The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 160 Uncle Guo takes charge

In a blink of an eye, it is the second year of Qianyou, the end of the first month.

In the past six months, the counter-insurgency war in Guanzhong was not going smoothly. Li Shouzhen took advantage of the dangerous positions of Tongguan and Pujin Pass to block the imperial army from the door.

Liu Chengyou personally appointed the commander-in-chief of the army. Bai Wenke was deployed in the river camp, and Chang Si was deployed in the deputy capital. They were defeated under the dangerous Tongguan Pass.

After several forceful attacks in vain, serious internal divisions arose in the counterinsurgency army.

Although the veteran general Bai Wenke has high qualifications, he is unpopular. Even though he is the commander-in-chief appointed by the officials and the court, many of his generals are increasingly dissatisfied with him in the face of the practical dilemma of Tongguan being unable to conquer for a long time.

The counter-rebellion army was composed of soldiers and horses from the vassal towns in Hedong and Henan Prefectures plus [-] forbidden troops. They were arrogant and powerful generals, and it was difficult to command them under their command.

It would be okay if the war goes well, but once the attack is blocked and the situation cannot be opened up for a long time, the commanders of each town will inevitably have opinions on the coach.

Bai Wenke's prestige and connections were not enough to make his unruly generals obey military orders unconditionally.

Chang Si, the Jiedushi and deputy commander of the Zhaoyi Army, was also an old man. He tried his best to do harmonious things and did not want to offend other soldiers in the vassal town.

The armies were disorganized and their orders were lax, making it increasingly difficult to command and dispatch.

Bai Wenke had no choice but to divide his army into two groups and set up camp thirty miles east of Tongguan City along both banks of the Yellow River. He reported the true situation to Kaifeng and waited for the court to deal with it.

After receiving the military report, Liu Chengyou hurriedly held an emergency military meeting to discuss the counterinsurgency war.

In the Zichen Hall of Miyagi City, Liu Chengyou sat high on the imperial throne, looking at the noisy and noisy scene under the jade steps, holding his forehead and shaking his head as if he had a headache.

Li Shouzhen was far more difficult to deal with than he thought, and the battle in Guanzhong was also unexpectedly difficult.

As time went by, Li Shouzhen was allowed to display a majestic and imposing manner, allowing the soldiers and civilians in Guanzhong to see that the so-called King of Qin was capable of confronting the Kaifeng court. When the time came, people's hearts began to succumb to him one after another, the morale of the rebels soared, and the situation became even more difficult to deal with.

When Li Shouzhen completely gains a foothold and Guanzhong escapes the control of the imperial court, most of the Han Dynasty will be torn apart in an instant.

The civil and military courtiers quarreled and argued, but could not come up with any concrete solution.

Some people advocate temporarily stopping the troops, using soft tactics to divide and win over, and slowly simmering the rebels to disintegrate them from within.

Some people advocated a change of command, and asked General Gao Xingzhou to stay in Luoyang and go to Tongguan to take over the overall situation from Bai Wenke.

There are people who support various proposals and views, and they argue endlessly.

Feng Daofeng, the court's ballast stone, living treasure, historical witness, mascot, and lucky man, said he was ill at home and could not attend the meeting.

Liu Chengyou panicked all of a sudden, and sent his imperial doctor and confidants to Feng Dao's house to diagnose and treat him, and to monitor his actions.

It's not that I'm worried about him causing trouble, but I'm afraid that he'll take advantage of others and run away with his family.

Feng Dao is a historical bellwether, and his fate is directly related to the survival of today's official family and court.

If Feng Dao still stays in Kaifeng, it means that he is optimistic about the court, and the great Han Dynasty will not perish.

If Feng Dao slipped away and disappeared suddenly, it meant that his superhuman sense of smell had already smelled something bad.

There is a high probability that it is time to change the dynasty and establish a new emperor.

Liu Chengyou was really afraid that Feng Dao would slip away, so he sent people to wait nervously and report any movement at any time.

In the city of Kaifeng, countless rich and powerful people are watching Feng Dao's every move. If he really escapes, all the officials and nobles will panic, and the city of Kaifeng will fall into chaos in an instant.

Even Duke Feng has escaped, doesn't it mean that the imperial court is about to end?

Why don't you hurry up?Stay and die?
Who can be tougher than Feng Gong, the elder of the Eight Dynasties?
Fortunately, the chamberlain who was guarding Feng Dao's house reported back every day that everything was as usual. Feng Gong just suffered from hemorrhoids and had to lie down in bed to recuperate.

Feng Gong was still there, Liu Chengyou breathed a long sigh of relief, and all the court officials also put their hearts back in their stomachs.

Otherwise, ghosts would have the interest to come and make noise in this hall, and they would have already found a way to show off their special abilities and slip away.

After all, changing bosses these days is like changing clothes. Loyalty is worthless, and only a fool would hang himself from a tree.

Feng Dao didn't come, and Wang Jun was sent to the front line as a supervisor by Liu Chengyou. His uncle Li Ye also stood among the courtiers with his head shrinking, not daring to say anything.

Bai Wenke and Chang Si were recommended by him and Wang Jun at the beginning. However, after a few months, it became difficult to advance the war. Bai Wenke had no choice but to ask the imperial court to make the decision.

Li Ye didn't dare to be the leader anymore. It would be a joke if the officials asked him to lead the troops.

Leading troops to fight is a combination of technical and physical work. Li Ye can't bear the hardship, let alone have the ability.

Liu Chengyou scanned the courtiers and found Li Ye, who was downcast and with twinkling eyes, and shook his head in disappointment.

It was impossible to expect his good uncle to make suggestions, and it was even more impossible to ask him to lead the army to deal with Li Shouzhen.

No matter how young and ill-informed Liu Chengyou is, and he is impulsive and willful, he does not dare to joke about the crisis of national survival.

If the game is really over, Liu Zhiyuan, who has not fucked the grave yet, will probably crawl out of the mausoleum and whip him.

In desperation, Liu Chengyou had no choice but to turn to the four important ministers for help.

The old fox Su Fengji suddenly frowned, covered his heart with his hands, and his face was full of pain.

Liu Chengyou hurriedly asked: "What's wrong with Mr. Su?"

Su Fengji said painfully: "The official forgives me, but I am heartbroken and the pain is unbearable."

"Bring us an embroidered pier quickly and ask Mr. Su to sit down."

The little eunuch standing beside the jade steps hurriedly did so and helped Su Fengji sit down.

"Thank you, officials." Su Fengji bowed gratefully, sat on the embroidered pier, beat his chest gently, and the pain on his face eased.

Yang Bin's face was expressionless, and Shi Hongzhao snorted heavily in his nostrils to show his disdain.

Guo Wei lowered his eyelids, as if he was about to fall asleep.

Liu Chengyou looked at Yang Bin and asked earnestly: "What's Mr. Yang's idea?"

Yang Bin cupped his hands and said calmly: "I am not good at military affairs, so I dare not speak nonsense, lest I delay the important task of countering the rebellion."

Liu Chengyou's eyes were filled with disappointment, and he clenched his fists as if annoyed.

Yang Bin added: "Privy Secretary Guo is in charge of the military affairs. Officials can consult him for advice on such important military matters."

Among the four ministers who took care of life, the one Liu Chengyou feared the most was Guo Wei. This was because Guo Wei had high prestige, powerful positions, and great military exploits. He had trained a group of advisers and generals through many years of battles, and most of them were now distributed in various vassals, towns, states and counties, holding important positions.

Guo Wei was not only a towering tree that protected Liu Han Dynasty from wind and rain, but also a stumbling block on Liu Chengyou's path to realizing the emperor's authority.

As long as Guo Wei is around, Liu Chengyou will be like a light on his back and a fishnet on his throat.

In order to get rid of Guo Wei's influence on himself, Liu Chengyou deliberately weakened Guo Wei's presence in the court. Except for military affairs, he basically would not take the initiative to ask Guo Wei's opinions on other political matters.

Now, even Guo Wei's title of Privy Councilor has become a thorn in Liu Chengyou's side, and he is constantly thinking about how to remove him.

Liu Chengyou really didn't want to ask Guo Wei for his opinion unless he had to.

It's a pity that now in the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty, apart from Guo Wei, Liu Chengyou doesn't know who to ask.

"I wonder if Privy Councilor Guo has any suggestions?" Liu Chengyou forced out a smile.

Guo Wei opened his eyes, was silent for a moment, and said with a wry smile: "When the imperial court sent troops half a year ago, I suggested that General Gao Xingzhou should stay in Luoyang as the commander-in-chief. Now that General Gao Xingzhou was injured in the fight with Li Shouzhen, he only I'm afraid it's just because of my weakness. I agree with the idea of ​​changing the coach, but there is no good candidate for the time being."

Guo Wei was a little hesitant when he spoke. After all, there were some words that he couldn't say out of his mouth, otherwise he would be criticized.

Shi Hongzhao said sarcastically: "In the official family, Uncle Li Ye is capable of both literary and military skills. He has many insights into the court's counter-rebellion from the very beginning. I suggest that Uncle Li Guo be asked to take command and lead the troops to counter the rebellion! Wang Jun has already served as the supervisor of the army, allowing Li Guo to With my uncle in command and the two of them working together, they will be able to frighten the rebels and wipe out Guanzhong as quickly as possible!"

There were bursts of chuckles from the courtiers, Liu Chengyou's face trembled, and his eyes suddenly darkened.

"Shi Hongzhao! You speak frivolously and make fun of military and national affairs. You are simply arrogant!"

Li Ye jumped out angrily, pointed at him and cursed, his face red with anger and his neck thick.Shi Hongzhao said with a smile: "Uncle Li Guo misunderstood, I sincerely recommend you to serve the country! Uncle Li Guo has always been eloquent, if he is appointed as the commander-in-chief, he may not have to fight when he arrives at the city of Tongguan. A few scoldings can make Li Nifan wake up and feel regretful, and maybe Kaicheng will surrender!"

There was laughter in the hall, Li Ye blushed, his ears were red, he was ashamed and angry, and he wanted to rush forward and fight him.

Su Fengji covered his heart with his hands, and the corners of his mouth twitched. He wanted to laugh but couldn't hold it back. He felt very uncomfortable and had to try hard to keep his expression of pain, looking very awkward.

Guo Wei smiled and shook his head. Li Ye was born as a street gangster, and Shi Hongzhao was born as a rural farmer. When he was young, he was also a famous gangster in the village.

Liu Chengyou said coldly: "In the great hall of the court, I would like to ask you all to take state affairs as your top priority."

Shi Hongzhao smiled and saluted, and then stopped his voice at the right time.

Li Ye said loudly: "I recommend Gao Xingzhou, who stays in Luoyang, to be the commander-in-chief of the army!"

Immediately some courtiers objected: "Old General Gao Xingzhou is injured, and he is afraid that he will not be able to do what he wants. If he forces himself, if he makes a mistake on the front line, he will be afraid that the morale of the army will be shaken, and it will give the rebels an opportunity to take advantage of him!"

Li Ye said angrily: "I recommend Murong Yanchao to return to the German army again!"

Shi Hongzhao ridiculed: "Murong Yanchao's military exploits are not as good as Bai Wenke's, how can he suppress the generals?"

Yang Bin also spoke up: "Li Shouzhen rebelled and sent envoys to contact the Tang lord Li Jing. Now Li Jing is dispatching troops and generals in the Huai River area, and Murong Yanchao is stationed in Bozhou to defend the Tang army. We really can't do anything lightly!"

Liu Chengyou looked ugly and knew that Yang Bin was telling the truth.

Murong Yanchao is Liu Zhiyuan's half-brother, he can be considered his uncle, and he has always been loyal.

If Murong Yanchao is allowed to lead the army, he will feel relieved.

But we have to consider the movements of the Tang army in the south.

If the Tang army crossed the Huaihe River and invaded, the imperial court would probably be overwhelmed by fighting on two fronts.

Li Ye said angrily: "Then transfer the Hedong Jiedu envoy to go south from Ruan!"

Shi Hongzhao sneered and said: "How can we move the important town east of the river lightly? If the Khitan invades, who will be responsible? Uncle Li Guo, don't pat your head again and talk nonsense!"

Li Ye gritted his teeth and glared at him with hatred in his eyes.

Shi Hongzhao ignored him and said loudly: "Officials, with Privy Guo here, why should we sacrifice the near and seek the distant? In terms of military merit and popularity, how many generals in our dynasty are as good as Privy Guo? If Privy Guo is appointed as the commander-in-chief, all the soldiers and horses will surely be defeated. I am sincerely convinced and willing to listen to my orders!"

Liu Chengyou was expressionless and did not make any statement.

Li Ye immediately objected loudly: "There is no precedent in all dynasties for a privy envoy to lead troops. Privy Council Guo is sitting in the center, how can he be both prime minister and general?"

Shi Hongzhao snorted coldly: "In extraordinary times, you should use extraordinary measures! Privy Secretary Guo is the best choice at the moment."

Yang Bin lightly echoed: "I also mean the same thing."

Guo Wei glanced at him unexpectedly and thanked him in a low voice. Yang Bin smiled slightly and said nothing.

Liu Chengyou said in a deep voice: "What does Su Xianggong mean?"

Su Fengji covered his heart, coughed twice, and said feebly: "With Privy Council Guo's ability and prestige, it is not a problem to be the commander-in-chief, but as Uncle Li Guo said, there is no precedent for a Privy Council envoy to lead troops, and it is suspected of exceeding the limit!"

Shi Hongzhao said angrily: "Li Shouzhen's banner of King Qin has been hung all over Guanzhong. The rebels are arrogant and the counter-rebellion war is imminent. If the imperial court does not return the favor and Li Shouzhen has won the hearts of Guanzhong, I am afraid that the next step will be to proclaim himself emperor and fight against our court." , staged a great drama of the Qin-Han conflict!"

"Cough cough cough~~~" Su Fengji looked very painful as his face was squeezed together, and he coughed violently, becoming sickly and silent.

The courtiers started talking in all directions, and the main hall was once again involved in a debate.

Liu Chengyou's expression was unpredictable and hesitant.

"The Queen Mother has arrived!" A high-pitched and sharp voice sounded outside the Zichen Hall.

Queen Mother Li Sanniang walked into the hall.

"See the Queen Mother!"

The courtiers were surprised and hurriedly bowed to the palace.

Li Sanniang is over forty years old, and her appearance is not a standard beauty type. Instead, she has a square forehead, broad eyebrows, and long eyebrows, making her look dignified and majestic.

She comes from a farm family and has worked in the fields since she was a child. She has a stout frame and large hands and feet.

In recent years, her status has been respected, but she is not pampered. Next to the harem and bedroom, there are several acres of fields that she cultivates herself.

Li Sanniang was a simple person by nature, but now that she is the Queen Mother, even though she is wearing a golden phoenix and a hairpin, she still wears patched common clothes.

When the Queen Mother arrived, Su Fengji couldn't sit still anymore and hurriedly got up to greet Guo Wei and others.

Li Sanniang warmly signaled to the four ministers that they did not need to be polite, and specially nodded to Guo Wei.

"How come the queen is here?" Liu Chengyou was a little unhappy, but he still stood up to greet her.

Li Yepidian came forward, smiled flatteringly and stretched out his hand to support him. Li Sanniang waved her hand and refused, walked up the jade steps and sat down on the imperial throne.

Liu Chengyou stood aside.

"I came here today only to suppress the rebellion in Guanzhong. Is there any conclusion on how the imperial court decided?" Li Sanniang looked around the hall, and finally looked at Liu Chengyou with a questioning look.

Liu Chengyou said: "It is basically agreed to change the coach and be responsible for commanding the troops to counter the rebellion."

Li Sanniang asked again: "Is there anyone who can choose?"

Liu Chengyou mumbled and said nothing.

Shi Hongzhao took a step forward and said: "To inform the Queen Mother, for the current plan, it is the safest way to let Privy Secretary Guo take command and go on an expedition. Most of the courtiers have the same view."

Li Sanniang nodded, glanced at Guo Wei, and said: "If Guo Gong is in charge, Yu and the emperor will naturally feel at ease. Since there is a candidate, why are we still arguing just now?"

Shi Hongzhao said: "Uncle Guo and others feel that the privy envoy and the commander of the army are suspected of exceeding the regulations. There is no precedent to follow, so they are still under discussion."

Li Sanniang frowned and looked at her brother. Li Ye shrank his neck and lowered his head with a smile.

After thinking about it for a moment, Li Sanniang said in a deep voice: "It is true that the Privy Envoy led the troops in many ways that violated the rules, but the matter is urgent and the priority is to suppress the rebellion! I have made the final decision on this matter, and immediately issued an edict to confer Guo Wei as the Taoist inside the pass. All the camps and camps are deployed, the military governors of the states are in charge of the festival, and all the ministries of the imperial court and all prefectures and counties must cooperate!"

"The Queen Mother is wise! I obey the decree!" Shi Hongzhao bowed loudly.

All the ministers in the palace also responded in unison.

Liu Chengyou looked unwilling. Unfortunately, apart from Guo Wei, he could not find another important minister suitable to lead the army at the moment. He had to hand over his hand and said: "My son, I hereby obey my mother's decree."

Guo Wei's face was filled with emotion, and he bowed down and kowtowed: "I will definitely live up to the trust of the Queen Mother and the officials!"

Li Sanniang quickly walked down the jade steps, leaned over to help Guo Wei down, and said softly: "It's hard for my brother to go on an expedition and endure all the hardships for this great country. My mother and son are grateful. Brother, go in peace, I have my sister at home to take care of you."

"Third sister." Guo Wei was moved and sighed in a low voice.

Li Sanniang smiled and nodded slightly.

Guo Wei and Liu Zhiyuan and his wife had known each other since they were young. They hit it off immediately and called Liu Zhiyuan his brother. They also called Li Sanniang sworn brother and sister.

We have supported each other for many years and have a deep relationship.

It's just that after Liu Zhiyuan became emperor and had the status of emperor and minister, his contacts with him became much less frequent.

Li Sanniang often brought Guo Wei's wife Zhang and their children into the palace to show her undiminished favor.

Guo Wei was grateful, so even if Liu Chengyou didn't like him, he didn't care too much.

Li Sanniang made a decision as the Queen Mother, and no one in the court dared to criticize her.

Guo Wei also transferred Chai Rong to lead the Tianxiong Army under his command, and together they went to Guanzhong to quell the rebellion.

(End of this chapter)