Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 352: Discussing the Wedding Banquet (200-in-, monthly tickets)

When Zhao Zhen returned, Song Qing and his gang had already left Liangshan County.

Zhao Zhen looked at the same number of pearls, agates, amber and jade pendants and said to Cheng Wan'er, "They are all good things. This pearl must be six points in size, right?"

Cheng Wan'er said, "These twenty beads are all six centimeters in size. The most rare thing is that they are all of the same color. They look like they are Eastern pearls. They must have been purchased in the north."

Zhao Zhen nodded and said, "That's right, pick a few that you like and ask Brother Zheng Tianshou to make some exquisite jewelry for you, and put away the rest of the ladies. The same goes for these silks, let Bai Zhi and the others pick out some styles they like and add some clothes."

Cheng Wan'er said worriedly: "Husband, I heard from Wu Yong that there are some problems with the origin of these things..."

Zhao Zhen said: "It's okay. Although these things are rare, he is not the only one who has them. Just like those gold and silver wine vessels, they are only used at home. It's no big deal."

Cheng Wan'er said happily, "When Hui Niang gets married, we can let them pick one each."

Let’s not talk about that anymore. On the second day, after a night’s rest, Zhao Zhen discussed with Wu Yong and Zhu Wu about the garrison personnel in Jingmen Town.

Zhu Wu spoke first, "Sir, this place is still mainly for defense. We can build a dock near Wulibao where we boarded the ship. It can be used as a temporary dock for patrolling the water, and it can also be used to station a navy, which will make travel more convenient in the future."

"As for the garrison, I think Brother Shi Xiu is very capable and can be the chief commander."

After listening to this, Zhao Zhen nodded and looked at Wu Yong.

Wu Yong said: "Sir, Brother Shi Xiu is indeed a good candidate, but he has gone to the north to buy horses, and it is normal for him to go back and forth for three or two months. We can't delay in Jingmen Town. There is a ready-made person in the county."

As he spoke, he gently waved his feather fan and asked, "How is Lord Liu, the Defense Commissioner of Yizhou Prefecture?"

"Firstly, Liu Fangyu is good at defending cities. Secondly, Lord Liu has never made any arrangements. Since he is a relative of a great official, it is appropriate for him to go to a town. In this case, there is no need to adjust other brothers. We only need to assign two deputies to Lord Liu."

Zhu Wu said: "After [Advance Officer] Li San returned from the northwestern border, he still has no duties."

Zhao Zhen said, "Count him in. Li San is fast and can explore north along the lake."

Wu Yong said: "Including the eldest son Liu Qi?"

Zhao Zhen nodded: "Alright, Liu Lin is going to form a navy, so this is a very good arrangement. In the next few days, Coach Wang and Envoy Yang should discuss how to arrange it."

Wu Yong said, "These two are skilled in martial arts and are good at horse fighting. The great master also said that they should form a cavalry army in the two capitals. Now they have looked around Liangshan and are just waiting for Shi Xiu and his two brothers to come back from selling horses. Now let them go to Wanzi City to train the new soldiers. They can practice on saddled horses first."

"As for the garrison, how about placing it in the South Camp and promoting the commanders of each camp to be the commanders of a camp?"

Zhu Wu said, "I'm thinking of building a small camp on the top of Jinshan Mountain in Fanzhuang, Jingmen Town. All the villagers in Fanzhuang have joined the army, and there are mounds there. It was originally a place for grazing cattle and sheep. First, we can graze war horses, and second, if there is any change in Jingmen Town, we can respond quickly. How about sending two people there?"

Zhao Zhen thought for a moment and said, "The top of Jinshan is indeed suitable for grazing, so it's also good to put it in Jingmen Town. As for setting up the post of Ying Commander, it's appropriate. I'll issue an official document today, Chao Gai, Liu Tang, Shi Xiu, Yang Xiong, Lu Zhishen, Guang Hui, Jiao Ting, and Liu Guang as the Infantry Battalion Commanders. Luan Tingyu and Lin Chong as the Cavalry Battalion Commanders. As for Jingyang Town, Hua Rong will be the General Manager of Troops, Sun An and Li Ying as the Battalion Commanders, Yang Lin has made the greatest contribution and will be the Deputy Commander, and the rest will remain as the Chief and Deputy Chiefs of the Cavalry."

Wu Yong laughed and said, "Your Excellency's words have enlightened me. Jingyang Town can appoint a military commander. Why don't we write a letter to ask you to arrange it for us and appoint Liu Fangyushi as the military commander of Jingmen Town?"

Zhu Wu clapped his hands and said with a smile, "Yes, this will also prevent anyone from doing bad things in the government."

Zhao Zhen laughed and said, "The nickname of Xuejiu, 'Zhi Duo Xing', is not given for nothing."

After deciding on the good men to be stationed at Jingmen Town, Zhao Zhen said, "Then please ask the two military advisors to write down the appointments, seal them today, and send them to all places."

They asked someone to bring paper and ink, and Zhao Zhen and the other two each drafted a decree. After using the seal, they had the farmhands distribute it to various places.

Zhao Zhen also called Zhao Xing over and handed him the letter he had written to Cheng Wanli of Taishan. He said, "Captain, take my letter and ask a few soldiers to escort you to Dongping Prefecture tomorrow to pay a visit to Master Taishan. If your wife has any letters or gifts, send them along as well."

Zhao Xing took the letter and went to look for Cheng Wan'er.

Zhao Zhen then asked, "Brother Zhu Wu, how is the naval recruitment going?"

"Don't worry, sir. Now everyone knows that joining the army not only brings high salaries, but also many other conveniences, so naturally everyone is vying for it. There are many fishermen in the villages along the lake, and when they heard about the recruitment of navy, they all signed up enthusiastically. It's a pity that only 250 people were recruited, and many were not selected. Now they have all been sent to Wanzi City to train for a month." Zhu Wu replied.

Wu Yong laughed and said, "How many wealthy families are willing to buy a cool bamboo mat. Your Excellency, please give priority to the soldiers in the army. I wonder how many people will be jealous of you."

"In that case, I will issue another military order and let Liu Lin go to Wanzi City as well. In addition to training the soldiers, he will also let them adapt to the warships on weekdays." Zhao Zhen said, and wrote another military order and asked a farmhand to deliver it to Liu Guang's residence.

Not to mention Zhao Zhen and the other two who were discussing the county's military affairs in the hall, let's just talk about Liu Guang's family. Because Liu Hui's marriage was arranged, the whole family had been busy opening the boxes and selecting the dowry that had been delivered these days.

On this day, the dowry was ready, and Liu Guang's family were chatting in the hall. Liu Qi and Liu Lin's wives, Zhuang Yun and Zhong Ling, couldn't help teasing Liu Hui's mother, making her blush. She lowered her head and dared not speak, not at all like her usual clever self.

Liu's mother and Madam Liu also let the two daughters-in-law tease them. As they were talking, a farmhand came in and said, "Sir, the steward of the master's family, Zhao Ji, is outside asking to see you."

Liu Guang said: "Please come in."

Liu Guang's family was also a family of military generals, so it was common for women to show up in public. They also thought it was Liu Huiniang's marriage, so none of the female relatives avoided it.

Zhao Ji came in, bowed, took out an official document and handed it to Liu Guang, saying, "Congratulations, sir. Today, the lord discussed with the two military advisors Wu Yong and Zhu Wu and issued an order, inviting you to stay in Jingmen Town as the camp commander and command 500 infantry."

Liu Guang took the military order and saw that it really stated the appointment, and there were words about the deputy generals Liu Qi and Li San being the military leaders. Liu Guang was about to speak when he heard Zhao Ji continue, "I heard from the great official that we need to ask Lord Cheng of Dongping Prefecture to take care of it. It would be best if we could ask Lord Feng to be the military commander of Jingmen Town."

After saying that, he left without paying any attention to Liu Guang's attempts to keep him. Liu Guang said, "Manager Zhao, it's not too late to have a drink before you leave."

Zhao Ji said, "I have somewhere else to go today. Once Madam Liu comes to join us, we will have more time to drink and enjoy wine."

After seeing Zhao Ji off, Liu Guang frowned and handed the official document to Liu Qi.

After reading it, Liu Qi held up the document and asked, "Dad, why is there no appointment for Erlang?"

After hearing this, Liu Lin took the military order from Liu Qi. Seeing that his name was not on the order, he felt a little discouraged: "I'm afraid that I lost the duel with Lu Fang that day and failed to impress my brother-in-law."

"Erlang, there's no need to do this. Dad and I are stationed in the army, and we need you to take care of the family. If Erlang is interested in the army, wait until Xiu'er enters the army and has established herself. Then we can ask your brother-in-law to find a job for Erlang." Liu Qi comforted him.

Liu's mother said, "We have hands and feet, and we have maids and foster mothers to take care of us. What do we need Erlang to do at home? I will shamelessly ask my grandson-in-law to give Erlang a job." As she said this, Liu's mother was about to get up, but Liu Guang hurriedly stopped her. After persuading her kindly, Liu's mother gave up the idea.

As they were discussing, the farmhand brought Zhao Ji in again. Liu Guang asked, "Manager Zhao, what are you doing?"

"I want to congratulate you again. Here is a transfer order. Please accept it, Erlang Liu Lin."

After hearing this, Liu Lin quickly took it and couldn't wait to open the document and read it. He smiled and said, "So that's how it is. My brother-in-law really knows how to use people well."

As he spoke, Liu Lin handed the document to Liu Guang. Liu Guang read it and was delighted. He said to his mother, "Mother, Erlang is good at water, and he is indeed going to lead a navy. Now the soldiers have been recruited, and we are just waiting for Erlang to take up the post."

Liu's mother and others were also extremely happy when they heard this.

After sending Zhao Ji away, Liu's mother said, "Erlang will lead the army independently from now on. Doesn't that mean the family will be divided?"

Liu Guang said, "I have heard from the farmhands these days that families with many children in the county have to separate and live separately when they reach adulthood. My family is no exception. Taking this opportunity, we will also separate. The farmhands who came with us are all old people. When they paid the tax, they had exactly 400 acres of land. Except for a few who led the army, the rest can still manage the land. Erlang will also buy some land here, and five households among the farmhands will go there. This way, we can also settle these farmhands."

After hearing this, Liu's mother said, "With our wealth, we can support these farmhands, maids, and nurses. It's worth their hard work to follow us."

In a blink of an eye, it was June 12. On this day, Baishi Manor was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. All the heroes in the county gathered at Baishi Manor. Zhu Fu was the only one who organized the banquet. Fat sheep, tender chickens, stuffed geese, and fat beef that looked like flower cakes were all served on red plates. There were also fish and shrimps from the lake, fresh fruits, and colorful wines from the cellar, which flowed in like water. All the farmhands were waiting for the banquet, and they took advantage of Zhao Zhen's concubine to have a day of drinking.

At night, Zhao Zhen was very skilled in his craft and accomplished something wonderful. There is no need to go into detail. Just look at the way Liu Hui Niang frowned as she offered tea to Cheng Wan Er the next day, and you will know what happened yesterday.

When Cheng Wan'er saw this, she scolded Zhao Zhen a few words and let Liu Hui Niang go to rest.

Zhao Zhen also felt embarrassed. Yesterday, all the heroes gathered together and inevitably drank a little too much. He had no scruples in the bridal chamber. After sending Liu Huiniang back to her room, Zhao Zhen asked the maid who came with her as a dowry to take care of Liu Huiniang and let her have a good rest, and he went to the front hall.

Yesterday was busy, and today many heroes are going back to their bases, so Zhao Zhen comes to see them off.

Jingyang Town and Dulonggang are far away, so Chao Gai, Hua Rong and other heroes came to say goodbye after breakfast. Zhao Zhen asked someone to present the packed apricots. These apricots are not ordinary wheat yellow apricots, but are made from two Han emperor apricots in Xinghua Village. Each hero is given 50 pieces. Although they cannot increase attributes, as food for entering the rank, they are also rare treasures just for their deliciousness.

After a few years, it will be enough for these heroes to strengthen their physique.

Afterwards, Xiao Rang and Guang Hui also came to say goodbye. The land and population registration of Jingmen Town had not yet been completed, so the two did not dare to leave for long.

Zhao Zhen also presented Han Emperor dried apricots and said to the two, "In three to five days, my father-in-law Liu Guang, Liu Qi and Li San will lead a battalion of soldiers to Jingmen Town to replace Master Guanghui. Brother Tao Zongwang will also go there tomorrow to build a military camp and survey the terrain, dig a canal, and divert water from the lake. At that time, each village will also be required to perform corvée labor, so brother Xiao Rang must also make arrangements in advance."

"This canal is not only used for irrigation, but also to expand the Mengxi River and connect it with the water park, so that ships can travel back and forth as much as possible."

After hearing this, Xiao Rang said, "This is a big project. Money and grain must be transported so that it can be carried out."

Zhao Zhen said: "The money and food have been prepared and will be transported over tomorrow with Brother Tao Zongwang. In addition, a batch of sea salt will be sent over so that the farmers in Jingmen Town can eat cheap fine salt first, which is also a benefit of submitting to Liangshan County."

Xiao Rang said with a smile: "In this way, we don't have to worry about the farmers in Jingmen Town not surrendering."

As he spoke, Xiao Rang took out an old book from his bosom and handed it to Zhao Zhen, saying, "Sir, Liu Mu, the head of Eliu Village, heard that you took a concubine, so he presented you with the book "Essential Techniques for the People - Raising Geese and Ducks" to congratulate you."

world log
"Essential Techniques for the People of Qi" (In the Northern Wei Dynasty, there was an agronomist named Jia Sixie who wrote "Essential Techniques for the People of Qi", which included six chapters on raising cattle, horses, donkeys and mules, raising sheep, raising pigs, raising chickens, raising geese and ducks, and raising fish. This is a fragment of the chapter on raising geese and ducks)

If you hold on to it, you can be employed as an Ebin soldier. (Restriction: no more than ten per year)

Ebin: good at raising geese and ducks.

Professional skills: Raising geese and ducks, goose soldiers (using the vigilance of geese, training them to guard and patrol, and promptly alert the owner.)
After reading it, Zhao Zhen said, "Liu Mu is thoughtful. This book is good and can be used by the county. Let's appoint Liu Mu as the third elder of Jingmen Town."

Xiao Rang nodded: "It can be considered a role model."

After the two men left, they feasted for another day, and the other heroes from various places also took some dried apricots from the Han Emperor and returned to their respective camps.

On the third day, Zhao Zhen and Liu Huiniang returned home, and the Liu family entertained Zhao Zhen with great joy. During the banquet, Zhao Zhen said to Liu Guang: "Grandfather, Jingmen Town has just been acquired. From now on, I will ask you to guard it."

Liu Guang smiled and said, "Don't worry, my dear son-in-law, I am here to protect Jingmen Town for you."

Zhao Zhen said, "Brothers Liu Tang and Xue Yong have already selected 500 soldiers. Grandfather, please pack them up and take them to take up their posts. As for my second brother, we need to go to Wanzi City first."

Liu Lin said, "Brother-in-law, if it weren't for the fact that you two were married, I would have gone to Wanzi City a long time ago."

Everyone laughed when they heard this.

Zhao Zhen also said: "Second brother is anxious. Your navy is stationed at Yuhuangding. The water fort is being built there. After the soldiers have trained for a month, they will move into the water fort. In addition to training the soldiers, they will also have to inspect the water."

Liu Lin agreed with a smile.

Liu's mother asked, "Grandson-in-law, how come there is no master in charge of the pagoda temple in the yard except for a few fire workers?"

Zhao Zhen told the story of the origin of the Pagoda Temple and how Guanghui later went to Baozhu Temple because he had women relatives at home and did not want to live there anymore, so the temple became vacant.

After hearing this, Liu's mother said, "My dear son-in-law, I have been a vegetarian and chanting Buddhist scriptures for many years. Why don't I live in a temple? That will be exactly what I want."

Zhao Zhen looked at his father-in-law Liu Guang, who smiled bitterly and said, "We have tried to persuade mother for quite some time, but she would not listen and was determined to serve the Buddha."

Zhao Zhen said, "It's fine if grandma wants to practice Buddhism, but after all, grandma is very old. How can we not worry about her practicing Buddhism alone in the temple?"

Mother Liu said, "It's not a big deal. There are two lonely women at home who have been serving the old woman. I don't want to become a nun. I will stay in the temple for a few days. When I miss you, I can ask my grandson-in-law to send me to Jingmen Town."

Zhao Zhen had no choice but to agree and said to Liu Guang, "Don't worry, my father-in-law. I have my son-in-law and Hui Niang in the village, who will naturally take care of my grandmother."

After hearing this, Liu's mother smiled and said, "It's settled then. My son, pack up and go to your new post. You don't need to worry about me."

(End of this chapter)