The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 262 Special Envoy of the Disaster Relief Army

A few days later, outside the east gate of Anding County, on the flat and wide official road, a black-armored cavalry army of more than a hundred people galloped forward.

A black gold-rimmed war flag embroidered with a spreading eagle is hunting in the wind.

That is the golden eagle battle flag representing the Dangxiang royal family!
The Dangxiang tribe originates from the Xiqiang branch. Originally, like the Tubo Xihai tribe, they worshiped the Yang Niu as their totem.

Later, Tuoba Sigong was granted a title by Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty. The Tuoba family felt that the image of the ox could not reflect the nobility of the royal family, so they changed the symbol representing the Dangxiang clan to a ferocious and mighty eagle.

The golden eagle is the exclusive emblem of the Dangxiang royal family.

This cavalry army belongs to the most elite heavy cavalry regiment of the Dingnan Army, the Falcon Eagle Army, and came specifically to escort Wang Chongyin, the special envoy of Li Yiyin, the Jiedu Commander of the Dingnan Army.

At the front of the cavalry, a middle-aged man wearing a futou, a crimson round-collared robe, and a long sword hanging from his waist was Wang Chongyin.

The surrounding cavalrymen were all wearing armor, but he only wore ordinary warrior attire, which made him stand out at first glance.

Wang Chongyin is a Uighur, with a high nose and deep eyes, a brown-black complexion, a tall and strong figure, and he is Li Yiyin's confidant and favorite general.

His life experience is not simple either. His father, Wang Rong, was one of the three towns in Hebei at that time and the military envoy of the Chengde Army who dominated Zhaozhou.

After Wang Rong surrendered to Zhu Wen, Zhu Wen named him the lord of Zhao.

It is a pity that Wang Rong was unwilling to make progress when he became the Queen of Zhao. He was arrogant and lewd. He was framed and killed by his adopted son Zhang Wenli. The whole family was brutally massacred. Only the young Wang Chongyin escaped with his life under the desperate protection of his subordinates.

After many years of wandering, he finally took refuge under the command of Dangxiang Li. Li Yiyin saw that he was brave and resourceful and admired him very much. He relied on him as a confidant and greatly increased his usefulness.

Wang Chongyin was riding on horseback, looking at the county town not far ahead, his eagle-like sharp eyes looking extremely penetrating.

He recalled what the Lord had told him before leaving Xiazhou.

Bringing back Li Guangrui safely is naturally the top priority of this trip south. Zhang Yi's army will not let him go easily. The lion will definitely open his mouth. He must find a way to get Li Guangrui back at the least cost.

Recently, the Khitans have frequently mobilized troops in the Yulin area. Li Yiyin has noticed this and secretly strengthened his defense.

Although Emperor Yelu Ruan of the Liao Dynasty had personally promised that he would not cross the line of the Shengzhou Great Wall and invade the territory of the Dangxiang people, secret vigilance was indispensable.

Li Yiyin told him privately that the Khitans might make big moves in the near future.

Therefore, at this sensitive juncture, the disaster-defeating army must concentrate on dealing with the pressure from the north. The south may not have time to take care of it.

This time, Li Guangrui and Li Guangyan were defeated and captured. The Dangxiang tribe was furious, clamoring to go south for revenge and defeat the Zhangyi army in one fell swoop.

Li Yiyin summoned the leaders of various tribes and explained the interests and dangers, and then suppressed the anger of the tribe.

The Wuyuan soldiers are just a group of miscellaneous soldiers. Even if the whole army is wiped out, it will not be able to damage the bones of the Dingnan army.

It's just that after all, it also bears the signboard of the Dingnan Army, and it was wiped out in one pot, and the party members felt ashamed.

The key point is that this war was initiated by Li Guangrui and Li Guangyan. If the Dingnan Army did not send troops to occupy the Yuanzhou Racecourse and did not go south to harass the county, the Changyi Army would not send troops to fight back.

When the news spread, the entire Dangxiang clan was completely disgraced, and even the Han people under his rule were talking about it.

The Dingnan Army had not suffered such a heavy loss for a long time, and it was still defeated by the unknown Zhangyi Army. It is no wonder that the Dangxiang people became angry and wanted revenge.

Knowing that the situation in the north was unstable, Wang Chongyin naturally supported Li Yiyin's decision.

Rescue Li Guangrui and temporarily make peace with the Changyi Army.

Originally, the two sides had no territorial border, but they became mortal enemies without knowing what was going on.

As for the other party involved, Li Guangyan, Li Yiyin did not give a specific explanation or even mention it.

Although the Lord did not express it clearly, Wang Chongyin had already guessed what he was thinking.

The Lord actually didn't really hope that Li Guangyan could return to Xiazhou intact.

Over the years, Li Guangyan had been arranged to be stationed in Wuyuan, nominally protecting the Yanlu Road, but in reality it kept him away from Yinzhou and Xiazhou, the core areas ruled by the Dingnan Army.

Li Guangyan was extremely brave and his reputation as a mighty Taibao was highly sought after by the younger generation of the party.

Most of Li Guangrui's reputation was gained through deliberate publicity, but Li Guangyan achieved it by relying on his own skills.

Although Li Guangrui's status as the young patriarch and the young commander of the Dingnan Army has long been determined, Li Guangyan is also the best among his peers.

As a direct bloodline of the ancestor Li Sigong and a member of the royal family, Li Guangyan is not as far away from his position as the clan leader and the leader of the trouble-making army as he imagined.

In order to ensure that Li Guangrui can successfully take over, Li Guangyan naturally needs to be as far away from Yinzhou and Xiazhou as possible.

It would be better if you could never go back!

Wang Chongyin's eyes were cold and cold. As the Lord's confidant and close minister, he had to calmly figure out the Lord's undisclosed thoughts, and then handle the matter according to the Lord's wishes.
The person who seized Yuanzhou Racecourse and threatened to be sworn in with the Zhangyi Army was Li Guangyan. Now that Li Guangyan fell into the hands of the Zhangyi Army, Wang Chongyin believed that Shi Kuangwei must really want his life.

Wang Chongyin is full of confidence in successfully completing the task assigned by his superior.

A group of cavalry rushed out from the east gate of the county, with bright armor and a rainbow of momentum. They rushed towards the Party envoys carrying the banner of the Zhangyi Army.

The two sides met on the main road outside the city. They reined in their horses and stopped. They were fifty steps away from each other. They stared at each other warily with strong hostility.

Pan Meigao, who was wearing armor and carrying a knife, sat on horseback majestically. He drove the horse forward a few steps, and shouted in a deep voice: "Everyone in the Zhangyi Army knows that Pan Mei, the envoy of the soldiers and horses, is here. May I ask if the person here is the envoy of Li Jieshuai from the Dingnan Army?"

Pan Mei's voice was famous among the Chang Yi Army for its loud and powerful voice. When the two armies faced off, he was left to do all the throat-breaking work of shouting and scolding the formation.

A voice yelling, like thunder on a clear day, startled Wang Chongyin's horse, sneezing loudly and tapping its hooves uneasily.

Wang Chongyin looked at Pan Mei from a distance in surprise. He felt that this man was very majestic and had the air of a general. Behind him were also more than a hundred cavalry troops. They were all as big and round as wolves and tigers. They advanced and retreated as one. They were really an elite soldier who had fought in hundreds of battles.

"The Zhangyi Army has such momentum, no wonder they can wipe out the Wuyuan soldiers in one battle!" Wang Chongyin sighed secretly, with a heavy heart.

Among the many vassal towns in the northwest, the Zhangyi Army was originally the most inconspicuous one.

After dealing with each other again after a few years, I didn't expect that there will be earth-shaking changes.

No wonder several groups of spies went back to report that the Zhangyi Army had saved up for two years, had sufficient food and soldiers, and recruited refugees from Binzhou. The population has increased rapidly, and it has become a land in the Northwest, a force that cannot be ignored.

Wang Chongyin put away his contempt, cupped his fists and responded loudly: "Wang Chongyin, the special envoy of Li Jieshuai of the Dingnan Army, please General Pan to report on his behalf, and say that Wang is asking to see Shi Jieshuai!"

Pan Mei's voice sounded like thunder: "The old commander is recuperating and does not see visitors. Young Envoy Jun Zhuxiu takes the decision on all matters! Special Envoy Wang also invites the general to go to the city to pay homage to the Young Envoy!"

Wang Chongyin frowned. He was the envoy personally appointed by Li Yiyin, but he couldn't even see Shi Kuangwei's face?

I wonder how much control that young man named Zhu Xiu can do? "Please ask General Pan to lead the way forward, and Wang will lead his army to follow." Wang Chongyin said.

Pan Mei sneered and said loudly: "Please ask the brothers of the Dingnan Army to station outside the city. The general will send someone to reward the army later. The king's special envoy will select ten guards to follow the general into the city."

Wang Chongyin was slightly angry, but he was only allowed to bring ten people into the city.

But in this way, he didn't look like he came to negotiate on behalf of Li Yiyin, but rather like he was sent by the defeated side to seek peace.

Pan Mei shouted carelessly: "Envoy Wang, don't worry too much. The visitor is a guest. The old commander and the young envoy have said that our Zhangyi Army will ensure the safety of the guests."

Wang Chongyin had a sullen face, called several party military leaders to whisper a few instructions, and then led five cavalry to Pan Mei.

"Why doesn't Special Envoy Wang bring more people?" Pan Mei looked behind him and smiled.

Wang Chongyin said calmly: "You treat guests thoughtfully, so Wang must also treat guests with courtesy!"

"Haha~ Special Envoy Wang is so brave! Please!~"

Pan Mei laughed, stepped aside, and extended her hand to invite.

Behind him, the cavalry troops of the Beihu Camp lined up on both sides to get out of the way. Wang Chongyin led his people through it and entered the county town.

In the middle hall of Jiedu Mansion, Zhu Xiu sat in the center, shaking a new snow-white goose feather fan, waiting for the arrival of Li Yiyin's special envoy.

Looking at Bi Hongyu who was holding a knife astride one side, Zhu Xiu smiled helplessly.

"I said Hongyu, you don't have to be so solemn in your own territory. Sit down, take a breath, drink tea, and try the new honey candies from Guanghe Shop. If you like it, I asked Yan Ping to send you some every now and then."

Zhu Xiutao almost muttered. Bi Hongyu glanced at him sideways and ignored him. She continued to lower her eyelids and faithfully performed her duties as a personal bodyguard.

Zhu Xiu asked for trouble and yawned boredly.

Yan Ping walked quickly from the side door, clasped his fists and whispered: "Young Envoy Qi, Li Guangyan will bring you here, right next door."

Zhu Xiu glanced over: "Can he hear the conversation in the hall?"

"I've tried it in my humble position. As long as I don't deliberately lower my voice, I can hear you clearly."

Zhu Xiudao: "Very good, go and watch him. No matter what happens, don't let him show his head."

"I understand your humble position." Yan Ping resigned and had someone carry a screen to block the side door.

Pan Mei's broken gong sounded faintly outside the hall. Zhu Xiu sat upright, cheered up, and smiled, preparing to receive the party envoy.

"Reporting to the young envoy, Wang Chongyin, the special envoy of Marshal Li Jie of the Dingjun Army, has arrived!"

Pan Mei shouted with cupped fists and winked at the same time, which meant that the Dangxiang cavalry was quite honest and did not forcefully ask to enter the city. They were placed outside the city and troops were sent to guard them.

Zhu Xiu nodded understandingly and looked towards Wang Chongyin.

Wang Chongyin was also sizing him up, secretly shocked that the commander-in-chief of Zhangyi Army was younger than he thought.

"Wang Chongyin has met Zhu Sima!" Wang Chongyin bowed and saluted with a kind smile. "Before leaving, my master repeatedly told me that he must pay his respects to Shi Shaobao on his behalf!"

"Haha, it seems that Li Shizhong is thinking about my old handsome man a lot."

Zhu Xiu shook her feather fan and said, "On behalf of the old commander, I would like to thank Li Shizhong. I would also like to ask your envoy to say hello to Li Shizhong on behalf of the old commander and me when we return to Xiazhou."

"Wang will definitely bring it!" Wang Chongyin smiled and clasped his fists.

"Envoy please sit down!"

The guests and hosts were sitting together. Wang Chongyin seemed to be in no hurry to speak. He picked up the teacup and drank tea slowly.

Zhu Xiu secretly laughed, this was a psychological warfare where the enemy would not move and I would not move.

In that case
"There is one more thing that I need to inform Special Envoy Wang. I will set off this afternoon to inspect the progress of the water conservancy construction. It will take at least ten days and a half to return. The old commander is recovering from illness and will not see guests. If I can't tell you and my family this morning, If we can reach an agreement, I will ask your envoy to stay in An'an for a while and wait for me to come back before continuing.
Oh, by the way, I heard that Li Guangrui has been suffering from vomiting and diarrhea recently and has become very thin. I don’t know if it’s because he’s acclimatized and has a bad stomach, or because he’s not used to living in Jingzhou and is homesick. I’ve ordered him to be imprisoned and called in a doctor. treat him
In view of Li Guangrui's illness, his labor service is temporarily exempted and he will continue after his health improves."

Zhu Xiu shook the feather fan and said casually

"Pfft~" The tea that Wang Chongyin had just put into his mouth spurted out. He hurriedly put down the tea cup and wiped the water stains on his robe.

I don't know whether it was because he was embarrassed because he had lost his composure, or because he was too angry. His face was as dark as charcoal fire, and his eyes were a little gloomy.

Pan Mei sat aside with her legs crossed, grinning and trying to laugh.

The corners of Bi Hongyu's lips trembled slightly, and she glanced at Wang Chongyin indifferently, with murderous intent deep in her eyes.

Wang Chongyin was so angry. The meaning of Zhu Xiu's words was clearly telling him that if you fart, just let it go. I don't have much time to play with you.

If you don't say it now, you can wait ten days and a month and a half before you say it.

Anyway, Li Guangrui is seriously ill, whether he can wait or not only God knows.

Even if Li Guangrui recovers from his illness, as long as the conditions cannot be negotiated, he will not be able to step out of Anding County and will have to work hard for the young master.

Wang Chongyin gritted his teeth secretly. The young commander of the army who was determined to be in trouble was actually treated like an ox and a horse. He had to work hard. This was a slap in the face of all the party members.

Wang Chongyin forced out a smile, cupped his hands and said: "Zhu Sima is quick to speak quickly. In this case, our two families might as well be more honest. As long as Zhu Sima agrees to release Li Guangrui and return all the prisoners, the Dingnan Army is willing to make peace with the Zhangyi Army, and the two families can Form an alliance of brothers, engage in friendly trade with each other, and non-aggression."

Zhu Xiu couldn't listen anymore and interrupted rudely: "Since we are negotiating terms to release him, let's talk about something practical instead of talking about these vain things! Go back and tell Li Shizhong and ask him to prepare a thousand catties of gold." , [-] fine horses and [-] stallions! When the things are ready and delivered, Li Guangrui will naturally be able to go back with you unscathed."

Wang Chongyin took a deep breath, his face trembled, and his whole body trembled with rage.

This is a lion's mouth, it's like a whale swallowing the sea, greedy as a glutton!
"Dare to ask Zhu Sima, are the more than two thousand captives included?" Wang Chongyin resisted the urge to curse and asked in a deep voice.

Zhu Xiu looked at him sideways like a fool: "The terms of exchange I negotiated with you are limited to Li Guangrui. Please don't misunderstand me! Those prisoners are not included. I plan to keep them to work."

Wang Chongyin couldn't bear it anymore and stood up with a cry. His eyes were fierce and angry, and he clenched his fists tightly.

Pan Mei glanced lazily and held the knife at her waist. As long as this guy dared to move rashly, he would let him taste the feeling of his head and neck being separated.

Bi Hongyu's eyes suddenly opened, like a female leopard hunting, ready to pounce forward and give her prey a fatal blow at any time.

Zhu Xiu showed a sincere and kind smile to Wang Chongyin.

(End of this chapter)