Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 132 Isn’t this just sending away beggars?
"General, Commander Yan sent me here to report that the Liangshan cavalry are running everywhere. We have followed several routes, some heading east, some heading north, and some heading south. It is hard to tell them apart at the moment..."

Shi Qian stood in front of the meeting hall with his hands clasped, and finally said: "Commander Yan said that the general... should be punished."

Su Wu sighed and said, "People like Song Jiang and Wu Yong are improving very fast..."

Isn't it a rapid improvement? In the past few months, they were all rookies, but now, it is no longer ordinary.

Yan Qing is really in trouble this time.

Su Wu also asked: "What does Zhu Gui say?"

Shi Qian had a bitter look on his face: "He... doesn't know the details, and he has been accusing himself repeatedly. Someone brought a message saying that he tried his best but couldn't find out the details. Please don't blame him, General."

The matter was done in secrecy. It was obvious that Song Jiang and Wu Yong really realized that there was a spy within Liangshan. Even though they were not sure, they really began to guard against the spies.

"Go and tell Yan Qing to come back. All the troops should stay near Liangshan and wait and see what the Liangshan bandits are up to." Su Wu waved his hand and said, "Go quickly."

Shi Qian bowed and turned away quickly.

Su Wu stood up, looked at the soldiers coming and going for training on the parade ground, and then went to the government office.

If a war was about to start, he would also inform Cheng Wanli and tell him about the current situation. Su Wu always maintained this kind of communication just to avoid any resentment.

It also makes Cheng Wanli fully informed. Cheng Wanli has always said that he knows about military affairs, so he must also become a person who truly knows about military affairs. Not to mention how deeply he knows or how good he is, but at least Cheng Wanli must have a basic understanding of military affairs.

Therefore, Su Wu had to train Cheng Wanli continuously. Sometimes, reporting and analyzing war situations was actually training the leader.

Su Wu also explained his thoughts clearly to Cheng Wanli.

Cheng Wanli sighed and said, "Ziqing, I never thought that you would consider me to such an extent. It's hard to be a small person. You and I are just pawns. When can we really become a general or a prime minister..."

"So, I am worried about the fall of Jingdong City..." Su Wu also said that he was worried. Things that have not happened can never be guaranteed. He came here for another purpose, which is to ask Cheng Wanli if he has any countermeasures?
After all, Cheng Wanli has more experience in officialdom and politics than Su Wu.

Cheng Wanli frowned and thought for a while, then nodded slowly: "Since you have thought of this, I will give you a little more advice. This is not a secret. Some things can be understood at a glance."

Su Wu was delighted, thinking that Cheng Wanli really had a solution, so he asked, "Please give me some advice, sir."

Cheng Wanli frowned, his face turned a little fierce, and he only replied: "Wherever the city is broken, that's the husband..."

Cheng Wanli paused again and looked at Su Wu.

"What?" Su Wu's heart tightened.

Cheng Wanli's tone was cold: "Which gentleman's crime is it? You go and make it up, and I will report it. The fabrication must be clear, and that gentleman must be... The crime is extremely heinous, do you understand?"

How could Su Wu not understand this advice?
If you want to find someone to take the blame, you have to take a big blame. If the pot is small, you have to make it bigger. If the pot is big, you have to make it bigger. This is called fabrication...

It’s not that Su Wu didn’t understand, but it was the first time that he felt the naked cruelty of the officialdom. Su Wu had never thought of it before, only because his butt was low and his head was not high either. It had nothing to do with being smart or not, it was because he had no experience and no knowledge.

Who will frame him?

Since Su Wu came to frame people, whoever's city was destroyed, let Su Wu frame them, ask the local soldiers, ask the local people, ask the local officials...

There must be a scapegoat who is guilty of a heinous crime. Everything is good, everyone is good, but it is only because of him, all because of him, that the city is broken.

This is really a great countermeasure. With this, even if it is Cheng Wanli, the governor of Jingdong, there will be no problem. He won't even be blamed for negligence...

Su Wu nodded: "I understand..."

"So, don't be anxious or worried. There is a solution for everything. You just need to do as I say." Cheng Wanli was really calm and composed. Everyone has his own way of survival.

"As you command." Su Wu bowed and learned...

Just this one move made Su Wu a little uneasy and hesitant.

For example, if a person like Zong Ze was an official in a place, and the bandits were too powerful and the government troops were weak, and the city was broken, would they still be framed with such charges?

Without thinking about these things for now, Su Wu said goodbye and returned to the camp, where he started preparing directly for the carriage, auxiliary soldiers, food, arrows and supplies...

There are 5,000 soldiers in the army. At least 4,000 will be taken away this time, leaving 1,000. Training new recruits is one of the purposes, and the main purpose is to defend Dongping Prefecture. The bandits in Liangshan are too powerful and there are too many of them, so we have to guard against them.

Now, Su Wu was a little impatient with the Liangshan bandits. If he had not had to wait for Gao Qiu to come again, Su Wu would have taken the initiative at this time.

The army was making preparations, and two days later, someone from Dongping Prefecture arrived.

Lu Junyi personally brought many clerks, and more importantly, a guest named Xu Guanzhong, who came directly to the army to meet him.

Su Wu immediately went to the gate of the military camp to greet them. Seeing thirty or forty people at the gate, most of whom looked like scholars, he was very happy. He thought that Lu Junyi was the right brother for him.

Even before Su Wu stepped forward to greet him, he had already shouted, "Du Xing, go to the main store and book all the rooms."

Du Xing flew over quickly, and Su Wu stepped forward and bowed: "Brother, you came at the right time. Please come in, brother, and everyone please come in."

Lu Junyi laughed loudly, but did not move. Instead, he turned around and said to everyone, "Everyone, I didn't lie to you, did I? My brother is polite and generous in dealing with people. He is very loyal and righteous. He doesn't have the airs of officials. He is always sincere in his interactions with others. Please join me!"

Even the people in the room were feeling nervous, but after hearing what Lu Junyi said, everyone laughed.

Everyone entered the military camp together, and Su Wu continued to introduce various matters in the army to everyone.

Lu Junyi also chimed in from time to time: "This is a strong army, rarely seen in the world. You only heard me say it before, but now you can see it with your own eyes. It is true. My brother is the best at commanding the army."

As Lu Junyi spoke, he also looked at Xu Guanzhong. Su Wu also followed Lu Junyi's gaze to look at this man.

This man was not young, at least thirty-two or thirty-three, with a handsome face and a well-groomed beard, but his clothes did not look luxurious.

He was not tall, not strong, and even had two buttons unbuttoned on his chest, with one collar drooping down, looking a little informal and unserious...

But it doesn't look disgusting or repulsive, and it even has a sense of transcendence.

Su Wu just looked at him without starting a conversation. He would wait until Lu Junyi felt it was time to make a formal introduction.

Su Wu then led the others to look around the army, including the soldiers' lodgings and the lunch provided in the mess halls.

Su Wu spoke slowly, and Lu Junyi kept helping him: "How is it? Everyone? How is it? My brother treats the soldiers so well, let alone others? If he treats others like this, how can the troops under my brother's command not be strong?"

Everyone agreed: "When I came here, I thought it was Mr. Lu's honor and I couldn't refuse, so I just came for a walk and didn't want to go back to Beijing. But when I really came here, I realized that General Su is really an extraordinary person!"

"Yes, this monthly salary is already attractive. Although we have not achieved fame, we are also scholars with our own character. If we are not happy, how can we be wronged? After coming here to see it, Mr. Lu is really not lying. It is very good..."

Lu Junyi said again: "Don't look down on my brother because he is tall and strong. He is also a scholar. You guys... hey, don't look down on me. Don't you know that a few days ago, new lyrics were sung in the buildings in Beijing. They were compiled by Mr. Zhao, the husband of the Li family. Among them, several songs were written by my brother."

"really?"

"What about this?"

"Oh, General Su is actually on good terms with Mr. Li. I am so sorry for that..."

Lu Junyi looked complacent, stroking his beard and smiling.

Su Wu was not embarrassed at all, he bowed and said: "It's nothing, just playing around..."

Someone said, "Hey, General, this is no joke. Lord Zhao is not an ordinary person. To co-edit an episode with Lord Zhao, he must be an extraordinary person."

Su Wu was a little puzzled for a moment, wondering if this was flattery or if he really meant it.
Is Zhao Mingcheng so famous? Or, I have heard that Zhao Mingcheng is a master of epigraphy, that is, an archaeologist of inscriptions, stone tablets, and seal carving.

In terms of attainments in this area, Zhao Mingcheng can be said to be unparalleled and a great scholar, and together with Ouyang Xiu before him, they are known as the "Ou-Zhao School".

When Su Wu looked around, he saw that the people around him all changed their expressions after hearing this. Su Wu suddenly realized that he seemed to have really gained some traffic.

This collection of poems has already been sung in Beijing, and it seems to be sung on a large scale. This is completely unexpected. It is normal for Li Qingzhao's collection of poems to be sung everywhere...

Lu Junyi laughed again: "You think my brother is a warrior? Hehe... You guys underestimate me. It's your luck to work in the government office with my brother..."

Looking at the people on both sides, they all bowed to greet each other, one to Su Wu and one to Lu Junyi.

"Thank you, Mr. Lu."

"General, please forgive me. We were blind and didn't recognize you. I'm sorry to see you today."

In fact, there was nothing rude about it, it's just that these people might have been a little rude in their hearts just now.

Su Wu bowed and smiled: "It is Su's blessing that you are willing to come from afar to help me."

When everyone heard this, they all smiled.

Some people also said: "I was wondering, how can a crude warrior lead an army like this?"

This is not a pleasant thing to hear, but it is also the idea in the minds of people of this era.

Everyone sat down in the meeting hall again and drank tea. They chatted with each other, saying that this was a good job and that Dongping Prefecture was not far away, so it would not take long to return home.

Some people also said that as long as things are stable here, they will bring their families over...

Su Wu was actually very happy in his heart. The arrival of this group of people really solved a huge problem for him, which was also a management problem.

The world can be taken instantly, but it can never be ruled instantly. Not to mention other things, the coming and going of information and the organization of data can only rely on scholars, not on people with knives.

Management is all about the coming and going of information and the organization of data.

People holding knives cannot do these things.

After just a lunch reception, everyone was invited to the military yamen, where Zhu Wu and Zhang Zhen led them to make arrangements.

Su Wu returned to the military meeting hall, and Lu Junyi arrived with Xu Guanzhong.

Who is Xu Guanzhong in the story? He is proficient in various languages, has traveled all over the world, and knows all the mountains and rivers in the world. He is also very far-sighted. Every time he speaks, his words always run through the past and even seem to see the future.

Tian Hu had begged him, but he refused. He did help Song Jiang a few times, and could solve the big difficulties Song Jiang encountered with just a few words, but he refused to stay when Song Jiang wanted to keep him.

Xu Guanzhong did not say a word when he was walking around the army in the morning, and he also did not say much at the lunch banquet just now.

At this time, Lu Junyi brought Xu Guanzhong to meet Su Wu alone. Su Wu was polite and stood up to greet them, raising his hand to invite them to sit down.

Xu Guanzhong also bowed and greeted him. After exchanging pleasantries, he said, "I think the general is really good at managing military affairs. The spirit and energy of the soldiers under his command are far different from those of other places."

"Mr. Xu is very knowledgeable." This was Su Wu's opening remark. Next, he had to find a way to retain this talented person who no one could retain.

"I can't say I'm well-informed, but I've been to too many places. Mr. Lu invited me here in many ways, saying that I want to go out for a walk, how could I not know what he meant? But please forgive me, General. I am a free-spirited person who goes with the flow. I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to stay in one place for a long time..."

Xu Guanzhong has already bowed his hands and apologized, saying he was very sorry.

Lu Junyi had an embarrassed look on his face. He had put a lot of effort into getting Xu Guanzhong here. He had even tried to deceive him several times, but it seemed like he didn't succeed. The other person just didn't expose his tricks. However, he still cooperated and came.

Su Wu smiled and waved his hands: "There are extraordinary people in the world, even if it's just to meet them, Mr. Xu likes to travel around? How can you not come to Dongping Prefecture for a walk? The 800-li water park is also a wonder, so you should go for a walk..."

Xu Guanzhong seemed to be relieved when he heard this, and smiled: "Then I feel relieved. I will definitely go for a visit as you have invited me."

This was a bit difficult, as the other party had already refused. Su Wu had never thought of expecting the other party to bow down to him just by saying a few words.

Liu Bei had to visit Zhuge Liang three times at his thatched cottage to invite him.

Su Wu also knew that this kind of person would either not work for you, or if he really worked for you, he would work you to death.

Su Wu said, "People like you must have seen the world and want to see the world. This is what makes them happy."

Xu Guanzhong was stunned when he heard this, and immediately replied: "I didn't expect that the general knew me. I saw the wonders of the world, the hustle and bustle of the world, the affairs of the world, and the people of the world."

"Let me say something, sir, would you like to listen?" Su Wu said with a smile.

"please!"

"The feeling of experience, the various flavors in between experiences, yes and no?" Su Wu asked.

Xu Guanzhong frowned and repeated, "Experience? This word is new, but not difficult to understand. I have verified it by practicing it myself. This is exactly the truth. The general really understands me."

As he spoke, Xu Guanzhong's brows relaxed and a smile appeared on his face.

Su Wu immediately took a tentative step: "Sir, you have experienced the famous mountains and rivers, and you have probably seen a lot of the ups and downs of the world. But there is one thing that you may not have truly experienced."

Xu Guanzhong already laughed: "General, are you talking about going to the battlefield to fight?"

Su Wu was exposed, but he was not embarrassed. He laughed and said, "It's just a chance to see it again."

Xu Guanzhong looked at Lu Junyi, who just smiled bitterly and raised his hand to gesture please.

Xu Guanzhong also laughed and said: "I would like to see it, General. Seeing is one thing, but you must not force me in the future."

"What are you talking about? When we make friends, how can we not respect each other?" Su Wu bowed.

Xu Guanzhong quickly stood up and bowed: "General, I am grateful to you as my good friend."

Su Wu had already stood up, which was a big step forward.

Lu Junyi even smiled: "Okay, okay, it would be great if you two could become close friends, and it would not be in vain for all my efforts."

But outside the door, Shi Qian came in quickly, but looked around and didn't say a word, just waiting.

Su Wu waved his hand and said, "Just tell me..."

Shi Qian nodded, looked at the other two, then looked at Su Wu, and saw Su Wu nodded again.

Shi Qian spoke up, "General, the people of Liangshan have started to move. They are all leaving the camp from the back mountain. They are leaving in a steady stream, but they are divided into several groups. Four groups are heading east, and one is heading north..."

Su Wu frowned and asked, "How many people are there in total? How many troops are there from each group?"

Shi Qian immediately answered: "There are probably more than 30,000 people in total, of which 10,000 are heading north, and the four groups in the east have about 5,000 to 6,000 people each."

Su Wu immediately realized that the fighting was going on everywhere, and they were relying on their large numbers, which was even beyond Su Wu's previous expectations.

Ten thousand people went north, and this group had the largest number of people. They should go straight to Zengtou City, because Zengtou City was not weak to begin with, and was much stronger than Laizhou and Dengzhou. Zengtou City was even richer than Laizhou and Dengzhou.

The other four routes going east are most likely Laizhou, Dengzhou, Mizhou and Weizhou, which are the four states on the peninsula.

Why is Liangshan going all in this time?
Su Wu slapped his forehead and thought, yes, he, Su Wu, was going to do something bad anyway. Su Wu didn't have many soldiers under his command, so he could just do something bad in one direction or two directions. Instead of taking it slowly, why bother hitting all the targets at once?
Why bother to distinguish between before and after, and between two times and three times?
The purpose is to make Su Wu run around in a hurry and have to look around everywhere, so that he can win in the chaos. If he can destroy one prefecture, he will make money. If he can destroy two prefectures, he will make one more profit. If he can destroy three, he will make a lot of money.

As for the casualties, Song Jiang and Wu Yong had already risked their lives so much, so why would they care about the casualties of several thousand people?

Liangshan never lacked people, but it lacked money, food and supplies.

If Su Wu was convicted and demoted, wouldn't that be a good way to "save the country in a roundabout way"? This means that there is no need to defeat Su Wu on the battlefield, and the same is true if Su Wu is defeated politically.

At this time, Su Wu thought about it again and realized that he had underestimated it before. People like Song Jiang and Wu Yong could actually exceed his expectations.

Then Shi Qian came back and said, "General, the bandits are very different this time. They don't cross mountains and hills, hide during the day and move at night. They are all running wildly on the official road."

Su Wu calmed down and said, "Quick, send a fast horse to Qingzhou General Qin with a letter. If the bandits come to attack Qingzhou, tell them to stay indoors and don't fight. If the bandits don't attack Qingzhou, tell them to raise troops and go to Weizhou and Laizhou as soon as possible. We must do our best to rescue them."

As he spoke, Su Wu was already sitting at his desk, writing a concise letter, which he gave to Shi Qian to handle quickly and to have Cheng Wanli stamp it first.

This time, we must rely on Qin Ming for a while. Others cannot be relied on, but Qin Ming can be relied on. He is not a coward. As long as it is the order of the two routes of Jingdong Pacification and Recruiting Envoy, no matter what Murong Yanda has in mind, he can't stop Qin Ming from insisting on sending troops. Su Wu shouted again: "Li Cheng, beat the drum, beat the drum, march! Go to Yanzhou, Xinzhou, and Mizhou first."

Li Cheng walked in, bowed, said nothing, and turned around to do his work.

Then, Su Wu smiled again and said, "Mr. Xu, this time, why don't you come as soon as you say so? Let's go and see it together?"

Xu Guanzhong nodded: "Let's go together."

Su Wu suddenly asked again: "Mr. Xu, aren't you afraid that I will be defeated in this battle and my life or death will be in danger?"

Xu Guanzhong laughed: "If that's the case, how can I still follow you? How can I befriend the general, who is my good friend?"

It's true that Xu Guanzhong was really smart. Just by strolling around the military camp and chatting with Su Wu, he really believed that there would be no safety issues on this trip.

Su Wu smiled when he heard this: "Mr. Xu is really knowledgeable and has a good eye for people."

Lu Junyi inexplicably said, "Brother, I will go with you this time."

"Brother, do you want to see it too?" Su Wu asked with a smile.

Lu Junyi chuckled, "Well, I always like to join in the fun. I've been joining in too much of the Jianghu fun, and it's boring. How can I not see the world of war? Don't worry, I've made everything clear to Daming Prefecture, and it won't affect your business."

"Let's go!" Su Wu waved his hand, and the three of them went out immediately, leading the horses. The vanguard lined up and went first, while the auxiliary troops followed slowly to transport supplies and the like. They had been preparing for many days, and they were ready to go as soon as they said they would.

As soon as the army started to march, Lu Junyi looked around and was amazed: "Brother, you have so many more horses."

"About six thousand." Su Wu did not hide it.

"It's hard to imagine. In the past, when we first met, even 500 horses made us feel very embarrassed. But now, in such a short time, we have more than 6,000 horses. Our ability to accomplish things is truly unmatched by others."

Lu Junyi was amazed, not only at Su Wu's 6,000 horses, but also at Su Wu's wealth, supplies, armor, weapons...

If Su Wu had not been so wasteful in running the army, how could he not be the richest man? This wealth came too quickly.

"Didn't my brother help me a lot?" Su Wu said seriously.

"My help is nothing compared to the situation today..." Lu Junyi waved his hands, with sincere admiration in his heart.

Lu Junyi asked again: "Just now, I sent people to rescue Weizhou and Laizhou, and I led the troops to Yanzhou, Xinzhou and Mizhou, all heading east. The enemy has an army of over 10,000 to the north, why didn't you rescue them?"

Su Wu was not in a hurry to answer, but looked at Xu Guanzhong, but did not speak either.

Xu Guanzhong saw Su Wu's eyes and really spoke: "Sir, what the bandits want now is to make General Su stretched to the limit and unable to be rescued. The strongest group will go north, most likely to Zengtou City. Zengtou City is not a prefecture city, so it is not that important. Zengtou City is well-known and powerful, so it should be able to withstand the siege of the bandits. On the contrary, the prefecture in the east has been deserted and has not seen a battle for a long time. It is a place that must be rescued. After weighing this, the general has no choice but to do it."

Su Wu laughed out loud: "Sir, if you say I know you, then you also know me!"

Lu Junyi nodded: "Haha, you two smart people know each other well, but I only have martial arts skills..."

Xu Guanzhong said, "You just haven't thought about these things before. How can you not be a smart man? If you are not a smart man, how can you be the richest man in Daming Prefecture?"

Lu Junyi smiled and said, "The title of the richest family is just a compliment from my friends in the martial arts world. To be honest, there are so many people in Daming Prefecture who are richer than me. Even the little money I have is earned by my martial arts brothers to save face. It is not worth mentioning."

After Lu Junyi finished answering, he said, "Brother, since I'm here this time, you should let me fight for a while, what do you think?"

Su Wu just nodded and said, "Okay, when the time comes, you can just follow the light cavalry. When you really go into battle, you must be very careful. At least you should wear a breastplate."

"Then I will obey your orders!" Lu Junyi bowed and seemed to have become a general in the army.

Xu Guanzhong kept looking back at this time, and said: "When we were in the army, we only saw daily life. Now we are on the march and see this group of soldiers and horses, about 4,000 in number? They are really mighty and majestic. Moreover, the general is willing to spend money on armor, weapons and blades, all of which are excellent. In this era, he spared no expense to build such a strong army. The general is thinking far ahead..."

Su Wu heard this and asked deliberately: "Thinking far ahead? I haven't thought much about it. I just think that we need to suppress the bandits and strengthen the army. I don't know what Mr. Xu means by thinking far ahead?"

Xu Guanzhong looked at Su Wu and said with a smile: "General, I have been to Liao State, and even to Yanshan, to the grassland, and to Liaodong..."

Su Wu looked somewhat surprised.

Lu Junyi came and said, "Brother, seriously, Mr. Xu can even speak Khitan, and is also proficient in the language of Bai Dadan on the grassland. When I was riding that private horse in the past, Mr. Xu helped me contact people in Liao."

Su Wu nodded slowly: "Oh... then Mr. Xu must have a long-term vision... maybe even longer than me."

Xu Guanzhong laughed and said, "So, General, why do you have to hide it like this? Isn't it true that a good friend can't be trusted in person?"

Su Wu nodded: "I have given it some thought. Mr. Xu is a man of great talent and wisdom. He can see straight into people's hearts."

At this time, Su Wu was really satisfied, extremely satisfied with Xu Guanzhong. This man was really not bragging, nor was he just getting his reputation for nothing. He really had seen people and things all over the world.

Xu Guanzhong came to ask: "What did the general think about?"

Su Wu glanced at Xu Guanzhong, rode his horse a little closer, and said, "What else do you think I am thinking, Mr. Xu?"

Xu Guanzhong frowned slightly, then looked at Su Wu and said bluntly: "Is Song and Liao going to fight?"

Su Wu sat up straight and nodded slightly: "Mr. Xu is a rare wise man in the world, but there is still more to come. Since Mr. Xu has even been to Liaodong, have you ever thought about something?"

Xu Guanzhong was startled, then looked at Su Wu and said slowly: "I have traveled all over the world, so I have guessed some things about the world. General, you have never left Dongping Prefecture, but you can guess what is going on in the world?"

Su Wu only replied: "It is not difficult. History books have recorded it clearly for generations. It has always been like this. One cycle follows another. When the Huns are gone, the Turks will come. When the Turks are gone, the Khitans will come. When the Khitans are gone, someone else will come..."

Xu Guanzhong suddenly bowed and said: "General, you are a very talented person!"

Su Wu added: "So, we are eager to recruit talents and to train soldiers... We are pressed for time and sleepless nights."

Xu Guanzhong nodded, but didn't say anything, but frowned. He stood up and looked back, looking at the endless army heading out for the expedition...

Su Wu didn't say anything either, he just swayed his head as he rode forward on his horse.

Lu Junyi was not talkative or curious, and he did not lean over to eavesdrop on anything. He just thought that these two smart people were talking about private matters, so he let them talk...

After a long while, Xu Guanzhong sighed: "The rise and fall of the world has always been a matter of twists and turns. You finish your song and I take the stage. A new emperor has new ministers. Why should the general be so prepared for a rainy day... and so worried about the future?"

Su Wu nodded and said directly: "Yes, sir, what you said is very true! Being a hermit is the best thing. Find a place with beautiful mountains and clear waters, live there for a lifetime, and when the lifetime is over, who cares about the floods in the world?"

Who is the hermit talking about?

Su Wu was talking about Xu Guanzhong. He was certain that Xu Guanzhong "saw" many things in the future. He was helpless because of his insignificant status and his words were not taken seriously, or he just wanted to escape and be free. In the end, this guy really hid in the mountains and became a hermit.

Su Wu said this deliberately, and he was talking about human nature.

Are the minds of those extremely smart people really so contented? Do they really dream at night that the mountains and rivers are broken, the country is destroyed, and the family is ruined? The emperor is in trouble, and the people are like pigs and sheep?
If this is true, then no matter how many times Su Wu visited Zhuge Liang three times, it would be in vain and meaningless. There is no need to make any more efforts in the future. Just let him go.

If this is not the case, after hearing these words, I can only ask Xu Guanzhong, does he have no other ideas at all?

Su Wu even knew that Xu Guanzhong had already found a place to live in seclusion and had even started construction. If he had not known that chaos was coming, how could he have made such preparations to escape from the world?

After saying this, Su Wu didn't even look at Xu Guanzhong.

Xu Guanzhong's brows were frowned and relaxed, and then wrinkled again.

But there is one saying: "Why do you have to tease me like this, General?"

Su Wu also said: "If you are like the world that does not know and is in a daze, it is fine. If you already know, you still go out. Either you are unwilling to give up and want to see if there is still salvation in this world, and if there is still someone who will save you. Or... are you short of money? Living in seclusion for a lifetime must cost a lot. If you are short of money, I will prepare a generous gift for you. You can take it with you to avoid the flood and live a worry-free life. You don't have to travel around to many places to raise money."

Su Wu obviously said even more weird things.

The attack and defense are easy to change. At the beginning, Su Wu was thirsty for talents and was polite to others.

At this time, the situation changed. Su Wu took the initiative to attack. Let's see how Xu Guanzhong defends.

How did Xu Guanzhong deal with it?
He smiled awkwardly: "General, you are joking..."

"I'm not joking. I recognize you as my good friend. I won't go back on my words. If you need money, you don't have to tell me. When you leave, I will prepare a large sum of money. Please watch me fight and see if I can be saved. Then we can decide whether I stay or go!"

Su Wu took complete initiative.

There is no need to delay. This is a one-time deal. Xu Guanzhong has only to make a choice between leaving the world or avoiding it.

If he were to be born, Su Wu would show Xu Guanzhong some hope and let him decide for himself.

It is not only a display of bravery in battle, but also a demonstration of Su Wu's ability to understand the world and human nature.

Su Wu kept probing and suddenly felt the pulse. He immediately prescribed medicine and attacked with steady, accurate and ruthless moves.

Xu Guanzhong replied at this time: "Perhaps it is not just about the general's performance. The enemy is so powerful now. There are difficulties everywhere in the east and west of Beijing. It is a mess. If you are not careful, the court will blame you. The general will not be able to protect himself, let alone the future. If the current situation is not stable, how can we talk about the chaos in the world?"

"Okay, let's make it a bet and see if I can handle the chaos in the two routes of Jingdong. What do you think?" Su Wu turned to look, his eyes as sharp as knives.

Xu Guanzhong suddenly answered straightforwardly: "Okay, let's see how this game turns out and have a bet with the general."

Xu Guanzhong was talking excitedly. Lu Junyi heard it and turned to ask, "What's the matter? What bet? What bet?"

Su Wu laughed: "I was just chatting with Mr. Xu. Marching is boring. I just talked casually."

Xu Guanzhong also nodded, but changed the subject: "Sir, why do you think the thieves chose to go to a distant place instead of robbing the nearest prefecture?"

Lu Junyi smiled and said, "Why else? Even rabbits don't eat grass near their nests, so why would people eat grass near their nests unless they are extremely hungry? The thieves also want people's hearts, and they don't want to be surrounded by enemies day and night. How can they sleep peacefully if everyone is an enemy? Maybe the thieves have surplus food and want to help the people around them. In this way, wouldn't it be a few more pairs of spy eyes? A few more places to hide?"

Xu Guanzhong smiled and looked at Su Wu: "General, you see, Mr. Lu is the richest man in Daming Prefecture, he is not an easy person to deal with."

"I've already said it, my title of the richest man is just a false reputation in the world, it shouldn't be taken seriously." Lu Junyi waved his hands repeatedly.

At night, we camped.

Su Wu personally inspected each sentry post and asked about the patrol details. Xu Guanzhong followed him all the time and watched Su Wu busying around.

Also look at the military camping...

There was no conversation that night. They got up and left again. The bet had been made, and Xu Guanzhong watched what he wanted to watch and what he wanted to understand.

Su Wu didn't need to think too much, just focus on the war and the situation and do his own thing.

The success or failure of this deal depends on Su Wu's performance.

Whether Xu Guanzhong will come into the world or avoid it depends on Su Wu's performance.

This is not about affection, nor is it about interest. In fact, there is a sense of beauty and nobility, which is rare. Su Wu is already enjoying it.

Then Xu Guanzhong must also enjoy it.

The army took the official road and passed through Yanzhou without any problems. They also passed through Xinzhou without any problems. Now they were about to reach Mizhou.

Mizhou is actually very big, the largest state in the two routes of Jingdong. How big can it be? Maybe it is as big as three Dongping Prefectures, so it is inevitable that the land is vast and the population is sparse.

But this place is actually famous. In the past, there was a scholar named Su Shi. He was here, holding Huang on the left and Qing on the right, wearing a brocade hat and a sable coat, and riding a thousand horses across the plain. It is also said that he could draw a carved bow like a full moon, look northwest, and shoot the wolf in the sky.

Su Shi was demoted here and stayed here for two years. Sometimes, this place is called the place where officials were exiled, so it cannot be said to be prosperous.

It's a pity that there are no longer a thousand cavalry here now. Even when Su Shi mentioned a thousand cavalry here in the past, it was just an exaggeration. Even a hundred cavalry would be difficult to find.

Obviously, there was a group of big bandits, four or five thousand people, already at the gate of Mizhou city.

Su Wu arrived very quickly. The reason why he chose this place to rescue first was because it was the closest. He wanted to rescue several places, from near to far.

He was worried in his heart that Zhao Mingcheng must not abandon the city and flee, but must hold on until Su Wu arrived.

The bandits seemed to know that the government troops were coming behind them. When they arrived outside Mizhou City, they did not attack the city immediately, but built a large camp with high fences and deep trenches.

It seems that he intends to confront the government troops here for a long time.

When Su Wu arrived and took a look, he didn't have to think too much. He thought that this was the military order given by Song Jiang and Wu Yong. Wherever there were government troops, they would build a camp there to confront them and delay them.

If they could hold them off in one place, they could succeed elsewhere and even return safely. However, Su Wu did not have many men and could not hold his own alone.

It was really using his own advantages to attack Su Wu's disadvantages. You fight yours and I fight mine. It was indeed the most brilliant military strategy. Sacrificing some people was not a problem.

This time, Su Wu didn't even know who was the leader of the bandit camp. He just rode his horse towards the city and set up camp not far outside the city. He had to set up camp.

There are also things to do that require money.

The prefect of Mizhou was named Huang Hao. Su Wu set up a military camp and went into the city to meet him, bringing Xu Guanzhong with him.

The people in the city first saw thousands of bandits, then saw thousands of government troops coming to rescue, and then saw Su Wu. How could they not be so happy that they burst into tears?
When Mr. Huang saw Su Wu in the government office, he did not wait for Su Wu to bow and greet him. He just stepped forward and held Su Wu's hand and said, "General Su, you are here. Come on, hurry up and drive the enemy away!"

Su Wu still bowed and said: "Don't worry, sir. I am here to fight against the bandits."

Huang Hao nodded repeatedly: "Okay, okay, it couldn't be better. I will go up to the tower myself and beat the drum to cheer for the general."

Su Wu did not waste any time and just spoke: "Thank you, sir. It's just that I came here in a hurry. The army is short of money and food. Sir, you know that nowadays, the generals are difficult to lead and the soldiers are difficult to command. I came here anxiously, and the soldiers are complaining all the time..."

Having said this, Su Wu looked at Huang Hao.

Huang Hao also looked at Su Wu, waiting for Su Wu to speak again.

Ugh……

Su Wu thought to himself, "How can you be so ignorant? It's a custom, a custom for one or two hundred years, that you send troops if you pay them!"

What kind of official are you? You don't even understand the ways of the world? Murong Yanda knows all of that.

Su Wu had no choice but to say: "Please use some of the money to reward the soldiers, so as to appease the army and it will be useful!"

You have to make it so clear.

Huang Hao's face showed a sudden realization. "Oh, this matter is well prepared. The government has prepared it long ago and is about to reward the soldiers. A total of 30,000 strings of cash, General, please take it quickly and spend it. I also ask the soldiers to fight bravely against the bandits and make sure to drive them away and not to attack again!"

Su Wu frowned.

This is another 30,000 strings of cash. Isn't this just giving alms to beggars?

There were four thousand troops, more than two thousand auxiliary troops, countless chariots, and six thousand horses, some riding, some dragging, and some pulling.

Thirty thousand strings of cash?
No wonder Huang Hao managed to become the prefect of Mizhou, he deserves it!
Su Wu looked embarrassed and said, "Sir, do you know that there are 30,000 strings of cash? There are more than 6,400 people here, and each person has 5 strings of cash... There are also 6,000 horses, and people to eat the horses, weapons and arrows... Oh... Give them as rewards. How can I get the soldiers to fight for their lives with 5 strings of cash..."

It's not that Su Wu has to be a bad guy, it's just that Huang Hao is not a good guy.

Huang Hao looked at him with a panicked look on his face, and he was even more embarrassed: "General Su, Mizhou is a poor place, and the government office...can't give us more..."

Su Wu was really helpless, so he just said: "Please go and gather all the wealthy families in the city so that I can meet with them."

If time was not urgent, Su Wu would really go out of the city and wait, letting the people in the city take their time and see who is more anxious.

However, time waits for no one, and Huang Hao is really unusable, so Su Wu had to do it himself, quickly get the money, finish the matter, and then go to Laizhou.

Zhao Mingcheng, you must never abandon the city and leave!

(Brothers, I have a great news to report. I have become a second-level author. Tell everyone! Congratulations!)

(End of this chapter)