The new era of chaos begins in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 312 Recruiting An Naicheng

Ergou did not hide some inside information about Shenyang Cave and Guifang Kingdom from Chen Congshan, and selectively told some of his adventure experiences.

But when Chen Congshan heard that Ergou planned to kill Duke Shen Yang, he was shocked and said: "The Shen Yang thief's martial arts and supernatural powers are almost as good as those of gods, but my uncle can kill him, he is a true god!"

Ergou replied somewhat humbly: "This is all the result of the strategies of a group of women. I just happened to meet them and was the last one to hold the sword. It is not really my ability."

Of course, Ergou did not mention several of the twists and turns. After all, the fact of waiting to be resurrected from the dead was a bit shocking, and speaking of it would only be harmful rather than helpful.

Then Ergou said: "The Shenyang Cave is located in another realm. If you want to bring back a group of abducted women, you must send troops to open the road to Guifang Kingdom. The Zhennan Rebel Army is willing to take on the important task of attacking Guifang Kingdom. But if they want to move troops to Qishan, they need the identity of the Song Dynasty official army."

Chen Congshan said: "I know what my uncle said. Only Zhao'an can convert the rebel army into the official army of the Song Dynasty.

It's just that there are some difficulties here. He raised the flag to rebel, and his crime was very serious. However, the court issued an edict to recruit heroes, and he had to show off some majesty to show the kindness of the Song Dynasty officials.

And if they are to be accommodated, they must be given some official positions. If they are given a high position, they will not look good among the courtiers, and if they are given a light position, they will be afraid that the heroes will be dissatisfied. "

Ergou frowned and said, "Be kind, I am not an official, and I have never had any ambition for fame. Don't talk to me in official terms!"

It is one thing for the leaders of the rebel army to be dissatisfied with the recruitment process, but it is another thing entirely for you and other Song monarchs and ministers to be sincere! snort! You and other troops are unable to succeed in their strategy, and cannot defeat the Zhennan rebels again and again. The only way to go is to appease them! You are just a military attaché, what can you do? Let me find the person behind you and invite him to discuss this matter with me! "

Before Ergou came to see Chen Congshan, he naturally found out that the person behind him was Zeng Zhao, the younger brother of Zeng Bu, the prime minister of the dynasty.

Speaking of which, during the Song Dynasty, especially after Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi, any military general who wanted to show his talents must have a civil official with sufficient weight as a backer.

For example, Yang Liulang was to Kou Zhun, Yang Wenguang was to Fan Zhongyan, but the most special ones were Di Qing and Di Wuxiang.

Di Qing was successively valued by Yin Zhu, Fan Zhongyan, Pang Ji, Han Qi, Ouyang Xiu and other famous officials of the Song Dynasty. They all regarded him as a good general and protected him.

And it was precisely the protection and respect of so many important ministers that caused some tragedies to happen to Di Qing.

In the early days of his military career, Di Qing had a smooth sailing, whether on the battlefield or in official circles, and basically did not suffer any unfair suppression. This gave Di Qing the illusion that he could be on an equal footing with civil servants.

Then Han Qi, who wanted to give Di Qing a beating, used Jiao Yong's head and the famous saying "The one who sings the first prize outside Donghua Gate is a good boy" to make Di Qing understand who the big and small kings are.

From then on, Di Qing, who was too ambitious, became unbalanced. He wanted to prove to the world through his own efforts that even a traitor to the army could reach a high position (privy envoy, similar to a prime minister) and be a good man in the Song Dynasty.

But the civil servants of the Song Dynasty always wanted to tame him and be his handlers.

Di Qing never understood at first why he was treated like this because he was loyal to the Song Dynasty. Until finally Wen Yanbo explained the key point in one sentence: "Isn't Taizu a loyal minister of Zhou Shizong? But to win the military heart, Chen Qiao has It’s a change.”

In the end, Di Qing died in depression carrying the burden of "the imperial court doubting you".

Of course, among the many famous generals in the Northern Song Dynasty, there were a few exceptions, such as Wang Shao, Zhong Shiheng (whose uncle was the great Confucian Zhong Fang), Zong Ze, etc. They themselves were civil servants, and Wang Shao and Zong Ze were even serious officials. They were born as Jinshi in the imperial examination, so they did not need to cling to an important minister in the court as an aid.

Some people may ask, what will happen if serious military generals do not rely on civilian officials?

Not to mention the unlucky ones like Jiao Yong who were regarded as "chickens" who killed chickens to scare monkeys, there were simply countless of them throughout the Song Dynasty.

Yang Ye, the old prince in the early Northern Song Dynasty, was the first to suffer a loss. As a surrender minister of the Northern Han Dynasty, Yang Ye was not able to understand the political situation of the Song Dynasty at first, and then he was tricked to death by the supervisor Wang Qian.

The famous generals who will suffer losses in the future include Yue Wumu, Yu Jie and others.

Chen Congshan's reputation on the battlefield in Jiangnan was not only due to his ability, but also because he had the Zeng family behind him to support him.

For such a big event as the Zhao'an Zhennan Rebel Army, Chen Congshan could only be the messenger at best. The only ones who could really talk the talk were the brothers Zeng Zhao and even Zeng Bu behind him.

Although Ergou's words were quite rude, Chen Congshan did not dare to show off. He only smiled bitterly and said: "Uncle, please don't be angry. I know that I am a lowly official and my master has no control over this matter. I just want to give you some kind words. In fact, No evil intentions."

Ergou shook his head and said: "Be a good person. Although you were born in an officialdom and your father and ancestors were honored by the court, you can't see the essence of this. The monarchs and ministers of the Song Dynasty often said that the only way to rule the world is with the scholar-bureaucrats. You are a military general, such a big thing , the children of the Zeng family can speak and discuss, but you alone cannot say too much, and you can only cooperate as a messenger to spread the word, otherwise you will suffer disaster in the future."

Chen Congshan heard this, but said with some reluctance: "Uncle, after the death of my father and grandfather, the reputation of our Chen family has plummeted and is in urgent need of revitalization. If I act in such a lazy way, how can I show my talents and bring glory to my ancestors?"

Ergou said: "It's right that you want to revitalize Menlin, but you must understand the situation clearly.

Today's rebel force is neither big nor small. It happens to be stuck at a relatively subtle level. Recruitment can be said to be the general trend.

If you want to make meritorious deeds and honor your ancestors, there will be plenty of opportunities on the battlefield in the future, including the next attack on Guifang Kingdom, which is when you use force, so why bother with recruiting peace? !

Unless, you want to compete with Zeng for credit! "

Chen Congshan shook his head quickly and said with a smile: "How dare I have such thoughts! I just didn't expect that my uncle, who has lived in the countryside for a long time, has such knowledge. If he can join the court, he will definitely accomplish a lot."

Ergou smiled and refused: "If I had the intention to do my own work five years ago, why wait until now! I am lucky enough to do this, and I can't let it go, so I have to work hard."

Chen Congshan clasped his hands and said with a smile: "But if uncle is there to thread the needle, great things can happen!"

Chen Congshan then sent people to Xinqian Prefecture and invited Zeng Zhao, the military envoy of Quan Nan'an, to come for a secret meeting.

It is interesting to say that Zeng Zhao supervised the Nan'an Army, but stationed himself in Qianzhou Prefecture (which was part of Qianzhou and adjacent to Nan'an Army Prefecture), but the ultimate reason was for the war.

After all, Qianzhou Prefecture has more convenient transportation to the front lines than the Nan'an Army prefectures and counties.

The reason why Zeng Zhao was invited to Wan'an County instead of Ergou and Chen Congshan to Qianzhou Mansion was firstly to keep it secret for the time being, and secondly because Chen Congshan, as a military general, could not leave his post without orders, but Zeng Zhao did not have this worry.

After receiving Chen Congshan's letter, Zeng Zhao immediately took a boat down the Gan River and arrived in Wan'an County in only half a day.

After he arrived in Wan'an County, he couldn't wait to meet Chen Congshan and Ergou.

When Chen Congshan introduced Ergou's identity to Zeng Zhao, especially when he learned that Ergou was the prospective son-in-law of the then Prime Minister Li Gefei, Zeng Zhao was so shocked that he almost jumped up.

Do you know why Zeng Zhao was so surprised?

Just because Li Gefei and Zeng Bu, who was also the prime minister, were real political enemies, or it should be said that Li Gefei was the enemy of all the ministers in the DPRK and China who aspired to the position of prime minister. Li Gefei sat in the position of prime minister for too long.

Six whole years!

It is rare for those important ministers of the country who have outstanding reputations and are expected by the world to sit in the position of prime minister for such a long time.

At that time, Wang Jinggong was so trusted by Shenzong that he only served as prime minister for five or six years (1069-1074 AD).

You, Li Gefei, are so virtuous and capable that you dare to sit in peace for six years and remain calm? !

Therefore, in the past year or two, criticisms of Li Gefei have been coming one after another in the DPRK.

In fact, Li Gefei is not that kind of person who is greedy for power. On the contrary, he is a person who values ​​fame and reputation a hundred times more than power and wealth.

It's not that Li Gefei never thought about resigning, but some people who knew the truth didn't dare to agree, such as some elders of the Zhao and Song royal families.

Do you think Li Gefei was the prime minister who controlled the great power of the Song Dynasty?

No! He is just a hostage in the hands of the Zhao Song royal family! It is a handle used to restrain a certain madman who is doing something rebellious in Xiangzhou!

Although Li Gefei was the prime minister, he rarely interfered in political affairs in the court. He mostly focused on revising books and compiling historical annals.

For such an honest hostage, the elders of the Zhao Song royal family were stupid enough to expel him.

But sometimes, man’s calculation is not as good as God’s calculation.

Today's Song Dynasty official Zhao Dachongming is such a smart fool.

He just doesn't like Li Gefei. Your reputation as Li Momei is so high. Where do you put me, the king of a country?

What? Are you sitting in a high position because you have a good prospective son-in-law?

Well! Let’s break up your family’s marriage and see how long you can keep it up? !

And this is also the reason why there are rumors in the capital that the current officials covet the young lady Qingzhao.

Earlier, Empress Dowager Xiang had the support of the elders of the Zhao and Song royal families, but now the officials do not dare to go too far.

It is a pity that the Empress Dowager Xiang in this world was short-lived after all. She only lived two years longer than herself in history, but died of illness at the end of the second year of Chongning.

It can be said that at this time Li Gefei was under unprecedented pressure from criticism in the Song Dynasty.

Of course, Zhao Guan's family did not know the truth about this matter and acted arbitrarily. However, the courtiers who gathered in groups, including Zeng Bu and other important ministers, just did not know what was going on and just treated the matter as an ordinary party struggle.

Zeng Zhao knew that his brother was eager to criticize Li Gefei in the court, and he had even submitted several memorials to impeach Li Gefei in recent days.

But at this moment, Li Gefei's prospective son-in-law appeared here and wanted to discuss with Zeng Zhao the recruitment of bandits. How could you not frighten Mr. Zeng? How not to panic!

Even at this time, the first thought that came to Zeng Zhao's mind was: Could this Jiangnan rebellion be a conspiracy planned by the "traitor" Li Gefei?

Any political creature with some ability would rather think too much than be short-witted.

Zeng Zhao only felt that he had discovered the truth.

At this time, he had planned an impeachment chapter in his mind. If he could report it to the emperor, he would be dismissed from office and his reputation would be ruined!

Zeng Zhao, who had a plan in mind, calmed down and said to Ergou calmly: "It turns out that he is Li Momei's son-in-law. He is really extraordinary and unforgettable! But he didn't know that Li Momei sent Chen Yanei to Why did you come to Jiangnan?"

Ergou shook his head and said, "I went south this time because I received help from an old friend. I have nothing to do with my father-in-law."

understand! understand!

Zeng Zhao asked with a smile: "I am not here under the orders of Prime Minister Li, and I have nothing to do with him. But who are the old friends of Yanei? Why do you ask Yanei for help?"

Ergou had some bad feelings in his heart, but he did not hide it, but said: "There are two old friends of mine, Han Cunbao and Yang Wen, in the Zhennan Rebel Army. His wife was kidnapped by evil spirits, but he asked me for help in finding Yi Er."

Zeng Zhao laughed loudly when he heard this and said, "I didn't expect Chen Yanei to be so capable of finding people! I just wonder if he has ever been able to find this person?"

Ergou nodded and said, "I already have some clues. I'm just waiting for someone to pick him up."

When Zeng Zhao heard this, he laughed even louder.

After a long time, he calmed down and sneered: "Child of the Chen family, you only used lies that even a three-year-old would not believe to deceive me! Do you think I am a fool?"

Ergou and Chen Congshan were both surprised.

Chen Congshan asked: "Why did Mr. Zeng say this?"

Zeng Zhao pointed his finger at Ergou and laughed: "You are assigned by Li Momei, but you come to Jiangnan to create trouble and get some chips to stabilize power with him! Can't you see such a rebellious and unethical approach?" ?!”

When Ergou heard this, his heart felt like a bright mirror, and he immediately realized Zeng Zhao's purpose.

He sneered and said: "What Mr. Zeng said is nonsense, and he really wants to incriminate my father-in-law!"

Zeng Zhaoyi sneered and said: "You don't have to quibble! He, Li Gefei, has been the left prime minister for six years. He has not made any commendable achievements in his tenure, but he is obsessed with holding power and will not leave! Now he is stirring up such a big mess. It is really not enough to die." Xiye! I advise you to recruit the truth as soon as possible. If you dare to conceal anything, you will not be able to escape severe punishment!"

Ergou burst out laughing and said, "Old fellow! You think you are smart, but you are just a short-sighted person. What you think in your heart is so stupid!

Li Xianggong served as prime minister and assistant, not because he was greedy for power, but because the royal family of Zhao and Song Dynasties refused to leave! The inside story is beyond the knowledge of worldly people!

Don't worry, when this matter is over, when I return from the north, Li Momei will abandon her official position, retire and return to her hometown without waiting for impeachment. She will never care about power and position. "

Zeng Zhao heard Ergou's sarcastic words, but he was furious in his heart and shouted: "Arrogant little thief! How dare you speak lies! When I take you, under three trees, let's see what else you can say! Chen Tongzhi, Let's get someone to capture this guy!"

"This?!" Chen Congshan was a little dumbfounded. He moved hesitantly a few times and thought about it a few times, but blocked Zeng Zhao behind him and said to Ergou: "Zeng Gong was joking for a while, uncle, don't take it to heart. Shang Ye."

The two dogs sneered to themselves, but Zeng Zhao said angrily: "I never joked! Chen Congshan! Er'an dares to collude with the thieves!"

Chen Congshan turned around and smiled bitterly in a low voice: "Mr. Zeng, you are not willing to obey orders unless you are doing good. My uncle is invincible and has no equal in the world. Even with thousands of troops and horses in front, he can't be defeated! If I take action, I just want to pay it back myself, I'm just afraid that Mr. Zeng will be harmed by him."

Zeng Zhao was surprised when he heard this, his eyes widened and he said, "You guys are talking nonsense! How dare such an inconspicuous boy claim to be brave and invincible?! Have you never seen an extremely powerful general?"

Chen Congshan smiled bitterly and said: "If you haven't seen it with your own eyes, you wouldn't even believe it even if you are humble enough! If Mr. Zeng doesn't believe it, you can recruit Liu Zhongwu to see if he dares to fight against my uncle?!"

(End of this chapter)