Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 226 What's wrong with Su Wu? Has he gone mad?

Looking back again, Li Gang's anxiety was palpable.

But Fan Yun held the reins tightly, not slowing down at all, and kept going fast. That was the order of the army, so he did it.

They even placed scouts behind them, just like when they were on a military campaign.

Li Gang was so worried that he stayed up all night. It wasn't until nearly noon the next day, when they were not far from Yanggu County and had even encountered soldiers from Yanggu County who came out to meet them, that Fan Yun finally loosened the reins and waited for a while.

Su Wu arrived as well. Li Gang watched from afar and finally breathed a sigh of relief. As soon as Su Wu approached, Li Gang said, "Scholar, you've been so anxious..."

Su Wu smiled and waved his hand: "It's nothing!"

"It's good that they returned safely." Li Gang smiled, but then asked Su Wu, "Scholar Su, do they really dare to kill an official of the imperial court?"

Su Wu shook his head: "They wouldn't dare!"

"Why is that?" Li Gang was puzzled. In the Song Dynasty, such a thing had never happened before; it was unheard of!

There are many ways to punish scholar-officials. For example, they are made to travel all over the Song Dynasty, going here to take up new posts and there. Many of them die of illness or exhaustion on the way. Another example is to demote them to Hainan Island, where they may never return.

But I've never heard of murder or robbery...

Su Wu laughed and said, "It's just a cornered dog jumping over the wall!"

Li Gang suddenly straightened up, shook his head, and said, "They've come to kill me! They probably want to downplay the incident, but they know that if I go to the capital, things will escalate... They're afraid..."

Su Wu looked at Li Gang and shook his head: "They might not be that afraid!"

Why? Because even if Liang Shijie's matter comes to light, he won't face much punishment. At most, he'll be demoted, and after some time, he can easily make a comeback.

So why keep targeting Li Gang? Because Li Gang is really a nobody, and the cost of killing him is actually very small. Liang Shijie just doesn't want to be idle for a few years and wait for a reinstatement...

Li Gang understood all this, and he also knew that his impeachment memorial alone could not truly weaken Cai Jing's power. However, he also thought that what he was doing was for the future campaign against Liao.

Then he said in one breath: "I want to go to the capital, I must go to the capital now! Scholar, please send some men to escort me to the capital at once!"

Su Wu, however, still wanted to ask one more question: "Are you really sure about this?"

Li Gang's face was resolute, his cheek muscles bulging, as he said, "A scholar must be broad-minded and resolute!"

"Alright, no rush. You come back to Dongping Prefecture with me first. I'll bring hundreds of fast horses and personally escort you to the capital!" Su Wu's words were full of righteous indignation.
Upon hearing this, Li Gang instinctively wanted to refuse, but looking at Su Wu's expression, and now knowing what kind of person Su Wu was, he felt helpless...

"Let's go!" Su Wu spurred his horse forward, heading back to Dongping Prefecture first, for things had changed!

From this day forward, the situation will change drastically!
The change started with Li Gang. Su Wu used to be Cheng Wanli's son-in-law and a trusted confidant of Tong Guan!
Now, Su Wu is going to establish his own independent faction. He has his own political needs and is no longer anyone's vassal. Of course, he can still be Tong Guan's confidant and will also be Cheng Wanli's son-in-law.

But everything was different now. From this day forward, Su Wu would have his own path in politics.

It could even be a path that involves coercing Cheng Wanli and Tong Guan.

Previously, Tong Guan was the primary advisor, followed by Cheng Wanli.

Now, Su Wu is in charge.

Therefore, Su Wu was going to Dongping Prefecture to see Cheng Wanli!

The swift horse galloped along this familiar official road, passing hills and plains, and even passing Jingyanggang and Dulonggang.

Then they entered the city and saw Scholar Su riding a strong horse. The soldiers guarding the gate recognized him and all smiled.

The horses were still far away when the many guards at the gate bowed and saluted, saying, "Sir!"

"My husband is here..."

"Quickly, make way, make way! My husband is back, don't block his horse's hooves!"

"I'm talking to you! Move the car a couple of steps to the side!"

"Stand by the roadside! Stand by the roadside!"

"Hurry up, hurry up... Don't cause a collision and then try to extort money from us!"

Su Wu's horse had arrived, so he slowed down slightly, looked around, and smiled, saying, "Brothers, you've worked hard!"

"Hehe, husband, it's not hard work. You're just busy with your duties, hehe... Husband, please come in!" The soldiers laughed incessantly.

"My lord is mighty!"

"My husband, my husband!"

The soldiers shouted and yelled as Su Wu rode past them, heading straight into the government office.

In the same small study, Cheng Wanli frowned repeatedly as he listened to Su Wu slowly explain the situation, clarifying the matter.

Cheng Wanli's face was full of bitterness: "Why do it this way... Ziqing, the way of officialdom is not like this, alas..."

Su Wu said, "My lord, are Cai Jing, Cai You, and Liang Shijie really so terrifying?"

“Ziqing, this isn’t a battlefield. It’s not something you can just rush in and kill people to end it all. This… How could someone as insightful as you not understand? You must understand, Cai Jing is over seventy years old, has risen and fallen several times, held power in the central government for over a decade or two, and has disciples and former officials all over the country. Even if we were to fight him, we should proceed slowly and methodically…”

Cheng Wanli spoke earnestly.

Su Wu also understood that this was a kind of inertia, a kind of pressure. A person who had held great power for more than ten or twenty years had already deeply imprinted his authority on the hearts of people like Cheng Wanli.

Eighteen years ago, when Cheng Wanli passed the imperial examination, Cai Jing was already the prime minister. At that time, Cheng Wanli dreamed of meeting Cai Jing, but it was impossible for him to do so...

Su Wu then put himself in Cheng Wanli's shoes to experience just how powerful Cai Jing was.

Su Wu nodded and continued, "My lord, the people and things in this world are always changing. Many things that seem unattainable and insurmountable can collapse in an instant!"

“You’re putting the Chancellor in a difficult position…” Cheng Wanli said again.

Su Wu simply stood up, making himself appear tall and imposing, and then spoke: "My lord, the Grand Chancellor and you are both filled with fear and worry about many things, but I am different. I am young and fearless, so there is no point in talking about these things. Let's talk about other things. Doesn't the Grand Chancellor want to stand on equal footing with Cai Jing? Doesn't Wang Fu want to stand on equal footing with Cai Jing? They are both doing so. What's wrong with me being a pawn?"

Cheng Wanli waved his hands repeatedly: "You're not just acting as a pawn, you're... you're going to ruin the whole situation."

"The way to lead troops into battle sometimes requires a desperate gamble, a willingness to break through enemy lines. This time, I am leading Li Gang to break through enemy lines in Tokyo, regardless of life or death!"

Su Wu spoke with force and righteous indignation.

“This is different, this is different…” Cheng Wanli became increasingly anxious and reached out to pull on the sleeve of Su Wu, who was standing tall with his head held high.

Su Wu replied only: "The methods proposed by the Grand Chancellor and Wang Fu will definitely not succeed. They are afraid of wolves in front and tigers behind, hesitant and indecisive. If they continue like this, there will definitely be big problems when we attack Liao in the future!"

Su Wuzhen had thought about this matter. Tong Guan and Wang Fu wanted to fight Cai Jing, but they were hesitant and timid, as if they had done something but also as if they hadn't done anything at all.

In the future, Cai Jing will be reinstated; in the end, Cai Jing has won.

Therefore, history has proven that Tong Guan and Wang Fu were not capable in this matter!
Then Su Wu had to do it himself. Su Wu had also worried about these things and even hesitated. In fact, it was Li Gang who helped him make up his mind.

Who controls the affairs of the world?

Isn't it the emperor? Su Wu was confident that he now had a say in the emperor's affairs, so why couldn't he give it a try?
Li Gang, having secured Su Wu's safety, would not allow himself to become a sacrifice for the likes of Wang Fu.

It was Su Wu who brought Li Gang into this matter, so we can't let Li Gang become a victim in it.

To put it bluntly, it boils down to one sentence: the former big brother is no longer capable; he's become a coward.

Then Su Wu himself would have to be the eldest brother!

Cheng Wanli simply said, "Ziqing, Ziqing, everything is handled by the Grand Councilor, who makes the decisions freely!"

Cheng Wanli's words essentially meant that we should still believe in our elder brother, that he can do it.

Su Wu couldn't believe it. It was Wang Fu and Tong Guan who arranged for Su Wu to patrol the border and cause trouble for Liang Shijie.

Su Wu was convinced that once he found this troublesome person, Liang Shijie would be done for.

Thus, with Li Gang and Suo Chao on his side, Su Wu himself charged into battle.

In the end, the eldest brother failed. Su Wu's matter was settled, but the eldest brother's matter was still delayed.

At this moment, Su Wu suddenly realized that the Tong Guan in the capital and the Tong Guan outside the capital were two different people.

If what Cheng Wanli said was true, and everything was indeed orchestrated by Tong Guan, then Su Wu immediately had a premonition that the campaign against Liao would inevitably encounter problems.

Cai Jing's management of Hebei, and even Daming Prefecture, was no simple matter. Twenty years ago, Cai Jing served as the prefect of Daming Prefecture. That year was the first year of Chongning. He entered the capital as prime minister from his post in Daming Prefecture.

If, by any chance, Su Wu's army is on the front lines facing Yelü Dashi, unable to transport money or grain from behind, and even facing his own people trying to undermine morale, not to mention defeat, even if they ultimately win, how much will Su Wu have to pay?

Li Gang's actions made Su Wu think deeply. If he couldn't rely on others, then Su Wu could only stand up for himself, set up his own flag, and do things on his own!

Su Wu looked at Cheng Wanli. He knew that Cheng Wanli was an honest man. He wondered how he could make Cheng Wanli stand out a bit more.
Just a little bit is enough.

He feared that Cheng Wanli would easily yield to Cai Jing, as Cheng Wanli now controlled both routes in Jingdong, which was Su Wu's only trump card and reliance.

Su Wu suddenly asked, "Sir, have you ever thought about something?"

"What is it?" Cheng Wanli asked, somewhat bewildered.

Su Wu then said, "Given Cai Jing's power, is it not possible to replace him?"

Cheng Wanli waved his hands repeatedly: "Ziqing, I have never thought of that!"

Su Wu simply said, "My lord, I am a warrior of fierce courage, unafraid of death. I have thought it through! I risked my life to quell the bandits so that I might see the Emperor. Now, I risk my life again to fight the Liao so that the world may honor me and all people may respect my words! What is wrong with taking his place? Now, I am among virtuous men, acting uprightly and honestly. Wouldn't that be more beneficial to the country and the people than Cai Jing? The world is vast, and there are countless officials. Who would dare to say a bad word about Cai Jing? My lord, do you dare to say a bad word about Cai Jing? If I were to take his place, wouldn't I be better than Cai Jing?"

It's nothing. I forced Cheng Wanli to join the Liangshan bandits and told his father-in-law that there was no way out. We're family. If I do it, you have to do it too. If you don't, the consequences are obvious!

Upon hearing Su Wu's words, Cheng Wanli's hands trembled, and his mouth also trembled: "Ziqing... Ziqing... Can't we just live a good life together?"

“My lord knows I am not that kind of person! Since you met me, have you ever seen me show any fear? In every matter, I have always been fearless and unwavering,” Su Wu pressed.

"Sigh..." Cheng Wanli was somewhat helpless after hearing Su Wu's words. This son-in-law was someone he had personally judged very well in the past. He was extremely satisfied with him. He was just too good, too excellent, too outstanding!

But this person seems too outstanding, which isn't good either!
"Why are you telling me all this?" Cheng Wanli asked, somewhat helplessly.

Su Wu said bluntly, "My lord, if we are of one mind, there will surely be people who seek revenge against me in the future. Don't be afraid, don't be intimidated. As long as I don't fall, you must hold on!"

What was Su Wu afraid of? He was afraid of having his supplies cut off, afraid of Cheng Wanli backing down, and especially afraid that while he was fighting on the front lines, Cheng Wanli would back down.

"Sigh..." Cheng Wanli was still sighing.

Su Wu immediately replied, "Just like before, my lord, watch me fight for a while, and watch me go to the capital. If I lose this battle, it will be my own fault, my own death! This marriage is still just an agreement, not yet finalized. My lord, go and find another good match. If I win this battle, as before, my lord, you must persevere to the end. No matter what, if I don't fall, my lord must never give up!"

"Ziqing, what are you saying? What are you saying? I, Cheng Wanli, am not that kind of person!" Cheng Wanli was really annoyed by this and waved his hands repeatedly.

"My lord, it's settled then. Now watch me go and fight this battle!" Su Wu bowed and turned to leave.

Su Wu was pressuring Cheng Wanli, but he was also giving him a heads-up for the future. He was also using this opportunity to give Cheng Wanli confidence and belief that no matter what happens in the future, Cheng Wanli must keep an eye on his son-in-law. As long as his son-in-law is still standing, Cheng Wanli must never back down!
Just like this time, Su Wu went to fight Cai Jing. Let's see if Su Wu wins and see if the powerful Cai Jing will also be defeated.
Another good thing about Su Wu is that he always communicates with his family about everything and makes sure they understand.

Su Wu left, and Cheng Wanli could only sigh. It was unexpected and something he never expected. He thought that he was now a high-ranking official in charge of a region, and his son-in-law was a third-rank scholar. His family and status had reached their peak.

He could be a good official, gaining both prestige and power. He could also groom his grandson and gradually establish himself in the court. In any case, he could become a high-ranking official in Tokyo. This was the ultimate goal he had strived for his entire life.

Why has it changed?

Could it really be that the son-in-law was chosen too well? Just then, Cheng Xiaoniang slowly walked in with tears in her eyes, and walked all the way to Cheng Wanli's side.

This startled Cheng Wanli: "Why do you walk so quietly?"

Cheng Xiaoniang's face was covered in tears; she had clearly overheard what was happening. She said softly, "Aren't all men like this?"

"What's wrong?" Cheng Wanli was also in a state of confusion.

“A marriage, a woman, taken or taken, just like that…” Cheng Xiaoniang said, her voice trembling with tears.

"That was just said in anger!" Cheng Wanli explained, though his tone was harsh.

Cheng Xiaoniang shook her head: "I know, he wasn't just saying that out of anger... Father, you don't believe him..."

“It’s not that I don’t believe him, it’s just… why bother with this? We’re living a very good life, what’s wrong with us?” Cheng Wanli explained repeatedly.

Cheng Xiaoniang then asked, "Father, if he goes to the capital this time and returns in disgrace, do you really intend to break off this marriage agreement?"

"No, I didn't say that! It was Ziqing who said it, wasn't he the one who said it? I... I was completely dazed just now!" Cheng Wanli was furious.

“Father, I believe him!” Cheng Xiaoniang suddenly said.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Wanli was stunned and stared blankly at his beloved daughter.

The obedient daughter slowly continued, "Father, he is this kind of person. He is not an ordinary person. If he were, you wouldn't have looked down on him in the past, and I wouldn't have liked him either... Since he is not an ordinary person, he has his own future to strive for. He can't be a good son-in-law when things are going well and an outsider when things are going badly... This is a principle I've learned from my studies..."

Cheng Wanli stood up angrily: "You scoundrel, are you having a nightmare? I didn't say anything! I didn't utter a word just now, but you, not even married yet, are already in Cao Ying with your heart in Han. How could you know the bitterness in my heart?"

"Father, he will return in high spirits!" The obedient daughter seemed not to hear her father's words at all, and kept talking to herself.

"Sigh... Go on, go to sleep, go drink... Don't bother me here!" Cheng Wanli raised his hand to shoo him away.

“Father, he has gone to war countless times, and he always returns victorious, every single time.”

"I know, I know, Third Sister, Third Sister!" Cheng Wanli shouted outside.

The person calling was Hu Sanniang. Hu Sanniang was actually outside the door, and she walked in and gave a curtsy.

Cheng Wanli ordered, "Take Jiyue with you...you two go and have some fun...go!"

Hu Sanniang was also helpless and in a dilemma, but Cheng Xiaoniang turned around and said, "Father, I'll go by myself. Don't worry, Su Lang will be back soon..."

"Huh? What?" Cheng Wanli was stunned for a moment, but seeing that his beloved daughter had already left, he muttered, "Su Lang..."

After muttering to himself, he stood up again, cursing, "Sure enough, girls are attracted to each other; she's been drugged!"

But she spoke softly, and then uttered another word: "Return Su Lang..."

But as he walked to the door, he stopped again, and Cheng Wanli let out a long sigh: "Sigh..."

Over there, in the military camp, Su Wu had selected two or three hundred cavalrymen and several hundred horses, with armor tied to the packhorses and food bags hanging on them!

"Go!" Su Wu shouted, and hundreds of horses galloped out of the military camp.

Tokyo is only 400 miles away!
First, I'll go to Jeju Island to meet with Zhang Shuye and discuss something. Zhang Shuye is a man of integrity and upright character. He was originally the Vice Minister of Rites, but was demoted from the capital for impeaching Cai Jing for his "empty palace" scheme…

Therefore, we should take the initiative to tell Uncle Zhang about this.

Zhang Shuye was also packing his things, preparing to take up his post in Qizhou (Jinan). This was part of Su Wu's plan to send Zhang Shuye to Qizhou to be in charge of the distribution of grain supplies along the two routes of Jingdong.

Su Wu didn't linger. He simply explained the situation and then set off south.

Zhang Shuye came to see him off by the roadside, watching Su Wu's horse head south, and bowed from afar.

Nothing much, Su Wu just wanted to tell those upright gentlemen what he, Su Wu, was doing this time!
In this era, upright and virtuous people have always been ostracized. Anyone who dares to say a few words will not have a good ending, as evil has always prevailed over good.

Su Wu also knew that this group of people was never small; they were just powerless due to the circumstances. Now, Su Wu was going to take the lead and set an example, and these people would naturally gather around him!
Once these people are gathered together, their power will be unimaginable!

Moreover, birds of a feather flock together, and people of similar character form groups. Pure and virtuous people often have a distant and indifferent relationship, yet they are often willing to die for each other in a moment of passion!

On the way, Li Gang was seen racking his brains trying to think of something.

Su Wu also asked, "What does Imperial Censor Li want to do?"

Li Gang replied, "I'm thinking of my old friends; is there anyone who dares to say a word for me?"

Su Wu laughed as well: "Have you thought of that? Is there really anyone in the capital who would dare to speak up for you?"

Unexpectedly, Li Gang nodded seriously: "Others may not be so sure, but there is one person who will definitely dare to speak up for me!"

"Who is it?" Su Wu was very surprised. The Song Dynasty was not entirely a country on the verge of collapse.

Then Li Gang said: "Chen Xiangong, the censor, whose full name is Guan and courtesy name is Yingzhong, was the third-ranked scholar in the second year of Yuanfeng. Now he is sixty-three years old and has been reinstated several times. He is a humble man who does not covet fame or fortune. He is dignified and self-possessed. In the past, when I was demoted to Shaxian, Fujian, only he spoke up for me."

"I thought the entire court was full of Cai Jing's cronies, but I never imagined there were such people among them." Su Wu also praised him.

“Cai Jing has long been angry with him, but he can’t fabricate a story. I imagine that recently, Minister Chen must be feeling like every day is a year, and he probably won’t last many more days…” Li Gang said, his voice filled with anguish.

Su Wu understood something. Given the situation, it seemed that Chen Guan really had nothing to hide. It seemed that what Li Gang said was true, and Chen Guan really would help Li Gang.

However, Su Wu said, "With this one more person, we have some assistance, but we still can't win..."

Li Gang nodded. He knew that having one more or one less person wouldn't help him achieve a great victory in the capital.

Then Su Wu came and said, "I have a plan, and I have already thought it through!"

"Scholar, please tell me quickly!" Li Gang exclaimed excitedly.

How could Su Wu be someone who went into battle unprepared? Let's talk slowly from horseback!

Upon hearing this, Li Gang was overjoyed: "That's a good idea, but I'm afraid those people the scholar mentioned might not have the courage to do so?"

Su Wu smiled and said, "I will go and see them one by one."

Li Gang sighed and slowly said, "I can't help but think back to the past, to the reign of Emperor Renzong. At that time, the court was clear and honest, His Majesty was wise, and the channels for speaking were open. Although there were successes and failures, how comfortable the ministers were back then... It was only a few decades ago..."

Su Wu didn't respond, but he knew what Li Gang was reminiscing about: Fu Bi, Wang Anshi, Han Qi, Bao Zheng, Ouyang Xiu, Su Shi, Sima Guang, Di Qing...

If you were to ask Su Wu if he felt nostalgic, he might have missed some certain people, but he didn't miss that era at all, because China didn't really become much stronger under those people's rule...

This Song Dynasty is still the same Song Dynasty!
As the horse galloped closer to Tokyo, Li Gang's expression grew increasingly serious, and he began to lose his smile.

Su Wu was not at ease. This step was actually the first step for him to establish his own independent faction. Whether he would have a place in the court in the future depended on this.

To put it bluntly, whether he becomes the eldest brother or continues to be the younger brother depends on this.

We only had three days to go before arriving in the capital. We hurried along the way.

Su Wu arranged for Li Gang to stay in the house that Liang Shicheng had given him, which was also Su Wu's own home, while the soldiers stayed at home to guard him.

Su Wu led a few men directly to the Privy Council to see Tong Guan.

Su Wu also came to force them, to force Cheng Wanli and Tong Guan.

Su Wu strode in, heading straight for Tong Guan's cell. Inside, Cheng Hao was serving him. Upon seeing Su Wu enter, Cheng Hao was first startled, then excited: "Scholar Su, why have you suddenly come to the capital?"

Su Wu did not answer, but went forward to pay his respects: "Your humble servant Su Wu pays his respects to the Grand Councilor."

Tong Guan had already looked up at Su Wu, seemingly feeling guilty and resentful, and simply raised his hand: "Ziqing, please sit down. The others should leave first."

Cheng Hao went out and naturally sensed that something seemed amiss.

Then Tong Guan asked again, "What about Li Gang? Has he also entered the capital?"

Su Wu nodded: "He has also entered the capital..."

Tong Guan was at a loss for words, so he said, "What do you have to say? You speak first..."

Su Wu then spoke up: "Prime Minister, why... can't that Prime Minister Wang even handle this small matter concerning Liang Shijie properly? The evidence is already conclusive. Liang Shijie embezzled military funds, lined his own pockets, and committed bribery and corruption! How can the Prime Minister still turn a blind eye?"

Tong Guan seemed to know that Su Wu wanted to ask this, so he replied, "Things are not that simple. Matters in the court are even more complicated. Even if the evidence is conclusive, when these matters are brought before the emperor, everyone will have their own version of events. The emperor is benevolent..."

Su Wu bluntly stated, "I think otherwise. Even that Minister Wang has his concerns..."

"Alas...who can be without some concerns? Many things need to be discussed and decided together. That Minister Wang, in the past, was promoted by Grand Tutor Cai and was also one of Grand Tutor Cai's men. Who can be without some leverage against him?"

Su Wu knew what Tong Guan meant; it was true. "If you want to deal with me, I will deal with you in return. Then we can discuss it together."

Li Gang, or rather Su Wu, seemed to leave no room for negotiation.

Su Wu deliberately acted like a soldier throwing a tantrum, complaining: "It was Minister Wang who ordered me to take Li Gang to handle this matter. Now that it's done, Minister Wang is all talk and no action, not a hero. Shouldn't the person who handled it die? The Grand Councilor doesn't know that the account books were secretly obtained by my sworn brother. My brother is now also living in constant fear. The memorial was submitted by Li Gang, and Li Gang is now also living in constant fear. What should we do?"

Tong Guan casually remarked, "That's not difficult. What's the name of your sworn brother? Just issue a transfer order and bring him under your command. As for Li Gang... Li Gang... as long as he remains calm and waits for Minister Wang to settle things, there will be no worries."

Su Wu was taken aback. Yes, sometimes things are just that simple, and compromise is just that simple.

Suo Chao's matter was easy to handle once it came to the Privy Council, but Li Gang's matter was not so easy.

Su Wu immediately remarked, "That Li Gang, a man of integrity and noble character, is going to roar at the court!"

"Then you should try to persuade him first. When he needs to roar in the court, just let him do it. Sometimes, there's no need to go to such lengths..." Tong Guan said.

Su Wu frowned as well, thinking about when it was needed and when it wasn't...

Everything has become a transaction; even the integrity of a gentleman has become a transaction.

Su Wu said in one sentence: "Prime Minister, the war against Liao is a do-or-die battle, with no chance of victory. If we do not carry this out to the end, we will surely suffer the consequences in the future!"

Tong Guan nodded: "But we can't rush it. Things will work out better if we take it slow. We should take it one step at a time. Ziqing, you understand this principle..."

Su Wu could only sense that Tong Guan had changed...

Why has it changed?

How could Cai Jing be so frightening? Especially since he had already been dismissed from his post as prime minister...

Or perhaps, Tong Guan was never a man with that many eggs?

Or perhaps, he selectively has eggs? Some eggs he has, and some he doesn't?

Seeing Su Wu's changing expression, Tong Guan continued, "Court affairs are different from local affairs and military affairs. If you do others a favor, they will do the same for you. For example, when I recommended you for the position of Academician of the Privy Council, why did it go so smoothly? It's because someone did you a favor. If everyone were openly undermining each other in front of the Emperor, no one could accomplish anything..."

Is it unreasonable? It makes perfect sense.

For a moment, Su Wu did indeed have a vague hesitation.

While hesitating, Su Wu thought of something: perhaps the defeat of the 200,000-strong army in the Liao Dynasty and Cai Jing's reinstatement as prime minister were indeed closely related.

Thinking of this, Su Wu hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Prime Minister, Li Gang has already entered the capital. He has no choice but to act! I have protected him all the way here, just to uphold our friendship. No matter what, we must ensure his safety and well-being!"

Upon hearing this, Tong Guan was stunned!
What's wrong with Su Wu? Has he gone mad?

In the past, he was such a capable and persuasive person. How did he become so mad today?
(Hey guys, muah! It's almost the end of the month again...)
(End of this chapter)