Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 119 How many people can be around the emperor?

On the Jingyang Ridge, Lu Da had been waiting for three days and was already getting tired of waiting. It was also because in this world, Lu Da no longer had many people with whom he had a deep friendship.

Real-time communication was not possible in this era, so Lu Da could only wait like this, sitting at the place where the donations were collected on Jingyang Ridge for the entire day.

Just as he was sitting there bored, he heard a voice from the side asking, "You guys don't look like merchants. If you don't have any goods, just pay one cent each..."

But someone answered: "Hey, this is the ground of Dongping Prefecture, right? You have to pay to enter Dongping Prefecture..."

"Don't say too much. It's not easy for us to build bridges and roads. If it's the local people, then we won't charge them. But if they come from outside, then we charge them all."

"Here you go..."

Lu Da turned around and listened to the words, frowned, turned around to look, it was this accent, it was too familiar.

As soon as Lu Da turned around, he heard an excited shout: "Brother Shi Jin?"

The man in front was startled when he heard the words, and when he looked around, he jumped up: "Brother Tixia, Brother Tixia, it's me, it's me..."

The two of them ran towards each other and hugged each other in a moment. Lu Da laughed: "Brother, you can teach me how to wait..."

Lin Mao was standing nearby, laughing as well: "Commander Lu has been waiting here for three days..."

Unexpectedly, Shi Jin wiped his eyes and said, "I hurried all the way here, fearing that my brother would wait for a long time. I didn't expect that my brother would wait here for a long time..."

"It's okay, it's okay. It's good that you're here. It's good that you're here..." Lu Da was actually a sentimental person, and his eyes really turned red.

The two men relaxed their embrace and just listened to Shi Jin's introduction: "Brother Tixia, this is the divine military strategist Zhu Wu. He is not an ordinary man. He can also wield two swords, and he has read all the military books and tactics. He has real skills. I think that this time, I come to join the army with brother Tixia, and it is the place where I can use my skills."

Lu Da looked around and only saw Zhu Wu, who was about thirty years old, wearing a square hat. He looked like a Confucian scholar, but his body shape did not make him look like an ordinary person.

Lu Da only said: "My brother is a fifth-rank cavalry general, and now he is appointed as the deputy general manager of the two routes of the Jingdong Army. He is eager to recruit talents, and he will definitely be used."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Wu actually laughed. This time, Shi Jin came from afar because he really trusted Lu Da and believed in him without a doubt. But after all, Zhu Wu was not familiar with Lu Da, but he also followed him from afar because he trusted Shi Jin.

Although I came, I couldn't help feeling worried, but after hearing what Lu Da said, I felt a little relieved.

But he thought again, isn't the general who came to surrender the commander of the Dongping army? How did he become the deputy commander of the two armies in Jingdong?

Lu Da added: "My brother, who was just promoted, has made great contributions, which you can't even imagine. He is highly valued by the Privy Council!"

Zhu Wu was even happier when he heard this. The more powerful the boss, the better. He bowed and said, "Thank you, Commander Lu. I am honored."

Then Shi Jin introduced: "This is Chen Da, the Leaping Tiger, and this is Yang Chun, the White Snake. They are also brothers from our family. They are good at martial arts and will definitely be useful in the military tent."

Lu Da nodded repeatedly: "Okay, okay, as long as the brothers are useful, my brother is the best to others, and he will definitely have a bright future."

Just as Lu Da raised his hand, a group of soldiers came from a distance, with dozens of horses.

Shi Jin was stunned: "What a lot of horses! They are all so strong!"

Lu Da laughed and said, "That's nothing. We have more than 2,000 strong horses in the army and 500 armored knights. Next month, at most, another 1,000 will arrive. The general also said that by then, we will have 1,000 light cavalry and 500 heavy cavalry. We can go anywhere. We only lack good generals. Look, you are here, brother."

Shi Jin's face lit up, because he knew that his brother Lu Da was never a boastful person. Looking at the strong horse in front of him, it was obvious that he had come to the right place this time.

Even Zhu Wu was smiling, learning both civil and martial arts, and selling his wares to the emperor...

In the past, it couldn’t be sold because no one came to buy it.

Now, it seems that a good buyer has been found. This buyer looks extraordinary and powerful, which is exactly where he can show his abilities.

"Let's go, get on the horse, and quickly return to the mansion to pay our respects, and make my brother happy too!" Lu Da had already jumped on the horse.

The four men followed suit and mounted their horses, which started off with a rumble.

Lin Mao shouted from behind, "Have a safe journey, Commander Lu. We'll drink together again next time we have the chance."

"I've eaten a few meals of yours this time. Next time you come to my house, you can eat my food!" Lu Da also replied.

The horses have gone.

There were also common people on the road. When a horse team came on the official road, the common people would take the initiative to move to the side of the road to let the horse team pass first.

However, some merchants from other places asked: "These people, only about 20 in number, have 60 or 70 strong horses. What a grand sight. You won't see such a large number of people anywhere else. Where are these wealthy people from?"

A local man nearby looked disdainful when he heard this: "You are so ignorant, haven't you heard of General Su of Dongping Prefecture?"

"How could I not have heard of General Su's name?"

"That's it. Apart from the Puma Army under General Su of Dongping Prefecture, where else can we find such a majestic and powerful cavalry?"

"Oh, I see. General Su is good at managing the army!"

"Hmph, you can manage the army well? Just go and ask, where are the bandits who heard the name of General Su and didn't they run away in panic? In this land, which prefecture has the power of Dongping Prefecture?"

How could the person who said this not look arrogant?
"I've learned a lot. Thank you very much!"

That arrogant face added: "It is to teach you the power of General Su of Dongping Prefecture!"

That team of fast riders had already gone far away, leaving only a cloud of dust on the official road. However, the common people on both sides did not have a single word of complaint, and all of them watched the team of fast riders fly away with a smile on their faces.

Since General Su came, the number of big and small thieves in Dongping Prefecture has really decreased. We only hear about thieves coming and going from neighboring prefectures, but no longer hear about thieves robbing people in Dongping Prefecture...

This is the human heart, the human heart in troubled times.

It was dusk and not yet night. Not far from the government office, in the office of the deputy general manager of the two armies of Jingdong, Su Wu was on duty. It was Zhang Zhen who was reporting on the recent financial affairs of the army.

"Brother, I'm back, and brother Shi Jin is here too." Lu Da walked in loudly.

Su Wu had already stood up to see, and saw four people come in and bow to them.

After Lu Da's introduction, Shi Jin was indeed a brave man, with a strong back and slim waist. He looked full of explosive power, and his body was agile and nimble.

The key is that this boy is handsome and has a bit of wealthy air about him.

"Sit down!" Su Wu raised his hand and waved.

The four people, on the other hand, seemed somewhat nervous and awkward.

Lu Da said, "Don't be so reserved. My brother is always sincere and kind to others."

Shi Jin, Zhu Wu and the others just forced a smile and pretended to be relaxed, but they were not really relaxed at all.

It was just like an interview, and she was afraid that the general in front of her would look down on her, or dislike her, or even hate her.

But Su Wu said, "Shi Jia Dalang is good with spears and sticks. He is taught by Wang Jin, the old instructor of the 800,000 imperial guards. He must be extraordinary. Just follow the command of brother Lu Da. You brothers are close, so you won't feel strange. Yang Chun and Chen Da should also go together, so that they won't feel unhappy in an unfamiliar place..."

After hearing this, Shi Jin felt relieved and immediately stood up and saluted: "Thank you, General!"

Chen Da and Yang Chun also stood up and saluted.

However, Su Wu went to see Zhu Wu again. He was afraid that Zhu Wu was unstable in his mind. How could he make him settle down?

Su Wu thought for a moment and said, "I heard that the military strategist Zhu Wu is the best at military tactics and formations. It's just in time for you to come. The army is busy with all sorts of matters. Come on, come with Zhang Yasi, and take a look at the military finances and get familiar with them..."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Wu felt even more relieved. This General Su was really so straightforward and trustworthy in employing people that he showed him all the military finances as soon as they met.

How can you not be sincere when treating others like this?
Zhu Wu had already stood up and bowed: "Thank you for your kindness, General."

Su Wu just said enthusiastically: "Come, come, come, sit here, sit next to Zhang Yashi. Your coming will make Zhang Yashi feel much more relaxed. He has been very tired recently."

Zhu Wu smiled and nodded, and really went to Zhang Zhen's side. However, he did not sit down, but just stood aside, which was also an attitude.

Zhang Zhen also laughed: "I was originally a clerk in the government office, but was brought to the military office by the general to work. I am the only one who has to do everything, and finally I have a helper."

Zhu Wu felt more at ease and bowed to Zhang Zhen.

Su Wu spoke again: "Now this is the Jingdong two-way general office, and brother Zhu Wu is the Du Yuhou, please don't despise it!"

How could Zhu Wu not be happy? He even bowed: "Thank you, General, for your kindness."

"Okay, enough of the small talk. Brother Lu Da will take Shi Jia Da Lang and others to settle down. Brother Zhu Wu will take up his post and start working. Hehe, don't blame me..."

Su Wu wanted to use this method to reassure people, so he didn't say anything big and just asked Zhu Wu to start working.

This is a great trust, and it can comfort people like Zhu Wu.

Zhang Zhen has already handed over an account book: "Take a look at this one and do some calculations. I have several more here. Zhu Yuhou will definitely share more."

Zhu Wu no longer had any pretentious words, he just nodded: "Okay, okay!"

Lu Da was all smiles, for he knew very well how his brother treated others, so seeing this, he said nothing and took Shi Jin and the others to settle down first.

Su Wu also heard something like this: "Lü Da, send someone to the main inn to book a room."

"Hehe, don't worry, brother. I know it." Lu Da walked away with brisk steps.

Su Wu here naturally continued to work at the office.

Zhu Wu was even more serious. He took out his abacus and started to click. How could he not do such a small thing well? He had done it well, and he had to do it better, quickly and well.

We cannot let General Su feel that he is not capable of doing his job.

In a moment, Zhu Wu stood up and said, "General, Zhang Yashi, we have calculated that there is a shortage of 127 coins. It is on page 25, where the meat is written but the price is forgotten."

Zhang Zhen was surprised. He took the account book and flipped through it. He just smiled and said, "General, you are so talented! You are so fast and accurate. I only calculated half of it, and Brother Zhu Wu has already finished it."

Su Wu said directly: "This is nothing. Brother Zhu Wu's real ability is not here."

Zhu Wu felt warm in his heart, thinking that General Su really knew himself and was not lying.

"Go on, let's settle it early and sit down to drink!" Su Wu waved his hand and continued working.

This time, it was Su Wu and Zhang Zhen who were in charge of the calculation, but Zhang Zhen was really too busy and it was also a military secret, so it was not easy to ask outsiders for help.

Su Wu's army spends money like water, so how can he let people who are not close to him know about it?

Now that Zhu Wu has arrived, Su Wu can let go of this matter from now on and just leave it to Zhu Wu.

It is actually very important to calculate this account. If an organization wants to run healthily, this is the top priority.

The calculation was much faster with only three people doing it. It didn't take long before they had counted everything and made a summary. Then the three of them stood up.

Just go to Meng Niang's store.
To welcome new people, one must introduce them to everyone, and there will be toasts and fun.

When bandits and robbers could drink and eat meat in big bowls, how could they be worse than bandits and robbers when they became government soldiers and public servants?

This was also one of the reasons why Su Wu's army often ate and drank in this regular restaurant.

These soldiers originally liked these things, and Su Wu naturally wanted to please them.

As for Su Wu himself, his alcohol tolerance is average, which is not bad at all. It’s just that people like Lu Da and Wu Song are too strong.

Su Wu was also heard to say drunkenly: "From now on, if you have any military matters, just go find Zhu Yuhou and don't bother me."

Zhu Wu was stunned. This is...

This power is a bit too great. Why does General Su trust him so much?
Everyone nodded: "I know, I know..."

Zhu Wu stood up and saluted again, not only to Su Wu, but also to everyone else: "Thank you again, General, for your kindness and love. I also hope that all of you brothers will bear with me in the future."

"Marquis Zhu Yu, we are family and we shouldn't gossip with each other. Let's just drink and enjoy ourselves!" This was Wu Song. He naturally felt that what his brother said and did must be correct.

Lu Da also said, "Brother Zhu Wu, the Dongping army is different from other places. Most of the soldiers are straightforward and honest. There are not so many twists and turns. Just do your work. There will be no difficulties and no worries!"

"Yes, yes, yes, let's just work together and follow brother to pursue a better future!" Wu Song's wine cup was already full.

Su Wu smiled and drank as well.

Su Wu's arrangement just now was not random, but was well thought out. When it comes to employing people, Su Wu is always eager to seek talented people. As for Zhu Wu, Su Wu does not need to test or teach him, because Su Wu already knows that he is extraordinary.

Since he came from thousands of miles away, in Su Wu's eyes, Zhu Wu no longer has any background or constraints and is more trustworthy.

Instead of being stingy, it is better to be generous and have a bigger picture. A man as capable as Zhu Wu is also a scholar. As long as he is allowed to fit in, he will be trusted.

Seeing this atmosphere, Shi Jin was very happy and said, "I have come to this place. Brother Lu Da is not lying to me! This is the place where a hero should be!"

Even if it's just drunken talk, just keep eating.

At the end of the banquet, there was actually another person, Shi Qian. He just watched and laughed, and occasionally drank with others. Gradually, he recognized many people and became familiar with some of them, such as Wu Erlang, who was the easiest person to make friends with.

As for other people, such as Cao Zheng, Zhu Long, etc., he also had a few drinks with them and had become somewhat familiar with them...

As soon as he finished drinking, Shi Qian packed up some leftovers and picked up a half-full jar of good wine before returning to the camp.

It was that little house again, and the door was no longer locked.

Shi Qian walked in with a smile on his face: "Brother, look, the wine..."

Shi Xiu was still lying there, and he was able to turn over slowly, but he still couldn't walk. Just hearing the wine, his expressionless face became a little more lively.

"I don't know if you can drink..." Shi Qian was worried about Shi Xiu's injury.

"If there is anything you can't do, just bring it to me." Shi Xiu said.

There was worry on Shi Qian's face, but he still handed over the jar of wine and opened two oil paper packages, which contained meat and vegetables.

Shi Xiu turned slightly to the side, picked up the jar of wine and put it to his mouth.

After a few gulps, Shi Xiu smacked his lips and said, "Tsk, tsk, tsk... good wine, good wine!"

"Brother, eat meat. The meat is well cooked today and very delicious. It's better than the one in the camp." Shi Qian took the initiative to feed him.

Shi Xiu didn't want him to feed him. His hands could still move, so he took the food and bit it.

After eating the meat, he drank a few gulps of water.

Shi Qian was still worried: "If you drink too much, I'm afraid your injuries will heal more slowly."

"I'm destined to survive, so what's there to be afraid of if I have a drink?" Shi Xiu said.

"Hey... brother, I just went to the banquet of General Su. He has a newcomer here, from Shanzhou. He entrusted him with an important task just after we met. He is really generous, unlike ordinary people. He trusts his employees and is really straightforward."

"You come here again, why do you say these things every day?" Shi Xiu just kept drinking.

"I thought I was going to say this again. I'm not afraid to tell my brothers. At first, I just wanted to stay alive. After I stay alive, I think the army is really good. Now I also think that if I can really do something big with these generals and make a good career, it might be a happy thing in life!"

Shi Qian still needs to be told.

"Even if he is a hundred times better, I see and hear it every day, but he killed Brother Yang Xiong. How can I work with him?" Shi Xiu drank the old wine continuously, his face flushed.

"Yes, I am sorry to Brother Yang Xiong. At that time, you pulled him away and told him to just walk along the small path, but he didn't listen and tried to kill him with a knife. I should have gone to pull him away as well. Maybe I would have stopped him and the three of us would have taken the small path, and there wouldn't have been more than a dozen casualties and eight lives lost..."

Shi Qian really felt that it was too late to regret, and it didn't seem like he was pretending.

"You mean to say that killing someone is justified by his own life?" Shi Xiulai asked, his tone unkind. Shi Qian was speechless.

However, Shi Xiu himself said, "We were the ones who made the mistake first, so it is only natural that we should pay for our crimes. But... Brother Yang Xiong has done me a favor, even if... even if..."

Having said this, Shi Xiu took another sip before saying, "What if... we change the official? We can let the judge in the government office come to the court to judge..."

"Alas... You know by now that many of the soldiers in this army came from Zhujiazhuang. How could General Su not personally take charge and appease the people? The general only let the three of us pay for one of the eight lives, and he also paid so much money... What do you think..."

At this time, Shi Qian continued the conversation.

"I said...what did I say?" Shi Xiu just continued drinking.

As he was drinking, he saw Shi Xiu get up. Although the movement was still difficult, he actually got up and sat down against the wall. He sat with a grimace on his face, but he really endured it and sat down.

He took a few more sips and looked at the wine jar, fearing that there wasn't much left, so he said, "Bring back more next time."

Shi Qian was pleasantly surprised and nodded repeatedly: "Okay..."

He also said: "Brother, your injury healed very quickly. I guess it's because you have a very strong body."

Shi Xiu was silent again when he heard this. He only thought, if the injury is healed, if it is really healed, what should he do? Where should he go?

Shi Qian looked at Shi Xiu and said softly, "The general said that after your injury is healed, you can go under the command of Commander Wu..."

"Who?" Shi Xiu asked.

"Commander Wu is Wu Song, also known as Wu Erlang, the general's closest brother." Shi Qian said.

"Hmph!" Shi Xiu uttered this and continued drinking.

Shi Qian was touched and immediately said, "The general also said that Shi Xiu is a good man, the most loyal and upright, which is the character of a good man. I think only Wu Erlang can convince you, so I will let you serve under him..."

"Let's talk about it after you've recovered..." Shi Xiu waved his hand, the jar of wine was empty, and he just put it beside him, then lay down and said, "I'm going to sleep, you should go to bed early too."

"Okay." Shi Qian nodded and went to clean up the vegetables, meat and wine jars.

After packing up, he lay down on the side. Shi Qian was not asleep, so he listened... He listened to Shi Xiu's breathing beside him, and knew that Shi Xiu was also asleep...

This night seems sleepless...

Early in the morning, before daybreak, Su Wu was already on the parade ground, calling out to people coming and going.

Shi Qian went to the window to take a look and muttered, "It's so early again. General Su does this every day without missing a day. He is really a tenacious person."

No one responded to Shi Qian's words.

Only Shi Qian himself muttered: "In a moment, the soldiers also got up early and started running. This army is where men should be."

Still no one answered, Shi Qian muttered to himself: "Brother, I'll treat you well, you don't need anyone to serve and take care of you, I will go to the commander Yan Qing, he has a reputation now, no night camp, also a battalion organization, no need to report in the morning, no need to drill in the camp, just run outside, I'm afraid you and I rarely see each other in a month, General Su rewarded a position of a captain, the monthly salary is not low..."

Finally, he spoke: "Well, just do your job well and look for your future... It's better than stealing and cheating in the past. Remember this in the future, and never let your hands and feet go..."

"I know, I know. I will never dare to do it again, never again!" Shi Qian nodded repeatedly, and he just felt that Shi Xiu still blamed him for stealing the chicken.

Shi Xiu said, "I'm not blaming you. We ate the chicken together after all. But you have to keep an eye on it. If there is any mistake in the military mission, it will cost lives."

"Um……"

Shi Xiu couldn't see that Shi Qian already had tears in his eyes.

"Go, check out the camp's kitchen and get some food." Shi Xiu said.

Shi Qian nodded repeatedly: "I'll go right away..."

When he went out, he saw a man riding a horse rushing in from the camp gate. It was Yan Qing, who would become Shi Qian's immediate superior soon. He recognized him.

But he didn't feel comfortable going over to greet them, so he just walked towards the kitchen and watched from a distance.

Yan Qing rode his horse straight into the camp, looking for the general.

The general stopped the spear in his hand and stood there. Yan Qing bowed and said something, but Shi Qian didn't even look at him and just went to the kitchen.

Over there, Yan Qing was saying, "Uncle, there's nothing wrong in Cangzhou. I just heard that the young yamen in Cangzhou government office had someone kill him, and Zhu Tong also ran away... I just wanted to come, maybe it was done by the people from Liangshan."

Su Wu frowned. Li Kui, oh Li Kui, he was really a damn character. In order to force Zhu Tong to go to Liangshan to "enjoy the good life", he really killed the young yamen official beside Zhu Tong.

Although Zhu Tong was exiled, he had good character and strong martial arts skills, so he was valued by the prefect of Cangzhou and was taken around by his side, serving as a guard and helping with household chores.

It was originally a good thing, and there might be a new future for him. However, he never expected that Song Jiang and others insisted that he go up the mountain to enjoy a good life, so they came up with such a vicious plan. While Zhu Tong took the young yamen out to play, they asked Li Kui to kidnap the young yamen. However, they did not expect that Li Kui would kill him directly.

What else could Zhu Tong do? He could only go up the mountain to enjoy his life.

Even if it was Zhu Tong, he would still fight to the death with Li Kui even if he went up the mountain to enjoy himself. The prefect trusted him so much that he allowed him to take the young yamen official out to play, but he betrayed this trust.

How could Zhu Tong not fight to the death with Li Kui?

Song Jiang had no choice but to let Li Kui hide in Chai Jin's farm and not return to the mountain for the time being, lest Zhu Tong really kill Li Kui.

This was probably the case, and Su Wu knew it very well.

There are so many things in the world, Su Wu really can't take care of so many. He is an official, and his position is getting higher and higher. He has a lot of things to deal with... Cangzhou is so far away...

Just waiting for the news to come...

Su Wu said to Yan Qing: "Keep an eye on Liangshan. Something big is bound to happen soon."

"Yes!" Yan Qing bowed, turned around and rode away.

Su Wu put away his spear, had breakfast in the camp, and went straight to the government office.

Recently, Cheng Wanli has been quite free. Judge Zong Ze really can handle everything with ease. Even if there is something bigger, Cheng Wanli just needs to listen to Zong Ze's words and nod his head, and that's it.

Although Cheng Wanli felt a lot of pressure as an official, he still felt very relaxed in his job.

I just thought that Su Wu was really good at judging people and found a good judge like Zong Ze. I couldn't help but think that as long as he was really promoted, it would be best to take Zong Ze with him wherever he went.

I’m just afraid that Zong Ze is too old and won’t be able to do this for long.

When Su Wu came, Cheng Wanli's face was full of smiles. Now, he was happy just to see Su Wu, an inexplicable happiness, and a different kind of happiness.

In the small study, Cheng Wanli laughed and raised his hand to compare: "Good tea, this year's good tea paste in Tokyo, Chunxiang paste, you must have never tasted it, try it!"

Spring fragrance cream?
Su Wu was delighted when he heard this, and quickly took a sip to see if it was the Chunxiang ointment. It turned out to be true.

"Do you like it? Do you want some? It's precious. My disappointing son sent it from far away. I don't want much. I'll give you two kilograms, at most! You can save it..."

Cheng Wanli's words were just ordinary. When he looked at Su Wu, he had changed his angle, his eyes, and his mentality...

Just give him the good things...

Su Wu stood up and bowed: "Thank you for your kindness, sir."

"Hey, why are you still talking like this between us? I'll pack it for you later. Take it with you when you leave. Don't forget it." Cheng Wanli seemed to have lost the demeanor of a husband and become more kind like an elder. He just sat down next to Su Wu.

Su Wu nodded, of course he had something important to say: "Sir, according to the information gathered by my subordinates, the Liangshan bandit will do something big recently..."

"Really?" Cheng Wanli had just sat down when he stood up again immediately in fright. This matter concerned his future, so how could he not take it seriously?
Su Wu nodded: "Really!"

"Do you know where it is?" Cheng Wanli naturally knew that if the bandits wanted to do something big, what else could they do? They would just rob.

Now, he is the pacification, recruiting and control envoy of the two routes of Jingdong. Although he is just an official, he has responsibilities on his shoulders. If any provincial government makes a big mistake, how can it not be his responsibility?
Su Wu immediately said: "Is it not near Zhou?"

"Why?" Cheng Wanli didn't believe it, and didn't dare to believe it easily.

"Because, there are three horses for each man in our mansion. The thieves all know that they can go anywhere quickly. If they act nearby, even if they succeed, I'm afraid they won't be able to escape."

Su Wu said so.

"Could it be Dengzhou or Laizhou?" Cheng Wanli asked again.

Su Wu also shook his head: "No, the reason is the same. Even if they succeed over there, they will have to return. If they have no way to go, won't I be able to block them?"

The reason is actually very simple. The terrain of Shandong is a peninsula in the east, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides. If the people of Liangshan go to the provincial capital in the east, even if they succeed, they will easily be blocked on the way back because there is not much room for maneuver due to the terrain.

Cheng Wanli listened to it twice, thought about it, and breathed a sigh of relief: "It's okay, it's okay..."

Then he asked, “Where would that be?”

Su Wu answered honestly: "Maybe it's the East Road of Hebei!"

"Why?" Cheng Wanli asked again.

"My lord, do you know that the Hebei East Road is not far from here? If the bandits come out, they will hide in the mountains and forests during the day and go out at night. It won't take a long time. They will leave quickly and return quickly. In the prefectures and cities under the jurisdiction of the Hebei East Road, is there any prefect who knows about military affairs as well as you do? I'm afraid that their military preparations are lax, so it's easy to get them, and there are many ways to return..."

Su Wu's words were not nonsense but a serious analysis. Although he knew it was Gaotang Prefecture, he had to explain the matter in detail.

Cheng Wanli nodded immediately after hearing the words: "Yes, yes, yes, the people on the eastern route of Hebei will definitely not be on guard against the thieves from Shandong, and they will attack them unexpectedly. These thieves must be very calculating!"

Su Wu felt relieved when he heard this. Cheng Wanli really had something now and was in good shape. It was not appropriate to use the word "improved" to describe Mr. Cheng, but this was the truth.

Su Wu praised him: "Sir, you are well versed in military affairs!"

Cheng Wanli modestly waved his hand and said, "What do you think we should do about this?"

"Sir, the best plan now is to report this to the Privy Council immediately and ask it to order all prefectures in the eastern Hebei Province to prepare to guard against thieves. Isn't this also a sign of foresight on the part of Sir?" Su Wu said.

Cheng Wanli nodded: "Yes, that's right. Bandits hide during the day and come out at night. It's normal for them to go to the eastern route of Hebei. We are already struggling to prevent bandits here. If you find out about the bandits and report it quickly, it will be a merit."

Su Wu heard another meaning behind these words and looked at Minister Cheng.

Should we care or not?

But Cheng Wanli said: "If the East Road of Hebei Province is really invaded by bandits, wouldn't it also let the court know about it? The bandits are so powerful now, right? In this case, you should also ask for some money, food, and weapons. Then, your matter of organizing the imperial guards may not be difficult."

Good! Mr. Cheng is really good now! He has really improved.

Isn't this also a way of keeping the enemy at bay?

Or maybe it's none of my business...

But Cheng Wanli said, "If the bandits in the eastern Hebei Province are defeated, wouldn't it show that you and I are doing a good job in preventing bandits in the eastern and western Hebei Provinces? Isn't this also a merit? Merits are sometimes achieved through comparison. What do you think?"

What did Su Wu say?
Su Wu immediately said: "Sir, you really understand military affairs very well, and you are very smart!"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xianggong was very pleased with himself. He frowned and thought for a moment, then said, "If the bandits succeed in their attack and return... well... you lead the troops to attack them halfway, even if the bandits return in different ways, as long as you attack them all the way and win, and kill countless bandits, and then report this to the court... hehe..."

Just see Cheng Wanli looking at Su Wu, and Su Wu also looking at Cheng Wanli.

Cheng Wanli chuckled and Su Wu nodded.

Su Wu replied, "In that case, maybe the matter of the appointment can be resolved."

Cheng Wanli clapped his hands and said, "That's exactly what I mean!"

Then he said, "There is a shipyard in Jeju. Although it is not big, if you want to suppress the Liangshan bandits, you need ships. You should go and take a closer look to see if the shipyard is usable. If it is usable, you can just send troops to occupy it. With my title as the Pacification and Recruiting Commissioner, you can occupy it if you want. You don't have to use the name of Jeju to act. They are unreliable. You can only rely on yourself."

"I see. This is easy to deal with." Su Wu nodded. Cheng Wanli really performed well today. He was really getting things done and had subjective initiative.

"What a pity. Building ships costs money, a lot of money... Building a large number of warships for a group of bandits will cost countless money. I'm afraid the court will find it difficult to approve it..."

Cheng Wanli also had worries. He only had the title of a provincial governor, but not the financial resources of a provincial governor.

Su Wu nodded and said, "Now that the bandits in the eastern Hebei Province have started to cause trouble, the imperial court has learned about the power of the Liangshan bandits. How can we not build warships?"

"Hehe..." Cheng Wanli nodded and laughed when he heard it. It was exactly what he was thinking. He looked at Su Wu and said, "You are well versed in military affairs, political affairs and officialdom."

"I just learned from you, my lord. I am a beginner and I don't understand the true meaning of it yet. I need to learn from you again and ponder it more."

Such a good leader has always been managing upward, and now that initial results are being achieved, how could Su Wu not provide some emotional value?
Cheng Wanli suddenly changed the subject and said, "It was the bandits in the eastern route of Hebei that caused the rebellion. Our troops cannot pass through the border. Even if we report to the Privy Council, they will never let us pass through easily. The officials in the court have many tricks. In this case, we can only clean up their mess. When I really have power in my hands in the future, when I really enter the Privy Council in the future, everything will be different."

What Cheng Wanli said made a lot of sense, and it was also a way to comfort myself and make myself feel better.

Su Wu wanted to have a bigger and stronger army under his command. Isn't Cheng Wanli planning the same thing now?
What can two thousand serviceable soldiers do?
There are really two thousand people. Even if Cheng Wanli goes to the Privy Council in the future, he will not be able to gain a firm foothold. He can only look at other people's faces. How can he dare to take responsibility for anything? How can he get ahead?

Why did Tong Shumi dare to take the blame? Because Tong Shumi could really mobilize the troops in the northwest to die for him, and he really meant it!
Cheng Wanli had to copy Tong Guan’s homework, and Tong Guan was the correct answer.

Su Wu asked, "I would like to hear what the ministers in the court are like."

Cheng Wanli glanced at Su Wu and chuckled, "You are eager to learn. That's good. You will be useful in the future. The affairs of the court are nothing more than interests. If the interests are in harmony, people and things will be in harmony. If the interests are not in harmony, people and things will naturally be incompatible. So, it doesn't mean that someone is necessarily good with someone else, and someone is necessarily bad with someone else."

"Subtle words with profound meaning!" Su Wu was confused. Of course, it's not that he didn't understand, but these were not in details.

Cheng Wanli continued, "Let's say I came to Jingdong and Lu. I was just a small prefect of Dongping Prefecture. Why do I have a job now even though my achievements are not that great?"

Cheng Wanli is a true teacher. How could he not be sincere when teaching his son-in-law?

Su Wu thought for a moment and replied, "My lord, you are a disciple of Tong Shumi!"

"Yes, that's right. Tong Shumi had made great achievements in the northwest in the past. Therefore, many ministers and military officers in the northwest were mostly under Tong Shumi's tutelage. In other words, the northwest officialdom is where Tong Shumi's interests lie. Now, I came to Dongping Prefecture, and Tong Shumi didn't make much plan. I didn't expect that the world has changed and I can be used. I know about military affairs. How can Tong Shumi not fight for it? This fight, I am almost full. If I fight again, the two routes of Jingdong... hehe..."

Cheng Wanli looked at Su Wu.

"The officialdom in Jingdong and Jingdong is naturally where Tong Shumi's interests lie." Su Wu answered quickly.

Cheng Wanli was pleased: "That's right! So, who are the two routes in Hebei?"

Su Wu thought about it and realized that Liang Zhongshu was in Beijing Daming Mansion, so he answered, "Master Cai!"

Cheng Wanli was so pleased that he smiled: "The affairs of the world are in the hands of the emperor. How many people can be around the emperor..."

Su Wu understood completely that the relationship between Cai Jing and Tong Guan was also very complicated. Cai Jing relied on Tong Guan to rise again, and now both of them were by the side of the emperor. When they had the same interests, they were like a party.

But there is a natural competition between the two... When the interests are different, they have to use their own methods.

If you can't do it, you can't blame me for being too good, right?
This matter is not complicated, yet it is extremely complicated.

This is indeed far beyond what Su Wu had thought of "nurturing the enemy to protect himself". It is too narrow-minded to say this here.

It's just like what Cheng Wanli said, now the troops from Jingdong and Jingdong cannot go to Hebei East, unless Hebei itself is really incompetent and insists on having you go.

Su Wu sighed and said, "My lord, you are wise!"

Cheng Wanli was used to being modest, and said with a smile: "I am not very good at government affairs, and old Zongze is better than me. But I know more about the affairs in the capital than you all."

"I just need to learn more." Su Wu said.

Cheng Wanli nodded immediately: "Well, you should learn more and I will teach you more. I will teach you seriously and you must learn well. Maybe it won't be long before you can come to the capital with me and meet Tong Shumi in person. This matter is definitely not far away!"

Su Wu was stunned. It seemed that all this happened much faster than he had expected.

(Brothers, you may have recently published this kind of two-in-one chapter, just to increase the average subscription faster. I also have a little dream in my heart, thinking about whether I can get an average subscription of over 10,000. This is also a method learned from other authors. If there are brothers who don’t like this kind of long chapter, I apologize in advance. I’m sorry, please forgive me.)
(End of this chapter)