Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 364 This Tang Dynasty is great!
The various steppe khans sat in a circle around Su Wu.

Su Wu looked around with a smile on his face and spoke first: "Gentlemen, perhaps the Great Tang Dynasty has returned..."

Most of the people were stunned, but the Shiwei King Morgen excitedly exclaimed, "It's good that the Great Tang has returned! It's very good!"

Then Qi Daili nodded and said, "Yes, yes, with the Tang Dynasty, the world is at peace!"

Some were still stunned, like Dunbinai of Mongolia. Why was he still stunned? Because the memories of the Tang Dynasty were not very deep in the minds of the Mongolian tribes.

The Tang Dynasty was at its most powerful when they had just come down from the Greater Khingan Mountains. At that time, the Mongols were called Mengwu Shiwei and were classified as a small branch of the Xianbei lineage of the Donghu.

At that time, it wasn't that they didn't know about the Tang Dynasty, but the tribe's memory of it was not deep, so there were few historical stories passed down in the tribe. As the generations passed down the story, they gradually lost track of it...

Tielali was already saying, "The Tang Dynasty was the best time. The various tribes of the grasslands rarely fought. Even when there were disputes, there were people in charge. Trade was constant, and life on the grasslands was good. When the Uyghurs became powerful, they also knew how to reason..."

The people of the grasslands actually crave order the most. Any kind of order is better than no order at all, because there are few laws and principles to speak of here. For the past two hundred years, it has always been a case of whoever has the biggest fist calling the shots...

This makes production, daily life, and even survival extremely uncertain, resulting in a very weak sense of security.

The Khitans were actually even more unreasonable. Their oppression and division of the steppe people reached an unprecedented level, and the steppe people suffered greatly as a result.

The Tang Dynasty was still the best. What made the Tang Dynasty so good? The Tang Dynasty was confident! Extremely confident! And extremely tolerant.

He won't stop hitting you, as long as you're obedient and don't cause trouble, he really won't hit you. Even if you gradually become stronger, he won't take it seriously. Of course, this is the situation after the Turks disappeared.

You can even go to the Tang Dynasty to do business, study, or become an official! As long as you have the ability and respect the rules of the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty is a paradise for everyone on this land in the East.

Su Wu looked at everyone with a smile and said, "Everything is still the same as it was in the Tang Dynasty. You should all choose some of your clansmen to go to Bianjing in the future. It would be best if you could study. If you have enough furs, you can form your own caravans and transport them to Bianjing yourself. We'll give you travel permits and you can earn even more... The same goes for horses. As long as you're willing to sell them, you can sell them wherever you want... The Great Song Dynasty belongs to the Han people. It belongs to me, and it also belongs to you..."

King Morgen of Shiwei laughed heartily: "Datong is still a place to go, and Yanjing is even more so..."

He can speak Chinese, which is quite different. In the past, he was a frequent visitor to Yanjing, the capital of the Liao Dynasty, and a frequent visitor to the emperor of the Liao Dynasty. How could he not like the culture of that prosperous city?
It was this physical proximity and emotional closeness that made him the son-in-law of the Khitan.

“Yes, yes…” Su Wu nodded.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Morgen bowed deeply.

Su Wu addressed the crowd, saying, "You are all free to go, and you are free to return!"

Qi Daili chuckled and asked, "Then you can go to Xingqing Prefecture, and you can go to Chang'an, the capital..."

Su Wu remained silent, only smiling and nodding. Ye Du had discovered that Xingqing Prefecture and Jingzhao Prefecture were closer.

Huluba chuckled as well…

It was still that same Meng Gudunbinai, looking left and right, somewhat bewildered, but also knowing that things were going very well, he remarked, "We're far away, and it'll be difficult to transport the goods we want to sell..."

The King of Shiwei waved his hand dismissively: "It's alright, we'll help you transport it, or you can just sell it to us..."

The Shiwei tribe, known as the Black Carts, possess a rare skill on the grasslands: producing cart wheels. Their tribal name thus includes the word "cart."

In the past, they were coachmen and middlemen on the grasslands, because they were closest to the Khitan.

Why are they able to produce cars? Perhaps it's because they live closest to the mountains and forests, making it easier for them to obtain good timber than others.

Forests on the grasslands are also a scarce resource.

Dunbinai replied with a single sentence: "Then you can offer a good price!"

Clearly, the unlicensed taxi drivers in Shiwei have also ripped off people before...

Morgen smiled and said, "Don't worry, we're honest with everyone, young and old! We won't cheat even children or the elderly!"

Morgen used a Chinese idiom.

"So that's just deceiving adults?" Dunbinai asked.

Everyone was laughing heartily, even Su Wu was laughing heartily. Although the scene was ordinary, Su Wu felt extremely comfortable.

This also made Su Wu realize one thing: he had to bring order to the grasslands, a proper order. This had become Su Wu's responsibility. If he fulfilled this responsibility well, many things might not be too difficult.

Morgen explained, “I mean, we don’t even lie to children and old men, let alone adults. We’re fair and just. You have no idea how big the Song Dynasty is, how many people it has. The population of the Song Dynasty is several times that of the Liao Dynasty in the past. Your little bit of stuff, if transported to the Song Dynasty, would be… how should I put it… it would be very, very little stuff…”

In this era, cotton had only just been introduced, mostly to the Western Regions. It was almost non-existent in the Central Plains, and even if it was, it was only regarded as a rare and exotic plant for ornamental purposes.

Therefore, animal fur was the best material for keeping warm. A wool garment was a family heirloom in the Central Plains, and it could be properly pawned as an important item in a pawnshop.

If the sheepskin and wool from the grasslands were to enter the Central Plains on a large scale, there would be no shortage of buyers; as much as there was, they could sell.

With the money, the people of the grasslands could easily buy salt, tea, and other goods from the Central Plains.

Even grain can be exported.

Living a better life is better than anything else.

Su Wu, like the Tang Dynasty, is now full of confidence. If he were to go back and take another look at Ling Zhen's project progress, Su Wu would probably be even more confident.

Dunbinai was also delighted and finally nodded, saying, "This Great Tang is wonderful!"

Dunbinai wasn't stupid; he just didn't have a concrete idea of ​​what was going on. He was incredibly clever; he knew he had found a way to control all the Mengu tribes.

That was to control the foreign trade of the Mengu tribes... He instantly realized the essence of the matter.

Su Wu said in one sentence: "Morgen Khan, send someone to Mogeshi and tell their Khan to come here to pay his respects. Once he arrives, we will hold a ceremony to worship Heaven and make an alliance at Linhuang Prefecture!"

This time, we're going to hold a proper ceremony, a grand ceremony, and this kind of ceremony is very necessary!
“Yes, sir!” Morgen nodded.

Su Wu turned to look at the Khan of the Damili tribe, Bagulu, and asked, "Khan Bagulu, have you returned with any news about the matter I sent you to the west to find Yelü Dashi?"

Bakuru shook his head: "Your Majesty, perhaps there is news, but it hasn't arrived yet. It will probably come in a few days..."

Bagolu was not just being perfunctory; he was confident. If we were to talk about the northernmost part of the grasslands, the place with the best relationship with the Khitan was Damiri. Yelü Dashi had recruited quite a few people from Damiri.

Therefore, the people that Bagulu sent westward will surely be able to find Yelü Dashi.

Su Wu nodded: "Wait here. Then send someone west to tell Yelü Dashi about what happened here and today's victory. Also tell him that the Khitans have risen again and Linhuang Prefecture has returned to Khitan hands!"

Bhaguru nodded and replied, "Yes, my king!"

Su Wu had expectations for Yelü Dashi, not necessarily hoping that Yelü Dashi would suddenly turn back. At this point, there was no need for Yelü Dashi to turn back. Instead, he hoped that Yelü Dashi could truly sweep across the Central Asian lands like history had.

One day, Su Wu will lead many Khitans to see Yelü Dashi.

It may not necessarily mean that they will fight each other.

Yelü Dashi's Western Liao dynasty is also quite interesting. Perhaps it was fate that he brought everything from the Central Plains dynasties to Central and West Asia, such as the reign title system.

One year, the Western Liao dynasty adopted the reign title "Shaoxing".

At that time, the reign title of the Southern Song Dynasty was also "Shaoxing".

Su Wu looked around at everyone again and said, "I have taken all 20,000 cavalrymen from the various tribes with me. Two years later, you will recruit the same number and send them to Yanjing to replace this batch. This will be the established practice from now on, and it will not be changed..."

“It is our honor!” Morgen answered the fastest.

At almost the same time, Qi Daili said, "If Your Majesty can use it, then just use it!"

Everyone immediately nodded in agreement.

Su Wu continued, "As initially agreed, Meng Gu also wanted to send people to Linhuang Prefecture to garrison. Let's set the number at three thousand, no more. You can decide how to rotate the troops."

“Your Majesty, what I promised will not be changed!” Dunbinai replied solemnly.

Su Wu continued, "We must also send people to garrison the Shiwei region. There's no need to elaborate; you decide the number yourself!"

Su Wu knew that the Shiwei men of the Black Cart would work hard to guard Linhuang Prefecture, as it concerned their own lives!

"Seven thousand!" Morgen gritted his teeth and said. Seven thousand people, stationed in Linhuang Prefecture, was already the strength of the entire clan for Morgen. In other words, the Black Cart Shiwei had to support seven thousand able-bodied young men who had given up their jobs, plus the people who had been conscripted by Su Wu. Even so, their productivity was greatly reduced, and the pressure was indeed considerable.

Fortunately, Shiwei, the black car driver, was originally a middleman on the grasslands. Now he has a new livelihood. As long as the trade goes well, it shouldn't be difficult to support seven thousand people who have taken off their jobs.

Mongolia and the Black Cart Shiwei, that's ten thousand!

More than 20,000 young men of Khitan were recruited this time, in addition to the 10,000 left behind by Yelü Yudu.

Including these, the garrison in Linhuang Prefecture now numbers over 40,000, and there will continue to be Khitans coming to surrender.

This number should be more than enough to guard Linhuang Prefecture. With the addition of weapons, armor, and military equipment, Linhuang Prefecture should be completely safe.

These Khitans, fighting here to defend their homeland, must have been extremely brave.

Wu Jie is the chief officer here, and he has brought two or three thousand men with him. They are all staying here, mostly as training instructors, and they will all be trained thoroughly.

However... the logistical pressure on Linhuang Prefecture is immense. The journey from Datong is over a thousand li, and the supply capabilities of the various grassland tribes are limited...

As for transportation, it is probably best to let Mogeshi and the Shiwei black cart drivers handle it as a business, paying them to do so.

Then we need to let the black car dealers in Shiwei play more of the role of middlemen on the grasslands.

The grain production capacity of the Fenhe Plain is still sufficient... Su Wu thought to himself, and he still had something to say: "The other tribes should each send three thousand people to garrison several cities of the former Northwest Pacification Headquarters. The method of rotation garrisoning will be discussed with the Northern Protectorate of the Great Song Dynasty at that time."

Su Wu's approach was to distribute the benefits evenly, ensuring everyone had to work, and that the order he established required everyone's joint effort to maintain.

This was also to allow Yue Fei less preparation time when he led his troops to reinforce Linhuang Prefecture in the future. With several units combined, there were more than 10,000 cavalrymen. In addition to Yue Fei's own 10,000 Song cavalrymen, there were 20,000 to 30,000 cavalrymen who could leave at any time. If the Jurchens attacked Linhuang Prefecture, having such a cavalry force outside Linhuang Prefecture would make it difficult for the Jurchens to launch a full-scale attack on the city.

Everyone nodded in agreement, whether they were willing or not.

Qi Daili was willing, and he said many things: "Your Majesty, should the Nianba Ge tribe also send someone in the future?"

Nianba Ge, also known as Naiman, was the last major enemy that Temujin (Genghis Khan) faced when he conquered the grasslands. They were the westernmost tribe on the grasslands.

At this moment, Su Wu had not yet made contact with the Naiman people, for one simple reason: they were far away!
Qi Daili's reminder came at just the right time, and Su Wu simply nodded: "Yes, when the time comes, you will send someone to negotiate with the Naiman tribe!"

Qi Daili was overjoyed, but asked, "What if they don't comply?"

Su Wu smiled and said, "That's a matter for the Protector-General of Beiting. Let's see how the Protector-General decides. You can just follow the Protector-General's orders when the time comes!"

We need to find something for Yue Fei to do, to keep him busy.

Qidali was overjoyed, and not only Qidali, but also the Bagolu of Damiri and the Hulubazeng of Merkit were all delighted.

Why? Because the Naiman are truly powerful, and they themselves bully and humiliate those around them; they are the very people around them.

Now that the big brother has arrived, and with his backing, things have to get interesting. A fight has to break out, right? Wouldn't there be benefits in fighting? People, territory—even if we conquer them, the big brother won't want them. Who else can we give them to?
Did Su Wu not know? Obviously he did, and he did it on purpose, because the grasslands cannot be all harmony.

Let them cause trouble. After they've done it, the Naiman people won't hate Yue Fei; their target of hatred is another story.

Even in the future, Yue Fei could settle accounts with the Naiman people, letting them know that it was all someone else's doing that caused the Song Dynasty to misunderstand...

This is also a form of provocation; this is the old method used by the Liao people, a method that successfully suppressed the grasslands for many years.

The Jurchens, however, could not do this, and there were many other things they had not done, which allowed a small branch of the Mongols to rise to become the masters of the grasslands.

Su Wu then waved his hand and said, "Let's call it a day..."

Everyone rose to bid farewell, but Tie Lali seemed to have something to say, yet hesitated to speak.

But Su Wu clearly saw it, yet he didn't ask.

In truth, Su Wu could guess what it was about; it was still the issue of "dividing the spoils" regarding the territory and population of Hurzahusi, but Su Wu still wouldn't bother with it...

Let them do it themselves, and once they have a result, Su Wu will acknowledge it and protect it.

The order that Su Wu provided would come after this event.

It can't all be harmonious! Just like Su Wu opened a court, a court needs cases to be tried. Without disputes, unpleasantness, open and covert struggles, where would there be any cases?

Only when there are cases can the importance of the courts be highlighted, and even more so the importance of order.

After everyone dispersed, Su Wu still had to meet people; he wanted to meet many, many people, one by one.

First, I met with Yue Fei and talked to him about the matter of the Protectorate General of Beiting. I also explained to him in detail the matter of the Naiman people that I had just discussed. This was a strategic issue, and I suggested that we let Yedu Gua, Damiri, and Merkit do some things first.

Then you can lead your troops to fight the Naiman, but be careful not to fight too hard; just subdue them.

Finally, it's time to have a heart-to-heart talk with the Naiman people.

Yue Fei nodded in agreement and said, "Your Majesty's strategy is in no way inferior to the alliances and counter-alliances of the Warring States period!"

Yue Fei truly broadened his horizons; how could he not also be learning?

Su Wu replied, "It is the law of the Khitan. If you have nothing to do in the future, you should read more Khitan books. The Khitan people have managed this grassland quite well. There are some things worth learning from them. Discard the dross and take the essence!"

"I respect your teachings, teacher!" Yue Fei bowed deeply.

Yue Fei had another advantage, a quality that was excellent for ruling the grasslands: his integrity.

Su Wu would not ultimately adopt the Liao people's methods wholesale; the order he brought to the grasslands was one of fairness and justice...

As Su Wu said next: "When you are stationed in the Beiting Protectorate, you must strictly control the discipline of the soldiers and civilians. Under no circumstances should you do anything to oppress the good and kind. You must make sure that the soldiers and civilians know that from now on, all the tribes of the grasslands belong to the Great Song Dynasty and are all Song people!"

It's never too early to start working on ethnic unity; starting now is just right.

"Yes, Your Majesty! Rest assured, I will strictly discipline this matter!" Yue Fei said, bowing respectfully. This was in line with his own beliefs, as well as the principles he had been taught in the Song Dynasty: to govern the world with benevolence and righteousness!

"Once the defenses of Linhuang Prefecture are secure, you should head to Beiting. The journey will be long, and you will be responsible for making most of the decisions. Therefore, you must carefully consider all matters before acting, and ensure that Beiting is not thrown into chaos! This is your loyalty!"

Su Wu spoke earnestly, revealing a deep sense of reluctance and even a longing for parting.

He also had boundless trust in Yue Fei, believing that Yue Fei could do this job well.

Upon hearing this, Yue Fei was once again deeply moved, a feeling that no one else could match. Whenever loyalty and righteousness were mentioned, such as the words engraved on his back, "Serve the country with utmost loyalty," they resonated deeply with him.

Yue Fei bowed deeply, his words and attitude extremely serious: "This student will certainly do his utmost, even unto death, and will not slacken in the slightest in this important matter!"

"Alright, go on..." Su Wu waved his hand, which marked his farewell for the day. He wouldn't see him off any further.

Yue Fei stood up, bowed again, and said, "Teacher, please take care!"

"Take care of yourself too!" Su Wu nodded.

Yue Fei turned and left, his steps firm and his face resolute. This young man was born with talent for matters of national importance.

Wu Jie came again, paid his respects, and took a seat.

Su Wu first offered to guard Linhuang Prefecture with him, and he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Linhuang Prefecture's troops.

Wu Jie had no doubts whatsoever about how Su Wu could make such a decision so easily within the army. This was because Su Wu was the Privy Councilor, and it was Su Wu who could make the decision.

Wu Jie was overjoyed and blurted out, "Is what Your Majesty says true?"

Su Wu smiled and nodded: "This matter is of great importance; it is a matter of life and death!"

"This humble general dares to die! To be entrusted with such a heavy responsibility, this humble general will surely repay the country with his life! The city stands as long as we live, the city falls as long as we live!" Wu Jie was truly excited; he never expected that this matter would actually fall on his shoulders.

Now that the nation and its people are thriving, it is the time for young people to make their mark. If, after this battle, Wu Jie were to return to his hometown and live a peaceful life for the rest of his decades, what would be the point of living?

Wu Jie thought that such an important task should be the responsibility of the Zhong family or the Liu family, or at the very least, Yao Pingzhong. How could it be his turn?

To my utter surprise, His Highness the Prince of Yan actually used him!

Su Wu was determined to use them, and he specifically chose young people, the able-bodied generation!
Then, Su Wu slowly explained the strategic and tactical matters, what to do first when the Jurchens arrived, what to do second, and how many days to defend the city.

If the Jurchens were to sneak westward to harass and plunder the nomadic people of the grasslands, how should Wu Jie respond? Who should he contact? How should he defend himself and deal with them? How should he intercept and block their pursuit?

Furthermore, plans have been made regarding where fortresses and stockades need to be built in the surrounding area. The defenses here are quite good, but many places lack strategic passes…

It needs to be built; it doesn't need to be a major pass, just a small fortified village to block the road. Just like the methods Fan Zhongyan used against the Tanguts in the past…

Su Wu explained everything in detail, including such matters.

Wu Jie had already taken notes, knowing the gravity of the matter.

Finally, Su Wu spoke sternly: "Strictly discipline the soldiers under your command. Under no circumstances should they do anything to oppress the Khitans or Shiwei. Make sure all soldiers know that from now on, the Khitans are Han people, no different from Han people, and are brothers to whom we can entrust our lives. The same applies to the Shiwei. If I hear anything about your soldiers oppressing the Khitans, Shiwei, or even the Menggu, then it is your dereliction of duty, and you will be punished!"

Su Wu's words were extremely harsh. The Khitan were obviously more important. Now, the Khitan's heart was just what they needed. The foundation for the integration of the Khitan and the Han had already been laid. As long as there were no problems, the integration of the Khitan and the Han would be a natural progression. With the Khitan by their side, the Jurchen were no longer a threat.

Su Wu was afraid that if he left, some trouble would arise and ruin the great situation.

Wu Jie stood up straight and bowed respectfully: "Yes, sir! This subordinate will certainly not allow such a thing to happen!"

Su Wu added one more thing: "The Khitans are not barbarians. Do not treat them as barbarians! Take these words and tell them to all the young men that these words are mine. Do not be condescending or take advantage of others’ kindness to bully them. Anyone who disobeys this order will be severely punished!"

"Understood, understood!" Wu Jie nodded repeatedly.

Su Wu was finally somewhat relieved...

However, he still had some concerns. After thinking it over, Xu Dang decided to personally write an official document and circulate it throughout the army as a form of ideological education. He would first discuss the Tang Dynasty, then the Liao Dynasty, then the Song Dynasty, and explain the Khitan clearly...

We must provide a theoretical basis for the idea that the Khitans are our own brothers; this ideological education is essential.

Su Wu also knew that the soldiers believed in him, so he had to do this personally, which was also to win back the hearts of the Khitans.

Governing a large country involves countless troubles...

Su Wu was extremely busy, and he naturally had to do a good job of wrapping things up.

More than a hundred fast horses came from the south from Datong Prefecture.

The visitor was Wang Fu, who personally came to supervise and to punish Su Wu.

One purpose was to convict Su Wu, but more importantly, to make everyone, including the soldiers, aware that Su Wu was a traitor to the country!

This time, with the right timing, location, and popular support, Su Wu, alone in the field, was at his wit's end!
This time, it wasn't just Wang Fu who came; there were also troops from many prefectures and counties in southern Shaanxi, as well as troops from many prefectures and counties in Hebei. Before long, they would all arrive here, numbering as many as sixty to seventy thousand.

With strong city walls and high defenses, we must force Su Wu to confess his crimes and submit to the law, so that he may return as a convict and be taken to Tokyo!
(Goodnight, guys...)
(End of this chapter)