Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 437 Big Case!

The emperor returned to the capital to review the examination papers.

Within Yangjumei City, many things were happening and everyone was busy. Dali was no longer a kingdom; from then on, it became Yunnan Road. Yangjumei City was officially renamed Dali Prefecture, and Shanshan Prefecture was renamed Kunming Prefecture.

Zhao Gou entered Sichuan and went straight to Chengdu. Along the way, he encountered almost no resistance. Cities were even opened to attack at will. The defenses of the Song Dynasty were now also the defenses of the Yan Dynasty. The land of Sichuan, the forbidden territory of the Song Dynasty, became the territory of the Yan army. They had little fighting power, let alone loyalty...

Zhao Gou then took whatever he wanted, treating high walls and great cities as if they were nothing.

With four thousand men, they were invincible in conquering cities and fortresses.

Fortunately, Zhao Gou was not a bandit; he was a prince vying for the throne and did not allow his troops to plunder. In fact, he didn't need to. If he wanted money or grain, it wouldn't be difficult for him...

Whether the powerful and wealthy families were willing or not, they had to give him some gifts and favors, after all, Zhao Gou had a large and powerful army under his command...

Upon arriving in Chengdu, Zhao Gou's troops were equipped with new weapons, armor, horses, and ample supplies.

Recruiting flags were raised, and the streets were deserted; quite a few江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) heroes actually came...

Strangely enough, despite the excellent situation, Zhao Gou did not linger in Chengdu. Instead, he hurried north to the place that led to Hanzhong and Guanzhong.

Perhaps it was because the pursuers behind him were coming fast, making it difficult for him to breathe, but he also left a large army to garrison the city of Chengdu, so that they could block the pursuers behind him.

The army that remained in Chengdu numbered over ten thousand, and the number was still growing.

Who is chasing after us?

At this very moment, the most formidable warrior of the Great Yan Dynasty is Wu Song of Jingdong!
It seems we'll inevitably have to fight another siege...

This battle was hardly worth mentioning. They climbed the walls, but it was over in a flash, and the city fell. More than 10,000 soldiers were chased and hacked down by four or five thousand men led by Wu Song's vanguard...

At this moment, Su Wu had already reached the north of Fujian. When Su Wu reached the Yangtze River, the good news arrived, but there was nothing particularly noteworthy to see.

Su Wu received the news of his victory, while Wu Song had already pursued Zhao Gou past Mianzhou. However, Mianzhou was now garrisoned by several thousand soldiers, leading to another battle...

They assumed Zhao Gou was heading towards Jianmen Pass, but unexpectedly, he turned and went to Zizhou, then to Langzhou, and finally to Jianzhou...

He still had to go to Jianmen Pass. Even Zhao Gou frequently sent letters to Guanzhong. To whom? At present, Yao Pingzhong was in charge of the army in Guanzhong. Zhao Gou was obviously looking forward to Yao Pingzhong's response. Only in this way could he go to Hanzhong and Guanzhong and find a way out.

Yao Pingzhong also received an imperial edict, ordering him to intercept Zhao Gou.

Yao Pingzhong's troops were indeed mobilized. He himself did not move, but instead ordered his generals to lead several routes southward...

Wu Song truly couldn't catch up. The surrounding cities were also obstacles, each holding him back for a day or two—time to cut down trees and build ladders, time to wipe out the remaining enemies…

Zhao Gou was really good at running away, even managing to use feints to deceive his troops...

Wu Song's pursuit was also arduous...

Reports kept coming to Su Wu, who laughed as he read them. Even Wu Song had something to say: fighting was nothing, it wasn't really fighting, but Zhao Gou was truly something else! This man was extremely good at escaping!
Even Wu Yong was at his wits' end, constantly being blocked on one side and chased on the other, leaving him extremely frustrated.

Su Wu still needed to reply to Wu Song and Wu Yong. Patience, patience, and more patience were needed. It would be best to travel all over Sichuan, even if it meant framing that cruel official with charges against them later.
The ruthless official also set off, intending to first take charge of Chengdu Prefecture and sort it out.

Su Wu even hinted to Wu Yong that, if possible, it wouldn't be impossible to force Zhao Gou to Hanzhong...

However, there was no need to go to Guanzhong. He also warned Wu Yong that if there were any secret collusion between Guanzhong and Zhao Gou, it was crucial to report it immediately and deal with it promptly. This was of utmost importance.

The bottom line is this: Guanzhong is truly different, and it is absolutely crucial that we do not err, not even in the slightest trouble.

As these events unfolded, Su Wu had already arrived in Bianjing (Kaifeng).

The first thing to do was to raid the Xiangguo Temple. The Xiangguo Temple was the richest temple in the world, needless to say. In fact, a large part of the mortgage loans for people in Bianjing City were made through the Xiangguo Temple's business.

They didn't need the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review, nor the Kaifeng Prefecture. The Imperial City Guard, reorganized by Yan Qing, acted immediately upon receiving the order, and suddenly a large army surrounded the Daxiangguo Temple and conducted a thorough search.

Nowadays, the main backbone of the Imperial City Guard comes from the Jingdong Army, and the soldiers are naturally eager to join them.

Su Wu didn't interfere much...

After the special imperial examination in the capital began, all the exam papers were copied anonymously, and Su Wu even went to the Ministry of Rites in person to handle the matter.

He did personally review the papers, but of course, he didn't look at them one by one. Instead, all the examiners were placed in one place, and he would go around to inspect them. If he found a good one, he would immediately take it over to review it.

Even those that are screened out are not taken away; they are checked a second time and selected again to avoid any omissions.

This year, the south is getting hot, but Bianjing (Kaifeng) is getting one last light snowfall, covering the entire imperial city in white...

The capital is extremely busy this year. With the new country and its new atmosphere, the emperor has issued many orders, and there are also many errands to be done. Every government office is extremely busy.

But the prosperity of Bianjing City remained undiminished. Scholars from all over the country gathered there, waiting for the results to be announced, and teahouses and entertainment venues were bustling with activity...

The business at Fanlou was booming, and poetry gatherings were held one after another in the elegant garden. Li Shishi's table was always surrounded by countless fans...

Although the emperor has changed, for some reason, Li Shishi's fame has only grown. Perhaps it's because with the change of emperor, many stories have been told, much like how Bai Juyi wrote "The Song of Everlasting Regret," and now some enthusiastic scholars have even written long poems about Zhao Ji and Li Shishi...

True or false, half-true or half-false, human gossip is etched into our genes...

The "beauties of the six palaces pale in comparison" in "The Song of Everlasting Regret" turned to dust at Mawei Slope.

But Li Shishi is alive and well, so why wouldn't they rush to see her?
Today, Cheng Hao, unusually free after his shift at the Privy Council, changed his clothes and ended up at Fanlou. In truth, not many people really knew him…

Those who once traveled with him, those who served him faithfully, are now mostly gone...

They either died in a rebellion by the Yingzhou soldiers, or their families fell into poverty and their wealth dwindled...

Cheng Hao was accompanied by no close friends, just a few servants from his household.

He was just tired and had some rare free time. He just wanted to find a place to have a drink and listen to some music, nothing more.

After a few drinks, he muttered to himself, "I thought that being in a high position and holding power was the mark of a man, but it turns out to be the torment of paperwork, working day and night, being careful in everything and cautious in every situation..."

They are young after all, and they have a few complaints and a bit of a free spirit. Who doesn't like to enjoy life?

Unfortunately, these muttered words are only spoken and heard by oneself, so be it...

Who in this world doesn't have some complaints about work?

The song was actually sung very well, very pleasant to the ear, but Cheng Hao only drank a few cups before getting up and leaving, muttering: "I wanted to buy osmanthus flowers and share wine, but it's not like the carefree days of my youth..."

Did they think the young man was going to show off today? Actually, no. He had nothing to show off. Even if a few old acquaintances came, they wouldn't be able to handle Cheng Hao's show of bravado. What was the point of showing off in front of them...? Cheng Hao knew he wouldn't get any pleasure from it...

I wasn't drunk, so I just ate. Life can't be all work and no life at all...

I need to go to bed early tonight, and get up early tomorrow to go to the palace to report to the emperor...

I got home. My father was home. He had laid out a few small dishes and warmed a pot of wine. There was no one to keep me company, so I drank by myself in the living room...

Cheng Hao stepped forward to greet his father and sat down with him for a while.

Cheng Wanli also asked, "Where did you drink the wine? You must never accept invitations to eat or drink with anyone!"

Cheng Hao nodded repeatedly: "I know, I know. I just went into Fanlou and sat there for a quarter of an hour... without anyone else around."

"Good to know!" Cheng Wanli was much relieved. His greatest skill in life was being extremely cautious...

Then he asked again, "Are you going to the palace to report to the emperor tomorrow?"

"Hmm..." Cheng Hao nodded.

"Are all preparations complete? You should be able to handle things smoothly..." Cheng Wanli instructed.

"I know, I know..."

"How have you been lately? Is everything going well at work?"

"It's all good, it's just..." Cheng Hao hesitated.

"Just what?"

"It's just a little tough!"

Cheng Wanli paused for a moment, then said, "After tomorrow's audience with the emperor, I'll ask for a favor and see the Empress... The end of the year is approaching, I should go and visit her..."

"Alright! Is there anything you want to tell them?"

"Hmm... Just say that everything is fine, and that His Majesty is overworked. Tell her to take good care of His Majesty's daily life!" Cheng Wanli instructed.

"Understood!"

"Stop drinking. Go wash up and go to bed early so you don't mess things up tomorrow."

"Father……"

"Ok?"

"You now hold a high position, wield great power, and are even the emperor's father-in-law...you..."

“Stop talking nonsense! What authority do I have…” Cheng Wanli interrupted him directly, but then immediately added, “I have something to tell you, and you must remember it.”

"What's the matter?"

"After Wu Yong returns, he will definitely look for you. You must never get close to him, absolutely not!"

"Okay, I understand!"

"Alright, go ahead!" Cheng Wanli waved his hand and left. Seeing his son stand up, bow, and then leave, he added loudly, "Remember, never get close to the likes of Wu Yong!"

"understood!"

Early in the morning, as dawn broke, a long line of carriages stretched out outside the palace gates. There was no court assembly today, but the carriages were still numerous.

Zong Ze and Zhang Shuye were in front of them, and they were lined up at the left side gate.

Cheng Hao was positioned at the Right Side Gate, which meant that the Emperor had decreed that civil and military officials should not interact. Although the actual control significance of this order was debatable, at least on the surface, civil and military officials had to keep their distance.

Civil officials walk on the left, and military officials walk on the right.

Civil officials went to the Funing Hall and military officials went to the Chuigong Hall to discuss matters, and they were separated. Court assemblies were also separate, unless it was a major matter that required joint discussion.

Who suffers the most? Actually, it's the emperor who suffers, having to run between the two sides.

Everyone had something to report to or discuss with the emperor.

On the Emperor's side, things were extremely busy, with people and tasks happening one by one...

The emperor rode a horse to travel between the two main palaces, not in a palanquin. He rode a horse when he was in a hurry, and walked when he was not.

After Cheng Hao finished his audience and asked for permission, he went to wait outside Yanfu Palace for an audience.

The younger sister was also delighted to see her brother.

The brother and sister exchanged some pleasantries and a few words of advice before leaving the palace. After that, Cheng Hao returned to the Privy Council to continue his duties. He had a major matter to attend to: the affairs of the various martial arts academies. He was in charge of these matters and was extremely busy.

After reporting on my work today, I received a lot of criticism, mainly because the emperor felt the progress was too slow and was displeased.

Then we can only work harder, work overtime, and keep working overtime!

The New Year has arrived. Cheng Hao doesn't feel any special New Year's spirit. Even during the New Year, he still has to do his errands. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, he also has to present his memorial to the emperor. Because of the last memorial, the emperor said that he would ask about it again in half a month, and there must be progress in several aspects.

Personnel allocation must be in place, the list must be reviewed by the emperor, and the budget for funds and provisions must be in place. For each military academy, the amount of funding to be spent next year and how to spend it must all be well planned.

There's also the progress of the construction of several military academies...

Sure enough, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, which happened to be exactly half a month later as the Emperor had mentioned, we naturally had to go.

Reporting on work and preparing materials are countless tasks.

What was the emperor doing on New Year's Eve?
Yan Qing had just returned, also to celebrate the New Year, having come from the Jiangnan and Zhejiang regions.

Big case!

Su Wu is listening to a report.

"Within the city of Hangzhou, there are a large number of candidates for the imperial examinations this year. Logically speaking, given the chaos caused by Fang La's rebellion and the heavy casualties among the scholarly families in the city, it's impossible for Hangzhou to have so many talented individuals. However, upon investigation, it turns out that some people are profiting from this. Many candidates have changed their household registration from other places to Hangzhou, and there are even scholars from Jinghu who have changed their household registration to Hangzhou. It's as if some people are taking advantage of the chaos in the new dynasty, thinking that no one will care, and are acting with audacity!"

Yan Qing spoke slowly.

Su Wu understood. He was referring to college entrance exam migration. He simply said, "To accomplish this, there must be a great many people involved, and the scope of the matter must be very broad!"

But then Yan Qing said, "That must be it. There is another unimaginable thing. Some scholars from the farthest capital, Chang'an, have changed their household registration to Hangzhou. This special imperial examination was held in a very rushed manner, with one exam after another. Many local scholars from remote prefectures could hardly cope with it. How many miles is it from Chang'an to Hangzhou? How could they have made it in time and even had their household registration settled? It is truly a heaven-reaching feat!"

Su Wu only asked, "How's the investigation going?"

Yan Qing took out a small piece of paper from his pocket and presented it with both hands, saying only, "I've only investigated to a rough extent. Some of the people involved are definitely involved, but others are still uncertain..."

Su Wu looked down and saw the names and official titles, one by one...

As Su Wu slowly read on, a familiar name appeared on the list: Tang Ke, the prefect of Hangzhou.

Su Wu pointed to the name and asked, "Who is he...?"

“Suspected…” Yan Qing replied.

"How to say?"

“Your Majesty, even if Tang Ke was not involved in this matter, he is still guilty. In such a case, Hangzhou was still in a state of depression when suddenly so many talented people emerged. As the prefect, how could he not have heard of the shady dealings? Even if it was just a matter of counting the papers and releasing the names, he must have been involved. He is either one of the masterminds behind this major case, or he is guilty of dereliction of duty!”

Yan Qing's argument was well-founded and supported by evidence.

Without a word, Su Wu said only one thing: "Arrest them all and bring them to the Imperial City Guard prison for a thorough interrogation. We must find everyone involved in this matter, whether they are from the capital or elsewhere!"

"As you command!" Yan Qing bowed respectfully.

"Go quickly!" Su Wu couldn't wait a moment longer. He wanted to behead the scholar-officials in the capital, cut off hundreds of their heads, so that everyone in the world would know that the emperor would not share the world with the scholar-officials!
The imperial examination system has always been known for producing major scandals, and this is indeed true!

Matters concerning the foundation of the nation must not be neglected.

Su Wu did not bear any burden in this matter. Have you not heard that this is a sorrow for the noble families and a joy for the poor families?

Once this case comes to light, scholars across the land will surely applaud it.

As for the emperor's massacre of scholar-officials, this had nothing to do with the scholars themselves; they were not qualified to be called scholar-officials.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Intelligence Division dispatched its cavalry, primarily heading to Hangzhou, but also to Jingzhao Prefecture, Jinghu, and other places...

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Cheng Hao presented his memorial.

Lunar New Year's Day...

Lu Da arrived at the Daxiangguo Temple, but the emperor had decreed that those with official titles were not allowed to enter temples or palaces, so he did not go in.

He simply walked around the Daxiangguo Temple and also took a look at his old vegetable garden.

Lin Chong accompanied him.

The Great Xiangguo Temple is not what it used to be. The number of monks in the temple has decreased significantly, but there are still quite a few worshippers. It is normal for ordinary people to come to offer incense on the first day of the Lunar New Year, praying for a good new year.

But how much incense can ordinary people afford to offer? Compared to high-ranking officials and nobles, it's just a drop in the ocean...

The two strolled around slowly, stopping at the vegetable garden. Lin Chong asked, "Is this vegetable garden now government property?"

This is where the two first met.

"It became government property, but this small plot was rented out to the Daxiangguo Temple, where the monks worked to support themselves..." Lu Da replied.

He added, "That's good. I used to dislike many people in the temple who, even after becoming monks, were still impure in their six senses, possessing all the vices of greed, anger, and ignorance!"

"Hehe, what about yourself?" Lin Chong laughed.

"I'm just indulging in some wine and meat..." Lu Da said without any guilt.

"Alright, alright... So you still have a heart devoted to Buddhism now?" Lin Chong teased.

"Why not? The master from Mount Wutai is the real master! It's just a pity that I've let him down..." Lu Da also had things he regretted.

Lin Chong suddenly stopped laughing, his face turning serious: "You really believe in Buddhism? Then you can't..."

Lin Chong wanted to offer some advice, namely that the emperor disliked Buddhist and Taoist matters, and he wanted to remind Lu Da not to show any interest...

But Lu Da said, "His Majesty dislikes the evils of Buddhism, and I also cannot stand them. In the past, when I killed someone, I could get away with it by obtaining a certificate of ordination. This is not conducive to the stability of the world and is really not good."

Lin Chong glanced at Lu Da and suddenly asked, "Do you really not want to marry and have children?"

Even now, Lin Chong has a wife, who is actually a relative of his former father-in-law's family...

Perhaps it was someone else trying to curry favor, but it was also Lin Chong showing kindness out of consideration for their past relationship.

“If there’s no more fighting, I might actually find a temple to become a monk. Do you think I’d like to go there?” Lu Da was actually being serious.

"where?"

"Hehe, Hangzhou!" Lu Da chuckled, his laughter revealing a kind of simple honesty.

"Hangzhou is wonderful..." Lin Chong knew the beauty of the Jiangnan region.

"I'll just wait until His Majesty stops me from fighting, then I'll go to Hangzhou, find a temple, and become a monk!" Lu Da said with a look of anticipation.

He also asked, "And you?"

Lin Chong thought for a moment and replied, "I have nothing to offer. I'll take a wife, have children, and raise them... I'll die when I'm old!"

"Alright!" Lu Da nodded, saying, "There's nothing much to see. I said I wouldn't come, but you said you'd come for a walk, and after you're done, go home and have some wine..."

"Let's go have a drink..."

Jingdong, Dongping Prefecture, is also celebrating the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Nowadays, more and more merchants are coming here, as if all the merchants in the world know that Jingdong is now very wealthy, with mountains of money and grain, and amazing purchasing power. If you have good products, just bring them here and you won't have to worry about selling them.

Fan Yun is back. He bought a house here, and unless he's forced to leave for war, he'll naturally return...

Xiaozhi's mother gave birth to a son, so Fan Yun was even more eager to return home for the New Year and even asked the Privy Council for leave.

As they ate and drank, Fan Yun said, "We're in such a hurry. Tomorrow or the day after, we'll find that broker, sell the house, sell everything we can, and head to the capital immediately, with the whole family..."

"You won't be coming back?" Xiaozhi's mother asked, looking around, clearly reluctant to part with him.

“I’m not coming back. What’s the point of coming back? From now on, I might be assigned to other places, but I’ll be staying in the capital most of the time. We’ll just settle down here in the capital…”

Fan Yun answered.

“Well…houses in the capital are very valuable…” Xiaozhi’s mother was knowledgeable.

"No problem, renting a residence is very convenient for officials in the capital. You can rent for a long time. The Imperial Household Department has many residences, big and small. Just go and choose one..."

Fan Yun smiled as he took a small sip of warm wine.

"Rent a house?" Xiaozhi's mother was somewhat reluctant.

"It's alright, we have plenty of money. Buying a small one is fine, but if you want a bigger one, then let me save up a bit more. We won't be renting forever..."

Fan Yun felt no pressure whatsoever, continuing to sip his drinks with a completely relaxed expression...

“That’s fine then…” Xiaozhi’s mother chuckled and said, “I don’t necessarily need a big house, a small house is fine too.”

"Okay, whatever. You can go ahead and go. I'll be away from home for a while after I arrive in the capital."

"What's wrong? Why can't we have a single day of peace?"

"The Privy Council wants me to go to the Military Academy!"

"You're going to teach?" Xiaozhi's mother was a little incredulous. Even the characters Fan Yun could recognize were taught to him stroke by stroke by her.

"No, they want me to become a student at some kind of crash course, studying for eight months! I'm not willing to do that, and I even went to the Privy Council to complain. What do you think?"

Fan Yun asked with a smile.

"how?"

"Summon him to His Majesty and give him a good scolding!" Fan Yun said to himself, laughing heartily.

"You're laughing even when I'm scolding you?" Xiaozhi's mother felt a chill run down her spine.

"His Majesty told me to go home and cuddle with you all the time, and not to go out! Haha..." Fan Yun's laughter deepened.

"Huh?" Little Branch's mother blushed and asked, "Then what did you say?"

"I have repeatedly apologized, eight months it is! I even told His Majesty that if I do not perform well, I will offer my head to him!" Fan Yun replied, his expression becoming serious. Clearly, it was a difficult task, but once the words were spoken, they had to be fulfilled. How could he deceive the emperor?

But then he suddenly smiled and said, "His Majesty also said that now that you're in the capital, you should visit Yanfu Palace more often and talk to Empress Cheng more."

"Oh, that's wonderful. It's been so long since I've seen Sister Cheng..." Xiaozhi Niang suddenly looked expectant. She had never been to the imperial palace in her entire life.

Fan Yun kept drinking one cup after another, and Xiao Zhi's mother immediately raised her hand to stop him: "That's enough, you can't eat anymore!"

"One more cup, and this battle will begin..."

"no!"

"Half a cup, I meant half, you watch, I won't eat more..."

"Fine……"

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the military report was on its way to the capital that Zhao Gou had indeed been driven into Hanzhong.

Hanzhong is long and narrow, surrounded by several routes. Wu Yong is confident that it can be captured within a month at most.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Ling Zhen presented a strange object: flying fireworks. That night, the fireworks exploded in the square in front of the imperial city, and the crowd of onlookers was so large that it was impossible to move.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Ling Zhen made a memorial to the emperor. Fireworks were a minor matter; the memorial was the real important thing!

(End of this chapter)