Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 209 Just ask, who is Su Wu?

The army crossed the river smoothly.

Su Wu had already left the Western Army and rode his horse to chase Tong Guan's carriage, and did not get involved in the affairs between Han Shizhong and Liang Hongyu.

In Yangzhou, Tong Guan and Su Wu boarded a boat and returned to Bian Jing along the canal.

In the capital, Tong Guan's victory report was also received.

The emperor was so overjoyed that he could not contain himself, and all the ministers came to the palace to congratulate him.

Outside the Zuoye Gate, there was a large group of people standing in line. Cai Jing, the 73-year-old Grand Tutor who held the first rank of official, stood at the front with an old and frail appearance.

The next one is Wang Fu, followed by many others, including Cai You, Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan, Zhang Bangchang...

Everyone was greeting each other and visiting each other.

Wang Fu also bowed to Cai Jing: "Grandmaster, how are you these days?"

Cai Jing stood at the front with his hands in his sleeves and eyes slightly closed, as if he had not woken up yet, but he answered: "I am old and will soon die. What is good or bad? If you are old and unwilling to die, you are a thief. You may not be able to live for a few more days..."

Wang Fu smiled and said, "What are you talking about, Grand Master? Hearing you speak, you still have a lot of energy. Looking at your body, you are also very healthy and will live a long life!"

Cai Jing still closed his eyes, but smiled: "I can't compare with you young people. What's the point of living too long? It will only increase disgust..."

"Who dares to despise the Grand Tutor..." Wang Fu said again.

Cai Jing suddenly opened his eyes slightly, looked at Wang Fu, and said with a smile: "When you get old, people will dislike you. When you get old, you will not be liked."

How could Wang Fu not understand the deep meaning of Cai Jing's words? But he didn't care, so he changed the subject: "Tong Shumi returned to the capital this time with a great victory, and I think he has a strong army and strong horses. The matter of Ma Zhi has been going on for a long time. After Tong Shumi returns this time, I'm afraid he will discuss this matter..."

"I am a man from the mountains and countryside. Why are you telling me all this, Lord Wang?" Cai Jing closed his eyes again.

"This matter is of great importance. The Grand Tutor is the pillar of the country. How can we not ask about it?" Wang Fu said.

"Alas... What's the use of asking? Who would listen to the words of a dying man like me?"

"Grandmaster, after all, this war is taking place in Hebei and Hedong!"

"Hmm? As for the matter with Liao, it happened in Hebei...what's wrong with it?" Cai Jing asked again.

Wang Fu could no longer guess the answer, so he said bluntly: "Grand Master, you may not know that, just now, Secretary Tong came to report victory, and he also wrote a letter to the emperor, saying that he wanted to inspect the border affairs of Hebei and Hedong, and ask about them, just in case..."

"Oh... good, good!" Cai Jing nodded and smiled, his smile and words were full of the meaning of an old fox.

Wang Fu was somewhat helpless. After thinking for a while, he said, "Please give me some advice, Grand Tutor. If we really want to do this border patrol, how should we get along with Tong Shumi in the court? We should be on good terms with him after all..."

Cai Jing opened his eyes again and looked back. Looking around, everyone in the court was his descendant.
To be honest, who among the people inside and outside the court has not been favored by Cai Jing?

Even though Cai Jing was looking back, everyone met his gaze and bowed.
Take Wang Fu for example. He is now very powerful and not the same as before. In the past, Wang Fu, the Prime Minister, received a lot of favors from Grand Tutor Cai. At that time, the flattery Wang Fu gave to Cai Jing could be put in a basket.

Wang Fu, on the other hand, was good at scheming and getting things done. He first got close to Liang Shicheng, and then gained the favor of the emperor, so it was not a problem for him to be promoted eight levels.

Now, it’s different...

Cai Jing looked at Wang Fu and thought, what does this little trick mean?

Cai Jing only asked one question: "Prime Minister Wang, what do you think about this Ma Zhi matter?"

Wang Fu was asked a question and replied: "In my opinion, war should not be started lightly..."

"Then you should go and report to His Majesty..." Cai Jing replied.

"I wonder what the Grand Tutor thinks..." Wang Fu asked again.

"I am old..."

"No, no, the Grand Master is mature and prudent. For such an important matter, my generation of juniors dare not make a decision lightly. I hope the Grand Master will take charge of the overall situation..."

"The words are really nice, so I'll say it then?" Cai Jing opened his eyes.

"Master please!"

"Then fight, let's fight. The Liao people are now struggling to survive. If we don't fight now, when will we fight?" Cai Jing had a smile on his face.

"Well... since the Grand Tutor said so, then let's beat him. I will tell the emperor to beat him!" Wang Fu said seriously.

Cai Jing laughed again: "You, you... you are really smart. I say, fighting is good, not fighting is also good. Fighting has its advantages, and not fighting has its advantages..."

Wang Fu's expression changed slightly, as if he had been fooled, but he still forced a smile and said, "Grand Master, you should think about this matter! That way, when the emperor asks, we will have an answer."

"This matter is not that important..." Cai Jing waved his hands.

"The most important affairs in the world are sacrifices and wars. This is the most important matter!"

"Hehe...what matters is who gets the credit!" Cai Jing said this bluntly, and he also picked out all of Wang Fu's thoughts.

Wang Fu was not embarrassed, he just said: "Then Tan Zhen, you are really disappointing..."

"You are young, and young people are eager to make progress. If you want to fight, you should discuss it with Tong Shumi. If you don't want to fight, you should also discuss it with Tong Shumi. Why do you have to ask me, an old man?"

Cai Jing's non-stick pan did not express his attitude.

Wang Fu was feeling helpless and kept silent. He also thought that the complicated situation was actually very simple.

He obviously agreed to send troops, but he wanted a perfect way, a way that guaranteed that if they won, they would be credited, but if they lost, they would not be held accountable.

What I am thinking about now is not how to advance this matter, but to first ensure that I am not responsible for bad results, and then think about the credit for good results.

Wang Fu was also anxious because he suddenly felt that he could not interfere in this matter. He could not interfere in the affairs of Hebei, and he could not interfere in the affairs of the army, as Tong Guan was now at the peak of his power.

Just then, the Zuoye Gate opened, and everyone followed Cai Jing in. Cai Jing's pace was not fast, so everyone else slowed down as well, and walked slowly into the imperial city.

Just as everyone arrived at the Chuigong Hall, the emperor arrived slowly and sat upright in the Mingtang.

After the meeting, the emperor was already very happy and said, "The bandits dared to discuss the destiny of heaven. Now they have been captured. We should celebrate the victory in the imperial temple and offer sacrifices to the ancestors of heaven and earth. This event should be grand and we should also tell the people of the world that the Nine Cauldrons are stable and the destiny of heaven has been won!"

Wang Fu immediately responded: "Congratulations for the country, for the people of the world, and for Your Majesty!"

Afterwards, many people came to congratulate him.

The emperor then said: "This time, those who have made contributions will be greatly rewarded, and there will be a general amnesty throughout the country, so as to spread the word of benevolence and righteousness!"

Wang Fu was still the fastest to respond: "Your Majesty's grace has spread far and wide, benefiting the whole world!"

These words were so refreshing to hear. The emperor stood up from his seat and said, "I also want to meet the bandit leader Fang La and ask him what is wrong with the Song Dynasty? Where has it been treated unfairly? Why did he want to deceive people and bring disaster to the region!"

Wang Fu said again: "Your Majesty, it's just a wolfish ambition!"

"I want to ask him in person!" The emperor said seriously. He obviously wanted to have a debate with him. How could such a good man have lost his virtue? Why did Fang La have to do such a great harm to the country and the people?

This is inevitably a posture of a victor. The traitors must be judged not only militarily, but also ideologically and morally.

Isn't this a sense of accomplishment?
The so-called vanity is often caused by this sense of achievement.

Next, we need to discuss the matter of celebrating the victory in the Taimiao, which is also very important. Sacrifice has always been a country’s top priority.

There is nothing else to do in the meeting. Today is a happy occasion and everyone gathers together to discuss how to celebrate.

Prime Minister Wang Fu was the best at organizing the people to clean the streets, how to perform the ceremony of surrendering captives, how to perform the sacrifice in the Imperial Ancestral Temple...

After several days, Tong Guan and Su Wu came to the capital first. They also had to cooperate with these and figure out the procedures. Then they would give orders to the various departments on how to cooperate.

This was the first time that Su Wu, who had come to the capital, participated in meetings in the Secretariat.

Of course, there was nothing to discuss. In fact, it was just a work arrangement. Prime Minister Wang Fu arranged the work personally. Su Wu took notes and cooperated one by one.

First, those strong and elite troops must be selected to be inspectors to watch, which is a military parade, to be seen by the people and the emperor.

Then the captive was presented in front of the Daqing Gate, and Fang La was brought before the emperor, who personally tried and decided the case.

Then go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple for the victory celebration...

In fact, it was so complicated that Su Wu was overwhelmed by it. There was no need to choose, as he was obviously the commander-in-chief of the military parade.

How to station troops outside the city, which troops to enter the city for inspection, how to enter the city, which route to take, how to leave the city, how to maintain order in a city with a population of more than one million...

We must also hasten the purchase of many things, including flags and banners, so many that they can be displayed everywhere, armor and weapons, and strong horses...

The leaders don't work, just say a word and Su Wu will run himself to pieces.

He even had to walk around the streets of Bianjing City himself several times to choose the route and the city gates to enter and exit.

Su Wu also knew that the war between Song and Liao was about to begin. Everything was being prepared for this event, including the military parade. Confidence was very important.

After the meeting in the Council of State, Su Wu returned to the Privy Council, where he held another meeting to finalize the matter of the troops going to the capital for review and then issue official documents. Even though the troops were still on the way, they had to get busy.

Height, build, and appearance were selected. Armor needed to be repaired, and horses needed to be washed...

After a busy day, Su Wu returned home and found that the house he bought for his father-in-law now had many slaves and servants, but there was no owner living at home.

Cheng Hao hasn't come back yet. He is still on the road, busy with the army's affairs along the way.

After waking up from a good sleep, he continued to work hard, implementing and perfecting all kinds of rules and details, which also cost money. Tong Guan was also busy, busy meeting the emperor, meeting Cai Jing, meeting Wang Fu, and meeting many people...

Even everyone came together to see it, and they all sat beside the Dragon Pavilion where the emperor used to play the zither.

The emperor was dressed in a Taoist robe, still the otherworldly Taoist, and was in a very happy mood.

After talking for a while, Tong Guan was talking about how to fight this war, how dangerous it was, how to turn the tide, and so on.

This was truly Tong Guan's home court, and everyone had no choice but to listen to Tong Guan as the protagonist, talking nonstop.

No one can resist the emperor's desire to listen.

After talking for a long time, he was considered to have finished talking temporarily, and then he heard the emperor was angry: "How hateful is this obscene worship! How can it be so rampant?"

There were many faults, the fault was the lewd worship, the fault was Mani, the fault was in misleading people's minds. This was Tong Guan's attribution, and it was also the attribution he could make in front of the emperor.

Tong Guan immediately said: "This time, Su Ziqing was at the forefront of the battle, and he was also the most courageous. He was very wise and resourceful, and he was both civil and military. It was a great battle. He thought a lot and even wrote a great strategy called "Ten Essays on Obscene Sacrifice". I treasured it and have been reading it for several days..."

When the emperor heard this, he immediately said, "Come and have a look with me!"

Tong Guan naturally took it out from his arms and handed it over quickly.

Obviously, Tong Guan had thought of this step a long time ago, and everything was planned by Tong Guan in advance.

After a turmoil or a war like this, we must always make a summary and attribute the consequences in the end.

We can't conclude that it was because the emperor had no moral integrity that the people rebelled, can we?
Then this attribution was already chosen by Tong Guan, that lewd sacrifices disturbed people's hearts. Since lewd sacrifices disturbed people's hearts, then the lewd sacrifices in the world should be rectified. Didn't Su Wu just happen to have an insightful view?
This is obviously a combination of punches, and the purpose is self-evident.

Everyone looked at Tong Guan, whether it was Cai Jing or Wang Fu, they all looked at him sideways and could only praise himself inwardly, saying that Tong Guan was really smart!
The emperor is reading this article by Su Wu, which is full of extraordinary insights. Su Wu knows a lot about the governance of cults in ancient and modern times, both in China and abroad, and there is also homework to be copied.

Education comes first, economy is the priority, good governance is implemented, and strong measures are taken. All these are explained and argued in detail one by one.

Su Wu also added one more private item, which was to vigorously promote the orthodox worship and Taoism and Buddhism. This was something that could truly touch the heart of the emperor.

This emperor is the Taoist emperor, how can he not be happy?

I would also like to add some insights, which is to carry out a census of sacrifices across the country. In fact, there are many places that still have some local beliefs, such as Fujian... Then these local beliefs should be included in the official sacrifices, and the court should confer titles on them, and even conduct doctrinal sorting and integration in the name of the court.

Adding some more insights is to resist foreign beliefs. Mani was originally a foreign belief. Although it has been very localized, it is still foreign.

On this point, we still have to talk about Fujian... At this moment, in Quanzhou, Fujian, there are all kinds of temples everywhere. Brahmanism, Nestorianism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, all the major religions in the world, Quanzhou has them all at this time, and it is also because Quanzhou at this time gathers businessmen from all over the world.

Just flatten them all, whether by fighting or killing. Taking advantage of this time, the emperor, who was still frightened, did what he said.

It is also because China has always had rebellions among the people since ancient times, and in any great chaos, there must be religion involved. Whether it was the Yellow Turbans or Fang La, how could the emperor not be afraid?
There was also Su Wu's selfishness in it. From the Zhou Dynasty onwards, heaven and earth were above all else, and ancestors were above all else. China had its own set of rules. All the six religions and eight teachings would be destroyed.

Even Su Wu thought privately that in the future, Buddhism and Taoism at this time would also undergo a major overhaul, and all the alchemists, sorcerers, masters, gods and immortals would be brought down.

After reading the long and eloquent article, the emperor was delighted: "Very good, Su Ziqing's policy paper is really insightful and he is really a great talent!"

Tong Guan also boasted after hearing this: "Your Majesty, I was also delighted to read this policy paper. After studying it for several days, I feel that the words in it are a good policy for governing the country. In order to protect the safety of the country, the court should carry out this obscene worship of Su Ziqing!"

"Okay, tell the Secretariat to handle it accordingly!" The emperor handed Su Wu's policy paper directly to Wang Fu.

Wang Fu took it and went to look at it. After reading it several times, he was really impressed... This Su Wu is really something. He is not a crude warrior...

Tong Guan immediately took the opportunity to say, "Your Majesty, if we talk about the war, Su Ziqing should be the first to make contributions. If we talk about the basis of governing the country, Su Wu also made this policy proposal, which also makes him the first to make contributions!"

The emperor nodded: "What a talent! What a talent! He deserves a generous reward!"

Tong Guan smiled and said, "The imperial examinations in the court are all about essays, and even poetry and prose. I also mentioned Su Ziqing. I was born a eunuch, and I have read little poetry and lyrics, so I don't know the way of rhythm and tone. I have only heard that Su Ziqing can also write lyrics. Your Majesty and the ministers are all masters of this art. I don't know how Su Ziqing writes lyrics. Is he just a little trickster, or does he have some talent? Please teach me something!"

Even if Tong Guan really seemed to be asking for advice, Su Wu, since he was not present, would simply assume that Tong Guan was not well educated and really did not understand.

Anyway, just treat it as a casual chat with the emperor. The emperor likes these things the most, and he will definitely be interested in topics in this regard.

The emperor smiled and replied: "In terms of the art of rhythm and rhythm, Su Ziqing is also outstanding. Most people cannot compare to him. It's just that he doesn't have many masterpieces..."

Tong Guan said: "You are young, just 22 years old, and have been in the army fighting, so you don't have the opportunity to write lyrics. Only in the past, when I was sitting with Yi An, I wrote a few songs..."

The emperor heard this and asked, "Really? He also sat and discussed Taoism with Li Yi'an?"

Tong Guan nodded: "I also heard that later on, didn't Yi An Jushi's husband make a mistake? It was also Ziqing who rushed 600 miles to suppress the bandits..."

Tong Guan just thought he was just gossiping with the emperor...

The emperor listened to the gossip, nodded and sighed: "What a pity for Zhao Mingcheng, he was born in a noble family and was a talented person. Alas... It's hard to say, at least nothing serious happened to him in the end... Well, let's talk about Su Ziqing..."

"Oh, Your Majesty, I was thinking that since there is no war in the world, Su Ziqing will have a lot of free time after coming to the capital. At the age of 22, it is the right time for him to make a name for himself. This capital will be interesting and lively!"

Tong Guan smiled.

The emperor also smiled: "The world is full of talented people, the literary style is flourishing, and the military fortune is prosperous. This is the blessing of our ancestors, the destiny, and the blessing of the country. The more lively the better!"

Tong Guan responded, "Your Majesty, shall we discuss how to reward Su Ziqing this time?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone laughed and looked at Tong Guan. This operation was really flawless, linked together, and smooth...

The emperor also asked, "Eh? They said that Su Ziqing had returned to the capital first, so why didn't he come to see me?"

Tong Guan explained: "He was assigned by the ministers to present the captives and inspect the troops. He was not summoned by the emperor. How could he come to see the emperor when he was the head of the Privy Council?"

"Oh, is that so? It is my fault. Well, well, let's discuss it. Such a talent, and his unparalleled contribution, deserves a heavy reward!" The emperor himself became excited.

Tong Guan said, "Your Majesty, why not ask Su Ziqing to go to the Imperial College to study first? Study for three to five years so that he can have a good background first?"

Nowadays, as long as you go to the Imperial College to study, you can become an official after graduation. You don’t have to pass the imperial examination, and it is still considered a high status. Of course, you can also take the imperial examination and get a Jinshi degree.

Tong Guan said this deliberately, and then immediately paid attention to the emperor's reaction.

The emperor waved his hand and said, "Such a talented person, and even a good general, has come up with such a great plan, and is also a master of the art of rhythm and rhythm. If we only wait for him to study for three to five years, wouldn't that be a waste of talent? Maybe it's time to use someone, why bother with so much trouble? In this case, grant him the same status as a Jinshi!"

Tong Guan also said: "This... is not appropriate. What if the censor impeaches me?"

Everyone present was watching Tong Guan's performance. In fact, they were not envious or jealous. Who among those who could be here did not have such a highlight moment in front of the emperor?

He didn't really want to offend Tong Guan at this moment. Something big was about to happen, and it was the time to win over Tong Guan.

The struggle among all parties is a struggle, and the competition is a competition. In fact, on the one hand, Tong Guan is the one who is being closely watched, and on the other hand, he is the least feared.

The reason is simple. Tong Guan is old, has no sons, no family, no relatives, and even less political power such as real disciples and marriage alliances.

Zhao Ji's face darkened, and he waved his hand: "Even so, with such great talent, he still can't get the same Jinshi degree? Just pass this "Ten Essays on Obscene Sacrifice" to the Censorate and the Court of Remonstrance. I know how to use people well, isn't it a good reputation?"

Tong Guan said, "Your Majesty knows how to use people, and I am not as good as you! I still have many concerns. As a eunuch, I dare not discuss the affairs of the court."

"That's it!" Emperor Zhao Ji seemed to have a temper, and said: "The Ministry of Personnel drafted the decree, the Secretariat sent it, the Ministry of Rites registered it, the Ministry of Personnel filed it, and granted Su Ziqing the same status as a Jinshi!"

Tong Guan said: "It's a pity that Su Ziqing is not here. Your Majesty loves him so much, how can he not be moved and have tears in his eyes?"

The emperor smiled and replied: "Just remember that he is doing this for the country and the people. Keep up the good work!"

"Then..." Tong Guan paused.

The emperor paused, then said, "That's right, we are both Jinshi graduates, but it's just a title, not worthy of reward. Let's discuss it, how should we promote him?"

Wang Fu looked at the emperor, looked at Tong Guan, and also looked at the calm Cai Jing. His heart moved, and he replied: "Your Majesty, a man as talented as Su Ziqing, who is well versed in military affairs, should be employed by the Privy Council!"

Tong Guan turned around and smiled at Wang Fu.

Wang Fu also smiled back...

Tong Guan said directly: "What Wang Xianggong said is not appropriate. He has been appointed by the Privy Council, which is already a high position. He cannot be promoted at will. It is better to transfer him outside the Privy Council. He is now a fifth-rank official. He has made great contributions and deserves a big reward. A promotion to the fourth rank is already a great favor from heaven! It is not appropriate for him to stay in the Privy Council."

The emperor also frowned and asked his attendants, "The two censorial offices? Or the Secretariat? Or the six ministries? Or should they be sent out to other places?"

Wang Fu made a detailed analysis: "The censors are responsible for offering advice and supervising the officials. Su Ziqing is not suitable. The Zhongshu Menshi, running around in the political hall and beside the emperor, is not suitable for Su Ziqing's talent. The six ministries are responsible for handling paperwork. Su Ziqing is a brave man, so I am afraid he is not suitable..."

The emperor was also angry: "Why beat around the bush? Just say it directly."

Wang Fu smiled and said, "Your Majesty just said that maybe it is time to recruit someone. Your Majesty already has a plan in mind. I dare to make a guess. It is better for the Privy Council to listen to you."

The emperor immediately laughed: "Yes, just stay in the Privy Council... let's see how it works..."

Tong Guan said at this time: "If he stays in the Privy Council, there is no official position to be awarded, so why not give him a title? What do you think, Your Majesty?"

"It's settled. You pick one and I'll listen..." The emperor is the best man.

Tong Guan did not wait and went straight to the point, but he muttered: "Bachelor, I'm afraid it's not appropriate. Su Wu's talent, the title of scholar, I'm afraid it's not worthy of it!"

The emperor suddenly laughed and said, "My dear, you are waiting for me here. You are the direct scholar of the Privy Council."

Tong Guan seemed to be frightened and stood up immediately: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not what I meant. The Privy Councilor is a third-rank official. The Chief Censor and the Governor of Kaifeng are only third-rank officials. To be promoted so high at the age of 22, I'm afraid the whole world will be shocked! Throughout the dynasties, for thousands of years, I'm afraid only Gan Luo and Huo Qubing have done this!"

Tong Guan was very familiar with how to manipulate Zhao Ji, and to say the opposite of what he meant was just a small trick.

Who was Gan Luo? Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng!
Who was Huo Qubing? Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che!

Just ask, who did Su Wu serve?

(Brothers, tomorrow, my younger brother, my real younger brother, the one who served in the army in Tibet and made great contributions, is getting married! I'm afraid I'll have to stop updating for a day, so I'm asking for leave in advance! Thank you all, sorry sorry!)
(End of this chapter)