Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 79 Brother Xiaoyi is here!
The Beijing city of the Song Dynasty, Damingfu, is the center of the entire Hebei and Shandong provinces. It is not very far from the Tokyo Bianliang city, only four hundred miles away, so it can be said to be very close.

Everything that Tokyo has, the daimyo prefecture also has. Many of the supplies needed by the city of Tokyo with a population of one million are also transported from here as a base.

It goes without saying that Damingfu is prosperous. Just by taking a look at Damingfu, you can actually imagine what Tokyo City looks like.

Therefore, only Liang Zhongshu, the son-in-law of Grand Tutor Cai Jing, is qualified to get such a lucrative position.

But in the story, this Damingfu could also allow Liangshan bandits to break into the city and plunder in the future...

Su Wu walked on the bustling streets of Daming Prefecture and couldn't help but sigh when he thought of this.

Just go look for Suo Chao first. Since you are here, even if you have other important business, you should see Suo Chao first.

Suo Chao was in the military camp. When he heard that Su Wu had arrived, he rode his horse and galloped to the door to greet him. As soon as the two met, they hugged each other.

"Brother, it wouldn't be a big deal if someone came and said something before coming." Suo Chao was still complaining.

Su Wu smiled and said, "Even if we keep training the troops, it's hard to set a date, so it's hard to send someone to tell us."

Suo Chao was not angry. He looked at the person behind Su Wu and recognized him. He bowed and said, "Master Luan, nice to meet you!"

Luan Tingyu also bowed and smiled: "Greetings, General Suo."

Su Wu asked, "Has it been promoted?"

Suo Chao smiled and answered: "I am no longer a military commander or deputy commander, but a real seventh-rank officer, a lieutenant of the imperial family, hehe..."

"Congratulations!" Su Wu was happy from the bottom of his heart.

"Hey... Brother, do you think I don't know? I heard that you are now a serious lieutenant of Zhenwei. Congratulations to you!" Suo Chao laughed so hard that his beard flew all over the place.

"Let's go have some wine?" Su Wu asked.

"Let's go!" Suo Chao raised his hand and stepped forward to invite them.

On the wine table, cups and glasses were brought and emptied. It was not that Su Wu loved wine, but most of the people he knew were warriors, and warriors loved wine.

"I came to Daming Prefecture for important business," Su Wu said.

"Brother, just tell me and I will help you!" Suo Chao was full of generosity.

"Brother, do you know Lu Junyi from Daming Prefecture?" Su Wu asked.

"I know him, of course I know him, it's just that we're not close friends. But I can give up on that for the sake of face." Suo Chao answered straightforwardly without saying any big words.

"That's great. In the afternoon, brother, take me to meet him and pay him a visit." Su Wu had business to attend to, so he didn't waste any time. After finishing his business here and returning to Dongping Prefecture, he would immediately go to Qingzhou.

"Okay, okay. I'm afraid you have something to do with him. I think it's about business. What do you want to buy?" Suo Chao also asked.

"Buy horses and iron." Su Wu replied.

"How many horses? How much iron?"

"Four hundred horses and one hundred thousand pounds of iron to start with, and more will be purchased later." This was a big deal by Su Wu, but he had also calculated it.

Four hundred good horses and about forty thousand strings of cash.

The price of iron is about thirty coins per pound, but ironware is much more expensive. Iron armor is even more expensive. It cannot be calculated by pound, as the labor is more expensive than the material.

Therefore, Su Wu bought iron and found someone to make it himself. The handicraft industry in the Song Dynasty was extremely developed, especially in big cities. It was not difficult to find many blacksmiths, and they could also control the quality themselves.

One hundred thousand catties of iron was not expensive, actually, costing less than four thousand strings of coins. At that time, the official price of one string of coins was about seven hundred and seventy coins.

However, the labor cost of making it is more than 30,000 or 40,000 strings of cash. Moreover, the armor of the Song Dynasty infantry is really complicated.

One hundred thousand catties of iron, minus the loss, can produce at most 1,500 sets of armor. Of course, some weapons also need to be made, but fortunately, weapons do not cost much material. A normal waist sword only needs two or three catties, and the spear head is even lighter. The weight of the arrowhead can be within three cents.

Anyway, there are more than a thousand sets of armor, and the weapons and arrows will depend on the situation.

But it couldn't be built in Daming Prefecture. The blacksmith had to be invited to Dongping Prefecture to build it, otherwise it might cause trouble. If it was built in Dongping Prefecture, there wouldn't be any trouble.

Suo Chao opened his mouth wide when he heard the amount, and subconsciously asked: "Where did brother get so much money?"

Where did it come from?

You can't say that they robbed your husband's birthday gift again, right?

So Su Wu smiled and said, "The prefect got it..."

Suo Chao looked envious: "Your prefect is really a good official!"

"That's true. Let's drink some wine..." Su Wu laughed.

After they drank a few drinks, Suo Chao said, "For such a big deal, we really have to go find Lu Junyi. I think my brother will also need to find a craftsman. I have many acquaintances, so I can help you find a hundred craftsmen. Well... a hundred is probably not enough, so just find more."

Su Wu already cupped his hands: "Thank you, brother!"

"Hey, isn't it my responsibility to take care of my brother's affairs?" Suo Chao also raised his cup.

Sometimes, it's like this between people. If you are sincere, you will get sincerity in return. This is especially true between warriors.

As soon as lunch was over, Suo Chao took Su Wu to Lu Junyi's home.

Suo Chao had his reputation in Daming Prefecture. Lu Junyi's home was really big. Although it did not have the elegance of those literati's homes, it was also somewhat luxurious.

The servant first led him to the front hall of the house to wait, and after a while, Lu Junyi arrived.

Take Lu Junyi for example. He is not very old, just thirty years old. He is tall and strong, with a broad back and strong waist. His face is slightly round, his eyes are bright, and he has a pair of scowl-shaped eyebrows.

At first glance, he looks majestic, but when he smiles at someone, he looks kind.

After a few pleasantries, Suo Chao introduced: "Mr. Lu, this is my sworn brother Su Wu, now serving as the military commander of Dongping Prefecture."

Upon hearing this, Lu Junyi immediately bowed again and said, "You didn't recognize a true hero in person. I heard a few days ago that Su Dujian put down a large rebellion of bandits and killed the famous double-gun master Dong Ping. I am so disrespectful!"

Lu Junyi is indeed a big shot in the underworld and is very well-informed.

Su Wu was also polite: "I can't compare to the fame of Mr. Lu Yu Qilin. There are three unique people in Hebei. They value friendship and loyalty, are generous and righteous, and are unparalleled in the world with their spears and clubs. Hearing about their fame is not as good as meeting them in person. Meeting them in person is even better than hearing about them in person!"

Lu Junyi waved his hands and smiled: "That's just flattery in the underworld, don't take it seriously."

Suo Chao looked around and said with a smile, "Alright, alright, you two don't have to be so modest. My brother is a great man, and Mr. Lu is not just boasting about his reputation. Sit down, sit down and talk."

When everyone was seated, Lu Yuanwai turned behind him and said, "Li Gu, this tea is ridiculous. Change it to better tea, and serve some snacks and good fruits. How dare we neglect our distinguished guests!"

The tea of ​​the Song Dynasty was so exquisite that it was classified into many categories, including tea paste, tea powder, and various tea-making techniques. Some people even competed in tea-making competitions specifically for this purpose. Even drinking tea could give people a sense of competition.

The tea in front of him may not be bad, but Mr. Lu is very experienced in dealing with people, so even if it is good, he should show greater respect in a certain way.

Su Wu, on the other hand, didn't care about the tea and snacks, but looked at the man behind Lu Junyi, Li Gu.

This man was the steward of Lu Junyi's household. Lu Junyi had a large family and a great fortune. He was good at socializing and was also fond of spear and martial arts, which he practiced diligently every day. Therefore, many details of the family's industry and business were handled by Li Gu.

It was this fellow who was actually having an affair with Lu Junyi's wife, Jia.

This guy is not as tall and mighty as Lu Junyi, but he has a handsome face.

Perhaps Lu Junyi really preferred socializing and practicing martial arts. He even often went out on his own to meet friends and even did business on his own.

Probably this is how Li Gu found the flaw and secretly collaborated with Jia.

Later, Song Jiang and Wu Yong of Liangshan were able to lure Lu Junyi up the mountain to be a bandit because Lu Junyi really liked to go out for a walk, so he was besieged and captured by the people of Liangshan.

The second reason is that Li Gu and Jia secretly framed him and wanted to seize Lu Junyi's property and frame Lu Junyi for treason.

Looking at Li Gu again, who came back with the tray to serve, Su Wu already had some thoughts in his mind.

Lu Junyi's favor is very valuable because Lu Junyi is very loyal and righteous.

Do you want to earn a favor? And make sure Liangshan has no chance to take advantage of Lu Junyi in the future. Otherwise, if Lu Junyi really joins Liangshan in the future, it will be a big trouble.

Su Wu immediately decided that this matter had to be done, but it was really difficult to do. As an outsider, how could he participate in other people's inner affairs? He had to find a way.

Then he heard Suo Chao saying, "Mr. Lu, my brother has come to Daming Mansion to make a big deal. Mr. Lu must give him a good price."

Suo Chao really took great pains to help Su Wu.

"No problem, just tell me." Lu Junyi had a very good attitude.

Suo Chao looked at Su Wu, and Su Wu also spoke: "Four hundred good horses from the north, one hundred thousand catties of good iron, please take a look..."

Lu Junyi raised his eyebrows, leaned forward in his chair, looked at Su Wu and asked, "Do you really mean what Su Dujian said?"

"There will be more in the future." Su Wu replied.

Lu Junyi calmed down for a moment, frowned and said, "This business is really big. Iron is easy to deal with, although most of them are government-owned, I can get them. But these 400 good horses are difficult!"

"Mr. Lu, just give me a price." Su Wu also showed his sincerity first. After all, there was no favor to speak of for the time being. If there was favor later, the agreed price could be changed. Of course, he would not really let Lu Junyi suffer a loss.

Lu Junyi only replied: "The price of iron is easy to talk about, but the price of the horse is hard to say. If you really want this amount, I think the supervisor can't wait too long. If I want to collect this amount, I'm afraid I can't do it myself. I can only collect it from fellow martial artists, and I'm also willing to sacrifice my face to buy it everywhere. In this way, the price may be a bit high."

"Okay, four hundred horses, one month. I'll leave this matter in your hands. I'll send someone to deliver the deposit in a few days!" Su Wu said nothing and just let Lu Junyi name any price. The horses must be obtained quickly.

Suo Chao also said, "My brother is here on the orders of the prefect. He must not mess up the job. I beg you to help me."

Seeing that Su Wu was so generous that he didn't even discuss the actual price and just wanted the horses, Lu Junyi didn't say anything more: "I will do my best in this matter, and Su Dujian is really a good person. Maybe I can't get so much in a month, but I will do my best and just try to get it. If it's really less, please don't be surprised."

"How can I make things difficult for Mr. Lu?" Su Wu said with a smile.

"Great!" Lu Junyi bowed and said, "We are going to have a banquet today. Please keep this in mind, both of you."

Su Wu and Suo Chao looked at each other, and both smiled and bowed.

Then I saw a man coming back from the front hall. He was tall and thin, with brisk steps. When I looked at him again, he looked even more handsome. He was just jumping in the yard.

Seeing this, Lu Junyi's face darkened: "Xiao Yi, why are you so frivolous? Can't you see that there are distinguished guests in the hall? Why don't you come and meet them politely?"

Hearing the shout, the handsome young man immediately stopped jumping, stood still and looked, then walked in respectfully and bowed: "Greetings to Supervisor Suo and the two distinguished guests."

When Su Wu heard the name Xiao Yi, how could he not know who he was?
The prodigal Yan Qing, also known as Yan Xiaoyi, who on the streets of Daming Prefecture doesn’t call him Brother Xiaoyi?

He was a child adopted by Lu Junyi on the street and raised by his side. Although he was a servant, he was no different from an adopted son. He was taught a lot and indulged a lot.

Yan Qing grew up in Lu Junyi's house and was handsome and charming. He loved to hang out on the streets, got tattoos all over his body, learned to play music, sing and dance, and learn all kinds of folklore. He was proficient in everything.

He also wandered around in brothels and taverns all over Daming Prefecture, and thus got the name of a playboy.

But he also has good martial arts skills, and is best at sumo wrestling. He is also proficient in crossbows, and his other martial arts are also very strong.

Then Lu Junyi said, "Excuse me, two eunuchs. I am a frivolous person. Please forgive me for my impoliteness."

Suo Chao laughed when he heard this: "Haha... How could I not know him? There are so many girls in those brothels looking forward to seeing him day and night..."

As a man of the world, Yan Qing is a playboy and has a great reputation. He is envied and hated by countless men.

Suo Chao's praise made Yan Qing feel embarrassed and he replied, "General Suo, I don't want to hang out with those women. I would rather hang out with a man like General Suo!"

There is also some cleverness in these words.

Suo Chao heard this and introduced Yan Xiaoyi to Su Wu: "This Yan Xiaoyi is very famous in the streets of Daming Prefecture. He is very romantic and has the nickname of a playboy. But don't underestimate him, brother. He is good at all kinds of martial arts, and is best at sumo wrestling. Speaking of which, brother is also good at the art of free-hand sumo wrestling."

Upon hearing this, Yan Qing immediately went to see Su Wu. As the elder brother of Suo Chao, the vanguard of Daming Prefecture, he must have superb sumo skills.

Seeing Yan Qing looking at him, Lu Junyi said, "This is Su Dujian from Dongping Prefecture."

Yan Qing immediately bowed again politely: "I came to see Su Dujian, the supervisor who killed Dong Ping, and I came to see Su Dujian in person!"

Su Wu smiled and bowed in return, and then he also said: "Come to think of it, I have never seen the world in those brothels and theaters. Since I am in Daming Mansion today, can Xiao Yi take me to see it tonight?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Qing immediately went to see Lu Junyi. Seeing Lu Junyi nod, Yan Qing smiled and said, "How difficult is this? Just follow me, and we can handle any situation."

"Then you need to bring more money." Su Wu was just joking.

Unexpectedly, Yan Qing replied: "Why spend money? Don't spend money! Maybe you can make some money back..."

Su Wu was stunned. The woman's profitable business now belonged to Brother Xiao Yi, and he had to pay for it himself. There was only one thing in his mind: Brother, you are awesome!
He also thought that Lu Junyi's favor might have to start with Yan Qing.

Seeing that Su Wu was really interested, Lu Junyi said, "In that case, let's go out and have a drink together."

Su Wu was very interested, but he was not interested in any beauty. He just wanted to experience the so-called elegance of the Song Dynasty.

Look at what people like the prefect Cheng Wanli usually do.

The representative of the Song Dynasty is Song Ci. What is Song Ci? It is the lyrics of the song. It also represents the developed entertainment industry. The literati and scholars flocked to it. Everyone is willing to write and listen to it.

It is no exaggeration to say that the country is living a life of debauchery and decadence. It is also appropriate to add that the country is living a life of entertainment to death.

But this is also the style of an era. Since we are living in the Song Dynasty, how can we not feel it?

Everyone went out. Although the times were different, the ways of business reception were somewhat similar.

There are low-end brothels at the low end and high-end brothels at the high end.

Everyone went straight to a building, and Yan Qing introduced it: "Supervisor Su, you know, Fan Tower is the best in Tokyo, and Deyue Tower is the best in Beijing!"

Su Wu, a countryman entering the city, just nodded.

When they saw everyone walking to the door, Yan Qing simply raised his hand and waved, and the servants at the door saw them and came forward to greet them.

This one shouted: "Brother Xiao Yi is here!"

That one also shouted: "Brother Xiao Yi, please come in!"

Lu Junyi, standing aside, only smiled bitterly at Su Wu and whispered, "Excuse me, Governor, for raising such a playboy..."

These words were not really insults, they were just insults for Su Wu to hear, and they looked good.

Everyone went into the building. It was actually mid-afternoon when people heard that Xiao Yi had arrived. It was a large group of girls coming into the hall...

"Brother Xiaoyi, the zither you tuned for me the other day is not in tune again..."

"Brother Xiaoyi, I have practiced the music you revised that day and am waiting for you to come and listen..."

"Brother Xiaoyi, you're only halfway through your story. I've been thinking about what's going on. I can't sleep. You have to finish telling me the whole story this time..."

"Brother Xiaoyi promised me to write a new song, so I have to keep my promise..."

Brother Xiaoyi knows a lot, and has many hands hanging on his left and right arms...

Su Wu was a little surprised. He heard that... the girls in such high-end places treated scholars and literati like courtesans, and it was not a sex trade.

What is really sold is "love service". People of this era cannot fall in love, but the feeling of being in love can be bought in such places.

Of course, second only to the flesh trade, the high-end flesh trade, the flesh trade that proceeds step by step based on a romantic relationship.

So it’s strange, why are these girls so proactive towards Brother Xiao Yi?

It seems that being handsome is always popular in every era. If a person is handsome and talented, even more people will be attracted to him.

Perhaps, many people here want to sleep with Brother Xiaoyi, but most of them can’t.

The principles of the past and present are the same, otherwise there wouldn't be the stories of "throwing fruits to fill the cart" and "watching Wei Jie being killed"...

Xiao Yi, however, had a stern face and said to his left and right: "Hey! Didn't you see so many people coming? Today is a serious matter, and we have distinguished guests. Don't be like this..."

Sure enough, after these words, the girls immediately became serious and stood on either side, but their eyes were full of anticipation, hoping that Brother Xiao Yi would choose someone carefully today.

This place was arranged by Xiao Yi. He waved his hand and said, "I will take care of all your affairs today. Let's find a big room. Come on!"

Everyone was not disappointed, they all smiled and turned around to get ready. Some needed to get dressed, some needed to put on makeup, and maybe they also needed to prepare their talents...

When they arrived at the large room, everyone had a couch and a table, needless to say, there was food and wine, and Yan Qing didn't even have to arrange them.

Su Wu also thought of a person. There was a great poet named Liu Yong in the Song Dynasty. Perhaps in the past in Tokyo City, Liu Yong was treated the same as Yan Qing in such occasions, or even better.

Everyone had a few drinks and chatted in the house.

After a long time, the beauties finally arrived. They did not come in a crowded crowd. The first two who came had pipa in their hands and sang Liu Yong's "Yu Lin Ling".

"The cicadas are crying sadly, it's late at the long pavilion, and the sudden rain has just stopped..."

Su Wu was familiar with this word.

Just listen to the soft and sweet sound, the sad tone, and the plucking of the strings, it is really emotional and touching.

Su Wu experienced it firsthand, and it was actually an elegant and enjoyable experience.

Even the vanguard Suo Chao shook his head and clapped his hands to the beat.

After the song, Yan Qing commented: "Chun Niang is not sad enough. Liu Sanbian should have practiced more sadness in this poem. Good girl... less shy, more extroverted, those scholars and writers don't like you like this. From now on, look down and don't lift your eyelids!"

It turns out that Yan Qing is also the coach!
No wonder the girls are waiting for him and the people in the building worship him.

The two girls listened attentively. Chunniang stood up and bowed first: "Thank you for your advice, Xiaoyi. I'll remember it and will do it differently next time."

The good girl also said: "Brother Xiaoyi, I am just this kind of person, there is no reason for me to be so shy."

"Practice again and pretend to be good enough!" Brother Xiao Yi is "unkind".

"Well, Brother Xiaoyi, if you have time in the evening, come and see me. You can also help me figure out how to pretend to be like me..."

Brother Xiao Yi just said, "We'll talk about it tonight. Let's change people first!"

Two girls out, three more come in.

Lu Junyi looked at him and sighed, but Su Wu was looking at him seriously, of course, mostly out of curiosity and a desire to gain new insights.

The love services provided to scholars are not that easy to sell.

Sing again, sing Li Qingzhao.

The drinking and toasting started again.

Brother Xiao Yi also whispered to Su Wu: "General Su, if you like anyone, just tell me in private..."

Su Wu waved his hand: "Let's talk about it later..."

But at this moment, a man came in from outside the door. It was Lu Junyi's housekeeper Li Gu.

Li Gu came forward and bowed, then came to Lu Junyi and asked, "My mistress sent me to ask if the master will be home for dinner tonight?"

Lu Junyi just waved his hands: "Aren't we having a drink now? Why are you going home at night? I'm afraid you'll be home late..."

Li Gu nodded, looked at the scene again, and even looked at the wine jar beside the table, and nodded: "Then I will report to the mistress."

Lu Junyi nodded: "You go by yourself."

Li Gu turned and left.

Su Wu's eyes were also on Li Gu, his brows furrowed, and he seemed to be thinking about something.

Could it be that the opportunity came so quickly?

Can Lu Junyi's favor just be granted?

Looking at the sky outside, it was getting dark.

Looking at Lu Junyi again, his face was red and he reeked of alcohol.

I also looked at Yan Xiaoyi, who was lying on the couch, beating the rhythm and singing along...

Could this happen tonight?

Su Wu had already stood up and said, "Xiao Yi, come with me, I have something to discuss with you..."

"Ah? Oh, here I come." Brother Xiao Yi quickly got up.

(Brothers, about 12,000 words, thank you for your subscription and monthly tickets!)

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(End of this chapter)