Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 365 is well said; it comforts my heart!

When Wang Fu returned and sat upright in the center of the Datong Prefectural Government Office, Wang Bing frowned.

Zhang Xiaochun's heart skipped a beat. Normally, when the imperial court was about to send a high-ranking official to a local area, it would send an official document to inform them in advance. This time, Wang Fu arrived without warning. How could this not be strange?
It was truly strange. Wang Fu first straightened the front of his purple official robe to cover his knees, then smoothed out the large sleeves on both sides...

He opened his mouth and said, "We have come here to discuss with the Emperor and the court officials the matter at hand: to deliberate on the crimes of the Prince of Yan!"

Wang Bing immediately asked, "May I ask, sir, what crime has the Prince of Yan committed?"

Wang Fu glanced sideways at Wang Bing, his tone unfriendly: "You're really asking a question you already know the answer to. What crime has the Prince of Yan committed? Rebellion!"

Wang Bing was startled. Looking at Wang Fu again, he wondered if he was really going to do that.

Zhang Xiaochun also asked, "How should we punish them?"

Wang Fu stood upright with a stern expression, truly like a just and upright official. He replied, "Those who rebel have no loyalty to their ruler or father. Their rebellion is likely not far off. This time, we must guard against such rebellion and remove Su Wu from his military command. He must be sent to the capital to atone for his crimes. This is the proper course of action for a subject!"

Wang Bing hurriedly looked at Zhang Xiaochun, and Zhang Xiaochun also looked at Wang Bing. The two stared at each other for a long time. What was going on?

Wang Bingxian remained silent, knowing that his voice carried little weight.

Zhang Xiaochun then said, "There must be some misunderstanding..."

"A misunderstanding?" Wang Fu looked at Zhang Xiaochun and said directly, "Last time you came, you made all sorts of excuses. Is it the same this time? I thought that Steward Wang might be a follower of Su Wu. Zhang, are you also a follower of Su Wu? Su Wu dared to be so disloyal to his ruler and father. Could it be that you were supporting him behind the scenes?"

How could such words not be frightening?

Zhang Xiaochun was so frightened that he quickly stood up and bowed repeatedly: "What are you saying, Prime Minister Wang? We are wholeheartedly devoted to the country and have been loyal to our duties. How could we be rebellious ministers?"

"Hmph!" Wang Fu sneered twice, looked around, and saw Zhang Xiaochun sitting on his left and Wang Bing on his right. He then said, "It's best if that's not the case. This is a matter of punishment, a matter for the court officials and the emperor to discuss. You'd better not be involved in this rebellious matter, otherwise, you'll be in deep trouble. I won't say much about your little schemes. The 100,000-strong army will arrive in a few days. This city of Datong will be the place for punishment. Let's see if it's just Prince Yan, Su Wu, who will be punished, or if some of his accomplices will also be punished!"

These words, spoken by a court official, were truly intimidating. His methods were quite effective, leaving Zhang Xiaochun, who was bowing repeatedly, speechless with fear.

What is a prefectural governor compared to a prime minister in the imperial court?

Wang Bing dared not utter another word, his heart filled with sorrow and worry...

Wang Fu was quite pleased with himself. This was a matter he could easily handle. He had the perfect timing, location, and support. What trouble could a mere prefect possibly cause?
As for that soldier named Wang Bing, he's not worth mentioning. He'll do whatever his master says. As long as we keep Wang Bing's master, Zhang Xiaochun, in check, Wang Bing will be no problem.

Wang Fu's thinking was indeed correct.

As soon as Wang Fu dismissed the two men, Wang Bing immediately went to Zhang Xiaochun's side and hurriedly said, "Master Zhang, this cannot be done like this!"

Zhang Xiaochun also sighed and shook his head: "How could I not know that this cannot be done this way?"

“Then Mr. Zhang should think of a way…” Wang Bing immediately added.

Zhang Xiaochun shook his head: "What other way can I do? This is a matter decided by the officials of the court and the emperor. What can I do?"

"Sir, you are an upright man, you certainly cannot sit idly by and watch this matter turn out so recklessly. If things get out of control, there is a real danger of chaos throughout the land!"

Wang Bing didn't understand many things and had never seen them before. He had never seen what a real imperial court looked like in his entire life.

But Wang Bing knew one thing: the Prince of Yan had countless proud and fierce soldiers under his command. None of them were the kind of people who would swallow their pride. He had seen many of those generals. If such invincible generals were gathered together, they could not be easily manipulated.

They also say that the Prince of Yan is a man who would rather die than lose his head, extremely young, and unparalleled in kindness and righteousness. If he were to suddenly lose his temper and wield his power, the consequences would be...

Wang Bing didn't dare to think any further...

If a fight breaks out, how will we be able to control the situation?
Therefore, Wang Bingzhen placed his hopes on Zhang Xiaochun, who was indeed a righteous person.

Zhang Xiaochun didn't rush to speak, but frowned and pondered deeply. He really wanted to resolve this matter, but after countless thoughts, he couldn't figure it out...

There was only one thing to say: "I will write a memorial right away. You should quickly prepare fast horses, the fastest horses, the more the better, and the best riders. Explain the pros and cons of all these matters to the Emperor in detail. Emperor Xu has been deceived. Once my memorial reaches the Emperor in person, Emperor Xu will change his mind."

Wang Bing was thrilled and nodded repeatedly: "Your Excellency is very righteous. I will go and prepare immediately!"

Wang Bing clearly believed Zhang Xiaochun's words, and that the emperor was indeed being misled. He just needed to clarify things.

What about Zhang Xiaochun?

That's truly what he thought. The emperor probably didn't know the details and pros and cons of many things. Once the emperor knew, he would definitely change his mind...

Perhaps this is the only hope; there's no other way.

The two of them quickly went to get busy.

The memorial was written here, and fast horses and riders were prepared there; they were immediately dispatched to Tokyo...

Even after that, Wang Bing still felt uneasy and asked Zhang Xiaochun beside him, "Sir, is there anything else we can do? We should do as much as we can..."

Zhang Xiaochun also felt inexplicably uneasy, and frowned as he thought about it...

Before Zhang Xiaochun could come up with anything, Wang Bing had already thought of something and immediately spoke up: "Sir, do you think... if the Prince of Yan also submits a memorial to defend himself, wouldn't the Emperor... believe more of your memorial?"

"Eh? Right, right, the Prince of Yan should also submit a memorial to defend himself... Hurry up, hurry up... The Prince of Yan is currently in a difficult situation and may not yet realize how urgent things are. Quickly send a letter to the Linhuang Prefecture and urge the Prince of Yan to write a personal letter to the capital to defend himself and plead guilty!"

Zhang Xiaochun himself seemed pleased as he spoke, even praising, "You've thought of everything so thoroughly, so very thoroughly!"

Wang Bing seemed much more at ease: "Sir, please write the letter quickly, and I will go prepare the horses!"

"Good, good, good!" Zhang Xiaochun quickly turned around and went back into the cell. He was truly sincere in wanting to resolve this matter. This was a matter of great importance to the nation, and Zhang Xiaochun naturally had to be loyal to his duty and dared not slack off in the slightest.

Wang Bing felt the same way and was also loyal to the country.

Unfortunately, there are very few truly loyal and righteous people in this world, people who truly care about the country. You can count them on two hands. In Datong, there are only two, but in Dongjing, there are none, not even the emperor!
If there were more civil and military officials like Zhang Xiaochun and Wang Bing, even thirty to fifty or sixty to seventy, the Song Dynasty wouldn't be in this state, Su Wu wouldn't have had to cause trouble, and the country wouldn't have needed to be rebuilt!

In fact, if there were just a few dozen people, it would be enough to completely transform the Song Dynasty from the inside out. A country might really only need a few dozen people to thrive.

Unfortunately, even after half of the country was destroyed, the Song Dynasty couldn't muster enough people. A tree with rotten roots can't bear good fruit.

Wang Fu was truly dedicated to his work; he actually began inspecting the city's defenses and worked with great enthusiasm.

Standing outside Datong City and gazing northward at the mountains and wilderness, Wang Fu felt a sense of exhilaration.

It's inevitable to imagine the future. Although the claim of 100,000 troops is false, there are at least 60,000 to 70,000. In addition, Taiyuan and Datong are important towns, and there are at least 30,000 to 40,000 troops. How could it not be a 100,000-strong army?

With an army of 100,000 and such a fortified city, the former Western Capital of the Liao Dynasty, Su Wu must have only 40,000 to 50,000 men. Moreover, his supplies were running low. In this situation, how could Su Wu not bow his head?

Even if Su Wu did not yield, his army would likely mutini and break camp... Without food and water, how could Su Wu lead his troops?
Besides, given the greater good of the nation, if the emperor were to punish them, and the court were to hold them accountable, how could those soldiers not tremble with fear?

Once this is accomplished, he will be the only one in the world, and the one below him needs no further explanation...

Wang Fu had been prime minister for quite some time, and there was one thing he envied immensely, something he had always dreamed of: the imposing presence of Grand Tutor Cai Jing, a presence that was truly suffocating...

Now, what harm is there in going back and becoming a Grand Tutor? How could I not be Grand Tutor Wang?

What a delightful sight! The scenery in the border region is truly breathtaking. Even the yellow earthen slopes are uniquely beautiful!

Wang Fu slightly opened his arms, as if embracing something in mid-air. Why?

The world is vast, this is a broad mind; with the world in one's heart, one's spirit can swallow ten thousand miles like a tiger!
If the matter is settled, an official document will be issued to urge the troops from the southern prefectures of Shaanxi and the prefectures of Hebei to come late or miss the deadline. The military officers will be executed without mercy!
This is the method of governing an army. It is clearly written in military books. I have been studying it since I was a child, and recently I have been studying it more deeply. How could I not know it?

……

Linhuang Prefecture!

The altar stands there, with the ancestors of the Han people of the Central Plains and the shamans and sorcerers of the various tribes of the grasslands!
The fire is burning, the mask is being put on, how can a shamanic dance not be solemn?
Below the altar, Su Wu and many other steppe khans stood in orderly rows.

The Chinese characters are being recited, and the shaman is chanting and singing.

This time, we swear an oath of blood!

There was a newcomer, Balibulu, the Khan of the Mogeshi tribe. He stood at the back and simply followed along.

Mogeshi, also known as Maojieshi in Chinese, or Maoheshiwei, is clearly a branch of the Shiwei. The Shiwei branch was quite large, and at that time, the eastern part of the grassland was almost entirely Shiwei.

Mengwu Shiwei, Heichezi Shiwei, and Maohe Shiwei were all Donghu people who were hunters who came down from the mountains and forests of Northeast China and became herdsmen.

After the Xiongnu and Turks, the grasslands were actually dominated by the Donghu people, who all lived in the Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains. This continued until the Qing Dynasty, and even the three Solon tribes that the Qing Dynasty relied on most were all located in the Greater Khingan Mountains...

The ceremony was underway, and Su Wu and many Khans knelt to worship the gods and spirits. At this point in the alliance, everyone suggested that Su Wu should be given an honorific title.

This matter naturally progressed smoothly, perhaps at Wu Yong's behest, since the first person to propose it was Zubu Tielali, the Khan who couldn't be a Khitan son-in-law but wanted to be a Song Dynasty son-in-law.

He cannot be called the Heavenly Khan. His title is: Khan of the Land of Abundance!

This also comes from the language of the Shiwei people. The meaning is difficult to translate. If you really want to translate it, it is actually the Khan under the Great Khan of the world. You can translate it as a prince, or even... as the heir!
Su Wu accepted it calmly, and he was indeed the Khan of the Grasslands!

They bowed together, saying, "Greetings, Khan Jinong!"

Su Wu nodded and raised his hands to the left and right: "Gentlemen, there is no need for formalities. From this alliance, we are as close as family. Gentlemen, those who break their oaths will be punished by heaven and earth, and by all people!"

The crowd nodded in agreement: "Heaven and earth shall condemn it, and all people shall condemn it!"

Balibulu, or Balibulu, or Balibulu, the syllable "ba" is too common in the names of the Shiwei people of the grasslands, such as Baguli, Hulubazeng, Bater, Badu...

Mogeshi, Balibulu, was actually a little confused. He just followed along and did what he was told, only asking why he was being so obedient...

The reason is simple: he is the closest neighbor to the Song Dynasty. He emerged from Datong, and given the current situation, he is someone we cannot afford to offend.

Of course, the fact that Mogeshi had a very good relationship with the Khitan in the past, being obedient and respectful, was also one of the reasons.

The ceremony was gradually completed, and the banquet began. There was plenty of wine in the Linhuang Mansion, and there were also dancers from Shiwei in black carriages. They danced, and although the music was different in style, it was still pleasant to the ear.

Su Wu sat at the head of the table, drinking with everyone, and said, "Now that I am returning, the Emperor will issue an edict to confer titles upon you all! Today, all those present here bear the title of King. Thus, the various tribes of the grasslands will each have their own vassal states, their own military and political affairs, and the legal system will continue unbroken, with fathers succeeding sons!"

What did Su Wu say?

There are two things. The first one is very simple: it is legitimate in terms of legal lineage, which needs no further explanation.

The second thing is even more important: Su Wu would provide an institutional protection that these steppe khans desperately needed—the continuity of power.

The saying "father dies, son succeeds" applies here. The grasslands should theoretically follow this system as well, but it's difficult to guarantee. On the grasslands, the principle of "father dies, son succeeds" often doesn't hold true; it's still a matter of who has the bigger fist.

It is perfectly normal for power to fall into other hands. Many people, once they have the strength, will often act on their own initiative to become Khan, even without waiting for their father to die.

What Su Wu provided was still order.

It is the core interest of everyone present.

Everyone had already risen and bowed deeply to Su Wu, their hearts filled with joy.

Today's gathering is a time for guests and hosts to enjoy themselves. After a good drink, tomorrow, those who should leave will leave, and those who should stay will stay.

Even if Su Wu didn't see him off, he still had to head south. There was no time to delay any longer, as the army's provisions could only last for another twenty days at most.

Yue Fei also left, heading north, and Su Wu didn't see him off.

Yue Fei, on the other hand, saw Su Wu off, watching him from afar, constantly turning back to look at the long procession heading south like a dragon. This journey was thousands of miles long, and who knew when he would return to his hometown…

He also knew that his 10,000 cavalrymen would be rotated every year or two, but he himself would likely be stationed there for years to come.

Yue Fei was not old, how could he not feel sorrow in his heart?
But whenever he thought of his country and its people, Yue Fei was filled with ambition and determined to make a name for himself.

I also recall those poems and articles from the Tang Dynasty, how could one not yearn for those protectors?

It also reminds me of the Han Dynasty...

The Protector-General of Beiting should be renowned throughout the land, subdue the various tribes of the grasslands, and faithfully fulfill his duties for the prosperity of the world.

I wonder if, in the future, someone will write about Yue Fei in their poems? Or perhaps someone will write about the story of "meeting a cavalryman at Datong, the Protector-General on the grasslands"?
Go!

Su Wu, return!
And Wu Jie, brimming with ambition, stood atop the city walls of Linhuang Prefecture, waving goodbye to the Prince of Yan and his younger brother...

He had a lot to do: repair the city defenses, widen and deepen the moat of Linhuang Prefecture, which had long since become a ditch, and repair many roads and fortresses...

There are also many other tasks to be done, including maintaining constant surveillance and intelligence on the Jurchens, especially in Dading Prefecture, which is not far away at all...

After passing through Mogeshi, they were escorted along the way, and Mogeshi itself also sent people to help transport all kinds of supplies.

Halfway through his journey, at dusk, Su Wu received a letter...

As Su Wu unfolded the letter, he frowned. Zhang Xiaochun had sent a message instructing Su Wu to submit a memorial to plead guilty and defend himself.

Su Wu smiled bitterly and handed the letter to Wu Yong, who was also reading it and frowning.

Inside the makeshift tent, many people were busy. Wu Yong stood up and gestured for them to enter.

Su Wu also rose and walked out of the tent. After taking a few more steps and seeing no one around, Wu Yong spoke up: "Your Majesty, may I, as Minister Zhang suggested, submit a memorial to defend myself..."

"Hmm?" Su Wu only uttered one sound.

"In my humble opinion, public opinion can be stirred up even further. This memorial should be sent to several different places: one to the Privy Council, one to the Secretariat-Chancellery, one to the Censorate, and one to the Imperial Academy. And another should be sent to the residence of Yi'an Jushi..."

Wu Yong spoke slowly.

Su Wu understood that the previous discussions were meaningless; what truly mattered was the suggestion from Yi'an Jushi. Yi'an Jushi couldn't resolve this matter, and Su Wu hadn't previously considered asking her for help. However, the public opinion surrounding this issue had been brewing for quite some time, and at this moment, Yi'an Jushi could certainly add fuel to the fire...

"We should also send a copy to Li Gang, a copy to Lao Zongze, and a copy to Zhang Shuye, so that they can all see it first, know a thing or two, and surely they will also run around and shout for help..." This was Su Wu's addition.

"Perfect!" Wu Yong nodded. The more chaotic the public opinion, the better. But Wu Yong then asked, "Your Majesty, what should we do about the situation in Datong? Perhaps we shouldn't go through Datong. Actually, there are still roads back. We can find a few more guides and find a mountain path east of Datong to return. As long as the mountain path is passable, it won't be difficult to get back..."

As Wu Yong slowly explained, it was indeed true. At this time, the Yanshan defense line was not as strong as it had been during the Ming Dynasty. There were still gaps. As long as they could be found, they could abandon the carriages and return to Yanyun with their horses and men.

Once you enter Yanyun, you won't go hungry.

But then Su Wu said, "Let's go to Datong!"

"Huh?" Wu Yong was shocked. They really had to go to Datong? Then... they were going to do something?

Su Wu suddenly looked up at the sky. The sky was high and clear, and the Milky Way was shining brightly again.

Su Wu stared at the Milky Way and slowly said, "There will be no more excuses like today... Whether this excuse is good or bad, if we don't act now, we will be even more illegitimate in the future. If it weren't for the urgent matter of the Jurchens, I might not have been able to hold out until today..."

Wu Yong was momentarily dazed. What were those words, Your Majesty? Could he even hear them?

After a moment of confusion, Wu Yong was overjoyed and didn't know what to say. He just went along with it and said, "Yes, the Jurchen matter is indeed urgent. Some people may say that we must first pacify the internal before we can resist external aggression. Your Majesty's thoughts are naturally focused on the well-being of the country and the fight against external aggression. Therefore, Your Majesty is truly thinking about the well-being of the country and the future generations!"

"There's no need for such talk. We're right here, and no amount of words will really change that. You... you've known what I'm thinking all along, which has put you in a difficult position!"

Su Wu kept his head up, wanting to see the dazzling Milky Way from beginning to end, to look at it carefully.

Wu Yong immediately bowed: "This Song Dynasty is already corrupt and decadent, all because of factionalism and selfish schemes. It cannot be rebuilt without destruction. As for the affairs of the state, the dynasties of Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han... the state is not the state of one family, but the state of all people. As long as Your Majesty does well, as long as the people think Your Majesty is good, the affairs of the world will be just!"

Su Wu turned his head slightly. This fellow... really thought it through a lot, really figured it out, really knew what Su Wu was worried about every day, and really knew how to comfort him!
Su Wu glanced at Wu Yong, then looked up again. Yin Han hadn't finished reading. He slowly spoke, "This isn't for my own personal gain. If it were, it wouldn't have come to this. I only wish to reduce the incitement of scholars, to encourage more tolerance among the loyal and righteous, and to prevent more people from dying unjustly. The rise and fall of dynasties are both a tragedy for the people. If war breaks out, and there's too much fighting, how many people will have no way to survive? Bodies will litter the ground. This great land will have to be rebuilt one day, and I don't want to see that happen..."

"Your Majesty's way of thinking is what a ruler of the world should do. Compared to Your Majesty, that Zhao Emperor is like heaven and earth, worlds apart!"

Wu Yong just kept praising him.

Su Wu smiled slightly: "Your good point is... you didn't study well, you didn't study to the core."

"Ah?" Wu Yong was slightly taken aback, then chuckled and said, "This humble official has actually read the books thoroughly..."

Su Wu continued, "Xu, you came from a relatively well-off family, but unfortunately you didn't find a good teacher. You couldn't understand the classics, but you read a lot of miscellaneous books. You failed the exams, and your family fortune was scattered. You became resentful..."

Wu Yong nodded earnestly: "Your Majesty is right. In fact, in the past, I also traveled to Qizhou and Qingzhou, and I once wanted to become a disciple of the Li and Zhao families, but unfortunately, my poetry and writing skills were lacking..."

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. We need to make some arrangements for this trip to Datong. Listen to what I have to say..." Su Wu can't go to Datong without taking some measures.

“…” Wu Yong tilted his head and bowed, waiting attentively.

Su Wu remained silent for a long time, but then said, "In the end, it's still the way of a petty person. I always think of Emperor Gaozu of Han and Xiang Yu of Chu..."

Wu Yong quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, the key to victory lies in combining orthodox and unorthodox methods! Take the officialdom, for example. What makes a capable official? Is an upright and virtuous person a capable official? Certainly not. A capable official possesses both a dignified approach and cunning methods. Why? Because he must be more cunning than the wicked to defeat them! And the emperor, it is said, governs the world with benevolence and righteousness. This is certainly the right path, but people are driven by petty scheming. A wise and virtuous ruler always employs a multitude of methods. Only with such methods can one be qualified and capable of serving the country and its people. Therefore, a wise and virtuous emperor must also combine orthodox and unorthodox methods, understand human nature, and strike a balance between yin and yang!"

"Well said, that puts my mind at ease!" At this moment, Su Wu truly admired Wu Yong!

Sometimes, you really need someone like that, and that is... a debater!

Explain it to Su Wu, but also to the people of the world!

Dry!
(Goodnight, guys!)

(End of this chapter)