The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 257 Threesome

Zhu Xiu couldn't understand. He was obviously discussing the situation in Kaifeng, but why the conversation turned to him.

It's all the fault of the talkative gossip Zhao Da'er, Zhu Xiu glared at him angrily.

Zhao Kuangyin squinted his eyes and groaned, thinking that Mr. Zhu is really ignorant. Your brothers are so worried about your marriage, but you don't appreciate it.

"Chai Shuai, we'll talk about this later. The most urgent thing is to think about how to deal with the situation in Kaifeng?" Zhu Xiu quickly changed the subject.

Chai Rong said with a smile: "Although the situation in Kaifeng is chaotic, it is not out of control. My father is caught between the official family and the ministers such as Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin. Although both sides are unhappy, he can barely cope with it and want to protect himself. no problem.

I want to go back to Kaifeng. Firstly, I miss my wife and children, and secondly, I want to be with my father, lighten the burden on his shoulders, and do what I can. "

Zhao Kuangyin also said to Zhu Xiu: "Guo Shuai is in the world and has never seen any battles. Even if the situation in Kaifeng turns into a mess, Guo Shuai can deal with it calmly. You don't have to worry. You should think about how to please Fu Erniang and Lingyan." Madam, lest your husband fails in the future and you have to ask for help from Chai Shuai and our brothers!"

There weren't many things that Zhao Kuangyin could make fun of Zhu Xiu for. When he caught him in the emotional relationship between men and women, he couldn't help but ridicule him: "Don't be afraid. When we go to Kaifeng, Chai Shuai, I, and Li Dashuai all have their own issues." If you are kicked out of the house by the two ladies, you will not end up living on the street. We will provide you with a permanent residence in our respective houses, including food and accommodation."

Chai Rong laughed: "This is a wonderful statement!"

Zhu Xiu rolled his eyes and said unkindly to Zhao Kuangyin: "That's fine, then I will live in your residence permanently and teach the He family's sister-in-law how to play mahjong. My sister-in-law is smart and spends time at home. I think she will master this skill soon." When I was young, I would often bring my poker friends into my house to play mahjong with my sister-in-law!"

Zhao Kuangyin opened his eyes wide and was speechless. This scene appeared in his mind:
His dignified, virtuous, gentle and kind-hearted wife became fond of mahjong from then on. She couldn't control it. She sat at the card table all day long and played non-stop. The halls of her house were filled with mahjong tables and people were busy. The bustling place with people coming and going has become a place where Kaifeng officials gather to play mahjong.
Zhao Kuangyin was shocked. As a mahjong enthusiast, he had firsthand experience of how addictive this new game is.

His wife, He Zhen, was a lady of a wealthy family. She usually liked to enjoy the quiet time at home, cooking tea and reading. What if she was led astray by a bad guy like Zhu Xiu and her temperament changed drastically?
Mrs. He Zhen was born in the He family in Kuaiji, which was considered a well-known family. She had read extensively since she was a child. Although she was a daughter, she was quite knowledgeable.

Even so, there is no guarantee that He Zhen can resist the temptation of mahjong.

Zhao Kuangyin himself has a deep understanding of it. At the beginning, he only had the mentality of seeing new things, but now, it feels empty if he doesn't rub it twice a day.

It was enough that he himself had been tortured by Zhu Xiu, but he could not drag his wife into the water again.

Even if his wife doesn't like mahjong and is not interested in gambling, there is no guarantee that Zhu Xiu will come up with other tricks to deceive his wife.

Those who are close to Zhu Xiu will be black. He cannot let his virtuous and virtuous wife suffer the poison of Zhu Xiu.

"Absolutely not!" Zhao Kuangyin refused with a wave of his hand righteously, "I don't have a house for you to stay in! You should just find another place!"

Zhu Xiu cast a look of disdain: "Just now we were the eldest brother and the younger brother, but now we are turning against each other faster than turning over the pages of a book. Who is more shameless?"

Zhao Kuangyin looked at his nose and heart, sat upright, and did not answer Zhu Xiu's provocative words.

This kid was deliberately looking for trouble for what happened just now, so it's better to avoid the limelight first.

Chai Rong said: "Even though you come to live in my house, your sister-in-law is usually busier than me in taking care of the housework, raising children, and taking care of her mother and younger brother. There have been wars in these years, and I often go out. Everything in the house is entrusted to her, which is really hard work." She did.

Last time I returned to Kaifeng, I took her out for a walk, and she even forgot how to get to the rouge shop she used to go to!
If I teach her how to play mahjong and poker and have fun in her free time, it will make up for the guilt in my heart. "

Zhu Xiu was in awe, raised his hands and said: "Don't worry, Commander Chai, I will take care of this matter! If Madam-in-law doesn't like playing mahjong, I can also make other gadgets for her to relieve her boredom, and there is also the unwritten Journey to the West. Madam-in-law will definitely like it. After Madam-in-law finishes reading it, she can tell it to Brother Yi and Brother Cheng."

Chai Rong smiled and said: "Then I'll help you. E Hui heard that I often talk about you at home, and is quite curious about you. She wants to get to know you, a hermit, a great disciple, and a strange person in the world."

Zhu Xiu chuckled and felt a little ashamed.

Zhao Kuangyin said hurriedly: "Forget about mahjong, I will also send a set of Journey to the West to my home. Mr. He likes reading, so he will definitely like it."

Zhu Xiu glanced at him: "Do you still need to tell me? I will definitely send it to the He family's sister-in-law."

Zhao Kuangyin clasped his fists gratefully: "Thank you brother!"

Then he hurriedly turned his head away, not daring to look Zhu Xiu in the eye, fearing that he would try to teach He Shi how to play mahjong again.

Chai Rong said: "By the way, Yuen Long, my sister-in-law is already pregnant. The baby will be born when we return this time, right?"

Zhao Kuangyin scratched his head shyly, with a longing and happy smile on his face: "The doctor estimates that he will be born in April next year."

Chai Rong said: "What a great joy! Father and I will definitely come to your residence to congratulate you."

"Thank you, Chai Shuai!" Zhao Kuangyin was filled with gratitude.

"I wonder what the child's name should be?" Chai Rong seemed to be very concerned about the descendants of the old Zhao family.

Zhao Kuangyin said with a smile: "The next generation of the Zhao family is the generation with the surname of De. My father wanted me to choose the name of the child myself. I have thought about a few before, but Mr. He was not satisfied, so I haven't decided yet."

Chai Rong nodded and said, "This is your first child, and he is also the grandson of Zhao's family. You must not be careless when choosing a name. You must think carefully about it."

"What Chai Shuai said is that I am also in trouble for this." Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly and shook his head. He did not expect that naming his child would stump him.

Zhu Xiu's eyes were dull, looking at Shi Xiangwen who was squatting by the stream playing in the ice in the distance, not knowing what he was thinking.

Chai Rong stared at him for a while, then pointed his finger and said with a smile, "What do you think?"

Zhu Xiu was confused. What does it matter if Zhao Daer's child is named?

Zhao Kuangyin was stunned, and immediately realized, muttering something: "Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Dexiu"

Zhao Kuangyin's eyes lit up and he slapped his thigh: "What a good name! It's called Zhao Dexiu!"

Chai Rong clapped his palms and laughed loudly: "I think it's good too! It's wonderful!"

Zhao Kuangyin patted Zhu Xiu's shoulder with his rough, warm, thick hands, and laughed loudly: "I hope that this word of show will make my son half as smart as his virtuous brother in the future! If so, there will be successors to the old Zhao family!"

Zhu Xiu pushed him away angrily: "What if I give birth to a daughter?"

Zhao Kuangyin's excited smile froze instantly.

Chai Rong laughed and scolded: "Tong Yan Wuji, this baby of my brother and sister will definitely be a son!"

Zhao Kuangyin gritted his teeth and said: "If it's a daughter, let's call her Zhao Xiuxiu!" Zhao Kuangyin's eyes widened in annoyance, as if he had made up his mind that he must have something to do with Zhu Xiu in his child's name, and take advantage of it.

Zhu Xiu was despised in her heart, but she also knew that the views on childbearing these days were very different from those of later generations. She was sure that giving birth to a daughter was a bit of a curse, so she quickly apologized with a smile on her face and said: "Brother Zhao, don't be upset. My little brother's random nonsense cannot be taken seriously. Sister-in-law He This baby must be a son!"

Zhu Xiu patted her chest and almost said that if she couldn't give birth to a son, just come to me.
Zhao Kuangyin's face brightened slightly, and he said proudly: "Zhao Dexiu! Zhao Dexiu! My son's name is Zhao Dexiu! Brother Xiu will be my son from now on!"

Chai Rong pointed at him and laughed, and Zhu Xiu muttered "childish" under his breath.

Zhao Kuangyin took advantage verbally and felt that he had gained a victory over Zhu Xiu, and his mood instantly improved.

Chai Rong put his hands on the back of his head, lay down on the sheepskin mat, looked at the clear sky, and said with emotion: "The officials and Li Ye and others will definitely not let me return to Kaifeng easily, and I don't know if the matter can be settled years ago. I haven’t spent the New Year safely at home for many years.”

Zhao Kuangyin also took the same posture, occupying the other side of the sheepskin mat, and said sarcastically: "Even if the court allows Chai Shuai to return to the capital, it is impossible for you to continue to lead the army. There is no need to think about the forbidden army. It is considered good to be able to guarantee the third-grade treatment. Looking for It’s impossible to demote him and retain him as an excuse.”

Chai Rong was silent for a while, then smiled casually: "That's all, I'll accept it even if I'm laid off and laid off. It's good to have a salary that's enough to support the family."

Zhao Kuangyin patted his forehead in distress: "Even Chai Shuai was sent away coldly. Wouldn't it be worse for me? I might be sent to be a city gatekeeper. I have no position and power, and I can't get any money. I'm afraid I won't be able to return it. I have to go to my old father to give alms."

Zhu Xiu looked around, imitating the two of them, and fell in the middle, with his hands and pillows sandwiched between them.

The large sheepskin mat was fully occupied by three men lying on their backs.

The sky is a beautiful blue, and the warm winter sun shines on the body, making people feel sleepy.

Zhao Kuangyin turned around Zhu Xiu: "We will have a hard time in the future, and we won't be able to uncover the truth at home, so you have to help. The total wealth of us people, including Guo Shuai, is not even a fraction of yours!"

When Zhu Xiu heard the money talk, she immediately became alert and laughed dryly: "Brother Zhao's words are a bit exaggerated."

Chai Rong smiled and said: "If the court cannot tolerate us father and son, at worst, we will resign and join Jingzhou. It would be good to become a herdsman and farmer under your rule in Zhangyi Army."

Zhao Kuangyin sighed in frustration: "I want to serve the court well, but it's a pity that I won't be given the chance. I want to live a stable life, but I'm afraid that I will be persecuted without any position or rights. This damn world doesn't allow anyone to live."

Given Zhao Kuangyin's character, it is rare to hear him complain.

But since coming to Jingzhou this time, he has obviously become more dissatisfied with the imperial court, and there is a lot of resentment and complaint in his heart.

When the officials want to take power, the four hidden ministers attack from all sides under his control. The first to bear the brunt is the minister who Gu Ming left behind by the late emperor.

Su Fengji surrendered early, and Guo Wei also willingly handed over the military power of Tianxiong Army. He only had the position of Privy Councilor left, and he didn't know how long he could hold it.

Now only Shi Hongzhao, the commander of the Imperial Guard and the Ma Bu Army, and Yang Ping, the minister of Zhongshu, the minister of the Ministry of official affairs, and the minister of Tongping, are the biggest stumbling blocks on Liu Chengyou's road to imperial power.

Chai Rong and Zhao Kuangyin are both generals under Guo Wei. Liu Chengyou liquidated Guo Wei's faction. Naturally, they could not escape. They were both on the court's suppression list.

Therefore, Zhao Kuangyin felt disheartened about his future, and at the same time he was resentful of the new Liu Han court.

Zhu Xiu remained silent, resting her head on her head and closing her eyes, seemingly drowsy.

Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but poke him again: "Consultant Zhu, who is so clever and versatile, can you give us a clear path?"

Chai Rong also turned to look, with a hint of expectation in his eyes.

Sleeping between two big men already made people feel uncomfortable, and being stared at by their fiery gazes made it even more uncomfortable. Zhu Xiu wanted to pretend to be asleep, but unfortunately she couldn't hold it any longer. She was silent for a moment and sighed softly. :

“A great man once said that when internal contradictions accumulate to a certain extent, there are often two results. One is that strong external forces break the internal balance, causing internal contradictions to shift.

The second is that internal conflicts completely break out, creating a revolution that affects everyone."

Zhao Kuangyin felt dizzy after hearing this and looked puzzled: "It sounds awkward, what does it mean? Which sage said this weird argument?"

Zhu Xiu looked up at the white clouds floating by and said quietly: "Marx."

Zhao Kuangyin was stunned for a moment, and then thought carefully about it. From ancient times to the present day, he could not recall a sage named Marx.

Zhao Kuangyin thought that he had little knowledge, touched his nose and muttered: "This sage named Ma has a weird name, and what he says is even weirder, making it difficult for people to understand."

Chai Rong frowned and thought for a while, then asked: "What do you mean, the current situation of the court is like a pool of stagnant water. If there is no external force to stir it up, it will move towards the second result? In other words, between the officials and the auxiliary ministers, Will the swordsmen finally meet?"

Zhao Kuangyin opened his eyes in horror: "Even if the officials want to fight for power, they can't kill them, right? Although Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin are usually a little arrogant, they are both founding heroes and followed the late emperor from Taiyuan to Kaifeng. If If the officials attack them, it will surely cause huge waves. All the officials will be in danger, the court will be in turmoil, and all the towns and cities will lose trust in the court!"

Zhu Xiu stared blankly and murmured: "Maybe the two situations will break out together."

Chai Rong was stunned. For some reason, he suddenly felt a chill all over his body and his limbs felt stiff.

Zhao Kuangyin took a breath, unable to imagine that kind of situation happening: "If someone like you, a crow, speaks out, the world will fall apart again!"

The three fell silent at the same time.

The cool wind blew gently with a dampness, and the sweet and sweet laughter of the Fu family sisters could be heard not far away.

In the distance, Li Chongjin's shouts with a broken gong voice could be heard from time to time, which was very inconsistent with the scenery of high sky and vast clouds at this moment.

Zhu Xiu looked around and saw Chai Rong and Zhao Kuangyin's eyes widened and stunned. They laughed carefully and said: "Don't take your nonsense seriously! Things in the world are changing rapidly. Even if Lu Chunyang was alive, he would not dare to cover up with the words of a family. "World"

Zhao Kuangyin rolled his eyes, Chai Rong smiled bitterly and shook his head, and they all breathed a sigh of relief.

"I almost got fooled by you again!" Zhao Kuangyin muttered dissatisfied.

"What you just said does make some sense. I will have a good discussion with my father when I return to Kaifeng." Chai Rong said seriously.

Zhu Xiu looked at him and said in a low voice with unprecedented solemnity: "Please Chai Shuai go back and tell Guo Shuai that if you have the opportunity to leave Kaifeng in the future, you must find a way to bring your family with you, even if it is only part of it! Chao Bureau The city of Kaifeng is treacherous, and there are many monsters and monsters that eat people without spitting out their bones. Don’t be careless, lest you regret it for the rest of your life.”

Chai Rong's smile faded little by little, feeling that Zhu Xiu's words were too heavy, but seeing his solemn expression, he nodded: "I remember."

(End of this chapter)