Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 263 What is my husband thinking?

The wine is still being drunk, and the dancing is still going on.

Next, the specific details were discussed. Li Hang was going to Dongping Prefecture and needed to buy a house there, which was practically a move. He also needed to bring his trusted steward and accountant with him, as well as servants and the like...

Su Wu's "foundation" was naturally to be built in Dongping Prefecture. He also needed to prepare a large mansion, dig a cellar, and raise guards. Su Wu had also planned that all the wounded and retired soldiers from the battlefield would come to the foundation to serve as guards.

Because the foundation has a lot of money coming and going, it needs people to escort it. Many businesses also need people to protect them, just like running a security escort agency. Soldiers wounded in battle come to work in the security escort agency as a way of making a living.

Unless they are completely immobile, all others will be taken in. Even those without legs who cannot walk can be used to draw a bow and arrow, guard the gate, or even be tied to a horse...

As for why the fund should be located in Dongping Prefecture, the reason is simple: Dongping Prefecture has better geographical advantages. It is close to Hebei, not far from Henan, and close to the south of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers. It is also not far from various places within Dongping Prefecture. This geographical advantage facilitates business dealings and makes it easier for Su Wu to manage the business.

After discussing these matters, Su Wu returned to the army while still slightly drunk.

After a good night's sleep, Li Hang headed south again and began to get busy. He first sent people to Dongping Prefecture to purchase a house, then summoned prominent families in Qizhou to discuss matters. He also wrote a letter to Zhao Cuncheng of the Zhao family, and contacted prominent families in various places in Jingdong and Dongping.

This is still a long-term matter, but it can be done quickly. As soon as Li Hangren arrives in Dongping Prefecture, it can be started.

Li Ying and Du Xing went directly to Li Hang's command, and many things needed to be handed over. Even Meng Yulou should also invest some shares. Even if it was Yang Zongtie's shares, Meng Yulou's personal shares should also be included. Even if it was Meng Yulou's personal matter, he should also be involved.

The three villages of Dulonggang can afford it, so feel free to come; anyone with money is welcome.

Even officials could invest in the company, not to mention local clerks.

First come, first served; as long as people are willing to come, we will welcome all who come for a long time.

Upon returning to Dongping Prefecture, Su Wu, as was customary, first visited his father-in-law. His father-in-law had been living a more and more comfortable life lately. As the Pacification Commissioner of the two routes in Jingdong, as long as he didn't take on any extra work, he actually had nothing to do.

Aside from occasionally inquiring about the grain transport situation in various prefectures, he spent his days wandering around, giving a few instructions, and checking on his daughter when she returned—that was all…

It was also through the gradual development of officialdom in the two prefectures of Jingdong that the Zhao and Li families, and their connections in officialdom, including those recommended by Zhang Shuye and Zong Ze, Meng Yi, and Cheng Wanli's own network of former classmates and colleagues, gradually improved.

They can simply be placed one by one. Of course, this will take time. Currently, these two routes in Jingdong are nominally under Tong Guan's sphere of influence. Cheng Wanli and Su Wu can manage them. As for personnel appointments, as long as Cheng Wanli and Su Wu ask, Tong Guan will naturally help with the arrangements.

Some people even take the initiative to do so. For example, the Wang family in the capital has its own network of relationships and a very good relationship with Su Wu. When their officials want a real post, they naturally recommend Su Wu to the two routes in the capital.

Su Wu accepted most offers without hesitation. The same principle applies to political maneuvering. Once you've chosen a side, no one wants their patron to collapse easily, and there will be a subjective motivation to protect and strengthen that patron.

Everything still needs to be handled gradually. This is a long-term process, and not all officials need to be replaced. The existing officials at JD.com are capable and competent, so there's no need to replace them. Just praise them more and even promote them, and you'll win people's hearts.

Su Wu and Cheng Wanli seriously discussed this matter for a long time, even discussing the placement of some personnel recommended from various places.

Many people were settled without needing to pull many strings, because the matter of a minor county magistrate did not require the involvement of the prime minister.

When discussing political matters, everyone went to the military governor's office to arrange work and recruit soldiers. This time, there was no need to have any prior knowledge of the soldiers; just recruit as many as possible.

As for the number of employees, there must be a number of employees. JD.com has two branches, which means two provinces. The number of employees on paper is around 80,000 to 90,000. It just depends on how Su Wu fills it out.

It's fine to raise too many. Those who are supposed to protect the mines will do so, those who are supposed to repair the roads will do so, and those who are supposed to serve as auxiliary soldiers will also be given an extra one or two hundred coins a month, or even two or three hundred coins, so there won't be any trouble.

This time, the recruitment drive will be all over the country, with people sent from every prefecture and county, and even from the military. Only good men from good families, and they must be strong and healthy.

As for money, we have enough for now, and we can spend it however we like. As for the future, the fund is for planning for future finances.

Su Wu also knew that the profits from future battles would decrease. Fighting the Tanguts might still be profitable, but fighting the Jurchens might no longer be a profitable business, but rather a losing one. At that time, money would certainly be spent like water.

Su Wu couldn't help but think about the money shop. A money shop is a basic form of a bank, which involves remittance, payment, deposit and lending. This matter should be put on the agenda. Once the fund is gradually formed and sorted out, the money shop business should also be started.

There's no need to think about nationwide remittances. Just ensure seamless remittances within JD.com's two distribution channels for now, and then expand to other areas, such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Huzhou...

This task was not technically difficult; the challenge lay in the human element. The anti-counterfeiting measures employed by the Northern Song Dynasty in printing Jiaozi (paper money) were already quite sophisticated.

By the Ming and Qing dynasties, money shops had even more anti-counterfeiting measures. Each manager had their own exclusive codebook, and the text-based code was a very effective system.

The business of money shops has many advantages. The most direct advantage is that it saves a lot of logistics costs. Money is heavy, and in many cases, money is even heavier than goods. For example, the money to buy cloth is heavier than the cloth itself. In large-scale trade, logistics costs are extremely high.

If currency exchange were possible, it would save a tremendous amount of transportation capacity and greatly promote economic activity.

One way to exchange money is to deposit money here and withdraw it there.

Then you'll need something like a passbook. You can call it whatever you want—a passbook, a banknote, anything—as long as it can be cashed out at any money exchange. You can even call it paper and pen.

Once true credit is established, wouldn't issuing bearer passbooks be just a form of paper money?

Of course, anti-counterfeiting is a major issue, and anti-counterfeiting measures can be summarized in three points.

First, the unique paper—this isn't a technical issue, but rather a secret formula.

Papermaking techniques in this era were already extremely advanced. As long as one or more plants that were unique to a particular place and had a distinctive taste or certain characteristics were found, the bark or trunk of these plants could be crushed and added to the paper to create unique and easily identifiable paper.

Hemp can even be added during papermaking to increase the paper's toughness, as can cashmere, and cotton in the future.

Secondly, there are unique printing methods, which already existed in this era, including various overprinting techniques. Another method involves the secrecy of ink formulas, adding unique substances to the printing ink—this could be color mixing, or even a change in scent…

Thirdly, there are anti-counterfeiting features and cryptographic systems, which need no further explanation.

With these three factors combined, anti-counterfeiting is basically no longer a concern.

Su Wu had many ideas along the way: first, to set up a foundation, then to set up a money exchange; in essence, it was all about uniting forces to accomplish great things.

Money shops can gather money from society, even from ordinary people, and pool everyone's money together with interest. This power is unimaginable. Even funds can borrow from money shops to do business...

For example, investing in a huge maritime fleet was something Su Wu had long considered, with nearby destinations like the Korean Peninsula and Japan, and further afield, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Central and West Asia…

These shipping routes are already very well-established, and maritime trade, needless to say, is extremely profitable. Every day you delay doing this, you delay making profits.

Thinking about it from another angle, it inevitably carries the connotation of "kidnapping," binding everyone onto the same chariot.

From officials to the wealthy and powerful, and then to ordinary people, through these various schemes, they have all become one, sharing both prosperity and adversity.

There are only three ways to unite people's hearts: first, interests; second, religion; and third, a shared belief that is different from religion.

Since Su Wu can't use the latter two methods for the time being, he'll resolve all issues through mutual benefit.

After finishing his business at the yamen, Su Wu went home to his newlywed home.

The family had been eagerly anticipating this day, and someone had come early to report that Su Wu had entered the city.

Upon arriving home, hot soup was already prepared, and all that was needed was to take a bath; wine and dishes were also on the table.

Everyone gathered around, including Cheng Jiyue, Meng Yulou, Hu Sanniang, Gu Dasao, and Dong Huan...

There was also a little one being held in Su Wu's arms; it was none other than Xiao Xuan Niang.

Su Wu was teasing the baby, reaching out to touch its soft, pink face, saying, "Oh... oh oh..."

Xiao Xuanniang stared blankly at Su Wu, not recognizing him at all. She only heard a few "oh oh" sounds before her lips twitched and she burst into loud sobs.

"My lord, come quickly to me..." Meng Yulou hurriedly stepped forward to take him in.

Su Wu laughed as well: "This little girl, even Father doesn't recognize her..."

Cheng Xiaoniang chimed in from the side, "It'll be fine in a few days..."

Su Wu nodded and smiled, "It's not her fault, it's my fault for not returning home..."

"Husband, please take a bath first. If you take a bath early, you can eat," Cheng Jiyue said.

How could Su Wu refuse? He first took a bath, and Cheng Xiaoniang personally served him, pouring hot water over Su Wu's head ladle by ladle, and slowly rubbing and washing with soap.

Cheng Xiaoniang was extremely excited. She was newly married and had been separated from her husband for several months, so her longing for him was beyond words.

After washing my hair, I'll scrub my back.

The two chatted casually, with Su Wu asking, "Any interesting things happening in the capital?"

“Yes, they are all interesting stories about young women. Would you like to hear them, Su Lang?” Cheng Xiaoniang answered from behind, her hands still busy.

"listen!"

"Your Highness Prince Yun once participated in the imperial examination and became the top scholar. I suppose my husband knows this."

"Yes, I do know about that. That's why His Highness Prince Yun is the Emperor's favorite. There are even rumors that the Emperor intends to depose the Crown Prince and install His Highness Prince Yun as the new Crown Prince!"

"There is such gossip, but it's not about this..."

"You got promoted again?" Su Wu asked.

"He has been promoted to Military Governor of Zhennan Army and also appointed Military Governor of Haining Army, but that's not the case!" Cheng Xiaoniang said with a sly smile.

"Is there anything else?" Su Wu asked casually, genuinely puzzled.

"The Princess Consort of Yun has passed away. His Highness the Prince of Yun has remarried. Does my husband know who this new wife is?"

"This... I really can't guess." Su Wu genuinely couldn't guess. He was thinking about something: if there hadn't been the Jingkang Incident, would Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji have really deposed and installed the crown prince?

The main reason is that Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, is too much like Emperor Huizong. He is also extremely talented in literature, and is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He also likes these things and has put in a lot of hard work.

Compared to the Crown Prince Zhao Huan, who was so weak he could barely speak, Zhao Kai was a hundred or a thousand times better in the Emperor's eyes.

Then Cheng Xiaoniang said, "Husband, the Prince of Yun's second wife is the Crown Princess's younger sister, named Zhu Fengying."

Upon hearing this, Su Wu was startled. It seemed that Zhao Ji truly intended to depose the emperor. What kind of family was the Zhu family?
More than a dozen brothers, nephews, and nieces from this family were in official positions. The Crown Princess's father, Zhu Guina, was also appointed as the military governor of Wukang Army, but these were secondary matters.

More importantly, this family is a family of great Confucian scholars, and the future great Confucian scholar Zhu Xi was a descendant of this family.

What is the identity of a great Confucian scholar? Similar to the high priest in religious countries, in other words, the representative of Confucianism, the opinion leader, the mouthpiece of Confucian sages, and the authority of Confucian classics.

The significance of the crown prince marrying this woman is self-evident. It is an expression of his promise to share the world with the scholar-officials and a means to gain their political approval.

But Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, remarried and also married a woman from this family…

It seems that Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) has truly fallen for him!
Su Wu's mind raced, and a voice came from behind him: "Husband..."

"Ok?"

"What are you thinking about, my husband?" "This matter is quite interesting. I was lost in thought about it for a moment," Su Wu explained.

"My lord, are you perhaps considering the matter of deposing and installing an emperor?"

Su Wu was very surprised and turned to look at him: "So you also considered this?"

Cheng Xiaoniang nodded: "How could I not think about it? Even if I think about it a little, I can't help but suspect something. Husband, if I, a woman, can think about these things, then those people in the capital must know even more. I'm afraid the Emperor is waiting for someone to speak up about this matter, right?"

Su Wu truly admired his wife. The emperor's actions were naturally a signal, a test to gauge the reactions of all parties.

As Cheng Xiaoniang said, the emperor was also waiting for someone to find an opportunity to bring up the matter of changing the crown prince. It can be seen that this matter was actually difficult. What was the difficulty? The crown prince was innocent!

If someone truly understands these matters and decides to act on them, they will be making the Crown Prince guilty. As for how exactly the Crown Prince is guilty, that depends on the methods employed. Whoever accomplishes this will surely please the Emperor.

Su Wu then asked, "Is His Highness the Crown Prince not leaving his residence lately?"

"Yes, before I left the capital, I was thinking of saying goodbye to the Crown Princess, but the Crown Prince's residence does not receive guests!" Cheng Xiaoniang replied. In fact, she was talking about serious matters. How could this girl not know that any movement in the court was a big deal for her husband and father?

It's true that Crown Prince Zhao Huan is really incompetent. His solution is to stay indoors and not see anyone, for fear of giving others something to talk about.

It's likely that Geng Nanzhong, the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince's Palace, was like an ant on a hot pan. He was also an incompetent man, probably begging for help everywhere, asking for protection and asking someone to say a few good words to the Emperor.

Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) was, on the one hand, incredibly clever, on the other hand…

Su Wu thought for a moment, knowing that Cheng Xiaoniang was waiting for his answer, and said, "We won't get involved in this matter. Since you are on good terms with the Crown Princess, and I am on good terms with the Crown Prince, we can't say goodbye now. You can just write a letter to the Crown Princess. Let's keep things the same as before. We won't be opportunists."

"Yes, that's what I thought too. Now that you say so, my husband, I'm even more relieved!" Cheng Xiaoniang said, her heart filled with joy.

Firstly, I think of my husband as an upright and honest man, a true gentleman. Secondly, I think of how we, husband and wife, can think alike, sharing the same views and thinking in sync, which is a source of great joy.

I also heard from Cheng Xiaoniang that "Father advised me not to associate with the Crown Princess too much lately..."

Su Wu laughed upon hearing this: "Haha... Father-in-law has always been cautious and prudent, his whole life, it's alright..."

"My husband is so loyal and affectionate!" Cheng Xiaoniang smiled sweetly.

Su Wu suddenly said, "I also have something to tell you!"

"Um……"

"I need a large house for my managers to work in. It needs to be big. When you have some free time, take them around the city to look for one. The price is negotiable." Su Wu was using everyone he could, as his manpower was truly stretched thin.

"Alright, leave this to me." As Cheng Xiaoniang nodded, her sweet smile deepened.

The reason is simple. Nowadays, we've seen too many mistresses of high-ranking families. Those people are idle every day. They either ride horses at home, go out with others, drink, listen to music, watch plays, or gossip with other women. Their biggest task is to help this family's woman find a husband and that family's man find a wife.

How could Cheng Jiyue not think of herself? Could it be that after she got married, she would also live like this? Cheng Jiyue did not like or could live that kind of life.

But her husband really did give her a task to do, a proper job, how could she not be happy?

In those families, would the men entrust such an important matter as acquiring property to the women? Those men couldn't help but wonder, what kind of worldly experience have women had? How naive are women? Wouldn't they be easily deceived?
My husband is so different!
Then Su Wu said, "The Li family of Qizhou will be coming to Dongping Prefecture on official business. They will be working in this house you are looking for. It will be a long trip, so they will be staying there for a while. It will be like moving house. When you have some free time, please keep an eye out for a quiet and nice house for them to stay in. It doesn't have to be too big."

"Huh?" Cheng Jiyue was a little excited.

"What's wrong?" Su Wu asked.

"Husband, is that Li Qingzhao coming?" How could Cheng Xiaoniang not be a little fangirl? In the Song Dynasty today, which woman who can read and write is not a fangirl of Li Qingzhao?

"This..." Su Wu was stunned for a moment. Although he had returned from Qizhou, he really didn't know if Yi'an Jushi would come. Su Wu just shook his head: "I don't know."

"What a pity!" Cheng Xiaoniang said with slight disappointment, "If Yi'an Jushi were here too, that would be wonderful. I would then seek out Yi'an Jushi to sit with her every day..."

"What are you doing sitting with her? Drinking?" Su Wu turned his head and smiled.

“What’s wrong with drinking? I’m happy to drink as much as I want with Yi’an Jushi…” Cheng Xiaoniang said with a smile.

"Alright, your back is all scrubbing and clean!" Su Wu said, standing up from the large wooden tub and taking out a dry cloth to wipe himself.

The clothes were scented, smelling wonderful and refreshing, which was undoubtedly made by Cheng Xiaoniang.

Su Wu dressed neatly, but did not tie his hair up in a bun. He simply gathered his hair back slightly so that it would dry faster.

The family sat down to eat. Hu Sanniang, Gu Dasao, and Dong Huan were also at the table, as was Li Cheng.

This was clearly not Su Wu's order, but rather Cheng Jiyue's arrangement beforehand. Su Wu looked at Cheng Jiyue and was increasingly satisfied with her. This wife was impeccable; she was capable in all aspects of life, from managing the household to handling people, and she was also incredibly clever.

Su Wu simply embraced the numerous women, taking his time to eat, mindful of maintaining decorum and etiquette.

Su Wu hugged Li Cheng for a while, then went to see him. To his surprise, Li Cheng was also sitting upright, eating slowly bite by bite, completely different from how he was in the army.

Li Cheng was also looking at Su Wu, and he was a little surprised.

Su Wu then asked, "So you've become a woman now?"

Li Cheng quickly smiled wryly and said, "It's all Dong Huan's fault. Dong Huan taught me to eat like this, saying that... nowadays, we are a high-ranking family, and my status is different, so I can't let others laugh at me..."

Su Wu laughed heartily, and everyone covered their mouths to laugh. Cheng Jiyue laughed so hard she turned her face to the side...

Su Wu waved his hand and said, "No need. We're soldiers, why worry about so much? How long will it take to eat like this? Eat, eat your fill!"

As he spoke, Su Wu hugged the others again.

Li Cheng, standing to the side, was still looking at Dong Huan. He saw Dong Huan nod slightly, and he laughed and said, "Husband, I knew it! We soldiers can't be so girly. It's much more enjoyable to eat like this, cuddling together!"

Just one sentence made the whole room laugh again, and the two soldiers didn't care about anything else, they just kept hugging.

After finishing his embrace, he was given tea to rinse his mouth and eat. He drank it in a few gulps, then stood up and walked a few steps outside to see where the sun had set, wondering why it hadn't gone down the mountain yet.

I'm in a real hurry, I was in a real hurry just now while taking a shower...

They were eager to leave as night fell, the young men full of vigor and blood, who had only been in the army for several months and could not wait to return.

As soon as Cheng Xiaoniang entered the room, Su Wu took a few steps and closed the door. He reached out and caught her in his arms. Cheng Xiaoniang was giggling, but she also covered her face with her hands.

But now, it's no longer the time of newlyweds; there's less shyness and more liberation of nature.

This soldier was indeed strong and robust, and after suppressing her emotions for so long, the young woman could only grip the bedsheets tightly and bite the corner of the blanket.

The soldier's strength seemed inexhaustible; just when it appeared to be used up, it would come back again.

The young woman said weakly, "Husband, that's enough, that's enough for today, tomorrow, tomorrow..."

"What kind of talk is this?" the soldier insisted.

"Husband, this is terrible! Husband, husband, how about... I have something to tell you first."

"you say……"

"Oh dear, my husband, let me tell you something first..."

"You say so, and I'll hold you tight and not move..."

"Yes, we're talking about Third Sister, about Third Sister's affairs..."

"Oh, what's wrong with her?"

"Third Sister is not young anymore, it's time to find her a husband. Someone came to talk to her about it before, but she was very unwilling. Old Master Hu even came to the city, he was very anxious. A few days ago, Hu's eldest son also came. The two talked for a long time, but I don't know what they talked about. I only saw Hu's eldest son shake his head and sigh and leave..."

"That means there's no one she likes. Someone like Third Sister, who's good with weapons, must prefer soldiers. There are plenty of good men in the army."

"Oh dear, my husband, what's wrong... what's wrong... I'm getting down to business, I need to rest for a bit..."

"Tell me, I was just holding you..."

"I met with the old man of the Hu family once, and we discussed some things..."

"What is it?" Su Wu was clearly... absent-minded.

"Husband!"

"Ok?"

Are you genuinely unaware, or are you pretending?

"Know what?"

You've misled people!

"What?" Su Wu's mind returned, and he started thinking. How could he not understand?

"Third Sister and I are like sisters. She only took this job because of my husband. She has lived with me for so long. It's good to have a woman who can fight in the house. It's even better that Third Sister and I are inseparable..."

Let Cheng Xiaoniang tell you slowly.

Su Wu wasn't one to be sentimental, but he still said, "Don't misunderstand him, just in case he..."

“My lord, if I were not certain, how could I speak so carelessly? You may not understand my thoughts, but how could I not know them? This way is even better. If you go on another campaign in the future, I, your third sister, can go with you. That way, when you are away, you will have someone to serve you, which will make me worry less…”

Su Wu went to see his wife, and after looking at her carefully, he could tell that what she said was not a lie.

Su Wu couldn't help but think about it seriously. Bringing a woman to the army was not an option. Not for any other reason than that all the men in the army were alone. It would not look good for a commander like him to bring a woman along. Although it might not be a big problem, Su Wu was still willing to share the hardships with her. It seemed unimportant, but it was actually important.

But then he thought, taking Hu Sanniang to the front lines was feasible; staying in the city wouldn't be a problem. This way, someone could frequently communicate with home, keeping them informed of the situation. Even Su Wu, when truly on the front lines, rarely communicated with home. But now things were different; his family and business had grown, and many people worried about him. This was something that had to be done.

Hmm? Why did this come to mind? Why did it just pop into my head?

"Husband..."

“Alright, if she really has this intention, I am also... I am also willing…” Su Wu was not being pretentious. He knew that, given Hu Sanniang's appearance, who else could she marry? He, Su Wu, couldn't really ruin her life.

(Brothers, what did I do to offend you? A lot of people are saying they won't vote for me with their monthly tickets, and some of them said something really infuriating, like they won't vote even though they have a dozen or so expired monthly tickets. Why is that?)

(End of this chapter)