Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 231 Scholar... Is there anything you need help with?

How could Su Wu not drink?

Some also ask, wasn't Li Qingzhao also a member of the "pure stream" (a group of people of high moral character)?

Su Wu was quite surprised to drink it all in one gulp. Sometimes, the way to gain fame really is that simple: not being afraid of the powerful and wealthy!

But that's how difficult it is. And now, how many people like Cai Jing truly have no fear in their hearts?
In other words, as long as Su Wu continues to be fearless, it seems that his reputation will only grow stronger, and Su Wu seems to have found another way to boost his prestige...

Su Wu looked around and then asked, “Minister Wang, Lady Yi’an, I have only been in officialdom for a short time, and I have a question to ask you. I wonder if you two dare to speak?”

Wang Zhongshan chuckled: "Scholar, you and I, as well as Zhao'er, have long been bosom friends. How could I not answer your question?"

Su Wu then asked, "May I ask, are Prime Minister Wang, Cai Jing, and even Cai You and others treacherous and wicked?"

Wang Zhongshan was taken aback by Su Wu's question, and the smile on his face vanished abruptly, replaced by embarrassment.

Su Wu looked at Li Qingzhao again, and Li Qingzhao was not embarrassed at all, and was even able to lower her head to lift her teacup.

Looking at Qin Hui again, Qin Hui was also momentarily stunned.

Then look at Wang Huan, who is looking around blankly...

This question, however, is not so easy to answer. And how could Wang Zhongshan dare to give a random answer?

Su Wu chuckled: "It's alright, it's alright, I was just asking casually..."

Wang Zhongshan gradually calmed down and said, "Scholar, let's not speak falsely. To be honest, the Grand Tutor is indeed a man of great talent and ability to govern the country. He is a pillar of the court. However, it must be said that the Grand Tutor has served as prime minister for many years, and not everything he has done has been perfect. There are many things that are difficult to talk about. But everything is like this, and it cannot be summed up in a single sentence. Therefore, there is no basis for the accusations of treachery..."

Su Wu nodded and then looked at Qin Hui.

Qin Hui immediately nodded in agreement: "What my father-in-law says is absolutely right!"

Su Wu went to see Li Qingzhao again, but Li Qingzhao remained silent. Su Wu insisted on asking again, "What does Yi'an Jushi think?"

Li Qingzhao put down her teacup: "Actually, he is an old friend and an elder, so I shouldn't criticize him behind his back. But if you really want to ask, Cai Jing and his ilk are treacherous villains!"

Wang Zhongshan was stunned. This niece was really defiant, arguing with everyone and everything. But it was alright, since she was a woman and no one would really take her seriously.

Su Wu has gradually learned many things. In fact, the officialdom is not a very big circle.

Su Shi was actually only ten years older than Cai Jing. If Su Shi were still alive today, he would be over eighty years old. When Su Shi was serving as a sub-prefect in Hangzhou, Cai Jing had just passed the imperial examination and was serving as a county magistrate in Qiantang. The two were superior and subordinate.

At that time, Cai Jing's father, Cai Zhun, was also an official in Hangzhou. He had a very good relationship with Su Shi, and the two even exchanged poems. Moreover, Cai Zhun was related to Prime Minister Wang Anshi by marriage...

Then it goes on to say that Li Qingzhao's father, Li Gefei, was a genuine scholar of the Su School.

Therefore, Li Qingzhao's statement that "old friends" refers to elders is absolutely true.

As for the Su family, Li Gefei served as the Imperial Academy's Academic Director and Doctor, and later entered the Ministry of Rites.

It is said that Qin Hui is now the head of the Imperial Academy, and in the future he will inevitably become a Doctor of the Imperial Academy, and normally he will enter the Ministry of Rites.

If he had continued down this path, Qin Hui would inevitably have become a remonstrating official in the censorate, and then gradually moved towards the center of power...

Historical records state that Qin Hui's wife's family wielded immense power, and that is no exaggeration.

Under the imperial examination system, power seemed to have broken a certain inheritance and monopoly. However, in another logic, this inheritance continued.

In reality, all these people are ultimately in the same circle.

Within this circle, Su Wu was actually an outsider. Cheng Wanli, after passing the imperial examinations, achieved nothing for over a decade and could only become a disciple of eunuchs; the reason can also be attributed to this: he wasn't part of this circle.

On the contrary, Zhao Ji seems to be breaking this circle. Whether it is intentional or unintentional, the Wang family members are not given much importance, and Cai Jing has recently fallen out of favor. As a result, people like Wang Fu, who originally had no foundation, suddenly rose eight ranks, and people like Liang Shicheng and Tong Guan have become increasingly powerful.

As a result, Su Wu himself suddenly became a favorite.

It's unclear whether Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) truly intended this, or if it was just a lucky accident...

Upon hearing Li Qingzhao utter the word "treacherous," Su Wu immediately praised her, saying, "Yi'an Jushi is truly a heroine among women!"

Wang Zhongshan quickly interjected, "Zhao'er was just saying it casually; it shouldn't be taken seriously!"

In fact, this was Wang Zhongshan trying to distance himself from the situation. Li Qingzhao's words that Cai Jing was a treacherous official could be spread, but only by Li Qingzhao herself. No one would take it too seriously.

It also discusses the mentality of Wang Zhongshan, Qin Hui, and others. Amidst their petty scheming and despicable actions, they still wanted to maintain a certain image of purity, after all, their family, and even the entire circle, originated from the ranks of the pure.

Whether it was during the reign of Emperor Renzong or Emperor Shenzong, the Qingliu faction was truly favored; it's just that things have changed now.

So, despite their seemingly virtuous personas, they are still inevitably caught up in the realities of petty scheming and self-deprecation.

Su Wu remarked, "How could Yi'an Jushi's words be mere casual remarks? How could they be taken lightly? Although Yi'an Jushi was a woman, she was still an extraordinary woman. Who says she is inferior to a man? Yi'an Jushi's words resonate deeply with me!"

Upon hearing this, Li Qingzhao looked up, her expression one of surprise. In her life, she had argued with countless people, even cursed countless people, but who had taken her words seriously? It was often just something to amuse someone, or perhaps a few words of her own rambling…

Only today did Su Wu truly take it seriously!

Seeing Li Qingzhao's gaze, Su Wu bowed respectfully and said, "Laywoman Yi'an, you are truly admirable!"

Li Qingzhao nodded slightly and said, "The affairs of this world are intricate and complicated. Only I, a mere woman, can speak carelessly without causing trouble..."

Wang Zhongshan looked embarrassed: "Let's drink, let's drink! Scholar, let's drink!"

Su Wu nodded and drank his wine, also smiling: "Does Minister Wang think I've caused trouble?"

Wang Zhongshan waved his hand repeatedly, saying, "Not at all, not at all. If that were the case, how could I have invited the scholar to my home today? The scholar's actions are truly admirable!"

Wang Zhongshan is truly a top-notch opportunist, Su Wu genuinely admires him. He handles things with ease, inviting Su Wu to drinks on one hand, and not offending anyone on the other...

With Qin Hui by his side, how could he not be studying hard?

This meal was actually quite interesting; it allowed Su Wu to truly understand the Song Dynasty and the city of Bianjing.

It was nothing much. Su Wu just drank and chatted, talking about the affairs of Yan and Yun, the affairs of Liao, the battle formations, and what books he had been reading lately.

I'll also ask the Imperial Academy...

Anyway, we chatted about everything under the sun.

Finally, Wang Zhongshan suddenly spoke up: "Zhao'er has recently said that he wants to go back to his hometown of Qizhou to see his younger brother. Hey, when will you return to Jingdong, Scholar?"

Su Wu was taken aback and looked at Li Qingzhao. He understood what Wang Zhongshan was saying...

Li Qingzhao was also slightly taken aback. She had said those words, but she hadn't said when she would go back. Why did her uncle suddenly set a time for her?
Su Wu, though puzzled, replied, "After tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow, we will return to Jingdong!"

“Oh, that would be wonderful. The world is in turmoil these days, with bandits roaming even the official roads. As a woman, even with several attendants, I fear they might not be loyal. If you return to the capital with the scholar, wouldn't you be free from all worries?”

Wang Zhongshan spoke slowly with a smile, his face flushed from drinking.

Su Wu was actually happy to see this happen. There was no other reason than that Zhao Cuncheng was coming, and even Zhao Sicheng was coming. Among the prominent families in the eastern part of the country, there were only the Zhao and Li families. Li Qingzhao also had a younger brother, Li Hang. How could he not take up an official post in the eastern part of the country?
As long as these two families set an example and took the lead in Shandong, Su Wu could easily win over any family, whether it was a high-ranking one or a gentry.

Where in the country is it difficult to mobilize funds and provisions? Even if there are major emergencies, urgent matters, or wars, exceeding the quota depends entirely on how much influence Su Wu has!

There was a sense of helplessness involved. After the Han Dynasty, imperial power gradually ceased to extend to the county level, and by the Tang Dynasty, it had completely disappeared from the county level.

What is the reason behind this? It means that in a county, there is only a county magistrate, a county head and a deputy county head, and nothing else. There are no more pavilion chiefs, township chiefs, let alone village chiefs.

Even the clerks in the county government office were local men, and the officials were local powerful families, like Song Jiang.

Given this administrative system, if Su Wu didn't have the support of many local people, he wouldn't be able to collect taxes. He couldn't very well send soldiers to the countryside to rob, could he? What would be the point of talking about winning the hearts of the people then?
Moreover, the soldiers were locals, so it was even less likely that they would rob their own fellow villagers.

From the late Han Dynasty to the present, managing a region has always been of paramount importance to local elites and gentry.

Reform is not something Su Wu can accomplish overnight; it concerns not only the administrative system but also the patriarchal clan system.

At this moment, Su Wu has no other choice but to rely on this, which is actually a stroke of luck. The prominent families of Jingdong, whether the Zhao family or the Li family, have never stood against Su Wu from the very beginning.

Then it must be used! It was neither intentional nor unintentional, but rather a combination of coincidences and unavoidable circumstances.

Li Qingzhao herself seems to be this link.

Li Hang, and even Su Wu, should be kept close at hand, much like the Yingchuan forces behind Cao Cao in the past.

Judging from the expression on Wang Zhongshan's face, Su Wu even felt that Wang Zhongshan had some idea about Su Wu. Even if he didn't have much idea, he must know that Shandong was now within the sphere of influence of Cheng Wanli and Su Wu.

If they want to manage their businesses in Shandong well, the Zhao and Li families are simply unavoidable.

Wang Zhongshan was clearly going with the flow; it was a favor, a collaboration, and also a form of opportunism.

Su Wu readily agreed: "Prime Minister Wang, what difficulty is there? My army has plenty of carriages and horses, and I know that Lady Yi'an has many possessions as well. This small contribution is nothing, and it can also serve as a way to thank Prime Minister Wang and Qin Xuezheng for their help. Coincidentally, I also need to go to Qizhou for an inspection. If war breaks out, Qizhou is the distribution center for the money and provisions of the two routes in the east of the capital, and it is of utmost importance!"

Wang Zhongshan smiled broadly upon hearing this: "Excellent, excellent, that's convenient. I've heard there are many bandits in Shandong, so it would be perfect to escort you all the way to Qizhou! Zhao'er..."

Li Qingzhao was naturally arranged to go home. Before she even thought about going home, she was urged to do so. However, she seemed to know that there was a deeper meaning behind this, and she nodded helplessly: "Yes, I will pack all my luggage tomorrow so as not to delay Scholar Su's affairs."

Su Wu simply said, "I will send carriages to pick you up the day after tomorrow!"

Wang Zhongshan added politely, "I've also prepared a sum of money for the trip!"

"What are you saying?" Su Wu waved his hands repeatedly.

“Well, I don’t want the scholar position, but my soldiers have a lot of work to do on the road, so how can I not give it to them?” Wang Zhongshan said, pulling at the issue.

But Li Qingzhao said, "I have my own plans, and I have my own way of doing things on the road. Uncle, you don't need to worry."

“Alright…” Wang Zhongshan nodded.

"There's really no need to be so polite!" Su Wu said.

Wang Zhongshan simply raised his cup and said, "Drink up, Scholar, drink up!"

After a banquet, Su Wu, feeling unsteady on his feet, rode back home, accompanied by several soldiers.

The next morning, Su Wu got up and found that Tong Guan had sent a lot of people to help him, knowing that Su Wu's family was short-handed and unable to handle many things.

For example, organizing the orchestra brought back from Hangzhou...

After practicing with the equipment and having breakfast in the morning, Su Wu would lead the music troupe to the East Palace.

Crown Prince Zhao Huan knew that Su Wu was coming and had been waiting at home for a long time.

He then asked, "Lord Geng, why did Father Emperor suddenly give you such an instruction?"

The crown prince was clearly also uneasy.

The person he was questioning was named Geng Nanzhong, the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince's Palace. This was no minor official; he was a third-rank official, the highest-ranking among the Crown Prince's subordinates. After the Crown Prince ascended the throne, such a person would inevitably rise to the position of Grand Councilor. But this fellow was terrifyingly cowardly…

Geng Nanzhong then said, "Your Highness, do not worry. It must be that the Emperor dotes on the Crown Prince and wants to find a truly talented person for him to rely on!"

The Crown Prince lowered his head slightly and said, "My father dislikes me very much..."

This statement actually contains some truth. Many times, the emperor really didn't like his son, but he had no choice. After Zhao Er, the throne of the Song Dynasty changed hands, but there was never any chaos. Why was that?

It strictly followed the patriarchal system, and there was never any chaos. Even when the emperor had no son, the selection of a successor from among the patriarchal clans did not cause any trouble.

Geng Nanzhong also comforted him, saying, "Your Highness need not think like that. Isn't the Emperor's sending Scholar Su here a sign of great affection?"

"Has Scholar Su arrived?" Zhao Huan looked up as well, and since that was the case, he also had some expectations for Scholar Su.

Scholar Su is still on his way, arriving slowly.

Upon arrival, they first sent a letter, which was then delivered. Geng Nanzhong personally went to greet them, and the Crown Prince waited in the hall.

When Su Wu saw the Crown Prince, who was fair-skinned and plump, he stepped forward and bowed to him.

The crown prince also showed respect for scholars and officials, and stepped forward to help him up.

Despite feeling somewhat uneasy about this move, Su Wu went ahead, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Highness, please!"

The prince, with his honest and simple smile, said, "Scholar, please join me!"

They entered the hall and took their seats, with the Crown Prince in the center, Geng Nanzhong on the left, and Su Wu on the right.

After exchanging pleasantries and getting to know each other, Su Wu proceeded to present gifts: "Back in Hangzhou, I fought a great bandit and rescued a group of Hangzhou courtesans from the clutches of the thieves. Their skills were truly unparalleled, and I've brought them with me today. Your Highness, would you be so kind as to offer some pointers?"

The prince waved his hand sheepishly, "I... I'm not afraid of being laughed at by the scholar, I'm not good at this..."

Su Wu, being a soldier, waved his hand dismissively: "It's alright, just watching the show."

Not wanting to spoil the mood, the Crown Prince simply nodded, "Very well, very well..."

But he was also worried about going to see Geng Nanzhong. What was he worried about? He was worried that after a few drinks, with music playing nearby, Scholar Su might become very poetic and even "test" him, the Crown Prince. That would be the end of him.

Geng Nanzhong tried to comfort the Crown Prince with his eyes, but he himself was also uneasy. How could he not know that Scholar Su was a master of poetry? Normally, he was a guest of Li Qingzhao.

When the time comes, I'll inevitably have to... shield His Highness the Crown Prince.

They were also afraid that Scholar Su would be displeased and might look down on the Crown Prince.

This crown prince is actually... quite humble.

Su Wu simply raised his hand to beckon, and someone arranged for a band to slowly enter. Su Wu also sensed the atmosphere, the prince's humility, Geng Nanzhong's...

For a moment, I didn't know how to describe Geng Nanzhong. In fact, deep down, he was not a person who could truly stand on the table. Even so, it was no wonder that his idea was to send him to the Crown Prince's side as a tutor. It certainly wasn't the Emperor's idea.

Singing and dancing began, and there was a banquet. The Crown Prince looked honest but also a little worried. Geng Nanzhong listened less to the music and looked more at Su Wu...

After a few songs had finished, neither the Crown Prince nor Geng Nanzhong spoke first, so Su Wu spoke first: "Your Highness, these people have been with me in the capital for some time now, but I have been away from the capital for a long time and have not been able to take care of them. They have inevitably suffered. Why don't we send them to the Crown Prince's side?"

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince became even more nervous, waving his hands repeatedly: "I...I don't want to...No, Scholar, I really don't like this! It would be useless for me to come, a waste of talent..."

Actually, the Crown Prince is quite good. He doesn't like music and enjoys himself little. He's also not outgoing. If he ascends the throne normally and nothing major happens, he might be a diligent person who can maintain the status quo without any problems.

But it must be said that Zhao Huan was also a coward!
Su Wu, however, immediately said, "Your Highness need not worry, this is what the Emperor desires..."

"Huh?" The crown prince was puzzled.

Su Wu went to see Geng Nanzhong, but to his surprise, Geng Nanzhong also looked bewildered.

Ugh……

A coward meets two cowards, a fool leads two fools, I really don't know whose idea this was.

Su Wu continued, "This is what the Emperor likes. How could Your Highness not like it? When you have nothing to do, there must be learned scholars visiting your home. You can sit and discuss philosophy, or listen to music in quiet contemplation. Wouldn't that be delightful?"

Geng Nanzhong finally seemed to understand something and immediately said, "Yes, the scholar's words are very insightful, just what the Emperor likes and is pleased with!"

Su Wu continued, "Your Highness could also compile a collection, select the best lyrics, have a troupe sing them in Wu dialect, and invite His Majesty to listen. Wouldn't that be even better?"

Geng Nanzhong nodded vigorously: "Absolutely, absolutely, Scholar... Thank you, Scholar!"

The crown prince looked only at Geng Nanzhong and also bowed in greeting...

Both of them finally understood that this wasn't anything extraordinary, but these two were so slow to react, let alone take the initiative to plan anything; they probably just knew how to wait...

If nothing unexpected happens, Zhao Ji is not a short-lived person... Perhaps some unexpected events will occur. It is worth mentioning that Zhao Ji prefers Prince Su, Zhao Shu, to his sons.

Originally, there was no question of a succession struggle, but Su Wu knew that if the campaign against Liao was a great victory and the Jurchens were stopped, Xu Zhen might indeed have a succession struggle.

The trip to the Crown Prince was meaningful, but Su Wu couldn't have foreseen what would happen next. Everything was changing, and Su Wu had no idea what he would do at what point...

But since this was their first meeting, Su Wu didn't say much, only nodding: "Then I entrust these Hangzhou women to Your Highness. I cannot stay long today, as I will be heading north tomorrow. I should go back and make some preparations."

It was just a formality, after all, the emperor's words had to be obeyed, and it also depended on future events to see if they should really get closer to the crown prince.

The Crown Prince also said, "Scholar, do you really not want to sit for a while longer?"

Su Wu shook his head: "There are indeed many things to do..."

"Quickly send the scholar here!" The Crown Prince said this to Geng Nanzhong.

Geng Nanzhong then escorted Su Wu out.

After seeing him off, the Crown Prince returned and asked, "Does Scholar Su also dislike me?"

After thinking for a moment, Geng Nanzhong said, "It is unlikely, Your Highness. I believe that Scholar Su is truly planning for Your Highness. This Jiangnan music troupe has women who are all beautiful and highly skilled. If it were someone else, they would just keep them at home and not show them to others. Scholar Su has actually sent them to Your Highness. With such intentions, Your Highness can rest assured."

The Crown Prince nodded: "That's good. Then shall we truly follow Scholar Su's suggestion? Let someone compile a fine collection, and invite Father Emperor to sit down for a while?"

"That's right, we can't let down Scholar Su's good plan, but who should we invite?" Geng Nanzhong was also at a loss, as he didn't have much influence.

The emperor is such a talented man; if it were some unpleasant music, wouldn't all of Scholar Su's painstaking efforts have been wasted?
The Crown Prince frowned as well: "Whom shall we invite to compile this collection?"

Geng Nanzhong's face looked like he was constipated. Even a clever housewife can't cook without rice, and besides, Geng Nanzhong wasn't a clever housewife.

“Scholar Su has a lot of influence. He is a guest of Yi’an Jushi, and even His Majesty praises his talent. Perhaps… we should invite Scholar Su…” Geng Nanzhong really couldn’t find a solution. He couldn’t really go to the marketplace to find those poets. That would be like dog meat not being served at the main table.

"In that case... I'm afraid I'll be troubling you!" The Crown Prince was actually a good person and also afraid of troubling others.

"There's nothing I can do. Since it's a plan devised by Scholar Su, asking again shouldn't be too much of a bother for him..."

“Alright, then you go…” The Crown Prince nodded.

Geng Nanzhong hurriedly left again, and Scholar Su, riding a fast horse, had already disappeared into the street. He went to the Privy Council first, and when he was told that Scholar Su had just left, he immediately went to Scholar Su's residence, but Scholar Su had not returned.

Where did Su Wu go? He went to the military camp to instruct someone to pick up Li Qingzhao the next day.

After waiting for a long time, Su Wu returned and was surprised to see Geng Nanzhong waiting at the door. Geng Nanzhong, who had been waiting for who knows how many hours, looked nothing like a high-ranking official; he looked more like a wronged young wife…

It's just a matter of whether they come or go.

Su Wu laughed heartily: "This matter is both difficult and easy..."

"Please enlighten me, Scholar!" Geng Nanzhong bowed deeply.

Although Geng Nanzhong was not a person who could be brought to the forefront, he truly did his best to help the Crown Prince.

Su Wu nodded: "The Emperor doesn't like mature and ornate language, but prefers spirited and vigorous writing. There is a student at the Imperial Academy named Chen Dong, who is the leading figure at the academy this year, a man who can command a large following. Go and find him yourself. He has great ambitions to serve the country. Tell him that you are selecting virtuous and capable men for the Crown Prince, and just mention my name. He will understand immediately. The Imperial Academy is full of talented people. Just let him invite his friends to come and visit! This is a match made in heaven!"

A young and energetic Confucian scholar and the crown prince who will ascend the throne in the future—isn't this a match made in heaven?

It's a pity that Zhao Ji was so long-lived! Even though he suffered hardship and torment, and his mind was severely traumatized, he still lived to be fifty-four. If he hadn't suffered these physical and mental hardships, he probably would have lived to be sixty or seventy with ease.

Su Wu's words were so straightforward, how could Geng Nanzhong not understand? He simply bowed deeply and said, "Thank you again for your great kindness, Scholar!"

It seems that Zhao Huan and Geng Nanzhong, this pair of "master and servant," had a truly miserable past.

Su Wu then gave Chen Dong a word of advice: "Tell Chen Dong that in the Crown Prince's residence, written matters are only for discussing romance and matters of the heart, and one may express one's aspirations in a little way, but one must never speak recklessly about the country and its people! Tell him that these are my words of advice to him, and that Lord Geng should also remember them."

Geng Nanzhong nodded repeatedly: "I will definitely keep it in mind and would never dare to disobey!"

“Go!” Su Wu raised his hand.

Geng Nanzhong bowed deeply and left quickly, his steps light and brisk. For a long time, he had been sighing and living in fear every day, but suddenly, it was as if the sky was high and the sea was wide, and he became cheerful.

He thought to himself, "How could the Crown Prince not be overjoyed when we return?"
Sure enough, after returning and discussing it with the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince suddenly seemed refreshed and exclaimed, "Scholar Su, you really do like me!"

"How could we not be happy? Your Highness, with Scholar Su working so diligently, we really don't need to worry so much in the future..." Geng Nanzhong felt the burden on his shoulders suddenly lighten.

"Tomorrow, tomorrow you will go to see Chen Dong!" The Crown Prince seemed anxious, just like his father, who truly had no love for him.

But to say there was no love is not entirely true, otherwise why would they have arranged for Su Wu to be included?

His father wasn't without love, but he looked down on people, especially the vulgar. He only saw elegance, and the prince was vulgar, didn't understand elegance, and was like a bumpkin every day!

Arranging for Su Wu to visit is also a way of saving the Crown Prince. They are of similar age and have become friends. Can't they learn some manners?
Early in the morning, Geng Nanzhong went to the Imperial Academy to find Chen Dong, which goes without saying.

Even Geng Nanzhong could see the brilliance in this move. In just the last two days, the Qingliu faction had truly been remarkable, and its members were on the rise. If the Qingliu faction centered around the Crown Prince and truly formed this political force, Geng Nanzhong would be laughing in his sleep...

Was Su Wu's strategy not far-reaching?
Su Wu was also picking up Li Qingzhao and heading north out of the city.

Li Qingzhao's wealth was unimaginable... Take Zhao Mingcheng in the past, for example. In order to study and compile the "Jinshi Lu", he tried every means to obtain any valuable items in the world. He did this kind of archaeological research without any official institutions, relying solely on his own financial resources. The expenses involved were unimaginable.

The Li family was a prominent clan in Qizhou (Jinan). If it weren't for the Jingkang Incident and the invasion of the Jin army, Li Qingzhao's wealth would have been immeasurable.

Even after the Jingkang Incident, Li Qingzhao fled south in haste, unable to take much with her. Despite this, she remained extremely wealthy, and countless people coveted her property, even attempting to steal it.

Historically, Li Qingzhao's tragic second marriage also stemmed from disputes over property.

Looking at the endless stream of carts around Su Wu, he couldn't help but marvel. Moreover, there were countless properties belonging to the Li family in Qizhou.

The caravan left the city and proceeded slowly. Suddenly, Li Qingzhao lifted the carriage curtain and asked Su Wu, who was riding beside her, "Scholar... is there anything you need help with?"

Clearly, Li Qingzhao had been holding these words in all the way, waiting until there were fewer people on the road before asking them.

Su Wu looked at Li Qingzhao and thought to himself, "This heroine Li Qingzhao is far more intelligent than Geng Nanzhong!"

(Hey guys, muah! It's the beginning of the month, time to throw in some votes...)
(End of this chapter)