Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 582 Celebrating the surrender
Next, of course, is the parade on horseback.

Both the civil and military teams rode on tall horses and set out from the South Camp. They circled around Liangshan City, and then, led by their personal troops, went to Baishi Manor for a banquet.

In front of the Baishi Valley Hall, the various screens and other items had already been put away, and the successful candidates in the civil and military examinations took their seats under the guidance of Zhao Yuanli, Zhao Xing, and Zhao Ji.

The top three in the military examination and the top six in the imperial examination sat at the table on the right next to Zhao Zhen. Lin Chong, Xiao Rang and others sat at the table on the left. The rest of the people sat in order, on the left and right.

Mountains of meat and seas of wine were first given to all the soldiers in the Sannan camp and the cavalry and infantry who were going out to the expedition, and each of them was ordered to go and fight in groups and drink.

In the hall, the kitchen had been prepared long ago. At Zhao Zhen's signal, servants and maids brought in dishes in a stream.

The winemaking workshop also sent various kinds of wine early, and Li Xiaoer and the cooks in the kitchen showed their best skills. After the ten main dishes, the first one was [Fish Leaping Over the Dragon Gate]. After the fish came up, Zhao Zhen said, "Everyone, this [Fish Leaping Over the Dragon Gate] is made from the four-bearded carp produced in the 800-li water behind. This fish is a different species, and eating it can strengthen your body. You have passed the imperial examination today, and from now on you will be different from ordinary people. You should jump over the dragon gate and show your ambition. Everyone, drink together."

"Let's drink together." Everyone responded in unison.

On that day, at Baishigu Manor, there were sounds of gongs and drums, loud trumpets, laughter, and clinking of glasses. All kinds of dishes and fresh peaches, apricots, plums, loquats, jujubes, persimmons, chestnuts and the like were continuously served on the table.

After the banquet, the tables and chairs were moved to the sides, leaving an open space in the middle.

The palace maids and dancers who had been waiting for a long time came forward. They saw: the dancers in red skirts, all following the sound of ivory boards and phoenix flutes; the singing girls in green sleeves, holding dragon flutes and phoenix pipes.

There is a Takuzhi dance, followed by an exotic Chaotian dance, and finally a sword dance.

The three dances were all palace dances. They were indeed performed by Tong Jiaoxiu and Jin Cuilian, who directed the palace maids who came with them as dowries, and the dancers and musicians from the Jiaofang Division who were awarded by the emperor.

Afterwards, there were zither players and singing girls performing, Yuanyangtou brought two disciples to perform sumo wrestling, Chu Yuan and Chu Yan also brought a few female dancers to perform sumo wrestling, and Jiao Ting and Cao Tielin even took to the stage in person to compete in sumo wrestling.

The party ended with joy until night.

There was a great deal of joy, and those who had passed the imperial examinations lost their reserve and naturally became more identified with Zhao Zhen.

The next day, Zhao Zhen woke up from a hangover and opened his eyes to find himself in Cheng Wan'er's room.

When Cheng Wan'er saw Zhao Zhen wake up, she hurriedly called Qingzhu and Danju, helped Zhao Zhen change clothes and wash, and then served him porridge and soup.

After the two of them had breakfast in the house, Zhao Zhen went to the training ground in front.

Today, all the candidates have entered the county government to observe government affairs. With these candidates in office, the various prefectures and cities will naturally be able to operate better. In addition to these successful candidates, Zhao Zhen also ordered a notice to be posted, taking advantage of the large number of scholars in Liangshan County to recruit clerks.

Although they were only the lowest-level clerks, they still had a salary and could take the imperial examinations again. Regardless of their talents and learning, these officials who took the examinations were at least recognized by Zhao Zhen's power, so they naturally had to be won over.

However, they could not all be called officials after passing the imperial examinations, as this would make it seem too easy for Zhao Zhen to be an official. Secondly, it was also a preparation for the future and a practice. Officials could be promoted based on their achievements or through the imperial examinations.

In the next three years, if nothing unexpected happened, Zhao Zhen did not plan to hold an imperial examination to recruit officials. Either the clerks would be dismissed, the military merits would be awarded, or the internal promotion would be made. Or they would be recommended by the inspection, appointed by the imperial favor, or bought by paying money.

In this way, those who are hesitant will have more time to discuss.

At the time of applying for the card, Zhao Zhen dealt with all the accumulated documents. Zhao Ji came forward and said, "Sir, Jin Chengying, Hu Qiong, and Mao Zhongyong are here to express their gratitude."

Zhao Zhen heard this and said, "Please come in."

After a while, three people in military uniforms walked in. After they knelt down, Zhao Zhen asked them to sit down.

world log
Name: Jin Chengying (Hero, the reincarnation of the Wanfangweiying Zhaocaixifu Zhenjun of Anzeng Leifu)

Nickname: Sword-Eyebrowed Tiger (born with sword-eyebrowed and star-like eyes, over seven feet tall, with arms that have the strength of a thousand pounds)

Race: Terran

Reputation: 50 (First place in Liangshan Martial Arts Examination)

Occupation: Warrior

Sub-professional: Xiangyong
Level: Level 4 and Level 5 (Strength 52, Commander 30)

Attributes: Strength 53, Constitution 52, Agility 38, Spirit 35
Skills: Cavalry level 3 (horse combat, Constitution +3), Patrol level 3 (patrol and investigation, Constitution +3), Archery level 1 (archery on horseback, Constitution +1).

Commander Skill: Challenge Level 2 (Humiliate the enemy into going into battle, morale +2)

Martial arts: fists and feet (proficient, using fists and feet force +3, 5-step Taizu long fist, eight-step praying mantis fist), spear and stick (minor success, using spear weapons, force +, Shaolin spears)
Equipment: Red Tasseled Iron Dragon Tongue Spear (Level 2, made of iron, with a spear head like a long tongue, a dragon swallowing the spear head, with dragon patterns carved below, and a melon-shaped gilt copper guard in front of the spear. Features: Sharpness +3, Sturdiness +), Birch Bow

Red Sun Vermilion Lacquer Mountain Pattern Armor (Level 2, Defense +2, Sturdiness +1), Red Crown Phoenix Wing Helmet (Level 2, Defense +, Sturdiness +.)
Mount: Bay Horse (Level 1)
Hu Qiong and Mao Zhongyong have never corresponded to the stars in the sky. Hu Qiong's martial arts are slightly weaker than Wen Da, and Mao Zhongyong is about the same as the "Unicorn" Zou Run.

Seeing that the three were still a little reserved, Zhao Zhen said, "You three have good martial arts skills. Jin Chengying has a family background in military studies and has a good understanding of military books and strategies. His archery skills are also acceptable. When you go to Mizhou, you will have the commander [Little Li Guang] Hua Rong, the military commander [Divine Fire General] Wei Dingguo, and [Big Sword] Wen Da, all of whom are veterans in the army. After some experience, they will be able to stand on their own."

"Hu Qiong, Mao Zhongyong, you two can learn how to command troops and drill with the other infantry commanders in the imperial army camp. Hu Qiong, you have been a captain in the Western Army, so you are better off. Mao Zhongyong, you are a hunter, so you need to study hard when you join the army."

After hearing this, the three of them quickly agreed.

After giving the three some more exhortations, Zhao Zhen wanted to ask them to leave, but Mao Zhongyong said, "Sir, I am from Maojia Village at the foot of the Dengzhou Mountain. Everyone in the village has the surname Mao. Two years ago, Mao Taigong's family took the Xie brothers as their own, which caused trouble. Now Dengzhou is under your rule, and perhaps because Mao Taigong's family once offended the Xie brothers, the officials in the state have been harsh on Maojia Village. Therefore, I beg you to forgive Maojia Village."

After hearing this, Zhao Zhen asked, "Mr. Mao's family had already suffered retribution, so how did it get involved with Maojia Village?"

Mao Zhongyong said, "Sir, we are just ordinary farmers and don't know the reason."

After hearing this, Zhao Zhen sent for Pei Xuan and asked Mao Zhongyong to explain the whole story again.

Pei Xuan heard this and said, "Sir, Sun Li, Jie Bao, and Jie Zhen are not petty people. Maybe it was a junior official who acted on his own. But this matter cannot be let go easily. Why don't I go to Dengzhou in person and investigate it?"

Just as Zhao Zhen was about to nod his head in agreement, he heard a sergeant report, "Sir, the Guangji Army has sent a pigeon message."

After hearing this, Zhao Zhen called Ding An in.

After reading the pigeon letter, Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "There is no need for me to make this trip, this person is more suitable." Then he showed the pigeon letter in his hand to Pei Xuan.

Pei Xuan said: "Congratulations, sir. With this person coming, there will be someone to preside over the case. Besides, he is a newcomer and will not be biased, which is just right."

Seeing that Mao Zhongyong and the other two were all confused, Zhao Zhen said, "I already know what brother Mao Zhongyong said. In a few days, the magistrate of Xingren Prefecture will come to my place. I will ask him to go to Dengzhou and interrogate him."

Jin Chengying said: "Even if you don't want to be a magistrate, you have to come to Liangshan."

Mao Zhongyong asked, "Brother Chengying, do you also know this man?"

"Of course, this Magistrate Gai is the best at deciding cases and promoting benefits and eliminating harm. No one is dissatisfied with the cases he has handled. He has a nickname in Xingren Prefecture, and people call him [Resurrection Bao Xiaosu] and [Gai Qingtian]. When he goes to investigate, he will definitely ask about the matter clearly."

After listening to this, Mao Zhongyong nodded repeatedly.

Three days later, in the Bai Shi Hall, Zhao Zhen, accompanied by Pei Xuan, Zhu Wu and Liu Hui Niang, met Gai Tianxi.

Because Gai Tianxi repeatedly ruined the good deeds of Niu Xin, a headless fly, and Fu Ji, a short-legged ghost, these people suddenly complained to Gao Shide, saying that Gai Tianxi was unwilling to work hard for Gao Yanei and only cared about his own reputation. He even didn't mention the loan of gold and silver from Yanei's private vault that he had agreed to temporarily borrow. Gradually, Gao Yanei stopped getting close to Gai Tianxi.

Taking advantage of the new Ji Anbang's appointment, Niu Xin, Fuji and others spread rumors and squeezed out Gai Tianxi and gave him an official position.

Gai Tianxi originally wanted to resign and return home, but he was only 26 or 27 years old, full of vigor and vitality, and he was reluctant to resign. But he was unwilling to go along with the corrupt officials, and was controlled by others, so he had great ambitions but could not realize them.

Bai Sheng came up at this time and spoke highly of Zhao Zhen.

At first, Gai Tianxi was unwilling, but seeing that Liang Heng and his son were both given important positions after they went to Liangshan, he wrote a letter and sent it to his father Gai Yong to inquire about the matter.

Gai Yong was also a Jinshi and served as the prefect of Cangzhou before retiring.

Upon hearing about Gai Tianxi's situation, he actually sold his property and houses and moved his whole family to the Guangji Army. He then asked the housekeeper to go to Xingren Prefecture to pass a message, asking Gai Tianxi to gather with the Guangji Army.

Gai Tianxi was shocked when he heard that his family wanted him to go to Guangji Army. He asked, "Guangji Army?"

Wang Du said: "Da Lang, the master sold his land and house and came with his whole family."

At that moment, Gai Tianxi followed Bai Sheng and Wang Duguan to Guangji Army.

When they met their father Gai Yong, they dismissed their attendants and left only the father and son sitting opposite each other. Gai Tianxi asked, "Father, why did you sell your land and property to come to Liangshan?"

Gai Yong did not answer, but asked: "Da Lang, does this world seem like a chaotic world?"

Gai Tianxi pondered for a moment and said, "Father, although there are treacherous ministers in power in the court and the emperor is arrogant and extravagant, it can't be said to be a chaotic world."

Gai Yong said: "Don't you see that the four directions are in turmoil and the imperial guards are unable to fight?"

Gai Tianxi heard this and said, "Father, Song Jiang in Shandong has been recruited, Tian Hu in Hebei is about to be wiped out, Wang Qing in Huaixi and Fang La in Jiangnan have also been curbed, and the court is also trying to revive itself."

Gai Yong said, "Evil officials are in power, slanderers are monopolizing power, and corrupt officials are framed to harm the people. The Six Strategies: Advocating the Sage says, 'Ministers form cliques, block the wisdom of the wise, and hinder the ruler's wisdom, which will hurt the king's power.' If Cai Jing, Zhu Jie, Wang Fu, Li Yan, Tong Guan, and Liang Shicheng are not removed, there will never be peace in the world. Today there are four major bandits, and tomorrow there will be eight major thieves."

"It's not that the court is going to change, it's just that we need to find a stable place to stay. In my hometown, I have heard a lot about Liangshan Zhao Anfu, who guarded a place and exempted it from heavy taxes, and the people loved him. There are endless wars outside, but this place is stable, and it is a perfect place to settle down."

"Father, I'm afraid this Zhao Zhen is not a stable person?" Gai Tianxi said.

"How to say it?"

Gai Tianxi replied, "Father, the name Zhao Zhen is taboo. This fellow has written a petition to change it to Zhao Ze. It's just a trick. Everyone knows that he still calls himself Zhao Zhen. Moreover, this fellow obeys orders but not instructions. I'm afraid he will conflict with the court in the future. When the court army comes to suppress us, I'm afraid this place will become a battlefield. Where can we live in peace?"

Gai Yong laughed and said, "Da Lang, you only see this place, but never see the whole world. I resigned from Cangzhou two years ago, and the new Li Shiqun is also in the same group as the Grand Tutor. He doesn't have much ability and relies on currying favor with the Grand Tutor. The Chai family of Cangzhou has been established for more than a hundred years, and it is not an exaggeration to say that they are the king of Cangzhou, but he doesn't care about it at all and always extorts money and money. I am afraid that there will be a fight in Cangzhou in the future. There are Xixia and Qingtang in the northwest, Liao in the north, and Jin in the north. There is no place that is safe. I don't know when he can take care of the east road."

"Besides, I heard that Lord Anfu married the daughter of Secretary Tong. I'm afraid the court also intends to maintain the status quo. As long as Lord Anfu doesn't rebel, the court won't deal with him easily. After all, I heard that he has hundreds of generals and elite soldiers who are experienced in fighting. He was the one who forced Song Jiang to surrender after the court sent troops several times but failed to eliminate him. Without absolute certainty, no one in the court would dare to provoke him easily."

Gai Tianxi nodded and said, "Even if that's the case, father wouldn't have to bring the whole family to Jingdong Road, right?"

"Did you know that my family has even paid the autumn tax this year?" Gai Yong said.

"Autumn tax?" Gai Tianxi said in surprise.

Gai Yong nodded: "In order to suppress the bandits, the imperial court has spent all its money, and the local officials have also taken advantage of it. My family is in such a state, let alone the common people. If I don't leave now, I'm afraid I won't be able to leave in the future."

Gai Tianxi heard this and frowned, saying, "Although there is a greedy Gao Shide in Xingren Prefecture, he has never caused such harm."

"With Mr. Zhao Anfu nearby, who would dare to stir up public anger? Once there is unrest, aren't you afraid that Liangshan will send out troops?" Gai Yong said.

Gai Tianxi said: "Father is right. Not long ago, Liangshan took advantage of the fact that a fellow villager of a general was killed in the Guangji Army. The Puzhou Tongpan led his troops to Liangshan by mistake, and took the opportunity to send troops and occupied two places."

"It is said outside that Zhao Zhen is not a true hero and is very interested in women. Now it seems that he did it on purpose." Gai Yong continued: "This is perfect. It is said that he is a weak force and scholars are unwilling to join him. If you join him now, you will definitely be valued. Isn't that good?"

Gai Tianxi heard this and said, "Father, if I surrender, I will definitely do my best to assist him. Once he rebels, my family will have no way out."

Gai Yong said: "How can we predict the future now? Besides, if my family is no longer under the care of the government, if something happens, even though you know some martial arts, you can only defeat ten people. How can my family be protected?"

After a conversation between father and son, they followed Bai Sheng and came to Liangshan under the escort of a team of soldiers.

After the greeting, Zhao Zhen was the first to speak: "I never thought that I would see you again one day."

Gai Tianxi said hurriedly: "Your Excellency's reputation is known all over Jingdong. I have lost my job and offended Gao Yanei. For the future, I can only seek shelter from you."

Zhao Zhen nodded and shook his head, and said to Gai Tianxi: "Everyone knows the reputation of the magistrate. Now that you can come to Liangshan, I am overjoyed."

(End of this chapter)