Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 400 Enko, Immigration, War...

"What's going on at Linhuang Prefecture?" Yue Fei asked, getting up.

"Protector, military intelligence from Linhuang Prefecture reports that Jurchens are gathering in Dading Prefecture..."

The person who reported this answered.

Yue Fei rose and paced back and forth. After a moment, he muttered to himself, "They want to launch their attack ahead of schedule, thinking that since Your Majesty is coming from the Central Plains, it can't be done quickly. If they launch it ahead of schedule, they'll have at least a month's time advantage..."

"Then, aren't they waiting to collect grain? How can the army march without grain?"

"They had to wait, which meant they calculated the time, harvesting and sending supplies to the front lines simultaneously, rather than waiting until everything was harvested before launching an attack. They also calculated the harvest time of the Yan-Yun grain, which ripens ten to fifteen days earlier. They anticipated that the King's army would wait until the Yan-Yun grain was harvested and stored before they could move... Therefore, their plan was to harvest and send supplies at the same time, with the main army moving first..."

Yue Fei was naturally analyzing...

"Aren't you afraid of making any mistakes? If the supplies don't arrive on time, how can we not be defeated?"

Yue Fei waved his hand: "No matter how many problems there are, this is the last chance for the Jurchens. It is a gamble between life and death, so we must take risks and fight for our lives!"

"Then what should we do? I'm afraid we can't send troops ahead of time. Autumn is the season when all the tribes' livestock fatten up for winter, and the herders need to harvest fodder to store for the winter. I'm afraid we won't be able to muster enough troops..."

Yue Fei was also troubled, pacing back and forth. He said, "We must go to Linhuang Prefecture to provide support as soon as possible. The tribes on the grasslands can't send any more men, so we should go too..."

"That's natural! But we only have a few thousand soldiers, so we need to leave a few here to guard the city, and there's also the matter of how to get to Linhuang Prefecture, and the supplies for the soldiers, laborers, and provisions..."

There are many problems. If the tribes of the grasslands can provide manpower, there will be no need to worry about auxiliary soldiers and civilians.

However, if only Yue Fei's army of 10,000 went without civilian laborers or soldiers, then things would be much more complicated...

"In that case, since the various tribes cannot provide manpower, each tribe can borrow some horses. Not too many, just eight or five hundred horses from each tribe, big or small. That way... we can bring our own food and set off on our own..."

Yue Fei knew the gravity of the situation and, no matter how difficult it was, he was determined to overcome the obstacles to aid Wu Jie in Linhuang Prefecture.

"It seems this is the only way..."

Yue Fei added, "Hurry up and ride a fast horse to the capital to report to the King that the war is really going to be brought forward. The Jurchens will make their move a month before winter arrives in the north!"

"Okay! I'll go and submit the official document right away!"

As soon as he saw the man leave, Yue Fei frowned again. Although he had not yet received any imperial edicts or decrees, he had guessed that King Xu was now the emperor.

This matter lingered in Yue Fei's mind...

Many things are hard to put into words. For example, in judging and evaluating most things, right and wrong are quite clear-cut...

Right or wrong...

This matter before him left Yue Fei at a loss for words. To say that the king had usurped the throne was, of course, wrong…

As for why the king usurped the throne, he was a smart man, and an educated one at that. He knew that the king had no way out; he would either die one day, or even take many of his generals with him...

Or perhaps, this is the only way to do it.

Righteousness, human sentiment...

Even Yue Fei suddenly had a thought: what if it were him? What if he, Yue Fei, were in the king's situation?

To choose death? Or to choose...?

He was extremely conflicted and his mind was in complete turmoil...

I don't want to think about it anymore, I don't want to think about it for now. The immediate issue is that the Jurchens are going to attack Linhuang Prefecture, so we need to make preparations as soon as possible. We need to borrow horses from various tribes, stockpile some grain and fodder, and repair our armor and weapons...

This is always the right thing to do. As long as it is a war against the Jurchens, it must be the right thing to do. No matter what the court or the emperor does, Yue Fei has done nothing wrong and remains loyal and righteous!

In the capital city of Tokyo, in the Fu Ning Palace, Su Wu was plotting yet another matter, one after another…

Today's plan is to establish a new imperial examination for the new dynasty.

The imperial examination had to be held immediately, which had three implications.

Firstly, let's also see if the scholars and intellectuals of the world are eager to participate. This kind of thing can be quite interesting sometimes. For example, someone might be everywhere denouncing Su Wu as a usurper or a traitor...

But when the imperial court opened a special examination for recruiting officials, he was more attentive than anyone else and registered faster than anyone else.

This is a further step, to stabilize people's hearts!

Secondly, the imperial court truly needs talented individuals, especially Su Wu. This time, he will definitely be the final examiner for the special imperial examination. He wants to see the talents of the world, to understand the new batch of imperial disciples, to select them himself, and even to train them himself...

This was undoubtedly a consideration for the future. These people, in a few years or more than a decade, would surely become the loyal pillars of the court in the future. Su Wu personally selected and trained them, so their significance was different, and they were the cornerstone of stabilizing the country.

Thirdly, it also serves as a propaganda channel, spreading the news of Great Yan replacing Song throughout the land, ensuring that scholars and intellectuals constantly refer to Great Yan, and that ordinary people naturally follow the name Great Yan as well...

Therefore, Enko, we must begin immediately.

Su Wu spoke in the Funing Palace: "Who is the best person to oversee the imperial examinations this time?"

Zong Ze glanced around at the people in the main hall; they were just the same few people...

Cheng Wanli, Zhang Shuye, Zhao Sicheng, Wu Yong, Xu Guanzhong, Li Gang, Li Hang, Zhu Wu...

This is a civil officials' court assembly. Military officials no longer hold court in the same hall as civil officials, so Wu Song, Lu Da, and others are not here.

Xu Guanzhong was a signatory to the Privy Council, but he was mostly by Su Wu's side. Zhu Wu, on the other hand, was now the chief of the Privy Council. Xu Guanzhong was different; Su Wu needed a "secretary" by his side, so he temporarily brought Xu Guanzhong to fill that role.

Zong Ze glanced at the people and frowned. Who knows about the imperial examinations?

After looking around, he finally settled his gaze on Zhao Sicheng and said, "Why don't we let Minister Zhao preside over the imperial examination? He is a descendant of the Su School scholars, and his reputation can convince the public!"

Su Wu glanced at Zhao Sicheng and pretended to hesitate for a moment, but in his heart he had already chosen Zhao Sicheng.

Why?

Firstly, his reputation was a factor; secondly, Zhao Sicheng was obedient and even aligned with Su Wu's interests.

There are other issues involved here, such as the selection of examination topics. Su Wu also had his own preferences, and if people like Zong Ze and Li Gang were in charge of the examinations, they would inevitably have to compete with Su Wu...

After feigning hesitation, Su Wu finally spoke: "Then let Zhao Qing be in charge of the imperial examinations..."

Zhao Sicheng tried to decline, saying, "I'm afraid..."

Su Wu interrupted directly: "You're the one. Don't refuse. This is the first time I'll personally select candidates. But I won't do that again in the future..."

Zhao Sicheng replied immediately, "Then I will obey your decree..."

He then understood that, ostensibly, Zhao Sicheng was in charge of the imperial examinations, but in reality, he was just doing the work. The real person in charge of the imperial examinations was actually His Majesty, who was right in front of him.

Su Wu simply said, "Issue an imperial decree immediately! All prefectures and counties, the provincial and prefectural examinations, should begin as soon as possible. I am going on a campaign this time, and my return will be timely. Ideally, the examinations should be held in the capital within the year, and the results should be announced before the Lantern Festival. Everything should be done quickly!"

Clearly, the imperial examination system was complex, involving multiple levels of government, from the county to the prefecture, and then to the capital...

According to Su Wu's timing, he should start immediately, otherwise he really won't make it in time.

Su Wu did not intend to interfere with the provincial and prefectural examinations. To be honest, the imperial examination system of the Song Dynasty was quite comprehensive, and in many cases, the questions were well-designed and closely aligned with the realities of administration. Of course, this refers to the policy essay questions.

And the subjects covered are quite numerous, including classics and mathematics...

Su Wu is going to personally preside over the examination in the capital this time. In fact, there are two aspects. One is the policy essay topic. Su Wu wants to choose a topic that truly tests the candidates' administrative abilities.

Another aspect is that Su Wu wanted to elevate the importance of the Ming Suan subject to a higher level, and those who passed the imperial examinations would be given important positions.

Clearly, the old calculations are no longer so important.

Looking ahead, Su Wu saw him as an important talent for the imperial court.

This will inevitably lead many students to pay extra attention to mathematical calculation in the future, resulting in an explosion of mathematical talent, which is exactly what Su Wu needs...

Many people have a misconception that mathematics in this era is very simple. In fact, if you actually look at the math problems or exercises from this era, you will be very surprised.

The mathematics of that era, or Ming Suan Ke (明算科), was actually quite advanced. The basics of calculus, or rather, many problems involving calculus, were actually standard exam questions in Ming Suan Ke...

Su Wu's goal was to take the subject of Ming Suan (calculation) to a new level!

This was the most important thing in Su Wu's mind, no less important than annihilating the Jurchens, and perhaps even more important.

Su Wu even considered that after acquiring a group of brilliant mathematicians, he would reform mathematics, specifically by transforming Chinese character mathematics into symbolic mathematics. This would be more intuitive, concise, and easier to write, think about, and operate.

In the future, other engineering and science disciplines will naturally follow this approach, creating a chain reaction.

This matter also requires Su Wu's absolute authority; we just need to acquire the talent to forcefully implement it.

This matter has been briefly discussed. The procedures are much more familiar to the people in the Ministry of Rites than Su Wu is, so they will handle it themselves.

Su Wu then said, "We will soon be going on a campaign. In late autumn and early winter, all of you must oversee the collection of taxes and the transportation of goods throughout the land. There should be no delays. Next year's military expenditure will be increased. The Three Departments should discuss this matter thoroughly. If the taxes are insufficient, we should supplement them with funds from the Ministry of Domestic Production. Starting next year, the Imperial Guards and the Garrison Troops will undergo major reforms, costing a great deal of money. We must be prepared for this. Of course, this is a one-time expense, not an annual one..."

Zhang Shuye, the Commissioner of the Three Departments, and Li Hang, the Deputy Commissioner of the Three Departments and the Chief Clerk of the Department of Domestic Affairs, exchanged a glance and could only sigh...

They get upset when money is spent...

Su Wu didn't care about all that and continued, "For this expedition, the money will be allocated from the Ministry of Domestic Affairs, and the provisions will be allocated from Yan and Yun. The provisions from Yan and Yun come from the Ministry of Domestic Affairs' surplus on one hand and the imperial court's taxes on the other. All of these transfers will be suspended for now, with the main focus on allocating provisions for the army."

Zhang Shuye and Li Hang exchanged another glance, and sighed again...

On the one hand, they want to spend more money, and on the other hand, they want to occupy more of the places where money and supplies come from. When the two of them voice their objections, all that can be done is sigh...

Have you not heard how poor the Han and Tang dynasties were when they were first established?
Those all required diligent governance, humility, and perseverance. Only the three dynasties of the Han Dynasty were truly strong, and the Tang Dynasty only managed to survive by having its emperors bow their heads.

Ironically, the Great Yan, which replaced the Great Song, seemed to have little to worry about in terms of money and provisions; even in the most difficult times, it had something to rely on.

Su Wu's acquisition of the country had its downsides. For example, he selected so many "high-ranking officials" that he himself was too familiar with, as they were all former Song officials.

There were also advantages, namely that the country had not been completely destroyed. The former Song Dynasty was still economically strong in many areas. No matter how much money was spent, there was always enough to make up for it. Su Wu was not worried about this at all.

Su Wu continued, "Many government departments, even the intelligence bureau, need to work together on one thing, and this thing, um..."

Su Wu glanced around: "With Minister Xu in charge of overall coordination, and numerous government departments cooperating..."

"As Your Majesty commands!" Xu Guanzhong stepped forward, cupped his hands, and asked, "What is it that Your Majesty speaks of?"

Su Wu began, “Spread the word throughout the land that Xingqing Prefecture, on the banks of the Yellow River, was once the homeland of the Han and Tang dynasties, and is now… a land of plenty beyond the Great Wall, where everything can yield a bountiful harvest!”

"This..." Even Xu Guanzhong couldn't keep up and was full of confusion.

Su Wu continued, "Let's just say this for now, spread the word throughout the land, and discuss other matters at the end of the year!"

What was Su Wu going to do?
We need to create momentum!

Migration and immigration are difficult matters in this era, so they require some thought and even less honorable means.

This matter also needs to be done in conjunction with the reduction of the Imperial Guard...

It might be a lie, but it's not entirely a lie; the land in Xingqing Prefecture is actually quite good.

Currently, all of this is government property. We're just waiting for the rumors of this "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall" to spread. Then, we'll say that the land will be allocated to the soldiers for a hundred years, with priority for renewal. It's practically perpetual tenancy. One hundred acres will be allocated to each person, with a tax rate of one-tenth, unchanged for a hundred years...

If they use some kind of scarcity marketing tactic, there won't be many left, first come, first served, or it'll be a favor from the emperor, with priority given to military personnel... There are only 3,000 mu left here, only 1,000 mu left there...

A few days later, the Emperor bestowed another favor, adding another three thousand mu to our county…

The emperor also bestows favors; as long as a contract is signed, the emperor will provide travel expenses...

They use all sorts of tricks and deception to get people to go.

Farming is one thing, but defending the border is even more important. The proportion of the population in Xingqing Prefecture is a very important matter.

Of course, if you actually go, a comfortable life is inevitable within a year or two...

They wouldn't actually lie and sell it.

Once this matter succeeds and gains a positive reputation, Su Wu will likely have many more similar successes in the future.

The four prefectures of Hexi, the military farms in the Western Regions, and even the sea, to the nearby islands... and further on, to the South Seas...

Each and every one of these is a interconnected strategy; those who are truly going to migrate live better lives than in their hometowns…

The population of the Song Dynasty truly reached the limit of ancient society, exceeding one hundred million.

Further price increases would be a huge burden and a negative factor, unless there is a significant improvement in productivity.

Or, there might be a high-yield new crop from the Americas...

Of course, there are also more distant concerns, such as fertilizer, but those are things we can't think about right now...

At this juncture, one must consider things from a strategic perspective.

Xu Guanzhong was unaware of Su Wu's thoughts and received no explanation from Su Wu, so he simply nodded and said, "As you command!"

Su Wu added, "This matter is extremely important; it concerns the fate of the nation and its people. It must not be taken lightly. Once I am in Yan and Yun, I will certainly hear the people and soldiers discussing this matter..."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I understand the importance of this matter!" Xu Guanzhong immediately nodded solemnly in response.

Su Wu, his mind full of things to do, said, "The Privy Council has ordered that although the army cannot return home, each unit should organize some personnel to go home, take back the letters they need to take, and send the money they need to take home to their comrades. We also told the soldiers that at most, they will be able to return home within five months. This is my word, and I will definitely not go back on my promise!"

In this era, the army could not stay away from home for long. Either when they arrived in a new place, they would be stationed there and people would move their families there. All of this had to be arranged properly.

Either we go home after the war is over.

This is only natural for human beings.

Even in the past, when the Han Dynasty guarded the western border, many couples went to garrison the beacon towers together, and they often took turns.

Many of these letters, filled with homesickness, are truly heart-wrenching to read.

When chaos truly erupts and the imperial court can no longer attend to these matters, the countless letters from soldiers and civilians are heart-wrenching to see…

Su Wu truly loved the soldiers, and that is absolutely true.

Xu Guanzhong bowed and nodded, "As you command!"

"Then everyone go and get busy..." Su Wu waved his hand. He had something to do in the afternoon. He would personally ride out of the city to visit various military camps.

When a new emperor ascends the throne, he should reward the soldiers, no matter how much money it is, whether it's ten or twenty strings of cash. Su Wu should also make an appearance and express his gratitude to the many soldiers...

The soldiers were overjoyed and honored to see their emperor...

The unity of these people depends on their continued dedication.

If he can't finish in half a day, he'll go again tomorrow. He'll make sure to travel all over the army, near or far, so that all the soldiers can see him!
Look at Su Wu, so majestic in his dragon robe!
Many military officers would inevitably strike up a conversation, offering words of encouragement...

Just keep busy...

I won't complain about being tired; I'm just a work machine. I don't talk about being tired; I just want to do everything well and thoroughly.

Once the Great Yan Dynasty is truly on the right track, everything in the world will move in a positive cycle, and Su Wu will be able to relax a lot...

Su Wu was busy everywhere, and news of the Northern Army also came in.

The Jurchens have already begun to gather their troops...

This truly caught Su Wu off guard.

This time, we must resolve the Jurchen problem once and for all!
Then we must make all the necessary preparations, and not give up halfway again. Su Wu will never have so many more opportunities to personally lead an expedition.

Su Wu needed this credit, which was the greatest achievement in the founding of the nation. It was best that Su Wu do it himself, without relying on others.

Having a beginning and an end, in future history books everything will be about Su Wu, just like Li Shimin, later generations will not be able to say a word against him, only praise.

Su Wu was also thinking that preparations, especially regarding Ling Zhen, absolutely could not be compromised...

After much thought, it seems that Su Wu should go to Yan Yun first. Once Su Wu arrives in Yan Yun, he will serve as a deterrent and a threat...

He also replied to Wu Jie and Yue Fei, encouraging them, one to defend the city and the other to provide timely support...

I imagine that at this very moment, Yue Fei must have received news of the founding of the Great Yan Kingdom…

Su Wu only hoped that Yue Fei would not have any problems, absolutely none!

(End of this chapter)