Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 207 What do you care where I sleep!

The singing is good. What Tong Guan said is true. The soft Wu dialect can really make people feel numb all over.

Hangzhou is really good, the people of Hangzhou are good, and the women of Hangzhou are even better. If you want to talk about where in the world the women are the best, at this moment, Su Wu really thinks that the women of Hangzhou are the best in the world.

That smile, that word, that shyness...

Tong Guan looked at Su Wu and said with a smile: "Ziqing, the two rivers and the south of the Yangtze River are wonderful... No wonder Bai Juyi said that the south of the Yangtze River is good. When we go back, it is inevitable that Bai Juyi said so. How can we not miss the south of the Yangtze River... Bai Juyi was an official in Hangzhou, and Su Xueshi was also an official in Hangzhou..."

Su Wu nodded. He knew all this. He said, "The scholars and officials like Jiangnan the most! Jiangnan, from the Eastern Wu in the late Han Dynasty to the migration of scholars to the south in the Jin Dynasty, and now, is also a place with flourishing literary style and great wealth..."

Tong Guan nodded: "Yes, that's right. Ziqing, go back to Beijing, you will be different..."

Su Wu also asked: "What does the Prime Minister mean?"

"What? Ziqing, you need to change..." Tong Guan stopped smiling and started speaking seriously.

"Please give me some advice, Prime Minister!" Su Wu already understood.

"The words you use, your manner of speaking, and your behavior must all change!" Tong Guan said again.

Su Wu understood it completely, nodded and replied: "I'm afraid I can't learn it well."

"You are an educated man, a soldier in the army. You are a straightforward person, a man of great integrity. A scholar-official has his own way of behaving. You actually understand that this is not difficult!"

Tong Guan said, looking at the group of people in front of him, and said, "I bought these people myself and gave them to you. They will go with you to the capital. How can the nobles in the capital not have such a group of people in their mansions? Wouldn't it be shabby when guests come? This group is the best in Hangzhou. If you take them back to the capital, they will be the most stylish. You write lyrics and they sing, wouldn't it be wonderful? Wouldn't it be famous if these scholars come and go?"

Su Wu was touched. Tong Guan really taught him step by step. He did not refuse and said, "When I return to see the emperor, I want meritorious service and all that, but I don't want any of that. I just want the emperor to award me a Jinshi degree in person. What do you think, Prime Minister?"

Tong Guan's eyebrows widened: "Great kindness!"

Su Wu was still worried that it was a bit abrupt, but Tong Guan said it was a great idea, so he did it.

Tong Guan said, "But... merits are still important. The emperor is very kind-hearted. As long as he is happy, it is not a big deal to reward a high status. In the past, when the emperor was happy, Liang Shicheng would add his name to the first-class Jinshi, and the emperor would just wave his hand and laugh. What does it count for you? Merits are still important..."

Su Wu was very surprised. At this moment, he realized that he had taken many things too seriously.

There is still that mentality of "the emperor uses a golden hoe to farm the land".

It turns out that this matter does not need to be so serious. Su Wu originally wanted to use this unparalleled achievement to exchange for a different background, that is, a little respect for the imperial system.

I never thought that the ruler of the world had no reverence for himself at all.

"Then..." Su Wu said just one word.

Tong Guan also replied: "You, go to Hebei on my behalf."

"I wonder what we are going to do in Hebei?" Su Wu asked again.

"Border affairs, border military affairs." Tong Guan was serious about the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun. It was his last pursuit in life.

Su Wu also frowned: "This is difficult!"

How could it not be difficult? Without mentioning others, let’s first talk about Liang Zhongshu. Su Wu had met him. He was the son-in-law of Grand Tutor Cai Jing. Was he easy to get along with?

Can Su Wu, an outsider, take control of Hebei?
Tong Guan also said: "It is difficult. Regardless of whether it is difficult or easy, let's not talk about how well you can patrol here. At least, you have to do something useful and see which of the various tribes in Hebei can be used. In the future, when you deploy troops, you will also know whose name to choose."

"I understand!" Su Wu nodded.

Tong Guan said, "You should also go to the front line to see the border between Song and Liao, to see how the Liao city defenses are, how the Liao border troops are, and to investigate the topography for the near future, which is inevitably a matter between you and me. Also, find out as much as you can about the internal situation of Liao, and then let Zhao Liangsi go with you..."

Tong Guan's request was not high, he just wanted first-hand information from the front line. He asked Su Wu to go there, and also asked Su Wu to go to the front line to investigate personally.

Zhao Liangsi is Ma Zhi from Liao, and also Li Liangsi, the envoy of Song Dynasty. Now he has been given the surname Zhao by the emperor. He is the envoy of Song Dynasty who was escorted by Su Wu across the sea to meet the Jin people.

"Understood!" Su Wu said seriously.

Tong Guan nodded, sighed and said: "Now, among my subordinates, I trust you the most. You have to take care of all the important matters..."

"It is my duty!" Su Wu nodded.

"Well, there is no rush to go to the capital this time, and there is still plenty of time. As for me, I have to report to the emperor and discuss with you gentlemen when I return. If we really want to promote such a big thing as the conquest of Liao, there are still many difficulties. As for you, stay in the capital for a few more days and buy a house, so that you have a place to stay. Whether it is this time or in the future, you will always live in Tokyo for a long time. It will not hurt to prepare early. People in the capital should also visit more..."

Tong Guan's words seemed to be casual, but actually had a deeper meaning. When he said he was buying a house, he was actually hinting that Su Wu would definitely go to the center of power and that Su Wu wanted to be a resident of Tokyo.

Su Wu just said: "Thank you for your support, Prime Minister!"

"It's your own ability. If I don't support you, there will be others who will!" Although Tong Guan said this, his face was full of smiles and he felt sweet in his heart.

Tong Guan added: "Life is short. A lifetime is over in a flash. But you are still so young, already 22?"

Su Wu nodded: "It's full!"

"That's great, twenty-two, but only twenty-two years old! Isn't he Huo Qubing?" Tong Guan's face was full of smiles.

"The Prime Minister is very complimentary."

"Between you and me...ah...Ziqing...you...you would be my son..." Tong Guan said this suddenly and unsteadily.

When Su Wu heard this, his heart tightened. This must be some kind of hint.

It was also during this era that it was common to have a godfather or a stepfather. It was very popular among the people and was not a big deal.

Su Wu knew that Tong Guan was obviously hinting at Su Wu to do this, and he also knew that Tong Guan had no ill intentions.

But Su Wu replied: "The chancellor seems to be from Xiangfu. I think... there are no close relatives, but there must be distant relatives. Once we go to the capital, I will ask people to look for one or two of them. If we find the sons of distant relatives, we can find a few to serve by our side. Then we can see which one the chancellor values. Wouldn't that be a good thing?"

Su Wu wanted to find a legitimate son for Tong Guan.

Tong Guan's expression changed slightly, and he waved his hand and said, "No need. If I wanted to do this, I would have done it a long time ago. You know what I mean..."

Su Wu nodded.

"But you don't want to..." Tong Guan asked.

Su Wu was actually embarrassed. Tong Guan had no ill intentions, but Su Wu really couldn't do it. What could he do?
Saying that the seniority is inappropriate is actually pale.

Su Wu just changed the topic: "The Prime Minister wants the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun. I will risk my life to take the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun back!"

"Okay!" Tong Guan nodded and waved his hand: "You may have ambitions, but I am old..."

Su Wu bowed and said, "Please forgive me, Prime Minister!"

"Forget it, forget it. Maybe I just thought too much. You are a good man, a man who stands tall and upright. I am a eunuch. It is not suitable and appropriate. I was wrong!" Tong Guan seemed to feel uncomfortable.

Su Wu suddenly thought that he almost became Boss Cao because he had a eunuch ancestor.

In fact, it is not impossible. In this era, it is nothing. It is just that Su Wu cannot accept it. His concept is really different!
Standing next to him was Tang Ke, a scholar-official. When he went to see Su Wu at this time, he couldn't help but look up to him.

Su Wu didn't care whether Tang Ke thought highly of him or not, he just talked about business: "Prime Minister, this time when we return, will all the troops go to Bianjing first and then go back individually? Or will they disperse halfway?"

"Let's go to Bianjing first. It's not easy for the soldiers to come. When they came here, they never really saw Bianjing. They were all in the military camp outside the city. After this great victory, they all got money. We should let them go to Bianjing to have a look... The people of Bianjing will be happy to see the strong army, which can calm the people's hearts. If the emperor also wants to see it, it would be even better. This is the honor of the Privy Council!"

Tong Guan thinks a lot.

Su Wu added: "If the officials in the capital take a look, it will be more conducive to the cause of conquering Liao!"

"Haha... That's right, that's exactly the reason. Many people in the capital are actually opposed to sending troops to attack Liao..." Tong Guan replied.

"Then let Liangzhe be handed over to Wang Bing. This is safer." This was Su Wu's own arrangement, which needed to be confirmed by Tong Guan.

"Do they have enough manpower? We must not let the bandits in Jiangnan and Liangzhe revive. Even after the army returns, we must wipe them out completely." This is what Tong Guan was worried about.

Su Wu nodded: "Enough, he recruited 30,000 to 40,000 local warriors, just clear out the remaining bandits in the mountains and forests, and then replenish the number of guards in Jiangnan and Liangzhe, and then disband the rest, this is all right."

Tong Guan nodded and said, "Having you by my side really saves me a lot of trouble and energy. I will follow your plan and act accordingly. Wang Bing has made great contributions. I will first promote him to be the commander-in-chief of the troops of Liangzhe Road. You will draft the documents of the Privy Council and make them clear. I will sign and seal them."

"Understood!" Su Wu bowed and the matter was done.

But Tong Guan said, "Wuzhou Wang Bing, from now on, he is your man. You have been the one who discovered and promoted him. You should support and guide him more in the future. You should use him more if he is useful. There are not many useful soldiers in the world. When the time comes, they will all go to Hebei!"

It’s still the matter of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun. Now, it seems that everything Tong Guan is doing revolves around this matter.

"Order!"

"After returning to Beijing, it would be best if I could find you an official position in the Privy Council..." Tong Guan himself was also in deep thought. It was obvious that this was a difficult matter.

Su Wu was also thinking, what else can he do? He had already accepted the imperial order, an honorary head portrait of the Privy Councilor? Or a real position of signing the Privy Council's affairs?

Su Wu obviously couldn't reach that level either...

Tong Guan suddenly said, "It's okay. Whether on the way back or after entering the capital, you should write more lyrics. Write more! Um... on the way back, you should write another policy paper "Ten Essays on Obscene Sacrifices". When you're done, ask your subordinates to polish it and present it to the emperor in person when you return to the capital. Um... can you write poetry? If you can, write that too..."

Obscene worship is a sacrifice that is not in accordance with the ritual system. In other words, it is a cult. The Song Dynasty, or the dynasties of all dynasties, had official regulations on gods and immortals. The gods and immortals who were worshipped by the people had to be registered with the court and conferred by the emperor.

This was a very rigorous and serious matter for dynasties throughout history, especially for emperors like Zhao Ji, who attached great importance to this matter.

Mani was obviously an obscene cult. Tong Guan wanted Su Wu to write a policy paper. This policy paper was not only about the evil cult, but also about the ways and means of the evil cult to deceive people, how to manage, how to deal with, and how to deal with it...

Things like this must be explained in detail to touch the heart of Emperor Zhao Ji, the leader of the Taoist sect.

Su Wu was required to write policy papers, compose lyrics and poems, and he also wanted to get the title of a Jinshi. What was the purpose of this?
Su Wu suddenly understood something. This meant that he was forced to get the title of Direct Academician of the Privy Council.

Su Wu said modestly: "The Prime Minister's behavior is probably... against the rules. I'm afraid the censors will... "

Little did he know that Tong Guan raised his hand and said, "It's okay. Let's plan it this way first. Whether it succeeds or not depends on our best efforts and luck. It all depends on what the emperor says. The promotion of Prime Minister Wang Fu to a higher rank is also against the regulations. Didn't the emperor also make it happen? We have to take advantage of this great success and joy. If we miss this opportunity, we will never have it again. This opportunity is rare. It will be difficult to get such an opportunity again in the future... Even if it doesn't work, it doesn't matter. The emperor's temperament is that if he doesn't agree to you this time, he will feel guilty in the future. Next time, it will be easier to say... Just to make it up to you this time... So, whether these things succeed or not, we should plan it this way..."

Tong Guan really studied Zhao Ji thoroughly.

Su Wu was so impressed that he was completely prostrated. No wonder they say that the emperor's mind is hard to predict. An emperor must maintain his dignity and not be too close to his subjects...

Why? The reason is here. A person in a high position cannot show his underwear to others. Otherwise, the people below will have ten thousand ways to guide and deal with him. It is also because Zhao Ji is too easy to be figured out. He does not have any real scheming in his mind.

What's the point of being an emperor? Isn't it good to be a good neighbor and a good brother?

"Thank you for your teaching, Prime Minister." Su Wu bowed. Tong Guan's straightforward words meant that he was teaching Su Wu and letting him know how to deal with the emperor in the future.

There was also Tang Ke standing nearby, listening with his ears perked up. What he heard... was very happy, as if he had also learned some martial arts secrets.

Tong Guan also looked at Tang Ke, but Tang Ke also bowed and said, "Thank you very much for your teachings, Prime Minister."

Tong Guan nodded and said, "I'll leave all the affairs of Hangzhou to Mr. Tang!"

Tang Ke nodded repeatedly: "It's all trivial matters, no problem!"

What's going on in Hangzhou? Tong Guan and Su Wu's huge assets, huge investment in real estate! Tang Ke's cooperation is necessary to fully develop it.

"Please, Mr. Tang!" Su Wu stood up and bowed to Tang Ke. When they first met just now, Tong Guan had taken the time to introduce them to each other. It was basic etiquette.

Tang Ke waved his hand: "No, no, we will serve as officials in the same court in the future. Su... Sir, please take good care of me."

Tang Ke is such a well-behaved person, a well-behaved official. There is nothing wrong with his way of being an official, nor is there anything outstanding about him. He is even a bit honest.

But this person can actually get things done.

"Okay, let's eat!" Tong Guan raised his hand to signal for dinner, and delicious dishes were laid out one by one. The troupe of courtesans took turns singing, and after one finished singing, another would come on stage.

Tong Guan said, "I am old and don't drink much. Mr. Tang is also a person who can't drink much. Today, no one can drink with Ziqing..."

Tong Guan laughed as he spoke, but he also raised his eyebrows. How could Cheng Hao not make arrangements?
The courtesans who had finished singing came and sat next to Su Wu.

Cheng Hao still had to arrange these things himself, so he went to Su Wu's side and whispered softly: "Brother-in-law, you... take care of yourself."

Su Wu also laughed and said, "How about Editor Cheng sitting with us?"

"I won't sit down. You... Although my sister is fierce and difficult to deal with, she is also a good woman. You have to treat her well..." Cheng Hao arranged two seats for Su Wu and two seats for Su Wu...

"Haha..." Su Wu laughed so hard that he fell backwards.

Tong Guan looked over and also laughed and scolded: "Stop making noise, you bastard! Go away..."

Seeing Tong Guan waving his hand, Cheng Hao lowered his head and walked away...

Even Su Wu came and said, "Prime Minister, I shouldn't drink too much. I'll go back and write the Ten Essays on Obscene Sacrifices. When the military officials arrive, we'll discuss it in detail and write a good essay to satisfy the emperor."

Tong Guan smiled and said, "You, just do as you please..."

Su Wu nodded, but the courtesans on both sides were quite disappointed. It was obvious that they also knew that the General Su in front of them would be their master from now on.

This master is really good. He is young and strong, handsome, talented, and well-versed in music. He also holds a high position and has a bright future. He is many times better than those old men.

If I could really gain a little status in the palace, get a little love, and have a child, then my life would not be lived in vain...

What a pity... What a pity today...

But Tong Guan was still laughing: "He hasn't even gotten married yet, but he already has a fierce wife at home! Haha..."

Su Wu was not embarrassed, and just said: "Prime Minister, there is a long time to come, and the important thing is to do the business."

Cheng Hao, who was standing by, just kept thinking, I have to quickly send a letter to Dongping Prefecture to ask my sister to return to Beijing! How could this be possible?
Of course, this is not just a simple matter. Su Wu is young, so those things are inevitable, but the eldest son of a legitimate wife is the best.

Cheng Hao naturally didn't know that Su Wu had a wife, Meng, who was pregnant.

Tong Guan was laughing: "Ziqing, you are such a good person! You are loyal and righteous to others. You are like this to your subordinates, your relatives, and me! What a pity..."

As the conversation turned to his adoptive father, Su Wu just smiled and picked up the wine glass: "Prime Minister, please!"

"I'll drink a full cup for you..." Tong Guan just said he would eat more, but now he really drank a full cup.

The banquet ended slowly. They talked slowly, spoke slowly, and drank slowly. Tong Guan, who said he didn't eat much, ate so much that his steps became unsteady and his face turned red.

Just when it was about to end, Cheng Hao went to help Tong Guan and also said something to Su Wu, saying they would chat for a while.

As soon as Tong Guan was arranged, Cheng Hao and Su Wu sat together in the side hall of the yamen.

There was also wine and food in front of Cheng Hao. He was actually hungry just now because he had gone to serve people, mainly Tong Guan, and only ate now.

"This is not easy for you..." Su Wu smiled.

"What's so difficult about this? Isn't this the way to serve others? Didn't Tong Shumi serve the emperor in the same way in the past?" Cheng Hao said while wolfing down his food. He was really hungry.

"You will be promoted when you go back..." Su Wu smiled.

Cheng Hao stopped eating voraciously, his eyes lit up, and he asked, "Brother-in-law, what official position should I get?"

"Be the deputy privy councilor..." Su Wu said.

"Can it be so fast?" Cheng Hao didn't believe it.

"It's only the seventh rank, what's the hurry? I've just stepped into the officialdom. Some people have difficulties at every step, while others should rise step by step like this. Things in this world have always been like this."

Su Wu said so.

Cheng Hao still had food in his mouth, but he wiped his tears for no apparent reason...

"What's wrong with you?" Su Wu was puzzled for a moment.

Cheng Hao chewed a few mouthfuls and swallowed them, saying, "Who could have imagined that it would be like this? Who could have imagined? I never imagined that I would be admitted to the Privy Council through favoritism, and serve the Prime Minister. I would be promoted to the seventh rank by following him around. I would really hold power in the Privy Council. It was like a dream..."

Su Wu finally understood and put himself in Cheng Hao's perspective. A few months ago, he was still serving his classmates in Tokyo. It was a lie to say that he had never been wronged. He had even been rejected by someone in marriage.

On the other hand, he already had some real power in the Privy Council, which was like riding a rocket to success.

At home, my father suddenly became a provincial governor, and my sister found a husband who turned out to be the best general in the dynasty... How to describe it? The best general in the dynasty, who was victorious in every battle.

What about him? Not to mention his official position, all of a sudden, he was hearing about the country's military affairs and all kinds of important news from the court...

Cheng Hao's tears are real...

Su Wu smiled and said, "Eat, eat your fill first."

Cheng Hao took two more bites and said, "Brother-in-law, you are such a good brother-in-law, so nice!"

"You and I are a family, why are you saying all this? Eat, eat, eat first!" Su Wu suddenly had a feeling that he seemed to really have a home and family.

The Song Dynasty is truly vivid and it is right before our eyes.

Cheng Hao continued to eat, then put down his chopsticks, burped, drank a few sips of the wine, and looked at Su Wu with satisfaction: "Brother-in-law, I will work hard in the Privy Council. From now on, the Privy Council belongs to our family, and I will work for our family!"

Su Wu was stunned when he heard this, and said, "Don't say such words..."

"Well, I don't tell you, but I know..." Cheng Hao nodded, his eyes slightly red, but he was full of energy, as if he had endless longing for the future.

"I have something to tell you..." Su Wu wanted to talk about serious matters.

"Okay!" Cheng Hao was full of energy. He clapped his hands and turned to get paper and pen.

"There are so many soldiers, hundreds of thousands of them, all want to return to the capital, and more importantly, to their homes. You should plan a route back to the capital, and also ask about the conditions of the various ferry boats along the river. Most of the soldiers are eager to return home, and if you delay, they will complain, and it will be difficult to appease them."

This matter seems simple, but it is actually very complicated. The crossing of the river by hundreds of thousands of people, as well as supplies and horses, requires extraordinary coordination skills in this era.

This is a test, but also a training!

Cheng Hao nodded: "I understand, this matter must be done!"

"Well, I will report to the Prime Minister tomorrow and ask you to lead the people north first. We also have fast horses. Contact the provincial government, arrange ships, and arrange the marching time for various troops. There should be no crowding, no delay, and no capsizing. There should be no mistakes in everything." Su Wu said seriously.

"Understood!" Cheng Hao really stood up and bowed to receive the order.

Su Wu smiled and went out. It all depended on this chance whether his brother-in-law would live a peaceful and carefree life or shoulder a heavy responsibility.

Su Wu, who was leaving, said, "I will report to you when the detailed rules are in writing."

Su Wu was still a little worried. This matter should have been arranged by him himself, because Tong Guan was unlikely to arrange it, and he could not rely on Tan Zhen either.

Cheng Hao nodded repeatedly: "I dare not make any mistakes."

Cheng Hao seemed to know that he had to do well this time, not only for his brother-in-law to see, but also for the Prime Minister to see.

The two of them walked out together. Cheng Hao was already frowning, feeling stressed, but he suddenly asked, "Brother-in-law, where are you sleeping tonight? The Prime Minister didn't even ask me to arrange for you..."

"What do you care where I sleep?" Su Wu said with a deliberately stern face, just to tease him.

"Ah? You...you can't..."

"None of your business!" Su Wu strode out of the door, walking quickly. He was going back to the camp, as there was a group of knights stationed outside the city.

"Brother-in-law, please be patient..." Cheng Hao was chasing after him.

"Do you want to go together?" Su Wu turned around and smiled.

"It's okay for me to go, brother-in-law, please go slowly. You are a good person, you shouldn't... you... you must be busy with military affairs..."

"Okay, okay, I'm going out of the city..." Su Wu smiled. He had already reached the door and just jumped on his horse.

He really had official documents to write tonight, and he had to send them by express horse overnight. It was about arranging the troops to return to Hangzhou. There had to be a clear military order for where the troops should be stationed in Hangzhou.

Otherwise, when hundreds of thousands of troops from various tribes arrive tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, there will be chaos.

Su Wu got on his horse and left, leaving Cheng Hao, who had escorted Su Wu to the door, standing in the wind, looking a little disheveled... Did he really leave the city? Was it just an excuse?
(Brothers, muah!)
(End of this chapter)