The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 569
Chai Rong's method of handling the dispute between An Shouzhong and Zhang Qiong was to give each other [-] blows.

An Shouzhong was punished by confiscation of salary for one year, and he returned to his hometown to observe mourning for one year.

Zhang Qiong was demoted to the commander of the first army on the left side of the Gongsheng Army, which was equivalent to being demoted from the commander of the army to the company commander.

Anyone with a discerning eye knows very well who His Majesty places the main responsibility for this trouble.

Public opinion in both the government and the public naturally favored An Shouzhong, and some praised Zhang Qiong for being a righteous man, but such voices became insignificant under deliberate guidance.

More voices are accusing Zhang Qiong of not knowing people well and being stubborn and reckless. He is only suitable for leading troops in war and is not suitable for holding important positions in the Forbidden Army and stationed in Kaifeng.

The Tokyo Times published a number of articles directly pointing out that some generals in the Imperial Palace have the mentality of feudal lords and have contempt for court rules and national laws.

Under repeated pressure, Zhao Kuangyin had no choice but to transfer Zhang Qiong out of Feng and demoted him to Xuzhou as a military commander, allowing him to hone his skills there for several years.

The chain reaction triggered by the murder of Chen Wang An Shenqi developed in a direction beneficial to him under Zhu Xiu's manipulation.

An Shouzhong hated Zhao Kuangyin for shielding Zhang Qiong, and Gao Huaide, Cao Bin and others also criticized Zhao Kuangyin.

Although they have a good relationship with Zhao Kuangyin, An Shouzhong, Gao Huaide, and Cao Bin are all representatives of the Xungui Group, so they naturally want to benefit their own group.

Zhao Kuangyin promoted and recruited a group of military generals who had no foundation, which was bound to squeeze the interests of the Xungui Group.

Originally, Zhao Kuangyin had been carefully seeking a balance between the two, but because of Zhang Qiong's incident, the Xungui Group shared the same hatred. Although the two sides did not break up, they were quite unhappy.

On the contrary, Zhu Xiu took the initiative after the incident and proposed that Jiao Jixun's eldest son Jiao Shoujie be the commander of the Gongsheng Army, which gained a wave of favor from the Xungui Group.

In fact, both Zhu Xiu and Zhao Kuangyin were doing the same thing, promoting and reemploying military men from common people, so as to win over the hearts of the middle and lower classes in the Forbidden Army, and at the same time make friends with senior generals from the upper class.

Only in this way can we achieve the greatest control over the military strength of the Palace Front Division.

The Dianqian Division was led by Zhu Xiu and Zhao Kuangyin. As the supreme commander, Zhang Yongde did not interfere much. Many middle and lower-level officers were promoted by the two men. After several years of development, the Dianqian Division gradually grew, but the generals only knew privately. Duke Guo of Zhao and Duke Guo of Song.

Zhang Qiong's incident put Zhao Kuangyin, who belonged to the Xungui Group, into an embarrassing situation.

After winter, this farce stopped.

Zhao Kuangyin had no time to take care of Zhang Qiong, who was demoted to Xuzhou, because he himself was too busy.

Zhao Hongyin died of illness in late autumn.

Old Man Zhao has always had a strong body and bones, but he couldn't afford to fall ill this autumn and ultimately failed to survive the early winter.

Chai Rong ordered a grand burial, and asked Old Man Zhao to be buried with the late Emperor Song in the Song Mausoleum. He was also given a posthumous gift to the Taiwei and Duke Qian, which was considered the ultimate mourning honor.

Zhao Hong made countless meritorious deeds during his life as a soldier, but perhaps because he had experienced several generations of emperors, his achievements were evenly distributed. When each generation of emperors came to power, his achievements became insignificant, so his title remained at Tianshui County Duke during his lifetime.

Unlike his son Zhao Kuangyin, Gaoping became famous in the first battle. During the Three Expeditions to Huainan, he won great victories at Wukou, Liuhe and Zijinshan. Song Guogong.

The father and son were officials in the same dynasty and were in the imperial army. The son was my immediate boss and they went to Huainan together. This can be regarded as a good story in the list of heroes of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

In accordance with the etiquette, Zhao Kuangyin asked Ding You to resign. Of course, Chai Rong would not agree and allowed him to return to work in plain clothes.

At the end of the fifth year of Xiande's reign, it was also a good harvest season for Zhu Xiu.

Feng Qingchan gave birth to her third child, Zhu Yuancheng, and Shi Lingyan was also five months pregnant. Looking at the outline of her belly, she was probably a baby.

Zhu Xiu even thought of a name, so he called him Zhu Yuanrong.

In the middle of winter, heavy snow falls, and Qianliu Village is covered in silver.

Zhu Xiu and Zhu Wu, with their wives and children, went to Qianliu Village to enjoy the snow.

The 11-year-old niece Zhu Fang is already a slim and beautiful girl. Her every move and smile has the demeanor of a lady. Many officials and families in Beijing come to inquire about the marriage.

After the two brothers discussed it, they just said that their daughter was still young and would wait for two years.

The eldest nephew Zhu Yuanliang is a brave young man of sixteen or seventeen years old, serving in the Tiger Wing Army with his master Pan Mei.

Zhu Yuanyuan, who is almost five years old, and Zhu Yuanzhan, who is three years old, run wildly all over the snow garden like two wild horses, leaving a series of small footprints on the white snow.

The two siblings were throwing snowballs, their little hands were red from the cold, and their little faces covered with mud and snow were also red, but they never tired of it.

The four-year-old Zhu Yuanjian is not as cheerful as his eldest sister and second brother. He is wearing a coat and a small big-eared hat. He has his two short arms behind his back and walks steadily on his short legs. From time to time he walks Shaking his little head, he looked around at the scenery in the village.

"Brother, come and build a snowman!" Zhu Yuanyuan called excitedly.

This girl and her follower Zhu Yuanzhan built a snowman with piles of snow.

Zhu Yuanjian glanced at his siblings, curled his lips, and seemed to be quite disdainful of their children's tricks. He shook his head and muttered: "I don't want children's things. You play, I want to go over there to see the snow scene by the lake."

Behind the dolls, Zhu Xiu and others were strolling up, all smiling.

Zhou Xian chuckled and said, "Jian'er, this kid, is too old in temperament."

Fu Jinhuan glared at Zhu Xiu and said dissatisfied: "Who told this father to take Jian'er to the countryside all day long when he has nothing to do? He doesn't study hard and learn knowledge. He spends all his time asking the old farmers how to maintain and sow wheat seedlings and how to sow rice fields. Hoeing and plowing.

In addition to learning farming, he, as a father, also took Jian'er to and from docks, tile shops, guesthouses, warehouses, and even gambling houses. Tell me, can Jian'er learn well after dealing with those people all day long? "

Zhou Xian and Feng Qingchan looked at each other and smiled bitterly. Zhu Xiu was the head of the family, and Zhu Yuanjian was the eldest son. It was not Zhu Xiu who had the final say on how to teach.

Fu Jinhuan expressed dissatisfaction many times, but Zhu Xiu turned a blind eye.

Yang Qiaolian smiled and said: "My uncle's method of teaching his son is also unique."

Zhu Xiu smiled slightly, without saying anything, her eyes fell on Zhu Yuanjian, watching him lift the hem of his robe, carefully walk down a slippery path, and walk towards the lake, his eyes were full of comfort and love like an old father.

Zhu Wudao: "I think Jian'er has a calm personality and is very well-behaved in what he says and does. I can rest assured that our old Zhu family will be in his hands in the future."

Fu Jinhuan smiled and said, "You have to rely on Yuan Liang for help. He is the general of our Zhu family."

Yang Qiaolian couldn't hide the pride in her eyes, covered her mouth and giggled: "In short, none of the sons of the Zhu family are bad. In the future, the brothers will work together to carry forward the old Zhu family."

After walking around the lakeside, Zhu Xiu helped Shi Lingyan and came to sit under the pavilion. The servants had already cleaned the pavilion, brought in the stove to keep warm, and prepared hot tea.

Yang Qiaolian ate peach cake and kept talking: "My sisters have heard that there are two more wives in the palace who are pregnant with dragon seeds!"

Shi Lingyan suffered from drowsiness after she became pregnant with her second child. She fell asleep leaning on Zhu Xiu and felt a little unable to cheer up.

Zhou Xian called Zhu Yuanyuan and Zhu Yuanzhan to wipe off the mud and snow on their bodies.Feng Qingchan held Zhu Yuancheng, who was less than one year old, in her arms and smiled but did not answer.

Zhu Wu said dissatisfied: "You are the only woman who likes to chew her tongue!"

Yang Qiaolian glared at him and said, "It has spread outside the palace, and I also heard it from other people's homes!"

Yang Qiaolian pulled Fu Jinhuan: "Brother and sister, do you think this is the case?"

Fu Jinhuan smiled bitterly and said softly: "It's true. Counting the one who gave birth to the prince Zongrang, there are now three imperial wives in the palace who are pregnant. Your Majesty gave them Jingfu Palace and Yanhe Palace to live in, and sent confidants to them. Eunuchs take care of it.”

Yang Qiaolian had a look on her face: "It has been more than half a year since the imperial concubine entered the palace, and there is no movement in her belly. Instead, several low-class wives have become pregnant one after another. Tsk tsk~ It seems that your majesty doesn't like this new imperial concubine very much~"

Fu Jinhuan glanced at Zhu Xiu, smiled bitterly and said nothing.

Zhu Xiu looked indifferent.

He had already learned about this from Wang Jien.

Fu Jinwan was not having a satisfactory life in the palace, so he sent someone to summon Fu Jinhuan into the palace to complain about his sufferings.

Fu Jinwan was not favored. As far as Zhu Xiu knew, Chai Rong had never touched her, so how could she be pregnant?
"Brother, let's go for a walk over there." Suddenly, Zhu Wu pointed to a cypress forest to the west of Zhuangzi.

"Okay." Zhu Xiu called the maid and sent Shi Lingyan back to his bedroom to rest. Then he followed Zhu Wu on the snow-covered forest road and walked deep into the woods.

In winter, there are still a few branches and leaves hanging on the cypress trees, and snow accumulates on them, falling from time to time.

Zhu Wu's thick eyebrows tightened, and his face seemed a little solemn.

"There are many rumors about His Majesty nowadays, do you know?" Zhu Wu breathed into the palm of his hand and said in a deep voice.

Zhu Xiu patted the snowflakes on his cloak and said with a smile: "I've heard a few things. If you have something to say, you might as well say it directly."

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Wu lowered his voice: "Some say that His Majesty is terminally ill, and some say that His Majesty is preparing to pass on the throne to the eldest son. There are many rumors, and I don't know whether they are true or not. How is His Majesty's dragon body?"

Zhu Xiu said calmly: "What do you think, brother?"

Zhu Wu smiled bitterly and said: "What can I think? You and I are brothers. Whatever you say, brother, I will do it! If His Majesty is really seriously ill, if something unexpected happens, the court will not be in chaos. We will still Need to prepare early.”

Zhu Xiu said softly: "In case His Majesty dies unfortunately, how do you think the situation in the world will develop?"

Zhu Wu thought for a long time and then said worriedly: "The emperor's eldest son is young, so your majesty should leave the minister to take care of his life. However, the Zhou Dynasty court seems to be stable, but that is because your majesty is wise and the subjects are loyal. When your majesty dies, , the people of the ruling and opposition parties are in panic, and if the various factions in the DPRK and China lose control and balance, they are afraid that big trouble will occur."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "My brother has been an official for several years, but he quickly understood the doorways in the court."

Zhu Wu smiled bitterly and said: "Being an official and a general is said to be rich and noble, but the intrigues are really annoying. Let's just say that our former minister, you, Zhao Kuangyin, and Han Lingkun have formed their own faction. There is a clear distinction between schools.

It was better in the imperial court, where the four prime ministers restricted each other, unlike in the army where there were distinct factions.

While His Majesty is here, there will naturally be no chaos in the army and the court. But once Your Majesty passes away, I am worried that chaos will break out first in the army.

I don't think Zhao Kuangyin is a simple person. He is very ambitious. You must be careful! "

After many years of experience in the military, Zhu Wu's growth impressed Zhu Xiu.

Being able to make such an analysis shows that he has long been aware of the increasingly fierce struggle in the front office.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "Brother, do you think Zhao Kuangyin is seeking the throne?"

Zhu Wudao: "If Your Majesty were here, he would naturally not dare and would not have the ability. But without Your Majesty, Zhao Kuangyin would not be willing to submit to others!"

Zhu Xiu smiled, took two steps with his hands behind his hands, and suddenly said: "Brother, how do you think I compare with Zhao Kuangyin?"

Zhu Wu smiled and said: "Except for being inferior in martial arts, Zhao Da'er is naturally not as good as you in other aspects!"

Zhu Xiu laughed and said: "The fight between me and Zhao Kuangyin has started since the military reform in front of the palace. He is unwilling to be subordinate to others, and neither am I! The only one who can sincerely respect me and me is your majesty!"

Therefore, it seems that Zhao Kuangyin and I don’t have much conflict, but in fact, the two of us are destined to not coexist! "

Zhu Wu was stunned for a moment and said in confusion: "What do you mean?"

Zhu Xiu shook off the snowflakes on his body and said solemnly: "Once His Majesty dies, the imperial power will inevitably fall when the eldest son is still young! I will do my best to fight for this destiny at all costs!"

Zhu Wu was stunned, staring at him with a shocked but not too surprised look.

After a long while, Zhu Wu came back to his senses, grinned honestly and said, "Okay!"

He laughed louder and louder, and suddenly knelt down on one knee and clasped his fist heavily in salute.

"Brother, what are you doing? Get up quickly!" This time it was Zhu Xiu's turn to be startled, and he hurriedly bent down to help him.

Zhu Wu broke away, with a pair of bright eyes showing enthusiasm: "You and I are brothers, we are from the same mother and father. It was you who saved my brother's life. Without you, my brother's family would have died in Jiangning long ago. How could we be where we are today?"

You are the backbone of our Zhu family. My brother is willing to listen to your orders and follow you to the death!

You are the head of the Zhu family. Even if my brother risks his life, he will help you become the emperor of this world!Only with you can the Zhu family be honored forever! "

"Brother, get up!" Zhu Xiu sighed and helped him up. The two brothers held each other's hands tightly.

Zhu Wu couldn't hide his excitement and said: "Brother has never done anything big in this life, but as long as this thing is done, it will be regarded as a glorious ancestor and leave a name in history! Just tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Gao Huaide is about to be promoted to Marquis of Sidu Yu in front of the palace, my elder brother followed him to fight in Huainan, he can be regarded as his subordinate, in the future we will continue to make friends, pay attention to the relationship between him and Zhao Kuangyin.

Ma Renyu is a good piece of material. If possible, I will keep it for my own use in the future.

You pretend not to know anything about the affairs in the palace, and don't express your opinions easily when asked.From now on, I will send someone to be responsible for the communication between you and me. Otherwise, don’t trust anyone else! "

Zhu Wu nodded solemnly: "Brother, I will keep your words in mind and never forget them for a moment!"

"Also, in the spring of next year, if His Majesty's dragon body improves, the Northern Expedition to Khitan will begin as scheduled. When the time comes, I will accompany him on the expedition, and you will find a way to stay in Kaifeng."

Zhu Xiu looked at him deeply and warned in a deep voice: "This is a road that cannot be turned back. Once you embark on it, you will either aspire to dominate the world and create a foundation for eternity, or you will die and your family will be destroyed. Brother, have you thought about it?"

Zhu Wu took a deep breath, his eyes were firm, and he nodded vigorously.

Zhu Xiu held his calloused hands tightly, with a slightly ferocious expression, and said in a voice that was almost a growl: "The Zhu family in Dingyuan will be prosperous by you and me!"

(End of this chapter)