Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 254 Is what my brother said true?

When the emperor went south, the city of Yanjing was packed with people. His imperial carriage was pulled by six white horses, with palace maids in front, eunuchs behind, and soldiers on both sides to protect him.

As soon as they stepped out of the palace gates, the palace maids cried first, followed by the eunuchs.

Outside the palace gates, groups of former officials knelt on the ground, with Li Chuwen being the first to kneel, accompanied by about a hundred family members and servants.

Let's cry, let's cry together!

Even in the square in front of the imperial city gate, there were two or three thousand people, and they were all crying.

He slowly walked forward with only the carriage frame, and the crowd got up and followed the emperor's carriage, weeping all the way.

Then, people flocked from all directions. They might not all have come to cry for the emperor. Such a lively scene would attract people no matter what, but there were quite a few who were crying for the emperor.

The scene grew larger and larger.

Cries and shouts: "Take care, Your Majesty! Take care, Your Majesty!"

Your Majesty couldn't help but lift the curtain of the carriage to take a look, how could you not be moved? For 180 years, the people of Yan and Yun have been taught to recite in this way, is this not also an achievement of the Khitan Yelü?
The emperor slowly beckoned: "Go back, all of you, go back..."

As soon as the emperor appeared, the cries of grief rose and fell!
Soldiers on either side shouted, "Don't worry, don't worry, everyone! If the Emperor of our Great Song wants to see you, he will certainly take good care of you!"

"Your Majesty! Please take care on your journey!"

The emperor also shouted, "Go back and live your lives peacefully. I'm going to Tokyo, so you all don't need to worry..."

They shouted this and that, and it didn't matter who heard what they said. All that mattered was that even the emperor's eyes were filled with tears. He wiped them away again and again. Little did he know that the Khitan Liao Dynasty had penetrated so deeply into people's hearts!
The soldiers were not rude. Even when they pushed and shoved, they only maintained their formation. Occasionally, one or two loyal soldiers would break through the soldiers' blockade and rush to the emperor's carriage window. Although the soldiers would come to escort them, they would not beat or drive them away.

The loyal and righteous man who rushed forward cried out, "Your Majesty must come back again!"

Upon hearing these words, the emperor burst into tears. Could he ever return?
I'm afraid he won't be able to come back...

But he couldn't bring himself to say it, so he just nodded and waved, "Yeah, yeah, you can go back now..."

The road out of the city is several miles long. If we walk slowly like this, we might not even get out of the city gate before dark.

But no one in the room seemed anxious.

Su Wu sat in the back carriage, also there to see off, but not the emperor; he was seeing off Tong Guan, Tan Zhen, and Zhao Liangsi.

Tong Guan would occasionally lift the carriage curtain to look outside, and then look at Su Wu: "Did you do this?"

Su Wu smiled and said, "Nothing can be hidden from the Grand Chancellor..."

Tong Guan nodded, but Zhao Liangsi then said, "Commander Su's move is truly brilliant!"

Tong Guan then said, "Indeed, throughout history, how many times has a country fallen like this? How many emperors of a fallen country have received such treatment?"

This method is so ingenious that Tan Zhen was momentarily stunned. He looked out and in, seemingly puzzled as to what exactly made it so ingenious.

Su Wu then said, "Prime Minister, after entering the capital, you should inform the Emperor and treat him with the utmost courtesy. Ideally, he should be granted the title of Prince of Yan and kept in Tokyo without being confined. Even if old friends from Liaodong come to Yanjing to visit him, you should allow them to leave without interference..."

Tong Guan nodded: "Yes, as you wish..."

Su Wu's words also had a deeper meaning: the Khitans could also have a spiritual pillar, that was no problem, and Su Wu also intended to cultivate Yelü Chun in this direction.

Then Tan Zhen said, "Prime Minister, Academician, how can you not guard against those Liao people secretly plotting to restore their country?"

Zhao Liangsi laughed: "Prime Minister Tan, it's fine to plot in secret. If we're really talking about restoring the country, the Liao Kingdom wasn't destroyed by the Song Dynasty, and it's not really in the Yan-Yun region. The Liao Kingdom is in Shangjing Linhuang Prefecture, Zhongjing Dading Prefecture, and Dongjing Liaoyang Prefecture. Xijing Datong Prefecture is still fighting a bitter war with the Jurchens. In Nanjing and Yanjing, we haven't made things difficult for anyone. The scholar's point is that if the Liao people can truly unite, they will naturally be focused on making things difficult for the Jurchens... In that case, it's not a bad thing..."

Tan Zhen suddenly realized, as if his words had awakened him from a dream. With a sudden enlightenment, he nodded repeatedly and said, "Oh, I see. That's truly brilliant!"

Su Wu glanced at Tan Zhen and smiled slightly.

Tan Zhen then said, "In other words, there should be no Liao people causing us any trouble in Yanjing City... Good thing, good thing, this is good, it's peaceful!"

Everyone laughed, and Tong Guan said, "With you all here, with Ziqing here, these things are truly reassuring..."

The carriage moved slowly, and although the wheels kept turning, when I lifted the curtain, I saw that we hadn't gone very far.

Just moments ago there was only crying and shouting, but now people are actually bringing food to the emperor—eggs, jars of wine, cured meat—so that he can eat and drink on his journey…

That soldier was truly kind. Although he wouldn't let people pass, he actually helped pass things over, taking them from the people and delivering them to the emperor's carriage.

The emperor was overcome with tears, his eyes streaming down his face...

They ate without hesitation, eating boiled eggs, peeling and eating them, drinking wine, and even greeting the crowd.

Empress Xiao Puxian burst into tears, saying, "Tell me, how could such a country perish?"

The crimes of the emperor, the crimes of treacherous officials, and the crimes of rebellious ministers and traitors—this refers to Yelü Yanxi, Xiao Fengxian, Xiao Sixian, and Yelü Yudu…

Yelü Yudu is leading his surrendered Liao army in a fierce attack on the city of Datong, the western capital!

Yelü Dashi was located within the city, and he too was locked in a fierce battle with Yelü Yudu!

Emperor Yelü Yanxi truly valued Yelü Dashi. There was nothing else to say; even if Yelü Dashi led tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians to surrender, the emperor could not punish him.

They inevitably discussed the matter at Datong.

There was also a group of civil and military officials in the court. Yelü Dashi could be seen as holding great power. After the fierce battle, he came to this hall from the city wall, filled with anger and rage.

How can he not hear that those who climbed the walls and attacked the city were speaking Han Chinese, Khitan, and Xi languages?

Those who defended the city and those who attacked it were brothers from the same mother, yet they turned against each other, resulting in mountains of corpses and seas of blood!
How could Yelü Dashi not be furious? He went straight up to the main hall, covered in blood, his tiger-like eyes blazing as he looked around.

Yelü Yanxi is now vastly different. His aura, his imposing presence, and even his appearance and demeanor are all far removed from the former Emperor of the Liao Dynasty, a powerful and prosperous empire.

Upon seeing Yelü Dashi enter the hall, he simply said, "Lin Ya's victory against the enemy this time is a great achievement and he deserves a rich reward!"

Yelü Dashi glanced around, then bowed and uttered, "Your subject requests that Xiao Fengxian be executed!"

"Huh?" Emperor Yelü Yanxi was taken aback.

Xiao Fengxian was right there and hurriedly said, "Lin Ya, what are you saying?"

Yelü Dashi glanced sideways, then bowed and said, "Outside the city, Yelü Yudu's army numbers thirty to forty thousand, the vanguard of the Jurchens, bravely scaling walls and killing each other. Why? It is the work of treacherous officials! I request that the treacherous Xiao Fengxian be executed! At a time when the country is in ruins, he is still scheming and fighting for power. Yelü Yudu's treason is half due to Xiao Fengxian!"

"He betrayed his country and defected to the enemy, how can you blame me?" Xiao Fengxian was extremely anxious. Now, looking outside the main hall, there were many armored soldiers, and they all listened to Yelü Dashi. This young man was now truly in charge of great power.

But then Xiao Gan also came and said, "Your subject Xiao Gan also requests that Xiao Fengxian be executed!"

As soon as Xiao Gan spoke, Xiao Fengxian turned pale, and the emperor swallowed hard, wondering if Yelü Dashi's words made any sense.

Upon closer examination, how could there be no reason for this?
The Emperor sighed and said, "Alas... there's no need for execution. My dear Minister Fengxian, you may go home. You may... you may go home..."

"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty!" Yelü Dashi bowed again.

Yelü Yanxi nodded: "It has already been made clear. Tell him to go home and end his own life!"

Yelü Dashi nodded: "Your Majesty is wise. Just wait until tonight, when the treacherous officials are brought to justice, and tomorrow their corpses are hung on the city wall, we'll see if Yelü Yudu and his generals can change their minds!"

There was a purpose to doing this. He did his best and left the rest to fate. Outside the city, Yelü Yudu was fiercely attacking, and there were tens of thousands of Jurchen cavalry moving about freely. Yelü Dashi knew that this battle was likely to end badly...

They could only hold out for one day at a time. To be honest, the people of Xijing were in a state of unrest and anxiety...

Even among those present, the so-called civil and military officials, were there any? How many were there? Had someone already been sent to Yelü Yudu outside the city to deliver a message?

Yelü Dashi didn't know about this, but he knew that someone must have already done it.

These same people, who were able to flee Yanjing in panic in the past, can now make peace with Yelü Yudu.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty," Yelü Dashi looked up and sighed inwardly. Perhaps in the Emperor's heart, he thought that all these people following him meant they were loyal...

Then the emperor said, "Excellent, excellent! I hope Yelü Yudu can change his mind and turn against us to help us!"

Upon hearing this, Yelü Dashi sighed inwardly, thinking how naive these words were.
Yelü Dashi was only thinking about whether he could change his mind and whether he could demoralize the enemy generals.

The emperor, however, thought that Yelü Yudu, a man who had already betrayed the country, would turn against it and return. How could that be possible?

Helpless, Xiao Fengxian collapsed to the ground, slowly crawling towards the emperor, wanting to kowtow and beg for favor.

Yelü Dashi waved his hand and said, "Men, take him home and keep a close watch on him. If he doesn't get proper treatment today, he'll get it done tomorrow morning!"

Yelü Dashi was naturally very powerful, and none of the civil and military officials in the city dared to say a word against him.
I wouldn't dare do it to his face, but behind his back, who knows?

Just watch as the armored soldiers come to take down Xiao Fengxian.

The court assembly was then concluded without much further incident. Yelü Dashi turned and went back to his work, focusing on the city's defenses. He also pondered one thing: if the city were truly difficult to defend, how should he proceed, and how should he flee westward...

The Song people wanted horses, but they couldn't get them in Datong. They had to go west and north to get them, to the grasslands.

Going to the grasslands would actually give them more strategic initiative, at least because the grasslands are vast and offer ample room for maneuver. Confining themselves to a city would mean certain defeat and annihilation...

When I think about it, the Khitan ancestors came down from the mountains and forests, found a grassland west of the Greater Khingan Mountains to settle down and start nomadic life. That place was Shangjing Linhuangfu, the birthplace of our ancestors.

Now, if we go back to the grasslands, I wonder how many of these people are still used to living in yurts and enduring wind and snow.

On the grasslands, for so many years, for hundreds of years, various tribes and the Khitan have maintained friendly relations for generations, formed marriage alliances, and repeatedly rebelled...

I've thought about it in a complicated and extensive way, but I still don't have any real clues...

But we must also consider who the Liao Dynasty can rely on now. The civil and military officials are nothing but insects. Only Yelü Dashi can shoulder the burden alone, and at most, we can think of Xiao Gan.

In Yanjing, the emperor finally left the city. Former officials, commoners, and even those from nearby villages accompanied him for miles, some for over ten miles, others for dozens of miles. Many even stayed overnight with the emperor outside the city...

But halfway there, they encountered an imperial edict.

The imperial edict was first sent to Tong Guan for review.

First, there was great joy. Prince Tong Guan of Guangyang was extremely satisfied, even exceeding his expectations. His attendants laughed heartily, saying, "Your Majesty's grace is beyond compare. It is truly a blessing in this life for us to be able to serve Your Majesty!"

Of course, as you laugh, tears will inevitably flow when you are truly moved.

Then look at Tan Zhen, who was also all smiles. He signed the document for the Privy Council and kept thanking the Emperor. After thanking the Emperor, he thanked the Privy Councilor.

Tong Guan added, "Hey, I thought it was about the Associate Privy Councilor, but it turns out it's about the Signatory Privy Councilor..."

Tan Zhen repeatedly bowed and said, "It's alright, it's alright. I will always remember your kindness, and I will never forget it. In a few years, I will be promoted to the position of Associate Privy Councilor."

Tong Guan smiled, but then frowned as he looked at the next document: Su Wu, the Duke of Langya, and the Deputy Pacification Commissioner of the Eastern Capital Region.

Tong Guan's expression changed: "Why is that?"

Tan Zhen, who was also watching from the side, quickly changed his expression as well: "Perhaps... it is the Emperor's way of showing favor first. We can discuss it again once we return to the capital!"

Tong Guan nodded first, then immediately recalled Su Wu's words from earlier and shook his head: "This is the Grand Tutor's handwriting!"

Tan Zhen quickly reassured him, "It's alright, it's alright, Grand Councilor, don't be anxious. We can discuss this further once we return to the capital!"

Tong Guan took a deep breath and said, "Yes, yes, yes, let's discuss this again when we return to the capital. Let's speed up our pace tomorrow and return to the capital quickly to discuss this with the Emperor..."

Looking at the next one, it wasn't much. The imperial edict rewarding the soldiers was mostly words of encouragement and praise, and the final reward of 800,000 strings of cash was nothing special.

There was another decree for Tan Zhen, appointing him as the garrison commander of Yanjing Prefecture. Tan Zhen was to remain in Yanjing to oversee the overall situation, with all military and political affairs under his command. The 200,000 troops at the front were to begin withdrawing in batches.

There were many specific tasks, such as reorganizing the Liao army, recruiting new troops to supplement the army, inspecting officials in various parts of Yan and Yun, and even the imperial court had to appoint many officials to Yanjing...

In essence, it means rebuilding the prefectures and counties of Yanyun that we now control, establishing a smooth administrative and military system, and even a defense system.

This is no small undertaking, and it is most appropriate for Tan Zhen, the Privy Councilor, to personally oversee it.

As for the withdrawal of the various armies, it should be completed in three or four months. It is not feasible to not withdraw. Three or four months is already a long time. If it is longer, we are afraid that the soldiers will cause trouble.

Tong Guan looked at Tan Zhen and said earnestly, "This matter is yours. You bear a heavy responsibility this time. If you do well, you will surely be rewarded when you return. You must not make any mistakes."

Tan Zhen simply nodded: "I will do my best to complete this task. The Grand Councilor will be waiting for good news in Tokyo!"

Tong Guan didn't think much of it, just nodded and sighed, "A new generation replaces the old. You don't need to think too much about this. It's just how it is. I'm really getting old. It's your turn to do these things!"

Tan Zhen bows again!
Tong Guan waved his hand, saying there was one last imperial edict, which he would then read.

Adding the enmity to Guo Yaoshi, the military doctor, to the position of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Yanjing Prefecture's military forces!

To the two of them, it was nothing serious, a trivial matter.

Early the next morning, Tan Zhen stopped heading south and returned north. When Su Wu saw Tan Zhen again in Yanjing, he was surprised, but understood after reading the imperial edict.

Tan Zhen, standing by, comforted him, saying, "General Su, don't worry too much. The Grand Councilor and I both believe this is the Emperor's way of bestowing favors. Once the Grand Councilor returns to the capital and meets with the Emperor, we will surely bestow further rewards!"

Su Wu nodded and smiled: "Yes, that's right!"

Seeing that Su Wu seemed indifferent, Tan Zhen breathed a sigh of relief, but he was also afraid that Su Wu might feel indignant at this moment.

Tan Zhen still wanted Su Wu to help him with his work, saying, "We still need Commander Su to take good care of the withdrawal of troops!"

"Of course!" Su Wu was actually in a good mood. He was quite satisfied with returning to Jingdong, but he still had something to say: "There is something I need to tell the Chancellor about. Of course, Chancellor Tan is also present, so it should be Chancellor Tan who will handle this matter..."

"What is it?" Tan Zhen asked.

Su Wu then said, “I myself am fine. Whether it’s faster or slower, whether the emperor bestows favors first or rewards later, it doesn’t matter. It’s up to the emperor’s will! But how to promote and advance the generals under my command is a major issue. It’s about the morale of the army. If we need to use troops again in the future, we must ensure that the morale of the army is stable. To be honest, now that Prime Minister Tan is in charge of the Privy Council, this matter should be decided by Prime Minister Tan…”

"Oh, no, no, the Privy Council is naturally overseen by the Grand Councilor. I am at most an assistant. But I will certainly do this matter seriously so that the generals can rest assured!"

Tan Zhen nodded repeatedly. Having accompanied the army twice, he had learned a thing or two. Tong Guan had also given him instructions, so he knew that in the Privy Council, if you wanted people to be willing to die for you, you had to do these things.

"If that's what you say, sir, then I won't worry about it anymore!" Su Wu nodded.

"Alright, don't worry, even if I don't sleep tonight, I will still send this memorial requesting merit to the Privy Council. Once the Ministry of Personnel and the Court of Judicial Review have stamped it, the matter will be settled!"

Tan Zhen was quite confident.

Su Wu, however, was not so confident. The court's evaluation of his merits was all in the imperial edicts he was given. On paper, it was only two minor battles, both of which were welcomed by the people of Yan and Yun with food and drink. In terms of real military merits, how much could he really claim?

Su Wu himself didn't even discuss anything, let alone his generals.

Xu Yangke's repeated words were indeed true, and it was all for naught that he made the trip.

After Su Wu and Tan Zhen finished their business, they went about their own business.

Tan Zhen was busy setting up his Yanjing Prefecture. Among the civil officials, he asked the court for some, and also used some former officials from the Liao Kingdom. Li Chuwen also had to contribute.

Among the military officers, Tan Zhen had some old acquaintances from his time in the capital region, and he transferred a few of them. Guo Yaoshi was the deputy commander of the Yanjing Prefecture's military forces, so he could use him as well. Guo Yaoshi also had several thousand resentful soldiers stationed nearby.

Su Wu wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. He would also help with military matters. Tan Zhen would feel uneasy without Su Wu's help. There were more than a dozen prefectures and dozens of counties. To sort out the connections between them, to sort out the rosters of soldiers, and to manage the garrisons in various places, he would have to rely on Su Wu's help, as well as Su Wu's staff.

The withdrawal of troops was handled by Su Wu, who also arranged all the logistical matters.

Tan Zhen couldn't help but think that Su Wu was truly useful.

What was Su Wu busy with?

As they headed to the camp outside the city, how could all the military officers not gather together to receive the Emperor's grace?
Once the imperial edict was read, no one was particularly overjoyed. They kept exaggerating and praising, but when it came to the actual number, it was more than 250,000 or 260,000 soldiers.

How much money does each person get? After traveling thousands of miles, how much money is all they get?
Of course, everyone should outwardly express their gratitude.

All that remains is to express our gratitude.

As everyone took their seats, many were actually feeling disappointed.

Liu Yanqing said, "This trip has covered thousands of miles, but it can't compare to the trip to Jiangnan..."

Su Wu laughed and said, "It's alright, it's alright. I'll just wait a few more days and then I'll share it with you all."

Upon hearing Su Wu's words, everyone beamed with joy, knowing that Commander Su had been busy making money lately, and that Wu Yuhou was working day and night.

But then Liu Guangshi said, "You've made my brother spend money again!"

Su Wu waved his hand and said, "Don't mention it. It's not my fault. We fought this war together, and we all came here together. Once I've gathered some, I should share it with everyone. I can't just put it all in my own pocket..."

Liu Guangshi also laughed: "Brother has always been so righteous!"

Wang Bing suddenly said, "Commander Su, please allow me to report that the Wuzhou army is ready..."

Su Wu raised his hand to stop them: "Treat everyone equally, without mentioning past favors. Everyone here will be treated equally, but the other troops will not be treated the same!"

Han Shizhong retorted, "That's only right. Those ignorant beggars shouldn't be given anything! Giving each of them three or four strings of cash would be too much. If it were me, I wouldn't even give them the Emperor's reward..."

There's a hierarchy of contempt even in the military...

Su Wu laughed: "You're quite bold, extremely presumptuous! You even dare to embezzle the emperor's rewards! When the time comes, the emperor will come and chop off your head!"

Han Shizhong remained silent, feeling resentful. He wasn't afraid of dying on the battlefield, but he was still somewhat afraid of being beheaded by the emperor...

Everyone couldn't help but laugh, knowing it was all just teasing.

The experienced and prudent Master Zhong said, "This time, it would be best if few lives were lost. No matter how great the achievement, it is not as important as the lives of our sons. If we can gain wealth, that is also very good. The return of Yan and Yun is a great joy, a joy for the country and the people. We have done something that will be remembered in history. In the future, you will all be recorded in the annals of history."

These words immediately lifted the mood, and how could everyone not be pleased?
Even Wu Song came and asked, "Old Master Zhong, could it be that I am also recorded in the history books?"

Zhong Shidao stroked his beard and smiled, "Of course!"

Wu Song laughed and said, "That's interesting!"

Suddenly, Wu Song asked, "Brother, this time you were the commander-in-chief, displaying great wisdom and leading from the front to secure victory. How will the Emperor bestow favor upon you?"

That one sentence reminded everyone that what they had just read was the imperial edict rewarding the army, and it seemed that the matter of Commander Su had also come to an end. Everyone's eyes turned to him.

Su Wu smiled, a genuine smile: "Duke of Langya!"

"Good, good, good!" Wu Song clapped his hands. This sounded good, and everyone couldn't help but laugh!

But Wu Song then asked, "Hey, what about the official position?"

Su Wu still smiled: "Deputy Pacification Commissioner of the Two Routes to Jingdong!"

Upon hearing this, watch Wu Song perform a dramatic change of expression. Just moments ago he was laughing and clapping, but now his smile vanishes and his face darkens!

Looking around, everyone in the room had a somber expression.

Everyone was hoping that Su Wu would go to the Privy Council to take charge of affairs. Everyone present, including the brothers, would enjoy the food and drink the soup, and their future would be more and more prosperous!

How come even Su Shuai himself can't get meat?
Thinking about it further, if even Suarez is drinking soup, why would anyone else eat meat or drink soup? Wouldn't they be unable to even smell the aroma of meat?
But Wu Song couldn't help but blurt out, "What's the point of this official position? Isn't Master Cheng doing just fine as a servant in Jingdong?"

"Insolence! Stop talking nonsense!" Su Wu rebuked him, saying, "This is a grace from Heaven; how dare you spout such nonsense?"

Wu Song didn't say much, he just turned away angrily.

Looking at Lu Da, Lin Chong, and the others, they all sighed deeply, unable to speak of it... They would find a private opportunity to discuss it later.

Seeing the somber atmosphere, Zhong Shidao immediately said, "It's alright, it's alright, it's probably just a temporary thing, maybe we'll have to wait a few more days..."

Liu Guangshi was somewhat anxious. He was waiting for this opportunity to try his luck and rise in rank. Putting aside everything else, the idea of ​​splitting up with his father into two armies and becoming a deputy commander of some army in another region seemed like a pipe dream.

They came to ask, "Where are Prime Minister Tong and Prime Minister Tan?"

Su Wu replied, "Chancellor Tong Shu will be granted the title of Prince of Guangyang!"

Everyone gasped in astonishment. A prince? A living prince of a different surname? This was something they had never seen in their lifetimes!
Su Wu then said, "Minister Tan, you are hereby promoted to the position of Assistant Privy Councilor."

Liu Guangshi immediately exclaimed, "So he really won?"

What does this mean? In the past, Liu Guangshi only saw Su Wu and Tan Zhen as competitors. Now that they are competing, doesn't that mean Tan Zhen has won?

People say Tan Zhen is incompetent, but the emperor is wise. How could Tan Zhen be qualified in military affairs?
Su Wu quickly raised his hand to wave: "From now on, everyone should show more respect to Minister Tan. It's alright, just visit him more often. Minister Tan will be your superior as well as mine. We must not make enemies with him. It's all about the country and the people, not personal feelings!"

What could anyone say?

Only Zhong Shidao said, "That's the usual practice. The emperor's close ministers and eunuchs go without saying. In the future, Commander Su will also go to the Privy Council. Don't worry, everyone!"

These words were truly comforting, and Liu Guangshi nodded in agreement: "I suppose it's because the Emperor thinks my brother is young. Things might be different in a couple of years..."

Unexpectedly, Yao Pingzhong, who rarely spoke, suddenly said, "It's just a small achievement. The Emperor and the officials in the court think that we soldiers have only made a small contribution this time!"

Su Wu quickly raised his hand again: "Steward Yao, you mustn't speak recklessly."

To everyone's surprise, the more Yao Pingzhong tried to keep quiet, the more stubborn he became: "Let them come and fight, let them lead the charge and fight the Liao cavalry to the death. Don't they see that the corpses lying everywhere are all good men? If they come, they'll wet their pants on the spot!"

This guy is such a stubborn fool; no wonder Tong Guan has always disliked him so much.

Su Wu smiled wryly: "Chief Steward Yao..."

Yao Pingzhong continued enthusiastically: "Let them climb that city wall. How bravely the soldiers of Wuzhou climbed Guiyi City! How many died or were injured? They came from thousands of miles away, for the country, for their families, for the nation. Countless soldiers fell from the several-meter-high city wall..."

Wang Bing waved his hands repeatedly: "Don't say that, Steward Yao, it's just your duty!"

Master Zhong said, "Alright, you foul mouth, you've suffered losses your whole life, aren't you tired of it?"

"Hmph!" Yao Pingzhong snorted coldly, tilted his head to the side, and didn't bother to say anything more.

Su Wu said, “Let’s stop here. Whether the merit is great or small, I am at peace and have no worries. You should all be the same. Perhaps we will meet again in the future. As long as I can fight alongside you, that will be gratifying. After some time, we will each divide the money among ourselves. Then it will not have been a wasted trip. When you go home, do not squander your money. Just focus on purchasing weapons and horses, raising soldiers well, and raising more sons!”

Liu Yanqing immediately asked, "What? What does Commander Su mean...?"

Su Wu nodded: "The war continues!"

“Then…” Liu Yanqing asked again.

Su Wu then said, “Regardless of the Jurchens, the current situation is such that the Yan and Yun regions have submitted. Isn’t everyone overjoyed? The world is vast, where else can we find peace? I imagine Your Majesty and all the ministers would also like to have their names recorded in history and wish to leave their biographies for posterity. The Dangxiang army is small and outnumbered, but now, with the glory of their great victory, aren’t the court officials also full of vigor and ambition? Isn’t Minister Tan also thinking of becoming the Privy Councilor?”

Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this, and they looked at each other. Attacking the Tanguts?
Since Emperor Shenzong's reign, the conflict with the Tanguts has long since ceased, and apart from some minor border skirmishes, there has been no major conflict for many years.

As a result, the number of units in the Western Army is decreasing year by year, and even... the imperial court's military expenditure is decreasing year by year.

But that's secondary. There's something even more important: just look at the people in the audience...

Whether it's Liu Yanqing, Yao Pingzhong, or even Xin Xingzong, if it weren't for the last time they suppressed the bandits in Jiangnan, they would all be insignificant officials compared to each other, including Liu Yanqing.

Even if we include Zhong Shidao, his official rank wouldn't be much higher. And look at the younger generation of the Zhe family; they're still stuck at the rank of colonel...

Why was Yang Keshi so eager for merit? Why was he in such a hurry?

Everyone is actually the same; they lack the qualifications and opportunities to advance!

Now that they have won several battles, everyone is full of confidence and thinks they can fight, so they feel even more that they have no chance!

Upon hearing Su Wu's words, every general in the Northwest had their eyes light up.
This time, it wasn't Liu Yanqing who spoke first, but Liu Guangshi, who excitedly asked, "Brother, is this really true?"

Su Wu nodded: "What I predicted will definitely be correct. As for the future... well, how should I put it..."

“Brother, you don’t need to say anything, we understand!” Liu Guangshi was indeed very clever, and sometimes he was even too clever.

In a flash of inspiration, I realized that this matter also needed the help of everyone present.

For example, after returning, could we be more proactive, more frequent, or more intense in our interactions with the Tanguts?
In the memorial sent to the capital, could the Tanguts be described in an even worse light?
Su Wu laughed and said, "This world will eventually be at peace, and the universe will be swept clean. How can petty villains be allowed to live any longer? To restore the glory of the Han and Tang dynasties is our honor!"

The crowd, who had been somewhat subdued just moments before, suddenly lit up with excitement at Su Wu's words.

Why did Su Wu do this?
In short, like Li Shimin, who was responsible for most of the achievements in the country, people could forgive him for whatever he did.

Su Wu's reputation and prestige are not enough now. There are people like him in Jiangnan, Jingdong, Hebei, Henan, and Xuchang, but given the current situation, the Northwest must also have one.

Having what the military has isn't enough; we also need to have it among the civilian population.

Since the Tanguts rebelled and established their state during the reign of Emperor Renzong, they have fought countless battles with the northwest. Countless prefectures and counties have been plundered. Every household has taken to the battlefield to fight the enemy. They have won some battles, but when they lose, they suffer utter defeats and heavy casualties.

The border between the Western Xia Tanguts and the Song Dynasty was even wider than that between the Liao and Song Dynasties. Over the decades, the blood debts were numerous and countless. At the height of the conflict, every household in the northwestern prefectures was preparing for war and the enemy, and often every household was dressed in mourning clothes!
Even now, there are countless frictions and conflicts. Since the several disastrous defeats of Emperor Renzong and Emperor Shenzong, the Dangxiang people are now rampant in the Northwest, bullying others and causing widespread resentment.

In preparation for the war against the Tanguts day and night, how far could things go in the Northwest? In many prefectures, ordinary people who committed minor crimes were simply sent to the archery range. If they hit the target, they were pardoned on the spot. This was the case under Zhong Shidao's rule.

The memory of the Song people fighting to the death with the Liao is distant, more than a hundred years ago, but the memory of fighting to the death with the Western Xia Tanguts is right before our eyes!

Even though Su Wu went to the Northwest to lead the army and annihilate the Dangxiang, the morale of the army and the people in the Northwest was soaring that Su Wu was even deified on the spot! Every household had to put up a longevity tablet for Su Wu!

Su Wu was plotting something, and he had come up with a plan. What if something were to happen someday…

Even if the soldiers and civilians of the Northwest came face to face with Su Wu, they could not bring themselves to wield their weapons!
Su Wu is not the same as before. Internally, he is managing the affairs of Jingdong; externally, he is not in the imperial court, but in the hearts and minds of the people and the army throughout the land!
As for Yan and Yun, there's no rush. The Jurchens will fight the Liao people to the death for a long time, all the way from Xijing to the grasslands!

(End of this chapter)