Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 233 Women are not worth associating with.

They discussed things for a long time in the government office, until late at night. Many things were explained clearly. Zhang Shuye knew that this matter was of great importance and just did his best to handle it well.

The next morning, I prepared some gifts and sent them to the Li family.

Li Hang was a typical pampered rich kid, a man of integrity, well-read, with a wide range of interests, and considerable talent, though he was also somewhat arrogant.

Even though Sister Li talked to him a lot last night, he still remained neither humble nor arrogant when he saw Su Wu.

Su Wu had seen many people like this, such as Li Gang, but this person was different from Li Gang. Li Gang had pride inside, while this person had pride outside.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Hang said, "Scholar Su's name is now truly renowned. He is the leading figure among the upright officials in the court, enjoying the emperor's favor. It is also said that the scholar is exceptionally talented and an invincible commander on the battlefield, brave and unmatched..."

Judging from Li Hang's eyes and tone, Su Wu understood that this fellow was somewhat disbelieving and had a sense of doubt.

Su Wu didn't laugh, but nodded and asked, "Brother Li, are you asking me to say something modest, or to agree directly?"

These kinds of people are actually quite difficult to deal with. If you are humble, they will take it seriously and think that you are just feeling guilty and embarrassed. But if you are not humble, they will think that you are pretending and have a bad character.

So Su Wu asked directly.

This question caught Li Hang off guard. He looked Su Wu up and down and said, "If it is true, Scholar, please just answer frankly. If it is false, Scholar, you should be more humble..."

In fact, Su Wu knew that Li Hang was a person who was somewhat oblivious to the world around him, or rather, he was indifferent to everything, big or small. He had been surrounded by flattery since childhood and was quite content with it.

They were born into such a prestigious family, there's nothing we can do about it.

Su Wu smiled and said, "Then let's be frank: the rumors are true."

Li Hang paused for a moment, then asked, "How can a person be so accomplished in both literature and martial arts, gain the emperor's favor, and have such a good reputation? You are not very old, so you must have a lot of knowledge and experience!"

Su Wu simply nodded: "Brother Li must be well-read and knowledgeable, with profound insights into world affairs. He doesn't hold office but engages in idle talk, which suggests he has the air of a famous scholar from the Wei and Jin dynasties!"

Su Wu launched a direct attack, which was quite troublesome and made it difficult to get to the point for a long time.

Li Hang looked somewhat embarrassed and glanced at Sister Li beside him.

Sister Li laughed and said, "I told you to stop acting like that, but you wouldn't listen. You just think you're an ordinary person."

Li Hang recovered from his embarrassment. This was his usual approach, one that never failed him. No matter who came to see him, he would ask the same thing: "I heard you're so awesome..."

Then, when the other person was humble, Li Hang naturally gained the upper hand. If the other person had been pretentious, Li Hang would have been even less friendly and would have tested him on the spot. With witty exchanges, he made the other person feel ashamed and thus regained the upper hand.

This approach clearly wouldn't work on Su Wu.

Li Hang smiled and said, "Scholar Su, you have no idea how much my sister and I praised you last night, to the point that I was almost skeptical. Not to mention, my sister also belittled me, saying that I am so old and do not do my proper work every day. I was unhappy and thought that my sister was comparing me to you and using you to belittle me. Please forgive my rudeness..."

Hearing this, Su Wu realized that Li Hang wasn't a bad person.

Su Wu glanced at Li Qingzhao, who laughed and said, "You men are really strange!"

Su Wu said, “In the land of Jingdong, the most famous and distinguished families are none other than the Li and Zhao families. I have come to see Brother Li. Brother Li is wise and insightful, so there is no need for further words. Now, with the great plan for the country at hand, I cannot trust anyone else. Only the elders of my hometown are the most trustworthy. This is my third visit to your humble abode. I hope Brother Li will not reject me!”

Li Hang didn't seem to mind being slighted earlier, so it's only polite for Su Wu to return the favor now.

Li Hang's complexion did indeed improve considerably, but he said, "Scholar, you may not know that I have never served in office, and I am afraid that I may not do many things to your liking."

Is this just Li Hang being modest? Actually, no. It's a strategic retreat, a common trait among scholars.

Su Wu continued, "I don't need Brother Li's help with small matters, but I do need Brother Li's help to make decisions on important matters."

Li Hang's expression indeed became much more relaxed, and he said, "I am also afraid that I have not read enough and my knowledge is too shallow, so I am not worthy of the scholar's attention."

Su Wu then said, "If someone like Brother Li is so illiterate and shallow-minded, then I'm afraid that everyone in the world is illiterate and blind."

Su Wu knew this was the last time. It was nothing more than three requests and three refusals. In reality, people like Li Hang needed to be valued and respected. Giving enough was enough to show sincerity.

Sure enough, Li Hang laughed and said, "Haha... Scholar, you flatter me too much. I also heard from my sister last night that you want me to go to Dongping Prefecture. I haven't been out for a long time since I've been around you, and I'm afraid you won't like it. How about this, if you have any job, I'll try to run around for you. If I do well, you'll be happy. If I don't do well, I won't go to Dongping Prefecture to find someone to complain about. What do you think, Scholar?"

It's difficult to deal with, but actually it's not that difficult.

They wanted to show Su Wu their skills first. The purpose of this was to demonstrate their strength and let Su Wu know the influence of the Li family in Shandong. It was also a way to negotiate.

Su Wu spoke frankly: "Very well. I've been thinking about repairing the official road lately, and I don't know how much manpower, material resources, and financial resources it will cost. It's related to the grand plan of recovering Yan and Yun, and I'm at my wit's end. But this matter might not be difficult for you, Brother Li. It just so happens that you've never held an official position. The Emperor has always been benevolent, and besides, your father was once a close minister of the Emperor. It shouldn't be difficult to bestow such favors. Right now, the Xuanfu Envoy's office is short of a judge. I wonder if you would be willing to take a look?"

The price was offered, but Su Wu hadn't thought things through beforehand. He had offered a minor position like a clerk or military advisor, which was clearly beneath him and not worth it.

Now, Su Wu has raised his price; as the magistrate under the governor Cheng Wanli, this shows his sincerity.

Of course, there is a prerequisite: Li Hang must coordinate the repair of the official road. This is a huge task. If Cheng Wanli and Su Wu were to do it, they would be overwhelmed. They would have to issue orders and urge each of the eighteen prefectures and dozens of counties in the capital to complete the task. They would even have to ask their superiors for money. Without money, the work could not be done.

For the Li and Zhao families, it was simply a matter of reaping favors.

Of course, such a great favor should not be used too often.

Li Hang didn't mince words and simply said, "Scholar, rest assured, I will go to Qingzhou to see the eldest brother of the Zhao family first. Then I will write to Dongping Prefecture, and the Pacification Commissioner's Office will issue an official document. All the wealthy families and gentry in the prefectures and counties of Jingdong will be mobilized."

The difference between Su Wu doing this task and Li Hang and Zhao Cuncheng doing it is that one was done by the prefectural or county government, which had to spend money to hire people.

One approach involves local gentry who may contribute financially, while larger households raise funds for charity. Another approach involves village gentry and clans mobilizing their own members, which is far more efficient than Su Wu's reliance solely on the state and county government.

Those who donated money to build roads also gained fame and prestige, and could also cultivate social relationships. Su Wu and the government benefited from this, and the common people also benefited. At its core, this was a win-win situation for all.

But if we really want to do it well, Li and Zhao have to set an example first and do us a favor.

Su Wu bowed respectfully and said, "Brother Li is a pillar of the nation and a worthy man of our hometown!"

Li Qingzhao chuckled beside her: "Scholar, please don't flatter me too much. My younger brother has always been a good-for-nothing. If he can actually do something this time, I'll be laughing in my dreams..."

"Sister, what are you doing!" Li Hang said with displeasure.

Li Qingzhao continued, “If this matter is truly accomplished, you will only have the merit of running around. If you really think it is your own ability, this is the legacy of your parents, the favors they sold out, which they then instructed you to collect.”

"Then isn't my hard work also a merit? Sister, instead of praising me, you say such things..." Li Hang became even angrier.

"If you succeed, I will praise you, but I am also afraid that you will not succeed!" Li Qingzhao said again.

They're really siblings, but they don't give each other any face.

Su Wu had to act as a peacemaker: "Why must you do this, Yi'an Jushi? It was originally for the sake of the country and the people of your hometown. How could this not be accomplished? Once it is accomplished, we can erect a monument and write a biography, and you will be remembered for all time."

Li Hang then chuckled again: "I hadn't thought that far ahead. Since you're not leaving today, I've prepared a grand banquet at home. Please, Scholar!"

Su Wu got up, but saw that Li Hang also got up. However, Li Hang did not leave first, but waited for Li Qingzhao to get up and go forward first. Only then did Li Hang come to invite Su Wu.

This brother and sister are actually quite interesting, and their charm lies in these details.

It's no wonder that Li Qingzhao, who ultimately suffered a tragic end in history, spent her old age in Lin'an as a minor official under Li Hang.

One can only imagine the sorrow and bitterness in Li Hang's heart, after the fall of his country and the destruction of his family, when he could only work as a minor official in Lin'an to make a living.

Upon taking our seats, we were greeted by a table laden with various dishes, tea, and snacks. The variety and style of the food were truly unlike anything we had elsewhere. Qizhou, in fact, is the heart of Shandong, and its cuisine is unique and forms its own distinct system. Perhaps this is the origin of Shandong cuisine.

As cups clinked and toasts passed, Su Wu chatted idly: "I should have gone to Qingzhou to see Brother Zhao, but I have urgent business to attend to and must return to Dongping Prefecture..."

"What's the matter that you're in such a hurry?" Li Hang asked casually.

Su Wu didn't hide anything: "I've been engaged to Master Cheng's daughter for a long time, but I've been going to war or court, which has delayed things for a long time. This time, we can't delay any longer. Master Cheng has chosen an auspicious date, and I have to go back tomorrow."

"Good news, good news! Such good news should not be delayed. No problem, I will go to Qingzhou and discuss it with Brother Zhao. I also need to visit some people in various places. I will head to Dongping Prefecture first. If I happen to catch up with the happy event, wouldn't that be perfect?"

Li Hang was pleased, and Su Wu was also pleased. Perhaps Su Wu had a purpose in saying this to Li Hang.

It wasn't to get Zhao Cuncheng to see Su Wu, nor was it because of the generous gifts that the Li and Zhao families were going to send.

Rather... given that Li and Zhao are major customers of JD.com, every household must have contributed something, and if all of this is added together, wouldn't it be a huge sum of money?
Although it was somewhat inferior, the money was too much to resist.

Su Wu had to bow and thank him, saying, "It's not appropriate to bother you like this. Time is short, and I'm afraid we won't make it in time. There's really no need to make such a fuss."

But Li Qingzhao suddenly said, "A scholar's wedding should not be overemphasized; it should be done in this way!"

Su Wu glanced at Li Qingzhao, feeling incredibly embarrassed.

Li Qingzhao continued, "We should prepare generous gifts, lest we become a laughingstock."

Li Hang nodded: "Sister is absolutely right!"

Su Wu looked at the siblings and thought, "What good people they are!" He couldn't help but smile...

Unexpectedly, Li Qingzhao, who was standing to the side, also laughed and said, "This time, the scholar is probably going to make a fortune."

Li Qingzhao, with her keen intellect, clearly saw through something and made a joke.

Su Wu was not embarrassed, and simply said, "I don't need anything, it's all military supplies, all military supplies!"

Li Qingzhao nodded, then suddenly became more serious: "Then prepare even more!"

Li Hang was taken aback. Looking at his sister and Scholar Su, he thought, "These two... their family's money didn't come from thin air..."

"Hmm? Is it alright?" Li Qingzhao looked at Li Hang.

"Fine, my sister said so, how could it not be good? It's perfect!" Li Hang said through gritted teeth. A married daughter coming home to make decisions? It's not your money, so you don't care?

But he didn't say it aloud; he just kept his thoughts to himself.

Su Wu suddenly thought of something, so he slowly said, "If Brother Li really comes then, there will definitely be a grand occasion for Brother Li!"

"What kind of grand event?" Li Hang asked, very curious.

"Brother Li, have you ever seen banners waving all over the mountains and fields?" Su Wu asked.

"No!" Li Hang shook his head.

"Brother Li, have you ever seen a battlefield array as densely packed as a forest, so orderly and imposing?" Su Wu asked.

"No!" Li Hang shook his head again.

"Brother Li, have you ever seen thousands of troops charging into battle?" Su Wu asked one last time.

"Never!"

Su Wu then said, "When the time comes, if Brother Li arrives, I will definitely let him see what it's like! I'll let him stand on the high platform and look down on the thousands of troops that are marching in with earth-shaking force!"

Su Wu planned to hold a military exercise and parade the day after his wedding. Of course, it wasn't just for Li Hang's benefit, but for all the prominent families in the Jingdong region. This was very important; it was a demonstration of confidence. Let's see how strong and well-equipped Su Wu's troops are!
This is also a belief. No matter what happens in the future, everyone should have more faith. With such a strong force under Scholar Su, there is nothing to worry about!

How could Li Hang not feel deeply respected at this moment? How could he not be moved? He clapped his hands and said, "Alright, Scholar's wedding, I will definitely come!"

"It's settled then. I'll gather my troops outside the city and await Brother Li's arrival!" Su Wu said earnestly. He knew that this was the right move for Li Hang; this man valued respect and face.

Li Hang instinctively cupped his hands in greeting: "Since the scholar has treated me so well, I will do everything in my power to help you!"

"Thank you, Brother Li!" Su Wu returned the greeting.

After the meal, Su Wu departed, but he had an appointment to keep. He had promised Li Qingzhao that he would stay a few more days to visit the lake where Duke Huan of Lu met the Marquis of Qi, and to see the Baotu Spring named by Zeng Gong. It seemed that this would not be possible now.

He then discussed many things with Zhang Shuye in the government office, such as road construction, granaries, and the organization of the imperial guard posts...

He slept soundly through the night, and Su Wu left early the next morning.

At the city gate, Li Hang came to see them off, accompanied by a carriage. When the curtain of the carriage was lifted, wasn't that Li Yi'an?
Li Yi'an did not get out of the car, but simply nodded slightly from inside.

Li Hang stepped forward to see Su Wu off, but Su Wu only said, "Thank you, Brother Li, but there's no need to see me off so far. We'll meet again soon and drink and chat together!"

Li Hang took something out of his pocket—a letter: "Scholar, please take care on your journey and have a safe trip. This letter is from my elder sister, who said it was to help you relieve fatigue on your journey!"

"Please convey my gratitude to Lady Yi'an!" Su Wu nodded, then cupped his hands, turned around, and mounted his horse.

The horses then set off, numbering about a hundred riders.

When seeing off guests, one should linger a while. Li Hang stood at the city gate for a long time, not leaving until he could no longer see anyone before getting into the carriage.

As the carriage returned home, the younger brother asked, "Sister, what did you write in your farewell letter to that Scholar Su?"

"Don't ask any more questions," Li Qingzhao said with a displeased expression.

“Fine, I won’t ask then. My sister said this Scholar Su was something else before, but I didn’t believe it. Now it seems he’s quite a character!” Li Hang said slowly.

Li Qingzhao nodded and said, "What a true man!"

“Hmm, not like someone of this age!” Li Hang added.

“Even his maternal uncles in the capital liked him very much,” Li Qingzhao added.

“Uncle? I’ve never liked my uncle. He’s too shrewd and too calculating, like an old demon, yet he’s shallow in talent and really incompetent!” Li Hang said with a look of disdain.

“Look at what you’re saying. Aren’t you contradicting yourself? You say someone is cunning, but you also say someone is shallow…” Li Qingzhao was about to argue again.

“Sister, you don’t understand. Being too shrewd and calculating is not the same as being capable in action.” Li Hang’s words actually made sense.

However, Sister Li frowned and said, "Is there anything you know that I don't? You've been able to read since you were little, and I taught you by hand!"

"Alright, alright, sister knows everything. I was just talking nonsense! I shouldn't have looked down on you. I was being disrespectful. Please forgive me!" The younger brother said helplessly.

But then Sister Li suddenly lifted the carriage curtain again, looked out of the doorway, glanced at it, turned back, and lowered the curtain again.

After lowering the carriage curtain, Li Qingzhao suddenly said, "Go quickly and prepare the gifts. This time, I will go to Dongping Prefecture with you."

"Ah? Sister, it's far away..." Li Hang was somewhat surprised.

“Not far, only three hundred li,” Li Qingzhao replied.

"Yes, it's not close. My sister just returned from Tokyo. She must be exhausted from the journey. I'm afraid she won't be able to handle it." Li Hang was a caring person.

"It's alright... I also want to see the area beneath the general's platform, where banners flutter across the mountains and plains, battle formations stand like a forest, disciplined and solemn, and thousands of troops are marching in with earth-shaking force..."

“Okay! I’ll make the arrangements myself…” Li Hang nodded.

Over there, Su Wu sat on his horse, shaking his head as he opened the letter.

The letter also contained the following words: "Scholar, your two poems on plum blossoms are truly extraordinary. I have composed a poem in response, but the journey was unpleasant. I hope you will appreciate my opinion."

And look again: Spring's arrival is already known in the snow, the plum blossoms adorn the jade-like branches. Their fragrant faces are half-open, delicate and charming, in the courtyard, a beautiful woman emerges from her bath, freshly adorned.

Perhaps nature has a special purpose, thus making the bright moon so exquisite. Let us together admire the golden goblet filled with green wine, and not refuse to get drunk, for this flower cannot compare with any other.

The poem is titled "Fisherman's Pride". Su Wu read it carefully, looking it over several times. Just that one line, "This flower is not comparable to other flowers", perfectly complements Su Wu's two poems about plum blossoms.
Let the beauties be jealous, or let her laugh amidst the flowers.

This thing is something Li Qingzhao used to play with...

However, Li Qingzhao's graceful style remained unchanged, which Su Wu found slightly delicate.

Upon closer inspection, Su Wu was inexplicably taken aback. The metaphor was excellent, comparing the plum blossoms in the dead of winter to a beautiful woman emerging from a bath with fresh makeup.

That's the metaphor... Perhaps it's overthinking, or perhaps it's a poor imitation by Su Wu, but it does seem somewhat erotic.

Men are truly a bad kind of creature; they have inherent flaws.

Without much thought, Su Wu stuffed the letter into the envelope and put it in his pocket.

On horseback, Su Wu racked his brains, trying to think of a way to sing another song on the way back, since the journey was rather boring...

After much thought, Su Wu finally relented...

After becoming obedient, Su Wu spurred his horse and said, "Hurry up, I'll be home in three days!"

Behind them, the soldiers galloped on, their horses speeding, the wind whipping against their faces, and shouting loudly.

As he was being tossed around, Su Wu suddenly realized that if he couldn't do it, he would just have to show off.

Once the horse ran out of steam, Su Wu took out a charcoal pencil commonly used in the army from his horseback.

A hastily written line: Ten thousand cavalrymen quell the bandits, passing through Jingkou with fond memories.

Further: Where can one gaze upon the Central Plains? The scenery of Beigu Tower fills the eyes. How many events of rise and fall have occurred throughout history? So many, so many. The endless Yangtze River flows on and on.

In his youth, he commanded ten thousand troops, his battles raging across the southeast. Who among the heroes of the world could rival him? Cao Cao and Liu Bei. A son should be like Sun Quan.

After writing it, he immediately sent a fast horse back, even though he hadn't gone far from Qizhou City.

Li Qingzhao had only been home for a short time when a soldier sent a message.

Li Hang was still wondering, "Why did you reply so soon? If you had something to say, why didn't you just say it in person? Why waste time and effort?"

Li Qingzhao gave him a single glare, and Li Hang immediately backed down, but still leaned closer and asked, "What are you writing?"

Li Qingzhao also opened and read it. After reading it, her face darkened. She pondered countless thoughts. She and the poems were like a back-and-forth, each taking turns to sing a poem, all revolving around a central theme. This was the joy of a scholar.

What is Su Wu?
Then I thought, this poem is also "a poem with unrefined punctuation, one that cannot be bound by the constraints of the melody," truly reflecting the style of the great scholar Su.

Once again, a young warrior leads ten thousand troops; once again, the battles never cease; once again, the rise and fall of dynasties; once again, who can rival this hero?

Could it be that Su Wu was criticizing Li Qingzhao for being too girlish?
But then Li Hang said, "This piece, 'Nanxiangzi,' is truly magnificent, just like a thousand troops and horses, full of vigor and high spirits! Scholar Su is indeed a man of great talent! A man should be like this, a true hero!"

Sister Li glared at him again, and Li Hang quickly changed his tune: "But...but he can only recite, not sing! He's not bound by the rules of refined music. Judging from Scholar Su's writing, his literary talent is rather ordinary..."

But then Sister Li interjected again, and Li Hang changed his tune: "Uh... well, it is quite grand and unrestrained, which is reminiscent of the style of the great scholar Su. If the great scholar Su were still alive, he would surely consider him a close friend."

Then Sister Li retorted, "Can you please stop making such a racket?"

"Sister, praising me won't work, criticizing me won't work, just tell me, what should I do?" Li Hang really couldn't hold back anymore.

"It's better if you don't say anything!" Sister Li retorted.

"Women are not worth associating with!" Li Hang retorted, turned around and left, hurrying away!

Sister Li was so angry she was at her wit's end. She sat down properly, panting heavily, as if she was about to have a serious accident from anger...

Li Hang returned to the courtyard: "Sister, are you alright?"

“It’s nothing…” Sister Li said defiantly, turning her head away.

Li Hang asked with a pained expression, "Sister, is this good or bad? You tell me!"

“He is making fun of me, whether openly or secretly. He looks down on my lyrics and says they are decadent, petty, and just empty words…” Li Qingzhao said.

“Then I won’t go to Dongping Prefecture,” Li Hang replied.

Li Qingzhao remained silent...

Su Wu was still urging his horse on, looking smug, convinced he had put on a perfect act. He figured Sister Li must enjoy this kind of performance…

I happily went home, spent the night away from home, and got up early the next day, rushing straight home.

Getting married, getting married, getting married.

In Dongping Prefecture, things were bustling with activity. Su Wu's new house was almost finished being renovated, and all sorts of festive items were being prepared.

A few days ago, Cheng Wanli sent countless letters everywhere. It wasn't that he wanted anyone to attend the wedding, but he wanted to tell everyone about it, including Tong Guan, Wang Fu, and even his old friends in the capital. He even wanted to tell his son.

Cheng Wanli's daughter is getting married, and he has a good son-in-law named Su Wu.

Inside the city, Meng Niang's inn was also extremely busy, preparing a banquet that was no small affair. Although there was still some time to go, the wine had to be prepared in advance, and it had to be the best...

The army was also filled with joy, everyone eagerly awaiting the wedding day. On that day, all the officers and soldiers, high and low, would be present, making it a rare day off for the troops. Naturally, the husband would also bestow some rewards, including a feast of wine and meat...

A rare moment of relaxation...

Inside the government office, Master Cheng has been in a great mood lately, never losing his temper and always smiling...

However, some people in the army also had their own ideas.

Hua Rong suddenly found Wu Song and insisted on inviting him to a drink.

Wu Song was not one to refuse wine, and the two sat down in a private room at Meng Niang's restaurant.

After a few rounds of drinks, Hua Rong asked, "General Wu, you're not young anymore, are you?"

"I'm not exactly young, but I'm in my prime, strong and healthy, my martial arts skills are becoming more and more refined, and my strength is just what I need!" Wu Song said, gesturing with his broad, explosive arms.

Hua Rong nodded, then suddenly asked with a smile, "Why is General Wu still unmarried?"

"Marriage? My brother did mention it, but I didn't care... With wine and meat, on the battlefield, isn't that the greatest joy in life?" Wu Song answered cheerfully.

"Well... General Wu, people inevitably have to marry and have children. That way, they can face their ancestors with honor and have descendants to continue the lineage..."

"Ok, I know……"

"General Wu... um... General Wu, do you want a wife?"

"Huh?" Wu Song was taken aback, still quite drunk, and only managed to say, "Today? Not today!"

Hua Rong was stunned: "It's not like it's just today, it's something I always want. A wife is a long-term commitment, not something that can be achieved in a day or two..."

"We'll talk about it another day..."

Hua Rong could only smile wryly. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "I wonder if the tax collector from Yanggu County will come in a few days?"

"You mean my elder brother? He will surely come!"

"Oh, that's fine..." Hua Rong nodded, then thought that it would be more appropriate to talk to her husband or Wu Jia Dalang about this.

"Drink, General, drink!" Hua Rong was reassured.

(Hey guys, muah!)
(End of this chapter)