The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 579

When the Holy Emperor entered the palace, the number of imperial guards accompanying him more than doubled.

There were also many more unfamiliar-looking sergeants around Zhu Xiu and Zhang Yongde.

Returning to Zide Hall, the main hall of the palace, Fu Jinwan and Chai Zongxun had been waiting for a long time.

"Master." The first person Chai Zongxun saw was Zhu Xiu. He shouted in a very small voice. He wanted to run forward, but his arm was tightly held by Fu Jinwan beside him.

Chai Zongxun struggled for a while, but couldn't break free. He pursed his lips and looked pitifully angry and aggrieved.

Zhu Xiu smiled at the child, and glanced at Fu Jinwan, the woman was staring at him with a cold and hateful gaze, Zhu Xiu looked away and completely ignored it.

Zhang Yongde said in a deep voice: "Please be careful, don't hurt Prince Liang."

Fu Jinwan's expression changed slightly, and she retorted, unwilling to be outdone: "I am the adoptive mother of King Liang. Don't you treat your children more carefully than your consort? Do you need to remind me?"

Even though Zhang Yongde had a loyal and well-educated personality, he was very angry.

Zhang Mei tried to smooth things over and said: "Your Majesty has entered the palace to rest. The Queen will quickly take Prince Liang to visit."

Fu Jinwan snorted and walked into the dormitory with Chai Zongxun.

Chai Zongxun's arm was tightly held, and he turned around to look at Zhu Xiu after taking a few steps. His mouth was pursed pitifully. Everyone could tell that he didn't like this strange woman next to him.

A group of imperial doctors were busy around the dragon bed. Soon, Fu Jinwan's sad voice was heard from behind the screen, accompanied by bursts of bitter curses such as "quackery" and "trash".

Zhao Kuangyi, Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo, Zan Jurun, Zhu Xiu, Zhang Yongde, Han Tong and others stood outside the screen, standing in silence with their hands down.

Zhang Mei and Wu Yanzuo exchanged glances, coughed dryly and said: "Your Majesty is seriously ill, there will be no shortage of attendants in the Zide Palace these two days, please also invite Zhao Guogong and the son-in-law to rest in the side hall, and Zhenxiang and Wu Liushou will take turns to serve in front of the imperial court."

Zhu Xiu shook his head and said: "Xiangong Zhang and Wu Liushou are old after all. They have been staying in front of the emperor for the past two days without sleep. They are really tired. It is better to let us young people do it."

Zhang Yongde said coldly: "We are not going anywhere, we will just stay and serve His Majesty."

Wu Yanzuo said with a dry smile: "The two princes have worked hard to drive the Northern Expedition. Since they return to Beijing, they should take a good rest. Your Majesty will have us here to serve you."

Zhu Xiudao: "Xiangong Zhang and Wu Liushou are responsible for the government affairs. It is best for you to go back and rest early. If your Majesty has a summons, I will send someone to convey it."

The two looked at each other, and Zhang Meiqian smiled and said: "The most important thing is to take care of His Majesty. We are honored by the Emperor's favor and we dare not be scornful!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and stood solemnly with his eyes lowered.

Zhang Yongde also looked at them deeply, half-closing his eyes to recharge his batteries.

Zhang Mei and Wu Yanzuo were annoyed and helpless.

Everyone knows that His Majesty's life is hanging by a thread, and there is no telling when he will die.

At this critical moment related to the transfer of imperial power, no one dared to take it lightly. Of course, they had to stay by their side to feel at ease.

Zhu Xiu suddenly said: "Why didn't Mr. Fan and Mr. Wang come to pick him up?"

Zhao Kuangyi said in a calm and unhurried manner: "The several prime ministers have serious national affairs. After discussing with them, Prime Minister Zhang and Wu Liushou decided that Xianggong Fan and others will continue to handle the government affairs. We are here to serve His Majesty."

Zhu Xiu turned to look at him: "If I remember correctly, Mr. Zhao Erlang is the director of the Ministry of War, and his rank is the sixth-grade Imperial City Envoy. According to his rank, he is not qualified to stand in this Zide Hall. superior.

All the princes present, whether prime ministers or princes, are all important ministers of the country. I'm afraid it's a bit inappropriate for Zhao Erlang to stand here in a majestic manner. "

Zhao Kuangyi's face turned green and red, and he secretly gritted his teeth and was annoyed, but he had no way to refute.

Zan Jurun said hurriedly: "What Duke Zhao doesn't know is that General Zhao is now the fourth-grade General Zuo Yulin. He is the commander of the two squads on the left and right in front of the palace. He is responsible for commanding the imperial army in the inner palace and guarding the palace."

Zhu Xiu said in surprise: "When did it happen? Why didn't I know? Who ordered you to be promoted?"

Zan Jurun smiled dryly and said: "Of course it is in accordance with the Queen's decree."

Zhu Xiu asked further: "Your Majesty is not in Beijing. According to the rules, promotion to the fourth rank of Environmental Guard General should be jointly conducted by the Privy Council and the Ministry of War, and then two or more prime ministers should attach their names, and finally be submitted to Your Majesty for approval.

Does this promotion process comply with the court's regulations? "

"This, this~" Zan Jurun wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, feeling a little at a loss by the series of aggressive questions.

Zhao Kuangyi's face was livid, Zhang Mei coughed lightly and laughed and said: "Your Majesty is not in Beijing, and the matter is urgent. As long as the Queen Yizhi and Wu Liushou give their approval, the Privy Council and the Ministry of War will sign it later."

Zhang Yongde suddenly sneered: "But what if even the queen is fake?"

Zhang Mei and Wu Yanzuo's expressions changed slightly, Zhao Kuangyi's waist knife half slipped out of its sheath, and more than a dozen guards rushed into the hall, surrounding Zhang Yongde and Zhu Xiu as if facing a formidable enemy.

Zhang Yongde glanced at it and sneered disdainfully.

Han Tong, who had been silent all this time, stood up and shouted angrily at the dozen guards: "You are blind! Zhao Guogong and the Prince Consort were two palace commanders in succession. You dare to surround the commander with weapons. Do you want to rebel?" Can’t do it?”

After being scolded by Han Tong, the imperial guards also hesitated. Seeing that Zhao Kuangyi had no follow-up orders, they quickly gathered their weapons and exited the hall.

Han Tong looked around Zhang Mei and others with leopard eyes, and said sternly: "Your Majesty has decreed that we and other ministers should serve as King Liang's successor. Anyone who dares to harbor evil intentions at this time is disobeying the emperor's order, and he will be punished for treason!"

Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo and others looked at each other, smiled, and said two high-sounding words of loyalty.

Zhao Kuangyi slowly sheathed his sword, his sinister eyes wandering between Zhu Xiu and Zhang Yongde. If these two were not eliminated, the imperial court would eventually be unable to stabilize.

Zan Jurun ordered the eunuch to move the embroidered pier, and everyone just sat in the Zide Hall.

The imperial doctors continued to be busy around the dragon bed, even though they all knew very well about His Majesty's condition. There was no way to save him, and it was only a matter of time before he breathed his last.

But no one dared to say it openly, and they had to pretend that they were racking their brains to treat His Majesty's illness.

Until the evening of the next day, no one in Zide Hall was willing to leave.

The meals were brought by the palace staff, and even when they went to the latrines, Zhu Xiu and Zhang Yongde took turns going there, as did Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo and others. A group of people with their own agendas sat in the main hall all day and night.

During this period, Chai Zongxun slept on the couch next to the dragon bed, cried a few times, and tried to sneak up to Zhu Xiu when Fu Jinwan wasn't paying attention, but Wang Jien followed Fu Jinwan's orders and kept him under tight supervision.

In the evening, when the sky is dark, the palace people change candles and light up the niches. The main hall is shrouded in dim light, making people drowsy.

"Your Majesty is awake!"

Suddenly, an imperial doctor shouted in surprise, waking everyone up.

Fu Jinwan, who was dozing next to the dragon bed, woke up first and hurriedly got up and stepped forward.

In the hall, Han Tong strode like flying. He was the first to rush behind the screen, followed closely by Zhu Xiu, Zhang Yongde, and Zhao Kuangyi. Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo, and Zan Jurun stood up suddenly after sitting there for a long time, their backs aching. The pain was severe, and it took a while to heal before he limped forward.

"Your Majesty finally woke up, it's my concubine~" Fu Jinwan wiped away her tears and approached Chai Rong.

At this moment, Chai Rong's eye sockets were deeply sunken, his face was khaki, and his empty eyeballs were struggling to move. He ignored Fu Jinwan and stretched out his hand tremblingly toward Han Tong.

"Your Majesty Han Tong, please listen to the holy teachings!" Han Tong suppressed his sadness and leaned over.

Chai Rong said a few words with difficulty in silence.

Han Tong suddenly turned his head and shouted: "Your Majesty, let King Liang and Duke Zhao come closer!"

Zhu Xiu immediately picked up Chai Zongxun and walked quickly to the dragon bed.

Fu Jinwan still wanted to reach out to take the child, but Zhu Xiu took a step forward unceremoniously, stopped in front of her, and said coldly: "Your Majesty, please step back!"

Fu Jinwan's face was full of anger, and she was about to get angry, but seeing Han Tong staring at her, she took a few steps back reluctantly.

Zhu Xiu half-knelt beside the dragon bed and whispered: "Your Majesty, King Liang is here, and I am here!"

With Han Tong's support, Chai Rong reluctantly turned around, his dull eyes sliding over the faces of Zhu Xiu, Chai Zongxun, Zhang Yongde and others one by one.

Chai Rong said hoarsely: "Why aren't Fan Fanzhi, Wang Pu, Wei Renpu?"

Zhu Xiu turned around and shouted: "Your Majesty wants to summon all the prime ministers, go and invite them quickly!"

Zhang Mei and Wu Yanzuo looked at each other and stood silently.

Zhu Xiu angrily shouted: "Who dares to disobey His Majesty's holy will?"

Han Tong and Zhang Yongde both cast angry looks at Zhang Mei and others.

As a last resort, Wu Yanzuo winked at Zan Jurun, and Zan Jurun hurriedly said: "I, I will invite some prime ministers to come over."

Zhang Yongde grabbed his arm without any explanation: "I'll go with you! Hurry!"

Zan Jurun was almost half dragged away from Zide Hall.

Chai Rong lay flat on the dragon bed, his breath extremely weak.

Chai Zongxun opened his big black eyes and looked at Chai Rong, who was so sick that he had no human shape. He whispered with some fear: "Why has my father changed his appearance?"

Zhu Xiu hugged him and said softly: "Don't be afraid of Xun'er, your father has not changed, he is just sick, very sick."

Chai Zongxun snuggled into Zhu Xiu's arms obediently and whispered: "I understand, my father is going to see my mother."

Zhu Xiu's eyes were moist and hot, and she touched his little head: "Xun'er is so smart."

Fu Jinwan felt uncomfortable watching from behind. Chai Zongxun had never been so intimate with her.

"Duke Zhao, please be more respectful and don't be rude to Prince Liang!" Fu Jinwan snorted coldly.

Zhu Xiu ignored her and didn't even look back, too lazy to look at her.

Fu Jinwan was furious, and Zhao Kuangyi shook his head slightly, telling her to calm down.

After a while, Zhang Yongde hurried over with several important officials including Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Tao Gu, and Wei Renpu.

All of these people were unkempt, disheveled, and their official robes were dirty and even smelly. They did not look like important ministers of the country, but they were clearly a group of prisoners who had been detained for a long time.

Seeing Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo, Zhao Kuangyi, Fu Jinwan, Fan Zhi and others looked at each other angrily.

But he also knew that this was not the time for them to argue and make noise.

"Your Majesty, all the gentlemen are here."

Zhu Xiu ordered people to remove the screen, and the ministers stood in line with the train.

Seeing Chai Rong's appearance at this moment, Fan Zhi and Wang Pu burst into tears on the spot, Wei Renpu looked up to the sky and sighed, and Tao Gu pretended to wipe his tears, but in fact his eyes were all on Zhu Xiu.Seeing that Zhu Xiu was safe and sound, he felt reassured.

Chai Rong slowly opened his eyes, tried his best to look at the ministers, held Chai Zongxun and Zhu Xiu in his trembling hands, and said in a hoarse voice:

"After I leave, your ministers will be enthroned by King Liang, assisted by You Zhu Xiufu."

Chai Rong's eyes widened and his mouth was half-opened, but he still couldn't say the last word.

Zhu Xiu only felt his hand tightening on hers, slowly loosening it, and then hanging down weakly. The faint light in his eyes gradually dimmed until it disappeared.

On June 39, the sixth year of Xiande in the Great Zhou Dynasty, a generation of Mingjun Chai Rong died young and died in Zide Hall, with a longevity of [-] years.

In an instant, Zhu Xiu's head buzzed and went blank.

Chai Rong, who was also his teacher, friend and brother, could not escape his fate and passed away early.

Starting from Cangzhou, paragraphs of the past flashed through her mind like a picture. Zhu Xiu's face was frozen, and silent tears fell like rain.

He followed Guo Wei and Chai Rong, father and son, and dominated the Zhou Dynasty until now.

But from now on, no one will stand in front of him to protect him from the wind and rain.

There are no traces of history for him to follow easily.

From now on, he can only rely on himself to find a new and unprecedented path.

In an instant, grief, fear, worry, confusion and many other emotions came to my heart.

It wasn't until the moment Chai Rong fell that Zhu Xiu truly felt how heavy the burden was on his shoulders.

Zhu Xiu took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, pulled Chai Zongxun to kneel down in front of the dragon bed, and announced loudly in the most sad and desolate voice: "His Majesty the Emperor of Zhou Dynasty, the dragon controls Bintian!"

"Your Majesty!" Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Wei Renpu, Zhang Yongde, Han Tong, and Tao Gu cried bitterly and fell to their knees one after another.

Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo and others followed and cried bitterly, but they could only hear the crying but no tears.

Fu Jinwan was stunned for a moment. The cold body lying on the dragon bed was once the object of her incomparable admiration, and also the object of her extreme disappointment and hatred.

Fu Jinwan slowly knelt down expressionlessly, feeling a sense of relief and pleasure in his heart.

Zhao Kuangyi knelt on the ground and gestured secretly behind him, and the guards left quietly.

He must report the news of the emperor's death to Zhao Kuangyin who was far away in Yunzhou as soon as possible.

Half an hour later, the emperor's body was loaded into the Zi Palace and temporarily parked in the Zide Hall, and the imperial army was sent to block and guard it.

The ministers gathered around Chai Zongxun and moved to the Qingshou Hall.

"King Liang, come to Ben Gong."

Fu Jinwan wanted to take Chai Zongxun up the stairs and sit on the imperial throne, but Chai Zongxun hugged Zhu Xiu's neck tightly and shook his head vigorously: "I want to be with Master."

Zhu Xiu hugged Sijun and said apologetically: "The King of Liang is young, so he naturally likes to be with familiar people. Please don't force me.

How about this? Please wait a moment for your Majesty and the princes. After I put Prince Liang to sleep, we can discuss politics again. "

Tao Gu was the first to agree: "As the Duke of Zhao, he also has the important task of assisting the government. Naturally, Duke Zhao should take care of the heir."

Zhang Mei's face changed, and she spoke sternly: "Your Majesty ordered us to only serve King Liang to ascend the throne. How can he say that he will assist the government?"

"That's right! His Majesty's decree can be heard clearly by all of us present. Don't confuse Mr. Tao!" Wu Yanzuo also said sadly.

At this time, Tao Gu didn't care to break his face and said angrily: "Your Majesty clearly left a will to ask Duke Zhao to assist the government. The people present heard it clearly. I think you are pretending to be deaf and dumb and don't want to admit it!"

"Anyway, the Prime Minister was standing in the front row and didn't clearly hear the word "Assistant Government" coming from His Majesty's mouth!" Zhang Mei said seriously.

"I think you are blind and deaf!" Tao Gu was furious and mocked in a strange voice.

"Presumptuous! As a prime minister, you can be so vulgar!" Zan Jurun cursed sharply.

There was a commotion in the main hall, but Zhu Xiu did not join in. He carried Chai Zongxun and went straight to the side pavilion. He comforted the child for a while before coaxing him to sleep.

Fu Jinwan was worried and sent Wang Jien to take care of him. Then Zhu Xiu returned to the palace unhurriedly.

He knew very well that Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo and others would never admit that His Majesty appointed him as the Minister of Guan Ming.

These people dare to make false claims and usurp the queen, just to seize power under the banner of the queen.

How could the imperial court be allowed to have a minister who was in charge of regent's affairs?
Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Wei Renpu, and Zhang Yongde also joined in the scolding battle, arguing endlessly with Zhang Mei, Wu Yanzuo, and Zan Jurun.

Zhao Kuangyi watched with cold eyes, thinking about how to get rid of Zhu Xiu once and for all.

Fu Jinwan was so troubled that he was restless on his throne, not knowing how to deal with the current dispute between the two factions.

"Masters, please listen to me." Zhu Xiu coughed.

The hall fell silent, and everyone stared at him with big eyes and small eyes.

Zhu Xiu let out a long sigh and said with a sad face: "We are all important ministers of the country whom Your Majesty relies on. We are all present before His Majesty, and we are entrusted with the responsibility. The most urgent task now is to choose an auspicious day for King Liang to ascend the throne, and then appoint Shanling envoys are solely responsible for presiding over state funerals.

The King of Liang is young, so he will naturally be assisted by the Queen Mother in the imperial court from now on. However, I still have a few small requests, which I hope the Queen Mother will grant. "

Zhu Xiu bowed to Fu Jinwan, who was sitting on the imperial throne, with a very sincere and humble expression.

Fan Zhi, Wang Pu's expressions changed greatly, Zhang Mei and others were stunned at first, and then ecstatic.

Fu Jinwan couldn't hide his joy, but he didn't want to show it obviously, so he could only hold it back.

Zhao Kuangyi frowned, his eyes filled with suspicion. His first reaction was that Zhu Xiu was up to something else.

He did not believe that the treacherous and cunning Zhu Wen would voluntarily give up his auxiliary power position.

Everyone understood what Zhu Xiu meant. He could give up his status and power as the assistant minister, or he could recognize the status of Empress Fu Jinwan and the Queen Mother, but there were several requirements.

Fu Jinwan glanced at Zhao Kuangyi, who nodded slightly.

"I am very pleased that Duke Zhao is loyal to the country. If you have anything to say, Duke Zhao, just say it and I will consider it seriously." Fu Jinwan said calmly, pretending to be the Queen Mother.

Zhu Xiu cupped his hands and said: "Xianggong Fan, Xianggong Wang, Xianggong Tao, Privy Councilor Wei and other ministers are all the pillars of our great Zhou Dynasty. The court cannot do without them. Please issue an order from the Queen Mother to reinstate the ministers and officials to their posts. Officials should go home and reunite with their families as soon as possible."

Fu Jinwan was silent for a moment, and glanced at Zhao Kuangyi and Zhang Mei from the corner of his eye. Seeing the two people's acquiescence, he said: "There was a little trouble in the capital earlier, and it was for the safety of all the officials that I allowed them to stay together in the Wende Hall. Now Kaifeng has been restored. If there is peace, officials can naturally come out of the palace."

"Thank you, Queen Mother, for your kindness!" Zhu Xiu saluted with gratitude.

Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Wei Renpu and others were all extremely moved. Unexpectedly, Zhu Xiu voluntarily gave up his auxiliary position. The first thing in exchange was to let the officials who were detained in Wende Palace leave the palace and go home.

What kind of selfless mind is this~ admirable!

"I heard that Han Lingkun, the commander of the capital in front of the palace, Gao Huaide, the deputy commander of the capital, An Shouzhong, the commander of the guard horse army, Cao Han, the military commander, and Wang Shenqi, the deputy commander of the capital in front of the palace, were previously punished for minor offenses. The Queen Mother punished.

I hope that the Queen Mother will clear up the misunderstanding and restore the honorary positions of the generals.At a time when the country is employing people, all the generals are commanders who are good at conquering and fighting. I hope that the Queen Mother will give them a chance to make meritorious service so that they can continue to serve the new monarch. Zhu Xiu said sincerely.

Fu Jinwan was silent for a moment, and Zhao Kuangyi, Zhang Mei, and Wu Yanzuo gathered together to discuss quickly for a moment. Zhang Mei said: "The Duke of Zhao also thinks about the country, and I think the Queen Mother can be lenient."

Fu Jinwan said: "In this case, I will allow Zhao Guogong to play it."

"The empress dowager is truly a blessing to the country!" Zhu Xiu praised with sincerity.

Fan Zhi and Wang Pu looked at each other in confusion. No one could guess what medicine was buried in Zhu Xiu's gourd.

Is it possible that he is really frustrated and wants to give up his official power and return home to retire?
Tao Gu's eyes were rolling, and he seemed to have realized some of his intentions.

"One last request. I heard that the Queen Mother has taken my wife and children into the palace for a short stay. Nowadays, the palace is very busy. The Queen Mother has to take care of Prince Liang and also deal with the government affairs. I really don't dare to trouble the Queen Mother to take care of my wife and children. I sincerely ask the Queen Mother for permission. They go out of the palace and go home with the ministers." Zhu Xiu begged, as if afraid of Fu Jinwan's disapproval, she threw down her robe and knelt down.

No one would have thought that Zhu Xiu would bow to Fu Jinwan.

Even Zhao Kuangyi, Zhang Mei and others were surprised.

After all, everyone knew in their hearts that Fu Jinwan, the empress, had an unfair reputation. Even people like Han Tong, Zhang Yongde, and Fan Zhi were unwilling to admit it, let alone the No. 1 in the dynasty, who was already arrogant. Zhu Xiu?

But now, Zhu Xiu knelt down at his Majesty's doorstep and bowed to the Queen Mother who was unable to convince the crowd.

His face was full of sadness, his red eyes were empty and lifeless, and his whole body showed depression. It seemed that His Majesty's death had hit him hard, and he showed some signs of depression.

Fu Jinwan was stunned at first, and then couldn't help but curl up the corners of his lips, revealing a sneer.

Her second brother-in-law, the powerful and world-famous Zhu Xiu and Zhu Wencai, immediately knelt in front of her.

Recalling that last year, Fu Yanqing took her to visit Zhu Xiu in person and asked him to recommend her to the palace.

Now, she is honored as the Queen Mother, and even the new king is under her lap.

This huge country will be controlled by her.

At this moment, the blood in Fu Jinwan's whole body was a little boiling, her breathing became short of breath, her waist and chest straightened unconsciously.

Looking down at the ministers standing under the steps, she truly felt what it meant to be superior.

Feeling proud, Fu Jinwan almost agreed to Zhu Xiu's request.

Zhao Kuangyi stood far away, shaking his head to signal her rejection.

After hesitating for a moment, Fu Jinwan said calmly: "Don't worry, Duke Zhao. Your wife is Yu's sister, and your son is also Yu's nephew. They live in the palace, and Yu will send someone to take good care of them."

His Majesty passed away, and the palace was busy arranging for the national funeral. I didn't even have anyone to talk to. I was really lonely, so I asked your wife and son to stay with me.

The King of Liang also lacked a boy to accompany him to study. The two children were about the same age and were good companions. He ordered the Hanlin scholars to teach him well.

I can allow Duke Zhao Guo to see his wife before leaving the palace.It's just that there are so many trivial matters in the palace that it is inconvenient for Duke Zhao to stay for a long time. I hope you will forgive me. "

Zhu Xiu had no choice but to cup his hands and said: "Thank you, Queen Mother. Why don't we just use the sealing of His Majesty's mausoleum as the deadline, and wait until the state funeral is completed. I want to take my wife and children back to Haozhou to worship my ancestors."

Fu Jinwan thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

After a brief discussion on the candidates for the Shanling envoy, it was finally decided that Fan Zhi would be the chief envoy and Wang Pu would be the deputy envoy. The two prime ministers would be responsible for organizing the state funeral and escorting His Majesty Zi Gong to Qingling for burial.

(End of this chapter)