Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 407 Tong Guan spread rumors, Shi Qian invited Xu Ning (two in one, 400 monthly tickets last month)

But Shi Qian took two attendants and went to Tong Guan's house overnight, presented the gift, left a letter, and waited in front of the mansion to hear the news.

At noon, Shi Qian took two of his companions to a nearby hotel to have a drink and rest. Suddenly, he heard a nursery rhyme on the street. At first, he just thought it was a diversion, something like "The country is ruined because of the family tree, and the swords and guns are on the water." "The 36 vassal states are spreading chaos in Shandong."

I thought to myself that Song Jiang had indeed made a big splash in Qingzhou, and his song was even being sung in the city of Bianjing.

When I heard "Zhao is the name, Song is the smile. Hiding in the water, showing his trace in the mountains", I immediately realized that this is not just about Song Jiang. "Zhao is the name" and "hiding in the water" are not referring to Zhao Zhen? Looking at "Swords and weapons touch the water", it is also meaningful.

Shi Qian hurriedly whispered a few words to a servant, asking him to go ahead and return to Liangshan to report to Zhao Zhen.

Then, Shi Qian went to the street to inquire about Chen Xizhen in Bixie Lane, but found that the place was empty.

Shi Qian's eyes turned and he thought of someone, and that person was Tang Long's cousin, the Golden Spearman Xu Ning.

I asked people along the way, and someone pointed me out: "Enter the classroom gate, the fifth door on the east side of the black corner is it. He is the teacher of the Golden Spear Class. He goes on duty at five o'clock in the morning and returns at night. He has a wife at home during the day."

Shi Qian found out everything, went to the street and bought two pieces of fine brocade, then found a small shop far away and waited.

It was not until the evening that the waiter pointed to a place and said, "The one who came is Teacher Xu."

After hearing this, Shi Qian paid for the wine and quickly got up to chase after him.

Coming in front of Xu Ning, Shi Qian crossed his arms and asked, "Brother, are you Teacher Xu from the Golden Spear?"

Xu Ning returned the greeting and asked, "It's Xiaoke, what's your name, brother?"

"I am Shi Qian, currently serving as a captain in the office of Mr. Zhao in Liangshan Prefecture. Today I came to Bianjing on official business. My brother Tang Long heard that I was coming and asked me to deliver two pieces of satin."

As he said this, he handed the bag he was carrying to Xu Ning.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ning invited Shi Qian into the house for a chat.

After greeting each other again, Xu Ning said, "So he is my brother and colleague. I wonder how he is doing in Liangshan Prefecture?"

"Don't worry, brother. Brother Tang Long has superb skills and is trusted by the great official. He is now the chief of the state's military equipment department, in charge of supervising the production of all military equipment and armor."

After hearing this, Xu Ning said happily, "I didn't expect that my brother would also make it through."

"I heard that Song Jiang's bandits in Qingzhou are very powerful. What about Liangshanzhou?"

"When I came, the great official was integrating the six counties and clearing out the Qingzhou spies in the counties. He was also preparing the army to cooperate with the imperial army to suppress the bandits."

"Today I came to see the teacher. I heard a children's song in the streets. It said that the country was destroyed because of the family tree, and the war broke out in the water. It was spread across thirty-six provinces, and the chaos was spread in Shandong. There was also Zhao for the title and Song for the laughter. It lurked in the water and showed its traces in the mountains. I don't know where it came from. Such a prophecy, in the best place in the capital, no one investigated it."

Xu Ning did not think much about it. He said, "I accompany the emperor every day, but I have never heard of it. I did not expect the Qingzhou bandits to be so powerful. If the rumor spreads widely in the market and it involves the Qingzhou bandits, I am sure the Imperial City Department will report it to the government."

After hearing this and corroborating it with the waiter's words, Shi Qian already had an idea. It seemed that this nursery rhyme was also a new one these days.

I wanted to find out, but unfortunately I had no way. Li Si, who was familiar with the geography, also returned to Liangshan.

Just as he was about to say goodbye, he heard Xu Ning say, "Now that General Gao has recommended Commander Hu Yan, he will most likely be able to wipe out the Qingzhou bandits in one fell swoop and restore peace to Shandong. Unfortunately, I am only a teacher in the Golden Spear Squad and cannot lead the army to achieve success."

Shi Qian heard this and said, "I came back for this matter as well."

At that moment, Shi Qian told him all the news he knew.

Xu Ning was surprised when he heard this: "I didn't expect that Song Jiang would gather so many leaders."

Shi Qian said: "Since teachers are so eager to make achievements, why don't they serve in the army?"

Xu Ning said: "I am just a teacher. How can I serve on the battlefield? Besides, I have a family and a career, and there is no one to take care of me in the army. Even if I go to the army, I will just be a captain commanding troops. No one will help me, and it will be difficult for me to make a living. It is better to stay in Beijing, where I will have no worries about food and clothing." As he said this, he sighed.

Shi Qian heard this and said, "Hey, teacher, this sounds ridiculous."

Without waiting for Xu Ning to speak, Shi Qian continued, "Others may not have any old acquaintances in the army, but I do. For example, Brother Tang Long has recommended me to the great official many times. He also came to invite me years ago. The great official felt that it was just a county, and I would have no worries in Beijing, so he did not persuade me too much."

"Now the great official has taken charge of six counties. Although it is a remote prefecture, he is a Jiedushi and holds the post of Ningyuan General. The great official has admired the teacher for a long time. If the teacher goes, he will at least be the commander of a battalion."

As he spoke, Shi Qian whispered, "Now Instructor Lin is also the commander of the personal army camp of the great master. Although he cannot be mentioned in the court reports, he is free and easy."

After hearing this, Xu Ning hesitated for a moment.

At this time, Xu Ning's wife came up to Xu Ning and said, "Sir, the food is ready. Please come and eat with me, uncle."

After hearing this, Shi Qian knew that this was not the right time to talk, so he stood up and said goodbye, "Teacher, sister-in-law, I am not being pretentious. Today I am delivering Brother Tang Long's wishes, but I want to wait in front of Secretary Tong's door. Once I get a reply, I will return to Liangshan. Please don't blame me, don't blame me."

With that said, he stood up to leave.

Xu Ning tried hard to keep Shi Qian, but Shi Qian refused, so Xu Ning had to let him go.

After seeing Shi Qian off, Madam Xu said to Xu Ning, "Sir, I have never met this uncle before, and he refused to keep me company. Is he a new friend of yours?"

Xu Ning shook his head, pointed to the two pieces of brocade on the table, and told Shi Qian's origins.

Madam Xu said, "My brother came to stay for a few days before the Lunar New Year and left two garlic ingots weighing twenty taels. I didn't expect that he still misses us and sends us this fine satin today."

As they were talking, the couple sat down at the table, and the family of three had their meal, served by the maid.

Madam Xu saw that Xu Ning was not in a good mood, so she asked, "Sir, why are you not happy about the news about Brother Tang today?"

Xu Ning repeated Shi Qian's words to his wife. "My family was once a veteran general who guarded a place. When it came to me, I was just a teacher of the Golden Spear Squad. Now I heard that Brother Tang Long has become the director of the military equipment department of a state, but my future is still uncertain. Tang Long also advised me to join this Mr. Zhao. Originally, he was just a county magistrate of Jimi County, but who would have thought that he would become a governor overnight."

"Today, Shi Qian told me that the great master admires me very much, and that Leopard Head Lin Chong also recommended me. He is in need of people right now, and I can't make up my mind for the moment."

After hearing this, Madam Xu said, "Sir, you are in the imperial palace, with no one to help you. For many years, you have been a teacher relying on your martial arts skills. Fortunately, it is safe. If there is no chance, this life will be like this. If you have the heart to make achievements, you can go to Liangshan Prefecture."

Seeing Xu Ning was about to speak, Madam Xu waved her hand and continued, "If you are worried about Sheng'er and me, you don't have to. If you have made up your mind, Sheng'er and I will go with you. This way, we can gain your trust."

Hearing this, Xu Ning looked at Xu Sheng standing beside him, drank the wine in front of him, and said, "I have martial arts skills, and I will definitely help Sheng'er gain a future. Tomorrow I will go to the Privy Councilor's Mansion to look for Shi Qian. If I can get a positive letter, I will resign from my post, sell my property, and go to Liangshan Prefecture with him."

There was no words to say that night.

As for Shi Qian, he returned to the hotel that night and ate a little. The next day, he went to Tong Guan's residence to serve him, waiting for Tong Guan's reply.

Until night, Tong Guan did not summon him. Shi Qian took his companions and was about to return to the hotel to rest. Then he saw Xu Ning, whom he had met yesterday, coming to him.

After greeting, Shi Qian asked, "Where are you, teacher?"

Xu Ning said, "After my brother left yesterday, I thought about it. Although it is safe to stay in Bianjing, I cannot show my strengths. I have agreed with my wife that I will rush over after I finish my shift today. I have a few words for you, brother."

Shi Qian said, "This is not the place to talk. Teacher, please follow me to the restaurant and sit down and talk."

The three of them came to the restaurant. Shi Qian asked for a private room. After the dishes were served, Shi Qian poured a glass of wine and asked, "Teacher, just ask me anything. I will tell you everything I know."

Xu Ning asked, "My brother said last night that Mr. Zhao was short of generals?"

Shi Qian nodded and said, "That's right. Liangshan Prefecture was just established, and not only are there not enough generals, but also officials. The great official posted a notice to seek talents and visit talented people everywhere to govern the local area. Teacher, I will definitely be given an important position when I go there."

"Teacher, if you don't believe me, you can go to Bixie Lane and ask around. There is a deputy commander named Chen Xizhen here. The father-in-law of the lady Liu from the official family recommended him. The official sent someone to invite him. Now, Chen Xizhen has resigned and gone to Liangshan Prefecture."

After hearing this, Xu Ning no longer had any doubts.

After drinking three or five cups of wine, Xu Ning heard that Shi Qian had received a reply and was about to rush back to Liangshan Prefecture. He immediately said goodbye and went home overnight to deal with the family property.

Shi Qian waited for another day, and on the fourth day, he was summoned by Tong Guan.

But Tong Guan was a man of great stature and imposing appearance, with dozens of whiskers growing under his chin, and his skin and bones were as strong as iron, and he did not look like a eunuch at all.

After seeing the letter from Zhao Zhen, who was in the name of Zhao Ze from Liangshan Prefecture, he unfolded it and found that it was intelligence about the military strength of the Qingzhou bandit leader, so he sent someone to summon Shi Qian.

Seeing that Shi Qian had a soft body, thick eyebrows, and a strange appearance, he looked down on him.

Tong Guan asked: "Is the content of the letter true?"

"My Lord, it is absolutely true. As Song Jiang is getting bigger and bigger, Lord Zhao has already planted spies in his army. So he can get the truth from this and send them to the Prime Minister's residence," said Shi Qian.

"It also shows that he is loyal. If that is the case, when the mission is accomplished, I will record his merits in the investigation."

Then, he asked calmly, "Is Liangshan Prefecture safe?"

"The great official is integrating the troops from various places and screening the intelligence. Although there is a lot of confusion, everything is fine."

"Today I heard a children's rhyme, 'The country was destroyed because of the family tree, and the swords and guns were on the water. Thirty-six crisscrossed, causing chaos in Shandong.' Another one was 'Zhao is a sign, Song is a smile. They lurk in the water and show their traces in the mountains.' You are from Shandong, have you ever heard this? Try to understand what it means?"

"Your Excellency, I have never heard of it. I am from Gaotang Prefecture and have only been in Shandong for the past two years. I will try to interpret the nursery rhyme you mentioned, but I don't know whether it is right or wrong."

"The first sentence, 'The country is wasting money because of Jia Mu', I think it refers to the person who wastes the country's money and grain, which must be 'Jia Mu'. If you think about it carefully, it must be the word 'Song'. The second sentence, 'The sword and the war point to the waterside', the person who started the sword and the war must live by the water. As for '36 vertical and horizontal, spreading chaos in Shandong', I guess it is the year of 66, or the number of 66. Qingzhou is in Shandong now, so it must be so."

"As for the line 'Zhao is a sign, Song is a smile. Lurking in the water, showing his tracks in the mountains.' From my humble opinion, the first two lines should refer to the victory of the Song Dynasty under the orders of Emperor Zhao. The last two lines are probably also about Song Jiang, whose ancestors lived in the water town of Yuncheng and were just a clerk. Now he is making a name for himself in Qingzhou by relying on the mountain strongholds such as Qingzhen Mountain, Taohua Mountain, Baihu Mountain, Qingyun Mountain, and Langhao Mountain. In this way, it points out that Song Jiang was a rebellious person and the court sent troops to suppress him."

Tong Guan listened and laughed, "So that's how it is. From what you say, you are also well-read."

Shi Qian said, "I have not read much poetry and books. I can only recognize a few words. Lord Zhao saw that I was smart and often took me with him. That's how I was able to see the Prime Minister."

Tong Guan said: "Well, I have received the intelligence from the Jiedushi Zhao, and I will send it to Hu Yanzhuo tomorrow. Messengers will also be sent to Yizhou and Zibo to prepare for defense."

"If the court orders Zhao Zhen to lead troops to help suppress the rebellion, would Zhao Ze be willing to go?"

Shi Qian said: "Prime Minister, if the imperial court issues an order, Lord Zhao will certainly be willing to go."

"Why are you so sure?"

"Prime Minister, from a general point of view, although Liangshan County is a vassal state, it is also the territory of the Song Dynasty. If the court has an order, it must be obeyed. From a personal point of view, Lord Zhao is the son-in-law of Lord Cheng of Dongping Prefecture, and he is also a member of the Privy Council. How can Lord Zhao ignore the order of the Privy Council? Moreover, Lord Zhao once led troops to kill [Iron-footed Monk] Li Erseng, who was the junior brother of [Flying Centipede] Wu Qian under Song Jiang. In addition, Song Sheng and Miao Kong were also thieves who went to Song Jiang and were killed by Lord Zhao in Shouzhang. Li Datian, who colluded with Song Jiang, was also eliminated by Lord Zhao. For all these reasons, Liangshan Prefecture has long had a grudge against Song Jiang."

"It's a pity that Liangshan Prefecture is still in its infancy, and everything is still incomplete, especially after taking charge of the six counties. The soldiers are not well-trained and the weapons are not fully equipped. The only ones who are capable of fighting are the original troops of Liangshan County. If we want to achieve some results, it would be best if the Privy Councilor could allocate a batch of weapons. Otherwise, it would be a good idea to recruit a group of craftsmen to slowly make them. Lord Zhao imitated the establishment of a military academy in each prefecture, but unfortunately there are not many craftsmen. Swords and spears are fine, but bows, crossbows and armor are slow to make."

Tong Guan heard this and said, "Liangshan Prefecture is a prefecture after all. When it was first established, I took on a lot of responsibility. If you allocate armor and crossbows, the craftsmen will probably be criticized. So, I will write a handwritten order, and you can take it back and ask Cheng Wanli to allocate a group of craftsmen to send armor to Liangshan Prefecture. This way, no one will know."

"I will ask for another decree to let Zhao Ze lead an army alone and act accordingly. If he can achieve more achievements, he will naturally receive a reward."

Shi Qian thanked him immediately, took Tong Guan's reply, and left.

Shi Qian left Tong Guan's residence, took his companions, and went straight to Xu Ning's residence.

Xu Ning was also decisive and determined. He sold the house at a low price in just two days. He also gave away all the household items.

They hired three carriages, folded up all the boxes and loaded them onto the carriages. Madam Xu, Xu Sheng, and a maid named Meixiang took another carriage. Xu Ning and Shi Qian rode on horseback with their companions, and the group left Bianjing City and headed for Liangshan.

(End of this chapter)