The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 573 Zhao Da takes action
Song Guogong Mansion.

Zhao Kuangyin took a stack of medical records and prescriptions that described His Majesty's condition in detail, and read them several times word for word.

"Where did these things come from?" Zhao Kuangyin asked with a stern face.

Zhao Kuangyi slowly sipped his tea and said with a smile: "Of course it is the Imperial Medical Office. Brother, rest assured, the source is reliable and absolutely true."

"How dare you spy on His Majesty's condition? This is a big no-no!" Zhao Kuangyin shouted angrily.

Zhao Kuangyi put down the teacup, and said seriously: "The current situation, besides these things are irrelevant. Elder brother, I should think about it. If His Majesty makes mistakes, the court will surely fall into turmoil. How can my Zhao family protect itself?"

Zhao Kuangyin stared at the pile of papers on the desk. Every page exposed would be a disaster for the Zhao family.

"If we really get to that point, we will naturally support the eldest son of Emperor Bao to ascend the throne and continue the imperial lineage of the Great Zhou Dynasty," Zhao Kuangyin said in a deep voice, his eyes twinkling.

Zhao Kuangyi smiled strangely: "Brother, do you really hope so? In the Kunning Palace that year, my brother once held the jade seal in his hand, and it felt so heavy that it felt like the universe was in his hand.

Now, as the commander of the capital in front of the palace, the chief inspector of the school, and the title of Duke of Song Dynasty, the elder brother is only one step away from the supreme position. Is he really willing to be loyal to a six-year-old child?
My brother has the ambition to help the world, so why is he unwilling to stand up and take on the responsibility of the country and lead the Zhao family to transform our family into a country and achieve great achievements for the ages? "

Zhao Kuangyin was short of breath, and there seemed to be heavy magic sounds in his ears, which made him feel suffocated and dizzy.

"Brother!" Zhao Kuangyi shouted, bringing him back to his senses.

Zhao Kuangyin took a deep breath: "Your Majesty has great majesty, and is even more gracious to my Zhao family. You really shouldn't have said such treacherous words!"

Zhao Kuangyi sneered and said: "If your Majesty's dragon body is healthy, he will naturally be the heart of the world. Even if you give me a hundred courages, I won't dare to have another heart!"

But His Majesty is seriously ill, and no one can say when he will suddenly collapse.

Once that happens, the government is in chaos and the young master takes the throne, how long can the world be peaceful?
Brother, if you don’t think about the Zhao family, you must also think about the people of the world!
At that time, only a stable imperial court could deter disloyalty from all directions.

Otherwise, the disaster of the vassal town will return with a vengeance, and the world will fall into disintegration again! "

Zhao Kuangyin remained calm and silent.

Zhao Kuangyi said with a smile: "Brother knows these principles better than me. The reason why I am worried is, firstly, His Majesty's kindness, and secondly, my own reputation.

Brother, just imagine, after your majesty passes away, the kindness and friendship with my Zhao family will naturally cease to exist. Waiting until the big event is completed, and treating the descendants of the Chai family well will be the best reward for your majesty.

As for the reputation of the Zhao family, there is no need to be taboo.If the Zhao family accepted Zen in the Zhou Dynasty, treated the descendants of the Chai family favorably, and extended favors to hundreds of officials, they would naturally be able to convince everyone in the world.

Those who achieve great things do not stick to trivial matters. Why should my brother look forward and backward? "

Zhao Kuangyin stared at Zhao Kuangyi with bright eyes, and suddenly said: "You are trying your best to encourage me. Is it because you are afraid that after His Majesty's death, the power of the government will fall into Zhu Xiu's hands, and he will suppress and retaliate against you in the future?
You've been in high spirits lately. Is there something you're hiding from me? "

Zhao Kuangyi smiled unnaturally and said: "Brother, you are joking. This is a critical moment for the survival of my Zhao family. How can I dare to deceive you about anything important?
As for Zhu Xiu, my brother is right, I am indeed afraid of this person.

The elder brother also knows that Your Majesty trusts Zhu Xiu more than the Zhao family. In the future, when Your Majesty entrusts an orphan, Zhu Xiu's power will definitely be higher than that of his elder brother.

Among the five commanders of the Forbidden Army, Zhang Yongde and Han Tong are loyal but lack decisiveness. Han Lingkun lacks prestige. Only Zhu Xiu is my strong enemy of the Zhao family!

If Zhu Xiu is in power, everyone else will be able to tell, but it will be difficult for the Zhao family to have a happy ending!

Han Chongyun's end is not far from Yinjian. Zhu Xiu may be able to tolerate others, but he will never tolerate the Zhao family!

Because he knows that only our Zhao family can compete with him! "

Zhao Kuangyin nodded slightly, and these words spoke to his heart.

Ever since Han Chongyun's death, he had a hunch that he and Zhu Xiu would eventually break up.

Only one of the two parties can survive.

Zhao Kuangyi said: "I think Zhu Xiu also knows that after His Majesty passed away, the biggest threat to him is my Zhao family! The two sides are afraid of each other, even if they coexist peacefully for a short time, conflicts will eventually erupt.

Only by preparing early can you avoid losing the opportunity at a critical moment. "

Zhao Kuangyin said in a deep voice: "Tell me, without Your Majesty, would Zhu Xiu rebel?"

Zhao Kuangyi said: "It's hard to say whether he will replace Dazhou and become independent, but he will never give up his power, let alone allow his equal rivals to exist in the court."

After a pause, Zhao Kuangyi said with a smile: "The troubled times have lasted for too long, and both officials and people have become accustomed to the change of dynasties. The loyalty to the late Zhou Emperor and His Majesty cannot be extended to a six-year-old child.

I believe that with Zhu Xiu's ambition, he will eventually take that step. "

Zhao Kuangyin was silent for a long time and sighed, "To be honest, I hope that your majesty will live a long life, that the Zhao family and the country will die together, and that you and I will become a generation of heroes and generals who will leave their names in history.

However, if destiny is not around, I am willing to give the Zhao family a try! "

Zhao Kuangyi immediately put down his clothes and knelt down: "I am willing to follow my brother and create a great career, even if I die!"

Zhao Kuangyin helped him up with one hand: "This time I will accompany the army on the Northern Expedition. I will keep you in Beijing for three days. You will send letters and exchange news every three days. If there are any changes, you cannot make the decision without authorization. You must wait for my news!"

"Everything is done according to my brother's orders!" Zhao Kuangyi agreed.

"Yang Xin, Zhang Lingduo, Zhang Guanghan, Zhao Yanhui, Wang Zhengzhong, Yang Guangyi, Liu Shouzhong and other generals of the Forbidden Army were single-handedly selected by me. They are loyal to my Zhao family. I will find a way to keep them in Beijing and listen to your orders. If the situation is urgent, they will Will help you stabilize the situation.

The Military Governor's Office ordered Zhao Pu to fall in love with me. This man is good at strategy and will accompany me on this expedition.

Zhang Mei, the envoy of the Third Division, Zan Jurun, the envoy of the North Court of Xuanhui, and Wu Yanzuo, the envoy of the South Court of Xuanhui, are old friends of my Zhao family. If there is a life-and-death crisis in the future, they will all stand by my Zhao family.

With Zhang Qiong, I will find a way for him to sneak back to Kaifeng secretly and let him contact you when the time comes. " Zhao Kuangyin warned.

Zhao Kuangyi thought for a while: "And Ma Renyu?"

Zhao Kuangyin was silent for a moment and shook his head: "Among the generals, I value Ma Renyu the most, but he was deceived by the Zhu brothers and got too close to Zhu Xiu. At the critical moment, I can't guarantee which side he will turn to.

I will take him with me on this Northern Expedition. "

Zhao Kuangyi said: "If he can't be used by me, I can't let him go to Zhu Xiu. Why don't I find an opportunity to get rid of him!"

Zhao Kuangyin glanced at him and said in a deep voice: "I have my own opinions and you don't need to worry about it. Just take care of Kaifeng affairs."

The two brothers discussed for a while, and Zhao Kuangyin left first.

Zhao Kuangyi sat alone in the room and breathed a sigh of relief.

Soon, he couldn't bear the excitement, stood up and walked around with his hands behind his back.

Although he believed that his talents were not weaker than Zhao Kuangyin, it was undeniable that after the death of his old father, Zhao Kuangyin had to shoulder the burden of the Zhao family.

If the Zhao family wants to have a plan in the great changes in the future, Zhao Kuangyin must step up and take the lead.

Those arrogant and powerful generals in the Forbidden Army only recognized Zhao Kuangyin.

Zhao Kuangyi clenched his fists and his eyes flashed.

He could clearly feel that his ambition was like a bud breaking through the ground, growing uncontrollably.

The imperial artifact seemed ethereal and far away, but once there was a real opportunity to touch it, he believed that no one would be able to resist the temptation.

He himself is certainly no exception.In comparison, Fu Jinwan, who once fascinated him, was so insignificant in front of the imperial power.

"This world will be mine in the future!" Zhao Kuangyi clenched his fists and roared in his heart.

~~~
Qingshou Hall, Chai Rong convened ministers here today to discuss the Northern Expedition to Khitan.

Zhu Xiu knew that Chai Rong's Northern Expedition would definitely be opposed by Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Wei Renpu and others, and there would inevitably be disputes, compromises, and concessions in the main hall.

After coming and going, an hour or two passed, so Zhu Xiu simply found an excuse to be an hour late.

"Zhu Wencai!"

As soon as I climbed the long stone steps in front of the Qingshou Hall, I heard an angry voice coming from above.

Looking up, Zhang Yongde was standing in front of the main hall, glaring at him angrily.

"What happened to the prince-in-law today? Could it be that he was bullied by the fourth sister again and has nowhere to vent his anger?" Zhu Xiu walked up the stone steps quickly and said with a smile.

Zhang Yongde lowered his voice and said angrily: "You know that His Majesty's dragon body has not fully recovered, so why do you encourage him to go on the Northern Expedition? Don't you know that any accident may happen during the march?"

Zhu Xiu innocently said: "His Majesty summoned me and asked me about the current situation in Khitan. I answered truthfully. How could I encourage you? What does your Majesty's decision on the Northern Expedition based on the current situation in Khitan have to do with me?"

Zhang Yongde said angrily: "If you hadn't supported the fire, how could His Majesty have decided to go to the Northern Expedition?"

Zhu Xiu suppressed his smile and said seriously: "Your Majesty, the Prince Consort thinks that on such an important matter as the Northern Expedition to Khitan, I can change His Majesty's decision with just a few words?
Who can easily stop what His Majesty wants to do?

I am just telling the truth about the current situation of Khitan that I know. Isn’t it up to Your Majesty to decide what to do?

Could it be that the prince-in-law wants me to be accused of deceiving the emperor and deliberately deceiving His Majesty? "

Zhang Yongde was speechless and stared at Zhu Xiu for a while. Then he shook his head in frustration and said with a bitter smile: "But you know, your Majesty's body is really not suitable for marching and being tired again!"

Zhu Xiu sighed: "But His Majesty has made up his mind. I think it is difficult to change. We can only take one step at a time and strive for a quick victory."

Zhang Yongde's face was full of worry, if he could win the battle quickly, it meant that the Khitan people were not prepared enough for the battle, and he might strengthen His Majesty's confidence in the Northern Expedition.

In short, this Northern Expedition is a risky move for His Majesty's safety.

The two stepped into the main hall, looking at the faces of the monarch and his ministers, it was obvious that they had just finished a heated debate.

With a smile on his face, Chai Rong must have successfully persuaded Fan Zhi, Wang Pu and other important ministers to support his northern expedition to Youyan.

"In this personal expedition, Zhu Xiu will be deployed as the accompanying capital and land route, Zhao Kuangyin will be deployed as the accompanying deputy capital and water route deployment, and Zhang Yongde will be the accompanying captain. We will send troops from Cangzhou, march by waterway, and reach Yingzhou!"

Chai Rong made the decision with great enthusiasm.

His complexion was still slightly sallow, but much better than before. However, his face was thin and his cheekbones were slightly convex, and he still looked sick.

Since the Northern Expedition has become the consensus of the emperor and his ministers, no one who is short-sighted will stand up to oppose it at this time.

Nowadays, the most famous commanders in the Zhou Dynasty are represented by Zhu Xiu, Zhao Kuangyin, Li Chongjin, Wang Yanchao, and Zhang Yongde. There are only three people in the government, and no one is ignorant and would want to compete with these three people for the right to lead the army.

Even Han Tong and Han Dianyan, who were known for their fiery temper, believed that this arrangement was the most reasonable and safe.

Zhu Xiu and Zhao Kuangyin performed most outstandingly in the Huainan War, especially Zhu Xiu, who was called the pillar of the Zhou army on the eastern front of Huainan.

If it had not been for his minor fault and his return to the imperial court, it would have been him who served as the military envoy to Huainan. Then the overall progress of the war in Huainan would have been different.

In front of the two great princes, Han Tong felt that he could get a vanguard commander, which was already pretty good. He didn't dare to think of anything else.

But unfortunately, His Majesty had already expressed anger with him beforehand and would not take him with him on this expedition.

Looking around at the ministers, Chai Rong added: "After I leave, Wu Yanzuo, the envoy of the South Court of Xuanhui, will be the left-behind in Tokyo, and Zan Jurun, the envoy of the North Court of Xuanhui, will be the deputy stay-at-home, to coordinate with the prime ministers in handling government affairs.

Zhang Mei, the envoy of the third department, was responsible for patrolling the inner capital, and Han Tong, the chief minister in front of the palace, was responsible for patrolling both inside and outside the capital and was responsible for maintaining public security in Kaifeng.

The remaining officials perform their duties without any mistakes. "

Zhu Xiu's heart skipped a beat. He never expected that Chai Rong would ask Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo, and Zan Jurun to be the chief officers who stayed in Kaifeng.

"I'm waiting for you to receive the order." A burst of shouts from the ministers rang out.

Zhu Xiu turned to look at Zhao Kuangyin and saw that he looked calm.

"Your Majesty, Ambassador Zhang has been away from the army for a long time, and he also has three important responsibilities. He is appointed to inspect the inner capital. I am afraid that he is not very versatile."

After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Xiu stood up and said.

Zhang Mei, who was on the side, was a little annoyed, and retorted: "Although I have never led an army before, but I served in Yedu with the late emperor, and all the money, food, and silk in the army were coordinated and dispatched by me, and my familiarity with military affairs is as good as others.

What's more, General Han is here to help. He will definitely live up to His Majesty's trust and assist the two left-behinds and the prime ministers in maintaining peace in Kaifeng!
Zhao Guogong is still worried about the Northern Expedition, Kaifeng will not bother you. "

Zhu Xiu glanced at Zhang Mei and remained silent.

Han Tong thought that Zhu Xiu was afraid that Zhang Mei would not be able to lead troops, so he objected to his appointment as the inspector of the inner capital, and hurriedly said: "Don't worry, Duke Zhao, Han will assist Zhang to lead the imperial army in Beijing, and there will be absolutely no mistakes!" "

Wu Yanzuo said in a weird voice: "Why should Duke Zhao be worried about the arrangements made by His Majesty? Is it possible that the personnel adjustments in the imperial court need to be approved by Duke Zhao?"

"That's right, Duke Zhao is too lenient.

Although we are not as young and powerful as Duke Zhao, we are also old ministers who followed the late emperor and started his career in Yedu.Your Majesty trusts you and entrusts you with a heavy responsibility, and we will be ashamed of ourselves.

If something goes wrong in the capital during this period, you should die to apologize! "

Zan Jurun expressed his support to Wu Yanzuo with righteous words.

Zhu Xiu squinted slightly, scanning Wu Yanzuo, Zan Jurun, Zhang Mei and others, and finally glanced at Zhao Kuangyin, who looked calm, and suddenly understood something in his heart.

It seems that the old Zhao family has not been idle during this period.

Zhao Er was busy seducing the imperial concubine Fu Jinwan, while Zhao Da was busy making plans and was already making plans for what would happen after the Northern Expedition.

Chai Rong coughed and said in a deep voice: "Okay, that's the decision, you don't need to say anything else!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" All the ministers bowed and accepted the order.

Zhu Xiu drooped her eyelids and looked dull.

It is understandable that Chai Rong asked Wu Yanzuo and Zan Jurun to stay behind in Tokyo in order to create a containment between them and the prime minister's train.

It's just that Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo, and Zan Jurun are all die-hard allies of the old Zhao family. With the power of Kaifeng falling into their hands, Zhu Xiu knew that he would be passive.

Zhu Xiu glanced at Zhao Kuangyin who was smiling, feeling a little annoyed.

In this round of invisible confrontation in the air, he was at the disadvantage.

(End of this chapter)