The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 195 The Beginning of Chaos
Less than ten days after Guo Wei led his army to Qizhou, he received an urgent edict from Kaifeng. Emperor Liu Chengyou ordered him to return to the court quickly.

Jiao Jixun, the former military envoy of the Fengxiang Army, returned to the court to serve. Zhao Hui, the military envoy of the Shunyi Army, was appointed as the military envoy of the Fengxiang Army. He was also responsible for the deployment of the southwest camp and was fully responsible for the defense of the Shu army.

As a last resort, after Guo Wei and Zhao Hui completed the handover of military affairs, he and Jiao Jixun hurried back to Kaifeng and went to the palace to see him in early July.

"Your Majesty, Guo Wei, come to see you!"

In the Zichen Palace, Guo Wei, who had rushed back after a long journey, had not even had time to take off his military uniform before he was summoned into the palace by Liu Chengyou.

"Mr. Guo, please get up quickly!"

Liu Chengyou, dressed in a new bright yellow Nine Dragons round-neck robe, sat high on the dragon chair on the jade steps, smiling kindly in the spring breeze.

Recently, his good uncle Li Ye found a stunning beauty with skin as soft as gel and a graceful figure. Liu Chengyou loved her so much that she took her into the harem and named her Mrs. Geng.

Liu Chengyou and Mrs. Geng were in love with each other every day, and they had not gone to court for half a month.

This time Guo Wei returned to the palace to pay an audience. This was the first time he appeared in front of courtiers in half a month.

Liu Chengyou was nourished by the beauty, so he was naturally in a good mood, and said with a smile: "Mr. Guo conquered the rebellious ministers in one fell swoop, calmed down the Guanzhong, and made another great contribution to our dynasty. I will hold a grand banquet in the Qingshou Palace in three days, and join the princes of the Manchu Dynasty. Celebrate Duke Guo’s victory, and then spread the decree to all prefectures and counties to publicize Duke Guo’s illustrious military exploits to the world!”

Guo Wei hurriedly bowed down and said: "I accept the emperor's order to go on an expedition and share the worries of the officials. This is the duty of a minister. Only with the prosperity of the officials and the lives of the soldiers can we defeat the rebels. How dare I take credit! Please reward the officials and soldiers of the three armies. Generals who have made meritorious deeds are rewarded, but as for the ministers’ trivial achievements, it is enough to be commended by the official’s golden mouth, and I will never dare to receive any more rewards!”

"Hey, Mr. Guo is too humble!" Liu Chengyou pretended to be displeased, "Mr. Guo is the pillar of our dynasty. He has done a great job in quelling the rebellion and stabilizing the people of the country. How can we not reward him?"

If Guo Wei wanted to say anything else, Liu Chengyou waved his hand and said: "I will allocate a sum of money from the internal funds to reward the army, commend the three armies, and then let the Privy Council, together with the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Etiquette, award the meritorious officers according to the merit book. As for Guo Gong's reward, we will wait for it. After the celebration banquet, I will summon the four ministers of Gu Ming to discuss it before making a decision."

Guo Wei had no choice but to prostrate himself again: "I thank you for your kindness!"

Liu Chengyou casually asked some questions about the western expedition to Puzhou, and listened absently to Guo Wei's account of the war.

After a while, Liu Chengyou took a few sips from the tea cup and winked at another person standing in the hall, his uncle Li Ye.

Li Ye understood, raised his hands and smiled and said: "The military report submitted by Duke Guo has been read by the officials. After gathering Prime Minister Su Fengji, Xuanhui Beiyuan Envoy Wang Jun and other important ministers to discuss it, they have several questions that I would like to ask Duke Guo for advice!"

"Uncle Guo, it's okay to say so." Guo Wei said solemnly.

Li Ye and Liu Chengyou looked at each other and said with a smile: "This is about the selection of the military commander of the Tianxiong Army. Chai Rong was transferred to the military commander of the Yongxing Army and took charge of Chang'an to rebuild the Yongxing Army. Guo Gong asked Hu Yanke to temporarily take over. Take charge of the Tianxiong Army. Now that the Tianxiong Army has returned to Yedu, is it possible to consider appointing another Jiedu envoy?"

Guo Wei's eyes narrowed slightly. As expected by Wei Renpu, Li Ye took the lead in making trouble for the Tianxiong Army. He wanted to take advantage of Chai Rong's transfer from Chang'an to completely take away the Tianxiong Army's military power and completely separate the Tianxiong Army from Guo Wei. open.

"Hu Yanke is mature and prudent. I think there is nothing wrong with him serving as the commander-in-chief of the Tianxiong Army!"

Guo Wei said in a deep voice, "I would like to ask the officials to let Hu Yanke serve for a period of time in the name of school inspection. If his performance is not good, it will not be too late to replace him!"

"This." Liu Chengyou pretended to be embarrassed and glanced at Li Ye.

Li Ye hurriedly said: "Guo Gong's words are wrong! The Tianxiong Army guards Yedu and controls the throat of Hebei. It is the center of Hebei's defense against the Khitans. The post of Tianxiong Army Jiedu Envoy is of great importance and must be selected. Talented ministers and famous commanders are appointed and cannot be changed easily.

Although the old general Hu Yanke is also a famous general in our dynasty, but with his prestige and qualifications, I am afraid that he is not enough to command the Tianxiong Army, guarding Yedu as a barrier for our dynasty to the north.Moreover, Old General Hu is 64 years old and has limited energy. I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to deal with the complicated affairs in Yedu, so it's better to choose a successor now. "

Liu Chengyou also hurriedly said: "Old General Hu Yanke was recommended by Mr. Guo. I naturally believe that General Hu has the ability to lead the Tianxiong Army. However, the old general is old after all, and I am also thinking about his health.

General Hu was previously the military envoy of the Zhenning Army and was far away in Guanzhong. Now that he is back this time, he does not have to go far. I have appointed him as the military envoy of the Zhenning Army. He can go to Chanzhou to recuperate, and it is also convenient for him to spend time with his family and children. Reunion. "

Guo Wei frowned, seeming to be hesitating.

Liu Chengyou and Li Ye were a little nervous, fearing that he would not agree.

After a while, Guo Wei nodded, cupped his hands and said: "What the officials said is reasonable, but I didn't think it through carefully. According to what the officials said, I transferred Hu Yanke to Chanzhou, and selected some capable officials to go to Yedu to take over the Tianxiong Army."

Liu Chengyou secretly breathed a sigh of relief, looking undecided, wondering: "But who should be sent to lead the Tianxiong Army?"

There was a strange light in the slits of Li Ye's eyes, like a poisonous snake dormant in winter. He just opened his eyes in early spring and said with a smile: "The Tianxiong Army has been commanded by Duke Guo before, so it is better to return it to Duke Guo."

Liu Chengyou pretended to think for a moment and agreed: "I think it is feasible, so Duke Guo will also lead the Tianxiong Army as a privy envoy!"

Guo Wei secretly became wary. The officials and Li Ye's singing seemed to be a deliberate test.

Fortunately, Guo Wei and Wei Renpu discussed it on the way back to Kaifeng and already had a way to deal with it.

Immediately, Guo Wei bowed his head and said solemnly: "I would like to thank the officials for their love and uncle Li Guo's recommendation! However, it is against the imperial system for me to lead the army as a privy envoy. When I return to the imperial court this time, I will return my military power." , to perform the duties of the privy envoy with peace of mind. In the past dynasties, there has never been a precedent for the privy envoy to also take charge of a feudal town. I dare not violate the rules again, so I ask the officials to take back my order!"

Guo Wei dropped his cloak and knelt down on one knee.

Liu Chengyou sighed: "Guo Gong holds a high position but abides by etiquette. He is really a model of a wise minister! However, the selection of Tianxiong Army Commander is very important. If Guo Gong is not responsible for it, I don't know who to appoint for a while!"

Li Ye answered: "Don't worry about the officials, I have a candidate who I think is more suitable."

Liu Chengyou hurriedly said, "Who is it?"

Li Ye smiled and said: "King Linqing, Taiwei, Gao Xingzhou!"

Liu Chengyou thought for a while and said: "Liu Taiwei is also a famous commander in our dynasty, but he is about the same age as Hu Yanke. This time he returned to Kaifeng to recuperate. I intend to keep him in Kaifeng for a long time. I really can't bear to let the old Taiwei go to Yedu again." , to work on state affairs.”

Li Ye said: "Yesterday, I just visited Linqing Prince's Mansion. The old prince's injuries are no longer serious. He eats wine and meat every meal as young as a young man. He still wields a bow and practices swordsmanship in the mansion. His majesty is still the same as before! The old prince also asked me to express my gratitude to him. Your Majesty said that he wants to return to Luoyang and continue to guard Xijing for His Majesty!"

"Haha~! It's a great blessing for the country that Lord Gao has recovered from his injury!" Liu Chengyou's face was full of joy.

Guo Wei smiled and said: "Captain Gao is getting stronger and stronger. It is most suitable for him to serve as the military commander of the Tianxiong Army, even in Ye."

Liu Chengyou smiled and said: "So, Mr. Guo agrees to hand over the Tianxiong Army to the command of Lord Gao?"

Guo Wei said solemnly: "No matter how famous the Tianxiong Army is, it is just a military town in the country, and it is not a part of the minister. How to deal with it depends entirely on the official's will. As a privy envoy, the minister is only assisting the official in controlling the military. The most important thing is to provide consultation and advice to the officials."

Liu Chengyou announced impatiently: "Then it's settled that Gao Xingzhou will take over as the envoy of Tianxiong Army and take charge of Yedu! I will order someone to draft an edict later."

"The official is a wise man!" Li Ye flattered and smiled. The two looked at each other and both breathed a sigh of relief, each feeling a little proud.

In their view, this was considered as successfully taking away the military power of the Tianxiong Army from Guo Wei.

After that, the most powerful military power under Guo Wei's direct lineage will be nationalized.

Guo Wei looked calm: "I dare to ask the officials about the military report. I wonder if the officials have any questions?"

Liu Chengyou winked at Li Ye, and Li Ye hurriedly said: "For this second matter, the court has not yet decided how to deal with Jiao Jixun. The officials said they want to wait until Duke Guo returns to the court for discussion before making a decision."

Liu Chengyou said: "Jiao Jixun guarded Qizhou and failed to guard against the Shu army. I want to depose him as the training envoy of the Xinzhou regiment as a punishment. I wonder what Mr. Guo will do?"

Guo Wei thought for a while, then cupped his hands and said: "Jiao Jixun did not notice in time that Wang Jingchong and Li Shouzhen colluded, which led to civil strife in Qizhou, so that the Shu army wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and invaded the pass. These crimes are all true. The officials are aware of them, and the ministers are not aware of them. That said. However, since the civil strife broke out in Qizhou, Jiao Jixun has always kept Wang Jingchong firmly involved in Qizhou and has never let the war spread elsewhere.

When the Shu army was knocking at the pass, he still remained calm in the face of danger. He personally went out to attack the Shu army camp and forced the Shu army to retreat without losing the dignity of the official family and the majesty of our court. It can be regarded as a great achievement.

With such merits and demerits being balanced, I believe that Jiao Jixun should not be held too accountable for his crimes. "

Liu Chengyou said displeasedly: "Jiao Jixun and Wang Jingchong worked together in Qizhou. Wang Jingchong secretly colluded with Li Shouzhen from him, but he had no idea about it, which caused civil strife in Qizhou and the strength of Fengxiang Army was greatly damaged. Shouldn't he be responsible for this?"

Guo Wei said sincerely: "Wang Jingchong is Fengxiang's inspector and is nominally Jiao Jixun's deputy, but he has been running Qizhou longer than Jiao Jixun and has a high prestige among the Fengxiang army. If he deliberately conceals it, it will be extremely difficult for Jiao Jixun to discover him." conspiracy.

To be fair, if I were in Jiao Jixun's position, I wouldn't have done better than him. "

"Then how should Mr. Guo deal with him?"

Guo Wei said: "The officials might as well call him into the palace and reprimand him face to face, but instead of inventing a decree to convict him, they can appoint him as General Zuoyu Linwei, the inspector, and stay in the imperial army. In this way, Jiao Jixun will definitely be grateful to the officials. In my heart, I always keep in mind the grace and power of the official family.”

Liu Chengyou nodded secretly, Guo Wei's words made him a little moved.

Although Jiao Jixun was implicated by Wang Jingchong and was troubled by the mess in Qizhou in the early stage of the Guanzhong rebellion, he still managed to get through the difficulties without any danger, trying his best to protect Qizhou and not let the Shu army cross the pass.

Jiao Jixun was also a famous general with great military exploits in the dynasty. If he could be brought back, it would be of great benefit to the consolidation of imperial power.

Liu Chengyou looked at Li Ye, who nodded slightly.

"As Mr. Guo said, when you are old enough to seek the country, I will issue an order later to summon Jiao Jixun to the palace." Liu Chengyou accepted Guo Wei's proposal with a smile.

"The third thing is about the reward given to Zhu Xiu of Zhangyi Army in Jingzhou. Duke Guo ranked him at the forefront in the military merit book and asked the court to appoint him as the Marching Commander of Zhangyi Army and the governor of Jingzhou. But as far as I know, This Zhu Xiu has not yet reached the age of weaklings. I am afraid it is not appropriate for a mere commoner boy to be suddenly promoted to a high position."

Li Ye shook his head and raised his third objection.

Liu Chengyou said with a cold face: "This son is insidious and cunning, cunning and rascal. I have learned it deeply in Cangzhou. If Chai Rong hadn't stopped him, I would have chopped off his head. This son is hiding in Jingzhou, relying on Shi Kuangwei To stir up trouble, he first offended Li Yiyin, the convict soldier, and then encouraged Shi Kuangwei to collect and sell salt privately, seizing the country's salt profits.

Li Yiyin and Wang Jun wrote many times, requesting the court to depose Shi Kuangwei, arrest Zhu Xiu, and hold them accountable.I am concerned that the rebellion in Guanzhong has not been put down, and I do not want to cause trouble.Now that the war is over, it is a good opportunity to blame the Changyi Army.

However, Mr. Guo came forward to ask for merit for Zhu Xiu at this moment, which really embarrassed me. "

Guo Wei hurriedly knelt down on one knee: "I went all the way west to Guanzhong to inquire about the rumors about Zhangyi Army, but most of them are false. There is indeed a salt factory in Jingzhou, but most of the rock salt produced is distributed to Zhangyi soldiers and civilians for free. The so-called Selling salt privately is just a result of rampant salt dealers and repeated bans.

As for the death of Li Yiyin's nephew in Jingzhou, there are many mysteries, and the court should not believe Li Yiyin's words.Since the founding of our country, the Dingnan Army has relied on force and moved far away from the Central Plains. It has become more arrogant and arrogant, and has violated the official will and the imperial decree.

If the Zhangyi Army is dealt with in order to appease the Dangxiang Li family, it will probably chill the hearts of other feudal vassals and make the subjects complain a lot, thinking that the officials and the court have nothing to do with the Dangxiang people, but will only increase their domineering arrogance! "

"This" Liu Chengyou hesitated. Guo Wei was right. If Zhang Yijun and Shi Kuangwei were punished based solely on Li Yiyin's complaint, I'm afraid the people in the world would say that he was a dignified Han emperor, but he couldn't suppress his unruly behavior. party people.

Li Ye hurriedly spoke out and said: "Let's not talk about the grievances between Dangxiang and Changyi Army for the moment. Let's take Shi Kuangwei and Zhu Xiu's private collection and production of salt. They have violated the imperial ban. Shouldn't they be punished?"

Guo Wei glanced at him and said in a deep voice: "What's the real situation? Sushi Li is far away in Kaifeng. He must not listen to what one family says. He should send people to investigate more and draw a conclusion.

Before that, Zhang Yijun and Zhu Xiu were meritorious soldiers of our Western Expedition. As the commander-in-chief, Guo Wei should take credit for his subordinates!If rewards and punishments are unclear, how can we show the king's kindness?How to establish the prestige of the imperial court?How to subdue the three armies? "

After Guo Wei went out to fight for more than a year, Li Ye finally overcame all difficulties and became the coveted post of Third Secretary Envoy. He controlled the country's financial power and was known as the "planning prime minister" in the court.

I thought I would have the confidence to compete with Guo Wei from now on, but I didn't expect to be swept away by that powerful gaze, and I still had a chilling feeling of being watched by a tiger.

Li Ye gritted his teeth and forced himself to argue: "But Zhu Xiu is only a young man, Guo Gong actually ranked him at the top of the military merit list, and reported it to the imperial court for a big reward. If it is spread, it may not be convincing to the soldiers of the Western Expedition."

Guo Wei solemnly said: "Zhu Xiu's contribution is well known to all the military. Qizhou annihilated Wang Jingchong, Huazhou pacified Zhao Siwan, and Huazhou defeated Puzhou City. Zhu Xiu played a decisive role in each of them! If Li Si If you don’t believe it, you can call the generals of the Western Expedition to ask! With Zhu Xiu’s merits, if he is not even rewarded by the court, it will chill the hearts of the officers and soldiers of the three armies and question the unclear rewards and punishments of the court!”

Liu Chengyou looked at Guo Wei who was kneeling in the hall, his eyes darkened, and he secretly clenched his fists.

Guo Wei's argumentative attitude was something he had not expected. If the stalemate continues like this, I'm afraid he won't compromise easily.

Li Ye wanted to argue a few more words, but Liu Chengyou stopped him with a light cough, forced a smile and said, "Mr. Guo has always been strict in his orders and clear in rewards and punishments. I believe that there is absolutely no falsification in the military reports that Guo Gong reported to the imperial court! There is no need to argue about this matter." , according to the request of the military newspaper, reward the soldiers for their meritorious service!"

Guo Wei hurriedly bowed down in gratitude: "Your Majesty is wise! On behalf of the officers and men of the armed forces, I would like to express my gratitude to Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

Liu Chengyou smiled and said: "Okay, Mr. Guo has had a hard time on his journey. He will go back to his hometown to rest and reunite with his family for the time being. He will bring his wife to the palace for a banquet in three days!"

"I thank you, Your Majesty! I retire!" Guo Wei kowtowed again, bowed his hands to Li Yegong, and exited the hall.

Watching his leaving figure, Liu Chengyou's face gradually darkened, and he punched the imperial case in annoyance.

Li Ye climbed up the jade steps with the hem of his robe in hand and asked urgently: "Why did the officials just agree to Guo Wei's request and approve the list of rewards he submitted to the court, especially Zhu Xiu? Don't the officials hate this person deeply?"

Liu Chengyou snorted coldly: "You also saw Guo Wei's attitude just now. If I don't agree on this matter, I'm afraid he won't compromise easily."

"So what if you don't compromise? This is Kaifeng. Is it possible that Guo Que'er still dares to raise troops to rebel?" Li Ye sneered disdainfully.

Liu Chengyou shook his head and said: "Guo Wei's military achievements are too great and his prestige is too high. Even if he does not command the army, many generals of the Forbidden Army in Kaifeng are inextricably linked to him. A single move can affect the whole body. Don't be too hasty!"

Li Ye said flatteringly: "That's what the official said. But even if Guo Wei is a tiger, the official is a real dragon. No matter how fierce the tiger is, it can't rise to the sky. The official will definitely be able to suppress him! When the time is right, Just wipe out the Guo Party! From now on, all the power in the world belongs to the officials, and only the officials are the only ones in the world!"

Liu Chengyou laughed several times and felt that all the [-] pores in his body were smoothed by his good uncle's flattery.

"Successfully taking away the military power of the Tianxiong Army, Guo Wei, the tiger, is like losing his claws and teeth, and there is nothing to worry about from now on. However, the sick tiger can still hurt people when it makes a fuss, so I don't need to push too hard. I will reward his subordinates to calm his mind, and go to Then we will strip away the power from his hands little by little." Liu Chengyou sneered again and again.

Li Ye flattered a few more words and said: "The Zhangyi Army is afraid that they have taken refuge in Guo Wei, and the officials must be on guard. There are also Shi Hongzhao, Yang Bin and others who rely on ministers to take care of their lives and do not take the officials into consideration. It is really their duty to kill!"

Liu Chengyou hummed: "The Changyi Army is located in a remote area, with few soldiers and few generals, so it will not be able to achieve success. I will send a deputy envoy to Jiedu to watch Shi Kuangwei and Zhu Xiu's every move. I bet they will not be able to cause trouble."

As for Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin."

There was a sinister look in Liu Chengyou's eyes. These two ministers had disobeyed him many times and had become a thorn in his side.

Li Ye said sadly: "The officials wanted to make Mrs. Geng their concubine. It was originally a natural thing, but the two went to the Queen Mother to complain in an extravagant manner, and even provoked the Queen Mother to reprimand the officials. Such behavior, Where do you see officials in your eyes?"

Liu Chengyou snorted angrily and gritted his teeth: "I will kill Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin!"

A sinister and sinister smile flashed across Li Ye's face.

Guo Wei was not in court, so Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin were his biggest enemies.

Li Ye wanted to cultivate party members to control the government, and these two ministers who cared about life were an obstacle that he could not get around.

Since you can't get around it, smash it to pieces!
Guo Wei will be immobile for a while, but Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin don't have so many scruples.

If he could get rid of Shi and Yang, his reputation as Uncle Li Guo would definitely reach a higher level!
Li Ye couldn't help but beam with excitement, longing for the day when he would have the power to dominate, and one person would be inferior to ten thousand people!
(End of this chapter)