Lord: Start with a copy of Water Margin

But he said that Shi Qian brought two companions and went to Tong Guan's house at Xingye, presented the ceremony, left a letter, and heard the news in front of the house.

At noon, Shi Qian took two companions to a nearby hotel to have a drink and rest. Suddenly I heard a nursery rhyme playing on the street. At first I thought it was just for fun. What a waste to the country and a family tree, and a sword to the water. Thirty-six vertical and horizontal, spreading chaos in Shandong.

I thought that Song Jiang was indeed very popular in Qingzhou, and it was sung in Bianjing City.

When I heard "Zhao is the Hao, Song is the smile. Lurking in the water, manifesting in the mountains." I immediately realized that this is not just about Song Jiang. "Zhao is the Hao" and "lurking in the water" are not talking about Zhao. Zhen? Looking at "the sword touches the water" again, it also means something.

Shi Qian quickly whispered a few words to a companion, asking him to take the first step and return to Liangshan to report to Zhao Zhen.

Then, Shi Qian went to the street to inquire about Chen Xizhen in Jixie Alley, but the building was empty.

Shi Qian rolled his eyes and thought of one person, but this person was Tang Long's uncle and brother [Golden Gunner] Xu Ning.

I was looking for someone to ask along the way, and someone pointed out: "You can enter the class gate, which is the fifth black corner gate to the east. He is the teacher of the golden gun class. He goes on duty at five o'clock and returns in the evening. He is at home during the day. There is also a lady at home.”

Shi Qian inquired clearly, went to the street and bought two pieces of high-quality brocade, and found a small shop far away to wait.

Waiting until evening, the waiter pointed to a place and said: "Up and down, this is Teacher Xu."

After Shi Qian heard this, he paid back the drink money and quickly got up to chase after him.

Arriving in front of Xu Ning, Shi Qian crossed his hands and asked, "Brother, is [Golden Gunner] Mr. Xu?"

Xu Ning returned the gift and asked, "It's Xiao Ke. What do you call this brother?"

"The villain is [Flea on the Drum] Shi Qian, and now he is the head of Zhao Daguan's office in Liangshan Prefecture. I came to Bianjing today for business, and a brother [Golden Leopard] Tang Long heard that I was coming, and asked me to send two Come on satin."

With that said, he handed the baggage he was carrying to Xu Ning.

Xu Ning heard about it and invited Shi to move into the house for a chat.

Seeing Li again, Xu Ning said: "It turns out he is my brother and colleague. I wonder how my brother is doing in Liangshan Prefecture?"

"Brother, don't worry. Brother Tang Long is highly skilled in craftsmanship and is most relied upon by high-ranking officials. He is now the supervisor of the state's military weapons and is in charge of supervising the production of military armor."

Xu Ning heard this and said happily: "I don't want my brother to survive."

"I heard that Songjiang thieves in Qingzhou are very powerful. How about Liangshan Prefecture?"

"When I came, the senior officials were integrating the six counties and clearing out the Qingzhou spies in the counties. They were preparing the army to cooperate with the imperial army to capture the bandits."

"Today I came to see the teacher. I heard nursery rhymes in the streets and alleys, saying that the country is wasted because of the family trees, and the swords and soldiers are in the water. Thirty-six vertical and horizontal, spreading chaos in Shandong. What else is Zhao Weihao, Song Weixiao. Lurking. In the water, the signs are in the mountains. I don’t know where this prophecy came from, but no one even visited the most beautiful place in the capital.”

Xu Ning didn't think much about it. Hearing this, he said: "I accompany you every day, but I have never heard of it. I didn't expect this Qingzhou bandit to be so powerful. If it is widely circulated in the market that the Qingzhou bandit is involved, I think the Imperial City Council will Notify the officials."

Shi Qian listened and confirmed it with the waiter's words. It seemed that this nursery rhyme was new in these days.

I wanted to inquire about it, but unfortunately I couldn't find any way. [Green Grass Snake] Li Si, who is familiar with geography, also returned to Liangshan.

Just as he was about to leave, he heard Xu Ning say: "Now that Lieutenant Gao has recommended Commander Hu Yan, he will probably be able to wipe out the Qingzhou bandits in one fell swoop and restore peace to Shandong. Unfortunately, I am only a teacher of the Golden Spear class and cannot lead the army to make meritorious deeds."

Shi Qian heard this and said, "I came back for this reason."

At the moment, Shi Qian told all the news he knew.

Xu Ning was surprised when he heard this: "I didn't expect that Song Jiang would gather so many leaders."

Shi Qian said: "Since teachers are determined to make contributions, why not serve in the army?"

Xu Ning said: "I'm just a teacher. How can I serve in front of the army? Furthermore, I have a family and a job, and there is no one to take care of me in front of the army. Even if I go to the front of the army, I will just be the leader of the army with no one to support me." "It's hard to earn a living, so it's better to live in Beijing and have enough food and clothing." He said and sighed.

Shi Qian heard this and said, "Hey, what the teacher said sounds ridiculous."

Without waiting for Xu Ning to speak, Shi Qian continued: "Others may not have any acquaintance in the military, but teachers are not. If nothing else, let's just say that Brother Tang Long has recommended teachers in front of high officials many times. Years ago, too, Come and invite me. The senior officials feel that they are only in one county, and teachers have no worries in Beijing, so it is not easy to persuade them."

"Now the high official has taken charge of six counties. Although he is a Ji Mizhou, he is an envoy to observe the military affairs and leads General Ningyuan. The high official has admired the teacher for a long time. If the teacher leaves, he will be the commander of a battalion at least. "

Saying that, Shi Qian whispered: "Now Coach Lin has also become the commander of the pro-military camp for the high officials. Although he cannot be mentioned in the imperial palace newspaper, he is still at ease."

After hearing this, Xu Ning hesitated for a moment.

At this moment, Mrs. Xu Ning came up and said to Xu Ning: "My lord, the food is ready. Please eat with me, uncle."

After hearing this, Shi Qian knew that this was not the place to talk, so he stood up and said goodbye: "Teacher, sister-in-law, I am not being pretentious. Today I sent Brother Tang Long's thoughts, but I want Privy Tong to wait at the door. As soon as I get a reply, I will Don’t blame me for going back to Liangshan.”

With that said, he stood up to leave.

Xu Ning struggled to stay, but Shi Qian refused, so he had to let Shi Qian go.

After seeing off Shi Qian, Madam Xu said to Xu Ning: "Guanren, I have never met this uncle before, and he refused to leave a meal. But is Guanren a new friend?"

Xu Ning shook his head, pointed to the two pieces of brocade on the table, and told the story of Shi Qian's origin.

Madam Xu said: "Brother came to stay for a few days years ago and left behind two ingots of garlic gold weighing twenty taels. I don't want to miss me anymore, so now I have sent you this fine satin."

While they were talking, the couple sat at the table, and the family of three ate under the service of the maid.

Madam Xu saw that Xu Ning was not in high spirits, so she asked: "My lord, how come you are not happy when you got the news about Brother Tang today?"

Xu Ning told his wife Shi Qian's words.

"My family was once a veteran on the battlefield, guarding one side. When it came to me, I was just a teacher of the golden gun class. Now I heard that brother Tang Long also became a military supervisor in Yizhou, but my future is still unclear. Tang Long also He once advised me to vote for this official from Zhao. It turns out that he is just a magistrate of Jimi County. Who wants to make a fortune and become a military envoy?"

"At this time, I was told that the senior officials admired me very much, and [Leopard Head] Lin Chong also recommended me. It is the time for him to hire people, and I couldn't make up my mind for a while."

After hearing this, Madam Xu said: "As an official in prison, I have no one to support me. I have only relied on my martial arts to be a teacher for many years, which is good for my stability. If I had no luck, this would be the same in my life. If I have the intention to make contributions, this It’s not like we can’t go to Liangshan Prefecture.”

Seeing that Xu Ning was about to speak, Madam Xu stretched out her hand and continued: "If the officer is worried about me and Sheng'er, there is no need. The officer has made up his mind, and Sheng'er and I will naturally go together. Only in this way can we win the trust of the officer. "

Hearing this, Xu Ning looked at Xu Sheng beside him, drank all the wine in front of him, and said: "My martial arts skills will definitely earn Sheng'er a future. Tomorrow I will go to the Privy Councilor's Mansion to look for Shi Qian. If I can get After receiving the letter, I resigned, sold my property, and went to Liangshan Prefecture with him."

There was no words to say that night.

Besides, Shi Qian went back to the hotel that night and ate randomly. The next day, I went to wait in front of Tong Guan's house and waited for Tong Guan's reply.

Until the night, Tong Guan was not summoned. Shi Qian took his companions with him and was about to go back to the hotel where he was staying to rest. Xu Ning, whom he had met yesterday, came over.

After seeing the ceremony, Shi Qian asked, "Where is the teacher?"

Xu Ning said: "After my brother left yesterday, I thought about it. Although staying in Bianjing is stable, I can't show my talents. I agreed with my wife and rushed over after my shift today. I have a few words to ask my brother."

Shi Qian said: "This is not a place to talk. Teacher, follow me to the restaurant and sit down and talk."

The three of them came to the restaurant. Shi Qian asked for a private room and served the food. Shi Qian poured a glass of wine and asked, "Teacher, just ask what you want. I will tell you everything I know."

Xu Ning said: "Brother said last night that Zhao Daguan lacked generals under his command?"

Shi Qian listened and nodded and said: "Yes, when Liangshan Prefecture was first established, not only the generals, but also the officials were insufficient. The senior officials posted orders seeking talents, visited the talents everywhere, and governed the place. The teachers will be reused when they go."

"Teacher, if you don't believe me, you can go to Bixie Alley and ask. There is a Chen Xizhen Tiha here. Madam Liu's nephew recommended him. The high official sent someone to invite him. Now Chen Tiha has resigned and gone to Liangshan Prefecture. "

After hearing this, Xu Ning no longer had any doubts.

After drinking three to five glasses of wine, Xu Ning immediately left after hearing that Shi Qian would rush back to Liangshan Prefecture after getting a reply and went home overnight to deal with his family's property.

Shi Qian waited for another day, and on the fourth day, he was summoned by Tong Guan.

But he said that this boy's body is tall and tall, with a majestic look, dozens of beards under his head, and skin and bones as strong as iron. He is not like an eunuch.

I saw Zhao Zhen's letter in the name of Zhao Ze in Liangshan Prefecture. After reading it, I saw that it was the military strength information of the Qingzhou bandit leader, so I summoned Shi Qian.

When he was seen, his bones were soft and his body was strong, his eyebrows were thick and fresh, and his appearance was strange. I despised him a bit in my heart.

Tong Guan asked: "Is the content in the letter true?"

"Prime Minister, it's absolutely true. Song Jiang is a big gangster. Master Zhao has placed spies in his army early in the morning. With the understanding of the investigation, he sent the villain to the Prime Minister's house." Shi Qian said.

"I also see that he is loyal. If this is the case, when the success is achieved, I will record his detection and reporting here."

As he said that, he asked in an indifferent manner: "Is Liangshan Prefecture still safe?"

"The senior officials are integrating troops and horses from all over the place to screen and detect reports. Although there is a rush, everything is fine."

"I heard a nursery rhyme today, 'The country is wasted because of the family trees, and the swordsmen are in the water. Thirty-six vertical and horizontal, sowing chaos in Shandong.' And again, 'Zhao is the name, Song is the smile. Lurking in the water, showing signs in the mountains.' 'You are from Shandong, have you ever heard of it? Try to understand what it means?"

"I tell you, Prime Minister, I have never heard of it. I am from Gaotang Prefecture, and I have only been in Shandong for the past two years. I will try to interpret the nursery rhyme that the Prime Minister said. As for whether it is right or wrong, I will try to interpret it. I don’t know either.”

"The first sentence, 'the country is wasted because of the family trees', means that the person who wastes the country's money and food must be a 'family tree', and if you think about it carefully, it must be a 'Song' character. The second sentence, 'the swordsman touches the water', rises People with swords must live by the water. As for "thirty six years ago, chaos spread in Shandong", the villain guessed that it was probably the year of sixty-six, or the number of sixty-six, which must be the case in Qingzhou today. ”

"As for the sentence 'Zhao is the name, Song is the smile. Lurking in the water, appearing in the mountains.' If you think about it, the first two sentences should be Zhao Guanjia's orders, and the Song Dynasty will win. The last two sentences are probably also referring to Song Jiang, His ancestral home was in the water town of Yuncheng, and he was just a swordsman and pen official. Now he is relying on Qingzhen Mountain, Taohua Mountain, Baihu Mountain, Qingyun Mountain, Langhou Mountain and other copycats to gain momentum. From this point of view, the Songjiang rebellion was pointed out and the imperial court sent troops. "Eradicate."

Tong Guan listened and said with a smile: "I see. From what you said, you are also a well-read poet."

Shi Qian said: "The villain has read many poems and books, but he can only recognize a few words. Mr. Zhao sees that the villain is smart and often guides him. Only then can he meet the prime minister."

Tong Guandao: "Well, I have received the intelligence report from Zhao Jiedushi and will send it to Huyanzhuo tomorrow. There are also messengers from Yizhou and Zizhou to take precautions."

"If the imperial court orders Zhao Zhen to lead troops to help in the suppression, will Zhao Ze be willing to go?"

Shi Qian said: "Prime Minister, if the imperial court issues an order, Mr. Zhao will definitely be willing to go."

"Why are you so sure?"

"Prime Minister, from a big perspective, although Liangshan County is Jimi Prefecture, it is also the land of the Song Dynasty. The imperial court has decrees, and it must be obeyed. From a personal perspective, Mr. Zhao is the son-in-law of Mr. Cheng of Dongping Prefecture. He said He is also a member of the Privy Council. How can Mr. Zhao ignore the order of the Privy Council? Moreover, Mr. Zhao once led troops to kill [Tie Jiao Toutuo] Li Erseng, who was the junior disciple of [Flying Centipede] Wu Qian under Song Jiang. Song Sheng and Miaokong were also big thieves who went to Song Jiang and were killed by Master Zhao in Shouzhang. It was also Master Zhao who led the gang to eliminate them. Due to all this, Liangshan Prefecture has long had a grudge against Song Jiang."

"It's a pity that Liangshan Prefecture was founded and was not complete in all aspects. Especially after taking charge of six counties, the sergeants were not well trained and the ordnance was not fully equipped. Only the original troops of Liangshan County can fight. If we can achieve some results, the Privy Council can allocate a team of It would be best to batch out the ordnance. Otherwise, it would be better to recruit a few craftsmen to build it slowly. Mr. Zhao imitated the provincial capitals and set up generals as supervisors. Unfortunately, there are not many craftsmen, but the bows and crossbows are slow to build. "

After hearing this, Tong Guan said: "Liangshan Prefecture is a Ji Mi Prefecture after all. When this prefecture was first established, I took on a lot of responsibility. The craftsmen who deploy armor and bows and crossbows will probably suffer a lot of criticism. In this way, I will write a letter Take the warrant back and let Cheng Wanli dispatch a group of craftsmen and armor to be sent to Liangshan Prefecture, so no one will know."

"I will ask for another decree to let Zhao Ze lead an army alone and move his camera. If he can make more achievements, the rewards will naturally be with him."

Shi Qian quickly thanked him. Take Tong Guan's reply letter, say goodbye and leave.

Shi moved out of Tong Guan's mansion, took his companions, and went straight to Xu Ning's residence.

Xu Ning was also decisive and determined to sell the house at a low price in just two days. All the stupid things in the house have been abandoned.

Three carriages were hired, and a bunch of boxes and cages were stacked and loaded onto the carriages. Madam Xu, Xu Sheng and a maid Mei Xiang rode in another carriage. Xu Ning and Shi Qian took this companion on horseback, and the group left Bianjing City and took the road to Liangshan.