Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 325 Establishing a Mansion, Establishing the Langya Prince's Mansion!
Will go!

Tong Guan nodded slowly and said, "His Majesty is waiting for you..."

There's no need to elaborate on who this emperor is; Su Wu simply replied, "Yes, I know..."

Su Wu then said, "The prime minister should rest assured here. It will take at least a year, or as little as a few days..."

"Alright!" Tong Guan looked at Su Wu with a complex expression in his eyes.

Su Wu had to get busy; he had many things to do, the most important being recruiting soldiers in Yan and Yun, and also spreading the recruitment information to Hebei…

Hebei has historically produced strong armies, and also many powerful bandits. The weakness of Hebei today is not due to the weakness of its people, but to the weakness of this imperial court...

After arranging the recruitment of soldiers, Su Wu went to the army camp, where many generals came to discuss the matter.

Now that the Jurchens have withdrawn, the Northwest armies will also have to return, and they cannot stay here for long. Even the defense of Xingqing Prefecture needs to be arranged. They can still rely on the two old men of the Zhong family there.

Inside the main tent, with most matters discussed, Su Wu spoke: "Gentlemen, the people of Yan and Yun have suffered heavy losses. This land is flat and fertile, while the northwest is a barren place... I have something to say to you all..."

Liu Zhengyan simply replied, "Just give the order, Commander Su!"

Su Wu continued, “There will surely be more bitter battles with the Jurchens in the future. The people of Yan and Yun cannot be trusted. Only our own brothers can be relied upon. I have an idea. I would like to ask you and the soldiers of each unit if anyone is willing to move to Yan and Yun with their families. We will provide travel expenses and give each household, regardless of age or gender, thirty mu of land to each person, with a seventy-year lease and only one-tenth of the taxes. It would be best if they were willing to join the army. The land and money will still be provided. This would make the Northwest much more stable and shorten the defense line. It would be difficult to maintain such a large army. In the future, the court will definitely reduce the number of troops in the Northwest and reduce the expenditure of money and food. It would be better to relocate some soldiers here. This would be a win-win solution!”

After speaking, Su Wu glanced left and right.

Liu Zhengyan immediately said, "I came voluntarily, and I was the first to come. I will come here to guard the border again. As for the soldiers under my command, let me speak to them. Those who are willing to come can come. Just as Commander Su said, the court will definitely reduce the number of troops in the Northwest in the future. It is better to find a new way out as soon as possible. Commander Su is so kind to me, how can I not come!"

Yao Pingzhong nodded in agreement: "Then I will go back to the army to talk to them and inquire, and also help Commander Su to put in a good word for them. However, leaving one's hometown is really not an easy thing..."

Su Wu laughed heartily: "I won't force it!"

But Su Wu knew in his heart that the land and the ecological environment of Yanyun were far superior to those of the Loess Plateau in the Northwest. Most of the soldiers were from the bottom of society. With Su Wu's treatment, few people in Guanzhong would be willing to come, but people from Huanqing, Fuyan, Xihe, Lanhuang and other places would probably flock to him.

Leaving one's hometown is certainly not easy, but that applies to individuals. However, it is different if the whole family moves.

Moreover, everyone has witnessed what is happening right before their eyes; it is already a certainty. It is much simpler to gamble on something unknown than to risk everything.

Furthermore, Su Wu's credibility in the army is now unparalleled. He is confident that if everyone continues to spread the word, countless soldiers from the Northwest will be willing to migrate here.

Su Wu continued, "Those who are willing to migrate to Yan and Yun should register, receive travel expenses, and sign contracts. They can then organize to return home first. Once the migrants have returned, the various tribes can withdraw. What do you think?"

“Alright, then so be it!” Yao Pingzhong replied, turning back to nod to the many Northwest Army generals.

The Northwest armies would eventually have to leave, so Su Wu's method was reasonable!

Su Wu then brought up another matter: "I intend to establish a school in Yanjing for the purpose of teaching martial arts, which will be called the Martial Arts Academy. There has been no war recently, so I would like to ask you all to work together on a task: to compile books on various war-related subjects for the Martial Arts Academy. This should not be difficult, should it?"

As Su Wu spoke, he smiled as well…

Upon hearing this, everyone was initially surprised, but then they all replied, "What's so difficult about that..."

Yao Pingzhong also laughed: "I'm just afraid of misleading young people..."

Liu Zhengyan also smiled: "As for matters of leading troops and matters of battle, just explain everything clearly, no matter how big or small, right?"

Su Wu nodded: "Indeed, you are all seasoned veterans. You can make up whatever you want, whether it's a big deal or a small matter. Just tell me what you can think of! We'll have Zhu Yuhou act as the liaison for this matter..."

“No problem, no problem…” Yao Pingzhong nodded.

Zhu Wu also stood up: "Yes, sir!"

Su Wu had been thinking about this matter for a long time, but hadn't had the time to do it.

Su Wu also had many problems that he needed to solve through this martial arts academy.

The first issue is the quality of military officers. The quality of officers in the army varies considerably, and many mid-level officers are illiterate. This problem needs to be addressed.

Secondly, there is the training of military officers. Nowadays, military officers are promoted based on military merit because there are many wars. This method is actually difficult to sustain. Once there are fewer wars, the quality of military officers will become more uneven. This military academy can solve this problem to a large extent.

It's not that the Military Academy can necessarily train all military officers to be extremely outstanding, but rather that it can greatly raise the minimum standard of military officers.

Even in peacetime, military academies can train military officers and cultivate a good atmosphere, which can help maintain the combat effectiveness of the army.

The third issue is the most important, which is ideological and political education. This is something that must be started, and it is a long and arduous task. This matter needs a starting point, a key approach. Su Wu cannot painstakingly educate every general on ideology.

But with the establishment of a martial arts academy, things changed.

Su Wu even had to compile some teaching materials himself, partly for ideological education, to make these generals truly understand why they were fighting. This was a grand proposition, a long and arduous journey, but it had to begin immediately.

On the other hand, there is the command and control of large-scale battles, which is something that military generals of this era are extremely lacking in.

Even in this era, regardless of the rank of the military officers leading troops, they were all only regimental commanders or brigade commanders, and very few had experience in commanding large-scale battles.

Liu Fa of yesteryear is dead, and Zhong Shidao is also old; Zhong Shizhong is no longer considered a great talent.

In the entire Song Dynasty, only Zhong Shidao remained, along with Su Wu. Even Zhong Shidao himself didn't have much experience.

This course needs to be offered to train more generals like this.

Finally, there is the issue of popularizing military culture and knowledge, which should start with mid-level officers and then move down to the lower ranks!
Only by doing all of these things can an army maintain its basic combat effectiveness, whether in war or peace.

Military development is of paramount importance!
Just in time, with the need for a large-scale military expansion, Su Wu initially planned to recruit at least 100,000 strong combat soldiers, with auxiliary troops to be counted separately...

At that time, the soldiers from the Northwest, and even many soldiers from the eastern part of the country, will be reorganized and filled into the ranks as the backbone.

Given this approach, everything must have a fresh look and evolve from the previous military model. Therefore, we need to take a multi-pronged approach to solve the problem at once!
Add all the necessary new features at once.

After the meeting, Su Wu immediately began to draft the training methods for the new army. The drills themselves were secondary; formations and weaponry were also secondary...

The so-called training methods are more about the army's organizational structure, military regulations and discipline, treatment and benefits, ideology and culture, logistics management, and so on...

Su Wu insisted on specifying every detail, so that his troops would train in accordance with regulations.

To recruit soldiers, numerous small detachments were dispatched, carrying money and provisions, to the gates of various cities in Yanyun and Hebei. Once recruited, all recruits were sent to the outskirts of Yanjing City, where large-scale military camps were also built.

It's all a problem...

If there's anything else, write to JD.com. It's inevitably about migration and immigration. Let Zong Ze handle it. He'll provide travel expenses and land. People who are struggling to make ends meet will naturally find new ways out.

Busy and never stopping, a few days later he received a letter from Jingdong: Fan Yun had killed Liu Yu!

Su Wu immediately summoned Xu Guanzhong and Wu Yong.

The two were reading the letter when Su Wu asked directly, "What should we do now?"

Xu Guanzhong and Wu Yong exchanged a glance, and Xu Guanzhong said, "I'm afraid the capital is in turmoil!"

Wu Yong chimed in, "My lord, it's good to cause a stir... lest many people in the capital really think we're easy to manipulate!"

Xu Guanzhong nodded: "That makes sense, but this matter will inevitably frighten the emperor."

“It’s good that you were frightened. Now, whatever you want, my lord, is much easier to discuss…” Wu Yong continued.

Xu Guanzhong frowned, looked at Wu Yong, then at Su Wu, and said, "If that's the case, then there's no need to think about it anymore. Your memorial requesting merit has already been sent. Let's see how the capital responds!"

Xu Guanzhong sensed something much slower than Wu Yong, but he had clearly also made many guesses and plans, and at this moment, the change was also rapid.

Su Wu listened in silence for several moments, then suddenly changed the subject, saying, "You two should be removed from military affairs and no longer hold positions such as military commanders..."

"What is your plan, sir?" Xu Guanzhong asked.

Su Wu uttered one sentence: "Open a mansion, open the Langya Prince's Mansion!"

When Su Wu was granted the title of Prince of Langya, the imperial court did not permit it.

The Song Dynasty had never had the title of "opening a government office" before. Although there was a title of "opening a government office with the same rank as the Three Excellencies," it was an honorary title and not a real ability to open a government office.

In the Song Dynasty, the only person who could hold the position of "opening a government office" was the Crown Prince, who would be assigned a team of officials. Geng Nanzhong was the head of this team in the past.

Xu Guanzhong and Wu Yong were both somewhat surprised that someone had opened a residence without their consent...

Su Wu immediately retorted, "Since you've asked for it, then ask for more! Opening a government office is no big deal! If we don't open a government office, how will we manage such a huge operation?"

Establishing one's own administration is a practice that existed during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, as well as the Han and Tang dynasties, and even the Northern and Southern Dynasties and the Five Dynasties...

Xu Guanzhong nodded in agreement: "Then I will listen to what you say, sir!"

Su Wu nodded: "You two will serve as the left and right stewards of the Langya Prince's mansion, with Mr. Xu on the left. As for the officers and clerks in the army, you can take over their duties. There will definitely not be enough manpower, so we should recruit more talented people. Go and invite any capable people from the scholars of Jingdong!"

Su Wu's business was too large, and he needed an administrative team; he could no longer limit himself to the military.

Today it is the Langya Prince's Mansion; from now on, it will be the Yan Prince's Mansion...

Wu Yong was overjoyed and blurted out, "How about we use that old Liao imperial city as the Langya Prince's residence?"

Su Wu glanced at him and said, "Nonsense!"

Xu Guanzhong quickly said, "It is certainly an eyesore. How can others not talk nonsense when they see this? It's inappropriate, inappropriate..."

“There are plenty of large mansions in Yanjing City. Go and choose one. If one is not enough, choose two or three connected together.” Su Wu waved his hand.

Wu Yong had already bowed his head and repeatedly said, "I will take care of this matter!"

"Also, ask the Zhao and Li families more questions and have them send more people to run errands in the mansion!" Su Wu added, emphasizing the importance of this matter.

Wu Yong understood, so he asked, "Uncle Zhao has already taken charge of affairs in Yanjing. Why don't we invite Uncle Zhao the Second to come to the Prince's residence?"

Wu Yong was referring to Zhao Sicheng, the second son of the Zhao family. Su Wu nodded, "Alright, let him manage the household's finances!"

Managing money, grain, household registration, salt, and iron was a tough job, but it also brought great power and responsibility.

Moreover, Prince Su Wu was a man who attended to every detail, making Zhao Sicheng's job even more difficult. Furthermore, Su Wu's finances and provisions did not all fall under the administration of the Prince's mansion...

But this is trust, an attitude. It's a deeper bond; the ship is on board, already braving the storms. It all depends on how the helmsman steers; there's no getting off...

Su Wu was gradually getting everything on track: administration, military affairs, taxation, grain, household registration, industry and commerce, land—he was making sure everything was in order and maximizing organizational efficiency.

Su Wu, of course, kept his head down and worked diligently.

In the capital, Liu Guangshi had already entered Tokyo, while Liu Yanqing had arrived two days earlier.

A banquet was held within the imperial city, awaiting the arrival of the father and son.

The Genyue Garden, now completely unmanaged, has become even more naturally beautiful. It is home to many birds and beasts, and in the past, the cries of deer could be heard even outside the imperial city.

Now, all these birds and beasts have disappeared.

The Dragon Pavilion is still the same Dragon Pavilion. In the past, Emperor Huizong loved to entertain guests here, and even play the zither and paint calligraphy and paintings here...

Today, the banquet is also being held here, and the people attending are Geng Nanzhong, Bai Shizhong, and Li Bangyan.

The banquet was small, with singing and dancing, but this emperor himself didn't know how to play the zither or write calligraphy...

The emperor frowned, his heart filled with unease. He had just received a report of Zong Ze's ten-thousand-word letter, filled with countless grievances. The emperor read it perfunctorily, but there was one thing in particular that he read carefully: Liu Yu had died at the hands of the Han soldiers of Jingdong...

Just look at Liu Yanqing and his son Liu Guangshi again, isn't this a lifeline?
Emperor Zhao Huan raised his cup in a gesture of respect: "Please, gentlemen!"

Liu Yanqing immediately straightened up, stood still, and bowed: "Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation!"

Liu Guangshi followed suit: "Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation!"

Zhao Huan smiled warmly: "Hey, no need for formalities. You two are both pillars of the state and my trusted advisors. Please drink this cup!"

The father and son quickly drank it all in one gulp, and stood with their heads bowed, not daring to sit down.

The emperor himself would have to come and invite them: "My two beloved ministers, please be seated!"

Only then did the two dare to sit down, and they only sat on half of their buttocks. This was the first time in Liu Guangshi's life that he had seen the emperor. He was not afraid of thousands of troops, but at this moment he was very nervous and uneasy.

The music is playing, and the waist is swaying.

The emperor started the banquet, and everyone naturally toasted each other, exchanged a few pleasantries and compliments, but nothing much happened.

After enjoying the food and wine, the music temporarily stopped.

Then Geng Nanzhong spoke up, "You two probably know why His Majesty summoned us, right?"

Liu Yanqing quickly replied, "It is Your Majesty's kindness to show me such favor because of my advanced age! Perhaps it is also because my son has rendered some minor service on the battlefield, which has earned Your Majesty's grace!"

Liu Yanqing was feigning ignorance, and Geng Nanzhong didn't blame him, nodding: "Yes, yes, but it's not just these things..."

"Then please make it public, Prime Minister Geng!" Liu Yanqing said.

Geng Nanzhong then pulled something out of his pocket: "Prime Minister Liu, take a look at this letter!"

How could Liu Yanqing not be the Grand Chancellor? Although he was the second-in-command of the Privy Council and signed the Privy Council documents, it wouldn't hurt to call him the Grand Chancellor.

Liu Yanqing took it and looked at it. What was it looking at?
What I was looking at was Su Wu's memorial requesting merit. Although the words in it still seemed humble, the meaning was clear: he wanted to be granted further favors.

After Liu Yanqing finished reading and folded the book, he returned it to Geng Nanzhong and said with a smile, "It is truly a blessing for the Song Dynasty to have such a general!"

Still pretending to be stupid...

Geng Nanzhong added, "Does Prime Minister Liu know that Liu Yu, the newly appointed Pacification Commissioner of the two routes of Jingdong, was killed by the soldiers of Dongping Prefecture as soon as he took office?"

Liu Yanqing was completely unaware of this matter. Upon hearing it, he was shocked, his eyes widened in disbelief.

Geng Nanzhong added, "Prime Minister Liu actually understands, but there's no need to say more. Su Wu harbors rebellious intentions and has already committed acts of defiance and rebellion. We must be on guard! Otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable, and the nation may be in danger of collapse!"

Liu Yanqing looked at his son...

Liu Guangshi quickly said, "Master Geng, is there some misunderstanding?"

Geng Nanzhong's expression turned serious: "You dare to kill even such a high-ranking official of the court? What misunderstanding could there be? You two wouldn't happen to be in cahoots with Su Wu, would you?"

Liu Yanqing was terrified and quickly stood up and bowed again: "My interactions with Su Wu have always been military matters, and we have no private relationship!"

Liu Yanqing immediately went to see his son.

Liu Guangshi had already risen as well: "Your Majesty, gentlemen, regarding this matter, permission is granted..."

Liu Guangshi was at a loss for words. Many people in the army knew about his sworn brotherhood with Su Wu, but he was unsure whether the officials in the capital knew about it.

Regardless of my current thoughts, I must avoid any appearance of impropriety...

As soon as Liu Guangshi stammered, Geng Nanzhong immediately asked, "Young Steward Liu, could it be that you have some accomplice in this conspiracy?"

Liu Guangshi shook his head repeatedly: "Absolutely not! It's just... some things should be avoided. Do we really want to turn against each other? That's absolutely inappropriate!"

To wage war against Su Wu, this...

Before Liu Guangshi arrived, he never imagined things would be so serious, and people were already discussing these matters...

Geng Nanzhong looked somewhat displeased. How dare these soldiers have their own ideas?

Geng Nanzhong then asked, "What does Steward Liu think is the best course of action?"

"Hmm..." Liu Guangshi wanted to speak again, but suddenly saw his father's look and stopped himself, replying, "This humble official is of limited knowledge and cannot offer any grand strategy. I would appreciate it if you gentlemen could make the final decision..."

Geng Nanzhong's expression improved considerably, and he nodded, "We already have a plan in mind. Commander Liu now commands troops from both Hedong and Hebei. Upon his return, he will certainly strengthen his forces, firstly to guard against the Jurchens, and secondly to prevent internal strife. The court should certainly try to persuade Su Wu. If persuasion fails, he will not know the vastness of the Emperor's grace and will inevitably cause some mutiny. I imagine Su Wu's troops are not many, consisting mainly of some trusted confidants from Jingdong, and many other followers from the Northwest, who will gradually return to their homelands..."

Liu Guangshi was utterly horrified, his heart pounding with fear.

Liu Yanqing frowned and said, "The army of Jingdong is extremely skilled in battle; they are not easy to deal with..."

Geng Nanzhong waved his hand: "The army in Jingdong is not a monolithic force. How dare those prefectural troops act recklessly? In the end, it's just the same force Su Wu led when he suppressed bandits, no more than twenty or thirty thousand men, right? I've also checked all the documents in the Privy Council, and at most twenty or thirty thousand men..."

Liu Yanqing frowned, his mind racing, but he said aloud, "I'm afraid it's more than that..."

"A few more wouldn't matter, three or five thousand, ten or twenty thousand, it doesn't matter. In the Great Song Dynasty, where are there so many rebellious ministers and traitors? How many followers can Su Wu gather? Once the Northwest armies return and the armies in Hedong and Hebei are ready and defend the cities, if Su Wu really wants to rebel, he's just courting death!"

Geng Nanzhong had already said these words to the Emperor before today.

At this moment, the emperor remained silent, as if he were resting with his eyes closed. His ears were perked up. In the past, no matter what the matter was, it was always Geng Nanzhong who ran around running errands. And now, it was the same.

Liu Yanqing and Liu Guangshi looked at each other. They had a detailed conversation before entering the palace, but what they had said before was no longer needed. Everything had gone against their expectations.

The imperial court was clearly determined to bring Su Wu down, and the situation was already tense.

Geng Nanzhong continued, "I've brought you two here for two reasons. You are both skilled warriors. Liu Shuxiang is stationed in Dongjing (Kaifeng), commanding the army in the capital region, while General Liu is stationed in Hebei, with the armies of Hedong and Hebei under his command. With hundreds of thousands of troops, Su Wu is nothing more than a minor nuisance. Everyone says Su Wu is a skilled warrior, and you've both seen it, as evidenced by the military reports. Has Su Wu ever fought a single battle against the Jurchens? He only ever hid, avoided, and ran away, sometimes hiding within the city walls, sometimes being chased by the Jurchens and fleeing in terror. Su Wu's reputation is exaggerated! What do you two have to fear?"

Liu Yanqing quickly replied, "It's not that I'm afraid, it's just that it's hard to bear seeing my own people fighting each other..."

Geng Nanzhong immediately said, "Now that Su Wu has become a traitor and a villain, turning against his own family, it is Su Wu's fault! Gentlemen, once this is accomplished, the glory and honor you will receive will be beyond words. How could the Emperor not bestow upon you his great favor?"

Bai Shizhong finally spoke up: "Yes, as long as Chief Steward Liu prepares troops to garrison the city, Su Wu will not dare to make any rash moves. It is possible that this matter will be resolved without a fight. Once it is successful, the military affairs of the world will be in the hands of the Liu family! Wouldn't the court rely on Chief Steward Liu again for military support?"

Liu Guangshi's mind was in turmoil. He first looked at the three ministers, then at the emperor, and could no longer help but realize that these people truly knew nothing of battle, nor of the ferocity of Su Wu's powerful army...

This is childish... far too childish!
Is that the decision? Do we really have to do this?
In fact, if we look at it from another perspective, weren't the Emperor, Geng Nanzhong, and all the ministers also decisive and courageous?
Liu Guangshi stood up, trying to persuade Liu Yanqing, but Liu Yanqing rose even faster, bowing deeply and saying, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Geng Nanzhong was overjoyed and quickly got up to help Liu Yanqing up: "Prime Minister Liu's heart for the country is as clear as the sun and moon!"

The emperor suddenly opened his eyes wide: "My dear minister, your loyalty is unparalleled. I entrust everything to your hands!"

Liu Yanqing simply bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The emperor waved his hand and said, "Keep the music playing and the dancing going! Drink the wine..."

The feasting and music resumed, but the father and son were truly worried.

As soon as the banquet ended and the father and son left the palace in the same carriage, Liu Guangshi sighed repeatedly, "Ah... alas... Father... Father..."

Liu Yanqing, however, was puzzled: "Why would JD.com kill Liu Yu?"

Liu Guangshi retorted, "What else could it be? It's simply because we've reached our breaking point. If Liu Yu goes to Jingdong, wouldn't that also be a death sentence? I wonder whose idea it was that they're so determined to take action!"

Liu Yanqing shook his head: "Geng Nanzhong, Geng Nanzhong... These gentlemen are used to manipulating the orders of military commanders..."

“This time it’s different…” Liu Guangshi said, knowing that his older brother was different from others. He then asked, “Father, what should we do?”

Liu Yanqing retorted, "What else can we do? You just go to Hebei and reorganize the army!"

“This… Father… If I really lead the troops into battle against… then…” Liu Guangshi was extremely anxious. What kind of troops were there in Hebei?

One hundred thousand or two hundred thousand?
The troops in Hedong were already few and far between. Wang Bing was stationed in Datong, hoping that he would fight to the death with Su Wu.
Who wouldn't want to rise to the top by following the leader's example?

but……

Liu Guangshi was completely bewildered. He looked at his father, who was even instructing him to organize the troops... He had no idea what his father was thinking...

Liu Yanqing lifted the carriage curtain and looked back. There stood the majestic imperial city with its red walls and black tiles.

Looking back at Zhuque Street, it's bustling with people. You can see a corner of Rendian in the distance, and colorful flags fluttering along the archway of Fanlou Street...

"Father!" Liu Guangshi was like an ant on a hot pan.

With a sigh, Liu Yanqing uttered softly, "Do whatever I tell you to do. How can you disobey the Emperor's command? If I tell you to organize the army, then organize the army. If I tell you to go on a campaign, then go on a campaign... Go back and see Commander Su first..."

Liu Guangshi's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he knew quite a bit...

(End of this chapter)