Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 238 I accept the order!

Su Wu looked at Tong Guan, who simply nodded.

Su Wu shook his head, speechless for a moment.

Tan Zhen continued, "This time, more than 200,000 troops are going, and there should not be much fighting. However, we must instruct all the departments not to do anything to oppress the people. This is an imperial edict, and those who disobey it shall be executed!"

That's certainly true, but Su Wu didn't entirely agree. How could they not make a fortune in this great battle? They just needed to choose their targets: government offices and treasuries were one, noble families were another, and there was no need to rob the others.

But Su Wu did robbery in a way that others couldn't. He attacked cities and took the money. All the army behind him needed to do was strictly control them.

Su Wu didn't say much, only asking one question: "Minister Tan, has His Majesty given a definite decree on how this battle should be fought?"

Tan Zhen shook his head: "No, that's not true. It only says that we must not commit the slightest offense, and that we must first explain the situation to them and reason with them. We must never resort to force unless absolutely necessary."

Su Wu couldn't help but think that perhaps the reason for the great defeats in history was this: the emperor and many others truly believed that once the Song Dynasty's army arrived, the Han people of Liao would naturally welcome them with food and drink.

That's why Emperor Huizong suffered such a crushing defeat during his first campaign against the Liao Dynasty.

The second campaign against Liao was immediately different...

Su Wu was unaware of the details involved. During the first campaign against Liao, when the emperor issued such an order, it was after the army entered Yanyun that the various tribes and generals dared not act rashly. After all, who would dare to disobey?

Perhaps... Su Wu would dare...

Su Wu, who was looking for loopholes in Tan Zhen's words, nodded and said, "So, that means you're telling me to act expediently at the front?"

Tan Zhen nodded: "Yes, peace is the most important thing, and we can act accordingly."

"I understand!" Su Wu nodded, glanced at Tong Guan, and then said, "Then this humble official will first go and inspect the army..."

Su Wu went out to wait for Tong Guan and Tan Zhen to separate so he could have a private chat with Tong Guan.

A short while later, in another tent, Su Wu and Tong Guan were seated.

Su Wu's first question was: "Does the Grand Councilor really believe that the Liao people will welcome the royal army with food and drink?"

Tong Guan frowned but did not answer.

Su Wu continued, "When the Grand Chancellor is in the capital, there should be some countermeasures..."

This is a complaint...

Tong Guan said helplessly, "When it comes to matters of the court, how can I compare to them? All sorts of civil officials speak up, but if I open my mouth and say a few words, I will be attacked by them all. What should I do?"

Hearing this, Su Wu could almost picture the scene: Tong Guan didn't seem to be doing so well in the court either...

Most importantly, once this topic reaches a certain level in the imperial court, it becomes difficult to refute it in front of the emperor.

It's like if someone were to say to the emperor that the Song Dynasty's benevolence far surpasses that of the Liao Dynasty, and that the Song emperor's reputation for benevolence is something to be admired, then all the Han people of the Liao Dynasty would yearn to receive the Song emperor's grace, and so on...

Tong Guan could not refute these words in front of the emperor. If he did, wouldn't that mean the emperor lacked benevolence and righteousness? That the Song Dynasty's benevolence and virtue were inferior to that of the Liao Dynasty?

Su Wu looked at Tong Guan with only helplessness on his face, and Tong Guan's helplessness was also written on his face.

Su Wu then said, "My lord, this time I will be the vanguard commander, leading all the troops into battle, so..."

Tong Guan understood, and with concern, said, "You should also decide based on the situation, and do something to make a show of it to avoid being criticized. Hmm... I'll bring Tan Zhen with me, and I won't go to the front lines; I'll stay in the rear."

This way, it's acceptable...

Su Wu nodded: "Then so be it! Once the Wuzhou army and the various Northwest Army units arrive, I will go to Xiongzhou first, and the Grand Councilor will take charge of Xiongzhou!"

Once past Xiongzhou, it would be the Liao Kingdom, and everything would be up to Su Wu.

Su Wu also understood a principle: if this matter succeeded, even if there were troubles later, they would only be minor. If this matter failed, even the smallest troubles would become enormous problems.

Then let's continue to wait.

Wait two more days, and Wang Bing will arrive with 15,000 elite troops. They can rest and reorganize outside Hejian City.

Su Wu immediately went to inspect Wang Bing's army. This was an army that Su Wu had spent a huge amount of money and grain to support, and Su Wu had to go and check it out.

Wang Xun sent the news to his father early on, and Su Wu arrived on horseback the very next morning.

Fifteen thousand soldiers were arrayed outside the camp. Su Wu did not inspect the formation first, but rode into the camp. The camp was well-organized, the tents were in perfect order, and everything was properly arranged.

Wang Bing rode alongside Su Wu and, after a quick look around, realized that Scholar Su... now known as Commander Su, valued the affairs of the camp above all else and dared not be careless.

They waited until Su Wu had finished touring the camp before riding to the front of it to take a look.

Most of the soldiers in this army had actually seen Su Wu before; some had seen him up close, while others had observed him from afar. As Su Wu rode back and forth, he saw that the soldiers' eyes were filled with eager anticipation.

They all knew one thing: the million-strong band of thieves had all perished at the hands of Marshal Su, and the deep-seated hatred of the past was avenged thanks to Marshal Su.

The armor and weapons gleamed coldly, and none of the soldiers from Wuzhou looked emaciated; they were all robust men.

Wang Bing chimed in, "Upon learning that Commander Su was coming to review the troops today, the men were all roaring with excitement last night. They polished their armor again and again, and sharpened their weapons repeatedly, saying they would never dare to disgrace the Wuzhou soldiers in front of Commander Su..."

Looking at the men standing upright, their straight lines were truly pleasing to the eye. Su Wu nodded and smiled, "Not bad, not bad at all. Wuzhou is full of heroes, and Chief Commander Wang is especially skilled in military command!"

Wang Binglai replied, "How could we not know? Commander Su has been supporting and caring for us, waiting for this very day. How could we dare to be negligent!"

"Return to camp!" Su Wu waved his hand.

Suddenly, the officers in the front row exchanged glances, raised their arms together, and the whole field shouted, "Marshal Su is mighty! Marshal Su is mighty!"

The sound was extremely loud, echoing across the Central Plains, startling countless soldiers and officers who looked around in surprise.

Su Wu truly felt this spirit and energy.

Su Wu sat atop his tall horse, cupped his hands in greeting to those on either side, and said, "Brothers, you've worked hard!"

Although few could hear Su Wu's words, he kept saying, "Brothers, you've worked hard!"

The horses were also walking, but they were going to walk another circle.

Only then did they return to camp.

Su Wu also entered the Wuzhou army's main tent, and inevitably had a chat with Wang Bing.

First, inquire about the situation in Zhejiang and Jiangsu. Has the banditry been completely quelled? Have all the escaped thieves and outlaws been eliminated?

Wang Bing assured everyone that there were no thieves in the southern part of Zhejiang.

Su Wu believed him and nodded, saying, "This time, you should come with me to Xiongzhou first."

Wang Bing nodded and replied, "Today is the time for our sons to repay our kindness."

Wang Bing was truly a tough guy. Although he was quite old, he had a strong voice and his words were still powerful and resonant.

Su Wu waved his hand: "Let's not talk about these things. If too many of these kinds of things are spread, it won't be good for me. I'll just focus on serving my country."

Wang Bing nodded: "It is even more so to serve one's country!"

“Yes, that’s how it should be said from now on…” Su Wu instructed again, and added, “Also tell the brothers that those who make merit this time will be richly rewarded, and there will be rewards even before the troops go out. You wait a few days, and I will send someone to deliver 150,000 strings of cash first. You can share it with the brothers, and each of you can take 10 strings first.”

Wang Bing waved his hands repeatedly: "General Su, there's really no need. We came here willingly because... alas, it's to serve our country. Back then, the imperial army failed to save us in Zhejiang..."

Su Wu raised his hand to stop them, saying only, "Your Wuzhou troops are a newly formed army. Perhaps you don't know the usual practices in the army, or perhaps you do but are reluctant to do so because of personal relationships. But I must tell you, everyone else has it, but Wuzhou alone won't give it to you? How can I face the brothers who have shown me such kindness?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Bing nodded helplessly: "Then this humble general will express the gratitude of the Wuzhou men to Commander Su."

"Alright, enough said. Just go and show your skills. Winter is already here. If you're missing any clothes or bedding since you're from Hangzhou, just go to Master Zong Ze and get as much as you need. There's no need to come here and ask me anymore. Master Zong is from the same hometown as you, so you should visit him more often!"

Su Wu is a story told in casual conversation, but it also reflects the human heart.

"Since Commander Su treats us so well, how can we not risk our lives on the battlefield?" Wang Bing said, glancing at the Wuzhou generals present.

One by one, everyone stood up.

Su Wu also stood up, knowing they were about to speak, and raised his hand to stop them: "Alright, enough chit-chat, I'm off!"

As he spoke, Su Wu went out and saw that there were countless soldiers along the roadside of the camp, all watching Su Wu mount his horse and leave the camp.

Just then someone shouted, "Brothers, let's all thank Commander Su again! Commander Su has given out a reward of ten strings of cash each, hurry up!"

Then he saw a field of soldiers, all of them excitedly bowing.

"Thank you, Commander Su!"

Shouts rose and fell in waves...

Su Wu nodded to those around him a few times before leaving the camp.

Four days later, the Western Army finally arrived outside the city of Hejian Prefecture.

Su Wu personally designated a campsite for them: Liu Yanqing, Liu Guangshi, Wang Yuan, Yang Keshi, Xin Xingzong, Yang Weizhong...

Another person who is quite important has also arrived: Zhong Shidao.

This man's original name was Zhong Jianzhong. He also had a younger brother named Zhong Shizhong. To avoid using the reign title of Emperor Huizong of Song when he first ascended the throne, he changed his name to Zhong Shidao, a name he retained for over twenty years. The Zhong family was a military family in the Northwest. They were not merely warriors; their ancestors were great Confucian scholars who had guarded the Northwest for the Song Dynasty for generations. In this generation, Zhong Shidao and Zhong Shizhong were the leading figures.

Zhong Shidao is now the Prefect of Weizhou, the Envoy of Yingdaojun Chengxuan, the Military Governor of Baojing Army, and also has an honorary title: Deputy Commander of the Emperor's Imperial Guard Cavalry.

In this future, Zhong Shizhong will be the Prefect of Qinzhou, the Military Commissioner of Fengning Army, and also hold the honorary title of Deputy Commander of the Emperor's Imperial Guard Cavalry.

The two brothers, who had been favored by the emperor for generations, were both civil and military officials. They were both learned and skilled in martial arts, and their influence was immense in many places in the Northwest, including Weizhou, Qinzhou, Huanzhou, Xi'anzhou, and Qingyang.

Su Wu was to receive the Western Army. The hall was full of people, and everyone who saw Su Wu had a smile on their face.

This time was different. Zhong Shidao was seated on equal footing with Su Wu, while Liu Yanqing was seated below Zhong Shidao. This had nothing to do with military rank, but it was this seating arrangement that mattered.

Firstly, there was the prestige of Zhong Shidao; the two Zhong brothers were renowned for their military exploits in the Northwest. Secondly, Zhong Shidao was a civil official.

Looking at Zhong Shidao, he was already seventy-two years old. Needless to say, his hair and beard were all white, and his face was full of wrinkles. However, he was still energetic, strong and healthy, and the light in his eyes showed that this old man was indeed a tough guy.

Even at the age of seventy-two, he answered the emperor's summons and traveled thousands of miles to come.

Su Wu first paid his respects, saying, "Greetings, sir!"

Zhong Shidao laughed, "Excellent, excellent! I am already old, but I have long heard of Scholar Su's great name in the Northwest. My ears are calloused from hearing it so much. I only asked one question: how old is this Scholar Su? He said he is twenty-three years old. When I heard that, I was quite surprised! Today, seeing him, he is indeed extraordinary. It is truly a blessing for the Great Song Dynasty. Under the rule of the country, talents are emerging in great numbers. It is wonderful!"

Zhong Shidao's words were genuine; they were truly bold and unrestrained, yet his every gesture exuded a refined elegance.

Liu Yanqing laughed as well: "Old sir, I'm not lying, am I?"

Zhong Shidao smiled and nodded: "That's right, that's right. When I came to this tent just now, there were Jingdong army camps on both sides. I really took a good look at them. What a fine army!"

"Please excuse my rudeness, sir," Su Wu said politely, then added, "I have an old friend of yours in my army, sir. Please look around."

"Oh?" Zhong Shidao glanced around, scanning the room, and saw a bald giant looking at him with tears in his eyes.

After a closer look, Zhong Shidao asked, "Are you the officer who walks around with Shizhong? Lu Da? Is that you?"

Lu Da had already risen from the crowd and approached, kneeling down and bowing: "It's me, it's me! Greetings to General Zhong! I never expected that you would still remember me..."

Zhong Shidao suddenly sighed: "How could I not remember you? We even fought together. You were the commander of Shizhong's personal guards. You were very brave on the battlefield and made meritorious contributions. Later, I heard that you killed someone and fled to escape from the authorities. It turns out that you fled to Jingdong and joined the army. Your old profession, not bad at all. Shizhong even told me that he was afraid you would become a bandit... In this way, I think Shizhong can rest assured."

In a few words, the old friendship needs no further explanation, and the reputation of Master Zhong and Master Zhong is truly genuine.

His words were somewhat awkward, but Lu Da kept kowtowing, tears streaming down his face, and said, "Old sir, I really was once a bandit, and later joined the army! Old sir, please forgive me!"

He is an honest man.

Su Wu immediately replied, "After Lu Da joined the army in Jingdong, he served the country to the death and made great military achievements. Now he is the commander-in-chief of the Mizhou army and a fifth-rank guerrilla general."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Shidao nodded: "Not bad, not bad at all. There are no cowards among the men of my Western Army! Get up, sit down, sit down. You are all generals, how can you kneel before others so casually!"

Lu Da kowtowed again before standing up and obediently sitting down, asking, "How has General Zhong been lately?"

Zhong Shidao nodded: "All is well, very well. At sixty-three or sixty-four years old, he can still ride a horse and charge into battle."

"That's good, that's good..." Lu Da nodded repeatedly.

Su Wu then said, "In the evening, I instructed Lu Da to go to the old minister's army camp. I thought there would be many old friends there, so I allowed him not to return to camp for the night."

"Thank you, brother..." Lu Da was naturally delighted.

Zhong Shidao nodded: "Then let's get down to business. Let's hear what Commander Su has to say."

Su Wu bowed and then spoke: "It is my great fortune, truly my great fortune, to be able to lead the powerful armies of the Northwest tribes. If there is anything inappropriate, I hope you will point it out to me so that I can correct it."

After Su Wu finished speaking, he looked at Zhong Shidao, actually testing whether Zhong Shidao was easy to deal with.

Zhong Shidao replied, "Let's not be so polite. I've heard so much about your skills. I've heard them countless times along the way. Every colleague in the Northwest has praised you highly. I know you are good at military affairs, so just carry out your orders."

Su Wu bowed again and said, "My lord, you know that in this battle, we cannot rely on many people. The only ones we can rely on are the three armies of Wuzhou in the northwest of Beijing. That man is Wang Bing of Wuzhou, who is also a skilled warrior."

Wang Bing stepped forward to pay his respects and exchange greetings.

Su Wu continued, "My idea is that the armies elsewhere should not advance, but only those of us present should leave Xiongzhou and head straight for Yanjing. There are some other matters that I can discuss with the old minister and Chief Steward Liu later, without letting anyone else know."

Zhong Shidao nodded and asked, "So how many men are there in total?"

Su Wu introduced them one by one: "The Jingdong Army has come with 30,000 men this time, including more than 1,500 heavy cavalry and less than 3,000 light cavalry. The Wuzhou Army has come with 15,000 infantrymen. The Western Army has not come much, but together they still have more than 30,000 men. So, in fact, there are quite a few, more than 80,000 men."

This campaign against Liao and Yan clearly demonstrates a significantly greater military strength. Historically speaking, there was no Jingdong Army, nor was there a Wuzhou Army. The only truly combat-ready troops, numbering over 30,000 from various northwestern tribes, were subject to numerous constraints.

The current situation is a testament to Su Wu's long and painstaking planning, and it was a desperate gamble.

Zhong Shidao nodded: "Quite a lot, quite a lot, even more than expected."

Liu Yanqing also said, "Yes, with such a strong army of 80,000, we will surely win a great victory in the campaign against Yan."

Everyone present was overjoyed, their eyes all focused on the three men at the front, who were strong and well-equipped, waiting to make a name for themselves and receive a reward.

"Yanjing is not far away. It's just three cities: Guiyi, Zhuozhou, and Liangxiang. We can take them down one by one. If the time is right, we can even launch a surprise attack with divided forces, depending on the military situation at the time!"

Su Wu first explained the grand strategy.

Zhong Shidao nodded in agreement: "That's how it should be. It's not a complicated situation; it just depends on how the Liao people respond. We should adapt to the circumstances. Besides, this area is mostly open, unlike the mountainous northwest, making travel very convenient, but..."

“Please speak freely, my lord. It is inevitable that we will face the threat of open battle…” Su Wu replied.

Zhong Shidao nodded: "That's right. Attacking the city may not be the main issue. The Liao people have many cavalry. In such an open field, fighting in the open is truly worrying. If I were a Liao general, I would definitely use the advantage of cavalry to engage and entangle the enemy, and win the battle in the open."

"We need to discuss the methods of field battles and how to deal with the Liao cavalry. I would appreciate your guidance, sir." Su Wu was genuinely discussing matters with Zhong Shidao, without putting on airs.

Su Wu also knew that when it came to actual field battles against elite cavalry, he himself had no experience whatsoever, and was only learning and imagining.

Zhong Shidao had dealt with the Qiang and Dangxiang people his entire life, and for more than half a century, he had extensive experience fighting against elite cavalry in the field.

Zhong Shidao also said, "There are only three things to consider when facing cavalry: the formation must be maintained, the scouts must keep an eye on the enemy, and the battle must be dragged out."

"Please explain in detail, sir." Su Wu truly had the mindset of a student.

"When enemy cavalry charge, the army formation must not be disrupted; this is a test of the elite of the troops. If the enemy cavalry retreats, the scouts must follow closely and be aware of the enemy's movements at all times to prevent surprise attacks. If a fierce battle ensues, then we must do everything we can to hold them off. Once the cavalry stops moving, defeating them is not difficult."

Master Zhong said, "Take your time."

Su Wu chimed in, "What you're saying is also a method for cavalry to win."

"Yes, it's just a matter of two sides. It's up to you, Commander Su, to decide who will lead the central army and who will lead the left and right wings. My cavalry are the best at following the enemy. If we gather all our units together, we'll have two or three thousand heavy cavalry and five or six thousand light cavalry, which will give us the strength to counterattack. After discussing all this, I must say that in open field battles, we actually have a very high chance of winning."

Such a discussion must also have other significance, namely, to build confidence among the troops.

The concept of the Liao people's immense power, which was ingrained in the Song people's very being from the stories they heard from childhood, had long been deeply rooted in their very being.

"I have truly benefited greatly from what Master Zhong has said," Su Wu said sincerely. Today's discussion also had another purpose: to exchange feelings with Master Zhong and deepen mutual trust.

Since it was their first meeting, Su Wu had to treat Zhong Shidao with respect, and Zhong Shidao had to value Su Wu.

In this way, the internal affairs of the military were resolved.

Zhong Shidao nodded: "Once we're on the battlefield, we'll obey orders from the army!"

These words were truly comforting. Su Wu stopped with pleasantries and said loudly, "Since the old ministers trust me and the brothers trust me, I will not shirk my duty. If we are not victorious this time, I will not live alone. If we are victorious, I will not be greedy for credit, just as I was in Jiangnan!"

Su Wu also needs to make a statement!
Liu Yanqing then laughed and said, "That goes without saying. In this army, who doesn't know the name of General Su, who is so loyal and righteous? As for bravery and courage, no one is too few to go."

Liu Guangshi also said, "Which of you brothers doesn't trust Commander Su's character?"

Even the ever-stubborn Yao Pingzhong chimed in, "Hmm, I agree with that."

Gaining Yao Pingzhong's approval was no easy feat. Yao Pingzhong was someone even Tong Guan dared to contradict and offend. He was one of the most disliked generals in the Western Army, but unfortunately, he was a formidable fighter.

Su Wu waved his hand and said, "The reward will continue early tomorrow morning. The expenses for the departure will be ten strings of cash per person. Please let everyone contribute the amount today."

With just these words, everyone in the room beamed with joy.

Liu Guangshi added, "I'm really sorry that I always cause Commander Su to spend so much money, and this time it's the same."

Whether these words are hypocritical or false, they are actually harmless.

Su Wu waved his hand again: "Let's not talk about this between us. As long as we win, I will never owe my brothers a single copper coin."

Liu Guangshi added, "I will personally relay General Su's words to the army. Even if I don't, all the brothers know. We heard halfway through the journey that General Su is the deputy envoy in charge of leading troops at the front. The brothers in the army were overjoyed, and their pace quickened considerably on the way."

Su Wu smiled and said, "It's all thanks to the kindness of my brothers in the Western Army!"

With that, Su Wu stood up, cupped his hands to the left and right, and said, "Let's leave the important matters here for now; other matters can be discussed later."

Su Wu glanced around and said, "Military order: We need to rest and reorganize for the next three days, and also to sort out the affairs of the various armies. After three days, the army will set off for Xiongzhou. At that time, we will issue orders to ensure the order of the march!"

Everyone in the room stood up, cupped their hands, and said, "Yes, sir!"

Even the seventy-two-year-old Zhong Shidao, though a beat slower, slowly stood up: "This old man obeys the order!"

(Brothers, I'm going back to the countryside tomorrow to rest and recuperate. I'll try to write in a different environment and see if my energy and overall condition improve.)
(End of this chapter)