Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 230 A gentleman's demeanor is nothing more than this!
Outside the imperial city gates, officials were coming out, and the shouts of the students and common people gradually subsided.

Wang Fu stood in front of Chen Dong and rebuked him, "How can you, a mere student of the Imperial Academy, gather so many people here?"

Chen Dong bowed deeply and said, "Please forgive me, sir. I am a traitor who has brought disaster to the country and its people. My fellow students are all filled with righteous indignation!"

Wang Fu also looked Chen Dong up and down, and shook his head slightly: "You are students of the Imperial Academy, students of the Emperor. If it weren't for Grand Tutor Cai's reform of the Imperial Academy, expansion of the school buildings, and increase in the number of students and staff, where would you be today's students of the Imperial Academy?"

Wang Fu's words were indeed true. Cai Jing did have some reforms in education. In addition to Wang Anshi's Three-Tier System, he established schools throughout the country and even expanded the Imperial Academy. In a way, Chen Dong, a poor boy, was able to enter the Imperial Academy thanks to Cai Jing.

In fact, some students at the Imperial Academy today can become officials upon graduation without having to take exams, which is one of the reasons why Imperial Academy students are so arrogant today.

This was also the first time in China that a nationwide, comprehensive school education system had been used to replace parts of the imperial examination system.

There are both advantages and disadvantages, which are difficult to explain in a single sentence.

Wang Fu's words meant that these students of the Imperial Academy should be grateful for Grand Tutor Cai's reforms.

Unexpectedly, Chen Dong said, "We are eliminating traitors for the country, not for our own selfish interests. I believe that Grand Tutor Cai's reform of the Imperial Academy is also for the purpose of better selecting talents for the country. How can we fail to live up to the Grand Tutor's expectations?"

Wang Fu felt that Chen Dong was truly eloquent and persuasive; this book was definitely worth reading...

Wang Fu was too lazy to say more, and simply waved his hand and said, "You should quickly lead your people away... It's only thanks to the Grand Tutor's magnanimity that someone as lowly as you as a mere student of the Imperial Academy could not have suffered such an offense!"

Chen Dong retorted sharply: "We, the descendants of sages, have acted uprightly and sat properly, with a clear conscience! If we were afraid of being punished, we would never dare to come here today! That traitor has not been punished for his corruption and abuse of power, yet he was only sent to the capital to report on his duties as punishment!"

Wang Fu was stunned upon hearing this. Had he gone mad from reading this book?

"Go back... The Emperor and the ministers will decide what to do next." Wang Fu waved his hand repeatedly.

Chen Dong bowed respectfully and then turned away.

Where is Su Wu at this moment?

He was about to go to the Privy Council office when the emperor sent someone to summon him back.

Beneath the Genyue Garden, the emperor had prepared a seat, waiting for Su Wu to sit down.

After exchanging greetings, Su Wu sat down calmly.

The emperor didn't frown, but he complained, "Sigh... This court assembly is really unsettling, but this place makes me feel much more at ease!"

Su Wu nodded: "Your Majesty's cultivation is profound, yet you are also burdened by worldly affairs..."

This statement is undoubtedly a form of pandering.

The emperor then said, "Minister Su understands me."

Su Wu tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, shall we not discuss official business then?"

The Emperor waved his hand: "What official business are we talking about? Today, we've truly become a laughingstock for the world. I imagine countless people in Bianjing have watched this spectacle..."

Su Wu understood; Zhao Ji was saying that he had lost face.

Su Wu then probed further: "Why not punish that ringleader properly?"

But the emperor waved his hand and said, "No need for that. It's not easy being a student..."

Su Wu felt relieved. Since the emperor had said he would not punish him, the matter would most likely be over. In the future, as long as Su Wu retained his power, he could take care of people like Chen Dong. They could come to Su Wu for help if they needed anything.

If others ruin his future, Su Wu still has a future; he can even go to the emperor to complain.

Su Wu knew what to do at this moment, so he simply glanced around and pointed, "Hey, Your Majesty, has the scenery here shifted?"

The emperor immediately laughed: "How about it?"

Seeing the Emperor's expectant expression, Su Wu first pretended to observe carefully before slowly speaking: "Before, this place should have had the layered peaks of Taihu stones, but now many are missing. On the one hand, it has lost its wonder, but on the other hand, it has gained elegance, which is considered harmonious!"

"Harmony?" Upon hearing this word, the emperor was delighted and exclaimed, "This word can actually be used in landscaping?"

"The meaning of harmony and coordination is nothing more than nature, the way of nature!" Su Wu nodded, already showing the demeanor of a great connoisseur.

"The meaning of harmony is excellent!" The emperor was overjoyed.

Su Wu added, "The harmony between fish and water, the perfect melody of zither and lute—these are all interconnected concepts!"

"I wholeheartedly agree!" The Emperor nodded, then looked at it seriously again and asked, "So, the craftsmanship of Genyue lies in its boundless harmony, I understand, I understand!"

"Your Majesty has refined tastes!" Su Wu replied.

"No, it's just that Minister Su's vision is far superior. Minister Su and I are like high mountains and flowing water!" The Emperor really took it seriously and emphasized it highly.

But then the Emperor continued to say to himself, "It is a pity that Su Qing cannot always be by my side. If Su Qing could always be by my side, I could enjoy all the pleasures of this world!"

"Your Majesty need not think that way. The joy of life lies in the fact that what you keep in mind will surely come back to you! Keeping your mind in this way and getting a response is the greatest joy in life. If everything comes too easily, it will be boring... This way is also a way of refined enjoyment. Philosophical thinking is in it. For example, Your Majesty, in this palace, if you get something easy, how many days will you really have any fun?"

Su Wu then had a long chat with the emperor.

The Emperor, who understood these things best, raised an eyebrow upon hearing this: "Profound truth, profound truth indeed! Minister Su is truly talented! Just like the landscape of Genyue, it should be built slowly. The first-class plants, trees, rocks, and other elements should be prepared for a long time, and the second-class landscape should be constructed slowly. In this way, one can appreciate it every day, and when the reflection comes, one will be especially happy! If it were truly completed in one fell swoop, it would probably be ordinary!"

Ugh……

Su Wu sighed inwardly, stood up, and said, "Your Majesty, I must leave the palace on official business. I will return to Genyue another day to have a long talk with you!"

"Are we leaving already?" The emperor was genuinely reluctant to part with him.

Su Wu had to leave. If the emperor showed even the slightest reluctance, Su Wu would be even more determined to leave. Why?
This is the way of pulling and stretching.

It's like two people dating; you chase, I run...

In this way, you will never forget me, and I will appear exceptionally pure and refined!
Su Wu bowed and said, “Your Majesty, please do not worry. This journey is for the great cause of conquering Liao. No matter what happens, there is no time to delay. It concerns the great plan of the country and the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers. I dare not be negligent in the slightest. I only hope that the great cause will be accomplished and that I will repay Your Majesty’s great kindness on the day of my triumphant return!”

“Very well…” The Emperor rose and said, “I will escort Minister Su a few steps…”

"Don't you dare!"

"Ah... there's no need for that. This is just my nature. I'm easily moved and touched by people and things. Minister Su works so hard for the country, what harm is there in me seeing her off a few steps?"

As he spoke, Zhao Ji actually reached out and grabbed Su Wu's arm.

Su Wu instinctively wanted to dodge, but he refrained from doing so. The emperor's actions showed genuine closeness, just as he had done with Wang Fu in the past. This was simply the way people in ancient times showed affection.

That's why I have to say Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was a good person...

A kind-hearted person...

"Your Majesty's favor is so great, I can only repay my country with my life!" Su Wu said.

The emperor waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "You absolutely mustn't think like that, you absolutely mustn't..."

"Your Majesty..." Su Wu even had to put on an act, pretending to be deeply moved.

Then one would know that the emperor also felt the same deep emotion as Su Wu.

Su Wu understood that the emperor treated people well in order to earn their gratitude.

This sentiment could even give the emperor a sense of accomplishment. After all the dynasties, where else could there be such a good emperor?
Such a wonderful emperor—who throughout history wouldn't admire him? Who wouldn't praise him?
The Emperor smiled slightly and slowly waved his hand: "Minister Su and I do not know much, but from now on...Minister Su will know what kind of person I am!"

Su Wu simply replied, "I will never forget Your Majesty's great kindness in my life!"

"Eh, there's no need for such words..." The Emperor waved his hand again, but suddenly asked, "Does Minister Su know the Crown Prince?"

Su Wu was taken aback. Who was being referred to? The next day, Emperor Qinzong of Song, Zhao Huan, replied, "This subject does not yet know the Crown Prince..."

"The Crown Prince is about the same age as you, both in their early twenties, perhaps even a few months or a year younger than you. You should spend more time with him..." the Emperor suddenly said.

Su Wu was startled and said bluntly, "Your Majesty, since ancient times, how could a foreign official dare to travel privately with the Crown Prince?"

The emperor laughed and said, "That was the stubborn and self-willed behavior of past rulers. What kind of person am I? Why would I care about such things? I was thinking that you and the crown prince are about the same age. I hope that in the future... you can spend your lives together. With a wise ruler and virtuous ministers, it would be a blessing for the world!"

Oh... Su Wu seemed to understand a little. This was to find help for the Crown Prince, or rather, the Emperor was planning for a future change of regime.

That's quite forward-thinking!

Su Wu nodded: "Then I will go and pay my respects to the Crown Prince tomorrow?"

"Yes, I can talk to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince's temperament is similar to mine but not like mine. He is as gentle as me but not as talented and intelligent. If he ascends the throne in the future, he will be a ruler who maintains the status quo. However, he will need people like Su Qing by his side to help him more."

The emperor, slowly speaking, was a good leader, a good father, and a good emperor—truly a "master of all virtues."

"Your subject will obey the decree!" Su Wu nodded.

To be honest, if it weren't for the rise of the Jurchens and the fall of the Liao Dynasty, the Song Dynasty, though gradually falling into ruin, might have actually been able to survive for many more years...

"Go on, I'll take you here..." The emperor stopped, and Su Wu bowed and waved slowly.

Su Wu is gone.

When Su Wu was summoned, it was a young and strong eunuch; but when Su Wu was escorted out again, it was Liang Shicheng who took him away.

Upon seeing Liang Shicheng, Su Wu assumed that Liang Shicheng was about to engage in some witty banter, and that Liang Shicheng would surely be taken aback and displeased by today's court assembly.

Unexpectedly, Liang Shicheng laughed heartily and said, "Good, today is excellent. Indeed, a newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger!"

Su Wu was stunned for a moment. Logically speaking, Liang Shicheng and Wang Fu were as close as if they were wearing the same pair of pants.

Why is it that Wang Fu is furious about this, while Liang Shicheng is overjoyed? How did it turn into two pairs of pants again?
Su Wu said, "I was in a moment of impatience and acted rashly."

Liang Shicheng waved his hand, saying, "Just be a little impulsive. That Grand Tutor isn't an elder, and the Cai family's sons are far inferior to their father. Do you understand what I mean?"

Su Wu was startled; this eunuch was no ordinary person!
The eunuch continued, "You don't need to be so alarmed. Minister Wang is hesitant in his actions. Even though the Grand Tutor was too imposing in the past, unlike you, who is decisive and efficient, what about the Grand Tutor? It's rare for a person to live to seventy. You probably don't know that the Grand Tutor's sons have been scheming against each other quite a bit. Even Cai You's abilities are far inferior to the old Grand Tutor's..."

What kind of regulations are these?
This isn't just a hint, it's an explicit statement!

It was clearly instructing Su Wu to do it, to fight for it, and to seize it.

Old age diminishes one's abilities, let alone a man in his seventies. A whale falls, and all things come to life.

If Cai Jing were to leave, it would be like the death of a giant whale, which would then nurture countless marine creatures.

Su Wu also thought that this eunuch was known as the Hidden Prime Minister. Although he had no specific power, he had a huge influence on the emperor. Many times, he even dared to administer the government on behalf of the emperor.

So... this is cultivating a cadre of officials? The first echelon is Wang Fu, and the second echelon is Su Wu?
Su Wu simply replied, "This humble official hasn't thought too much about it; all I'm focused on is winning the Northern Expedition!"

Liang Shicheng nodded: "We can win, we definitely can win! Once we win, we will return with such great merit, and your future will be bright and your career will soar to great heights!"

This is a collaboration, Su Wu understands.

Su Wu said, "I still need to rely on the Grand Commandant's continued care!"

"Haha... What's so difficult about that? Nothing at all!" Liang Shicheng was overjoyed; the cooperation was now a done deal.

Su Wu also knew that this cooperation came with a condition: if they returned victorious, Su Wu would be extremely sought after.

If we lose and come back, many people, including Liang Shicheng, will change their attitude.

They escorted him all the way, out of the palace, and back to the Privy Council.

Unexpectedly, just as they reached the entrance, they ran into someone: Qin Hui, the Imperial Academy's Academic Instructor.

Not surprisingly, Qin Hui greeted him and said, "Scholar, my father-in-law has sent an official to deliver a letter, inviting you to a banquet this evening."

As he spoke, a formal invitation was presented. "Why did you have to come in person? Just send a servant!" Su Wu knew that Wang Zhongshan was trying to curry favor, and of course, Su Wu also wanted to thank him.

This trip will inevitably mark the beginning of another collaboration.

Su Wu would not refuse.

"My father-in-law said it's best to come in person to show respect!" Qin Hui certainly knew how to talk.

Su Wu smiled and said, "We're all family, why be so formal?"

They would occasionally peek into the courtyard of the Privy Council's office to observe Qin Hui.

How could Su Wu not understand?

But Su Wu pretended not to understand and said, "It's really too much trouble for you to come all this way, Academician. I have urgent business to report to the Grand Councilor. See you again tonight!"

The disappointment on Qin Hui's face vanished in an instant, replaced by a smile: "Then I won't bother you any longer."

"Farewell!" Su Wu bowed slightly, how could he not understand? Qin Hui was waiting for Su Wu to show courtesy, waiting for Su Wu to invite him to sit in the Privy Council's cell, and if Su Wu could introduce him to the Chancellor, that would be even better!
Teaching at the Imperial Academy—when will that ever end?

If one could get acquainted with the Grand Chancellor, the Prince, and the Grand Tutor, that would be a promising future.

It's a pity that even the Imperial Academy's Director of Studies has difficulty getting into the Privy Council; he could only wait for Su Wu at the gate, let alone other government offices.
Su Wu turned and left on his own, but Qin Hui was not in a hurry to leave. He lingered at the door, looking back several times...

It's also the Wang family's fault these days. They seem to be a high-ranking family with great prestige, but in reality... they don't have much substance at all...

Qin Hui desperately needs an opportunity!

Unfortunately, Su Wu's figure had already disappeared into that courtyard.

Su Wu, who was already seated next to Tong Guan, couldn't help but say, "Thank you for your words today, Grand Councilor..."

Before Su Wu could finish speaking, Tong Guan waved his hand to interrupt: "Let's not talk about that. You've brought Liang Shijie back to the capital this time. What do you think of Daming Prefecture?"

"Well... I haven't thought much about it. It depends on what the Grand Chancellor and Prime Minister Wang think..." Su Wu said truthfully.

“Look at you, you get rid of Liang Shijie, but you’ll just have to let Cai Shijie come along. Isn’t it all for nothing?” Tong Guan said.

Su Wu was also stunned. Yes…

But Su Wu reacted quickly: "Now that officials are selected based on their abilities and the king and prime minister govern the country, how could the king not want such an opportunity?"

What is Daming Prefecture? It is the Beijing of the Song Dynasty, the center of Hebei that Cai Jing controlled for twenty years. Although Wang Fu has fought Su Wu today, he shouldn't refuse to eat the duck that is already in his hands, right?
Tong Guan smiled and said, "Prime Minister Wang is indeed Prime Minister Wang. Now that you've achieved so much, you're already a prominent figure in the court... Do you want this?"

"How could I possibly think about such a thing?" Su Wu asked, puzzled. He didn't think he was qualified to even consider such a thing.
"Why can't we think about it? If this matter is in the Ministry of Personnel, then it is naturally Wang Fu's idea. But if this matter is brought before the Emperor, then it will be different." Tong Guan pointed out the truth in one sentence.

This was telling Su Wu that he could bypass the prime minister and go directly to the emperor to ask for an official position.

But then Tong Guan added, "Just now, someone came to say that you and the Emperor were walking hand in hand in the Imperial City..."

Tong Guan smiled, looking very pleased.

This act of joining hands seems to imply that Su Wu was qualified to ask the emperor for an official position. However, to put it another way, it could be called sharing the emperor's burdens and recommending talented individuals to the country!
It seems that Tong Guan was indeed resourceful, befitting his background as a eunuch. He received news of what had just happened in the capital immediately.

This is something we must learn. Now Su Wu has completely understood that everything in the world seems to revolve around the emperor, so no matter how small the emperor's affairs may be, they are of paramount importance.

If the emperor's every move cannot be observed at all times, then the opportunity will be lost and great things will be lost.

Su Wu thought for a moment and then suggested a name: "How about Li Gang?"

Tong Guan shook his head: "These people are fine as censors and officials, but I'm afraid they would be difficult to manage if they were to govern a large city. Moreover, many officials in Daming Prefecture are from the Grand Tutor's faction. With Li Gang's temperament, I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to control him..."

That makes sense; Daming Prefecture is far more complex than ordinary prefectures.

Su Wu thought for a moment and then said, "Prime Minister, it will be Li Gang. He is currently the closest person to me, and he will likely remain one of my closest confidants in the court. If he fails this time, I will know his abilities are limited; if he succeeds, he will be a great help in the future. Fortunately, Dongping Prefecture and Daming Prefecture are close, the journey only takes a day by horse, and letters can be exchanged very quickly. I will keep an eye on him, help him, and teach him..."

“Since you say so, then go ahead and do it. There should be a procedure for recommending talents to the emperor. I don’t need to teach you that, do I?” Tong Guan asked.

Su Wu nodded: "An upright person who dares to argue with the Grand Tutor and the Prime Minister in court. Although the Emperor is annoyed, he will only think that I am trying to recommend him. If it doesn't work the first time, I will try again. The Emperor is easily swayed, and it will eventually work out. But I am afraid that the Grand Tutor and Prime Minister Wang will interfere..."

"Therefore, you must act quickly and seize the initiative. Minister Wang and Xu Zhen are going to compete for it, but the Grand Tutor... he won't. He'll just laugh at you. As for military affairs, even if Li Gang has immense abilities, he won't be able to manage these tens of thousands of troops in Daming Prefecture..."

Tong Guanzhi's understanding is profound, and Su Wu is learning from him... He has truly figured out the ways of the court and its people.

Su Wu also thought that it would cost a lot of money to cure those tens of thousands of soldiers from Daming Prefecture. Even if Li Gang were to perform magic tricks, he couldn't conjure up that much money.

Su Wu's money should be used wisely; using it to manage the old army would be a thankless and arduous task.

Su Wu also said, "If we win the war against Liao, it doesn't matter whether the army in Daming Prefecture is well-governed or not. But if we suffer a great defeat in the war against Liao, and are punished accordingly, Li Gang will not be able to escape punishment..."

“That makes sense… Ziqing, you understand my heart now…” Tong Guan said.

Su Wu suddenly realized that Li Gang was to Su Wu just as Su Wu was to Tong Guan.

Is it so easy to be a boss who leads his underlings?
"You've worked hard, Prime Minister!" Su Wu said.

"It's good that you understand..." Tong Guan waved his hand and asked again, "What else did the Emperor say to you today?"

Su Wu suddenly remembered: "He told me to spend more time with the Crown Prince!"

Tong Guan was startled and his eyes widened: "Is this really true?"

Su Wu nodded: "It's true! They say that since I'm about the same age as the Crown Prince, we'll spend our lives together!"

Tong Guan immediately stood up and took two steps to the left and right: "Good, this is excellent, wonderful, wonderful!"

As soon as he stopped walking, Tong Guan looked at Su Wu again and said, "What a great fortune! What a great fortune! I never thought you would have such a great fortune!"

"I don't know how to get close to the Crown Prince..." Su Wu was also troubled; this friend was not easy to make.

"It's not difficult. At this age, all they do is drink and have fun. Didn't you bring back a band of musicians from Hangzhou? Take them with you. If the Crown Prince likes them, just give them to him. If he doesn't, you can find someone else..."

Tong Guan is experienced.

"Okay!" Su Wu nodded.

“Hey, if he’s not happy, you should speak up and make him happy!” Tong Guan’s mind was working faster and faster.

Su Wu suddenly realized: "I know, I know... This is what His Majesty likes!"

Su Wu immediately understood the strategy: make the crown prince resemble Zhao Ji as much as possible, even if it's just acting. In this way, the emperor would be overjoyed, and the crown prince would be secure.

This is the basic strategy for dealing with the Crown Prince.

"You understand immediately, excellent!" Tong Guan was very pleased.

Su Wu was actually somewhat uneasy and reluctant. He had originally planned to leave the capital tomorrow, but the emperor insisted on creating unnecessary complications, such as whether the crown prince or not. Su Wu was not interested in this and knew that the emperor still had a long life ahead of him, so he couldn't think about any changes in imperial power.

But there was no way around it; it seemed to have become a task that had to be completed.

Tong Guan then said, "Your Highness, this may be your way out. Just like what I said before, the way of the officialdom is to rise and fall. This time, it is a do-or-die battle. If you fail, I'm afraid you will have no future. But if you lose, you may really have a future!"

How can you still talk about defeat? How could we possibly lose?

Even with a crown prince, Su Wu cannot afford to lose; the consequences of the Song Dynasty's defeat would be unimaginable.

Helpless, Su Wu nodded: "The chancellor's position is far-reaching!"

"It does put my mind at ease..." Tong Guan did indeed seem relieved.

In fact, Tong Guan had long-term plans, focusing on what would happen after his death. He needed a Su Wu who would gain power in the future, all for the sake of his posthumous reputation.

If the campaign against Liaodong fails, Tong Guan fears that history will condemn him. If Su Wu gains power in the future, his presence will ensure that Tong Guan's reputation remains intact after his death. In fact, Su Wu might even help to praise him, which could potentially bring him great fame.

These are things that others may not be able to relate to, but they are the things that the eunuch Tong Guan cares about most.

As the sun began to set, the people in the Privy Council slowly finished their shifts. Su Wu was also heading to the Wang family's residence. He was thinking about the family's music troupe, which he had never had a chance to enjoy since bringing them back from Hangzhou. Giving them away wouldn't be a problem.

Heading to the Wang family's house.

The Wang family banquet had been prepared in advance. Wang Zhongshan's two sons greeted them at the door, while Wang Zhongshan waited in the hall. It was a very grand affair.

As soon as we took our seats, Yi'an Jushi arrived as well.

Li Qingzhao, however, came to express her gratitude. She picked up her wine cup and bowed to Su Wu, saying, "Thank you, Scholar..."

Su Wu was still a little confused and looked around: "What is it that you are thanking me for, Yi'an Jushi?"

Wang Zhongshan's son, Wang Huanlai, said, "Scholar, my cousin received a book sent from Dongping Prefecture. It is truly exquisite!"

"Oh... this is a small matter, please, Master Yi'an!" Su Wu immediately raised his cup and drank.

Even in his heart, he thought, "Cheng Xiaoniang is really efficient! The 'Jinshi Lu' has already been sent to the capital."

Cheng Xiaoniang was truly capable; Su Wu hadn't actually given her any instructions, but she knew that the completed book should be sent to Li Qingzhao as soon as possible.

This wife is truly wonderful!

Go home, hurry home, get married! Go home after seeing the Crown Prince, and get married as soon as you get home!
How could Su Wu not be moved?

But then I saw that after drinking a cup of wine, Li Qingzhao was wiping away tears, reminiscing about her deceased friend, which is understandable.

He said, "In this way, my wish has been fulfilled. Life is unpredictable. Now that my wish has been fulfilled, I can rest easy in the afterlife. I feel relieved..."

Then Li Qingzhao looked at Su Wu and said, "Scholar, please drink. Don't let me spoil your mood. Please, scholar!"

Actually, the two weren't sitting close together; each had their own seat, directly opposite each other.

Su Wu raised his cup and drank as well.

Wang Zhongshan tried to change the atmosphere: "This time, your reputation as a scholar has spread throughout Bianjing. It won't be long before it spreads throughout the world. You may not know, but this afternoon I also went around and visited many old friends and acquaintances, all of whom are renowned scholars. Who among them, upon learning of today's court assembly, did not praise you?"

Qin Hui chimed in, "Indeed, who doesn't say that the scholar embodies integrity and uprightness? Some say he is the Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty, others say he is the Bao Longtu of Emperor Renzong!"

This really put Su Wu on the spot. Su Wu hadn't thought that far ahead, and simply cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "I wouldn't dare!"

"Scholar, you are humble. Your reputation for integrity is widely known throughout the Imperial Academy. Many students say that you are a model of loyalty to the emperor!" Qin Hui added.

Su Wu looked at Qin Hui, unsure whether Qin Hui was fabricating the story or if it was true.

Wang Huan continued, "Does the scholar still have any doubts? It's absolutely true. Even this afternoon, the teahouses were filled with praise, spreading it like wildfire. They said that in court, the scholar fiercely rebuked the Grand Tutor, cursed the Prime Minister, and even had a righteous and righteous audience with the Emperor! They even said that the scholar threw his official tablet to the ground and resigned on the spot..."

"Absolutely not!" Su Wu waved his hands repeatedly, this rumor was too far-fetched.

“The people all say it exists, so how could it not exist? Haha…” Wang Zhongshan laughed.

Su Wu looked around...

"What a fine name, Scholar! What a fine name! Who in the world wouldn't like a good official like you, Scholar?" Wang Zhongshan smiled broadly.

Su Wu went to see Li Qingzhao.

But Li Qingzhao smiled slightly and said, "This is the true demeanor of a gentleman! When he goes out, he is brave and skillful in battle, winning every battle; when he stays at home, he dares to speak frankly and speak out, unafraid of powerful figures! This is the way of the sage!"

Su Wu... Su Wu was stunned...

(Brothers, love you all! It's been so long since we kissed, let's give each other a kiss! I'll kiss you all, one kiss each!)

(End of this chapter)