Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 229 A Defeat Is Acceptable!
Su Wu suddenly stepped forward and claimed to be a witness, which greatly surprised the emperor. He immediately asked, "Why does Minister Su also come to speak on this matter?"

Before the entire court, Su Wu spoke frankly: "Your Majesty, Daming Prefecture and Dongping Prefecture are only a hundred miles apart. I am well aware of the tens of thousands of troops stationed in Daming Prefecture. Daming Prefecture is an important town in Hebei and is also the capital of the Song Dynasty. However, its military equipment is in disarray, its soldiers are weak, and its morale is low. I have seen this scene and am deeply concerned. I even went to great lengths to obtain the account books of the Daming Prefecture army and handed them over to Imperial Censor Li. I am here to testify on behalf of Imperial Censor Li to all of you and Your Majesty that everything Imperial Censor Li said is true. I am willing to guarantee it with my own head!"

As soon as Su Wu finished speaking, the emperor looked surprised. He even changed his posture, unconsciously shifting his body in his seat, and looked at everyone in the room!

The emperor's silence was a subconscious act of avoidance, waiting for someone else to speak!

Who says so?

Wang Fu was looking at Tong Guan, but Tong Guan did not meet his gaze, as if he were resting with his eyes closed. Wang Fu looked annoyed, as if he knew that he had been tricked!
Without giving Tong Guan much attention, he said, "Your Majesty, what Scholar Su said may not necessarily be false. Scholar Su's patriotism is admirable. However, what we see may not be the truth. There may indeed be some weak and corrupt local troops and auxiliary soldiers, but they are certainly not like the Imperial Guards of Daming Prefecture. The Imperial Guards of our Great Song Dynasty have always had ample provisions and military equipment, and they are well-trained. Even when they went south to suppress bandits, they were invincible against a million bandits. This shows their strength!"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded repeatedly and immediately said, "That makes sense. Most of the soldiers are in the Imperial Guard, while some of the local militia are probably newly recruited refugees, so it's normal that they are weak. Scholar Su, is this not the case?"

This was a stepping stone, which Su Wu couldn't understand. He just shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, that's not how it works. The soldiers in Daming Prefecture are not weak. There are tens of thousands of soldiers, but only three or four thousand strong ones. The rest are all weak and emaciated, and they only get three or five hundred coins a month. They have to find hard labor in and around the city to barely survive!"

"Is this really true?" the emperor exclaimed in surprise.

Wang Fu immediately replied, "This is absolutely not true, Your Majesty. The court has an annual expenditure of tens of millions of strings of cash, enough to support a million soldiers. It is far more than enough. Even if some military funds are used temporarily, there should be no such thing! Scholar Su's words are nothing but alarmist."

Su Wu looked at Wang Fu, puzzled. Why was Wang Fu charging ahead like this?

Su Wu had anticipated that he would be facing off against someone from the Cai family, but he never expected that it would be Wang Fu.

When such matters are brought to the imperial court, it's really just empty talk. The emperor can't possibly go and see for himself. In other words, Su Wu's account books and evidence aren't very effective here.

It's all about who wins the verbal battle; white can become black, and black can become white...

Why?

Because the emperor is incompetent! If the emperor were not so incompetent, things wouldn't have come to this.

Su Wu simply replied, "The matter of attacking Liao is no secret in the court now. I will speak frankly: with an army like that in Hebei, an attack on Liao is bound to fail! It would be better to lay down our arms and watch the Jurchens take Yan and Yun. In the future, we can simply beg for peace with the Jurchens, sending them more gold, silver, money, and silk. Why bother to invite trouble and humiliation upon ourselves?"

These words shocked everyone in the hall, even the emperor was stunned, staring wide-eyed at Su Wu. He remembered that not long ago, Su Wu had said that he wanted to restore the Han and Tang dynasties, but now Su Wu had become a coward who was afraid of war.

do not fight?
The emperor looked around, then asked, "Who will speak up? What kind of rules are these?"
But then a cold snort rang out: "Hmph! Ignorant brat, how dare you speak so presumptuously! Matters of state are none of your business!"

Following the sound, the old "immortal" finally spoke; the speaker was Grand Tutor Cai Jing.

If this war were truly canceled, how could Grand Tutor Cai be willing to accept it? Wouldn't the court need to cause some trouble? How could they make it seem like the Song Dynasty couldn't function without Grand Tutor Cai?

Was Su Wu afraid of him? Su Wu simply replied, "If a corrupt and lawless person like Liang Shijie were still in Daming Prefecture, this battle would surely be lost! If someone like Liang Shijie were still in Daming Prefecture, let whoever wants to fight go! Your Majesty, I, Su Wu, would never go! The affairs of the world are of utmost importance, concerning sacrifices and war. The initiation of war is a matter of life and death for the nation. How can you not be cautious? If you lead the weak troops of Hebei to attack Liao, how can you not be defeated? It would be better to let Liang Zhongshu lead the Hebei troops as the vanguard and see if he is willing or not!"

Cai Jing glanced at Wang Fu, then at Tong Guan, and bowed to the emperor with a slight smile: "Everyone says that Su Wu is the bravest warrior of our Great Song Dynasty, but I never expected him to be such a coward. Since he is a coward, he should be stripped of his official position and title, and replaced with a brave warrior to lead the army!"

But then the Emperor suddenly said, "Grand Tutor, Su Qing's bravery has never been a lie..."

Su Wu also looked at Cai Jing, without the slightest panic. Others might fear Cai Jing, but Su Wu felt no fear from the bottom of his heart. He simply asked, "May I ask the Grand Tutor, who in the world is truly brave? Find him and let me ask him in person how brave he really is?"

It got heated. Arguing and bickering in front of the emperor was commonplace in the Song Dynasty, and there were even instances of court officials fighting each other with their official tablets.

But at some point, such scenes disappeared, and everything became harmonious.

The emperor was dumbfounded. He had never seen a court like this before, never!
He even wanted to play peacemaker, so he said, "Arguing like this is pointless. Grand Tutor, there's no need to get angry, and Minister Su, there's no need to be so confrontational. If today's matter... if today's matter cannot be resolved through discussion, let's discuss it again another day, another day..."

Su Wu immediately said, "Your Majesty, this matter must be thoroughly discussed in front of all the civil and military officials. Liang Shijie is corrupt and has been embezzling public funds. He should be dismissed from his post and replaced with a capable person in Daming Prefecture. In this way, the chances of winning the war against Liao will be much greater. Otherwise, wouldn't we be playing with hundreds of thousands of troops?"

During his twenty years in Beijing, Cai Jing had never encountered such defiance in the imperial court.
Cai Jing took a small step forward, turned around, and his gaze swept across the entire court. No one dared to meet his eyes, except for Su Wu, who stood not far away, his eyes fixed on him.

Cai Jing ignored the Emperor and Su Wu, focusing only on the crowd. He spoke: "A Privy Council Academician, a Censor from the Censorate, and a Remonstrance Official about to retire—these three are in cahoots, forming cliques for personal gain, stirring up trouble before the Emperor. Why? Who is behind this? It's just that I've been dismissed from my post as Chancellor. I'm old and incompetent, no longer in power. I'm just a recluse, and I haven't hindered anyone's path to promotion. Why are you pressing me so hard?"

Cai Jing's words stunned Su Wu, who immediately changed course...

Su Wu quickly looked up at the emperor, and sure enough, the emperor's expression had changed, showing genuine pity and emotion...

This attack really caught Su Wu off guard.

But Cai Jing continued, “Among those present, there are many young people and many older people. How brutal were the factional struggles of the past? Back then, the court was filled with fear and unease, and everyone was in danger. It was only after I came to power that the lingering effects of factional struggles were gradually quelled. Young people do not understand, and they are about to start factional struggles again. How pathetic is that?”

Su Wu suddenly realized that he was still too young, that he had underestimated the people of the world, and that he had underestimated a monstrous talent like Cai Jing.

Cai Jing had already turned around. He looked at the emperor again, bowed once more, and said, "Does Your Majesty want to see the court as it was before? Does Your Majesty want to see daily court assemblies filled with mutual attacks and insults?"

Cai Jing then turned his head and said, "Do you all still yearn for the days when everyone was in danger? Today in the imperial court, tomorrow thousands of miles away? Alas... I am old and incompetent! I will not live much longer. The affairs of the court will ultimately be the responsibility of you younger generations... But I am worried, worried that one day you will repeat the same mistakes, and the country will be no more!"

Having finished his speech, which could no longer be described as eloquent, even the Emperor himself spoke up: "Grand Tutor, do not worry. I know that you have worked tirelessly for the country, and I know what troubles you. I will never allow the court to be embroiled in factional strife again!"

Cai Jing nodded slowly, letting out a long sigh: "Alas..."

He then stopped, resuming his previous composed demeanor, but still glanced at Tong Guan out of the corner of his eye...

Then the Emperor said again, "Minister Su, let's drop this matter and discuss it again..."

A storm was raging in Su Wu's mind. He had a lot to say, such as the fact that everyone in the court spoke with one voice and seemed to be in harmony, which meant that someone was trying to cover up the truth and deceive the emperor...

But looking up at Zhao Ji, what meaning did these words have in his ears?
Su Wu was still thinking about it.

Li Gang had already stood up, rushed forward a few steps, his veins bulging, and said: "Grand Tutor, if we're talking about forming factions, you've been prime minister for twenty years, and which of the officials in the court doesn't flatter you? How many officials in the country are your protégés? How many members of the Cai family hold high positions? We are just three people, and you call that forming a faction? Then isn't the Grand Tutor's current power a faction?"

Cai Jing waved his hand: "I am incompetent and cannot answer your question. I can only say that the world is at peace, the people live in tranquility, and the world is in a state of prosperity. It is because I should not have coveted power and held the position of prime minister for too long. Now that I have been dismissed, I know my sins!"

Li Gang was stunned upon hearing this, as if he had punched a cotton ball. He looked up at the emperor...

The Emperor then spoke up: "Grand Tutor, what are you saying? You should never be so self-deprecating!"

Li Gang, a nobody, had no idea how the cunning Cai Jing interacted with the emperor or how he manipulated him.
At this moment, wasn't this a lesson for Li Gang?
Li Gang even fell into the trap. What was originally a matter of Liang Shijie's corruption and abuse of power was turned into a matter of forming a faction by Cai Jing's few words.

Su Wu finally spoke up: "Grand Tutor Xu must have been misled by treacherous officials, unaware of Liang Shijie's actions in Daming Prefecture. If the Grand Tutor were truly devoted to the country and concerned about the long term, how could he not have seriously investigated this matter? He cannot simply assume that his own son-in-law is upright. Such a bias would be an oversight, and it would be as if the Grand Tutor, though having no intention of forming a faction, had engaged in factionalism for personal gain."

Su Wu didn't defend himself; he attacked directly, stating without hesitation that Liang Shijie was Cai Jing's son-in-law. Arguments in the court are essentially no different from those of a shrew.

A gentleman deceives with reason; Li Gang's attempt to defend himself is pointless.

Upon hearing Su Wu's words, Cai Jing suddenly opened his eyes slightly and looked at Su Wu, replying, "I will certainly investigate and find out the truth..."

Su Wu immediately retorted, "Grand Tutor, you've been living a life of leisure for too long, and you're probably out of touch with the world. Doesn't the Grand Tutor know that Liang Shijie's affair is known throughout the land? Even the peddlers and laborers on the street know a thing or two about it. If the Grand Tutor continues to protect him, wouldn't the whole world laugh at you?"

Su Wu has also changed tracks, and he should use his backup plan.

"Is this really true?" the emperor asked.

The emperor was being manipulated by others, and Su Wu was also trying to gain some control over him.

The emperor was asking the general public, specifically those other than Cai Jing and Su Wu.

Let's see if anyone will say a word...

Su Wu looked at Tong Guan, expecting a reply...

Of course, if Tong Guan did not answer, Su Wu would not be too disappointed. The people who should have gathered outside the capital should have gathered enough, and the shouts should begin soon.

Looking around the room, no one responded...

Cai Jing's eyes were also scanning back and forth...

But then Tong Guan suddenly spoke, though it seemed as if he were speaking casually: "Your Majesty, this old minister has heard a thing or two, but I don't know if it's true or not..."

When the emperor heard that someone had actually answered, and it was Tong Guan who did, he sighed deeply, feeling annoyed. It seemed that this matter was truly going to go on and on.

Isn't it great that nobody's heard of it?

"Then tell me..." the emperor said helplessly.

Tong Guan glanced at Cai Jing, his heart churning with turmoil. Today, Su Wu had embarked on this path, but his future remained uncertain...

But what can be done?

Cai Jing glanced at Tong Guan out of the corner of his eye, and Tong Guan was helpless.

Tong Guan slowly continued, "I have heard some unsubstantiated rumors, all from the common people, which are nothing more than accusations of Liang Zhongshu's corruption..."

"Then let's investigate... We'll need all sorts of witnesses and evidence, from the Censorate, the Remonstrance Bureau, the Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, we'll all go and see..." The Emperor said this, probably thinking to himself, "Why isn't this going on? Hurry up and finish this, court is adjourned..."

Su Wu immediately spoke up: "Your Majesty, the witnesses and evidence are all there. The people are already seething with resentment, and the soldiers of Daming Prefecture hate them to the bone. The scholars are also filled with righteous indignation. If we continue to delay like this, more and more soldiers in Daming Prefecture will not be able to survive, and I'm afraid a mutiny is not far off... Your Majesty, the campaign against Liao is imminent. We must immediately bolster the morale of the army so that we can gather troops for the northern expedition..."

That's about it, really that's about it.

Su Wu ignored the emperor and Cai Jing, and instead frequently looked outside the main hall, where he actually saw the eunuch rushing towards him.

The teamwork was excellent, superb.

The eunuch entered the hall to pay his respects and then said, "Your Majesty, many students of the Imperial Academy have gathered outside the Left Gate and the East Gate, and many common people are also watching. The crowd is growing, and many students are shouting in the crowd. Some students even want to submit a petition. We request Your Majesty's instructions!"

"Hmm?" Zhao Ji was taken aback, looked left and right, and asked, "Gentlemen, what is this arrangement?"

Cai Jing's expression changed. He glanced at Tong Guan and said, "The Imperial Academy student is not studying properly. What is he doing in court? To offend His Majesty like this is truly disrespectful. Send someone from the Imperial City Guard to drive him away!"

Su Wu said calmly, "It is easier to prevent the people from speaking than to prevent a river from overflowing, especially since they are just students of the Imperial Academy. If the Grand Tutor is like this, wouldn't he feel guilty? The student of the Imperial Academy just wants to say something, so why not present it to His Majesty for a glance?"

No sooner had Su Wu finished speaking than a noisy commotion came through the city wall, a constant clamor and shouting.

You can even clearly hear that unanimous voice.

The emperor frowned repeatedly and asked, "What are they shouting about?"

No one answered, and it was indeed difficult to hear clearly.

Only the eunuch who had just entered looked around in panic. He clearly knew what was being shouted, having overheard some of it, but he dared not answer.

Unexpectedly, Su Wu immediately asked, "This eunuch, His Majesty is asking you, what's being shouted outside the imperial city?"

"Huh?" The little eunuch pretended to be stunned.

Upon hearing this, the emperor immediately asked, "What's all that shouting outside?"

"Go back to Your Majesty, go back to...slave..."

"Speak, speak quickly, speak quickly..." Zhao Ji was extremely annoyed.

"They're shouting... Liang Shijie, a true traitor!" the young eunuch finally said. "Sigh..." Zhao Ji sighed heavily, looking around again. He hadn't known the content before, only heard the shouts, but now that he knew what they meant, he could hear them clearly.

Indeed, it can be summed up in just six words: Liang Shijie, a true traitor to the country.

The shouts grew louder and louder, clearly as more and more people joined in, speaking in unison, one sentence after another.

Cai Jing frowned repeatedly, caught off guard by this move, and asked, "Who is the leading student from the Imperial Academy?"

The young eunuch dared not lie and simply replied, "It seems to be a student of the Imperial Academy named Chen Dong..."

The Emperor nodded: "Go and tell Chen Dong to disperse the crowd. Tell him I know, and bring back the letter he submitted... That's all... Go quickly!"

The young eunuch ran away as fast as he could; how could he not hurry?

Su Wu said quietly, "Grand Tutor, does this confirm that I have formed a faction? My faction is quite interesting, as it has brought in the students of the Imperial Academy and even the common people. What kind of faction is this? Is it a new faction or an old faction?"

Tong Guan was also surprised. He really didn't know that Su Wu had such a backup plan, and he couldn't understand how Su Wu had so much power to organize and launch such an event.

Logically speaking, Su Wu and the Imperial Academy should have absolutely no connection...

I can't help but recall those rumors and tabloid stories from before...

That's brilliant!

Tong Guan sighed and said, "Su Wu was originally a minor constable in Yanggu County, Dongping Prefecture. He rose quickly through military merit and left the capital after only a short time. As for forming factions, Your Majesty, Su Wu probably hasn't even memorized all the names of the officials in the court. The Grand Tutor's words about forming factions are really unrealistic..."

The emperor, instinctively in a peacemaker's mindset, simply waved his hand and said, "The Grand Tutor's words just now were merely a warning, not a accusation that Minister Su was forming a faction..."

At this moment, Cai Jing was no longer the composed old man he once was. He spoke directly to the emperor: "Your Majesty, this old minister is incompetent and old. I had already resigned as prime minister and was unwilling to speak much about court affairs. However... this old minister still wishes to say a few more words about matters outside of politics. As the saying goes, when a wall falls, everyone pushes it down. This old minister's days are numbered. I have lost Your Majesty's favor and power. It is also because this old minister has been a prime minister for too long, and I don't know how many people resent me... Alas..."

Such words are just like the incessant nagging of an elder in the family...

The emperor was momentarily distressed...

Su Wu immediately said, "Your Majesty, this matter actually has nothing to do with the Grand Tutor. The Grand Tutor is just confused because he is worried. Perhaps he has been misled. In fact, this matter is easy to resolve. Your Majesty can just say a word and it will be over..."

Su Wu was opportunistic and seized every opportunity. He sensed the emperor's agitation and knew that the emperor was only focused on ending the court session as soon as possible. He decided to take advantage of this.

Sure enough, the emperor immediately asked, "What do you mean?"

Su Wu turned his head and saw the running eunuch again. Su Wu said, "Your Majesty, let's see what Chen Dong has to say first. If the people outside the capital disperse, then it will be easier to talk to him."

The emperor nodded, waiting patiently. Everyone was waiting for the eunuch to run away, while the noise outside grew increasingly louder, with shouts echoing back and forth, a constant buzzing sound...

It also makes people more irritable...

Just as the young eunuch rushed in, holding the memorial in his hand, and presented it to the emperor, who was actually too lazy to read it, he simply asked, "Why haven't the people outside dispersed yet? And why is it getting more and more noisy?"

The young eunuch, trembling, replied, "Your Majesty, those imperial students... that Chen Dong said, 'We will not rest until we eliminate this traitor!'"

"This is outrageous!" Zhao Ji was so angry that his nose was crooked, and he stood up.

Cai Jing said, "Your Majesty, why not send someone to drive them away... How can we allow those students and children to make such a racket in the court?"

The emperor hesitated...

Su Wu immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I hadn't finished speaking yet. This matter is easily resolved."

"Then hurry up and say it..." the emperor said impatiently, waving his hand.

Su Wu offered his opinion: "Your Majesty should simply issue the decree to transfer Liang Zhongshu to the capital, Tokyo. He is already a Zhongshu Sheren (a high-ranking official in the Imperial Secretariat), so his arrival in the capital is perfectly normal. This way, we can still investigate further and put an end to the current situation. We can discuss the future later..."

Su Wu tried to control Zhao Ji.

Firstly, they knew that Emperor Huizong was agitated and wanted to end the court session as soon as possible. Secondly, they knew that Emperor Huizong was not that kind of ruthless person. He was a cultured man and an artist, and he would never do anything violent to the students of the Imperial Academy, nor would he do something so uncivilized.

The Emperor nodded: "Then it's settled. We'll discuss it further. Issue an edict ordering Liang Zhongshu back to the capital, and tell the students and commoners outside the imperial city to disperse immediately! Stop making a fuss..."

Upon hearing this, Su Wu breathed a sigh of relief. It was truly difficult!
Su Wu then went to look at Tong Guan, who was also looking at him. There was no eye contact or indication; he simply glanced at him.

What about Cai Jing? Cai Jing closed his eyes. He had just been thinking about how to deal with the situation, but now it was too late.

Perhaps it's true that even a novice can defeat a master; Cai Jing's method of manipulating the emperor and Su Wu's method of manipulating the emperor have been tested and clashed today...

Wang Fu was still somewhat taken aback. He looked at Su Wu, then at Tong Guan, then at Cai Jing. He was a bit out of the loop, his defeat was inexplicable, and today's court assembly was far beyond his expectations.

The emperor was still irritable, and as he was descending the steps, he urged, "Hurry up and get those people out of the room!"

"As you command!" Wang Fu bowed respectfully.

The emperor walked briskly and had already left. Today's court assembly was truly a disgrace, causing great annoyance. A perfectly good day had been ruined by this court assembly...

Liang Shicheng followed the emperor away, while Li Yan shouted, "The court is adjourned..."

No one in the hall left, because Cai Jing, Wang Fu, and Tong Guan all stood still.

Only Li Gang was there, kowtowing, his face covered in tears: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Chen Guan shook his head and sighed, remaining silent. "Is His Majesty truly wise? Such a matter, such an official—is returning to the capital for a report considered punishment?"

What was Su Wu doing?
Only Su Wu, with a powerful stride, walked out of the main hall.

The big boss at the front didn't move, and the crowd also moved closer, seemingly sensing that there might be something to watch.

Indeed, there was one. Cai Jing suddenly spoke up: "Prime Minister Tong, what is the matter today?"

Tong Guan replied, "I don't know either. Su Wu seems to have gone mad. Perhaps he has some personal grudge against the Grand Tutor's son-in-law..."

"Really?" Cai Jing asked with a smile.

Tong Guan shook his head: "I really don't understand..."

Cai Jing looked at Wang Fu again, and after just one glance, Wang Fu quickly said, "Grand Tutor, today I am truly astonished and cannot believe it!"

Cai Jing seemed to be talking to himself: "That's strange, really strange... Maybe I'm just getting old, really old..."

As he spoke, Cai Jing took a step forward, turned around and walked ahead, with the people on either side following him.

Cai Jing added, "The younger generation of rising stars are truly extraordinary!"

Wang Fu chimed in from the side: "Indeed, I never expected that this young man would possess such astonishing abilities. It truly shocked me!"

"You're a bit too hasty, showing off your talents too much..." Cai Jing said casually, holding his official tablet to his chest, then turned to ask Tong Guan beside him, "Prime Minister Tong, what do you think?"

Tong Guan sighed, "Youthful ignorance is nothing more than this. He may still be smug about his small victory today, but he doesn't know that the ups and downs of officialdom are always a long-term affair. He will learn to behave himself after suffering some losses."

Cai Jing smiled slightly and sighed, "Conquer Liao, conquer Liao..."

"What are your views on the campaign against Liao, Grand Tutor?" Tong Guan asked.

Life is unpredictable. Tong Guan also thought back to the old days when Cai Jing, in order to gain favor with the new emperor and to get back to Bianjing from Hangzhou, had also flattered Tong Guan...

Cai Jing replied, "I know little about military affairs, so what insights could I possibly have? That's a matter for Privy Councilor Tong, and also the responsibility of Chancellor Wang. I'm old and incompetent. But there is one thing I'm very curious about..."

"Grand Tutor, please speak..." Tong Guan nodded.

“You said… it’s been over twenty years, right? We’ve known each other for over twenty years. What do you want? Tell me…” Cai Jing turned his head toward Tong Guan and looked to the left and right. The people on the left and right slowed down and did not come closer.

Tong Guan could only smile: "What can I want? I can't get anything more..."

"Is that man really your adopted son? Can he really carry on your family line?" Cai Jing actually asked this question.

Tong Guan waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no, absolutely not, I don't know who spread these rumors..."

“That young man is truly remarkable. If he were to become my disciple, I would be delighted.” Cai Jing, over seventy years old, hunched over and dragged his feet forward slowly.

“Then I should ask him… As long as the Grand Tutor doesn’t get angry with him, that shows the Grand Tutor’s magnanimity and is also a blessing for him,” Tong Guan said earnestly.

"But if you really want to ask," Cai Jing said with a half-smile.

Tong Guan nodded earnestly: "His arrogance and ignorance deserve a good scolding! Grand Tutor, you are a true talent!"

Wang Fu, who was the only one still standing nearby, felt a tightness in his heart upon hearing the words. What was he tight about?
If these two old men really continue talking like this, then what chance will Wang Fu have?

Even Su Wu, who was unaware of this before, is now seen as a competitor.
Wang Fu quickly forced a smile: "My two old gentlemen, why go to such trouble? Su Wu has done so much today, why don't we have Prime Minister Tong call him over to sit down?"

Cai Jing waved his hand, "I'm not sitting anymore, I'm going back. You two can go sit for a while longer..."

Wang Fu's face turned pale; he was still not skilled enough in cultivation. But when he looked at Tong Guan, he was still smiling: "Prime Minister Wang did say earlier that after the court session, he would let me sit in the Hall of State Affairs."

"Go ahead, you can go on your own..." Cai Jing waved his hand and quickened his pace.

After exiting through the left side gate, Cai Jing got into his carriage, accompanied by his third son, Cai Xiao, who was the Minister of Rites and a Grand Secretary of the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

A voice inside the car said, "Father, this fellow is truly arrogant, utterly arrogant!"

Cai Jing took a deep breath...

Cai Xiao then said again: "Beijing and Daming Prefecture, which I have held for twenty years, this time..."

The father and son spoke very frankly.

Cai Jing said, "No rush, let's see who goes first. Ideally, let Li Gang go!"

"what?"

"Hmph... Didn't you want to train the army? Let Li Gang go to Daming Prefecture to train the army, and let's see how he does it. Many things cannot be accomplished overnight, nor can they be achieved overnight. Now, the war between Liao and Jin is at a stalemate. The Jurchens' offensive is weak, and the Liao people are responding well. If we are going to fight, then let's do it quickly, the sooner the better. Just let them fight, and let's see which of the dozens of cities in the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun is easy to conquer..."

Cai Jing's eyes were closed, as if he were asleep, but his mouth was moving slowly.

Cai Xiao nodded, seemingly understanding, and slowly said, "That Tong Guan has truly lost his mind, otherwise this wouldn't have happened. As for Wang Fu, he thinks that merit is easily within his grasp. Does Tong Guan really think that his army is strong and powerful, and that the Liao people are easily defeated? If they are defeated, it will be troublesome..."

"It's alright. Liaodong is not what it used to be. It does have some defensive capabilities. It is absolutely unacceptable for them to launch an invasion. We can afford to suffer a defeat!" Cai Jing opened his eyes slightly, lifted the carriage curtain a little, and looked at the scenery outside the carriage.

(Brothers, it's the last day of the month. As usual, please give me a few votes. Thank you all!)
(End of this chapter)