Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 149 Humph! You brat!

The war outside Yanggu County was not exciting at all, and there was not even any serious confrontation.

The thieves are on the run and the government troops are chasing them, that's all.

Su Wu had only two thousand cavalrymen, but he defeated fifteen or sixteen thousand bandits outside Dongping Prefecture and Yanggu County effortlessly, without even a real fight.

It was like a play, and Su Wu was the director.

The number of bandits killed and injured outside Dongping Prefecture was about four to five thousand, and the number of bandits killed and injured outside Yanggu County was about two thousand. The effect was significant.

Hundreds of people were arrested...

Su Wu and his two thousand soldiers and even six thousand horses were really exhausted, so they went straight into the city, had a hot meal first, and then, without setting up any camp, they squeezed into the small military camp in Yanggu County and fell asleep on the ground.

Dong Jian did have a job, he brought his men to help Su Wu settle and feed 6,000 horses. It was an arduous task, but fortunately many people in the city were mobilized and General Su was willing to give money.

After the soldiers had rested, Su Wu supported his tired body and went to the small courtyard he had bought and had not lived in for a few days. The courtyard was usually taken care of by someone, and it was Wu Da who often sent people to take care of it.

When I entered the house, I didn't expect that there was someone inside.

There was not just one person, but several people. The hot soup and food had already been prepared.

It was Meng Yulou who came here early and waited.

Su Wu was exhausted and smelled fishy. He took off his clothes and got into the big wooden barrel that was emitting white smoke. Taking a bath can really relieve fatigue.

Meng Yulou was waiting on the side, scooping water with a gourd ladle and slowly pouring it on Su Wu's head, and then taking out some soap and scrubbing Su Wu's hair...

Su Wu closed his eyes and said slowly: "I already know everything..."

Meng Yulou was no longer surprised at this point, and just nodded: "Yeah..."

"You don't have to think too much. It's okay if you want to stay in Yanggu longer. There is war and chaos here, and there are many bandits. Just stay a little longer..." Su Wu said seriously.

"Hmm..." Meng Yulou was busy, scrubbing his hair and then rubbing Su Wu's back.

"If it is really as you think... if there is really such a marriage proposal, I will explain everything to you. Later, I will buy a house, and no matter what, I will carry you into the house properly. Even if I don't go through the front door, I will get this done."

Su Wu was not joking. Although keeping a mistress was not uncommon in the Song Dynasty, a mistress was still a mistress after all, and it would not sound good when others talked about it.

"Su Lang, if... I don't mind..." Meng Yulou also said seriously.

Su Wu said firmly: "It is settled. I will go and make it clear myself. You are a sensible person..."

Meng Yulou had already started crying again. In the past, Meng Yulou had never thought about these things. She just thought that Su Lang was good, and she never had any inferiority complex.

In other words, to put it bluntly, in the society of the Song Dynasty, there was no big difference in class or status between a warrior and a wealthy woman.

She can't be the principal wife, but a concubine is more than enough.

Who knew it would be like this now...

Meng Yulou said, "I don't care about these things... I just hope Su Lang has a bright future. Even if he has a boy or a girl, I will be satisfied and I will raise them well..."

In the social atmosphere at that time, illegitimate children were not a big deal in the Northern Song Dynasty...

There are so many of them, from famous scholars to ordinary people with a little money.

Some people especially like to brag about being illegitimate children. For example, Liang Shicheng, the eunuch closest to the emperor, likes to brag everywhere that he is Su Shi's illegitimate son.

According to Liang Shicheng's own words, his mother was Su Shi's concubine in the past. When Su Shi was demoted, he gave the pregnant concubine away, and thus gave birth to Liang Shicheng. The scholar Su Shi was famous all over the world, but he wasted his life and didn't care about him... And so on...

As to whether it is true or not, it is doubtful and difficult to prove.

In other words, it would be nothing wrong for Meng Yulou to give Su Wu an illegitimate child and raise him herself, which was not a big deal in the Song Dynasty.

At this time, Su Wu wiped his face, turned to look at Meng Yulou, and said in a serious tone: "Don't say too much, just listen to me, follow my instructions..."

Su Wu didn't want to say more and just took a tough approach. He really didn't want these things to cause any complications and didn't think it was a big trouble.

He was really exhausted, so he didn't soak in the hot soup for long. After washing, he got up and fell asleep.

There was no conversation that night. When I woke up early the next morning, the person next to me was already awake and had prepared breakfast and shaving supplies.

Su Wu was used to it. He ate, shaved his face, and set off when he felt refreshed. He said, "We are leaving for Jeju today. Once the war is settled, I will come back to Dongping Prefecture and pick you up."

Without waiting for Meng Yulou to reply, Su Wu just went out.

Just watching Su Wu's back as he left, Meng Yulou sighed again. She said she was not happy, but in fact she was happy, extremely happy, and her heart was sweet.

I am happy, but also worried. Too much worry...

Su Wu was too busy to take care of these things for the time being. He just led the army to Jeju. The battle to destroy the bandits officially began.

At this time, Wu Song and others were also leading 3,000 elite soldiers from the back mountain of Liangshan to Jizhou for a meeting, leaving Xu Guanzhong, Luan Tingyu, and 1,000 armored infantrymen at the back mountain of Liangshan.

In the back mountain, there were the troops of Qin Ming, Suo Chao and Zhang Qing, totaling 14,000 to 15,000 people, plus Luan Tingyu's 1,000 people, who were responsible for blocking Liangshan's retreat.

Su Wu led 5,000 elite troops from Dongping Prefecture and several thousand auxiliary troops from Dongping Prefecture and Jizhou Prefecture to prepare for an attack on Liangshan by water.

As soon as we arrived in Jeju, we held a meeting at the government office.

Zhang Shuye, Zong Ze and Su Wu had a small meeting.

Logically speaking, Zhang Shuye was a high-ranking official and should have presided over the meeting, but this small meeting was presided over by Su Wu.

Su Wu came and asked, "Mr. Zong, how are the boats prepared?"

Zong Ze replied: "We built thirteen large ships and more than one hundred small boats, all of which were covered with thin iron sheets. We also collected more than seven hundred small boats from the ships left by General Gao, and saved fifteen large ships. We didn't have time to cover them with thin iron sheets..."

Su Wu thought for a moment and said, "That's enough. How is the map of the water marsh going?"

Zong Ze's face was filled with confidence: "It has already been prepared. I made it myself. I visited fishermen in various places and verified them. I also went to the place to verify it myself. It is accurate!"

Su Wu was surprised when he heard this, and asked, "Did you go to the water by yourself?"

Zong Ze nodded: "Such a big thing, how can I not come and see it myself?"

"You old man, are you really not afraid of death? You..." Su Wu was so angry that he could not contain himself. This old man really didn't care about his life!
After being scolded, Zong Ze did not get angry, but smiled: "Well, I am not stupid. I carefully found a fisherman, changed clothes, paid money to get on the boat, and left without being seen. I did not run around everywhere, but only went to the important water branches to confirm. This is the only way to ensure that everything is correct. When the army is acting, thousands of lives are in our hands, so we cannot make any mistakes."

"Alas...why didn't I teach you to really be caught by that thief..." Su Wu was still angry. This old man Su Wu valued very much, but he did this kind of thing personally. Even if he had to do it, he could have sent someone else to do it...

Come to think of it, when has this old man ever been afraid of death?
Su Wu waved his hand again: "Forget it, next time, my dear husband, please don't put yourself in danger like this."

"I know, I know..." Zong Ze nodded, and then said, "I also want to go and see it myself. Then, when you arrive, I can give you some advice, so that I won't just talk nonsense and have nothing to say."

Su Wu looked at Zong Ze and was actually deeply moved. How could the Song Dynasty still perish with such people?

"Thank you for telling me, old sir..." Su Wu bowed.

Then Zong Ze stood up and took out something, which was the map, and spread it out, facing Su Wu, and began to say, "We have to take a detour!"

Su Wu was already attracted by the map, and nodded and asked, "How do we get around?"

"Look, although it is close for General Gao to march along this line, he can directly attack the Liangshan Water Stronghold, but there are many places for ambushes here, which is a big mistake. Ziqing, you see that this line is mostly where the water surface is wide, and the water is much deeper than the place just now, which can greatly limit the stealth ability of the enemy's navy. That is, as long as the boats are sailed to the wide water surface, the enemy will have to breathe no matter how hard they hold their breath. There is nowhere to hide on the wide water surface, so you can predict it in advance and prepare for it!

Moreover, where the water is wide, there are not so many reed marshes and small floating platforms and islands to hide soldiers. The bandits cannot hide their soldiers, so they can only use boats to fight back. It depends on who is better at fighting! "

Zong Ze just kept talking.

Just by hearing Zong Ze's voice, Su Wu inexplicably felt a sense of security. This old man is really dedicated, really works hard, and does it really well!

Su Wu looked down at the map and pointed, "If we follow the old master's plan, this is the only place that is slightly dangerous!"

Zong Ze nodded: "Yes, this place is a little dangerous. The reeds can hide people and boats. If the thieves are really hiding here, just pass by quickly and don't get entangled with them. I have another plan..."

"Tell me what's going on, old man." Su Wu was already full of admiration.

"We should divide the army into front and back. The first team will have iron-covered boats. They will pass through here quickly and head straight to the water. The enemy's ambush will fail. Seeing the first team rushing straight to the water fort, they will immediately return to defend the water fort. When the enemy's boats come out of the reeds, the first team will stop and wait here on a wide surface of water. The second team will set out again, pass through here smoothly to join the first team, and then go land! In this way, we can be sure of no mistakes."

I don’t know how long Zong Ze has been thinking about these plans.

Su Wu just nodded and said, "Let's act according to this plan."

It was really good. For the first time, Su Wu really didn't have to think too much. Someone brought the food to the table and just asked Su Wu to eat.

This feeling is so good!
An old person in the family is like a treasure, and I really felt it this time.

Zhang Shuye at the side also laughed: "Master Zong is an extraordinary person! I admire you!"

Su Wu also said quickly: "If we win this battle, you can be credited with the first achievement!"

Zong Ze waved his hand and said, "I am paid by the emperor, so I should be diligent in my work. Moreover, it is Ziqing who has entrusted me with this matter, so how can I just muddle through? I should rack my brains and devote myself to it."

"Thank you, old sir." Su Wu bowed and said, "But, next time, you must not put yourself in danger like this. Never."

Zong Ze laughed and said, "It's enough to win the war. I'm an old man now, so it doesn't matter where I die. Why not die a worthy death?"

These words...

"Don't be dying all the time, live a long life!" said Su Wu.

Zong Ze stopped smiling and said, "Let's talk business..."

Su Wu nodded and asked Zhang Shuye again: "Mr. Zhang, the man who steers the boat..."

"It's all ready. You recruited some remnants of the Jiankang navy, and I sent people to various places to recruit some fishermen and boatmen. There are enough people to operate the boats, but... I also think that there may be spies from the bandits. I haven't come up with any countermeasures for this matter..."

Zhang Shuye frowned and said.

Su Wu thought for a moment and replied, "It's okay. A few spies won't affect the overall situation. There are soldiers on board to look after the situation. It's okay if they leak some information. It's good to leak some information. In this way, it will be easier for Prime Minister Zong to implement his plan."

Zhang Shuye's brows relaxed a lot, and he asked Su Wu: "Ziqing, are the troops in the rear camp on land available?"

Su Wu himself was a little worried about this matter, but he also said: "Qin Ming, Suo Chao and Zhang Qing are all fierce generals. I have left a thousand elite soldiers among them, and my adviser Xu Guanzhong is also there. I have also explained many corresponding strategies, so there should be no problem."

"That's good!" Zhang Shuye nodded, feeling relieved.

"There is one more matter that I need to discuss with you two gentlemen." Su Wu had a private matter, and this private matter had to be communicated to the two of them and they had to agree on it, otherwise there would be big trouble in the future.

"You said..." Zhang Shuye raised his hand. "You two gentlemen, you know that this time we must wipe out the bandits, but among the bandits... some people, how should I put it, some people really have skills. I want to keep some of them to listen to me, and that's it."

Su Wu tried his best to speak tactfully and downplay the matter.

Zhang Shuye and Zong Ze looked at each other, and neither of them answered immediately.

Su Wu added: "It's like the navy among the bandits. They defeated General Gao last time. It was really extraordinary. Even if we deal with them again now, it will be very troublesome. You must rack your brains to think of a countermeasure. These people have extraordinary skills on the water. If we can recruit them and use them, it will be great if they can be of use in the future."

Seeing the two of them looking at each other frequently, Su Wu was a little worried, afraid that Zhang Shuye was too upright and would not allow this matter. After all, to be honest, it also involved partiality and perverting the law...

But if Su Wu didn't tell Zhang Shuye now, and Zhang Shuye found out about it, that would be troublesome, and it would be considered as partiality and perversion of the law. I'm afraid that by then, this little friendship would be gone.

A gentleman has his own merits, but he also has his own troubles.

"My two lords..." Su Wu said.

Zhang Shuye sighed and nodded: "I know what you mean, but the law of the country must be respected. How can a person who has committed a heinous crime get away with it just because of his skills?"

Su Wu was already somewhat disappointed and was thinking about whether he should find another way.

Zhang Shuye then said, "If they are not extremely evil, if they are not the kind of people who have committed rape, robbery and murder, then military exile is a severe punishment. We can arrest these people and bring them to the Jizhou government office, and just try and sentence them. It is also a solution to sentence them to military exile in Dongping Prefecture..."

After hearing this, what else could Su Wu say? He just stood up and bowed: "Thank you, Mr. Zhang!"

"Forget it, forget it. I am not being partial or bending the law. Those who have committed rape, looting and murder innumerable people should not be forgiven." Zhang Shuye said.

"That's right!" Su Wu nodded repeatedly.

This gentleman, sometimes, is not that troublesome. He couldn't be nicer. Not only did he agree to do the thing, he also gave Su Wu advice on how to solve the problem.

In this way, many people were exposed and there was no need to hide. They were all brought to the Jizhou government office for trial. They were all sentenced to exile in Dongping Prefecture. Even Hua Rong could be brought in for trial. After the trial, they could be at ease.

This really gave Su Wu a great idea. Isn't it said that people should have knowledge and experience?
Sometimes it’s not a question of being smart or not, it’s the insight and experience that can solve the problem.

As for Hu Yanzhuo, it was actually much simpler. Without Gao Qiu, Prime Minister Tong of the Privy Council could write a document and give him a slight punishment, such as demoting him to serve under Su Wu. It was also fair and justified. He only needed to wait for his military achievements to be promoted. How could he not have a bright future?
Lin Chong was easy to deal with. If we really talk about his guilt, he was fine. He was just a fugitive. He had joined the bandits for a short time and even killed the bandit leader Wang Lun. Later, he left the bandits. When he was "caught", he was sentenced to exile in Dongping Prefecture.

The soldiers who were exiled could also be promoted and become officers. For example, Di Qing, the god of war of the Song Dynasty, rose to prominence as an exile. With his outstanding achievements, he was also qualified as the deputy envoy of the Privy Council.

Once your mind is opened, everything becomes clear.

Having two elders in the family is like having two treasures. These two old men in front of me are really treasures.

Su Wu stood up and bowed: "How about I invite you two gentlemen to have a few drinks?"

Zhang Shuye waved his hands and said, "No more drinking... I want to ask you something in private..."

As he spoke, Zhang Shuye went to see Zong Ze, who then stood up and said, "Then I'll go to your yamen and take a look around..."

Zong Ze actually got up and went out.

Su Wu was stunned. What was he asking? But he answered, "Just tell me, Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Shuye frowned slowly and did not speak for a while.

Su Wu's heart tightened, and he felt inexplicably that something was not right, but he did not say anything and just waited.

Zhang Shuye was silent for a long time, sighing all the time, and then he slowly spoke: "I'm asking about this matter, tell me the truth..."

"As for Mr. Zhang's question, I will tell you everything I know." Su Wu answered, knowing in his heart that things were really bad.

Zhang Shuye sighed again: "Alas... you said that General Gao had obviously colluded with Liangshan, so the bandits would not kill him. The rebellious soldiers were actually no longer rebellious. They were given rewards before the battle, and they were gathered together after the battle. They were given food and sent away one by one. The last ones to leave were not defeated soldiers, and they were not rebellious at all... General Gao was killed just like that..."

Su Wu felt a little discouraged when he heard this. Su Wu thought that this matter could be concealed from anyone, but the only person who could not be concealed was the person in front of him...

But Su Wu also knew that Zhang Shuye had no real evidence, it was all logical analysis.

Zhang Shuye looked at Su Wu innocently and asked, "Mr. Zhang, have you found the real culprit?"

Zhang Shuye shook his head: "How could someone who dares to do such a thing leave any clues for investigation?"

"Has the court sent an official document to reprimand you, sir?" Su Wu just ignored the topic.

"Not really, Ziqing..."

"Ok?"

"Tell me seriously, does this matter have anything to do with you?" Zhang Shuye asked seriously.

"What's the matter? The death of General Gao? How does that have anything to do with me?" Su Wu pretended to be shocked.

Zhang Shuye still sighed: "Is it related to my eldest son?"

"Are you talking about the Bo Fen brothers? It is absolutely impossible. How can the sons of the prefect do such a thing?" Su Wu shook his head repeatedly.

"I know what my own son is like, Bofen. He said in front of me that he wanted to kill someone. You were there at the time, but you just thought he was just talking nonsense out of anger. You just let it go and didn't think about it."

Zhang Shuye said calmly, looking at Su Wu again: "As for you, maybe you did it on your own initiative, or maybe someone instructed you to do it. Never mind... I have no evidence, it's all just blind guessing, but you guys are indispensable. Gao Qiu had more than a dozen soldiers with him, and he killed him so cleanly and neatly, it takes skill..."

Su Wu did not answer. There was no point in pretending. Zhang Shuye was actually very confident in his words.

Yes, according to Zhang Shuye's logic, it couldn't be more right. Killing someone requires motive, but killing someone cleanly and efficiently requires ability.

Zhang Shuye was the only person who knew in advance that Gao Qiu had reached some kind of peace agreement with the Liangshan bandits, and the content of that peace agreement was to put Su Wu to death.

So...who else could it be besides Su Wu?
Zhang Shuye said to himself: "Perhaps you were also instructed by someone, never mind... I am just a small prefect, even if I really investigate, what can I find out about such a big matter?"

Su Wu was helpless and speechless, and just listened.

Zhang Shuye frowned, "It seems that all of a sudden, the world has changed... Ziqing, have you noticed these changes?"

"Well, it is a little different. Maybe it feels like a storm is about to come." Su Wu finally answered.

"Yes, that's the feeling. It's not real, but I can really feel it. Even people have started to change. In the past, there were no assassinations of high-ranking officials of the imperial court. I haven't heard of such a thing for many years, but now it really happened. These bandits are also on the rise..."

Zhang Shuye felt powerless. Actually, it had nothing to do with Su Wu. He just saw that this great country had problems. There were definitely problems, but he couldn't tell what the problem was...

It was this feeling that made Zhang Shuye feel very uncomfortable.

Zhang Shuye also said: "Bofen must have gone that night. With his temper, how could he not go? Zhongxiong may not have gone. Zhongxiong is much more cunning..."

It seemed like he was talking to himself, talking about his two sons.

Su Wu was speechless and also sighed: "Alas..."

Zhang Shuye kept talking: "I don't know who told me this, I can't remember it for the moment, but I think you said that if it is beneficial to the country, I will not avoid it because of misfortune or fortune? Is that right or not?"

"I think it was said by Elder Zong and the Prime Minister." Su Wu only said this to Zong Ze.

"Yes, yes, yes, I was confused for a moment. It was the elder who told me that you are right. You are a man who benefits the country and the people, a pillar of society! Well, let's stop here for today's private talk. Don't take it to heart. It's none of your business. I just kept thinking about it. After I talked to you, I stopped thinking about it... You still have to be busy with the war, so I won't stay any longer..."

Zhang Shuye stood up and bowed.

Su Wu also bowed and left, looking for Zong Ze and leaving without staying any longer.

Zhang Shuye walked out of the classroom and slowly returned to the back yamen. For a moment, his steps seemed a little unsteady. He didn't know why, but he felt physically and mentally exhausted, and even had a feeling of depression that he couldn't get rid of. He just felt uncomfortable all over.

In the middle of the night, a man came to drink alone, and even in his heart he cursed his two sons, saying that ever since they joined Su Wu's army and arrived in Jeju, they did not come back to see their old father, which was really unfilial.

Then I thought about my eldest son, Bo Fen, who actually dared to assassinate Gao Qiu. I also thought that Gao Qiu really deserved to die!
After thinking about it, I just got drunk and fell asleep.

The army is also busy, and there are many things to do, such as letting the soldiers get on board to experience it first, and even practice on the ship.

It’s not about how to learn to swim, but at least you should not be afraid of water and not be easily frightened on the boat.

If you pay attention to the details, you will have a better chance of winning and can also avoid losing manpower, so you must pay attention to the details.

Zhang Shuye's two sons were in the army, so how could they leave? How could they not be very busy?

midnight……

Su Wu and Zong Ze sat opposite each other in the central military tent.

Zong Ze spoke up: "This time, I will also go into battle."

Su Wu just waved his hand and said, "That's not necessary, old man, there's no need to take risks. Fighting is the job of warriors like us."

Zong Ze said again: "Have you really been to the water park? No? I have been there several times. If I don't go, you may look at the map and take the wrong waterway. Only if I personally lead the way can I feel at ease. I also have a few trusted boatmen under my command. When the time comes, I will lead the way and arrange for them to come in the second team. This way, there will be no mistakes!"

Su Wu looked at Zong Ze. This old man was really energetic. There was determination in his eyes. It seemed that this old man exuded a kind of power from his whole body.

"Okay..." Su Wu nodded.

"Don't worry, I'm not afraid of death!" Zong Ze patted his chest.

"This is not a matter of being afraid of death or not. My old husband is not afraid of death, how can I not believe it? Well, well, in the end..." Su Wu stopped talking here.

"What is the end?" Zong Ze continued to ask.

"Maybe... one day, maybe the elder will also be the general leading the troops, haha..." Su Wu said with a smile.

"That's good, then I will learn more from you!" Zong Zezhen seemed to be reminded. Really leading troops to fight? It seemed that there was nothing wrong with it. It was just what he wanted. He was just afraid that he would not do well. He needed to learn more.

But where can he find troops to lead?
The war was about to break out, the Song-Liao War, and Zong Ze had already known about it in advance.

Where can we get troops?

"Alright, alright, go to sleep. Once you get familiar with the water and the boats in a few days, the war will begin. When the time comes, don't scare an old scholar like you to pee your pants in front of you on the battlefield..." Su Wu was joking.

"You rascal, how dare you look down on me! This time in the battle, I will teach you the courage of an old scholar like me!" Zong Ze was so angry that he blew his beard and glared.

"I saw it..." Su Wu knew that he was going to be slapped in the face, but he was willing to endure it. When the time comes, he will apologize to this old man.

At that time, Old Man Zong must have been very arrogant, extremely proud, and filled with a great sense of accomplishment.

"Hmph! You brat!" Zong Ze waved his sleeves and left angrily.

(Brothers, this chapter ends here, and the next chapter will solve the main problem.)
(End of this chapter)