The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 148 Undercurrent is turbulent
Feng Dao cleared his throat and recited loudly, his hoarse and vicissitudes of voice echoed throughout the Wende Hall:
"Zhou Wen's sage virtue was to conquer the Chonghou. The Han ancestor's magical power was also conquered by Ying Bu. Without the rebellion of the Rong ministers, how could the king's career be difficult? He had plotted and plotted, and did not know the destiny. He would decide on the strategy of a Rong army. It is necessary to prepare the troops for the Nine Expeditions. The Sixth Division will be informed of the crime.

Li Shouzhen, the governor of the Hezhong Army and the grand master of the school, came from a lowly position and was listed as a prince. In Tianfu, he was honored by the emperor in advance and could not die in trouble. He was responsible for his duties.Not only are they lucky to be separated from each other, but they are also hidden in treachery.When the ancestors of the Jin Dynasty were in power, they were already harboring evil intentions; when the late emperor came to the court, he showed himself to be without a king.

God and man unite, bowing, thinking of the late emperor, every song is a generous gift, expressing faith with a sincere heart, pointing to the white water to declare an alliance, but being disrespectful and sincere, being self-rebellious, coveting the sacred weapon, and violating heaven. often.

I request your Majesty to deprive Li Shouzhen of his official status and immediately order all the Taoists to join forces to attack.The rebels are a ragtag group of people who are not of the same mind.If you are slow, you will avoid obstacles; if you are urgent, everyone will be rewarded.This letter is here to present, and you can look forward to it.Shi Kuangwei, the envoy of the Imperial Army Jiedushi Zhang, paid his respects and invited me."

Feng Daojiang read a piece of "A Message to Li Shouzhen" without missing a word. The words were like gold and stones falling to the ground, and the sentences were like the waves of the sea, surging over and over again.

The Wende Palace fell into a long silence, and all the civil and military ministers were still intoxicated and unable to extricate themselves.

For a long time, some of the courtiers in the Wen class couldn't help but sigh in a low voice: "As soon as this proclamation comes out, Li Shouzhen's treasonous and unethical behavior will be despised by the world! The royal master of the imperial court will use his righteousness to fight against the evil, and he will be invincible!"

The courtiers nodded in agreement.

The civil servants were whispering, discussing the content of the statement, and pondering the elegant wording and sentences in it.

All the generals of the Forbidden Army were gearing up to fight for orders and lead their troops to fight against the thieves.

During the previous discussion on counterinsurgency matters, the civil servants and generals standing in the Wende Hall huddled back and remained silent.

When talking about who would lead the expedition, the generals of the Forbidden Army wished they could become invisible, praying silently in their hearts that the officials would not see them.

Everyone knows that Li Shouzhen was not an embroidered pillow. He was a common man from the countryside. After the Jin ancestor Shi Jingtang and the Han ancestor Liu Zhiyuan twice served as dragons, he gradually became the military commander in Hezhong and a famous figure who dominated Guanzhong.

Li Shouzhen had been fighting in the south and north for so many years, and he had deep connections. Many of the generals of the Forbidden Army had received his guidance and favors.

Facing powerful senior leaders and those with less qualifications, no one dares to pat their chests to ensure that they are not afraid.

However, after listening to this inspiring "Appeal to Li Shouzhen", the generals of the Forbidden Army suddenly felt that Li Shouzhen was not terrible. Comparing the strength and situation, the Kaifeng court still had the upper hand.

The generals felt that they were capable again, and it was easy to put an end to Li Shouzhen's rebellion.

A piece of propaganda inspired the monarchs and ministers in this hall!
After Feng Dao finished reading his message, he couldn't bear to let go of the brocade silk in his hand. He slowly sat down and squinted his old eyes to savor it again.

Since Feng Dao became an official, he has been known for his elegant poems and poems. He served as a veteran of the Eight Dynasties, and also taught Sinology classes to Yelu Deguang. His official position was always the prime minister or the three princes.

In addition to being aware of current affairs and the essence of Gou Tao, he also has solid knowledge.

Feng Dao loved this article, "A Call to Li Shouzhen", and if he had asked himself, he would not have been able to write it with such literary talent.

After all, Liu Chengyou was young and vigorous. He was so excited by the praise of a wise monarch in the essay that he almost couldn't help but applaud, and his face turned red from suppressing it.

"Uncle Emperor, where did this message come from?" Liu Chengyou asked hurriedly.

Liu Chong's face was red and he had a round belly. He looked quite prosperous. He said with a smile: "I was at the Yamen of Kaifeng this morning. I heard someone praising this motto. I ordered someone to come and take a look. I immediately felt that it was extraordinary and hurriedly Enter the palace to report to the Ming officials. I meet Chai Jie Shuai outside the palace, who happens to be here for this matter, so we enter the palace together."

Liu Chong cast a vaguely grateful look at Chai Rong, who smiled slightly and nodded in greeting.

In Liu Chong's view, this was an opportunity to provide advice to the officials and the court to solve their difficulties.

At present, the news of the rebellion in Guanzhong has caused panic among the monarchs, ministers and the people. This message is like a reassurance. Whoever submits it first will have done a great job.

Chai Rong gave him this opportunity to show his face and make meritorious deeds, and Liu Chong expressed his gratitude.

Liu Chengyou glanced sideways at Chai Rong and said calmly: "Chai Qing's family is interested."

Chai Rong hurriedly clasped his fists and said: "It is the duty of a minister to relieve the worries of the officials and the court!"

Liu Chengyou snorted softly, complimented him lightly and ignored him.

Chai Rong looked calm and stepped aside, standing among the courtiers, looking inconspicuous.

Guo Wei said: "Officials, since this message came from the Changyi Army, it is enough to show that Shi Kuangwei has no objection. The so-called following Li Shouzhen to cause rebellion is just an act of sowing discord in Li Shouzhen's confession.

It is better for the officials to promulgate decrees according to this statement to calm the people's hearts, boost their morale, and reveal the truth about Li Shouzhen's rebellion to the world. "

Liu Chengyou was undecided and turned his attention to Wang Jun.

Wang Jun wondered: "If the message came from the Zhangyi Army, why did it reach Kaifeng in such a short period of time?"

Li Ye also said pitifully: "The news of Li Shouzhen's rebellion was only sent yesterday, so why did Zhang Yijun's message appear at almost the same time? Could it be that this message was prepared by Privy Councilor Guo in advance?

Did Privy Guo foresee that Li Shouzhen would rebel, or did he have private correspondence with Li Shouzhen before?How much benefit did Shi Kuangwei give Privy Guo to let Privy Guo speak for him like this? "

Guo Wei's eyes narrowed slightly, and a solid light fell on Li Ye.

What this guy said was extremely heart-wrenching, and his words actually insinuated that he was involved in Li Shouzhen's rebellion.

The ministers Su Fengji, Shi Hongzhao, and Yang Bin frowned one after another. All the courtiers also looked at each other, and some of Guo Wei's old men once again glared at Li Ye.

A sneer flashed across the corner of Liu Chengyou's mouth, but he quickly restrained it and pretended to reprimand: "Uncle Guo's words are inappropriate."

"Yes! I made a slip of the tongue, don't blame the officials! Privy Guo has a broad chest, so don't take it to heart." Li Ye lightly slapped his mouth and bowed to Guo Wei hypocritically.

Guo Wei smiled faintly, and clasped his fists in return.

Feng Dao put away the brocade silk, coughed twice, and said slowly: "This matter is not difficult to explain. The Zhangyi Army must know about Li Shouzhen's rebellion before Kaifeng.

Shi Kuangwei was worried that the imperial court would be affected by the proclamation, and doubted the loyalty of the Zhangyi Army. In panic, he sent people to spread the proclamation to Kaifeng. Eliminate the suspicion of colluding with Li Shouzhen. "

The mature and prudent Feng Dao made some analysis, and the courtiers seemed to understand.

Feng Dao laughed again and said: "No matter what, this statement scolded Li Shouzhen thoroughly and boosted the morale of our army. It was enough to resolve the current crisis of public opinion in the court and turn passivity into initiative. Shi Kuangwei should be remembered for his contribution.

Fu Yanqing was able to take the initiative to submit Li Shouzhen's secret letter to the court, which is enough to show his sincerity and loyalty.The veteran thought that the officials should reward him to appease people's hearts. At the same time, he followed this message, made slight modifications, and officially issued an edict against rebellion. "

Guo Wei said loudly: "I agree with Feng Gong's words!"

"I second the proposal!" Shi Hongzhao, Yang Bin and other civil and military officials expressed their opinions one after another.

Su Fengji hesitated for a while, and agreed.

Li Ye and Wang Jun looked at each other, and most of the courtiers expressed their support, but they had no choice but to continue to sing the opposite.After all, the military situation is raging, and Kaifeng City has a population of tens of thousands. Closing the city all day long is not an option. The court must come up with countermeasures as soon as possible.

The first key is to issue an edict against rebellion and a notice to calm the people.

This message from the Chang Yi Army was well-written and from the perspective of the commander-in-chief of the vassal town. Once officially released by the imperial court, it will definitely cause a sensation and give a head-on blow to the rebellious minister Li Shouzhen from the public opinion.

Liu Chengyou hated Shi Kuangwei when he was in Cangzhou, and after he succeeded to the throne, Wang Jun often talked ill of Zhang Yijun in his ears.

Previously, Li Yiyin of the disaster-defeating army complained to the court, and there was news that Shi Kuangwei had set up a private salt factory and withheld the salt money from the court. Liu Chengyou was even more angry. He had discussed with Wang Jun more than once how to replace the commander of the Changyi Army and find an excuse. Shi Kuangwei was arrested and questioned.

Originally, this time Li Shouzhen rebelled, and Shi Kuangwei was mentioned in the memorial document, so Liu Chengyou wanted to take advantage of the situation and move the Zhangyi Army.

Unexpectedly, first Guo Wei spoke out for justice, and then Emperor Uncle Liu Chong presented an appeal. Most of the courtiers believed that Fu Yanqing and Shi Kuangwei should not be held accountable for their crimes, but instead ordered to reward them, which made Liu Chengyou feel as sick as eating flies.

After hesitating for a while, Liu Chengyou said angrily: "Let's not mention the culpability of Fu Yanqing and Shi Kuangwei for the time being, but how can the imperial court officially issue a proclamation issued by a feudal town into an edict? Zhongshu Sheren Fan Zhi, please tell me immediately. Redraft an edict!"

A scholar from the Qing Dynasty came out of the class of civil servants, bowed his head and said: "I am reporting to the official family. I have very few talents. If I draft the imperial edict again, I am afraid it will not be as good as this edict."

Liu Chengyou said angrily: "You are a Jinshi of Emperor Mingzong of the former Tang Dynasty. Could it be that your writing skills are not as good as a small Zhangyi army?"

Fan Zhi gave a wry smile and said sincerely: "The "Appeal to Li Shouzhen" is really written with great momentum and brilliant literary talent. I would be ashamed to write it."

"Step down, step down!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand in annoyance, and Fan Zhi bowed before returning to the team and standing respectfully.

All the courtiers looked at Liu Chengyou eagerly, wondering what the young official wanted to do.

Li Ye and Wang Jun each lowered their heads and kept silent. Writing articles is a real technical job. One of them can only sing, and the other can only flatter horses. They can't even take the job of Zhongshu Province's first post, Fan Zhi, so they are even more serious. No more.

"Then, according to the words of the ministers, this proclamation will be officially promulgated in the name of the imperial court and announced to the world!
Fu Yanqing and Shi Kuangwei are loyal ministers and good generals, and the court will not be instigated by Li Shouzhen. Zhongshu immediately issued an order to commend the two men, each with a reward of one hundred taels and thousands of dollars!Fu Yanqing, the Duke of Wei State, added [-] households in the city, and Shi Kuangwei granted him the title of Prince Shaobao! "

Liu Chengyou announced the resolution with great reluctance.

"My Holy Emperor~" There was a sound of praise in the hall.

Feng Dao stroked his white beard: "The official family needs to come up with a charter as soon as possible on how to suppress the rebellion!"

"Hmm~" Liu Chengyou was silent, but he kept winking at Wang Jun and Li Ye.

Just as Guo Wei was about to speak, Shi Hongzhao pulled him gently and shook his head slightly. Guo Wei frowned and silently retracted his outstretched foot.

Su Fengji and Yang Bing looked at each other with their noses and noses in mind and had no intention of expressing their opinions.

Feng Dao stroked his beard, shook his head and sighed softly. For such a major military matter, the officials did not ask the four ministers who took care of orders, let alone Guo Wei, the privy envoy in charge of military affairs. Instead, they asked Wang Jun and Li Ye.

This shows that the young emperor was eager to take power completely and did not trust the auxiliary ministers left to him by the late emperor.

It is by no means a blessing to the country for the monarch and his ministers to be so jealous and guarded.

Wang Jun thought for a moment and said: "I recommend Bai Wenke, the governor of the Baoyi Army, and Chang Si, the military governor of the Zhaoyi Army, to send troops to the four towns of Baoyi, Zhaoyi, Heyang, and Jianxiong, and to ban the army. Fifty thousand, Bai Wenke will be appointed as the commander of the camp in Hezhong, and Chang Si will be his deputy, commanding all the troops to march into Guanzhong to annihilate Li Shouzhen!"

Liu Chengyou nodded with satisfaction. Just when he was about to speak, Guo Wei couldn't help but stood up and said: "I think this arrangement is inappropriate! Although Bai Wenke is capable of fighting, his prestige is not enough to overwhelm the vassal commanders. General Chang Lao is also in his sixties. He is old and has been away from the battle formation for a long time. If two people lead the army, I am afraid that the soldiers and horses from all walks of life will not obey.

If we go to Guanzhong to quell the rebellion, if there is no unified dispatch and command, we may be defeated by Li Shouzhen one by one. "

Liu Chengyou frowned, looking unhappy.

Li Ye always paid attention to the emperor's nephew's face, and immediately snorted coldly: "Privacy Guo's words are wrong! Bai Wenke's prestige is naturally not comparable to Privy Guo, but this time Bai Wenke was following the imperial decree to control the armies, and the various vassals How can the commander be dissatisfied? Whoever dares to disobey is despising the officials and the court!"

Guo Wei said in a deep voice: "Having said that, the imperial court has just been established, and there are many proud soldiers and generals in the towns in Hedong. It is safest to choose a person with high moral character and respect as the commander-in-chief."

Li Ye retorted: "Privilege Guo wants to recommend himself?"

Guo Wei clasped his fists and said calmly: "If the official issued the decree, I would personally lead the troops to Guanzhong to quell the rebellion! I recommend to the official that King Linqing and Gao Xingzhou stay in Luoyang!"

Liu Chengyou said without hesitation: "Old General Gao Xingzhou is also not young. He is stationed in Luoyang as a barrier to Kaifeng and cannot be moved lightly. According to Wang Aiqing's instructions, Bai Wenke was added as the Grand Master of the school, and he was responsible for the deployment of the camp in the middle of the river. Zhaoyi Military Festival Du envoy Chang Si was appointed as his deputy, commanding all the troops to march into Guanzhong and quell Li Shouzhen's rebellion!"

Wang Jun and Li Ye were the first to bow down: "My emperor is a sage, and I will obey the order!"

All the court officials also prostrated themselves.

"Officials." Guo Wei still wanted to fight, but was held back by Shi Hongzhao.

Shi Hongzhao said in a low voice: "The officials won't listen to you, forget it!"

Guo Wei said unwillingly: "But you and I both know that once the counter-rebellion armies go their own ways and don't obey the commander's orders, the war will be in danger! Li Shouzhen is not easy to deal with!"

Shi Hongzhao shook his head and said: "So what? Let them fight each other and get bloodshed. Someone will naturally think of you. Now that you are arguing with reason, you will make yourself embarrassed."

Guo Wei was silent for a moment and sighed softly: "Losing troops and generals, making unnecessary sacrifices, is not what I want!"

Shi Hongzhao sneered in a low voice: "You still can't see that the officials are afraid of us four ministers who care about life, and want to use Li Ye and Wang Jun to take power from you and me. Su Fengji, the old fox, is unreliable, and only Yang Feng, you and me are left. You have become a thorn in the side of the officials, and if you don’t restrain yourself, disaster is imminent!”

Guo Wei opened his mouth, but in the end he just shook his head and sighed.

The ministers exited the Wende Hall one after another. Chai Rong waited outside the hall and returned to the Privy Council with Guo Wei.

"What happened to the statement?" On the way, Guo Wei asked in a low voice when he saw no one around.

Chai Rong chuckled and said: "The Zhangyi Army had already sent people to sneak into Kaifeng City, waiting for Li Shouzhen's rebellion to break out, and then publicized the message. Shi Jieshuai was worried that the court would take the opportunity to investigate, so he was just preparing for a rainy day."

Guo Wei stared in surprise and said, "Can Shi Kuangwei come up with such a weird idea? Who wrote this statement?"

Chai Rong said with a smile: "Shi Jieshuai has a military advisor by his side to guide him!"

Guo Wei rubbed his slightly messy stubble: "You mean Zhu Xiu? This kid again? Hehe~ The dog-headed military advisor is interesting!"

Chai Rong said: "The people sent by Zhu Xiu are waiting in the Privy Council. If my father wants to know anything, he can ask it himself."

Guo Wei nodded: "Go back and see you right away. I want to know what happened to Guanzhong and Zhangyi Army."

(End of this chapter)