The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 264: I caught Zhu Xiu’s handle

Pizhou, Yilu County.

The newly renovated state government office exudes a mixture of tung oil and paint. The majestic Wutou gate, the grand central hall with three rooms and seven frames, cornices and brackets, carved beams and painted buildings, and two guards with armor and sabers lined up outside the gate. Show the majesty of the government.

The people in the border areas had never seen such a magnificent mansion before. They gathered outside the mansion and whispered, guessing what kind of heavenly palace-like scene it would be like inside the newly built government office.

Against the backdrop of a group of majestic Flying Dragon Army soldiers and the majestic government office of the state government, a group of poor people gathered in the corner of the square on the muddy street outside the government, with food on their faces and thin clothes, looked so weak and insignificant.

When Wang Shou'en was in charge of Pizhou before, in addition to private sales of official salt, he also ransacked people's fat and anointing.

However, Wang Shouen was stingy. He was greedy for money and did not enjoy it. He was simply obsessed with the feeling of accumulating wealth.

In the several years since he took office, Wang Shou'en has never spent half a penny on repairing the government offices, preferring to live in a decaying and dilapidated old house.

According to Wang Shouen's idea, no matter how well the government office is built, it belongs to the public. It is not cost-effective to spend money to rebuild it yourself, even if the money is public funds on the state government's account books.

Wang Shouen was greedy by nature, not only plundering the people, but also the various state and county government offices. He even cut off the welfare money of his officers, generals and schools as he could.

After Hou Zan, Liu Hou of Pizhou and deputy envoy of the Changyi Army Jiedu, took office, he changed his predecessor's style and spent a lot of money to rebuild the government office. He planned to build the most luxurious official residence in history in Pizhou.

Houzan knew that Pizhou was poor, with a sharp decline in population and poor people's livelihood, but he didn't care. As long as these idiots didn't cause trouble, he didn't care whether they lived or died.

In order to repair the government offices, Houzan ordered the four counties of Pizhou to pay part of the taxes, and the rest came from his own pocket.

Binzhou was so poor that those who could run went to Jingzhou to beg for a living, and most of the people left were old, weak, sick and disabled.

Houzan did not exploit the people, but also asked the state and county governments to use their stored grain to help the refugees.

He knew that Wang Shouen had swept up Binzhou, and the little oil and water left had flowed to Jingzhou. If he made money from the mud-legged people, he might stir up a civil uprising.

Anyway, judging from the current situation, within one or two years, it will be difficult to take back the military power of the Changyi Army. It is better to improve the living environment first and make life more comfortable.

Houzan knew that his mission in Jingzhou was to get rid of Shi Kuangwei and Zhu Xiu. Originally, he thought he could achieve his goal in three to five months and return to Kaifeng to report to the officials.

However, after the Wei Hu Incident, Houzan found that Shi Kuangwei and Zhu Xiu were more difficult to deal with than he thought. Under the management of these two men, the Zhangyi Army had become impenetrable and impenetrable.

The task is arduous and the road ahead is long. This will be a protracted and attrition war. It depends on who is more patient and able to seize the opportunity.

Houzan decided to calm down, take root in the Jingyuan area, do a good job to show off to the officials, and let the court ministers know that in addition to being a cruel official, Houzan could also be a frontier official in charge of the administration. .

When he returns to Kaifeng in the future, these are his political achievements. With the support of officials, it is not impossible to reach the peak of his career within ten years.

As long as you return to Kaifeng in the future and get promoted, are you afraid that you won't have the opportunity to make money?Why do you need to compete with these poor people in Pizhou?
In the open courtyard of the central hall of the government office, Houzan was directing his hands to replant a tall cedar dug from the mountains.

An old servant who was accompanying him came to report: "Master, more and more people are gathering outside the gate of the mansion. They are pointing at the government office. Do you want to send someone to disperse them?"

Houzan looked up at the upright cedar and said disapprovingly: "No need to pay attention to it, just let these mud-legged people have a long experience and know the majesty of the government, so that they will not have the desire to rebel in the future."

The old servant responded and bowed to leave.

After a while, the old servant came running over again, and Houzan scolded him impatiently: "What's the matter?"

The old servant whispered: "Su Zhenchang is here, asking to see the master. The old servant took him to the back study to wait."

Houzan was stunned, frowned, thought for a moment, and then ordered: "You keep an eye here and let them plant the tree steadily. If something goes wrong, they will all be put in jail!"

"Hey~ I understand, sir, don't worry!"

Houzan quickly walked through the corridor of the open courtyard and headed to the back study.

The old servant stayed behind and shouted angrily at the working men.
"Su Zhen often visits the military envoy!"

In the back study room, Hou Zan had just pushed the door open and Su Zhenchang dropped her robe and knelt down on the ground.

"Why did you come back here if you weren't keeping an eye on Shi Kuangwei and Zhu Xiu for me in Anding County?" Houzan sat down, looked at him, and asked nervously: "Is your identity exposed?"

Su Zhenchang stood up, cupped his hands and said, "Relax envoy, Su's identity has not been exposed. Pei Jin, the envoy of Zhangyi Army, relies heavily on Su. He has already proposed to Jiedu Mansion to grant me a formal official position. He is very interested in me." Great use.”

Houzan breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "Very good! I really didn't miss you at first. You are indeed a talent."

"In that case, why did you come to see me? Zhu Xiu is smart and cunning. You must be careful when dealing with him. His Zangfeng Battalion is pervasive in the Jingyuan area. Once you are targeted, your life will be at risk!"

Su Zhenchang said hurriedly: "Su discovered something important in Jiedu Mansion and had to come in person to report it to the military envoy!"

"Oh? What's the matter?"

"The military envoy may still remember that he received a secret report from the imperial court a few months ago. It was said that Murong Yanchao, the defense envoy of Caizhou, reported to the imperial court the recent trends of the puppet Tang Dynasty in the south. One thing was mentioned in it: the six puppet emperors of the Tang Dynasty. The prince, Prince Li Congjia of Anding County, left Jiangning privately and his current whereabouts are unknown!
Accompanying him was Xu Xuan, a celebrity from Jiangnan! "

Hou Zan frowned and thought carefully, it seemed that this was indeed the case.

The imperial court's secret report to the residence is specially copied to the ministers of the third rank and above of the army and prefectures. It involves some important court resolutions and personnel changes, and it is not made public.

Ever since the Chang Yi Army was convicted by the court for making and selling salt privately and grabbing national salt profits, Shi Kuangwei had never received any secret reports.

The Changyi Army was already hostile to the Kaifeng court and viewed as a unstable place with low loyalty and imminent rebellion.

Hou Zan wondered: "What does this matter have to do with the Zhangyi Army?"

Su Zhenchang's eyes were burning: "Su saw with his own eyes that Xu Xuan appeared in the Jiedu Mansion in Anding County! Xu Xuan and Zhu Xiu talked and laughed happily, and behaved intimately. The two obviously knew each other for a long time!"

"What!?" Hou shouted and stood up, eyes wide open with disbelief on his face.

"Is this serious? Are you reading that right?"

Su Zhenchang solemnly said: "This matter is so important that Su will never make a mistake! The military envoy knew that Su was from Xuanzhou, Jiangnan, and had studied in Jiangning for many years.

When Xu Xuan was serving as a commander in Jiangning, he liked to sit and talk with others. He often appeared in various mansions in the city, appreciating poems and speaking eloquently with people. Su Mou had seen him more than once!Never admit your mistake! "

Hou Zan was shocked and confused: "But why did Xu Xuan come to Jingzhou? As far as I know, Zhu Xiu has never been to Jiangnan, and Shi Kuangwei doesn't like dealing with scribes."

Su Zhenchang laughed and said: "The reason is not important, the military envoy, don't forget, Xu Xuan and Li Congjia left Jiangning together, since Xu Xuan is in Anding County, then Li Congjia is very likely to be there too! Li Congjia is the false emperor of the Tang Dynasty, if The military envoy can capture him and present him to the court."

Houzan's eyes lit up, and he instantly understood the meaning of Su Zhenchang's words.

If Xu Xuan and Li Congjia were really in Anding County, he would be able to file a complaint with the court on the charge of Zhangyi Army colluding with the prince of the enemy country.

For such a heinous crime and conspiracy, it would not be an exaggeration to even kill him on the spot!

If Li Congjia and Xu Xuan are captured and escorted to the imperial court, the officials will be delighted.

In this way, he can not only successfully complete the tasks assigned by the officials, but also achieve extraordinary achievements. It can be said that he achieves multiple things with one stone!
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Houzan punched his palm hard, his whole body unable to stop trembling slightly with excitement.

Su Zhenchang couldn't hide his excitement and said: "Don't miss this opportunity, please make a decision early!" Houzan paced with his hands behind his back, his face was sinister and cold, like a vulture smelling the smell of carrion, with a terrifying look in his eyes Fierce light.

"If Li Congjia and Xu Xuan are really in Anding County, it means that Shi Kuangwei and Zhu Xiu must be colluding with the south, and there must be an ulterior conspiracy!
This matter is important, I must report it to the officials immediately! "Hou Zan said in a deep voice.

Su Zhenchang thought anxiously for a moment and said: "The military envoy might as well send people on flying horses to Kaifeng to report to the official house, and at the same time personally lead the army back to Jingzhou to explore the truth. If the identities of Li Congjia and Xu Xuan can be confirmed, the army will I’ll just look for an opportunity to grab the two of them. If it doesn’t work, just~”

Su Zhenchang made a beheading gesture.

Hou Zan frowned and remained silent.

"The death of Li Congjia and Xu Xuan in Jingzhou is the responsibility of the Zhangyi Army and has nothing to do with the military envoys! When the time comes, the officials will make the decision, so there is no need to be afraid of the military envoys!
When the false emperor Li Jing knew that his own son was dead, he would be furious and put pressure on the court. Shi Kuangwei and Zhu Xiu were the culprits. Their fate was already doomed. They would either sacrifice their lives or raise a flag to rebel!

Either way, it's a path to death! "

Houzan's eyes shone, and Su Zhenchang's words reminded him.

If the Changyi Army can be forced to rebel, the government's goal of consolidating military power can also be achieved.

Even if the small Changyi Army has developed rapidly in recent years and has abundant troops and food, how can it be worth the hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses of the imperial court?

As powerful as Li Shouzhen, who became king in Guanzhong, he was defeated and burned to death within a year.

The Hezhong army is not far away, the feudal town is weakened, and the trend of the forbidden army is becoming more and more obvious. The world's feudal towns have long lost the strength and thought to contend with the imperial court.

"Mr. Su hit the nail on the head! Just do it!" Houzan laughed loudly.

"Haha, on the day when the military envoy returns to Kaifeng to accept the official reward, don't forget the promise he made. Su's wealth in this life will all depend on the military envoy!" Su Zhenchang cupped her hands and said with a low smile.

Later he praised: "Mr. Su, don't worry. When I return to Kaifeng, I will personally recommend you to the officials. You can choose from the six ministers and the three yamen!"

Su Zhenchang was secretly happy and quickly handed over his hand: "Thank you, military envoy, for the promotion!"

Hou Zan looked at him, half-smiling but not smiling: "It's just that Mr. Su will serve as an official in the same court as me in the future. If there is any neglect, please don't take it personally."

Su Zhenchang was a smart person and immediately understood the meaning of Hou Zan's words. He knelt down and kowtowed: "The military envoy is like Su's reborn parent. Su is willing to serve the military envoy for life, but the military envoy's order is Follow! If you have two minds, the sky will strike with thunder!"

"Haha~ Mr. Su, why are you doing this? Please get up quickly!" Houzan leaned over to help him. The two looked at each other and laughed thoughtfully.

~~~
At the end of November, on a snowy day, Wang Chongyin led a large cavalry team to Pinggao County, Yuanzhou. On the bank of the Hulu River in the north of the county, at the former military camp site where Wuyuan soldiers were stationed, they exchanged hostages with the Changyi Army.

Pei Jin, the chief financial officer, chief steward, and envoy, led a group of officials who were responsible for weighing and counting the gold and recording it in accounts. They also specially transferred a group of horse herders from Pingliang Ranch to accept the more than 2000 horses sent by the party members.

Pan Mei led the Weihu Camp and three command troops to guard security and maintain order.

After five days of intensive counting, it was finally completed. After reporting to Zhu Xiu that everything was correct, Li Guangrui was released from the city.

Zhu Xiu asked someone to prepare a mule, an old sheepskin jacket, two days of dry food and water for him, and then sent him out of the city.

Zhu Xiu sat at the top of the city, warming himself over a charcoal fire, drinking hot tea, tightly wrapped in a warm cloak, watching the white snow falling outside the city, and watching Li Guangrui lead his mule out of the city with a look of sorrow and indignation.

He will go to the Hulu River to meet Wang Chongyin, and then return to Xiazhou together.

Li Yiyin's heirs are not prosperous, and Li Guangrui is taller than his short stature, and he can barely be regarded as a qualified successor. If he lost his life for no reason, Li Yiyin might not have time to cry.

Therefore, he was very eager to rescue his son, which can be seen from the speed at which Wang Chongyin led his people.

On the snowy official road outside the city, Li Guangrui got on his mule and turned back to take one last look at the head of Pinggao County.

Zhu Xiu stood up, held a cup of hot tea and saluted him from afar, shouting: "Young Marshal Li, it's good to see you off! Welcome to visit us often!"

The wind and snow were blowing loudly, and I didn't know if Li Guangrui could hear it.

He whipped the mule and headed north.

From a distance, Zhu Xiu seemed to be able to feel the hatred in his eyes.

"From now on, when Li Guangrui succeeds as the military governor of the Dingnan Army, the party members will definitely hate you to the core!"

A cold female voice came from behind. Zhu Xiu shrugged his shoulders, tightened his wide cloak, and said with a smile, "Let's wait until he can safely inherit the ancestral business and sit firmly in the position of commander-in-chief of the Nanyang Army."

Bi Hongyu snorted softly, lowered her eyelids and stopped talking. She held the Yanling knife in both hands and stood motionless.

Zhu Xiu sat down, spread her palms close to the fire pot to keep warm, pointed to the chair beside her and said: "Sit down too, don't stand all the time. You are a head taller than me. This makes me feel a little stressed inexplicably."

Bi Hongyu glanced at him in disgust, and sat down obediently, with her back straight and her eyes fixed, like a general sitting in the tent of a Chinese army commander and giving orders.

"Green ants' newly fermented wine, small red clay stove. It's getting snowy in the evening, can you have a drink? Lady Ruby, can you have a drink to please me?"

The more serious Bi Hongyu became, the more Zhu Xiu wanted to tease her. He would shake his head and show off the famous poems of the King of Poetry, pinch his orchid fingers coquettishly, and hold up the tea cup and hand it to her.

Bi Hongyu laughed and said, "If you have the guts, bring me two jars of burning white knives. I'll pay you back double the amount you drink!"

Zhu Xiuyi spoke sternly: "I am still young and my body bones have not grown yet. Drinking alcohol can easily affect my development. Substituting tea for wine is enough to express my feelings!"

Bi Hongyu sneered twice and used the handle of Yanling knife to block the tea cup.

Zhu Xiu had no choice but to drink it himself.

"Where is Li Guangyan? When should I leave?" Bi Hongyu asked.

Zhu Xiu frowned, put down the tea cup, and said seriously: "You have never dealt with Dangxiang people, so you'd better send someone else. Besides, you are coming back to recuperate. I will give you a long vacation and you don't have to perform tasks." "

Bi Hongyu said calmly: "Among the people around you, I am the only one who looks strange and will not arouse the suspicion of the party members."

Zhu Xiu hesitated and said: "But I don't know how long it will take to come back now."

Bi Hongyu interrupted impatiently: "Is Li Guangyan important to you?"

Zhu Xiu was startled, and spread out his hands: "I've tried my best to win him over, so it's very important."

"Then there's no need to say more! Li Guangyan and I are going to Wuyuan!"

Bi Hongyu frowned and looked at him, scolding: "A man should do things quickly and neatly, and be shy and verbose like a woman!"

Zhu Xiu scratched his head and said with a bitter smile: "Okay~ It can take half a year or a few months. I will send someone to replace you."

"Okay!" Bi Hongyu nodded, stood up and walked down the city, her black ponytail swaying lightly and disappearing from sight.
"You really can't guess a woman's heart~~" Zhu Xiu muttered, always feeling that she had something deep in her heart when she came back this time.

(End of this chapter)