Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 584 Negotiation
After Wu Chang took office, he had something on his mind, so after a brief celebration, he called Jia Juxin and Lu Zhen into the mansion again to discuss matters.

Wu Chang was afraid that Jia Juxin and Lu Zhen would not take it seriously, so he said, "Brothers, you have your official positions now, but unfortunately, we still have a rope around our necks. If we don't do the Taiwei's instructions, we can only live happily for half a year. By then, I'm afraid they will find fault with us and send us to a barren land. It's better to live happily in Jinxiang."

After that, he said to Jia Juxin: "Brother, you have always been resourceful. Last time you said you had a plan in mind. I wonder where it came from?"

Jia Juxin heard this and said, "Sir, I heard that this Liangshan Zhao Anfu is also greedy and lustful. Many wealthy merchants can pay bribes to buy official positions. Why don't we give him more money and ask him to pretend that he is no match for Brother Lu Zhen so that we can get the job done."

After hearing this, Lu Zhen shouted, "Why ask him to pretend? Even if we fight with real swords and guns, this governor is not afraid of him."

After hearing this, Wu Chang quickly comforted him, "Brother, although you are a hero, you are only one person after all. How can you be his opponent?"

After that, he said to Jia Juxin, "It would be best if we could ask him to pretend to lose to us, but I'm afraid he won't agree to that."

Jia Juxin said, "Brother, if you are willing to part with the money, I am willing to go to Liangshan in person and ask Mr. Zhao to cooperate with us in a play to deal with the general."

Lu Zhen asked: "If you want to act, you must have some achievements. Otherwise, how can you cope with it?"

After hearing this, Wu Chang also said, "Brother Lu Zhen is right. If we don't do it once, we can't easily fool the Grand Commandant."

Jia Juxin said, "Brother, we have to talk about this matter before we can make a decision. As long as we can be safe for a year or two, we can be transferred to other places like the former governor Miao and Zhang Dujian. We can always get some money. It is not easy for a county magistrate to be promoted to governor."

After hearing this, Wu Chang nodded and said, "Brother, you have a far-sighted vision. As an official, you will not lack money. I wonder how much money you think we should give?"

"Brother, this trip is just a test. If we bring too much gold, silver and treasures, he will not agree and we will suffer a lot of losses. In my opinion, it is better to only take the four [Red-crowned Geese] that you raise." Jia Juxin said.

"Red-crowned Goose? That won't do. I need it to guard the house." Wu Chang hesitated.

Jia Juxin said quickly, "Brother, you also know that this Prime Minister Zhao has a special liking for this kind of exotic species. This goose is not a good omen, but it understands human nature. I am afraid that other geese, which are only used as a gift for an audience, will not be taken seriously by Prime Minister Zhao. I also know that the four geese raised by brother have caught three daring thieves. It is enough to raise a few fierce dogs in the mansion."

"Besides, if we want to impress the Liangshan leader, besides these rare things, we also need gold, silver and treasures. If we fail to impress him, I'm afraid he will provoke us later. I'm afraid we will end up like the chief officers of Guangji Army and Puzhou. At the very least, we will lose our land and be dismissed from office, at the worst, we will die."

Wu Chang listened, hesitated for a moment and said: "Forget it, I still know the principle that if you want to take, you must first give. Brother, take all four geese. I will also transfer 800 stones of [Ma Miao Jingu] accumulated over the years from the Jinxiang Treasury and send them together."

After hearing this, Jia Juxin patted his chest and said, "If that's the case, I guarantee that this trip will be safe."

Immediately, Jia Juxin took four [Red-Crowned Hundred-Child Geese], eight hundred shi [Ma Miao Jingu], and mobilized a hundred or so imperial guards to escort the carriages and crossed the Wuzhang River and entered the territory of Hecai Town.

As soon as they entered Hecai Town, Wang Jin's scouts discovered them and stopped them.

Wang Jin stepped forward and asked, and heard that it was the new governor of Jizhou who came to visit Prime Minister Zhao. Wang Jin sent someone to report to Zhao Zhen as quickly as possible.

However, after Wu Yong, Zhu Wu and Liu Hui Niang read Wang Jin's official document, they all thought that they could take the opportunity to annex Jeju.

Zhao Zhen asked: "How can we manage it?"

Liu Hui Niang said, "Sir, this Jia Juxin wants to make friends with us. Let's ask him to come here first and see what he says. Then we can discuss countermeasures. If we can get the cooperation of these people, maybe we can take over Jeju without bloodshed."

On the second day, Jia Juxin and his party, led by a team of soldiers, arrived in Liangshan County.

On that day, Zhao Zhen sent Wu Yong and Zhu Wu to make contact.

After chatting with Jia Juxin for a while, the two came to report to Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen heard this and said, "So, we still need to cooperate with Jeju and return Hecai Town to Jeju?"

Wu Yong nodded and said, "Yes, this Jia Juxin is quite eloquent. He wants us to cooperate with Jeju and fight a battle in Hecai Town, and then retreat and give Hecai Town to Jeju officers and soldiers."

Zhao Zhen asked, "How can I agree to this?"

After a moment's thought, he said, "Will the military advisor take this opportunity to invade Jeju?"

Zhu Wu shook his head and said, "Sir, originally we two wanted to take advantage of this conflict to capture Jeju. But later on, we thought that this was not necessary."

Wu Yong continued, "Sir, Jia Juxin brought four Red Crowned Geese and eight hundred shi of Horse Temple Gold Valley. He also said that the prefect Wu Chang was willing to pay money and grain to redeem Hecai Town. We can name the price. We think that if we capture Jeju at this time, we will have no one to govern it. Secondly, Secretary Tong is returning to Bianjing. In order to avoid provoking the court, we should show weakness. We will ask Wang Jindujian to withdraw Hecai Town and stop stationing troops there. We will pretend to return Hecai Town to Jeju, but the mayor and others who govern Hecai Town will still be Liangshan officials."

"In this way, Wu Chang and his men from Jeju will have an explanation. We can show weakness to the imperial court and get a sum of money and food. After a few days of peace, according to the temperament of Wu Chang and his two men, they will definitely exploit the people if they send so much money and food. At that time, if one or two people make a call and the people follow, it will become a prairie fire. At that time, we will send troops and the imperial court will be helpless."

Liu Hui Niang heard this and said, "If this is the case, won't the people of Jeju suffer?"

Wu Yong said, "Madam, the people of Jizhou have been exploited for many years, especially Jinxiang County where Wu Chang is serving. It is even more destitute. As the saying goes, a short pain is worse than a long pain. After this, we will be under your rule in the future. Taxes and levies will be light, and we will be able to have enough food and clothing in three to five years. It is better than suffering like this now."

After hearing this, Liu Hui Niang stopped talking.

Zhao Zhen asked: "Since the military advisor has a plan in mind, let's make a deal with Jia Juxin. Hecai Town cannot be returned to Jeju. If so, I'm afraid that the people will lose their support, which will be more trouble than gain."

After hearing this, Wu Yong and Zhu Wu both nodded in agreement.

After the two left, Zhao Zhen went to the parade ground to see the gifts sent from Jeju.

world log
Red-crowned Hundred-son Goose (The Hundred-son Goose is blessed with a red crown on its head, as red as cinnabar.)
Species: Goose
Level: Level 1 and Level 9

Attributes: Strength 20, Constitution 25, Agility 24, Spirit 12
Skills: Egg-laying Level 2 (lays 1 eggs per year, 1 eggs can be cooked and eaten, physical fitness +1), Night-calling Level (calls when seeing strangers at night), Thief Chasing Level (green eyes, yellow beak, red paws, good at fighting).

Ma Miao Jingu (a first-level crop, grown in Ma Miao, with golden color, sticky texture, fragrant taste, hanging but not floating, smooth but not greasy, smooth in the mouth, and can condense rice oil layer many times. Its rice oil is extremely nutritious and is known as "substitute ginseng soup".)
Effect 10: Eat Golden Valley for one month, and those with a physical fitness of less than 1 will have their physical fitness increased by . After reading this, Zhao Zhen said to Zhao Ji standing by, "Zhao Ji, tell Wu Xuejiu and Zhu Wu to add Ma Miao Golden Valley to the mix."

After hearing this, Zhao Ji hurriedly rode his horse to catch up with Wu Yong and Zhu Wu and told them what Zhao Zhen had said.

After Zhao Ji left, Zhao Zhen said to Guihua, "Guihua, ask Madam to send one jin to all the prefecture and county officials, and to all the officials above the rank of deputy commander of the imperial guards. Send the rest to the storehouse, and add this golden porridge to the family breakfast."

After hearing this, Osmanthus responded.

Liu Hui Niang, who was standing by, asked, "Sir, is this also a spiritual plant?"

Zhao Zhen nodded: "It seems that the three people from Jeju have learned a lot about my preferences. However, this Ma Miao Golden Millet is the same as the Mengyin Mountain Peach in Zhaojia Village. It is also a local spiritual crop. Except for Ma Miao in Ma Miao Township, it is just an ordinary millet if planted elsewhere."

After hearing this, Liu Hui Niang nodded and said, "No wonder the master wanted to add this item."

Wu Yong and Zhu Wu went to the Honglu Pavilion to meet Jia Juxin. After greeting each other, Wu Yong said directly, "Jia Tuiguan, you like the gift sent by Wu Zhizhou very much. But you are very embarrassed to give Hecai Town to Jeju."

When Jia Juxin heard this, he knew that Liangshan had intentions, so he smiled and said, "I have heard that Mr. Zhao is dedicated to the people. But in order to deal with the superiors, we have to take some measures. Mr. Zhao, if you have any requests, we will do our best to facilitate them."

Wu Yong nodded and said, "We understand what the Magistrate wants. As for the garrison in Hecai Town, the two of us can persuade you to withdraw the garrison and ask the officials in the village to cooperate with you. However, the taxes and labor service in the village will still be handled by Yuncheng County, and you are not allowed to station troops. If you want to station troops, you will need to pay for the land. This is the premise. If you don't agree, you will not withdraw the troops."

Jia Juxin thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "We naturally have no intention of taking this town across the river. As long as you can cooperate with us to deal with the confidant of General Gao, everything will be fine."

Wu Yong nodded and said, "We have reached an agreement on this point, and the rest is easy to discuss. First of all, we have to cooperate with you in a fight, pretending to be defeated, and damaging the reputation of the Liangshan Army. I wonder what Wu Zhizhou can do to make up for it?"

Jia Juxin replied, "We know. The prefect is willing to pay 50,000 strings of cash as compensation."

Wu Yong heard this and said angrily, "Bullshit. The might of Liangshan's army cannot be compared with a mere fifty thousand strings of cash."

Jia Juxin hurriedly said, "Military Advisor, calm down. We can discuss everything."

Zhu Wu said, "It's not that Wu Junshi is angry, it's just that the Liangshan army has gained a great reputation, which is definitely not comparable to 50,000 strings of cash. Even if the two of us agree, I'm afraid the generals below will not give up."

Jia Juxin heard this and said, "I have not considered it carefully. I don't know how I can ask you to subdue the generals."

Wu Yong sighed and said, "It's not that we two are deceiving you. Unless we have 100,000 strings of cash, we can ask you to make a major reorganization so as not to hurt the morale. Unknowingly, we will cooperate with you."

After hearing this, Jia Juxin cursed in his heart: How greedy.

He smiled and said, "One hundred thousand strings of cash is indeed a lot. I will try my best to convince the prefect when I return."

Wu Yong shook his head and said, "Only 100,000 strings of cash is not enough."

Jia Juxin was surprised and asked, "What?"

"One hundred thousand strings of cash is just what is needed to mobilize the army. It can't be that four geese and a hundred stones of rice can be enough to satisfy you, right?" Wu Yong said.

Zhu Wu said, "After all, this involves the mobilization of more than 100,000 troops. We can't just mobilize two troops and abandon Hecai Town. Such behavior will surely cause discussion among the generals and the people. Don't worry, Magistrate Jia. Apart from the 100,000 strings of cash, you don't need much gold and silver. Just some special products from Jeju will be fine."

Jia Juxin asked cautiously: "Please tell me, Military Advisor Zhu."

"Sir, you like to drink, and there are many generals under your command who are good at drinking. I heard that Jeju City is good at brewing [Huaguan Wine]. I want an ancient brewing recipe. This should not be difficult." Zhu Wu said.

Jia Juxin nodded and said, "This is not difficult. I will accept it for now."

Zhu Wu continued, "The second item is not difficult either. The [Ma Miao Golden Rice] sent by the magistrate is very much liked by you. I heard that there is even better rice in Ma Miao Town, which has always been offered as tribute to the court. I will send half of this rice to you."

Jia Juxin said in embarrassment: "Military Advisor, I am not trying to shirk responsibility. The amount of tribute rice we pay each year is fixed. If it is less, how can the court forgive us? If it is 30 or 50 kilograms, we can still think of some ways, but with half of the output, how dare we tamper with it? Military Advisor, please change it."

Wu Yong pretended to be embarrassed and said, "Sir, I have heard of the name of [Ma Miao Jingu] a long time ago. I heard that the best rice, more than 100 jin, has always been used as tribute rice, and the taste is better. Sir, you are greedy and want to eat this with the Liangshan army. If it is only 30 or 50 jin, it can only satisfy your needs. What should I do?"

Zhu Wu said: "If it can't satisfy my husband's requirements, how about changing to something similar?"

Jia Juxin cried out, "Where in Jeju can we find such good rice?"

Zhu Wu said: "If not, just send more [Ma Temple Golden Valley] and some rare things, I'm sure the lord won't pursue it. After all, tribute rice is no different from other things, and it's not good to make things too difficult for Wu Zhizhou and Jia Tuiguan."

Jia Juxin cursed in his heart, and said with a wry smile: "I will go back and discuss it with the prefect."

Wu Yong said, "Alright. At least we need Wu Zhizhou's approval, so that we can live in peace in the future."

After that, Wu Yong said to Jia Juxin: "You have come a long way and worked hard. Today, we are going to have a banquet. After you have your meal, it won't be too late to leave tomorrow."

Zhu Wu also said, "Yes, I heard that Magistrate Jia is from Bianjing. It's just right. Madam Tong brought four cooks, each of whom is good at palace dishes, government dishes, temple dishes, and market dishes. Today is a good time to taste the local flavor."

After hearing this, Jia Juxin waved his hand and said, "The prefect is still waiting for news in the mansion, but I dare not delay. When the prefect agrees, I will come to deliver the funds for the withdrawal. Then, I will have to bother you again."

After saying this, he ignored the attempts of Wu and Zhu to persuade him to stay, and hurried back to Jeju City with a group of soldiers.

(End of this chapter)