The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 575 The imperial court is divided
Seeing Zhang Yongde follow Shi Shouxin to see Chai Rong, Zhao Kuangyin looked at Zhu Xiu who was sitting with his eyes closed and meditating, and asked suspiciously, "Is Your Majesty still all right?"

Zhu Xiu opened his eyes and smiled and said: "Song Guogong, please be patient for a moment. Maybe His Majesty will summon you later."

Zhao Kuangyin's eyes flickered and his face looked a little unsightly. He stood at the door of the side hall and paced for a while, but patiently returned to the chair and sat down.

The hall was very quiet, and Zhu Xiu seemed to have no intention of speaking, so she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Zhao Kuangyin looked solemn and glanced at Zhu Xiu from time to time.

About a quarter of an hour later, Zhang Yongde came back with the support of Shi Shouxin. His eyes were red, his face was white, his legs and feet were weak, as if he had cried bitterly, and he looked lost.

Zhao Kuangyin rushed to Shi Shouxin in three steps and asked anxiously: "But your majesty declares my presence?"

Shi Shouxin shook his head, clasped his fists apologetically and said, "Your Majesty is too tired and has already taken a rest in bed. He has not issued an order to summon Song Guogong."

Zhao Kuangyin's expression suddenly changed, full of disappointment that was hard to hide.

"However, Your Majesty has prepared three copies of the edict and distributed them to the three Dukes. As for your Majesty's specific arrangements, just ask the three Dukes to follow His Majesty's will." Shi Shouxin raised his hand, and the soldiers in the inner palace presented three copies. An edict in a brocade box.

Zhu Xiu already knew the content of the edict, so there was no need to read it again.

He glanced at Zhang Yongde, Zhang Yongde also looked at him, his eyes met, Zhang Yongde's eyes were full of complexities, and he said in a low voice: "I hope you will keep your promise!"

Zhu Xiu nodded slightly but said nothing.

Zhao Kuangyin grabbed the copy of the imperial edict given to him, unfolded it and read it in a hurry. He was shocked and said in anger: "Impossible!"

In the imperial edict, His Majesty promoted him to the position of deputy chief inspector in front of the palace, but at the same time made him serve as the envoy of Yunzhou Tianping Army, add Tongping Zhangshi, and become the envoy when he left the town.

As a result, his position in the Forbidden Army became a virtual appointment, from a senior general of the Central Forbidden Army to a feudal official and a prince.

It seems that he is extremely honored and favored, but in fact his power and position have plummeted.

After all, the feudal town today is no better than it was ten or twenty years ago.

After years of reorganization, the military power that the feudal towns relied on for their survival was seriously weakened, and the power to appoint important official positions was returned to the imperial court. Only military commanders such as Li Chongjin in Huainan, Xiang Xun in Bozhou, Wang Yanchao in Heyang, Shi Yanchao, and Fu Yanqing in Hebei were guarding strategic locations. Only then can we have real military power.

Zhao Kuangyin knew that if he left, he might never be able to return to Kaifeng, and he would also forever lose the opportunity to gain access to the imperial power of the artifact.

His face became extremely ugly, and he understood in an instant that His Majesty still didn't trust him after all.

He, Zhu Xiu, and Zhang Yongde were the last ministers chosen by His Majesty.

"I want to meet with Your Majesty to report important state affairs!" Zhao Kuangyin clenched the edict tightly and said sternly through gritted teeth.

Shi Shouxin held the Yan Ling Dao and stared at him closely: "Your Majesty has taken a rest and personally ordered the three princes to act in accordance with the decree!"

At this point, Zhao Kuangyin didn't care about anything else and shouted angrily: "Your Majesty called the three of us here, but we only saw Zhao Guogong and Wu Guogong. What is the reason?"

Shi Shouxin shouted: "Does the Duke of Song want to disobey?"

More than a dozen inner palace sergeants rushed into the side hall, holding sword handles and staring at Zhao Kuangyin. They only waited for Shi Shouxin's order to take him down together.

Zhang Yongde slapped the table with a "bang", "Shut up! General Shi, let your people back down!"

Shi Shouxin glanced at Zhu Xiu from the corner of his eye and saw that he had no reaction, so he handed over his hand and asked his troops to retreat.

Zhang Yongde calmly said calmly: "Yuen Long, His Majesty must have a purpose for making this arrangement, and I hope you will comply with it! Your Majesty told me personally that you don't have to go back to Kaifeng and go directly to Yunzhou to take up your post."

Zhao Kuangyin only sneered, and Zhang Yongde was also annoyed, "Why, you don't even believe me?"

Zhao Kuangyin grabbed the other two edicts and read them one by one, feeling as if a basin of cold water had been poured on his heart.

His Majesty also relieved Zhang Yongde from the post of inspection in front of the palace and served as the governor of Zhenning in Chanzhou, adding Tongping Zhangshi.

Zhu Xiu took over as the inspector in front of the palace, worshiped the Taifu, the eldest son of the emperor Zong Xun was named King of Liang, and inspected the governor of Kaifeng.

Zhu Xiu was ordered to escort the Holy Master back to Beijing immediately.

His Majesty's intention is very obvious. Zhu Xiu will be the supreme commander of the Imperial Army and will be in charge of the military power. When the emperor's eldest son takes the throne in the future, Zhu Xiu will be the assistant minister.

Zhao Kuangyin had already guessed that this would be the situation, but when he saw the emperor's edict with his own eyes, he was once again filled with disappointment and anger.

Zhao Kuangyin laughed angrily: "Zhu Xiu, what virtues and abilities do you have?"

Zhu Xiu looked at him slowly, and said calmly: "Song Guogong is unwilling to obey His Majesty's will?"

Zhang Yongde said angrily: "Song Guogong, what do you mean? Your Majesty is still here, but you want to openly disobey the king's orders?"

Zhao Kuangyin gritted his teeth and glanced at Shi Shouxin, who was standing outside the side hall, and several inner palace sergeants. His angry mind quickly returned to calmness.

"Of course your Majesty's ministers will not dare to disobey!" Zhao Kuangyin defended and then said:

"However, please imagine, Prince Consort, Your Majesty has fallen into a coma. These three edicts may have been issued when Your Majesty was extremely unconscious, and it is very possible that they were not His Majesty's true intentions!"

Zhu Xiu chuckled, shook his head and said, "Song Guogong pointed at Sang and scolded Sophora japonica. This is a very unpleasant thing to say."

Zhang Yongde also frowned and said: "His Majesty is seriously ill, but he was still sober when he summoned me just now. I can be sure that these three edicts are His Majesty's true intentions and will never be false!"

Zhao Kuangyin was not reconciled, and said in a low voice: "But if His Majesty arranges it this way, the son-in-law is really willing?"

Zhang Yongde was very angry and said sternly: "Zhao Kuangyin! You are so presumptuous! His Majesty's holy will cannot allow you to question it! I, Zhang Yongde, will only obey your Majesty's orders in this life. If you dare to say more, don't blame me for deceiving you and neglecting your superiors." Take it and hold it accountable!"

Zhao Kuangyin gritted his teeth, his eyes flashed with sharp light, and he looked deeply at Zhang Yongde, and then at the expressionless Zhu Xiu.

He somewhat understood that His Majesty and Zhu Xiu had reached some kind of agreement, maybe it was a compromise, maybe it was an exchange, but in short, when His Majesty was dying, he chose to hand over the eldest son of the Emperor and Jiangshan Sheji to Zhu Xiu.

And Zhang Yongde, who has followed His Majesty for more than ten years, understands His Majesty's intentions best and is loyal to His Majesty.

His choice to support Zhu Xiu was also out of loyalty to His Majesty.

Zhao Kuangyin took a deep breath, and he understood that he had failed in this crucial struggle for power.

"I can learn from Zhao Kuangyin's loyalty to Your Majesty! But at the same time, I will only be loyal to Your Majesty and to Great Zhou!"

Zhao Kuangyin kowtowed in the direction of Chai Rong, stood up, took a deep look at Zhu Xiu and Zhang Yongde, turned around and strode away.

Zhang Yongde looked at his leaving back and sighed worriedly: "I don't doubt his loyalty to His Majesty, but it will be hard to say in the future."

Zhang Yongde looked at Zhu Xiu: "He will not willingly submit to others, especially you."

Zhu Xiu said calmly: "The top priority right now is to escort His Majesty back to the capital. Maybe he can figure it out when the court decides."

Zhang Yongde smiled bitterly and shook his head. He didn't think Zhao Kuangyin was someone who would give in.

"Consort, I hope you will accompany me to escort His Majesty back to the capital. I hope you will tell the courtiers personally about His Majesty's instructions." Zhu Xiu said sincerely.

Zhang Yongde stared slightly: "Do you really want me to come to Beijing?"

Zhu Xiu smiled calmly: "We have known each other for more than ten years. You should know what kind of person I, Zhu Xiu, am. It is undeniable that sometimes I am too cunning, but I have always been sincere towards my friends." Zhang Yongde looked at him deeply: " good!"

Early the next morning, the Holy Master set off back to Kaifeng.

When the emperor's chariot was escorted out of the city by the inner palace troops, Zhu Xiu received the news that Zhao Kuangyin and Ma Renyu and other generals left the city before dawn and headed towards Yunzhou.

"Commander of the Palace, I have something important to report urgently!"

In the middle of the queue that stretched for more than a mile, Shi Shouxin found Zhu Xiu sweating profusely.

"What's the matter?" Zhu Xiu frowned.

Shi Shouxin, who had always been calm, was actually a little panicked at this moment: "At midnight last night, there was a sergeant in the inner palace who was missing!"

"What?!" Zhu Xiu was shocked and immediately thought that it was Zhao Kuangyin who had set up an informant and left the city overnight to rush back to Kaifeng to deliver the news.

If Fu Jinwan, Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo and others who stayed in Kaifeng had known in advance that the emperor was on his deathbed, Zhao Kuangyin left Yunzhou, Zhu Xiu took over the military power in front of the palace, and returned to the capital with him, these people would have jumped over the wall. Under this, I'm afraid there will be a big mess.

"Go and ask the consort to come over for negotiation." Zhu Xiu said solemnly.

After a while, Zhang Yongde came from the Emperor's chariot.

Zhang Yongde was also shocked when he learned about this.

"Although the news in Chanzhou has been blocked, many people in the inner palace know about it. However, the sergeant in the inner palace disappeared without any reason. It is probably as you said that he rushed back to Kaifeng to report the news."

Zhang Yongde's face was solemn, realizing the seriousness of the matter.

"If this matter is not handled properly, it will definitely lead to a civil war in Kaifeng. If the court makes mistakes, don't you and I feel ashamed of your majesty's trust?" Zhang Yongde said in a deep voice.

Zhu Xiu also calmed down from the initial shock and anger.

"Prince Liang is still in the palace. No matter what, they cannot be allowed to endanger Prince Liang's safety."

Zhang Yongde nodded, summoned the ordering soldiers and shouted angrily: "Call the whole army to march to Kaifeng as quickly as possible!"

~~~
Three days later, Zhao Kuangyi received a secret report from Chanzhou, and immediately visited Wu Yanzuo, who was left behind in Tokyo, and Zhang Mei, who was inspected by Da Neidu.

"You said His Majesty has already conquered Bintian?" Fu Jinyuan was stunned for a moment, and her voice was high-pitched, sounding a bit shrill and harsh.

Zhao Kuangyi said hurriedly: "I'm not sure yet, but His Majesty has not seen foreign ministers for many days, and only Zhu Xiu, Zhang Yongde, and Shi Shouxin can get close to the imperial court.

What is certain is that His Majesty is seriously ill and his waking hours are becoming increasingly rare. "

Fu Jinwan pursed her lips tightly, her face with heavy makeup was complex, but not sentimental.

Wu Yanzuo said: "Zhu Xiu and Zhang Yongde are escorting the Holy Driver back to Beijing. When they return to Beijing and announce His Majesty's last edict, the power of the government will inevitably fall into his hands. We need to make preparations in advance!"

Zan Jurun, the envoy of the North Court of Xuanhui, said in a panic: "The Duke of Song has gone to Yunzhou. Without him, the generals in front of the palace will probably only listen to the military orders of Zhu Xiu and Zhang Yongde. What should we do?"

Zhang Mei looked gloomy and looked at Zhao Kuangyi: "What do you think, Mr. Zhao?"

Among everyone present, Zhao Kuangyi had the lowest position, but he was Zhao Kuangyin's younger brother and the representative of the Zhao family in Kaifeng.

Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo, Zan Jurun and other important officials of the court cooperated with Zhao Kuangyin who held the military power, so Zhao Kuangyi's opinion represented the opinion of the Zhao family and carried considerable weight.

Zhao Kuangyi said in a deep voice: "If the Duke of Song is here, with the military authority in front of the palace and the support of all the Dukes, we will be able to compete with Zhu Xiu no matter in the court or in the army.

But now that Song Guogong is out of control of Yunzhou, the palace minister will definitely fall into the hands of Zhu Xiu and Zhang Yongde, and the other prime ministers will probably support Zhu Xiu.

Zhu Xiumao is loyal and treacherous. Once he takes power, where will there be a place for us people in the court?

In order to protect the Zhou Dynasty and your prosperity, we have no choice but to strike first! "

Wu Yanzuo, Zan Jurun and others looked at each other and nodded slowly.

Zhang Mei smiled sadly and said: "We can follow your majesty's will and regard the imperial concubine as the queen, and the emperor's eldest son as the king of Liang. Then the king of Liang will supervise the country and the queen will serve as regent. In this way, isn't it justifiable?"

Zan Jurun said doubtfully: "Although there was no explicit decree regarding the designation of the emperor's eldest son as Prince of Liang, His Majesty's thoughts are well known to the courtiers.

It's just that your Majesty has been reluctant to let go of the concubine's appointment as queen, and I'm afraid the courtiers won't believe it, especially the prime ministers Fan Zhi and Wang Pu."

Zhang Mei stole a glance at Fu Jinwan, who looked unhappy, and said with a smile: "As long as we come up with His Majesty's will, what else can Fan Zhi and others say? The imperial concubine is the head of the harem, and it is only a matter of time before she is crowned queen."

"But where did we get the emperor's edict?" Zan Jurun was even more confused.

Wu Yanzuo chuckled and raised his hands towards Fu Jinwan and Zhang Mei: "The imperial concubine and Mr. Zhang said that they have it, so of course they have it."

Zan Jurun opened his eyes wide and suddenly realized.

Fu Jinwan's hands shrunk in the sleeves of her wide skirt were trembling slightly, but she tried her best to remain calm: "I hope that all the princes and I will work together to protect the country! When the court is stabilized and the unruly officials are eliminated, Prince Liang and I will I will never treat you badly!"

Several courtiers headed by Zhang Mei and Wu Yanzuo bowed and said: "I respectfully obey the Queen's decree!"

Zhao Kuangyi said: "I have another suggestion, please ask the queen to use the excuse of King Liang's illness to announce that Mrs. Zhao Guo will bring her son into the palace."

Zhang Mei smiled and said: "This method is very good. With my wife and children in the palace, and Duke Zhao returning to Kaifeng, he will be somewhat restrained."

Everyone nodded unanimously and detained Zhu Xiu's wife and children in the palace so that he did not dare to act rashly.

Fu Jinwan's eyes flashed slightly and he said coldly: "I will handle this matter personally!"

Wu Yanzuo reminded: "Yuhou Han Tong, the prefect of the palace, has the highest position among the generals of the Imperial Guard in Beijing, except Han Lingkun and Gao Huaide.

Han Tong is loyal to His Majesty and holds the military power in his hands. If he wants to succeed, he must win over this person. "

Zhao Kuangyi said with a smile: "Han Tong is so loyal, as long as we take out His Majesty's decree, promote him to an official position, and give him benefits, we will definitely make him loyal to King Liang obediently.

Leave this matter to me. The military governor in front of the palace ordered Zhao Pu to be on good terms with Han Tong, as well as Zhang Lingduo, the commander of the left wing of Hujie, Zhang Guanghan, the commander of the right wing of Hujie, Zhao Yanhui, the commander of the right wing of Longjie, and As long as Wang Zhengzhong, Yang Guangyi, Liu Shouzhong, Liu Qingyi and others from the Guards Department know their interests and agree to official positions, they will surely be used by the Queen and King Liang! "

Fu Jinwan had a smile on his lips, and his eyes were filled with brilliance.

Zhang Mei glanced between the two of them, and suddenly smiled and said: "The Prime Minister proposed that Chief Zhao serve as the general of the Zuo Yu Lin Guard, the commander of the two squads on the left and right in front of the palace, and responsible for the palace guard."

Everyone looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

Fu Jinwan also pretended to think for a while, smiled and nodded in agreement.

Zhao Kuangyi cupped his hands towards Zhang Meigong, smiled slightly, and said nothing.

　Thanks to the leader of Zi Su Ling Ju for the reward! ! ! !

　　The first alliance leader in this book has made his debut! ~~~
　　Thank you! ~~
　　The giant Zisu Ling is mighty! !

　　When the book was about to be finished, the big guy suddenly hit an alliance leader, and the little bald guy didn't even know how to pay it back~~~
　　I'm afraid I can only write this book and return it to the giant~~~
　　Thanks again! ! !

　　
　
(End of this chapter)