The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 162 Taking credit from Uncle Guo

Leaving aside the matter of Yan Ling Dao for the moment, Jiao Jixun once again rejected Zhu Xiu's invitation to play chess on the grounds that the commander was in a bad mood today and was not interested.

Jiao Jixun's chess style is completely different from Zhao Hui's. Zhao Hui focuses on participation and enjoying the process, while Jiao Jixun is eager to win and starts with a fierce push.

Unfortunately, the defeat was quick. The chess pieces that crossed the river were captured by Zhu Xiu in just three moves.

This guy was very concerned about gains and losses. Every time Zhu Xiu took his chess pieces, he would stare at him with a pair of gloomy eyes, showing an angry and helpless expression.

Zhu Xiu pretended not to see it, and when it was time to eat and take it, his territory was completely destroyed with one car and one shot.

In the end, Jiao Jixun was so angry that he pushed his hands and walked away.

Jiao Jixun glanced at the chessboard where the fight was in full swing, obviously showing an expression of itching for skills and wanting to operate it himself, but he hummed: "Wang Jingchong sent someone to ask for help from the Shu army, how can someone still think about playing chess?"

Zhu Xiu confiscated one of Zhao Hui's horses, turned around and said with a smile: "Jiao Shuai and General Zhao abandoned Sanguan and lured the Shu army deep into Chencang. General Zhao's generals Yao Yuanfu and Li Yancong defeated the Shu army in Chencang. Now that the Shu army has been driven out of Sanguan, what worries does Commander Jiao have?"

Jiao Jixun hummed: "Although the Shu army retreated, Wang Jingchong defended Xi County. Our army has been unable to attack for a long time. What can we do?"

Zhao Hui looked at the last car knocked down by Zhu Xiu's cannon with a painful look on his face. He sighed, and soon said with a smile: "Wang Jingchong is already a grasshopper after autumn. He can't jump for two days. He is so anxious." Commander, there is no need to worry, just patiently besiege the city and wait for the enemy to get into chaos."

Jiao Jixun opened his mouth to speak but stopped, smiled bitterly and shook his head without speaking.

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Jiao Shuai is afraid that Wang Jingchong's chaos will not be settled for a long time, and the court will blame him?"

Jiao Jixun sighed: "Now that things have happened, I have nothing to hide. Yes, that's what I mean! There is civil strife in the Fengxiang Army, and the court has issued two decrees to reprimand me. When the war is over, I'm afraid I won't be able to escape punishment. Now I just have to He wanted to catch Wang Jingchong as soon as possible and report it to the court, so as to reduce his own guilt.

I received news this morning that the imperial court has reassigned Privy Councilor Guo Wei to take charge of the counter-insurgency war. I want to make contributions as soon as possible so that I can explain myself in front of Privy Councilor Guo."

Zhu Xiu said in surprise: "Guo Shuai's appointment has been announced? Is the news confirmed?"

Jiao Jixun frowned and said: "The news was sent by Wang Shou'en from Chang'an. How can it be false? Counting the time, Privy Guo should have arrived at Tongguan City. Why, you seem to know that Privy Guo will be the commander-in-chief?"

Zhu Xiu laughed and said: "Jiao Shuai is overthinking, and I don't know how to know foretelling, how would I know?"

Jiao Jixun snorted coldly. He always felt that this kid was full of unsolvable mysteries and was very mysterious and evil.

Zhao Hui twirled his white beard and said, "It's the first time for a privy envoy to command an army, but at the moment there is only Guo privy in the court, who can hold down the generals, the decision of the officials this time is very wise."

Hearing that Uncle Guo had fully taken over the counter-insurgency war, Zhu Xiu was not in the mood to continue playing chess. After three moves, five and two, Zhao Hui's old commander died on the spot, ending the game.

Zhao Hui was stunned for a long time, not understanding how he lost.

Zhu Xiu stood up and walked to the handsome case, took back the march map, spread it out and studied it carefully.

Suddenly, Zhu Xiu raised his head and smiled: "I have a way, maybe I can lure Wang Jingchong out of the city!"

"Ok?"

Jiao Jixun and Zhao Hui looked at it at the same time. Jiao Jixun hurriedly said: "Tell me about it!"

Zhao Hui didn't care to review the game just now and wanted to hear Zhu Xiu's clever plan.

Zhu Xiu pointed at the map and said: "Two old commanders, please take a look. The Shu army dispersed from the pass and was defeated in Chencang. It has only been two days. It must not have spread to Xi County yet. Wang Jingchong must not know about it. He asked The rescuers who came have been wiped out.

We can send an army to pretend to be the Shu army, go out on the Baoxian Road to the outside of Yi County, put up a flag, and pretend to be here to meet Wang Jingchong.

Wang Jingchong knew that defending the county seat was not an option after all, so he would definitely lead his army to break out of the encirclement, join the Shu army, and then retreat to Baoxie Road, or flee east to join Zhao Siwan in Huazhou.

We can set up an ambush in two directions and take the opportunity to capture Wang Jingchong alive! "

After hearing this, Jiao Jixun and Zhao Hui looked at each other in surprise. Jiao Jixun stared at the map carefully and remained silent.

Zhao Hui nodded repeatedly: "I think this plan is feasible! Boy Zhu's brain is still easy to use! Haha~~"

Jiao Jixun nodded slightly, thinking of something, and looked at him with evil eyes: "The news of the Shu army's withdrawal from Sanguan was known two days ago. Why didn't you mention this strategy earlier? I don't believe you just came up with it!"

Zhu Xiu blinked, spread his hands and said, "It was indeed a sudden idea. In addition, Jiao Shuai was implicated by Wang Jingchong, and I also want to help Jiao Shuai defeat the enemy as soon as possible and make contributions to avoid punishment from the court."

Jiao Jixun was full of disbelief. How could he come up with such a meticulous plan just by looking at the map?
It must have been prepared and waited for the right time to throw it out.

Little bastard, what are your intentions?
Jiao Jixun secretly became vigilant. After dealing with Zhu Xiu for more than a year, he knew that this brat was not willing to suffer losses, let alone be kind to him for no reason.

Jiao Jixun snorted coldly: "No matter what your thoughts are, if the plan succeeds and captures Wang Jingchong, I will be rewarded for your favor in the future!"

Zhu Xiu rubbed his hands and said with a flattering smile: "Jiao Shuai is too polite. The traitor Wang Jingchong will be punished by everyone. But if Jiao Shuai feels guilty and wants to express his feelings, he might as well support me with another [-] kilograms of iron in Jingzhou. Don't worry, The price must be fair!”

Jiao Jixun glared and shouted angrily: "Get out!~"

"Haha~ Jiao Shuai was bitten by a snake once and was afraid of the rope for ten years!" Zhao Hui joked.

Jiao Jixun sneered: "If you want iron material, let me see the money first!"

Zhu Xiu shook his chicken feather fan and said: "I, Zhang Yijun, always pay attention to honesty and trustworthiness when doing business. Fengxiang Zhangyi is a close neighbor and friendly army. It seems a little petty for Jiao Shuai to be so cautious!"

Jiao Jixun was unmoved: "No matter what you say, I won't be fooled this time! All future transactions will be settled face to face!"

Zhu Xiu sighed: "We have been friends and neighbors for many years, but we don't even have basic trust. The world is really in decline, and people's hearts are not as old as they used to be!~"

After laughing and scolding, Jiao Jixun and Zhao Hui followed Zhu Xiu's plan and went down separately to prepare.

That night, there were signs of troops retreating from the Weihe camp. Jiao Jixun sent someone to spread the word, saying that the Shu army had broken through Sanguan and had divided troops to attack from Baoxie Road. The three towns' coalition forces were going to divide their troops to resist.

Two days later, more than [-] soldiers and horses wearing Shu army uniforms appeared at the Baoxie crossing, and a small-scale exchange of fire broke out with the coalition forces.

When the news reached Yi County, Wang Jingchong was overjoyed and ordered the entire army to prepare for war. They broke out tonight and joined the Shu army.

After nightfall, the south gate of Xi County City was opened, the suspension bridge was lowered, and Wang Jingchong personally led his troops out of the city.

The defense of the coalition forces was much more relaxed than usual, and Wang Jingchong easily broke through the outer defenses and headed towards the crossing of Baoxie Road along the Xiegu River.

In the dark night, Wang Jingchong galloped on his horse, feeling uneasy.

The breakout was so smooth that he felt a little suspicious.

But thinking about it, it is normal for the coalition forces to relax their defense in order to divide their forces to resist the Shu army.

Since it was impossible to go back after fighting out of the city, Wang Jingchong gritted his teeth and led his troops all the way to Baoxie Road.

He thought he would be greeted by the Shu army, but unexpectedly it was Zhao Hui who had been waiting for him for a long time.

The two sides fought fiercely at the mouth of the valley. Zhao Hui, a veteran with silver hair and white beard, was waiting for work and killed Wang Jingchong's rebels. They abandoned their helmets and armor and fled eastward in embarrassment.Unexpectedly, they were ambushed by Jiao Jixun himself on the way. After a brutal fight, they escaped with only dozens of his horsemen.

Jiao Jixun led his troops in pursuit.

Two days later, Wang Jingchong was besieged in a small town, set himself on fire and died.

At this point, Wang Jingchong's rebellion, which had plagued Qizhou for nine months, finally subsided.

A few days later, Zhu Xiu led the Zhangyi Army and departed to say goodbye, saying that he was going to Chang'an to assist Wang Shouen in annihilating Zhao Siwan.

In the east of Xi County, beside the Weihe pier, Zhao Hui and Jiao Jixun saw him off in person.

"I asked you why you went to Chang'an? Wang Shouen doesn't want to see you!"

Zhao Hui shook his head in confusion.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "The traitor Zhao Siwan will be punished by everyone. As a vassal of the imperial court, I, the Zhangyi Army, must of course serve the officials and the imperial court."

"Okay, okay, get out of here~" Lao Zhao waved his hand impatiently, like shooing away flies, with disgust on his face.

Jiao Jixun said in a deep voice: "Thanks to your suggestions for wiping out Wang Jingchong, I will report this matter to the court truthfully and ask for credit for you!"

Zhu Xiu thought for a while and said, "Before reporting to the court, does Jiao Shuai have to write a military report and send it to Privy Councilor Guo?"

Jiao Jixun was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said: "Privy Secretary Guo Chijie is the governor of the war. Of course he should send a military report to report the Fengxiang war."

Zhu Xiu chuckled and took out a silk book like a magic trick: "I don't need to bother Jiao Shuai to write it. I have already written it for you. Jiao Shuai only needs to find someone to copy it and use a seal!"

Jiao Jixun was stunned. He never expected that Zhu Xiu would take out a written military report and hand it to him, then take it and read it carefully.

Zhao Hui also came over to have a look.

There was nothing wrong with what was written in the military newspaper. It spelled out the causes and consequences of Wang Jingchong's rebellion, as well as the final plan to eliminate it.

But no matter how you look at it, the core meaning of this military report is only one thing: Zhu Xiu offered his plan to defeat the thieves and took the greatest credit. Without his advice, Wang Jingchong would not be able to destroy him for a while.

All the words that praised Zhu Xiu were said from the perspective of Jiao Jixun and Zhao Hui.

Zhao Hui stroked his white beard and laughed and scolded: "Good boy, this is obviously using the words of me and Jiao Shuai to ask for credit from Privy Councilor Guo!"

Jiao Jixun put away the silk book expressionlessly, gaining a new understanding of Zhu Xiu's shamelessness.

"But I don't understand. Even if you want to ask for credit and reward, you should ask for it from the officials and the court. Why should you focus on Privy Guo?" Zhao Hui asked in confusion.

Zhu Xiu sighed: "You two don't know. Back in Cangzhou, there was a small misunderstanding between the juniors and the officials, and because the salt factory and the Dingnan Army complained about these things, the officials must not be interested in the Zhangyi Army. Even if these achievements are reported to the court, I can't even get any rewards.

As the commander-in-chief of counter-rebellion, Privy Guo controls the troops in various towns. We can be considered as his subordinates and have made great contributions. Even if the imperial court does not express its intention, Privy Guo will not treat us badly. "

Zhao Hui and Jiao Jixun looked at each other. Old Zhao shook his head and muttered: "Young boy Zhu is too evil-minded!"

Jiao Jixun said in a deep voice: "In order to quell Wang Jingchong's rebellion, I will definitely report the truth to the court. It should be your credit, and I will never write less! As for how the officials and the court will award rewards, it is not something I can decide. .”

Zhu Xiu bowed his head to the ground and said: "Shuai Jiao is a magnanimous gentleman. I deeply admire you! The two elders will stay here. I will leave now. I'll see you again someday!"

After Zhu Xiu saluted the two, he boarded the ferry. The five water boats left the dock and headed east along the Weishui River.

Standing at the bow of the boat, Zhu Xiu waved goodbye, feeling quite emotional.

The strategy to deal with Wang Jingchong was planned when he entered Qizhou, and he was just waiting for a suitable opportunity to throw it out.

At this time, Guo Wei took command as a privy envoy and formally took over the counter-insurgency war.

This move is not only a favor to Uncle Guo, but also a small surprise as a meeting gift for Uncle Guo.

Another gift is Zhao Siwan, who is hiding in Huazhou.

After eliminating these two people, Uncle Guo must be more able to deal with Li Shouzhen in Tongguan.

It doesn't matter whether Liu Chengyou and the Kaifeng court remember his and Zhang Yijun's contributions, as long as Uncle Guo remembers them.

With these achievements and the friendship with Chai Rong, he will surely be able to embrace Uncle Guo's lap. The happy and beautiful life of glory and wealth in the future seems to be waving to him again.
Half a month later, Zheng County, Huazhou.

The situation in Zheng County is similar to that of Yi County. It has been besieged by Wang Shouen's heavy troops for two months.

Zhu Xiu led his army to disembark from Weinan and go to Zheng County by land.

When passing through Chang'an, Zhu Xiu asked Yan Ping to stay with [-] sergeants and be responsible for building shops in Chang'an and purchasing supplies that were in short supply for the Changyi Army.

Although Chang'an is no longer what it used to be, it is still the top priority in Guanzhong.

From now on, Chang'an will be an important transit point for Zhang Yi's army to contact Luoyang and Kaifeng.

Zhu Xiu wanted to establish a trade contact point and an information transmission point here.

After Yan Ping disembarked, Zhao Kuangyin and Shi Xiangwen, who had already been waiting in Chang'an, led 500 people from the Huying camp to board the boat and headed for Huazhou together.

Although Wang Shouen gritted his teeth as soon as he saw Zhu Xiu, the enemy was facing a formidable enemy, so putting down the rebellion was the top priority.

Zhu Xiu came under the banner of friendly forces and in the name of aiding the war. If Wang Shouen turned him away, he would be charged with sabotaging the counterinsurgency plan, and he would not be able to live with it.

"The camp of your Zhangyi Army is in the west, adjacent to our army's camp. Firewood and equipment for the military tent have been prepared. You can build the camp yourself."

Wang Shouen sent someone to bring Zhu Xiu into the camp, pointed at an empty field to the west, and said coldly.

Zhu Xiu looked far away and saw that dozens of tents had been set up. He cupped his hands and smiled and said: "Thank you to the ambassador, there is no need to build a camp. If nothing happens, we will stay for three to five days and then leave. I am still in a hurry." After going to Puzhou, I will stay soon. When I return to Jingzhou and pass through Chang'an, I will have the opportunity to visit the ambassador in person to express my gratitude."

Wang Shouen looked coldly at the two big men beside Zhu Xiu. He knew Shi Xiangwen, Shi Kuangwei's stupid son who was confused.

This was the first time he saw the fair-faced and big-eared Zhao Kuangyin. He was a wild lion wearing black scale armor and carrying a new type of wild goose feather sword on his waist. He looked majestic and majestic.

Wang Shouen couldn't help but admire in his heart. He didn't know where Zhu Xiu abducted this fierce general.

"The city of Zheng County straddles the Wei River and controls water transportation. Zhao Siwan is holding on to the city and is defending the city. How can you get to Puzhou without breaking through the city and catching the Zhao thief?" Wang Shouen sneered.

Zhu Xiu shook the chicken feather fan and said with a smile: "So I'm here to assist Wang Envoy to defeat thieves!"

(End of this chapter)