call-up, they would have the opportunity to buy some spoils from the soldiers and sell them. The money they earned was enough to offset the losses of going on the expedition.

As countless carriages and horses were moving, soldiers along the way would join in from time to time. Most of the generals had ruddy complexions and were talking to each other about recent developments. Some were silent and listened to others talk without even opening their mouths.

"Brother Han, we haven't seen each other for a year. I heard that your son got married? Well, why doesn't your son join the army and go to war with you? His Majesty still cares about us old brothers. Look at Hua Rong. I heard that his son often goes to the palace to accompany the prince to study. It's a pity that your son is old and can't accompany him. Otherwise, we brothers can also benefit from your kindness..."

Peng Qi was speaking eloquently. Han Tao's cheek twitched immediately. Just as his lips opened a crack, the voice from the other side poured into his ears again.

"Who do you think can take the position of vanguard this time? I don't have much of a hope, Old Peng, and I think you're in trouble too. I just don't know if Brother Huyan will go on the field. His martial arts are beyond reproach, but I don't really want to lead the troops in the vanguard. My wife just gave birth to a fat boy for me in the past two years, and I want to cherish him for two more years... Oh, by the way, these words can easily shake the morale of the army, Brother Han, just pretend you didn't hear them."

Han Tao opened his mouth slightly: "Peng..."

"Have you seen the Khitans over there?" The topic was opened again, interrupting General Baisheng's words. He looked in the direction where Peng Qi pointed and said, "I heard that Yelu Yudu vowed to take the position of vanguard this time. Alas, this man is pitiful. He was sold out by his own emperor. By the way, Brother Han, do you think we would also be sold out by the big turban if we were in Song State?"

"Peng..."

"I think it's possible. I heard that General Liu Fa was killed by the Xixia people. That's a bit strange. You and I can't even kill General Liu with one finger. I'm afraid he would be even more ruthless."

"Peng..."

"I don't know if we can conquer the Liao Kingdom in the future. I thought, if Your Majesty can conquer Nanjing, I will take a few days off and go back to Song. It's close anyway, so it doesn't matter if I go back to my hometown for a few days..."

"Shut up!!"

A roar came out of Han Tao's mouth. Peng Qi was slightly stunned and looked at his friend with a red face. Han Tao's mouth twitched, and he patted Peng Qi and said, "I have something to think about. Be quiet for a while."

"Oh……"

Peng Qi nodded, and rode up and down on the horse. After a while, he said: "Brother Han..."

"Ok?"

"Have you finished thinking about it?"

"without……"

"How about you tell me what's going on, and I'll help you figure it out. One person's plan is short, two people's plan is long. Besides, three useless generals are better than one Zhuge Liang. You know that, right? If you have something, don't keep it in your heart. Tell me and let me share your burden. It's better than thinking about it alone. Don't you think so? Come on, tell me, what's going on?"

"..."

Han Tao's mouth twitched as he looked at Peng Qi's curious eyes, then he lowered his head, and his whole body wilted like a frost-bitten eggplant. He said in a low voice: "I... forget it, it's okay."

"Oh, then let me tell you..."

The nagging voices faded away as the army marched. (End of this chapter)