Half a year has passed, Wu Family Manor has developed rapidly. With the addition of a large number of heavy trucks, the coverage area of the caravans has become larger and larger, and heavy trucks can be seen in several surrounding prefectures and counties.
Similarly, as the caravan's reach expanded, Wu Da's reputation grew, and Wu Family Manor's prestige rose accordingly.
Such a large deal naturally attracted the envy of some. The bandits no longer dared to provoke the Wu Family Manor. The real trouble came from those who received salaries.
Now that spring has arrived and the weather is warming up, news of the events at the Wu Family Manor has finally reached the Capital and the ears of Emperor Huizong of Song of Song.
Emperor Huizong of Song was not particularly concerned at first, as Wu Da was just a businessman who did nothing more than some good deals.
However, many people in the court had long coveted the Wu Family Manor, especially Grand Commandant Gao Qiu. This scoundrel could only amass ten thousand taels of gold in a year of greed, but it was said that Constable Wu amounted to tens of thousands of taels in a single month. How could he not be envious?
"Your Majesty, please forgive my boldness, but if the Wu Family Manor is allowed to continue developing, I fear the majesty of the Imperial Palace will be lost. From then on, the world will only remember Wu Da, the head constable, and will no longer know the true surname of this vast empire."
"My dear minister, it's not as serious as you make it out to be. Aren't you exaggerating a bit too much?"
Gao Qing bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you may not know this, but now the people of all the prefectures are eating Dami and flour from the Wu Family Manor, and using coal from the Wu Family Manor's stoves. Everyone is well-fed and warmly clothed..."
"This is a good thing!" Emperor Huizong of Song said with a smile.
"Your Majesty, this is not a good thing, but a terrible disaster!"
Emperor Huizong of Song said displeasedly, "How can the fact that the people are well-fed and clothed become a disaster? Tell me your explanation."
"Your Majesty, the people now only remember Wu Da 'Wu Da good deeds and cherish his kindness. Wu Da's prestige in the eyes of the people is now at its zenith. If Wu Da were to raise a call to action, countless people would respond. I fear that Wu Da would become the next Chen Sheng or Zhang Jue, Your Majesty."
Emperor Huizong of Song frowned. Gao Qiu's words did make some sense. As a member of the royal family, the thing he feared most was someone plotting a rebellion.
"Do you expect me to send troops to wipe out the Wu Family Manor? Wouldn't that invite the scorn of the world?"
Gao Qiu confidently lowered his head slightly and said, "That depends on whether Wu Da knows what's good for him. Your Majesty, you can first draft an imperial edict to grant him amnesty. If Wu Da accepts the edict, then the business of the Wu Family Manor will be Your Majesty's business. Your Majesty can compensate Wu Da by giving him an official position or even making him a prince, which would be no problem, even if it's just a nominal title."
"But if Wu Da refuses the imperial edict, wouldn't that prove he harbors rebellious intentions? At that point, the emperor would have a perfectly legitimate reason to send troops to suppress him."
Emperor Huizong of Song was tempted. Was he not tempted by the deal in the Wu Family Manor? Of course he was. The national treasury was empty, and he, as the emperor, didn't have much Yu Qian.
If Wu Da's business had fallen into the hands of the royal family, he wouldn't be in such dire straits.
"This matter will be handled entirely by you, my esteemed minister. I want to see if Wu Da truly harbors any intention of rebellion."
Gao Qiu was overjoyed and quickly bowed to accept the order.
Inside the Wu Family Manor, Ling Yi looked at the two-meter-tall, burly man in front of him and couldn't help but chuckle.
Of the 108 heroes in the entire Water Margin, who is Ling Yi's favorite character?
It was none other than the Flowery Monk Lu Zhishen.
"I've heard that Constable Wu possesses the superhuman Divine Power to uproot a willow tree, and his Kung Fu Hustle are among the best in the world. I admire masters the most, so I've come here today to seek their guidance."
"Haha, Lu Da, I've heard a lot about you too. Everyone says you're righteous, have a fiery temper, always speak out against injustice, and act decisively when necessary... cough cough, Wu Da really admires Brother Lu Da's character."
Ling Yi showered him with praise, making Lu Da pat his bald head in embarrassment.
"I am but a rough man, unworthy of such praise from Constable Wu."
"I'd also like to see Brother Lu Da's Kung Fu Hustle. How about we have a good fight today, followed by a good drink?"
"Haha, that's wonderful!"
There were Wu Song, Zhang Changwu, Adviser Zheng, and others around him, and there were many more unfamiliar faces compared to six months ago.
One of them, about 1.7 meters tall, with a dark complexion and a kind appearance, was standing behind Adviser Zheng, intently watching Lu Zhishen and Wu Da begin their struggle.
This person was none other than Clerk Song Jiang, the famous Song Jiang in the Water Margin.
However, he is now a fugitive like Lu Da. The story of Yan Poxi has ended. Although Mount Liang is gone, many things that were meant to happen have still happened.
Even without Wu Yong, the Ruan brothers still managed to contact a group of Lin Zhong and rob the birthday gifts. Song Jiang also chose to tip them off, but was eventually discovered by Yan Poxi and died by Song Jiang's dagger.
Unlike the original story, Song Jiang chose to flee this time, and his first destination was Wu Family Manor on Jingyang Ridge.
Unlike the bandits of Mount Liang Marsh, Constable Wu of the Wu Family Manor held an official position, and his status and prestige among the common people were now unmatched.
In addition, Wu Da was generous and righteous, providing free food and lodging to anyone who stayed in the Wu Family Manor.
Moreover, Jingyang Ridge is a no-man's-land, and Wu Family Manor is located in a valley surrounded by mountains on three sides, making it an excellent place that is easy to defend and difficult to attack.
Although Wu Da did not openly display the banner of the Lin Hao, in the eyes of many Green Forest members, Ling Yi was the most powerful Green Forest force.
For Song Jiang, who had committed murder, Wu Family Manor was an excellent place to go.
Song Jiang was different from Wu Yong; he saw further ahead, but he was much more patient and tolerant than Wu Yong.
Song Jiang has been at the Wu Family Manor for almost a month now. He has made quite a few friends thanks to his charm, but besides working every day loading and unloading cargo for heavy trucks, he spends most of his time looking around or eating and drinking with friends.
I've been living a happy life during this time.
Lu Zhishen used all his strength, but still couldn't budge Ling Yi in the slightest. He knew that in terms of strength, he was no match for Wu Da.
If brute force doesn't work, then other methods must be used.
Lu Zhishen shouted loudly, spread his feet apart, and smashed down with his elbow, knocking away Wu Da's fist. He then stepped forward and forcefully attacked Wu Da's weak point with both hands.
Wu Da quickly retreated, easily dodging the attack, but then stomped his feet on the ground with such force that it created two small craters.
It should be noted that the Wu Family Manor is now all paved with cement, which shows just how powerful Wu Da has become.
Wu Da suddenly accelerated and shouted, "Open!"
Lu Zhishen felt a terrifying, Great Strength that smashed through his arms' defenses, causing him to lose control and fly backwards for more than ten meters.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"What two heroes!" Song Jiang murmured, his eyes slightly narrowed.
Lu Zhishen laughed heartily, strode over, clasped his hands in Fist Dao to Ling Yi, and said, "I am convinced. Lu Da greets brother."
"Your strength is probably unmatched by many in the world. I am delighted to have met such a hero today. Gentlemen, please come with me for some wine."
Everyone readily agreed and headed towards the cafeteria.
The canteen in the Wu Family Manor is the liveliest place in the Wu Family Manor on weekdays.
After several expansions in the past six months, it is now divided into two parts: an external canteen and an internal canteen.
The inner canteen is for the people of the Wu Family Manor, while the outer canteen is for other people temporarily staying in the Wu Family Manor.
Although Wu Family Manor has always accepted outsiders, there are still distinctions made between them.
After discussions among Ling Yi and Adviser Zheng, it was decided that only those who had resided in the Wu Family Manor for six months and whose contributions met the requirements could officially become members of the Wu Family Manor.
Ling Yi also developed an identity recognition system. Electronic doors were installed in some important places, and only designated people could enter by swiping their cards.
For example, warehouses, garages, and armories.
Furthermore, only those holding the Wu Family Manor ID card can enter the newly built school and learn a completely new knowledge system for free, which is the complete set of nine-year compulsory education footwear that Ling Yi redeemed from the System Shop.
The school principal was none other than Sister Pan.
Ling Yi had no interest in being a teacher, so he taught Sister Pan first, and then Sister Pan went on to teach others.
Sister Pan was very enthusiastic about it and taught with great energy every day.
Zhang Changwu remains the Captain of the transportation brigade, responsible for transporting goods, training new Siji, and other related matters.
Adviser Zheng has now become almost like the head steward, handling all sorts of matters, big and small Wu Family Manor.
Because Song Jiang was literate and intelligent, he had recently been frequently accompanied by Adviser Zheng, who helped him with various matters.
As for the money, only Ling Yi has the right to manage it. The money is delivered to his private warehouse every day, Ling Yi goes there at night to collect it directly into the System Shop so that he can exchange it for goods at any time.
Another month has passed.
That day, Ling Yi was drinking with Lu Zhishen and Wu Song when he saw Adviser Zheng Haste over.
From afar, someone called out, " Constable Wu, Constable Wu, County Commandant Su has arrived with people from the palace. They specifically request to see you, saying they have an imperial decree to receive you."
"What kind of imperial edict is that bird emperor issuing at this time? Could it be that he has his eye on my brother's business?" Lu Zhishen saw through the key point in his words.
His words showed absolutely no respect for the emperor.
"Brother, what should we do?" Wu Song also became worried.
"Let's go and see. We need to find out what the emperor means."
The group arrived at the main hall of the Wu Family Manor. This main hall was rarely used, and Ling Yi seldom came here. On the contrary, Adviser Zheng often handled matters here.
It's been half a year since I last saw County Commandant Su; the old man has gotten quite a bit fatter.
County Commandant Su's Heavenly Palace Noodles business has never stopped, and now the name of Heavenly Palace Noodles is extremely well-known. In the past six months, County Commandant Su has probably made a fortune.
This County Commandant Su was already on Ling Yi's kill list. Giving him an extra six months to live was about right; it was time to take the old man's life.
At this moment, County Commandant Su was extremely excited, and when he looked at Ling Yi, he no longer showed any fear.
" Wu Da, you've certainly made a fortune in the last six months," said County Commandant Su with a forced smile.
"Where's the imperial edict? Let me see it!" Ling Yi ignored him and instead looked at the old eunuch in front of him, who was dressed in a blue robe and had a white face and no beard.
"How dare you! This is the imperial edict-bearer, and a favorite of the emperor..." Before County Commandant Su could finish his rebuke, he saw Ling Yi walking towards him.
" Wu Da, you..."
Ling Yi grabbed him by the neck, and like lifting a tattered sack, swung his arm and threw him into the air...