Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 326 No one can escape!
The Langya Prince's Mansion was officially opened without warning, and Su Wu was the first to move in and begin working there. Subsequently, many other offices were also set up for important military and political affairs.

You don't know until you try it; once you start, Su Wu discovers that his team alone has over a hundred carts going back and forth just to transport the accumulated official documents.

Not to mention office supplies...

This government office opened too late, which gives a glimpse into the tedious work that Xu Guanzhong and others had to do in the past.

It also needs to be divided into various "houses": military affairs, construction, household registration, officials, etiquette and literature, criminal law, none of which can be omitted, as well as inspectors and supervisors, salt and iron tax collection...

There is also a special treasury room...

There is also a dedicated war room.

In addition, Su Wu added a department called the Industrial Affairs Department, which was responsible for managing the various farmlands, shops, residences, and other properties in Yanyun and Xingqing Prefectures...

Finally, there's a miscellaneous affairs office. The name sounds strange, but it's a characteristic of this era. Miscellaneous affairs can be understood as routine work, as it appears in many official titles, such as "censor in charge of miscellaneous affairs." To put it simply, miscellaneous affairs can be understood as routine work, much like a deputy mayor...

However, it can also be understood as an internal administrative department. Su Wu's miscellaneous affairs room can probably be understood as an "office" or "general office," the meaning of which is self-evident.

The framework must be clearly established; we can't do everything in a vague, general way. Only then can everyone fulfill their specific responsibilities...

Even with this architecture, setting it up wasn't easy; it was another busy undertaking.

Outside Yanjing City, there were already Liao people's former military camps, so there was no need to rebuild them, but repairs were necessary, and Su Wu also had to go out of the city to inspect and urge them to be completed.

New recruits began to slowly assemble, with the first batch numbering over 30,000, selected from able-bodied men who had been captured by the Jurchens and were willing to serve...

Su Wu was familiar with the reorganization and training of troops, and he also brought new military discipline and regulations. Lin Chong was in charge of this matter and wrote to Jingdong to transfer Luan Tingyu to be in charge of this matter as well, and even Sun Li...

In addition to food, drink and other necessities, a department was also set up to be responsible for the supply of military supplies, and even for the allocation of auxiliary soldiers and civilian laborers during wartime. This department was under the War Office and was called the Logistics Department.

Of course, the name of this department doesn't matter; it can be called anything...

The cavalry also needed extensive training. Those skilled horsemen from the Northwest Army were all incorporated into the cavalry, where they practiced various techniques and even coordinated maneuvers every day.

Many departments are busy, especially the industrial and housing departments, which are conducting a thorough investigation of all the fields in Yanyun, as well as the residences and shops in many cities. Many of the manpower has been drawn from the military...

However, they were just soldiers, and they weren't good at this kind of work, such as various measurements and statistics, document preparation, and archiving...

Su Wu lacked people, especially a large number of cultured individuals...

Su Wu had to leave Yanjing. There was no need to report to the court. He left as soon as he was told. After exchanging a few words with a few key people around him, Su Wu led several hundred cavalrymen and galloped towards Jingdong.

There are many things to do in Jingdong, so we also need to recruit soldiers. We need to relocate many people from Jingdong to Yanyun, transfer Jingdong troops to Yanyun, and reorganize many Jingdong soldiers into the army.

This is a very important matter, involving the morale of the army, and even requiring the reorganized troops from Yanyun to be transferred back to Jingdong to strengthen the defense.

These matters could take several months to be fully resolved, and Su Wu often had to personally handle the communication issues.

Su Wu was in a hurry to return to Jingdong for another reason: to stabilize morale.

It only took five days to travel from Yanyun to Dongping Prefecture. Su Wu had no desire to enjoy himself; it was no different from a forced march. He just kept rushing and hurrying. Everything was urgent now. The Jurchens were running rampant on the grasslands, and Su Wu was helpless, at least for the time being. But Su Wu always wanted to participate and to have a showdown with the Jurchens on the grasslands.

The situation in Tokyo seems to be getting increasingly urgent...

Upon entering Dongping Prefecture, Su Wu didn't see many people, except for Cheng Wanli, Zong Ze, and Cheng Hao watching from the side.

Cheng Wanli still had a furrowed brow, a bitter look on his face, and kept sighing...

Su Wu simply said, "Father-in-law, there's no need to worry, it's all alright..."

Cheng Wanli simply said, "This is really going too far, it's like forcing someone to die! It's good that you're back. Only now that you're back can I have some peace of mind. If you hadn't come back, I wouldn't have been able to sleep at all..."

This must have been difficult for the father-in-law.

Su Wu glanced at Cheng Hao and said, "You will go to Yanjing tomorrow. Once you arrive at the Prince's residence, go to the War Office and take charge of the Logistics Department!"

"Me?" Cheng Hao was somewhat surprised, clearly finding it hard to believe.

Su Wu nodded: "Yes, it's you. This matter is complicated and requires a lot of attention. You must handle it well and keep in touch with Master Li and Master Lu! Also, have the head of Li Family Manor and Du Xing accompany you!"

"It really is me!" How could Cheng Hao not know the magnitude of this matter? It involved the food, drink, and supplies for at least tens of thousands, and possibly hundreds of thousands, of troops, as well as the craftsmen and auxiliary soldiers needed for construction...

"Only family members can be trusted!" Su Wu said.

Cheng Hao nodded repeatedly: "That's right, that's right..."

Cheng Wanli suddenly interjected, "Is it really him?"

Su Wu nodded.

Cheng Wanli waved his hands repeatedly: "Absolutely not! What would happen if something went wrong?"

Su Wu smiled bitterly... and then looked at Cheng Hao.

Cheng Hao glanced at his father, then suddenly straightened up and said, "Since my brother-in-law has said so, then even if I die, I will do my job well!"

"Don't go!" Cheng Wanli waved his hand and turned his head away.

Su Wu laughed and said, "Let him give it a try. There are many people helping out, so it shouldn't be a problem..."

As he spoke, Su Wu waved to Cheng Hao, who understood and turned to run quickly to pack his luggage, without having to argue with his father.

Seeing that he couldn't stop him, Cheng Wanli said worriedly, "If he really goes to Yanjing, you'd better keep a close eye on him and watch over everything yourself..."

"Good, good, good!" Su Wu nodded.

Cheng Wanli continued, "Such a big incident has occurred in Jingdong, yet the imperial court hasn't sent any official documents to inquire about it. I don't know why. In any case, there should be a solution..."

At this moment, Cheng Wanli's mind was as if a sharp sword was hanging over his head, waiting to fall. Would the court punish him, force him to retire and return to his hometown, or something else? He had to say...

It's been so many days, and there's still no news...

If there is a resolution, then there is an explanation. Even if the Dongping Prefecture can hand over a head, or a group of heads, then this matter can be considered closed.

No, it seems the imperial court has forgotten all about the killing of the Xuanfu envoy by the Jingdong army these past few days...

Of course, Cheng Wanli also knew that it was impossible for him to have truly forgotten; his silence must mean he was about to make a big move.

This is exactly what Cheng Wanli is worried about.

Su Wu said, "Let's drag it out, it's better to drag it out..."

“This matter cannot be delayed…” Cheng Wanli knew that the longer it was delayed, the bigger the problem would become.

Su Wu suddenly took a deep breath, glanced at Zong Ze, then at Cheng Wanli, and said only, "Once the court feels it is fully prepared, my crime will be so heinous that an imperial edict will be issued summoning me to the capital to meet the Emperor..."

Cheng Wanli was taken aback. He was also a scholar, and he simply asked, "What? Are they going to kill you in the capital?"

Su Wu remained silent and turned to look at Zong Ze.

Zong Ze sighed and said, "I'm afraid that's how it is..."

"Then...then..." Cheng Wanli felt as if he had been shoved against a wall, struggling to breathe. What was that? Cheng Wanli managed to stammer out, "Then going to the capital is absolutely out of the question..."

Su Wu replied, "I still have to go to the capital... Now the Jurchens are rampant on the grasslands, and they will be even stronger when winter comes. I cannot become a traitor. I should remain a subject of the Song Dynasty and not engage in fratricide. Otherwise, if internal strife breaks out, the Jurchens will be even harder to deal with!"

"Then...then..." Cheng Wanli stammered again. He had many thoughts in his mind, things he wanted to help Su Wu think of, things he wanted to save Su Wu's life, but he couldn't say them out loud, he didn't dare to say them.

Zong Ze, however, looked at Su Wu with a complicated expression, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back...

Su Wu looked at Zong Ze and slowly nodded: "Prime Minister Zong, I wish to... go to the capital and ask the Emperor Emeritus to be reinstated... What do you think?"

Su Wu needed to inform everyone, especially a loyal and righteous person like Zong Ze. He would definitely come to inform them in advance, or even pretend to discuss it with him... Zong Ze needed to be involved...

Since Zong Ze participated in the discussion, he wouldn't feel that Su Wu was overstepping his bounds and being rebellious...

Upon hearing this, Zong Ze didn't stare in shock, but instead lowered his head slightly and sighed, "Why is it so difficult..."

Su Wu added, "Besides this, there is no other way out... I also want to go to the grasslands to see what's going on. If we don't act decisively soon, the Jurchens will unify the grasslands. In the future, from the four prefectures of Hexi to Yanjing and Yuguan, the Jurchen cavalry will be constantly on the defensive! Entering the grasslands is a grand plan. My cavalry is also preparing for battle. In just two months, I will definitely enter the grasslands. This is a grand plan for the world!"

Zong Ze nodded repeatedly upon hearing this. How could Su Wu's words be false?
When we talk about the Xiongnu, and then the Turks, in that era, there was fighting in the Hexi Corridor, fighting in the Western Regions, and constant conflict in the Guanzhong Plain and Longxi. Not to mention the Yunzhong, Datong, and Yanyun regions, war raged everywhere, with raids and conquests occurring year after year...

That's not just for a year or two, it's a relentless, unstoppable force that can't be stopped for a hundred or even a century.

"Alas..." This was Zong Ze's sigh.

Cheng Wanli, standing to the side, was naturally stunned, with only one thought in his mind: Are they really going to do it?
Su Wu continued, "Lord Zong, you are experienced and prudent. Please help me think this over. If we do this, what are the advantages and disadvantages? If we don't do it, what are the advantages and disadvantages? To be honest, I am also undecided. I am even more afraid that if I make a mistake, I will be doomed!"

At this moment, Cheng Wanli's lips twitched, but he remained silent. He didn't even know how to interject. What should he say? What should he say?
Are we really going to do it?
Then... what should we do! Should we really lead the troops to charge into Tokyo?

Just thinking about it makes my scalp tingle.

Zong Ze was also feeling a chill run down his spine. This matter was not complicated for Su Wu, but for Zong Ze, it was incredibly complicated...

Zong Ze was still pondering and hesitating...

Su Wu suddenly changed the subject, as if casually talking about something else: "Regarding the military affairs in Jingdong, we should send someone to oversee them. After thinking it over, Erlang is quite capable now and can handle things on his own. With Elder Zong assisting him, there will be no worries."

Zong Ze paused for a moment, then immediately thought about the matter at hand, and said in one sentence: "General Wu is incompetent in battle, but he is not well-versed in literature and is somewhat disrespectful of etiquette..."

Zong Ze's words were actually quite simple: he knew what kind of person Wu Song was and was afraid that Wu Song would act recklessly when things got tough.

Su Wu said, "Jingdong is full of arrogant and fierce soldiers, like Fan Yun. Why did he dare to act like this? Isn't it just the arrogance of a warrior? No one else can control him. Only you, Erlang, can control these people who have killed countless people!"

What Su Wu wanted was exactly what Zong Ze had said—to see Wu Song's disrespect for etiquette! Otherwise, the power over Jingdong might really be taken away by someone else someday.

Upon hearing Su Wu's words, Zong Ze suddenly felt that they made some sense. Which of these generals in the Jingdong army wasn't a decorated veteran? They were all ruthless killers. If Wu Song hadn't come, who could have easily kept them in check?

Su Wu added, "Erlang may be impulsive at times, but aren't you two here? With your father-in-law above and Prime Minister Zong by your side to plan, it's just right. This is a match made in heaven."

Zong Ze nodded and said, "That would be fine too."

What was Su Wu doing? He treated Zong Ze with great respect and consulted with him on everything.

To be honest, Zong Ze was the first civil official in the Song Dynasty to truly value Su Wu from the bottom of his heart. Along the way, no matter what happened, Zong Ze always had his strong support behind the scenes.

Even the affairs of Jingdong were well-organized, and the people were united as one; Zong Ze's contribution was immense.

It's more accurate to say that Zong Ze was the pacification commissioner than Cheng Wanli was the pacification commissioner.

Zong Ying now works in the Prince's Mansion, in charge of the Office of Officials. Given the Zong family's traditions, Zong Ying is trustworthy and selfless.

Now, Su Wu also needs to find a way to maintain balance. The Li and Zhao families, and even the powerful families of Jingdong, will become increasingly influential under the Prince's mansion. One day, they will need to be suppressed. Su Wu has already taken a very high-level view of the problem.

Therefore, in governing an officialdom, there must be a gatekeeper, and that is Zong Ying.

Those who resort to underhanded tactics are naturally like Wu Yong; when it comes to dirty work, Wu Yong is the most useful.

Of course, this is not the immediate issue, but Su Wu needs to consider the problem in this way.

After finishing his story about Wu Song, Su Wu suddenly brought the topic back to the present: "Elder Zong, regarding the matter from before, you must help me make a decision. My mind is in turmoil, and I cannot help but feel anxious day and night! If this is delayed any longer, nothing will be accomplished, and I will die. As for the Jurchens, I will die with my eyes open in disgrace..."

Zong Ze seemed unable to follow Su Wu's train of thought, and his expression suddenly turned somewhat astonished...

Su Wu then said, "If I go to the capital to plead guilty, perhaps the Emperor will remember some past favors? Would he spare my life? Would he still keep me in service? If so, all the better, and everything will be fine!"

Zong Ze was anxious and immediately said, "If you are so eager to go to the capital, I'm afraid it is absolutely impossible! This is not just a matter for the Emperor alone, but also for Geng Nanzhong, Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan and others..."

"Why do you say that, Prime Minister Zong? You have never been to the capital to see these people, so how can you be so sure?" Su Wu asked.

"Alas... Who is Li Bangyan? He's known for his dissolute and unrestrained ways. In the past, his family was wealthy, and he used money to gain fame. Li Bangyan was just a student of the Imperial Academy who received a hereditary degree, a Jinshi degree bestowed by the emperor... He's always been frivolous and dissolute, though he's quite good at playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football). Just listen to the lyrics and songs he composed; they're so vulgar that you can't bear to read them... Alas..."

Zong Ze clearly looked down on Li Bangyan!
Su Wu nodded...

Zong Ze continued, "That Bai Shizhong, what did he do to gain favor in the past? He compiled auspicious omens from all over the country every day, and even when there was nothing to do, he would present auspicious cranes and rosy clouds as his own. He was the most auspicious person in the world. This kind of person? Hmph..."

Su Wu then nodded...

Zong Ze then commented: "Geng Nanzhong, this man was originally unknown, but he rose from humble beginnings, advancing many ranks in a short time to become the head of the Privy Council. What military affairs does he know? What major events has he witnessed? Such a person, who was forced to grow up so quickly, suddenly found himself in a high position. How could he truly understand the various advantages and disadvantages? Not knowing the ways of the great, he is inevitably resorting to the schemes of a petty person, nothing more than scheming and groveling. The matter of Liu Yu was orchestrated by him, which shows just how he is..."

In short, after discussing the three people, Zong Ze was essentially stating one point: with these people surrounding the emperor, if Su Wu were to go to the capital to plead guilty, what good would come of it?

Zong Ze thought that if there had been a truly farsighted person in the capital, things wouldn't have come to this!

Su Wu listened to the advice and nodded: "Then it seems we absolutely cannot go to the capital lightly. The only option left is the method I mentioned earlier!"

As Su Wu spoke, he went to look at Zong Ze.

Zong Ze suddenly looked at Su Wu with a complicated expression: "Lord Su, I know that you are already certain in your heart, and you know exactly what the situation is, yet you still ask me this, hoping that I won't blame you..."

Su Wu smiled slightly, not embarrassed at all...

Zong Ze sighed again: "You wanted to hear a word of certainty from me, but I couldn't bring myself to say it..."

Su Wu's smile faded, and he slowly nodded: "That's not necessary..."

"Since it's not necessary, then let's leave it at that. I'll go now!" Zong Ze stood up, his face full of worry and helplessness. He bowed to Su Wu, who nodded in agreement, before he left.

Su Wu didn't need Zong Ze to say anything definitive; the present situation was enough, and it was enough that Zong Ze didn't try to stop him.

No matter how conflicted Zong Ze is, as long as he doesn't part ways with Su Wu, that's fine.

That's enough for now.

Zong Ze wouldn't blame Su Wu!

Su Wu felt relieved; the biggest obstacle had been safely resolved.

Cheng Wanli, who was standing to the side, did not understand the conversation between the two and asked, "What idea has Prime Minister Zong come up with?"

Su Wu simply replied, "He didn't make a decision; he just kept telling me to make it."

"Oh, so how is your situation...?" Cheng Wanli asked again.

"Let's do it!" Su Wu said earnestly and seriously.

"Ouch..." Cheng Wanli took a deep breath and kept rubbing his chest with his palm.

"Father-in-law, don't worry, I'll go and attend to my business..." Su Wu rose, bowed, and went back to his work.

Go to the army first, decide which troops to select first, and then which troops to select next, and so on.

Many military officers came to receive orders in person, and even discussed matters among themselves.

Once the matter was settled, Su Wu left Fan Yun behind.

Without saying much, Fan Yun returned the letter left by Su Wu to the noodle table.

Su Wu picked it up, looked at it, and said, "Well done!"

Fan Yun, who had been worried, immediately smiled upon hearing this: "How could I dare to fail your trust, sir! But I also have something to say..."

“Yes, you said…” Su Wu nodded.

"This time, I don't want to stay at home anymore. I'm willing to die on the battlefield with my husband!" Fan Yun was also feeling aggrieved. It was the time to risk his life to make a name for himself, but he was left at home doing nothing.

“Alright, I’ll take you with me this time!” Su Wu nodded.

"I am willing to return to the Imperial Guard!" Fan Yun cupped his hands in greeting.

"Okay!" Su Wu nodded again.

Fan Yun was overjoyed and repeatedly bowed, saying, "Thank you, sir. You don't know, but I'm thinking a lot these days. I also want to have the title of general!"

"Is your wife forcing you?" Su Wu asked with a smile.

Fan Yun waved his hands repeatedly: "No, it's not that. Little Zhi's mother wishes I could stay home every day. I was thinking that since I've already achieved so much, and I'm not that old, how can I not give it another shot? Not for myself, but for my children!"

"Got it?" Su Wu asked.

Fan Yun chuckled: "I've got it!"

Su Wu suddenly braced himself on the armrests of the chair, sat up straight, patted them lightly twice, and then stood up. Before standing, he said, "Alright, let's give it a shot!"

"I bow again to you, my lord!" Fan Yun simply bowed to you in person.

"I'm going home to check on things, you go home too!" Su Wu waved his hand and headed outside. It was already dusk, and dusk was quite lovely...

For some reason, a line of poetry came to mind: "The moon rises above the willow branches, and lovers meet after dusk."

Come back home!

Cheng Xiaoniang's belly is getting bigger and bigger, and she will give birth in less than two months.

Her husband returned, her face beaming with joy, tears streaming down her cheeks. She gave a slight bow, and then everything went black as a large figure pulled her into his arms…

There were people around, and when Madam Meng was there, she also shed tears, while several maids were secretly laughing...

All I could ask was, where had Hu Sanniang gone? Hu Sanniang was still on her way back from the Northwest when Su Wu suddenly left Datong from Xingqing Prefecture, galloping off with the vanguard on horseback, without taking Hu Sanniang with him…

Hu Sanniang was unaware of Su Wu's military plans, nor did she know whether Su Wu would return from Datong or go home from Yanyun...

After waiting several times, news finally came that the war in Yanyun had been settled and Su Wu would stay in Yanyun to oversee the situation.

Hu Sanniang only then realized that Su Wu would not return to the Northwest from Datong. She had just set off from Xingqing Prefecture on her way home and had not yet arrived.

Meng Niangzi was also shedding tears. There was a small cradle next to her, and suddenly Xiao Xuanniang also started crying loudly.

Su Wu chuckled, "Bring my darling daughter over here so I can see her..."

Madam Meng quickly bent down to hug her, coaxed her a few times, and then brought Xiao Xuan Niang to Su Wu's face.

Su Wu touched that tender face, and then burst into even louder sobs...

"Father, this is Father..." Meng Niangzi was teaching, but how could a baby only a few months old understand? Even though a big, burly man was standing in front of her like a giant, how could she not cry?
"Quickly, comfort her..." Su Wu was at a loss, terrified by his beloved daughter.

Madam Meng held him and rocked him, walking around. As soon as Su Wu turned away and disappeared from sight, she seemed to stop crying.

Su Wu smiled bitterly...

Cheng Xiaoniang looked up from Su Wu's embrace and smiled, "Husband, don't worry, it will be fine in a few days..."

Su Wu looked down and saw a petite woman nestled against him, with a captivating fragrance. His heart stirred, but what caught his eye was the large pregnant belly before him…

If we approach it with compassion, perhaps it won't cause any harm...

"Quickly, quickly... where's the hot soup? Let me bathe in it..." Su Wu said anxiously.

"It's all prepared..." Madam Meng turned around and answered, still holding the child, and hurried out to make the arrangements...

"I'll do it, I'll do it..." Madam Cheng struggled out of the broad embrace, intending to go in place of Madam Meng.

Several maids had been running outside since early morning, but the two women still seemed worried and were rushing to get there first...

Su Wu smiled and said, "Then I'll do it myself, you can all stay by my side..."

Su Wu quickened his pace and left in a few steps.

The maidservant was too weak to carry the water, so Su Wu took matters into his own hands, filling the tub with a large bucket in each hand. He quickly removed the clothes and put them into the tub.

After finally calming the child down, Madam Meng handed him over to the maid and busied herself with rubbing his back and washing his hair, keeping Su Wu busy all around her.

Cheng Xiaoniang was also there, busy with her water ladle.

Su Wu chuckled foolishly, seemingly lost in thought, but his expression was definitely off.

"Pah..." This sound was not from Madam Meng, but came from Madam Cheng's coquettish shyness.

Clearly, Su Wu's hands were not behaving properly...

He kept washing and washing until he got impatient and felt quite refreshed, then he jumped out of the bathtub.

The big tiger wants to eat people.

"Over there, over there, Sister Meng..." Cheng Xiaoniang shyly tried to hide, how could such a private matter be so shameful?

"No one can escape!" Su Wu was like a wolf or a tiger, like a warrior on the battlefield. He would block the enemy on the left and intercept them on the right. One would be pitied, and the other would suffer. No one could escape.

Today, let's give it a try... We must try whether to block or intercept them, just use one big hand to block the enemy's escape route!

(End of this chapter)