The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 276 Farewell to Monarch and Subject

On the eighth day of April, the Khitan cavalry crossed the Hutuo River and raided Shenzhou. Shi Wanshan, the governor of Shenzhou, sent troops to meet the enemy. However, the enemy's plan was to lure them deeper. The bloody battle failed and he died on the spot.

Shenzhou is just a military state, and there are not many soldiers stationed there. There are also Jiedu Prefectures with heavy troops stationed in Qinzhou, Dingzhou, and Zhaozhou in front. In the entire defense line layout of Hebei, Shenzhou can only be regarded as the second line of defense. position.

But the Khitans happened to find a weak loophole in Hebei's defense line, and sent cavalry to secretly cross the Hutuo River, cross the Han army's defense front line, and attack Shenzhou in a flash.

Shi Wanshan and his son were killed in battle, and Shenzhou was in danger. The Khitan cavalry relied on their mobility and wreaked havoc along the Zhangshui River, looting villages and towns, intercepting caravans and civilians, and causing chaos in the back and hinterland of the Han army's defensive front line.

At the same time, Emperor Yelu Ruan of the Liao Dynasty mobilized heavy troops and stationed in Yi County, which is separated by a mountain from Qinzhou. He also deployed heavy troops on the east bank of the Hutuo River, with a ten-mile camp, and assumed a posture of crossing the river in a large scale to attack Dingzhou.

For a time, the Han Dynasty's defense line in Hebei was in a state of emergency, and memorials for help were sent to Kaifeng like a snowflake.

On the [-]th, Liu Chengyou, the leader of the Han Dynasty, urgently summoned ministers in Zichen Palace to discuss the situation in Hebei.

Above the main hall, the courtiers were standing in a dark crowd. Any official of fifth rank or above in the capital was not allowed to be absent without excuse.

This crisis in Hebei can be said to be the most serious foreign invasion that the Han Dynasty has faced in more than three years since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The Khitan soldiers are pressing down on the border. Although they haven't launched a full-scale attack so far, there are still small frictions, and the nerves of the frontline soldiers have been tense.

More than three years ago, Yelu Deguang led a hundred thousand Khitan army southward, swept across Hebei, and suppressed the Central Plains. The scene was vivid in his mind. This was an unhealed scar in the hearts of all the Han subjects, and they are still frightened when they think about it.

Now, the scar is likely to be torn open again.

The ministers were discussing in low voices, with worried faces on their faces, and the buzzing sound echoed in the hall.

Su Fengji, the prime minister, was appointed prime minister, Shi Hongzhao, the commander of the Mabu Army, the deputy privy envoy, the deputy envoy to the secretariat, the minister of the Ministry of official affairs, Yang Ping, the title of Tongping Zhangshi, Guo Wei, the envoy to the privy council, Situ, and the envoy of the Tianxiong Army. Minister Gu Ming stood under the emperor's jade steps, at the forefront of the ministers.

The four important ministers had different expressions.

The old fox Su Fengji looked up at the sky, as if the paintings and pattern carvings on the caisson of the main hall were so beautiful.

Shi Hongzhao was in high spirits and was discussing the war situation in Hebei with Guo Wei in a low voice.

Guo Wei looked calm and responded with a few words from time to time.

Yang Bin kept his face long and indifferent as usual, as if all the officials present owed him money.

Chai Rong held a wat board and stood in the front row of the military generals. He chatted with several familiar veterans and glanced at Guo Wei from the corner of his eye.

On the other end, with the uncle Li Ye, the military commander Nie Wenjin, the three-person Guo Yunming, and the new deputy commander of the Longwu Army Hou Zan as the core, a group of court ministers gathered together to form a small party circle with stakes. , are also talking about the crisis in Hebei.

An embroidered pier is placed on the left side of the Emperor. Grand Master Feng Dao is leaning on a cane. The old god is sitting on the ground, squinting his eyes slightly, as if he is dozing off.

As the ballast stone and mascot of the imperial court, although the old man is already 68 years old and dying, he is still invited to take charge of every major event.

Seeing the old man, all the ministers felt at ease.

"Your Majesty has arrived!" the shrill voice of the eunuch of the inner palace resounded throughout the hall. All the ministers returned to their seats in awe, holding the wat tablet in both hands, bowing and lowering their eyes to greet the emperor.

Liu Chengyou, wearing a golden nine-dragon crown and a bright yellow dragon robe, walked quickly up to the Emperor with a cold and anxious expression and sat down on the throne.

After shouting "Long Live the Mountain", Liu Chengyou glanced at the ministers and said in a deep voice: "Hebei is in an emergency. I believe all the ministers are aware of it. I have summoned you here today to discuss how to deal with it."

There were whispers in the hall.

The high-ranking ministers standing in the front row all remained silent in tacit agreement. The officials in the back row stood on tiptoes and looked forward. Most of them were not qualified to speak actively, but they could judge the current situation based on the tone of the bosses' words.

Liu Chengyou had no choice but to look at Feng Dao who was sitting under the Panjinlong pillar, squeezed out a smile and said: "Please ask the old master to bring out the regulations first."

Asking Feng Dao before anything important happens, no matter whether what the old man says is right or not, can play a role in breaking the situation and setting the stage for government affairs.

Feng Dao's drooped eyelids fluttered, his gray hair raised tremblingly, his old face like orange peel smiled, and said: "The officials don't need to worry. According to the experience of the old minister, this time the Khitans are pressing heavily on the territory, only I’m afraid he’s playing a machete on the grave to scare ghosts!”

There was a chuckle in the hall, the old master was the old master, and the tense atmosphere in the court was relieved a lot with just one sentence.

Liu Chengyou couldn't care less about laughing, and hurriedly asked: "What does the old grand master mean, the Khitan people are just bluffing? Didn't they really want to invade Hebei?"

Feng Dao stroked his silver beard and said with a smile: "It is difficult to judge the true intention of the Khitans. After all, Shi Wanshan and his son in Shenzhou have died in battle, and there are still Khitan cavalry on the Zhangshui River causing trouble.

The Khitans may not launch a large-scale invasion southward, but small-scale wars may break out one after another.In short, as long as the monarchs and ministers in my court are united, they will not be frightened by the Khitan people's tricks. "

Liu Chengyou nodded, feeling a little at ease.

As the king of Gou Dao and the weathervane of the imperial court, Feng Dao's words are quite credible.

After all, he was a lucky man who survived three dynasties and eight emperors. All major events in the world were his personal experiences. A casual remark about his experience would be enough to make people remember him for half a lifetime.

Feng Dao smiled and said: "For such important military matters, the officials should not just listen to the opinions of the veterans. Privy Secretary Guo is in charge of military aircraft and assists in the world's military affairs. He is also the No. 1 commander in our court. Why don't the officials consult his opinion?"

Liu Chengyou smiled unnaturally, looked at Guo Wei, and said with a slight reluctance: "I wonder what Privy Guo thinks?"

Guo Wei took a step forward, nodded slightly to Feng Dao, then held the wat board with both hands and bowed:
"Reporting to the official family, I agree with the words of the old master.

This time the Khitans moved, I thought that Liao Emperor Yelu Ruan had two major intentions.

First, test the strength of our defense line toward Hebei and make strategic plans for subsequent war and peace.

Secondly, the upper-level political power of the Liao Kingdom was unstable. There were still many conflicts and endless disputes over the throne between the Liao Emperor Yelu Ruan, Yelu Deguang's third son Yelu Tiande, his uncle Yelu Liuge, and his consort Xiao Han. The hostility is deep and difficult to resolve.

Yelu Ruan and Chen Bing Youji may have been used as an excuse to mobilize a large army to defend against Yelu Tiande and others. At the same time, they also wanted to divert the attention of the Khitan nobles and ease the internal struggle for imperial power.

Of course, as the old master said, the possibility of Yelu Ruan sending his troops south cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the court must make complete preparations to stabilize the Hebei defense line and eliminate the Khitan soldiers fleeing in Shenzhou as soon as possible, without giving the enemy anything to take advantage of. Opportunity!

In this way, our army stands firm and clears the country, sitting back and watching the Khitan people fight among themselves. No matter how chaotic the situation in Youji is, our army remains unwavering and remains invincible! "

Guo Wei's calm voice resounded over the hall, and all the courtiers felt as if they had taken a dose of reassurance, and their frightened hearts were much calmer.

There was a sound of admiration, and countless reverent eyes turned to Guo Wei.

Privy Secretary Guo, you are really the white jade pillar that supports the sky of our dynasty, and the purple golden beam that supports the sea!

After Guo Wei finished speaking, he bowed his hands humbly, returned to his seat and stood still, still standing with his eyes lowered.

Shi Hongzhao secretly gave him a thumbs up, and Guo Wei smiled faintly.

In fact, there was still something he had not said in his mind. If the Khitans fell into the turmoil of the imperial power struggle again, and the Han army was fully prepared, they might as well take a preemptive strike, invade the land of Youji, and drive the Khitans out of Jixian. to the north.

If planned properly, it is not impossible to regain the Sixteen Youyun Provinces in one battle!

Guo Wei secretly clenched his fists, Youyun Sixteen Prefectures, the unforgettable pain of the people of Hebei and the Central Plains!It is a pity that such a grand plan must have the full support of the imperial court.

But how could the officials allow him to accomplish such a magnificent feat again?

He is already in the position of a great leader, and is deeply feared by the officials. Unless it is absolutely necessary, the officials may not even want him to appear in the court.

Guo Wei smiled bitterly in his heart and felt a little sour. After all, he was just a minister. No matter how ambitious or capable he was, he couldn't make many decisions by himself.

Guo Wei's words are nothing less than the words of Jinshi, which aroused widespread discussion and echoes among the officials.

Liu Chengyou had a smile on his face, but there was a terrible coldness in his eyes.

In such military and national affairs, Guo Wei's performance can always make people feel sincerely admired and convinced.

But the more this happened, the more jealous and jealous Liu Chengyou became. Jealousy led to hatred, and the more he hated Guo Wei.

However, at a time when the country is facing an existential crisis, only Guo Wei can shoulder the heavy responsibility and stabilize the people of the country.

Liu Chengyou faced Guo Weiyan's defense, but at the same time had to rely on him. This contradictory mentality made him feel powerless and panicked.

"Privy Councilor Guo is indeed an expert in planning for the country!"

Uncle Li Ye stood up and echoed loudly, and bowed deeply to Guo Wei, seeming very excited.

Guo Wei was stunned and looked at each other with Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bing.

Does the sun come out in the west today?Li Ye actually expressed his agreement with Guo Wei's words?
This guy usually quarreled with heaven and earth, and he wished that Guo Wei would reply with every word he said.

What happened today?
Li Ye solemnly raised his hands and said: "Only Privy Councilor Guo can deal with the crisis in Hebei! I request the officials to immediately send Privy Councilor Guo to Hebei to take charge of the overall situation!"

"Privilege Guo is so prestigious that if he goes to Hebei, he will scare the Khitans into crying and shouting for their mothers to go back to their hometown in Songzhou!" Nie Wenjin, who was born as a butcher, also spoke in such a simple and straightforward manner.

"I second the proposal!" Guo Yunming and Houzan also expressed their support.

"The minister waits for the second opinion!"

A group of courtiers attached to the four men quickly followed their masters.

At the time of establishment, nearly two-thirds of officials expressed support for sending Guo Wei to Hebei to take charge of the overall situation.

Feng Dao was leaning on crutches and dozing off against the pillar, but now he sat upright as if he had woken up, his long white eyebrows wrinkled like a longevity star.

The old man keenly sensed something from the attitude of the "imperialist" faction.

Shi Hongzhao stood up, held up the wat board in a carefree manner and said: "Guan family, Privy Secretary Guo has also taken over the post of Tianxiong Army Jiedushi. It is only natural that he went to Yedu to lead the army and preside over the overall situation of Hebei! I would like to ask the officials to confer Privy Guo with Ye." They are all left behind, with full authority to deal with the troops and horses in Hebei and prepare for frontline defense."

Yang Bin thought for a while and stood up to second the proposal.

Su Fengji's eyes flickered and he also expressed his support.

But he was full of doubts in his heart. Is the situation in Hebei really so critical that Li Ye and others, Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bing could reach a rare agreement?

Liu Chengyou and Li Ye exchanged cryptic glances and said with a smile: "I also think that only Privy Guo going to Hebei can make the Khitan people have some scruples and dare not act rashly."

Guo Wei hurriedly saluted and said: "If the official orders me to rush to Hebei, I will do my best to prevent the Khitans from crossing the Hebei defense line!"

"Very good! Since the ministers have reached an agreement after discussion, I will now announce that Guo Wei will be given the post of staying in the capital of Yedu. He will be the governor of the military affairs of the states in Hebei and will dispose of a certain amount of money, food, and soldiers in Hebei!
Privy Guo, I entrust half of the Han Dynasty to you! "

Guo Wei was startled and hurriedly bowed down: "I accept the decree to express my gratitude! If there is any mistake in Hebei, I am willing to die in apology!"

Su Fengji suddenly stood up and said: "Guan family, since Mr. Guo has taken command and gone on an expedition, I'm afraid it would be inappropriate to take up the post of Privy Councilor again. It is better to temporarily replace him with someone else and wait until Privy Councilor Guo wins to return to the court."

Before he finished speaking, Shi Hongzhao snorted loudly: "What Mr. Su said is inappropriate! At present, all the military affairs of the imperial court are taking place in Hebei. As Mr. Guo also holds the position of Privy Councilor, he can better handle military aircraft and dispatch military generals from various states!"

Guo Wei saluted and said: "I would like to resign from the post of Privy Councilor!"

Shi Hongzhao was anxious, and Yang Bin secretly pulled him from behind.

Liu Chengyou frowned and hesitated.

To be fair, he wanted to take the opportunity to remove Guo Wei from his position as Privy Councilor.

Feng Dao coughed and said leisurely: "The most important thing in everything is to stabilize the situation in Hebei. As Duke Guo is also the privy envoy, he can indeed handle military affairs more conveniently."

Liu Chengyou glanced at Feng Dao and nodded slightly.

Feng Dao is right. No matter what, the first priority is to prevent the Khitans from going south. We should not rush to weaken Guo Wei's power for a while, and we cannot lose big for a small amount.

"The ministers do not need to argue, and Mr. Guo does not need to be humble. The defense of Hebei is the top priority, so Mr. Guo will lead the expedition as a privy envoy. Everything will be done expediently!"

Liu Chengyou said decisively in a deep voice.

"Official sage!" A voice sounded in the hall.

Guo Wei stood up and looked towards the Emperor's throne. Liu Chengyou smiled back at him.

An indescribable emotion welled up in Guo Wei's heart.

Liu Chengyou rarely showed great trust in him, but this trust made him feel very unreal and a bit illusory.

Chai Rong looked at his father's tall and generous back with reverence. Whenever the country was in danger, only this majestic body could support the broken world.

The ministers will continue to discuss the coordination of various prefectures and states to support Hebei. Guo Wei has to rush to handle the urgent matter of military handover and retire first.

When he was walking through the middle of the hall, Liu Chengyou suddenly stopped him and said calmly: "Last October, the Khitan rebelled in Dingzhou. Just after Guo Gong came back from Guanzhong, he rushed to Hebei to patrol the border. Now he has to leave for Yedu again. He is tired again and again. , I feel uneasy. The country is in a difficult situation, thanks to Mr. Guo running around to support me, I would like to thank you here!"

Guo Wei hurriedly bowed down: "As a minister, it is your duty to share your worries for the king. If the official's words are serious, the minister will be frightened!"

Liu Chengyou smiled and said: "Guo Gong, take care of yourself all the way!"

"Please also ask the officials to respect the dragon body!" Guo Wei kowtowed gratefully, raised his head and looked towards the throne.

From a distance, Liu Chengyou could be seen staring at him with his narrow and indifferent eyes, which seemed to contain many complicated meanings.

Guo Wei bowed and resigned, striding out of the palace door.

(End of this chapter)