Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 614: A Visitor from Jiangnan
In the Hongluguan, Wu Yong and Le He met the man from Jiangnan.

The three envoys from Jiangnan Fang La had already reported their names. The chief envoy was Fang Hu, Fang La's uncle, who was appointed as the defender of Shezhou. There were two deputy envoys, one of whom was named Bao Daoyi, the Heavenly Master of Protecting the Country [Spiritual Heavenly Master] in the letter, and the other was Pu Wenying, the Astronomical Supervisor.

After the five people exchanged greetings, Deputy Envoy [Spiritual Response Heavenly Master] Bao Daoyi spoke first, "You two, we are here with letters from the envoys, why are you being so indifferent?"

Wu Yong heard this and said quickly, "Three messengers, the lord has been on a tour and will be back home for only a few days. He is also injured and cannot meet guests. Today, the two of us have been ordered to come here. I wonder if you have any advice for us."

Pu Wenying smiled and said, "There is no need to give any advice. One night, I observed the sky and saw countless stars gathered here in Shandong. When we came here, we saw a main star in the middle, shining brightly, which is not a sign of serious illness."

Wu Yong heard this and said, "How can we be accurate in predicting the stars in the sky? If we were accurate, Pu Jian would have been able to see the predicament in Jiangnan."

Pu Wenying smiled after hearing this, but did not refute. He continued to speak to Wu Yong and the others in a friendly manner, "The celestial phenomena are changeable, so we can only refer to them and not discuss them. The three of us came here for a good cause. Please let us pass on the message. We want to speak to Prime Minister Zhao in person."

Wu Yong frowned and said, "I don't know what's going on. Why do you want to talk to me in person?"

Bao Daoyi, who was standing by, said, "I've always heard that Mr. Anfu was a man of great integrity, but I didn't expect that he was just seeking fame and reputation. We came from afar to see him, but he refused to see us. We missed the chance to meet him."

After hearing this, Le He said quickly, "It's not that I'm being rude, sir. I just don't know what you three are up to. Liangshan is under the rule of the Song Dynasty. It's wrong to accept your letters. It would be bad to see them."

"Yes, it is precisely because of this concern that my husband asked the two of us to come and investigate first." Wu Yong said.

Fang Hu, who was sitting at the top, said, "There are things going on in the country, who has the patience to argue? Pu Jianzheng, just speak frankly."

Pu Wenying heard this and immediately said with a smile: "Please let the two of you pass on the message that the Holy Lord intends to marry his daughter, Princess Jinzhi, to Anfu Xianggong to form a marriage."

Wu Yong and Le He were both surprised when they heard this. They thought Fang La was just like Wang Qing from Huaixi, who was also trying to trick Liangshan into starting an uprising, but they never thought that he wanted to marry her.

Wu Yong waved his feather fan and said, "This matter is of great importance. The two of us cannot make the decision. We will report it to you, sir."

Fang Hu and the other two did not take it seriously and just told Wu Yong to hurry up. The three had been in Liangshan for seven or eight days, and the war in the south of the Yangtze River was raging, so it was not a good idea to stay for long.

When Wu Yong and Le He arrived at Baishi Manor, Zhao Zhen had just asked someone to put away the four treasures sent by Li Zhu. When he saw the two of them, Zhao Zhen asked, "Have you already told the people from Jiangnan?"

Wu Yong shook his head and said, "Sir, Fang La wants to marry his daughter to you."

Zhao Zhen was stunned after hearing this. After a while, he said, "Has he lost his mind? I wonder if it is me, Taishan, who is leading the troops to suppress him?"

Wu Yong said, "Sir, how can we keep this secret from him? When we heard the news, we couldn't ask any more questions, so we had to report it to you first."

"My guess is that Fang La from Jiangnan married Princess Jinzhi with the intention of forming an alliance with you."

Zhao Zhen frowned and said, "We are now planning to take over Zibo Prefecture, Qizhou and other places. How can we have the heart to form an alliance with him?"

Le He said, "Sir, let's not talk about this marriage, it's okay for the three of us from Jiangnan to meet."

As he spoke, Le He told the story of Pu Wenying observing the celestial phenomena. After hearing this, Zhao Zhen said, "This fellow has this ability."

Wu Yong said: "Speaking of which, the Jiangnan Fang La is more regulated than Wang Qing's. It has recruited many talented people and even set up the Si Tian Jian."

"Besides, the three people from Jiangnan came formally, and the leader is Uncle Fang La Fang Hu. If you don't meet them, it would show that you are stingy. If you ask you to raise an army, we will have something to say to him. If we can trade with Jiangnan, it will also be a source of income."

Zhao Zhen heard this and said, "In that case, we should meet him."

Soon, Wu Yong and Le He led the people from Jiangnan to Baishi Manor and met Zhao Zhen.

After the greeting, Fang Hu spoke first: "The rumors are true, Mr. Anfu is indeed a handsome man. My Princess Jinzhi has not yet married, and she and Mr. Anfu are a perfect match."

Wu Yong heard this and said, "Princess Jinzhi's matter will be put on hold for now. We don't want to be deceived. The court has two armies heading south, and although there is Envoy Tong, you have no say here."

Pu Wenying said, "It's just that we didn't make it clear before. Now in this world, the only one who is worthy of Princess Jinzhi is you. The Holy Lord's daughter's marriage does not require you to mediate."

"The Emperor's star is bright, shining on Dongwu. The Saint rose from the south of the Yangtze River, which is in line with the celestial phenomena. The prophecies also prove that it is in line with the Saint. Many people who observe the aura say that Muzhou has the aura of the five-colored Son of Heaven, and the Saint has the appearance of holding a dragon and a phoenix, and the appearance of standing tall in the sky, which is in line with this aura."

"The Zhao Song dynasty has been the successor of the Later Zhou dynasty for 160 years. Now the Zhao Song dynasty has lost its moral integrity, corrupt officials are rampant, the people are resentful, and everyone wants to cause chaos. The Holy Lord is following the will of heaven and is going to eliminate the bad policies, rebuild the world, and give the people a bright and peaceful world."

Wu Yong said: "Although we are in Shandong, we have heard that the two armies of the imperial court are unstoppable. One army has taken Xuanzhou, and the other has taken Changzhou. The two armies will meet in Hangzhou not far away. It is too early to talk about changing the world now."

Pu Wenying said, "The ancients said, 'It is easy to gain, and easy to lose. It is hard to gain, and hard to lose.' Since the Holy Lord was founded, he has swept across the country and gained many prefectures. Although the court has taken away several of them, his luck has not declined. Moreover, the Holy Lord has many soldiers and generals under his command. Although he has suffered a temporary defeat, it will not affect the overall situation. One day, not only the Jiangnan area, but also the Central Plains will belong to the Holy Lord."

"We are here only because we have heard that you are a man of great integrity and love for the people. We thought that one day, we might have to fight each other. Your Excellency also sympathizes with the suffering of the people, so he took the risk of letting the three of us come to act as matchmakers. Marry Princess Jinzhi to your Excellency. When your Excellency conquers the world in the future, you will be appointed as the son-in-law of the emperor and you will still guard the two routes of Jingdong."

Zhao Zhen was about to speak when Wu Yong said, "Maybe the Holy Lord has other conditions?"

Bao Daoyi stood up and said, "There is no free lunch in the world. If you want to marry Princess Jinzhi..."

"Three matchmakers and six betrothals are indispensable." Pu Wenying said.

Wu Yong laughed and said, "Of course it should be so."

Everyone looked at Zhao Zhen, who smiled and nodded in agreement.

On that day, Zhao Zhen hosted a banquet to entertain Fang Hu and his two companions.

After the banquet, Fang Hu and the other two returned to the Honglu Pavilion to rest.

After sending away the waiters, the three of them sat down in Fang Hu's room. Bao Daoyi immediately said, "Pu Jianzheng, why did you agree to this today? It's different from what we agreed to in advance. Princess Jinzhi is getting married. If you don't ask Liangshan to raise troops to help, the alliance should be announced to the world." Fang Hu also said, "That's right. Now we are retreating step by step in Jiangnan. If we don't ask Liangshan to help and divide the court's troops, how can we explain to the Holy Lord?"

Pu Wenying said, "My Lords, you have seen it. This celestial phenomenon originated from Liangshan. Huaixi Wang Qing and Sheng Gong both vied to echo the celestial phenomenon and win the hearts and minds of the people. On the contrary, Liangshan not only did not fight for it, but Zhao Anfu Xianggong even pretended to be sick."

"Either he has big ambitions, or it's just like the rumors say, Mr. Zhao has no ambitions and just wants to live in peace in a corner. Whatever it is, it will be extremely difficult for him to form an alliance."

Fang Hu said, "If it doesn't work, we will pack up and go back to Jiangnan. Why bother to bring up the marriage again? When you mentioned the marriage to the Saint, he thought that we were far apart and it would be difficult for us to meet again, so he was unwilling. You convinced him with a big deal. Now Liangshan is unwilling to help. If we leave Princess Jinzhi here, I'm afraid the Saint will blame the three of us."

Pu Wenying whispered, "Uncle, I just want to ask one question. If Zhao Zhen marries Princess Jinzhi and we spread the news, will the court dare to leave Liangshan alone?"

Bao Daoyi heard this and said, "Great! If this is the case, the imperial court will probably have to dispatch troops to guard against this. Tong Guan will also be suspected, and even Tong Guan cannot lead the army. If the emperor and his ministers are suspicious of each other, the only ones who can fight are Tan Zhen and his army, so there is nothing to worry about."

Fang Hu heard this and said, "I see. It is said that scholars like you are the wisest. In this case, don't delay this matter. Make sure it is settled as soon as possible to avoid any changes. It's a pity for Jin Zhi."

Pu Wenying comforted him, "Since the Holy Lord has won the world, Princess Jinzhi will naturally not be wronged."

On the second day, Wu Yong and Le He went to the Honglu Pavilion to discuss the matter with Fang Hu and the other two.

Today, in addition to Fang Hu and his two companions, there was also a woman and two maids standing behind Fang Hu. Wu Yong and the other two looked over and saw:

The girl in front was petite and delicate, wearing a scarlet silk skirt with gold peony embroidery, a cinnabar-colored gauze on the outside, and a jade belt around her waist. She had nine phoenixes holding pearls and a golden hairpin on her temples, and a red coral flower on her forehead. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, the corners of her eyes were painted with gold, and her lips were painted with scarlet. It would not be an exaggeration to say that she was more beautiful than flowers, with a delicate and delicate face.

Fang Hu coughed and said to the girl behind him, "Jinzhi, go down and have a rest. I'll call you if there's anything."

The girl responded softly and pushed the door open with two maids.

Le He said, "So it was the princess who was here in person. How rude of you. I don't know what the customs are in Jiangnan. We should go back and prepare."

Pu Wenying smiled and said, "The world is not at peace, so we should keep things simple. With the three letters and six engagements complete, we can get married in a few days. The emperor's uncle and the celestial master have to return to Jiangnan to resist the invasion of the imperial army. I love celestial phenomena, so I have to stay in Liangshan for a while."

At that moment, after discussing it, the five people went to prepare.

The three letters and six appointments process was completed in just one day. The next day, which was an auspicious day, Zhao Zhen opened the gate of Baishi Manor and carried Fang Jinzhi in on a sedan chair carried by eight people.

If you think about it in detail, it is of course illogical. However, no one is making a fuss about it.

On that day, Baishi Manor naturally had a big celebration. For the next three days, Zhao Zhen naturally stayed in Princess Jinzhi's room.

During these three days, Zhao Zhen and Fang Hu and the other two also reached a business agreement.

Zhao Zhen prepared five thousand sets of iron armor, five thousand sets of leather armor, as well as swords, spears, arrows and other items to exchange for Jiangnan white linen, cotton, gauze, Suzhou embroidery, rattan paper, flower mats, Dongguan mats, lacquerware, bronze mirrors and other items.

Compared with Wang Qing's deal, this one was much cheaper. The goods were loaded onto the ship from Ju County, and then sent southwards through the Qiantang River to Yangzhou. Going by sea, with the protection of warships, was much simpler.

Fang Hu and others came by sea.

Three days later, everything was ready. To show his sincerity, Zhao Zhen dispatched 30 sea gull ships and 30 knife fish ships, loaded with weapons and armor, and Fang Hou and others. Li Jun, the [Mixed River Dragon], led Zhu Xiaoba, the [Dividing Water Rhino], Yu Gui, the [Submerged Kun], and Shi Quan, the [Golden Carp], and led the [Patrol River Camp] to transfer to the sea ships and head south.

Without mentioning what happened to Li Jun and the others when they went south, let's just say that in Baishi Manor, Zhao Zhen had been married to Princess Jinzhi for seven or eight days, and his wives and concubines at home had also adapted.

Fang Jinzhi saw that she had a petite figure and was kind to others, but she just couldn't stand Tong Jiaoxiu.

The two of them exchanged sharp words in front of Zhao Zhen, and did not speak to each other in private.

Zhao Zhen was helpless about this.

On this day, Zhao Zhen invited Pu Wenying to a banquet. After three rounds of wine and five kinds of dishes, Wu Yong, who was accompanying him, asked, "Pu Jianzheng, I saw you climbing high to observe the night sky these days. I wonder what you have seen?"

After hearing this, Pu Wenying picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, sighing, "To be honest with you, sir, I have passed on the secrets of the ancient sages and taught the ancestors the mysterious texts. I am best at observing the stars."

"Before, the Big Dipper was surrounded by shining stars, which corresponded to Liangshan. The stars of the generals in the south were all dim, and the fate of the court seemed uncertain. Therefore, taking advantage of this strange phenomenon in the stars, making up a prophecy, and convincing the Saint to marry the husband, just to seek a way out."

Wu Yong heard this and said, "The Supervisor does not think highly of the Holy Lord?"

Pu Wenying replied, "The generals have entered Wu, while the stars in the south of the Yangtze River are dim, which is not favorable. When the Holy Lord started the rebellion, he was able to distribute wealth to the people. When he became powerful, he lost control of his generals, which brought disaster to the court. Now that Runzhou, Changzhou, and Xuanzhou have been lost, two armies are attacking Huzhou and Suzhou, and they are not far from meeting in Hangzhou."

"Once they meet, the Archbishop will have less room to turn around. Even if there are a few passes blocking the way, I'm afraid he won't be able to defeat them."

Zhao Zhen heard this and said, "Although I am in Liangshan, I have heard that my father-in-law's three marshals, four generals, eight cavalrymen, the palace commander, and the left and right prime ministers are all highly skilled in martial arts, conquering cities and territories, and are invincible in battles. How come they are suddenly no match for the imperial army?"

Pu Wenying said: "First, the enemies we faced in the past were mostly local troops, but now we are facing the elite imperial guards. Second, the soldiers under the command of the Holy Lord are scattered to defend the local areas. The imperial court has many more troops against a few, and the offensive and defensive situation has changed, so it is natural that many of them will be defeated. The most important thing is that we southerners are good at water battles, but our skills on land are slightly inferior, so we are weak."

"Now that I have this batch of military equipment from you, it will be enough to support us for a while."

Zhao Zhen nodded when he heard this: "Liangshan was ravaged by the Qingzhou bandits once, and it has not yet recovered. This is all I can do, and there is nothing else I can do."

"As the Supervisor said, the situation in Jiangnan is unclear right now. If one day comes, I can be regarded as a way out for my father-in-law. If I hide in Liangshan and hide my identity, the imperial court will naturally be helpless."

Pu Wenying said: "The Saint is conceited. I'm afraid he would rather hide in the mountains than live under someone else's roof. However, if things don't go well, the families of the soldiers and generals under the Saint may be sent to Liangshan for resettlement to prevent the bloodline from being cut off."

(End of this chapter)