Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 329 Since we're already here, let your brother help you win big!

The gates of Longde Palace were opened, and Emperor Zhao Huan walked in. There were not many people in the palace, only seven or eight women, all of whom had been favored by Zhao Ji in the past.

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was actually a rather optimistic person. Although he was deeply saddened by the unbearable events that occurred, it didn't stop him from eating and drinking as usual, and even...

In just a short time, she became pregnant.

Seeing Zhao Huan enter the courtyard, Zhao Ji remained in the hall, watching without getting up or looking at him for long...

It was actually just a tantrum, and even Zhao Ji seemed to be waiting for something, yearning for something...

Even Zhao Ji himself had a sense of confidence that he wouldn't stay in Longde Palace for too long...

Zhao Huan entered the hall, glanced at his father, and sat down. He was served tea, and there were people in the hall to attend to him.

Zhao Huan looked around and said, "Father...would you like to come closer?"

Emperor Huizong of Song was somewhat dissolute. He did not wear formal attire, but only an undergarment, which was not buttoned up. He simply tucked it in slightly on both sides, revealing his chest and breasts. He was holding a wine cup in his hand and drinking.

But he actually replied, "My eldest son is so filial, how could I, as his father, not be good?"

Zhao Huan was not angry. He just smiled slightly, raised his hand and waved it to the left and right to dismiss the people in the room.

He continued, "Father probably never imagined this day would come. In the past, Father was full of vigor and ambition. Back then, I looked up to you with great admiration. But I never imagined that you would be so unmanly, fleeing in such a panic. From that day on, Father no longer seemed so great in my eyes, and I even felt a bit contempt for you! I think Father will have no face to face our ancestors in the future..."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji felt a pang of shame, but he was not one to feel genuine shame. He simply glanced at him and retorted, "Hmph... Could it be that you weren't the one who fainted while hugging a pillar before ascending the throne? Could it be that you weren't the one who was disoriented and desperately wanted to escape after ascending the throne?"

Zhao Huan immediately flew into a rage, stood up and said, "It was me! It was I who turned the tide and protected the ancestral legacy! Therefore, the hearts of the people are with me, and the officials of the court are with me!"

Zhao Ji scoffed, "Hmph...then what are you doing here? Showing off your power?"

Zhao Huan raised his hand and waved it: "Them, those people, your sons, how are they? How is your favorite Zhao Kai? He's trembling with fear at home! Only I, only the Emperor, remain calm in the face of hundreds of thousands of troops!"

Emperor Huizong suddenly felt confused. Why was his unfilial son saying these things at this moment? Was it a way of gloating? Or a way of seeking confidence? Or perhaps a display of a victor's posture?

Emperor Huizong of Song was also good at retorting: "I have heard that someone forced his brother to leave the city to be a hostage, and even drove one to his death. But that Ninth Brother was quite good; he didn't disgrace the country when he went out of the city, and even managed to return unscathed after dealing with the Jurchen bandits!"

Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) always spoke highly of others, which inevitably led him to look down on his son.

Zhao Huan was far from pleased and was about to lash out again, but suddenly he slowly sat down, his anger gone, replaced by a smile: "I know, I know why Father can remain so calm at this moment, and I also know what Father is waiting for..."

Emperor Huizong's face darkened. He glanced at his son but said nothing more.

Zhao Huan smiled and continued, "Tong Guan and Su Wu, Father is waiting for them. Father naturally feels that he has been greatly favored in the past, and they will surely do their best to rescue Father. Today, I have also brought some news..."

"What news?" Zhao Ji had a bad feeling.

"I still advise Father to give up on this idea. Su Wu is on his way to the capital to plead guilty. He will arrive in a few days. How many troops do you think he has brought?" Zhao Huan said with a calm smile.

Emperor Huizong already sensed something was wrong, so he remained silent...

“Eight hundred? He only brought eight hundred men. His foothold is not yet secure. How dare he act recklessly? He only has thirty or forty thousand soldiers in the capital. There are a million armored soldiers in the whole country. How can he act recklessly? Father, once Su Wu enters the capital and meets the emperor in the main hall, he will be just like you, imprisoned and power has passed through his hands. I don’t know what you will have to rely on then.”

Zhao Huan laughed more and more as he spoke, feeling an unparalleled sense of joy.

Who knows the suffering of being born into royalty?
Who truly harbors a kind, honest, and pure heart?

Those who are bullied have no way to fight back, so they become meek and mild. Those who live in constant fear become docile and unassuming…

For so many years, Zhao Huan had lived like this. Now, everything was different. He couldn't actually take revenge, but at this moment, Zhao Huan was truly triumphant. When had his father ever given him a second glance?

Even Zhao Huan knew that if this opportunity hadn't come, the change of crown prince would have definitely happened, so it was a blessing in disguise.

Zhao Huan was also trying to prove to his father that what his father couldn't do, he could do! He was better than his father!
I'm better than all of them!

At this moment, Zhao Ji's expression changed drastically. He had issued the edict in the belt, and he was still waiting for someone to come to the aid of the king. He could not rely on anyone else.

But Zhao Ji genuinely felt that Su Wu was someone he could count on!
Whether it's imperial favor, personal friendship, or even in Zhao Ji's view, he and Su Wu shared a spiritual resonance, and Su Wu was a gentleman who would surely die for a friend.

Unexpectedly, Su Wu was going to die so easily!
At this moment, how could Emperor Huizong not be utterly despondent?
But looking at his unfilial son again, Zhao Ji suddenly became angry: "Back then, when you were living in seclusion in the Eastern Palace, I sent him to visit you and to give you advice. Did you not show him any affection at all?"

Zhao Huan remained unfazed and retorted, "He's here to give me pointers, telling me to find ways to please my father, hmph..."

"Fine, you know Su Wu is loyal and righteous, don't you? He is a pillar of the country, he has the merit of destroying the Dangxiang, and we need him to resist the Jurchen. This time he came to the capital with only eight hundred men, and you still don't believe him and want to imprison him. How can the country be good if it is in your hands?"

Emperor Huizong wanted to secure something for Su Wu...

Zhao Huan retorted, "Father, I am no longer the child I once was. All these years, I have endured humiliation and hardship by pretending to be a child. And now, you still think you can deceive me with childlike words? Hmph... When the time comes, once we capture Su Wu, we must make sure he is brought before you, Father, to fulfill the duty between you two as ruler and subject. At that time, Father, please do not weep bitterly..."

"Unfilial son, unfilial son! Look at the history books for generations to come, how will they remember you!" Zhao Ji really cursed loudly. He was a cultured person, but when people are most helpless, they can only curse.

"How will history record my story for generations? I was appointed to a critical mission and turned the tide, while my father was portrayed as a coward who deserted his post!"

Zhao Huan was really enjoying the verbal battle.

He had been hesitant to come forward and face the situation, but now he's finally acting out. Why is that?
Needless to say...

"You, you, you..." Zhao Ji stood up, pointing again and again, but he couldn't say a word. He felt suffocated and short of breath.

Zhao Huan rose again and bowed deeply: "Father, take good care of yourself and live a few more years. Let's see how the world will judge us then. Father, don't be angry. Once the matter of Su Wu is settled, I will be much more lenient with you. Perhaps I will even allow you to leave this place, or even go outside the capital. I imagine that Li Shishi is also thinking of you... It will also let the world know that I am a magnanimous ruler, a ruler of unparalleled filial piety and righteousness!"

Emperor Huizong of Song was truly speechless. He could only clutch his chest, retreat step by step, and slump back into his chair. The sorrow in his eyes was beyond measure...

She could only watch her son Zhao Huan's light footsteps as he left, and then see the palace gates closed and locked.

Several women came in, patting his back and stroking his chest, and offering him water and tea.

Once he caught his breath, Zhao Ji suddenly burst into tears, and the women around him all tried to comfort him.

Zhao Ji wailed a few times, looked around, and said in a sobbing voice, "I never thought that, in the end, it would be my beloved concubines who would stay by my side... The words of the sage are false, how bitter life is, men are not worth mentioning, but women know the most loyalty and righteousness..."

As he spoke, he burst into tears again!

The cries were truly deafening; they could be heard from afar outside Longde Palace.

Within the palace, there were indeed many people weeping with their faces covered, not daring to let anyone come forward to cry, but many were secretly keeping the Emperor Emeritus company as he sobbed...

To say that Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was really bad? Many of the concubines, eunuchs, and palace maids within the imperial city didn't think so!
How good is the current emperor? Many people would say he's not good at all; he's harsh on others, capricious, and his temperament is poor...

Even now, the emperor is exceptionally stingy, and life in the palace is certainly not as comfortable as it used to be, with many people living in great hardship.

It is said that in the past, this imperial city was full of vitality, busy with all matters, and had ample resources. There was even a lot of fun to be had, and everyone was happy.

How could those lowly servants from the former Eastern Palace, now that they've gained power, be so arrogant and domineering...

In the eyes of these people, the retired emperor was truly a celestial being, far surpassing the emperor.

But everything has changed. There's nothing I can do but shed a few tears for the retired emperor. That's all...

The world changes beyond human control...

Su Wu is coming, but he will arrive slowly, though it will take at least ten days.

Su Wu arrived today, and naturally, many people gathered in the main hall of the imperial city.

It's not that people are on high alert, but many are genuinely looking forward to something.

Everyone knew that it wouldn't be long before Su Wu would come to the main hall to apologize to the emperor, and everyone was a witness to it!
That is also a clever tactic of the emperor and his ministers!

Every now and then someone would come to report where Su Wu was and how far away he was.

Even the emperor would occasionally ask, "Where have we arrived?"

Geng Nanzhong replied, "The previous report said it was still ten li away, but now it's probably only five or six li before we enter the city. After entering the city, it will take more than an hour to get to the left side gate of the imperial city. After reporting back, it will take about a quarter of an hour for Su Wu to arrive at the main hall..."

The emperor nodded, seemingly impatient. Just as he had said, once the matter of Su Wu was settled, the retired emperor could be more lenient...

Thus, the world was completely settled, the throne changed hands, and everything was truly secure. There was no need to worry about anything anymore, as the power of the world was entirely in the hands of the emperor.

After waiting a while longer, the emperor asked again, "Why hasn't anyone come to report yet?"

"It'll be soon, Your Majesty, don't worry. Several groups of people have been coming and going to investigate!" How could Geng Nanzhong not understand the emperor's mindset?
Bai Shizhong also wanted to show his skills: "Your Majesty, rest assured, everything is going perfectly. When Su Wu comes, we will ask the Emperor to grant him leniency. At that time, Your Majesty can just say, 'How could there be such a thing as murdering the Pacification Commissioner? This matter should be seriously investigated!'"

The emperor nodded, took a deep breath, and seemed to be simulating in his mind how he would question Su Wu later.

Of course, there were many people present, and no one said anything about putting someone in jail.

There was also another person, the newly appointed Imperial Censor Qin Hui, who would occasionally look out of the main hall, seemingly waiting for Su Wu as well. He wasn't complicated; he didn't know what was going to happen in the palace today, and only hoped that the emperor wouldn't be too harsh on Su Wu, and that the matter would end well...

Geng Nanzhong, the head of all the ministers, was naturally overjoyed, but he tried to suppress it, glancing at the emperor, then at the others, and then at the outside of the hall!

I'm so excited!
From this day forward, the Emperor's favor will be unparalleled; from now on, you will hold immense power, control all major affairs, and look upon all those present...

Geng Nanzhong has been meeting with these people frequently lately. The gifts he receives are a minor matter; countless people have offered various tokens of their loyalty.

Geng Nanzhong still needs to select and choose, and it also depends on his discernment to determine who can be given important responsibilities and who is unfit for the task...

That Imperial Censor Qin Hui is truly remarkable; he should be given important responsibilities in the future. I've met with him several times recently.

He's eloquent, capable, and generally pleasant to be around; Qin Hui's pledge of allegiance was impressive, and the Wang family had many protégés and old friends—that goes without saying…

The future of Jingdong will depend on Qin Hui. It's possible that after Cheng Wanli enters the capital, the new Pacification Commissioner of the two routes in Jingdong will be Qin Hui. With the marriage ties between the Wang and Li families, it should be easy for the noble families of Jingdong to be persuaded if Qin Hui takes the lead.

Then the emperor on the high platform asked again, "Why hasn't anyone come to report yet?"

The emperor seemed to be eagerly awaiting the arrival of the emperor, having already simulated and rehearsed the event countless times in his mind.

Geng Nanzhong immediately replied, "I will send someone to urge them again!"

"Yes, go quickly!" The emperor waved his hand, then sat up straight, wearing his dragon robe and crown, his head held high, the crown and beaded curtain remaining perfectly still, exuding an indescribable majesty and extraordinary power.

Su Wu walked very slowly. Even when he could see the magnificent city of Bianjing in the distance, his pace remained unhurried, as if he were extremely careful with his horse.

Just a short while ago, Su Wu even stopped by a stream to wash his banners, brush his horses, and clean his armor before putting it on.

Once we arrive in the capital, how can we not show off the spirit and morale of our soldiers?

Liu Guangshi, standing to the side, gazed at the outline of the city, growing increasingly worried as they walked. Sensing Su Wu's growing anxiety, he reassured him, "Brother, don't worry. When we reach the court, I will do everything in my power to speak on your behalf..."

Su Wu nodded: "Okay!" Seeing that Su Wu was sparing with his words, this brother was naturally very uneasy.

Liu Guangshi comforted him again: "Brother, the Emperor has always been kind and benevolent, and treats people well. He probably won't really be harsh on you. After all, the Jurchens are a threat from outside, and the military situation still depends on you to take charge!"

“Honest and kind…” Su Wu repeated, then sighed, “I think… otherwise…”

"Why do you say that, brother? Everyone says the emperor is kind and benevolent, and I've met him myself. He really doesn't have much of his own opinion. It's mainly because of that gentleman surnamed Geng and the others who keep talking about it. When the time comes, brother, you should try to get on good terms with that gentleman Geng. Maybe everything will turn out alright..."

Liu Guangshi really came up with a good plan; it was exactly what he thought. If this matter were done this way, it would be successful.

Su Wu smiled slightly: "Well, you'll help me run away then..."

"It's my duty!" Liu Guangshi nodded seriously, and he was indeed prepared to do his best to help Su Wu make connections, sending money and other gifts to every household he could speak with.

Being an official requires these skills.

I didn't bring much money with me, so I'll have to find a way to borrow some later. The Wang family in the capital should be easy to help...

My father is still quite respectable, so it shouldn't be difficult for him to borrow some money temporarily.

Liu Guangshi thought about it again and again, and he was making plans.

The city gate was just a short walk away.

At the city gate, several officials in red and blue robes were waiting. They sat upright on chairs outside the gate, clearly waiting for Su Wu.

Seeing Su Wu ride forward, the men didn't move, waiting for Su Wu to go forward...

Liu Guangshi had already seen it and pointed in that direction: "Brother, we should go that way..."

Su Wu glanced at it and shook his head: "Just go into the city and head towards the imperial city!"

Liu Guangshi quickly said, "Brother, the situation is beyond our control now. It's best not to offend these officials, big and small, in the capital. We might need their kind words in the future..."

How could this not be the case?

One emperor and one courtier!

The dignified Prince of Langya, Academician of the Privy Council, Commander-in-Chief of the two armies of Jingdong, and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the army in the war to destroy Liao.

Upon arriving in the capital, regardless of whether they are dressed in red or blue, or whether they are of the fifth, sixth, or seventh rank, they must all dismount properly and approach to greet them with clasped hands.

Knowing his elder brother's fierce and brave nature, Liu Guangshi earnestly advised him again: "Brother, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. Bowing your head now is only so that you can hold your head high in the future. A real man should be able to bend and stretch!"

This is also Liu Guangshi's own philosophy of life.

Su Wu nodded, then sighed, "Alas..."

Then he continued, "Tell me, what kind of mess is this? Does this mean I have to live like this from now on? No matter how many merits I achieve, no matter how high my official rank becomes, I have to tuck my tail between my legs and face this city of Tokyo? From now on, I have to bow to everyone I meet and pay my respects to everyone I encounter?"

In Liu Guangshi's view, this was true. His father, Liu Yanqing, had already come to the capital to serve as a signatory to the Privy Council, which was a high-ranking official position.
Doesn't he still bow his head to everyone he meets?

Liu Guangshi remarked, "Brother, this is the fate of us soldiers! Once we leave the capital, the world will be vast and open. Just come back less often..."

“I am a scholar!” Su Wu declared.

"Yes, yes, brother is indeed a scholar-official, but the world is different now. Perhaps one day brother will regain the emperor's favor and be able to repeat his former glory! Brother, dismount and hurry, don't keep those people waiting..."

Liu Guangshi was coaxing him like a child, and he was really trying his best, knowing that his older brother was a hero and was truly aggrieved.

Su Wu suddenly straightened the reins: "No! We're going straight into the city!"

"Brother, you absolutely mustn't do that!" Liu Guangshi was truly afraid that Su Wu would offend someone.

Behind them, Liu Zhengyan said, "Why not? We destroyed the Tanguts and drove out the Jurchens. We expanded our territory and accomplished what our ancestors could not. We preserved our country and saved the dawn. The people of Bianjing should thank us!"

Liu Guangshi became anxious and turned around: "You are also from a family of military generals, how can you talk such nonsense?"

Su Wu glanced at Liu Zhengyan, smiled slightly, and suddenly spurred his horse: "Brothers, follow me into the city!"

"Okay!" Liu Zhengyan nodded, and the horse clenched its flanks.

Not to mention Wu Song, Lu Da, and Shi Wengong, whose horses were thundering and neighing.

Two thousand three hundred cavalry, eight hundred Jingdong soldiers, one thousand five hundred Xihe soldiers, and six or seven thousand horses!
Suddenly, it sped up at the gates of Bianjing, raising dust that soared into the sky.

Not far away, near the city gate, there were seven or eight people sitting and drinking tea, dressed in green and red robes. They immediately stood up.

Then a man in red shouted, "Su Wu, what are you doing?"

No one answered him, but Su Wu turned his head, smiled slightly at the person who was calling out, and rode his horse forward even faster.

The man in red shouted, "Su Wu, how dare you act so presumptuously? Aren't you afraid that Lord Geng will never let you off the hook!"

This is clearly a trusted confidant of Lord Geng. The woman in red is indeed alluring. Why is that?

New clothes!

And he's a newly appointed official!

The horse's hooves kept moving, and they were really about to reach the city gate.

The official in the bright red robe shouted, "Stop them! Stop them!"

How could there be no soldiers guarding the city gate?

The order came as a bit of a surprise; the tanks were charging in, how could they possibly stop them?
If someone were to try to stop it, they would likely be knocked over and fall flat on their face; there were no barriers or barricades nearby either...

There were quite a few soldiers guarding the city, numbering over a hundred. They moved forward and then retreated, causing the passing civilians to quickly move aside to make way for them.

The man in red shouted, "Su Wu, if you don't dismount, your crime will be compounded! Soldiers are not allowed to enter the city; there are military camps outside the city for them to garrison. How dare you ride your horse into the capital? This is a capital offense!"

As he shouted, he walked toward the city gate. He didn't believe that these soldiers would really dare to knock down a fifth-rank official like him.
On the accelerating horse's hooves, Wu Song glared angrily and asked, "Brother?"

Su Wu turned around, pointed, and said, "Shoot that noisy birdman to death!"

Why shoot him? It's not a big deal if he comes forward and kills you, but it's a real problem if he trips up the horse's hoof.

Look at Wu Song, he really took out a short bow from his leather bag and shot. Wu Song was not good at shooting, but he had practiced a lot now. At such a close distance, only twenty or thirty paces away, he hit the target with ease.

Wu Song drew his bow and nocked an arrow, the arrow and his words escaping at the same time: "You son of a bitch, what kind of bastard are you, daring to speak to my brother like that!"

Before the words were even finished, the arrow struck him, and the red-robed fifth-rank official who was running towards him fell on the spot. Not backward, but forward, his running pace causing him to stumble three or four steps.

After Wu Song finished shooting, he put his bow back into his leather bag and chuckled, "Brother, I'm not much worse than Li Cheng and Hua Rong!"

"Just don't let Li Cheng and Hua Rong hear this..." Su Wu laughed heartily.

It seemed he had forgotten one person. Su Wu turned around and called out, "Steward Liu!"

How could we not bring Liu Guangshi along?

This time, it was Liu Guangshi who led 1,500 men to escort Su Wu. Now they have stormed into the city. Liu Guangshi is a staunch supporter!
He was an important figure who covered up and concealed Su Wu's entry into the capital. Why was the capital so unguarded?
Isn't this just Liu Guangshi fooling the officials and the emperor in Tokyo?

Liu Guangshi made a great contribution.

Liu Guangshi was being pushed along by the knights behind him, but he was still dumbfounded, as if he were a wooden chicken... as if he were a wooden chicken.

Stunned, she asked, "What are you doing, brother?"

Su Wu's horse had already entered the wide streets of Bianjing City. On the street, chickens and dogs were running around in a chaotic frenzy, and the roar of their horses echoed throughout the city.

Su Wu actually turned around and replied, laughing heartily: "Brother, this time I'm leading you to risk your life to save the emperor. Are you happy or not?"

"Brother..." Liu Guangshi's eyes seemed to be going black, and he said, "Brother, this is not how we agreed to it!"

"Since you're already here, brother will help you make a fortune!" Su Wu had more to say, he couldn't let Liu Guangshi run away halfway, he had to keep an eye on him.

"I...I...I..." Liu Guangshi subconsciously tried to play dumb.

But... this time it's terrible, this time it's a huge disaster, I can't explain myself no matter how hard I try...

"Hurry up and keep up!" Su Wu kept saying.

After a moment of stunned silence, Liu Guangshi was filled with countless worries. His eyes darted around like an eagle's, scanning the entire city of Bianjing, fearing that countless armored soldiers might suddenly emerge from nowhere...

Su Wu shouted, "Brothers, today we must serve the emperor! We have the edict from the retired emperor in our hands. The emperor is disobedient and unfilial, and the retired emperor will surely depose him. Today we must follow the emperor to save him! Come with me and fight!"

Then they heard those around them shouting, "We are willing to die for Your Highness!"

It was the eight hundred sons of Jingdong who were shouting.

However, the 1,500 Xihe soldiers all had strange expressions, and at this moment, the trust between them was still lacking by a fraction.

But someone else stepped in to make up for it. Liu Zhengyan shouted, "Loyalty and righteousness prevail! I am willing to follow Your Highness the Prince to save the Emperor!"

As soon as Liu Zhengyan shouted, the 1,500 Xihe soldiers immediately cleared their eyes and were able to crack their whips.

Only Liu Guangshi, caught in the middle of the herd, was filled with anxiety, muttering to himself, "What am I going to do..."

Liu Guangshi looked around and saw Wu Song on his left, Lu Da on his right, Liu Zhengyan behind him, and Su Wu in front of him. It was as if he was the first one running after Su Wu.

There's no way to hide...

Su Wu also bluntly stated, "This time, it was all thanks to Chief Steward Liu's brilliant strategy that we were able to ride so easily from Yan and Yun into the capital!"

Oh dear... Liu Guangshi felt a lump in his throat, his vision was going completely black, he was about to collapse... Fortunately, this soldier was in good shape and could hold on, his vision cleared up again after a moment of darkness.

Quickly look left and right again; whatever you do, don't let countless armored vehicles rush out from the streets and alleys...please don't...

Even Liu Guangshi knew that he had inexplicably become the helmsman of this pirate ship, with Su Wu as the captain.

"Brothers, to the Left Gate! To the Left Gate!" Su Wu shouted. Most of his brothers didn't know where the Left Gate was, but Su Wu knew it perfectly well.

(Brothers, tomorrow, tomorrow we'll come to your rescue!)
(End of this chapter)