Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 355 This time, Prime Minister Cheng is in grave danger!

At the residence of Qin Hui's father-in-law, Wang, Wang Zhongshan was also frowning as he read a long letter that contained many details...

Qin Hui was still somewhat unsettled, so he stared straight at his father-in-law, waiting for him to finish reading the letter before speaking.

After Wang Zhongshan finished reading the letter, he remained silent for a moment before asking, "This matter doesn't seem complicated at all. Why didn't anyone bring it up at the previous court assembly?"

Why was Qin Hui so unsettled? The problem lies here: every matter has its pros and cons. The Jurchens' petition to submit to the emperor was no exception. It was only natural that there would be some dissenting voices. Why were there none at the court meeting?
So, this matter is not as simple as it seems on the surface?
Wang Zhongshan was clearly asking about this...

Qin Hui pondered for a moment before replying, "Perhaps... Father-in-law, to be honest... Prime Minister Su, the Prince of Yan, actually doesn't have much power in the court..."

Qin Hui saw the essence of the matter: Su Wu, who rose from humble beginnings, had never truly entered the ranks of civil officials.

Su Wu never actually served as an official in Tokyo, and in fact, his social circle in Tokyo was extremely small.

How many departments and officials does a country have?
Those officials all studied from a young age, went to school, learned from their teachers, made friends with their classmates, and after passing the imperial examinations, they spent decades climbing the ranks in the officialdom. Su Wu had never come into contact with the circles of these people.

Therefore, matters of the court are far from being decided by an official position alone. For example, Cheng Wanli may appear to be the prime minister, but the position of prime minister obviously does not directly bring him any influence.

Furthermore, when it comes to the imperial court, who truly wields influence? It's never been the prime minister or anyone like that, but rather the emperor!

Just like Cai Jing in the past, how much power did he have? If a different emperor had just given a word, Cai Jing would have been forced to leave. What use were all his past power and his numerous protégés and former subordinates?

Therefore, regarding Su Wu, he was actually an outsider in the affairs of the Song Dynasty court. If he didn't return to the capital, he couldn't control the court; if he did return, he would be even less able to control it.

Only when he comes with a knife can he be in control. If Su Wu doesn't hold a knife to many people's necks, he can't possibly gain power in the court.

Wang Zhongshan immediately asked, "Could it be that this matter was instructed by the Emperor?"

Qin Hui neither answered nor nodded, but simply looked at Wang Zhongshan.

Wang Zhongshan immediately remarked, "It seems that's true... then this matter is going to be difficult..."

Qin Hui asked, "Father-in-law, perhaps the situation before us is truly changing..."

"Oh? Then tell me..." Wang Zhongshan stroked his white beard.

Qin Hui paused for a moment, then spoke again: "Father-in-law, as the saying goes, wealth doesn't last three generations. From my grandfather, Wen Gong, to us descendants, it truly has been three generations... Father-in-law, you are unwilling to serve in office and live a carefree life, so you have never really held any power in your hands. As for my younger brothers, alas... passing the imperial examination is out of the question. It would be good enough if they could get a favor from the emperor in the future. I owe my success to my father-in-law, but in fact, it is also thanks to my grandfather, Wen Gong. Wen Gong had many students in the past, and many families still remember the old favors. Therefore, my promotion from passing the imperial examination to the Imperial Academy, to the Ministry of Rites, and then to the position of Censor has not been slow at all..."

As Qin Hui spoke, he feared that his father-in-law might be displeased, given that his words had been rather blunt.

Seeing that his father-in-law showed no displeasure, Qin Hui continued, "Father-in-law, I thought that reaching the Ministry of Rites would be the end of my career. I never imagined I could be promoted to Vice Censor-in-Chief. It was all by chance that a turmoil broke out within the royal family, and I managed to seize the opportunity. I thought that with the restoration of the Emperor Emeritus, I would surely suffer some misfortune, but unexpectedly, I escaped again..."

The real reason why Qin Hui dared to speak frankly with his father-in-law's family was because he held the position of Imperial Censor.

Never underestimate the Censor-in-Chief. Although his official rank is only third grade, he is the head of the Censorate and one of the most core members of the court.

To be honest, in the past, it was the Wang family that protected and promoted their son-in-law Qin Hui, but now, it is Qin Hui who is protecting the Wang family.

Wang Zhongshan nodded in agreement: "Alas...yes, for those who are down on their luck, no matter how much affection they have, they are still a burden. For those who are thriving, even without affection, people are willing to add to their prosperity...Wang, starting with your brothers-in-law, Xu Zhen is going to fall into decline and become a poor relative of your Qin family. I only hope that you can help her as much as you can..."

Wang Zhongshan was also aware of the situation. He was getting old, and with the rise and fall of the world, what could he do?
But Qin Hui said, "If I go like this, unless I have incredibly good luck, I'll probably stop here... Perhaps one day I'll be banished to a place tens of thousands of miles away! I'm afraid I won't even be able to take care of myself, let alone my wife's brothers and the rest of the family..."

"Hmm?" Wang Zhongshan wasn't surprised, but he felt a little flustered.

Qin Hui then continued, “Fortune and misfortune have always been like this; what brings fortune is also where misfortune lurks. When the Emperor Emeritus was restored to the throne, I thought it was just a prank, but it was Prince Yan who protected me, which was a blessing. Now, how could I not be Prince Yan's man? If Prince Yan loses power in the future, as I just said, what power does he have in this capital? He has hardly ever seen the intricacies of the court... Prince Yan, your achievements are too great, your rise too fast, and your foundation too shallow... When you enter the capital, there will be undercurrents and the odds are against you. I have no one to rely on, so I won't be able to stay in this capital for long…”

"The upheaval you're talking about..." Wang Zhongshan sighed, then continued, "Are you suggesting... that we should do everything in our power this time? But even if we succeed, what benefits will we gain?"

"The benefits of succeeding are numerous. First, the Prince of Yan's prestige will be even greater, surpassing all others in the world and among the common people, and even in the army, he will be the heart of the people. Second, we had no other choice but to take this gamble. Even if we fail, the consequences won't be too dire. At most, I will be exiled to a distant land, and my father-in-law will still live the life of a wealthy man. But if we succeed, since the Prince of Yan currently has no one of use in court, he will naturally think of us first in any future matter. We will then become part of the Prince of Yan's influence in the capital. Moreover, the Prince of Yan will return to court with the merit of pacifying the four seas. No matter what the Emperor thinks, he will only show favor and trust to him on the surface. Whatever the Emperor wants to do, it will only be through underhanded means... How could Cheng Wanli be a person who can be a prime minister?"

Scholars and officials have already reached the core of the court; who wouldn't want to be prime minister?

Having just experienced the power of the Censor-in-Chief, who would be willing to turn back and become another person struggling in the ups and downs of officialdom?
There's one more thing Qin Hui didn't say, couldn't say, and didn't need to say...

How could the Emperor not be wary of the Prince of Yan? What power and influence does the Prince of Yan now wield? He commands a large army, has ample supplies, and countless men are willing to die for him…

Wang Zhongshan frowned in confusion, a question lingering in his mind: what will the future hold for such a world...?

He asked again, "In that case, we're really going down a dead end!"

"It's nothing serious. Unlike the previous dynasty, it doesn't involve confiscating property and exterminating entire families. At worst, we can just go to a distant prefecture to live out our days!" Qin Hui added, emphasizing that in this Song Dynasty, political struggles didn't involve any human lives whatsoever...

If we lose, so be it; at worst, we won't stay in the capital.

Qin Hui himself had truly shaken off the bewilderment he felt when he first received the letter, and now his thoughts were becoming increasingly clear.

Wang Zhongshan finally stood up slowly and said, "This matter is really difficult. In the past, I could still influence those relationships with you, but not much. Now that you have more influence, I'll go and talk to each and every one of them... Then, you can go to the censors in the Censorate... I'll go to many families in the Ministry of Rites, and you can go to the Censorate... There are two more people, Liu Yanqing and Cheng Wanli. Liu Yanqing is easy to talk to, you can go. As for Cheng Wanli, I need to have a good talk with him. At this point, we absolutely cannot have any thoughts of shirking or taking chances..."

Qin Hui nodded: "Alright, let's do it that way. There was a group of Imperial Academy students back then, and they were all quite good. They had submitted a memorial before, and we might be able to use them again this time. Among them, Chen Dong is the most upright and reasonable. He also had respect for the Prince of Yan in the past!"

"Hmm... We should also publish one in the tabloids. You should personally write an article titled 'On the Jurchens,' integrating and polishing the words in the Prince of Yan's letter to discuss the war, outlining ten victories and ten defeats..."

Wang Zhongshan knew that his son-in-law was very talented in writing...

"Good!" Qin Hui was becoming more and more confident. Complex matters always require consultation with others in order to clarify the situation.

Once the situation is clear, all worries will disappear.

"Let's do it right away and get started quickly. It seems the Prince of Yan will not withdraw his troops, which means he is defying the imperial decree. We need to make this matter a huge uproar before the news of the Prince of Yan's defiance reaches us!"

There are advantages to being old; Wang Zhongshan's thinking was even clearer than Qin Hui's at this moment.

Qin Hui had already stood up: "Father-in-law is so thoughtful, then I'll go and do it right away!"

"Let's go out together!" Wang Zhongshan said without hesitation.

The first person Wang Zhongshan wanted to see was none other than Cheng Wanli. Everyone else was secondary; Cheng Wanli was the most important. If Cheng Wanli could hold his own at the crucial moment, it would definitely make things much easier.

At this moment, Cheng Wanli was sitting comfortably in the Hall of State Affairs, diligently performing his duties every day...

However, Wang Zhongshan did not go to the government office to see him, but instead waited at the door of Cheng Wanli's house.

It wasn't until Cheng Wanli returned from his shift that he was surprised and invited Wang Zhongshan into the house.

After much small talk, including tea, inquiries about health, and attempts to build rapport, it was inevitable that the conversation would turn to the Prince of Yan, including reminiscing about Cheng Wanli's past struggles and present success...

They were having a pleasant conversation... until Wang Zhongshan uttered a single sentence: "Alas... this time, Minister Cheng is in grave danger!"

Wang Zhongshan also learned how to use Cheng Wanli; he had to intimidate him.

"Hmm? What do you mean by that?" Cheng Wanli asked.

“My lord, we should be mindful of potential dangers even in times of peace…” Wang Zhongshan said again.

Cheng Wanli was extremely satisfied with his life. He had no other desires in this life. He had reached the pinnacle of his literary career and had no regrets.

"The Prince of Yan is engaged in a fierce battle beyond the Great Wall, yet the court is peaceful and harmonious. Everyone agrees to the petition to submit as a vassal, and no one has uttered a single word of objection. It is quite strange. If the Jurchen envoys were to come properly, they should be accompanied by the Prince of Yan's trusted confidants. Why are they not here?"

Wang Zhongshan looked at Cheng Wanli.

Cheng Wanli was filled with complex emotions, and said in one sentence: "The prince has come here perhaps to say that the war should not have been stopped, and Liu Shuxiang said the same thing..."

"Hmm? If that's the case, why hasn't the imperial court mentioned it?" Wang Zhongshan asked.

Su Wu had planned everything, but he hadn't anticipated this. Before leaving, he hadn't given any prior instructions in the capital.

“The Emperor has already agreed, so what else is there to say…” Cheng Wanli repeated.

"We, as subjects, should take pride in speaking frankly and even to the death, and in serving our country and its people with utmost loyalty. Minister Cheng, as I believe Minister Liu has already said, if any disputes arise in the court this time, I urge Minister Cheng to speak frankly and dare to offer his advice!"

Wang Zhongshan spoke earnestly, but he didn't really understand Cheng Wanli. Cheng Wanli was now following the emperor's lead, which was also the path Tong Guan had taught him in the past...

Cheng Wanli was thinking about longevity. Even if it couldn't last, he wanted to land safely so that his reputation would last forever and he would be remembered in history.

Therefore, Cheng Wanli truly dared not and did not want to offend the emperor, and simply said, "We'll see when the time comes..."

What to look at?
Depending on the situation and public opinion, Cheng Wanli could never be at the forefront, but it wouldn't be so bad if he said a few ambiguous things along the way.

Wang Zhongshan felt inexplicably angry. How could there be a rift between these two, father-in-law and son-in-law?
Wang Zhongshan quipped, "If the Prince of Yan disobeys the imperial decree on the battlefield this time, and the news spreads throughout the land, what will Prime Minister Cheng do? Prime Minister Cheng will then be the father-in-law of a traitor. At that time, he will likely face a barrage of criticism and be unable to defend himself. If this is recorded in any history book, wouldn't he be infamous for eternity?"

"Huh?" Cheng Wanli was stunned for a moment. Disobeying the imperial decree? He blurted out, "Surely not?"

"Who knows? Tong Guan did something similar in secret before, and your son-in-law did it later, didn't he? The imperial edict ordered him to come to Hebei and the capital region to defend the emperor, but he led his troops straight from Datong to Yanyun... Tell me, this time... will he or won't he?"

Wang Zhongshan unleashed his ultimate move, which was meant to scare people, but it didn't quite scare them enough.

"Then..." Cheng Wanli had already stood up, as if he had already foreseen that Su Wu would defy the imperial decree. In his heart, he was actually blaming Su Wu. Life was already like this, power was already like this... why bother?

"Now that I've said this, Master Cheng should understand perfectly well that you are in real danger this time!" Wang Zhongshan stood up and bowed.

It's said that Cheng Wanli really had a stroke of luck, having a son-in-law like Su Wu!
How can you be so virtuous?

Wang Zhongshan got up and left!
Tokyo is unlikely to be peaceful in the next few days.

……

Outside Linhuang Prefecture, two armies faced each other in their camps.

The young Khitan nobleman, Saba, who was the leader of the largest uprising in Khitan history, was kneeling in the middle of Wanyan Zongwang's tent at this moment.

There was also a voice saying, "Your Highness, please accept me! Now, the Song and Shiwei people are also searching for Khitans in the grasslands and mountains to fight. Many of my people have already been taken by the Song. They say the Khitan and Jurchen are sworn enemies, but I secretly watched from the mountaintop a while ago. The Song were utterly defeated and retreated. This time, the Song will definitely not win. My people and I are seeking to live and have a future, so we have come to serve. We really do not want to be captured and sent to the front lines of the Song army... Besides, the Song people will go home after this battle. My people and I will live and multiply here for generations to come. How can we go to the front lines of the Song army to fight..."

These words were naturally taught to me by Wu Yong.

Upon hearing this, Wanyan Zonghan laughed and said, "This lad knows how to speak, he really knows when to advance and retreat, he's a smart man!"

Wanyan Zongwang looked at Yelü Yudu and asked, "What is General Yelü's opinion on this matter?"

Yelü Yudu glanced at Saba and slowly replied, "Your Highness, the manpower in my army is dwindling... It would be good to replenish it..."

Wanyan Zongwang nodded: "Well, that's fine. Since we're short of people, these hundred or so are really meaningless. How about this, we'll supplement your ranks with some of the Han people we brought back from Yanyun. As for these hundred or so Khitans, I'll keep them by my side. I imagine they're skilled in horsemanship and archery, so they'd be perfect as cavalry lieutenants!"

Yelü Yudu nodded and said, "Thank you, Your Highness!"

After Wanyan Zongwang finished speaking, he kept staring at Saba, who was overjoyed and said, "Thank you, Your Highness! I will be brave and take the lead, and I will definitely make many contributions!"

Sa Ba was also shocked when he felt Wanyan Zongwang's gaze. If it weren't for Wu Yuhou's repeated instructions, how could Sa Ba have kept his discouragement and disappointment at this moment?

This makes one realize that Wu Yuhou is truly no ordinary person! He was even able to foresee this situation.

Wanyan Zongwang waved his hand dismissively: "Retreat..."

This is nothing serious. After testing the waters, it's not a big deal. A hundred or so men can be assigned as deputy soldiers.

Saba naturally withdrew and obediently followed the Jurchens to the military camp, where tents and beds were arranged, and some weapons were also distributed.

When he was alone, Sa Ba frowned. How could he meet Yelü Yudu alone? Although Wu Yuhou had given him many good ideas, he still had to rely on his own resourcefulness.

But he absolutely could not secretly go looking for it. There were soldiers patrolling everywhere in the numerous camps and military units. How could he possibly get through Wanyan Zongwang's camp?

There must be a suitable and reasonable opportunity...

At this moment, Sa Ba also looked up at the top of a mountain on the left side of the camp, where Song scouts would be stationed every day, watching the camp and Yelü Yudu's camp night after night.

They are waiting for a signal, which will be formed by several bonfires arranged in a specific pattern. That will be the signal that things have succeeded.

Sa Ba was in a difficult situation, but Su Wu waited patiently.

Meanwhile, in Shiwei, the number of Khitan men gathering there is increasing, now exceeding 20,000. They will need to undergo several more training sessions, so we'll have to wait.

Su Wu was waiting for the imperial edict, specifically the edict ordering the withdrawal of troops. This time, he was truly going to become Yue Fei, but he was not Yue Fei.

Su Wu was about to defy the imperial decree once again. He had done it before, but that time, he had kept it hidden...

This time, Su Wu wanted to be aboveboard; he wanted to present this imperial edict directly to all the military commanders…

Let everyone choose...

(Brothers, I'll have a little more if I go in the next couple of days...)
(End of this chapter)