Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 335 A fear of one thing...

Go!

The preparations were extensive, and the area outside Yanjing was completely blocked by floods. There were not only soldiers and warhorses, but also countless carts, and 60,000 to 70,000 auxiliary troops were conscripted.

Even now, Su Wu further categorizes auxiliary soldiers, including attendant auxiliary soldiers who follow the knights, help them feed their horses, manage their supplies, maintain their armor and weapons, and help them put on their armor and prepare their weapons when they go into battle.

There were also logistical support troops, who carried provisions, supplies, arrows, and equipment, and accompanied the wagons...

When marching, cavalrymen naturally lead the way, with accompanying soldiers on horseback following beside them, and baggage train soldiers following behind.

The supply trains and auxiliary troops would even be 200 to 300 miles or 400 miles behind the front line. This was a very scientific approach. The Mongol conquests that followed them westward all the way to Europe followed this model. 300 to 400 miles behind them, they would lead large tribes with flocks of sheep and the like, grazing their livestock and providing logistical support at the same time.

When they can plunder, they will; when they can't plunder, they still have supplies and food to replenish their ranks.

This is also because from the Mongolian Plateau all the way to Europe, there are excellent plains and grasslands for grazing, such as the later Golden Horde, or the vast plains of Eastern Europe, such as Kievan Rus', which is Ukraine...

This time, Su Wu will also be accompanied by a huge supply train, which will be 200 to 400 miles behind him.

The road to Datong was not wide enough to accommodate such a large military force. The vanguard of cavalry, led by Lu Da, had already set off, while the cavalry behind would not be able to move for several hours.

Even the supply troops will not assemble until tomorrow.

Once they truly enter the Hetao region, this cluster can spread out in a fan shape, ensuring there's no disconnect between the front and back, but it also spreads extremely wide to the left and right, requiring constant regrouping...

Su Wu had thought about these things many times in his mind.

Su Wu was in the middle; it would be several hours before it was his turn to set off.

Su Wu was already outside the city, yet he kept turning his head to look at the city of Yanjing.

Inside the Prince of Yan's residence, things were bustling with activity. Many maids were going in and out, and many servants were working tirelessly, while the young servants were also moving about with great speed and agility.

Outside the Prince's Mansion, a group of cavalrymen were waiting anxiously.

It's all because Princess Consort of Yan, Princess Langya Cheng Jiyue, is about to give birth!
It's unclear whether it's Cheng Jiyue who's in a hurry, or the child in her womb, but it has to be today, or it will be too late...

His Highness the Prince of Yan was also helpless. The expedition, which had been scheduled long ago, involved an army of 100,000 and hundreds of thousands of people. It was impossible to change the schedule just because his child was about to be born...

The cavalrymen who came and went kept reporting to Su Wu about the impending childbirth!

The midwives and doctors in the Prince's mansion prepared a great many things, urging people to hurry up and pressing their hands together...

One group of knights after another passed by Su Wu, and then it was his turn. The generals and guards on either side did not urge him, but Su Wu waved his hand and said, "It's time to go!"

They moved into formation and looked ahead; as far as the eye could see, there were endless banners and knights.

Looking back, there was an endless stream of people busily calling out to each other, waiting to depart.

The banners fluttered in the wind.

Countless knights would occasionally glance back, a farewell, a look back at their homeland, a look back at their loved ones…

Looking ahead, there is also hope—hoping to accumulate more thief's heads on my waist, exchange them for bounties that I can't even lift, and when I return, I can buy land, build a mansion, get married, and have children…

Or perhaps take another concubine, or hire a good tutor for your son…

Buy more fine silk, fine pens and ink for your son, and whatever books he wants...

Xu, buy another maid and two capable servants!
Of course, a promotion is only right!
The great victory has pleased the king. Now that my husband is the king, he can have any official position he wants. As long as he can make meritorious contributions, the king can add as many ranks as he wishes!
However, Gong Zhi, the deputy commander who was only seventeen and a half years old, was riding in the ranks with a lot on his mind.

The commander then told him, and everyone else, that the current official positions are merely a matter of the king's pen. The king can decide what he writes with a stroke of his pen. As long as there is merit, the king can grant it with a stroke of his pen. Forget about the fifth rank, even the second or third rank can be given...

They also said, "Look at General Wu, he's quite something now. He's only a third-rank official, but he can rise to the rank of king with just a word."

Enough said. Earning a general's title is all it takes to make this life worthwhile. Right now, there are over a dozen generals in the army, ranging from fifth-rank to fourth-rank...

Hearing this from the commander, many soldiers who had moved their families also went home to tell their parents, wives, and children.

Among the Yan-Yun cavalry today, every veteran soldier holds some official position, though the rank varies, and they all naturally look upwards...

Those who aspire to higher ranks dream of becoming military generals, while those who aspire to lower ranks dream of becoming sixth or seventh grade officials. In this way, they can attain a real official rank and become officials at least in a certain capacity.

Just wait and see, wait to earn it. Yesterday, my parents saw me off to the army camp, and tears streamed down their faces...

Just say it's nothing, Your Majesty is invincible, just fight with your life, and you'll earn military merit!

There is no reason why we cannot win!
No one will die!
He entered the camp with a chuckle, then turned back and chuckled again, telling his parents to hurry home...

We're going to war tomorrow. We're really going to war. I'm riding my horse in the ranks. As I'm walking, I suddenly see someone.

It turned out to be their own king. If the king looked further back, he was probably looking at the ranks behind him.

Ok?
The king has joined the ranks, hey, he's not far behind us!

Turning around, one could see the King looking incredibly majestic, clad in a purple-gold dragon and python robe, with a jade belt fastened at his waist, and wearing a purple-gold crown with dragons and pythons coiled around it...

Even Emperor Xu is no better than this, isn't he?
Unfortunately, when the King went to Bianjing last time, none of them were selected to go with him...

According to their reports, they had all met the Emperor and the Retired Emperor...

They also said privately that the emperor... it's hard to say... it can only be said quietly in private, but thinking about it, it's no big deal...

So, the emperor... is nothing special, not as good as our king!

It doesn't look imposing at all!
Our king raised an eyebrow, exuding an imposing aura without even being angry!
When our king goes into battle, he is even more valiant and invincible!
"Don't look too much!" the commander whispered a reprimand.

Then I won't look too much, and it's not good to look too much, lest the king think I'm a coward.

Take another look...

"Still watching!"

"I'm not watching anymore..."

"Once you've achieved merit and entered the main tent to participate in discussions, I won't be able to get enough of looking at you..."

Well... when will we get there...?

There are other ways, though. Just look at the troop of knights behind the king, the personal guard. I heard that they follow the king around every few days.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"

Suddenly, a fast rider came chasing after them, shouting as he went. Looking back, he saw more than a dozen riders coming straight at him...

Someone else replied, "Here, here!"

The rider approached excitedly and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, Mr. Xu has sent word that we are overjoyed with the birth of a son, weighing six pounds and three ounces!"

What happened? What joyous occasion of the birth of a son? Six pounds and three ounces? Oh... I heard that the princess was pregnant and gave birth to a son!

The king, looking excited, said, "Alright, go back and tell them I understand. Name him... Su Kai! Kai as in 'triumphant return,' and his nickname will be... Jian'er!"

One was a little girl named Xuan Niang, whose formal name was probably Su Xuan. Another was Su Kai, whose childhood name was Jian'er. If others were to address him, he would be called "Jian Guan"... When he got a little older, he would be called Jian Ge'er, and when he got even older, he would have a courtesy name.

Su Wu, this soldier, truly did his job thoroughly.

"I've got it. I'll head back right away!" He quickly rode off.

Su Kai, the Kai of triumph, Your Majesty really knows how to name things, it sounds nice, and "Jian'er" (meaning "hero") sounds nice too, much better than names like "Da Niu Er Gou Hei Tun" (meaning "Big Ox, Second Dog, Black Butt")...

Why is the princess going to war while she is about to give birth?

Your Majesty is truly...

What's wrong with waiting a day?

Perhaps it was because the king was selfless and unwilling to cause trouble for his brothers.

Perhaps the situation was urgent and could not be delayed...

Anyway, Your Majesty is the best!
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" It was unclear which general shouted first.

Then let's shout together: "Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

Everyone was shouting, and once they started, the shouts continued for miles around, creating a deafening roar!
Everyone was happy, and the commander was also delighted, saying, "This is great! Our king has an heir! We all have a place to settle down!"

I don't quite understand. I'm happy to have a child, and that's good, but how come I have a place to settle down?

Think about it...

I still don't understand. It's great that the king has a son. Anyway, I'm happy.

We'll just have to wait until nightfall to ask the commander what those words really mean...

The king is speaking: "No need to shout anymore, just march properly and save some energy."

Then the scouts on both sides rushed along the road, shouting, "The king has ordered that we not shout, we not shout..."

It's quite amusing, really. The people at the front, of course, didn't know what was going on, but they just kept shouting "Congratulations, Your Majesty!" and the shouts carried for miles.

There was someone standing up from the stirrups ahead, shouting and waving flags excitedly; he probably knew nothing about what was happening...

Haha ...

The army is fun, but once you sit on horseback, swaying back and forth for a while, it gets boring. First, let's go to Changqing City, then on to Datong...

I'm familiar with this road; I used this route to get to Yanyun last time...

Let's take another look at the spare horse, and also check if the quiver is securely fastened...

I've been practicing my archery skills a lot lately, so I'm determined to shoot down as many as possible when I go into battle.

And while I'm at it, I'll steal another glance at the King...

Your Majesty's clothes are so beautiful, the gold thread is so reflective, it's dazzling!

Your Majesty is still reviewing official documents... Oh dear, you must be exhausted!
The king said, "Quickly, send it to Datong. Instruct Chief Steward Wang to ensure that the replenished rations are prepared on time. Once they arrive, they must be loaded onto the carts. Not a single pound should be missing. The army's journey must not be delayed!"

The rider then galloped away carrying a bamboo tube containing official documents.

Riding cavalry is hard work, rushing back and forth every day...

The King won't let his brothers go hungry... Haha... This time, when we come back from the campaign, we'll at least be promoted to captain... Captain is too low, maybe deputy battalion commander, we need to be promoted, otherwise it'll be too late. Old Wu next door is already a captain, he just got married before the campaign...

Sigh... My mother really has no taste. She insists that the matchmaker from Yangshu Village is good. What's so good about her? It's not that I haven't seen them before, they're just not good at all...

Mei Niang from Yangshu Village is still better, but it's a pity her father is obsessed with money!

Damn it, if he comes back this time, I'll bury him in money!

Sigh... Where am I going? Why can I still see Yanjing City when I look back? Why haven't we reached the battlefield yet...?

Your Majesty, Your Majesty, even with your eyes closed, you are still majestic and extraordinary.

The king smiled even with his eyes closed, it was unclear what he was thinking about, perhaps he was thinking about his son again?
It must be!

Alas... It's a pity that Your Majesty also has to go on a campaign. In fact, Your Majesty doesn't have to go on a campaign. There are plenty of skilled generals in the army now. Your Majesty can just send them out. There's no need for Your Majesty to personally lead the campaign!
Is Your Majesty perhaps worried that your brothers won't put in their best effort on the battlefield?

With the king so worried, how could the brothers not work hard?

Perhaps the king enjoys war!

Does the king enjoy leading his brothers in battle?

It must be!

"Urgent report! Urgent report!" Another fast horse came galloping in.

I'm so happy! I'm incredibly lucky this time. The King's entourage is right behind me, and I can overhear things every now and then.

A fast horse arrived, carrying an official document. The horse also spoke: "Your Majesty, an urgent report from Xingqing Prefecture!"

The king took it and looked at it. The king spoke, saying to the generals on his left and right, as well as that Minister Wu, "The Jurchen vanguard cavalry has appeared in Qatun City, east of the Northwest Pacification Headquarters of the Old Liao Dynasty!"

Clearly, the grasslands today are quite different from those of the past. There are now many cities on the grasslands, some built by the Uyghurs and others by the Khitans.

Then Wu Xianggong said, "Your Majesty, it seems that the Jurchens are pursuing Yelü Dashi!"

The king shook his head: "No, we value Yelü Dashi, but the Jurchens may not necessarily take Yelü Dashi seriously at this moment. The Jurchens' target is the Zubu King's Palace, and what they want is the submission of the nine tribes of Dadan!"

Yelü Dashi, once this name is recorded, it is clear that both the King and Prime Minister Wu consider this person important!

Then Wu Xianggong said, "Your Majesty is truly wise. The nine tribes of Dadan are scattered throughout the central and southern parts of the grasslands, and they are indeed the key to controlling the grasslands. Although the nine tribes seem to be united, they have always been divided by the Khitan and are not truly united. The Bai Dadan tribe has the largest number of people, but it is difficult for them to command respect. As for the Zubu King Tielali, he is merely a figurehead. If the Jurchen army arrives first, they will easily sweep through..."

Could it be that they've encountered some trouble? Looking back, the king is indeed frowning and saying, "After passing Datong, we must send out the vanguard to speed up our journey north across Yinshan!"

Wu Xiangong nodded, and the two fell silent.

Sigh... I'd like to hear more. It must be that Your Majesty has encountered some difficulties. But... there's no need to rush. No matter what difficulties you face, they will be resolved by Your Majesty. Your Majesty is a master strategist!
The king has closed his eyes again, so I'll follow his example and walk with my eyes closed too, haha...

……

In Yanjing, a fast horse returned, carrying the news that the King had received the joyous news of the birth of his son.

Xu Guanzhong went inside to report, and Gu Dasao immediately relayed the message to the room, saying, "Your Highness, the King has received the news and sent word that his full name is 'Kai,' the 'Kai' of 'triumphant return,' and his nickname is Jian'er..."

Madam Cheng, who had just washed off her sweat and eaten some sweets while lying in bed, raised her head slightly and asked, "Which athlete?"

“Soldiers in the army, heroes of the Long March, that’s what Mr. Xu said…” Sister-in-law Gu replied.

"It's gotten a bit harder..." Madam Cheng said to herself, but a look of joy appeared on her face.

Sister-in-law Gu smiled and said, "Our good official, what kind of status does he have? He was born with the official position of Jiedushi, so his destiny is naturally to be extremely strong and tough, a perfect fit for a strong man!"

Madam Cheng nodded, then suddenly felt a pang of sadness: "Alas... I rushed all the way from Jingdong, but it wasn't in vain. My son did well, he made it! Come and see, bring him here so I can look at him again..."

Sister-in-law Gu hurriedly went to hug it. It had a round head and a wrinkled body. Sister-in-law Gu just smiled and said, "It looks just like the King. It has strong hands and feet too."

Madam Cheng just smiled and said, "My son is so promising, Jian'er is so good, he'll grow up strong and healthy!"

It was also during this era that a large proportion of children, from royalty to high-ranking officials, did not grow up to adulthood.

To give examples, not to mention Emperor Renzong Zhao Zhen, several of Emperor Huizong's sons died young, as did Bao Zheng's sons...

For ordinary families, and even the poorest people, it's a blessing if their children can be raised to adulthood.

Sister-in-law Gu just smiled and said, "That must be it!"

"Tell Sister Meng that she will go and reward them..." Madam Cheng raised her hand slightly. Today, everyone in the manor will be rewarded.

"Yes! Your Highness need not worry about everything. These matters are all taken care of..." Sister-in-law Gu knew that her eldest daughter-in-law was born to worry, concerned about everything, big or small, and even after giving birth, she couldn't stay idle.

But I must say, she's a wonderful wife!
Someone outside called out, "Jiyue, how are you?"

It was the eldest daughter-in-law's brother calling. Hearing the call, he was anxious, and he should be. In this era, childbirth was like walking through the gates of hell for women. Countless women had died in childbirth...

The immense population of the Song Dynasty at this moment, surpassing that of any previous dynasty, was all the more hard-won...

Upon hearing the sound, Cheng Jiyue felt a lump in her throat. The pain she had just experienced was unbearable for most people.
When his elder brother arrives, it seems to soften one's heart for a moment, and one can only muster all one's strength to say, "Brother, I'm alright..."

"That's good, that's good!" But unexpectedly, Cheng Hao outside the door wiped away his tears. This family consisted of just the two siblings, born of the same mother. It was nothing like the kind of large, secluded mansions where brothers and sisters couldn't even fit at several tables.

"Brother, please don't do this, or people will laugh at us!" Cheng Jiyue could also hear the sob in her brother's voice.

"Well, I'm glad you're alright!" Cheng Hao suppressed his emotions and straightened up, though his eyes were slightly red.

“How come my brother is still here? Military affairs are of utmost importance! I am fine…” There were voices inside the room.

"I'm not leaving until tomorrow, so I'll just take a moment to visit you. I'll be leaving now!" Cheng Hao said as he turned to leave, but kept looking back.

"Yes, brother, go quickly, lest you neglect official business. I'll be fine..."

"They're gone, they're gone..."

The sound was far away, so Cheng Hao had really left. His horse was right outside the mansion. He mounted it and rode off again. He had countless official duties to attend to, and he wanted to check on everything, afraid of missing tomorrow's departure...

This girl is such a worry; heavily pregnant, she insisted on coming all the way from JD.com to Beijing...

Ugh……

……

In Xingqing Prefecture, Young Master Zhong arrived from Huanqing, while Old Master Zhong had been stationed there all along.

The two brothers met to discuss the matter of the army's renewed expedition. Xingqing Prefecture needed to prepare provisions and send cavalry along. This time, many prefectures in the Northwest had mobilized all their cavalry except for the fast horses needed for official business.

They all rushed to Xingqing Prefecture to gather, numbering as many as 14,000 to 15,000 cavalry, both light and heavy.

So Xiao Zhong came all the way from Huanqing in person...

Secondly, there was something the two of them had been tacitly agreeing on, but both felt they absolutely needed to meet and discuss it seriously...

Therefore, Master Zhong should definitely make a trip here.

The two brothers sat facing each other, first discussing official business, then drinking tea in silence for a long time...

It was only when Old Zhong and Master Zhong spoke up that they said, "That matter... I don't know how to put it..."

Zhong Shizhong frowned and nodded: "Yes, many people are talking about it. The soldiers under his command are talking about it, and the officials everywhere are talking about it... They're all discussing it in private..."

"What did they say?" Zhong Shidao asked.

"Some say... that the throne is a matter for the Zhao family, and the struggle for it is between father and son, so what Minister Su did was not wrong. Inevitably, some people also say..."

Master Zhong paused here.

Zhong Shidao then spoke up: "It is nothing more than a matter of the imperial family, which should not be interfered with by ministers. If ministers interfere, then they are overstepping their bounds, wouldn't you agree?"

Zhong Shizhong nodded: "Yes, that's roughly how it's said... Brother, but in my opinion, how can the affairs of the imperial family be handled without the assistance of ministers? If not, what can be accomplished in the affairs of the imperial family? What do you say, brother?"

Zhong Shizhong looked at his elder brother with anticipation. In the Zhong family, the old Zhong was still the most important.

But clearly, Xiao Zhong had a special... fondness for Su Wu, and they were also very compatible.

To be honest, the older Zhong was a true Confucian scholar-official, well-read. The younger Zhong, in comparison, read far less…

Zhong Shidao frowned deeply, his heart filled with distress and inner turmoil; he truly couldn't put his words into words...

Why can't you say it?
Whether Su Wu did the right thing or the wrong thing is hard to say...

There are right and wrong within right, and right and wrong within wrong. It's as if one has thoroughly studied Confucian classics and historical texts. Even if a sage were to come back to life and judge this matter, he would be extremely conflicted.

“Brother, please say something too, so that I can go back and tell everyone…” Zhong Shizhong was getting a little anxious.

In this hometown, the old Master Zhong's reputation was unparalleled. Scholars followed him blindly, and soldiers admired him wholeheartedly.

That's just a single sentence from Lao Zhong, a definitive conclusion that immediately silences all those who were gossiping.

Master Zhong remained silent for a long time...

"Brother!" With Zhong Shizhong's impatient temper, how could he not urge him?
"Sigh... Let's not talk about this anymore, and we won't ask about it again. Even if Master Su comes and sees us, we won't mention it. Let's just let it go."

Zhong Shizhong was clearly not satisfied with Zhong Shidao's words, but he could only nod.

But then Zhong Shidao suddenly said, "There are some things I must say, and I will say them to you alone. Once you leave this door, you must not say them to a second person!"

“What my brother says is true!” Zhong Shizhong nodded.

"It's also because I'm getting old. I'll only be here for a year or two, or at most two or three years. I'll be gone in a flash, so I have to give you my advice in advance..." Zhong Shidao was still saying his preface.

"Brother, why are you suddenly saying these things? What's wrong with you?" Zhong Shizhong said unhappily.

“Sigh… Don’t rush, it’s just that these words are hard to say, hard to say out loud…” Zhong Shidao was clearly filled with countless struggles in his heart.

"Brother is getting more and more troublesome as he gets older. If you don't say anything, I'm leaving. If you don't say anything, I'm leaving. If you want to say something, you won't say it. If you want to say something, you have so much to say..." Zhong Shizhong said anxiously, but he didn't actually leave.

“I’m afraid of something…” Zhong Shidao looked at his younger brother.

"I'm leaving!" Zhong Shizhong seemed to be really about to get up.

"Sit down... I'm about to start, don't be scared..." Zhong Shidao raised his hand slightly to reassure him.

(Hey guys, muah...)
(End of this chapter)