Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 129 General! We must kill them all!
On the mountain stronghold, Chao Gai was a little confused and only asked: "Did we win?"

Wu Yong immediately replied: "We won and the government troops retreated, so it is a great victory!"

Chao Gai suddenly smiled and looked around: "Brothers, the government troops are really vulnerable and will be defeated in one battle! From now on, brothers, just drink big bowls of wine, eat big mouthfuls of meat, and just live happily!"

Just now, there were many sad expressions on the wall of the village, but now when they saw that the government troops had already broken through the village and were leaving, everyone's face was filled with joy.

A battle with the government troops was a battle of life and death. Now, how could it not be a survival after surviving a disaster?
On the wall of the village, there were cheers and applause from countless people.

Song Jiang's face showed sadness, but also mixed feelings of joy and sorrow. The government troops retreated after the battle. No matter what, when the news got out and spread to the world, how could it not be that Liangshan had defeated the elite imperial guards of the capital?
What kind of name is this?
How could the heroes of the world not rush to gather together?

Even when the news reached the court, Hu Yanzhuo, a descendant of a military family, led tens of thousands of elite troops from the capital and a large number of horses, armor and weapons allocated by the Grand Marshal of the Palace Guard, but returned in defeat.

Doesn't the emperor also know the power of the Liangshan thief? Doesn't the emperor also know the power of the Liangshan thief?

It was a great defeat, inexplicable, and it seemed that except for the loss of a lot of men and horses, the goal had been achieved.

Song Jiang only thought that after this defeat, the government army would gather its troops and fight again. After all, the government army won the battle and Liangshan lost the battle.

Song Jiang was still a little bit unconvinced, and asked Wu Yong: "Xuejiu, why did the government troops withdraw?"

Wu Yong thought for a moment and answered: "Perhaps Hu Yanzhuo has lost his will to fight... Perhaps he knows that the morale of his troops is low, or perhaps he also knows that the wall of our pass in the back mountain is steep and dangerous, and without those brave soldiers who keep climbing up, it will be impossible to break through..."

What Wu Yong said was right. Hu Yanzhuo was ultimately defeated and completely lost his spirit.

When Song Jiang heard these words, his heart tightened when he thought of the words "brave soldiers climbing up one after another", because he had actually seen this scene before.

Thinking of that scene, my heart tightened and I felt uneasy, but I was able to relieve myself and said, "The imperial guards in the capital are really corrupt!"

Wu Yong nodded, "Yes, I never thought that the imperial guards of the capital would be so corrupt. On the contrary, the hundreds of soldiers under Su Wu are very brave. From now on, we should train the soldiers strictly. This great victory is a good opportunity to boost morale. We should train more so that we can compete with Su Wu in the future. Fortunately, there are not many soldiers under Su Wu..."

After hearing this, Song Jiang felt relieved. After all, the soldiers were raised and trained.

Why was it that Su Wu could train such brave soldiers, but Liangshan couldn't?

There is no need to be too afraid, just keep practicing. Once you have practiced well, you will be able to compete with Su Wu.

Song Jiang said, "Brothers, we have saved the wounded today and gathered a lot of people. We should have a celebration banquet, provide compensation for the dead and wounded, and reward meritorious service..."

How could the whole audience not applaud?
The dead are dead, and the living should be free.

They all knew that there was plenty of money and food in the mountain stronghold, and that Brother Gongming was the most timely rain with unparalleled benevolence and righteousness. So they just had to look at Brother Gongming's handicraft, and he would definitely not treat them unfairly.

As for Su Wu, on his way back, he also gathered the defeated soldiers along the way. It was Hu Yanzhuo who was busy gathering the defeated soldiers.

I also heard Hu Yanzhuo scolding and asking: "Where are your armor and weapons?"

The defeated soldier stammered, "General, I took it off when I was running... I threw it away when I was running..."

"Go and find it for me, go!" Hu Yanzhuo shouted harshly, and raised the whip in his hand to whip.

"This... General... I was running around in a panic and was not familiar with this place, so I don't know where I left it..." The defeated soldier begged with his hands clasped and whipped.

Hu Yanzhuo was furious: "I don't care. If you find the armor and weapons, you can come to Dongping Prefecture to meet me. If you can't find them, just go up the mountain and join the bandits. You can't go back to the capital..."

Hu Yanzhuo's anger was evident in his words, and Su Wu could understand it.

It was Su Wu who said, "General Huyan, let's do this... I will send people to the neighboring states and counties to announce that anyone who returns with armor will be rewarded with 15 strings of cash. I will also send people to the cities of the neighboring states and counties to wait and gather up all the defeated soldiers."

Su Wu looked down upon these soldiers of the imperial guards of the capital, and would not accept them, but he wanted the armor that many of them were wearing.

Fifteen strings of cash to buy a set of armor was a very cost-effective deal. Even if Su Wu bought the iron himself and hired craftsmen to make it, the cost price of a set would be forty or fifty strings of cash. He could really afford the fifteen strings of cash.

This is much better than letting the people of Liangshan pick up the armor that was scattered all over the mountains.

Su Wu added: "If the common people pick up armor and bring it to the city, I will reward them with 15 strings of cash for a complete set, and I will pay for any loose pieces according to their weight."

After hearing what Su Wu said, Hu Yanzhuo continued to scold him: "Why don't you go and find him to claim your reward?"

Those defeated soldiers quickly turned around and ran...

Hu Yanzhuo turned to look at Su Wu on horseback, and said, "I understand what you mean, General. I have the same idea. Since they can't use these good armors and weapons, and they are not qualified to use them, just find them and give them to you. The same goes for the horses, you can just take them... I can't use them either, and there is no one else who can..."

"Thank you, General Huyan, for your kindness." Su Wu said with a bow.

Hu Yanzhuo held the horse and waved his hand: "Now that things have come to this, good things should be given to those who are qualified to use them."

As he spoke, Hu Yanzhuo sighed dejectedly again...

Su Wu then opened his mouth and said, "General, have you decided where to go?"

Hu Yanzhuo turned around slightly and shook his head: "Where else can I go... I can only ask around, but I don't know where I can hide nearby..."

Apparently Hu Yanzhuo did not know at that moment that he had a brother who was a royal concubine in Qingzhou. He was just walking aimlessly, and only then did he find out that there was a brother who was a royal concubine serving as a prefect six hundred miles away.

In the story, Murong Yanda and Hu Yanzhuo from Qingzhou hit it off immediately, because in the story, Murong Yanda lost Qin Ming and Huang Xin, and was frightened by the three mountain thieves. He had no one to serve him, so Hu Yanzhuo's arrival was like a timely help.

Now, Qin Ming and Huang Xin are staying safely in Qinzhou, and Murong Yanda is no longer in danger from the Three Mountains. Even if Hu Yanzhuo goes there, Murong Yanda may not be willing to take the risk to cover up for Hu Yanzhuo.

Thinking about it this way, Hu Yanzhuo really has nowhere to go.

Su Wu tried again: "I heard that General Huyan is the trusted and beloved general of General Gao of the Palace Guard..."

Hu Yanzhuo shook his head again after hearing this: "Alas... General, I can't say anything about a trusted and beloved general. As for General Gao, he wants to make achievements in front of the emperor, and I was chosen because I have a reputation for bravery. General Gao is just a commoner, who got up with flattery, but how could he protect me in front of the court and the emperor? I'm afraid all the blame has already been put on me."

Su Wu nodded and said, "It's difficult to be a warrior!"

Hu Yanzhuo also echoed: "How difficult it is!"

"Then General Huyan...if you really have nowhere to go, why don't you stay in Dongping Prefecture for a few days?" Su Wu asked this question after trying several times.

But when Hu Yanzhuo heard this, he stopped and turned to look at Su Wu with a look of surprise.

Su Wu smiled and said, "I have seen General Huyan go into battle several times with extraordinary bravery. How can such a good general be left to wander around and become a lonely ghost? If General Huyan has another chance in the future and performs meritorious service in the battlefield, he will surely rise again."

Hu Yanzhuo was full of gratitude. "General, I really like what you said. I also think the same thing. However, I am guilty of a serious crime this time. It is not something you can cover up. I dare not implicate you. If there is nowhere to go in Jingdong, I will go to the northwest..."

"The northwest is thousands of miles away, and there are countless cities and checkpoints along the way. If the general is not careful, won't he be imprisoned? And let the villain bully you... Why don't you stay in Dongping Prefecture?"

Su Wu said again.

Hu Yanzhuo just bowed deeply and replied: "I am deeply touched by your kindness. I am happy to see that you have treated me well. How can I not want to stay here? I really don't want to cause trouble for you, so I have to go to a distant place."

Su Wu said bluntly: "It doesn't matter. General, you are such a loyal and brave man. How can I feel at ease if I can't protect you? If you really leave the army and fall into the hands of villains, I will regret it too late, and it will be a tragedy for our Song Dynasty. I have a place, you can go and take a look. If you think it is suitable, you can stay there temporarily. There is also a fierce general from the former Palace Front Department hiding there. You will know when you go there. I will make meritorious deeds in the future and revive the glory of the founding generals!"

Hu Yanzhuo only asked one question: "Are you serious, General?"

Su Wu nodded seriously: "My brothers are all here, General, take a look, which of them thinks it's fake?"

Wu Song has already spoken: "It's true. My brother likes loyal and brave people the most. As long as they have similar personalities, my brother has always been kind and righteous!"

Just look at the people around Su Wu, they all have serious expressions.

How could Hu Yanzhuo not know this? He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, General Su, for giving me a new life."

Su Wu just waved his hand and said: "Keep going. I won't do you any favors. I just cover up a few things and ask for another day. If you can do it again, it won't be too late for you to pay your respects again."

Hu Yanzhuo stood up, tears welling up on his face.

The lowest point in life, or even not the lowest point in life, but the lowest point in the entire family, including eight generations of ancestors, to really meet such a person...

Life is unpredictable, with ups and downs. When you reach the end of your rope, you will find a way out...

Hu Yanzhuo wiped his tears, took the reins again, and walked forward.

"General, there is no need to do this. You and I are both warriors. As long as we are of the same mind, we can be brothers. There is really no need to do this..."

Su Wu had given some advice, so he could only do what he wanted. If he really dismounted to argue about something, it would be embarrassing.

Hu Yanzhuo said, "General, don't think too much. I...ah...I feel guilty. When we first met that day and the few times since then, I never took you seriously. I just thought I was so great. Today, I pulled the stirrup and it was because of my pride and conceit...Now I feel a little relieved."

"What a hero!" Su Wu sighed and said this.

Wu Song's expression changed and he nodded: "General Huyan is really a hero!"

Su Wu turned his head to look in the direction of Liangshan, but he could no longer see it...

Just look to the west, the setting sun is like blood, the clouds are rolling and unrolling, a piece of cloud waves is red, reflecting the wild mountains and forests, spreading like gold...

The breeze blew through my sleeves, bringing a bit of desolation...

"Let's go..." Su Wu said no more and just let Hu Yanzhuo lead his horse and ride on the snow-covered black horse.

It was already the third day since we entered Dongping Prefecture. There were not as many people watching as last time. Perhaps many people had gradually gotten used to it, but there were still many people watching the fun.

In fact, the news had already been learned. The Tokyo Imperial Army was defeated. General Su led 500 cavalrymen into the battle and turned the tide. They won again, but they still withdrew.

When General Su entered the city, the imperial guards from the capital did not enter the city, but set up camp outside the city.

"General Su, you have worked hard!"

"General Su...Ah..."

"The general is mighty!"

"General, don't be depressed. Good job, General..."

Su Wu did not smile, and did not even look around. There were forty or fifty casualties, including sixteen killed in battle, and thirty-seven or thirty-eight seriously injured...

In fact, the loss was huge. For Su Wu, the loss was heavy and he was not happy. He accompanied these soldiers in training and eating every day...

These are elite soldiers. He would be upset if he lost just one of them, let alone there are forty or fifty of them this time?
Just give the money!

What the people saw first were the corpses and wounded soldiers at the front. Su Wu did this on purpose, putting the dead and wounded soldiers at the front.

It is to set a tone and let the people know that victory is worthy of joy and celebration, but death and injury are even more tragic.

The dead and wounded are the real heroes...

"General, we must wipe out all the bandits in the future. Kill them all!"

"Kill them all and avenge our brothers!"

"General! We must kill them all!"

Su Wu walked on with a blank expression on his face.

Cheng Wanli waited at the gate of the government office again, watching the dead and wounded slowly pass by and walk towards the military camp, and he sighed...

Only then did Su Wu come closer, dismount, bow and greet Cheng Wanli and many other officials, but he did not say much.

Cheng Wanli stepped forward and patted Su Wu on the shoulder: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back..."

Su Wu had something to say, so he raised his hand to invite Cheng Wanli to go in first.

Cheng Wanli nodded, entered the government office first, and then asked: "No matter what it is, just tell me..."

Su Wu said, "I want to choose a beautiful place and build a martyrs' shrine to bury the brothers who died in the battle. Each of them will have a clear tombstone and tablet. I will send the seriously injured and disabled soldiers and the old soldiers to watch over it, and offer incense and worship every day. On weekdays, I will also take my soldiers to pay their respects..."

"Okay, all military affairs are your responsibility, just do it." Cheng Wanli nodded.

Su Wu continued, "They are all local cadets. Some live no more than a hundred miles away, and some live no more than a few miles away. Most of them are from Dulonggang, so we chose a place near Dulonggang. The Martyrs' Shrine costs some money, and the support of the disabled and old soldiers also costs some money. There are also daily incense offerings, which I think will cost some money too."

"As for military affairs, you can do whatever you want. The soldiers see your love for the soldiers and remember it in their hearts. They should be grateful."

Cheng Wanli talked as he walked. This was the first time he had seen such heavy casualties. The imperial guards in the capital also suffered many casualties. He knew a little about it, but how could he care?

"It is my blessing to serve under you, sir." Su Wu was not flattering, but speaking from the heart.

The more you look at Cheng Wanli, the better he becomes. Even Su Wu's heart is filled with more true feelings.

"Alas... As long as you are happy, it's all a small matter. You talk about loyalty to the soldiers, and I will talk about human feelings." Cheng Wanli waved his hand and moved his head forward. It was the small study again.

Su Wu was in a much better mood. He looked around and saw the chessboard on the cabinet. He asked, "Sir, how about another game of chess?"

Cheng Wanli subconsciously wanted to refuse, but then he looked at Su Wu and nodded: "Then let's play the next game."

But I heard someone at the door saying, "Father, I'm here to serve you tea."

Cheng Wanli was stunned. In the past, why did he need her to serve tea? But today, she said this at the door. Cheng Wanli looked at Su Wu and nodded: "Okay..."

The good girl walked in and glanced at Su Wu first. Su Wu also looked up at her. The two just stared at each other. Su Wu stood up to get the chessboard and flag box, and the good girl sat aside and prepared the tea paste.

Su Wu put the chessboard and flag box on the small table and raised his hand to invite him: "Sir, please!"

Cheng Wanli nodded: "Come on!"

Su Wu took up the chess pieces and went. He was preparing the tea paste, which was the Chunxiang paste from Tokyo. It was very complicated and he was busy, but he would glance at the people playing chess from time to time.

After thirty or forty moves, Cheng Wanli sighed more and more, but he was not sweating profusely. He just said, "I really can't beat you..."

"My lord, you are not here." Su Wu replied.

"Have some tea..." The tea came and was placed on both sides of the chessboard, but the obedient girl did not leave. She said, "General Su, I will help my father with a few moves, that's fine..."

Su Wu smiled and said, "It's okay, it's okay..."

Unexpectedly, Cheng Wanli stood up and said, "Then you come... and start another game."

The good girl smiled slyly and asked her father: "What about father's game?"

Cheng Wanli was not too embarrassed, and did not seem to care much about winning or losing. He even had a kind look on his face, and chuckled, "It is considered that Ziqing won."

"Okay then, if the father loses, the daughter will come, and if the daughter wins, then that's it..." Mrs. Cheng sat down and collected the chess pieces first.

Su Wu smiled lightly and raised his hand: "Miss Jiyue, please go first!"

It was these words that made Cheng Wanli frown and look up at the two of them, probably wondering in his heart, why has my girlfriend's name been entrusted to someone else?

When did this happen? How did it become like this?
Cheng Wanli didn't say anything. He just sat down at the long desk, picked up his pen, and went to Tokyo to write a letter.

The situation on the chessboard was slowly unfolding, but Su Wu was already frowning. When it comes to playing chess, skill level is one thing, and daily training is another.

Just study it frequently, practice a few moves from time to time, or even just play chess every day, and your competitive level will be maintained.

Like Su Wu, his competitive level is not very high even in an occasional game.

In other words, Cheng Xiaoniang is probably doing it all the time recently, which makes Su Wu frown.

Seeing Su Wu frown, Cheng Xiaoniang spoke: "General, did you read those books last time?"

Su Wu nodded: "I have read a lot..."

"Oh, have you gained anything by comparing it with Sima Xianggong's "Zizhi Tongjian"? "Ms. Cheng chatted casually.

"I've gained a lot..." Su Wu said casually.

"Would you like to ask for advice?" Cheng Xiaoniang dropped a piece, looked up, and smiled, with the innocence of a young girl in her smile.

Su Wu did not speak at first. Instead, he looked at the chessboard, sighed, and made another move. He said, "I lost the momentum in the middle game, and I lost two more moves in the end. I lost..." "It's not over yet. How can I know if you count it before it's over..."

"I counted them originally, but in fact, there is no need to count them. The situation is already like this, and the winner will be known by himself." Su Wu put the chess pieces into the box and bowed: "Miss Jiyue is amazing, I admire you."

Cheng Xiaoniang laughed, and she really had the self-satisfaction of a young girl, but she didn't laugh too much. She just said, "The general is just busy with military affairs and is not familiar with it."

Su Wu waved his hand and said, "Speaking of Sima Xianggong, it is really his own opinion. He wrote history books with the intention of writing them for the emperor to read. Just look at the "Zizhi Tongjian". Whenever it comes to the dialogue between the emperor and his ministers, Sima Xianggong writes about it in great detail, and even adds and deletes it, just to write about the ministers' direct remonstrances and the emperor's acceptance of remonstrances. It's like Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty. Among the twenty-four heroes in the Lingyan Pavilion, he was not the main one, nor was he a perfect person, but in Sima Xianggong's writing, he was the most popular... Sima Xianggong's thoughts are just like the party struggles during the reform in the past..."

When Cheng Xiaoniang heard this, her eyes lit up immediately. She said, "How come I didn't pay attention to these things when I read them before? Father, is it really so?"

Cheng Wanli nodded and smiled: "That's true. Mr. Sima's article reflects his frustration."

"The general is really good at reading, and he reads well!" Cheng Xiaoniang looked at General Su with her eyes shining.

Obviously, Su Wu really read it and read it seriously.

Su Wu stood up and bowed: "Sir, I am going back now. I have things to do in the camp..."

Cheng Wanli nodded: "Just go by yourself."

Su Wu turned and left.

Cheng Wanli also finished writing a letter and leaned over to play the flute.

"Father, I'll go down too..."

"Wait, don't leave yet. What's going on with that Miss Jiyue and the book?" Cheng Wanli asked with a dark face.

"what?"

"Don't be perfunctory, just speak properly..."

"Nothing..."

"Hmph!" Cheng Wanli has already stood up. If the tiger doesn't show its power, would you think it's a sick cat?
"It was last time. Last time, my father came home drunk. General Su sent my father back. I talked to him for a while and gave him a stack of books..."

Cheng Wanli sat down again and nodded: "Oh, so that's the case. You, don't be too bold. After all, you are a woman. If you are too bold, won't it make people laugh at you?"

"no……"

"Okay, go ahead..." Cheng Wanli waved his hand, and the good girl ran away.

Cheng Wanli leaned over to look at the letter he had written again, turned around and smiled, and added a sentence at the end: I wish you good health and happiness.

In the back yamen, there was also someone waiting for Cheng Xiaoniang to return. It was Hu Sanniang.

As soon as she arrived, Hu Sanniang immediately went forward and asked, "Did you see it?"

Cheng Xiaoniang nodded: "I saw it. I even played a game with him and won."

Hu Sanniang nodded with a smile: "Did you say anything to him?"

"When you say read books, you are talking about the History of Tang and the Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government. General Su is really good at reading books. He can see the deep meaning of the books at a glance."

Cheng Xiaoniang was talking to herself, not knowing that although Hu Sanniang was smiling, she was feeling sad.

Reading...

What about "Book of Tang", "New Book of Tang", "Old Book of Tang", "Zizhi Tongjian"...

Hu Sanniang looked at the two sun and moon swords on her waist again. She thought she was going to the camp to play around, but now he is back again... Is she going again?

But Cheng Xiaoniang smiled and said, "I should also compare what General Su said about Wei Zheng to see if Sima Xianggong has expressed my own depressed thoughts..."

Cheng Xiaoniang was busy reading a book, with a smile on her face.

Hu Sanniang was hesitant, wondering whether she should take advantage of his return to really go to the army to play some tricks...

He, Su Wu, General Su, was busy in the army. He called everyone together and first talked about the matter of building the "Martyrs' Shrine", which was also a project of moderate size. Who would be in charge of it and who would guard the Martyrs' Shrine also needed to be arranged.

He then went around the various military camps and saw the bodies of the loyal martyrs. Everyone saw that there was actually a sad atmosphere in the army.

This atmosphere is actually useful. We need to say a lot of words, spread them everywhere, talk about how bravely they fought, how tragically they died, and even more, how hateful the bandits were...

It also talks about the relief measures and the constant burning of incense and offerings at the Martyrs' Shrine day and night.

This is also the human heart and the fighting power.

By the time all the camps had finished their rotation, it was already dark.

There will be no celebration banquet this time, but the army has agreed that we can drink today.

As for the matter of military rewards, Su Wu had always been the quickest to act and had completed it long ago, but this time he did not publicize it. Today's shared grief means that the military's morale is united, and the comradeship should also be upheld.

Meng Niang brought a lot of wine to the store and sold it at a reasonable price. The soldiers were willing to buy from her.

The military camp outside the city was naturally filled with sadness and gloom. From time to time, those who had fled would return on their own, bringing with them armor. Hu Yanzhuo would encourage them with a few words, but would be furious when they threw away their armor...

Of course, they were also allowed to have a full meal, take some dry food with them, and go out to find their armor. They were also told that there would be a reward of 15 strings of cash if the armor was brought back.

Of course, those who wear armor are a minority, and most people do not have armor.

In fact, they had already checked on the way, and there were still 2,500 to 2,600 usable horses and 1,600 to 1,700 sets of armor.

This great gift should naturally be given to Su Wu, as it was originally seized by him.

There were also many tanned leather armors, even leather and iron armors, weapons, bows and crossbows, which had not been carefully counted and had to be counted slowly by Zhu Wu.

Su Wu in the army was also scratching his head. Now, there were 6,000 horses in hand. At the beginning, there were about 500 horses. After one voyage by sea, 3,000 horses had arrived, plus another 2,500 to 2,600 horses for the capital.

It is really impossible to raise so many horses. It is not that we cannot afford to feed them, but we cannot keep all these healthy and good horses in the pen. To raise these horses, we urgently need a huge area where they can run freely.

Among them are mating and reproduction, disease prevention and treatment, and pony maintenance...

Fortunately, with Huangfu Duan and Yu Baosi, there is no need to rush in terms of manpower and expertise.

What is urgent is that this huge venue needs to be fenced off.

Cheng Wanli had no choice but to do something ruthless. The government forced the sale, and the targets were the wealthy families in the surrounding area. Of course, they were willing to pay, but it couldn't be a robbery.

Not only do we need to raise horses, but we also need to build a military camp next to the city. The military camps in the city are no longer sufficient, so we need to build a military camp outside the city. We have to build it well, and the accommodation conditions must not be bad, and the sanitary conditions must also be good. It is a big project.

Just spend money like water!
The people around can also earn extra money by working.

With more than one million strings of cash, if we continue to spend it like this, I’m afraid we won’t be able to sustain it for too long.

Su Wu no longer thought about any way to do business. It was not that there was no money, but that it came slowly, and slow money could not save an urgent situation.

After much thought, we still have to rely on fighting to make money. No matter where we fight, as long as we fight, we will make money, no matter who gives it.

Now that Liangshan is such a big bandit, Su Wu will go wherever they go to fight and make money there.

In the past in Qingzhou, Murong Yanda was very stingy. Su Wu didn't understand it back then, but now he understands it. He doesn't want the thirty or twenty thousand strings of cash!

what?
The government has no money?

All right then, once the thieves break into the city, the wealthy families in the city will have money, and they can dig out everything in the cellars. Gaotang Prefecture is a lesson learned.

It all depends on how the prefects and officials talk to the wealthy families. They just ask whether they will let the bandits come to rob them or take the initiative to pay the soldiers to protect them.

Thinking of this, Su Wu's thoughts finally came to light. Of course, it was just a means. Rich people could never stand being frightened. He, Su Wu, only wanted protection money, but the bandits really wanted his life and property.

Who says the abnormal practices left by the Five Dynasties and the Song Dynasty are bad? Who says that paying money before sending troops is bad?
For Su Wu at this moment, everything was excellent, it couldn't be better, he just hated that he understood it a little late.

If you had understood this earlier, you would have made a huge sum of money from Qingzhou, and both Zhao Mingcheng and Li Qingzhao would have had to contribute to the payment. After all, your family is a wealthy family in Qingzhou.

The chaotic times are about to come. If the rich don't maintain an army, are they waiting for the Jurchens to come and rape and plunder?

After his thoughts became clear, Su Wu felt much better. He stood up and went to check the sleeping conditions in each camp, checked the work, and then left the camp with a much lighter step.

I came late today and knocked on the door, but it still opened quickly.

Su Wu went straight to the backyard and saw that there was still candlelight in the hall. When he entered the room, Meng Yulou was really waiting for him, so he quickly stood up to greet her.

Su Wu just said: "In the future, don't wait so late."

"Even though I know Su Lang is back, I don't know if he will come tonight. I thought that if he came, he would have to take a bath or have some food..."

Meng Yulou used a small brush to slowly brush Su Wu's body. Even though it was dusty in the military camp, he was always covered in dust every day.

"What if I don't come? You've been waiting in vain." Su Wu opened his arms and let Meng Yulou come slowly to brush.

"If Su Lang doesn't come, it won't be a big deal..." Meng Yulou replied.

"From now on, when the time is almost right, you can go to sleep." Su Wu said, and turned around to let Meng Yulou brush his back.

Meng Yulou lowered her head and did not answer. She only said, "Su Lang, I bought you some new clothes. I originally chose Sichuan brocade, but then I thought that Su Lang might not like it and did not want to wear something that was too eye-catching. Others might think that Su Lang was rich. So I chose ordinary brocade. This way, you will not lose your status and will not be too eye-catching. But I put a lot of thought into the style. Would you like to try it, Su Lang?"

Su Wu laughed when he heard this. This Madam Meng was really thoughtful. Su Wu also thought so in his heart. There was no need to dress too fancy so as not to appear distant and alienated from the soldiers.

"Bring it here and let me try it..." Su Wu raised his hand.

"Okay, I'll be right there..." Meng Yulou quickly turned around to get it.

He took them out and showed them one by one: "This one is for daily wear, when practicing horse riding, I don't feel bad. This one... when I meet people, it makes me look formal and not lose my status. This one is a cloak. The general before me also wore a cloak, but that cloak was not good. This one is good, it is lined with mink fur inside, but it doesn't show on the outside. Wear it in winter, tie the two sides, it's warm, and when you are riding a horse in the army, untie the left and right, you will be majestic..."

"Okay, I'll try them one by one..." Su Wu took off his clothes and tried them on. He also said, "I still have my official robe, official hat and official boots, which were given by the court. They have been left in the government office. Tomorrow you can send someone to get them back, wash them, iron them with charcoal, and make them neat. You may need to go to the capital someday in the future, and then you can wear them."

"Well, don't worry, Su Lang."

Watching Su Wu trying on clothes slowly, Meng Yulou smiled softly, with an indescribable feeling. Su Wu didn't feel annoyed while trying them on, because he really felt that this moment was great.

As soon as Su Wu finished trying them on, he just said, "Good, very good, every piece is satisfactory, they fit well, look good and are decent, Yulou, you really know how to do things."

Meng Yulou bowed her head after hearing the compliment. She felt sweet in her heart but shy on her face. She only asked: "I have prepared hot soup for Su Lang to take a bath... Tomorrow he will wear new clothes, shave his face, and wear a new crown. He will look elegant and charming."

"Okay!" Su Wu nodded. He was a soldier and a rough man. If Meng Yulou hadn't taken care of him, he would have been a bit unkempt.

He just did what Meng Yulou did, and after taking a bath, he put on new clothes and a new crown, and he really looked like a romantic man of the Song Dynasty.

Beauty and grace are beyond words.

Meng Yulou's face was so shy that she could not wait any longer. That shyness was the most charming thing.

Just let the bed suffer for a while. It won't be long before you hire a carpenter to fix it or even reinforce it.

He got up early in the morning and went straight to the army. There were many things to do today, and he also had to go to Hu Yanzhuo's army outside the city to recruit people.

During the daily morning training, Su Wu would never miss any training as soon as he entered the camp.

Wu Song came up to him. He had also gotten up early to practice with Su Wu. But when he saw him, he was stunned. He could only say, "Brother, I was wondering where this handsome and elegant gentleman came from. I was so surprised that I almost didn't recognize him."

"You bastard!" Su Wu walked forward with a smile.

Just as Wu Song was saying this, Lin Chong on the other side also said, "Hey, the great ministers in the capital are just like this."

Wu Song also said: "Brother, when will I get myself something like this?"

"As for you, it's not a matter of purchasing. Your family is in need of a wife." Su Wu said.

"My wife at home?" Wu Song thought for a moment and said, "It's too much trouble. I have to take care of her every day. I just want to enjoy myself. The army is full of fun. It's too much trouble!"

Su Wu shook his head and smiled: "Are you a homosexual?"

"Ah?" Wu Song looked around in a daze, and saw that everyone was looking at him and laughing. He nodded again: "Then I'd better find a wife... Brother, help me find one..."

"Where can I help you? You'd better ask your brother to go and look around Yanggu County... There are many people in Yanggu County who are willing to marry you." Su Wu laughed.

"Practice, practice, practice on your own. Leave the camp at sunrise. Today we will select people, go together and select people who are willing to be selected." Su Wu waved his hand.

Everyone went to practice. The weather was cold, so Wu Song took off his clothes and exposed his chest. He threw the stone lock weighing more than 100 kilograms with his left hand, and it flew high into the air. He caught it with his right hand without any effort.

I don't know how many people were stunned. It was obvious that Wu Song did it on purpose. He threw it a few times, then changed to a bigger stone lock, and kept throwing and catching it.

Just looking at his whole body, there is not a single muscle or bone that is not bulging and has clear outlines.

After a few turns, Wu Song was seen steaming all over, as if the lid of a steamer had just been lifted.

There are also words: "It's too light, too light, let Du Xing find a stonemason to make a bigger one..."

As soon as the training was finished, everyone rode out of the city and headed straight for the military camp outside the city. Hu Yanzhuo also entered the city to greet them.

The horses did not gallop wildly in the city, but walked slowly, and any common people they met would greet Su Wu.

Su Wu also asked Hu Yanzhuo: "General Hu Yan, what do you think the court will do after this?"

Hu Yanzhuo nodded and said, "Of course we will send more troops to fight, but maybe not too soon. Let's see what the officials in the court have to say."

Su Wu then asked Zhu Wu: "Brother Zhu Wu, what about the people in Liangshan?"

Zhu Wu thought for a moment and said, "They know that the imperial court will come to fight again. Now that they are so numerous and powerful, I think they will train their troops and horses, get more money and food, and will definitely go out to plunder again."

Su Wu asked Hu Yanzhuo again: "The Palace Guards are... well, I'm afraid that General Gao can't sit still anymore?"

Hu Yanzhuo said, "General, just speak frankly. Don't worry about my face. We are defeated, so what face do we have? The Palace Guards have certainly lost their glory in front of the emperor. The Grand Marshal Gao may really lead the troops here in person. It depends on what Secretary Tong thinks. It's all up to you gentlemen. I can't easily predict it... But the government troops will definitely come again."

Su Wu nodded. He had his reasons for asking this question. He was thinking that he could just persuade Tong Guan to be patient and let Gao Qiu have another try. Then he could clean up the situation later. Perhaps Tong Guan was thinking the same thing.

Let Su Wu make this "ill-gotten wealth" again.

It depends on what Liangshan does recently. Liangshan will definitely make big moves in the near future.

The situations of Song Jiang and Su Wu were actually very similar. Su Wu was preparing for the Jurchens of the Great Jin, while Song Jiang was preparing for the imperial army.

Time waits for no one, there is no turning back but moving forward.

Song Jiang will definitely choose another place to fight. The reason is simple. First, there are more and more people on Liangshan. This time he will have the reputation of defeating the elite imperial guards in the capital. Those people will come faster, and there will be thirty to fifty thousand people soon.

One million strings of money and grain may seem like a lot, but if you divide it among thirty or fifty thousand people, each person won't get much, not to mention the weapons, armor, and warships they have to prepare...

Therefore, Song Jiang would soon be stretched to the limit and would have to raise money and food, and the financial pressure would be even greater than that of Su Wu.

Secondly, it is to train soldiers. After this, Song Jiang must train soldiers and strengthen the army. That is not training, it must be fought. If he does not go out to fight, how can Song Jiang compete with Su Wu? As long as Su Wu is still in front of him, the plan of recruiting and amnesty will never be successful.

Thirdly, there was also a power struggle on Liangshan Mountain. Needless to say, even Chao Gai was in urgent need of proving himself.

Su Wu analyzed the comings and goings and had a clear idea of ​​what was going on. The horse unconsciously sped up a bit. Song Jiang had a great advantage that Su Wu did not have, and that was manpower.

In the Song Dynasty, it was easy to recruit thousands or tens of thousands of thieves, and even thirty or fifty thousand would come at any time.

When it came to recruiting soldiers, Su Wu tried his best to recruit 10,000 soldiers, but he still couldn't find the full number.

I don't know what the reason is.

Su Wu was actually very anxious because he was afraid that war was about to break out.

(Brothers, I write 10,000 words every day, without a break, and I put everything aside, and I write with all my heart. I have surpassed 80 to 90 percent of the authors on Qidian. You always say that I write too little, and some book friends even have to support their books, which scares me so much that my legs tremble. I am really crying!)
(End of this chapter)