The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 577 Hostages enter the palace
Zhao Guogong's mansion.

A large number of soldiers from the Imperial Guards in the Inner Palace sealed off the front and back doors of the mansion, ensuring that the entire mansion was under strict surveillance.

Zhao Kuangyi looked coldly at the golden plaque hanging high at the front door of the mansion, pointed his hand and said: "Smash it!"

"Let me do it!" Zhang Qiong laughed, jumped off his horse, took a pumpkin hammer from the sergeant's hand, swung it high, and smashed it hard against the plaque written by Zhu Xiu himself.

With a roar, the plaque broke into two pieces and fell to the ground.

Zhang Qiong stepped hard on her feet, spat, and laughed in relief.

Zhao Kuangyi also laughed. The resentment and anger accumulated in his chest for many years finally had the opportunity to vent out today.

Wang Jien, who was riding on horseback next to him, had anger flashing in his eyes, but he still had a flattering smile on his face, and said in a low voice: "The queen asked your husband to take Zhu Xiu's wife and children back to the palace as soon as possible. It is better not to waste time to avoid unnecessary complications."

Zhao Kuangyi glanced at him and nodded slightly, "Come on, call the door! There is a quarter of an hour limit, if you don't answer, you will be punished for disobedience, and you will be arrested!"

Zhang Qiong smirked and waved his hands. Several soldiers with big arms and round waists slammed on the gate and shouted at the top of their voices.

In the mansion, the Zhu family's wife, children, sister-in-law's family, Pan Mei and Bi Zhenhai each brought their families, all gathered in the middle hall.

More than fifty servants have been led by Ma Qing, wearing leather armor and hanging swords. Some of them are private soldiers from the Huwei capital who came with Fu Jinhuan as a dowry, and some are sergeants from the Huwei camp who followed Zhu Xiu from Jingzhou. They usually dress up as soldiers. The servants were doing odd jobs in the house.

At critical moments, they can transform into a powerful escort team at any time.

There are also more than twenty female guards specially trained by Shi Lingyan, all of whom are now armed.

"The news from Chanzhou must have been leaked, which made Zhao Kuangyi, Zhang Mei and others take precautions in advance. Fu Jinwan is absolutely unkind when he lets his wife enter the palace at this moment. She must not go!" Pan Mei said solemnly.

Bi Zhenhai said: "It's better to fight out of the house. With the support of Tiger Wing Army and Guangyong Army, even if we can't rush out of the city, we can delay time. As long as there is chaos in Kaifeng, we will have a chance to escape."

Pan Mei's wife Wei held her son Pan Weide in her arms, and Bi Zhenhai's wife Mo Xiang held her son in one hand and her daughter who was less than a month old in the other. The female relatives of both families looked at their husbands worriedly.

Fu Jinhuan sat in the center of the room, his pretty face solemn and silent.

Shi Lingyan was carrying a Yanling sword, with a long whip wrapped around his waist, his hair tied up high, and a man's martial robe, showing his virtuous and heroic appearance.

"Sister, don't hesitate anymore, let's fight out!" Shi Lingyan was eager to try, "The inner city is stationed in the first and fourth armies of the Tiger Wing Army on the left wing, and the second, third and fifth armies of the Guangyong Army on the right wing. There are two parties. With the help of our troops, as long as we retreat to the outer city and contact Big Brother’s heroic army, we can fight against the traitorous forces in Kaifeng!”

Shi Lingyan's words were agreed by Pan Mei and Bi Zhenhai.

Fu Jinhuan frowned and glanced at Zhou Xian and Feng Qingchan: "What do the two sisters mean?"

Zhou Xian hugged Zhu Yuanzhan and said softly: "My father-in-law said when he left that when he was away, the affairs of the house would be decided by my sister. No matter what decision my sister makes, I am willing to support her."

Fu Jinhuan smiled and touched Zhu Yuanzhan's head and head, "Thank you sister."

Feng Qingchan said: "The court is currently under the control of Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo and others, but in fact, they have not openly rebelled, nor have they publicly declared the father-in-law and the consort as rebels. The reason is that Zhang Mei and others are not sure that they will break up. Under such circumstances, win the support of all the Forbidden Army in front of the palace.

There is another important reason. His Majesty has not yet returned to Beijing, and the imperial court, at least on the surface, remains intact. "

Fu Jinhuan smiled and said, "What my sister said is absolutely true."

Shi Lingyan muttered: "I talked a lot, but I can't understand it."

Feng Qingchan said seriously: "What I mean is that since the imperial court is still maintaining peace on the surface, we cannot be the first to gather troops and openly defy the imperial decree, otherwise we will be charged with treason!"

Fu Jinhuan said: "I'm just worried that I will fall into the trap of a treacherous official and make my father-in-law bear the notoriety of rebellion."

Shi Lingyan said angrily: "But that Fu Jinwan sent people to arrest sister and Jian'er, so should we swallow our anger?"

Fu Jinhuan reached out and waved to Zhu Yuanjian who was sitting aside: "Da Lang, come to mother."

Zhu Yuanjian, who was not yet six years old, carefully moved down from the slightly higher chair, not forgetting to adjust his robes, and walked forward with small and leisurely steps.

"What are your instructions, mother?" Zhu Yuanjian bowed respectfully like a young adult.

Fu Jinhuan smiled and said: "Jian'er, mother will take you into the palace to meet Zongxun. Afterwards, our mother and I may have to live in the palace for a while, are you willing?"

Zhu Yuanjian blinked, raised his head and looked at everyone one by one, and found that everyone was looking at him.

The little guy thought for a while, "Could it be that the mother and the child are being held hostage when they enter the palace?"

Fu Jinhuan gently held his hand and said softly: "My son is smart. Mom asks you, are you afraid of me?"

Zhu Yuanjian thought seriously for a while, then shook his head and said, "Don't be afraid, my child!"

"Good boy!" Fu Jinhuan regretted deeply in his eyes, and gently hugged his son into his arms.

Zhu Yuanjian added: "If possible, the child would like to enter the palace alone, and the mother will stay, waiting for father to return!"

Tears welled up in Fu Jinhuan's eyes, he hugged his son tightly and couldn't help sobbing softly.

Zhou Xian, Feng Qingchan, and Shi Lingyan all looked at the eldest son of the Duke with affection in their eyes.

Pan Mei, Bi Zhenhai, and Ma Qing all nodded secretly. They knew the importance of life and death at a young age, and they were worthy of being the eldest son raised by their father-in-law.

Zhou Xian whispered: "I am willing to bring Zhan'er to the palace for my sister!"

Feng Qingchan also sighed and said: "The Duke's palace cannot be without my sister and Jian'er. My sister is willing to enter the palace for her!"

Shi Lingyan wiped away his tears and gritted his teeth and said: "No one in the Zhu family can be left behind! Let's fight out!"

Fu Jinhuan looked at them gratefully, then gently stroked Zhu Yuanjian's face, and said with a tearful smile: "Fu Jinhuan asked me to take Jian'er into the palace by name, and she won't give up until she sees us.

At home, we sisters have no distinction between high and low, but in the eyes of outsiders, I am the wife of the Duke of Zhao, and Jian'er is the eldest son of Duke Zhao. Since I bear this honor, I must bear my own responsibilities! "

Fu Jinhuan hugged his son and smiled with tears in his eyes: "We will enter the palace together!"

The eyes of all the female relatives were red. Everyone knew that once they entered the palace, life or death would not be up to them.

Ma Qing whispered: "Don't worry, Madam and the young man. I will contact the people in the palace to protect the Madam and the young man!"

Now that he had made the decision, Fu Jinhuan was calm and composed, and said with a smile: "The three sisters jointly decide on family affairs. My father-in-law often said that Lao Ma is the earthworm underground in Kaifeng. No one is more familiar with Kaifeng City than him. Once the situation is critical, , he will take you out of the house."

Ma Qing chuckled, his toothless mouth was dark, and he looked a little scary.

But in the eyes of the Zhu family, Ma Qing is definitely the most trustworthy and loyal servant.

Fu Jinhuan then said to Pan Mei and Bi Zhenhai: "I know that the father-in-law will definitely explain something to you before he leaves. You don't need to tell me the specific details. I just ask you to protect the women and children here. Can you do it?"

The two of them looked at each other and knelt down together: "We have been deeply favored by the Zhu family, and we can only repay it by dying!"

Fu Jinhuan solemnly said: "Not only for the Zhu family, but also for you, your wife and children, and your future wealth and prosperity!"

The two solemnly agreed.

A maid brought two cloaks, one large and one small, and put them on Fu Jinhuan and Zhu Yuanjian respectively.

Fu Jinhuan took his son's hand, lowered his head and smiled: "Jian'er, let's go."

Zhu Yuanjian nodded, Pan Mei ordered someone to open the door of the house, and the couple stepped out of the door under the eyes of everyone.

At the entrance of the mansion, the long street was filled with soldiers of the Forbidden Army, standing with long spears and short knives, in a murderous formation.

The door of the mansion rumblingly closed, Fu Jinhuan glanced at the two broken plaques of the Duke's Mansion that fell to the ground, his expression as calm as water.

"Where are the carriages and horses? We can't let us two walk into the palace, right?" Fu Jinhuan stood on the steps, looked at Zhao Kuangyi and said with a smile.Zhao Kuangyi stared at the mother and son for a moment, half-smiling but not smiling: "Mrs. Zhao Guo is indeed very spirited!"

Fu Jinhuan snorted lightly and ignored it.

Zhang Qiong waved his hand, and a soldier brought a carriage.

Fu Jinhuan took Zhu Yuanjian onto the carriage, and Zhao Kuangyi nodded, indicating that the soldiers could drive to the palace city.

Zhang Qiong said unwillingly: "There are many Zhu Xiu rebels in the Duke's Mansion, and there are quite a few of them, so they let it go in vain?"

Zhao Kuangyi glanced at him and said, "Why are you so anxious? The Imperial Guards have not yet completely won over, and Your Majesty is still in Zhu Xiu's hands. Only by getting rid of Zhu Xiu, enthroning King Liang, and recalling Song Guogong can we win over the people."

The King of Liang was only six years old. How could a small child turn the world upside down? "

Zhang Qiong thought for a while and said: "The king of Liang is in the hands of the queen. I think that woman is very ambitious and will not be willing to hand over power in the future!"

Zhao Kuangyi said calmly: "When the Duke of Song returns to Beijing and takes over all the military power in front of the palace, the court will not let us have the final say. As a woman with a child, what threat can she pose?"

Zhang Qiong had a wretched smile on her face and whispered: "That's right, she has been Erlangjun's person for a long time anyway!"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Zhao Kuangyi's expression suddenly changed and he glared at him fiercely.

"Zhao Erlang stayed in the queen's palace overnight. It has been spread all over the place. What are you afraid of?" Zhang Qiong disagreed.

"I'm warning you, stop chewing your tongue!" Zhao Kuangyi pointed his riding whip at him, scolded him sternly, pulled the reins and ran towards the palace city.

"You dare to do it but you dare not admit it? You have no idea!~" Zhang Qiong spat disdainfully.

"If it wasn't for Song Guogong's face, how could I listen to your little boy's command?"

Zhang Qiong cursed and led a group of imperial soldiers to patrol the city.

~~~
In the empty Huangyi Hall, there were only the lonely mother and son of Fu Jinhuan and Zhu Yuanjian.

With a creak, the palace door opened, and a large number of palace maids and eunuchs poured in from both sides. The elegant Fu Jinwan's long skirt trailed to the ground, and she arrived surrounded by the palace people.

Wang Jien, wearing the attire of a third-grade eunuch, followed closely.

"How dare you! How dare you not kneel before the Queen?" Wang Jien pointed at Fu Jinhuan and his son with a sharp voice and shouted.

"That's all, we are sisters after all, so we can skip these false gifts." Fu Jinwan said calmly.

Someone from the palace moved in to embroider the pier. Fu Jinwan was sitting in the middle of the hall, and Fu Jinhuan stood in front of her with his son in his arms.

"This Imperial Palace is a bit old, but it is quieter. Second sister will stay here for two days, so that you and I can reminisce about old friendships."

Fu Jinwan smiled and looked at Zhu Yuanjian, "Is this the eldest son of Duke Zhao? He is a talented person at a young age. He will serve King Liang well in the future and strive to continue the wealth of the Zhu family."

Zhu Yuanjian looked at the woman in front of him with an extremely calm expression, Fu Jinwan was also quite surprised by his calmness.

Fu Jinhuan said calmly: "If the empress still cares about the relationship between sisters, arrange for someone to send Jian'er out of the palace, and I will stay."

Zhu Yuanjian raised his head and said seriously: "If the child doesn't leave, he will stay with his mother."

Fu Jinwan chuckled and said: "What a scene of deep love between mother and son, it's touching! I'm afraid the second sister has misunderstood. I invite you and your mother to come to the palace. Firstly, I want to rekindle old friendship after not seeing each other for a long time, and secondly, I have recently opened a business in Kaifeng. The public security is chaotic, and I am also worried about your safety. It is safer to live in the palace."

Fu Jinhuan smiled lightly and said, "Is it out of good intentions that the imperial concubine sent the forbidden army to surround the Duke's mansion?"

Fu Jinwan gritted his teeth, his face full of anger and annoyance.

Wang Jien scolded in a sharp voice: "How dare you! How dare the Queen talk nonsense in front of the Queen?"

Fu Jinhuan glanced at him contemptuously: "We sisters are talking, it's your turn as a eunuch to interrupt?
Besides, I only know that His Majesty appointed you a noble concubine. As for the title of queen, when did it happen?How could I not know? "

"You~" Wang Jien held the orchid and pointed at her, his powdered face full of anger.

Fu Jinwan sneered and said: "Second sister is still so sharp-tongued. In the past, no one could quarrel with you at home. No wonder you and Zhu Xiu are a perfect match!"

Fu Jinhuan smiled and said: "My husband is not only a great quarrel, but he can also govern the country, fight wars, recite poems, write books and educate people. There is nothing in the world that he cannot do."

Fu Jinwan snorted heavily, got up and said: "Then please Second Sister stay here well, and wait for your good husband to rescue you!"

Surrounded by all the palace people, Fu Jinwan walked away, and the palace door closed with a bang.

From time to time, there were footsteps coming from outside the hall, and figures shaking. It should be that Fu Jinwan sent people to guard the Huangyi Hall tightly.

After a short while, a narrow gap opened in the palace door, and a figure ducked in, trotted up to him and knelt down.

"The servant was rude just now, please forgive me, madam!" Wang Jien lay on the ground, sticking out his buttocks.

Fu Jinhuan chuckled and said: "Prince Wang, please get up quickly! It's just a joke, don't take it seriously."

Wang Jien climbed up, bowed his waist and bowed: "Madam, please call me slave Xiao Dezi. That's how I call you slave, too."

Fu Jinhuan smiled and nodded.

This person was Zhu Xiu's confidant in the palace, and she had met him several times before.

Zhu Yuanjian looked at him with dark eyes, seeming very curious.

Wang Jien took out a piece of paper from his arms and said: "Time is urgent, I can't stay for a long time, so as not to arouse suspicion. This is the map of the harem. Please keep it in mind, Madam. Once the situation is critical, take the young man and escape according to the route map. Servant We have made preparations in advance, as long as Madam escapes to that place and hides well, she will be safe."

Fu Jinhuan took the map. The drawing was a little rough, but fortunately he could make out that there was a planned escape route on it.

"Jian'er and I will repay you generously for your life-saving grace in the future!" Fu Jinhuan hugged Zhu Yuanjian and bowed solemnly.

Wang Jien quickly avoided it and said hurriedly: "I have long considered myself as a slave of the Zhu family. Without the care of my father-in-law, how could I survive today?

It is your duty as a servant to die for your wife and your young master, how dare you ask your wife to repay you? "

Fu Jinhuan smiled and said: "In short, Jian'er and I will never forget today's kindness."

Wang Jien lay on the ground and kowtowed, then got up and bowed: "Madam and the young man, please take care. Please leave! There are people arranged by me outside who can guarantee the food and daily life of the madam and the young man. Remember, don't trust others easily. Wait for everything." News from slave!”

Fu Jinhuan nodded: "Understood, you go!"

Wang Jien quietly left the hall, and the huge hall returned to deathly silence.

"Mother, Daddy will definitely come to save us, right?"

Zhu Yuanjian's childish voice sounded in the hall.

Fu Jinhuan touched his head and said quietly but firmly: "Yes! Your father will definitely come to save us!"

A smile appeared on Zhu Yuanjian's face. He took out a book from his small bag and said seriously: "My child is going to study. Before dad leaves, let me finish reading this book. I will ask him in person when he comes back."

Fu Jinhuan picked up the book and looked at it. It was a brand new "Emperor Fan". Judging from the handwriting, it should be copied by Zhu Xiu himself.

"Good boy, go ahead." Fu Jinhuan returned the book to him.

Zhu Yuanjian bowed in salute, walked aside with the book in hand, and began to read attentively. His small figure walked in the empty hall, accompanied by bursts of children's voices, making this semi-deserted palace look so majestic and upright at this moment:
"The king of the holy world must be frugal. If he is rich and powerful, he should keep it as a promise; if he is wise and intelligent, he should keep it as foolishness. He should not be arrogant because of his body and dignity, and he should not be proud of things because of his virtue."

(End of this chapter)