The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 278 Farewell to the family
Chai Rong played with his brothers in the martial arts field all morning, making him covered in dust and sweating profusely. After taking a shower and having lunch, he stayed with his wife in the private courtyard where he lived, enjoying the short tranquility before leaving Beijing.

In the afternoon, a servant reported that Zhao Kuangyin, the Yuhou of the Inner Palace, had come to pay a visit and had been invited to the front hall to serve tea and wait.

Zhao Kuangyin was a frequent visitor to the Situ Mansion. The servants all recognized him and invited him directly into the manor after he arrived.

Chai Rong spoke to his wife and rushed to the front hall with his servant.

"Meet Chai Shuai!"

Zhao Kuangyin was sitting in the hall with deep thoughts. When he heard the footsteps, he stood up and stepped forward to greet him.

"No need to be polite, sit down."

Chai Rongping withdrew his servants and sat down with Zhao Kuangyin.

Chai Rong looked at him for a moment and said with a smile: "Yuan Long was transferred to Yuhou, the direct class member of the inner palace, and then he served in the palace. The emperor is here to serve. You should be happy. Why do you look so sad?"

Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly: "I didn't know about this beforehand. It wasn't until Chai Shuai followed Privy Guo to patrol the border in Hebei that my father suddenly told me that the imperial transfer order had been issued at that time and could not be refused. Alas~ my father really didn't know anything in advance. Discuss with me."

"Promoting and transferring is a good thing. General Zhao also cares about your future." Chai Rong said with a smile.

Zhao Kuangyin sighed and said, "I'd rather continue to follow Chai Shuai and return to the Tianxiong Army to serve in the Tianxiong Army, and this Lao Shizi's inner palace straight class Yuhou will not do it!"

Chai Rong jokingly said: "Nowadays, the general of the feudal town is sharpening his head and trying to get into the imperial army, but you are welcome, and you will be full of complaints if you are invited to work directly in the inner hall!"

"There are so many rules in the palace, how can it be comfortable to stay with Chai Shuai and the brothers!" Zhao Kuangyin spread his hands and looked helpless.

Chai Rong said with a smile: "Your Majesty is also thinking about your future. I will work in the inner palace for a few years and then go out to the feudal towns to gain experience. In a few years, I will be transferred back to the Forbidden Army and become the commander of an army. Your Majesty has already set your path." Once it’s paved, this is a broad road that others can’t envy!”

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head and said: "Back then, I just didn't want to follow the path arranged by my father, so I went out to travel for a few years. Then I was lucky enough to get to know Zhu Xiu. On his recommendation, I went to Cangzhou and was able to serve under Chai Shuai.

Now that I have gone round and round, I didn't expect to be back to the starting point. My father arranged for me without saying a word. Is this just God's will that I am destined to be unable to escape from his clutches?"

Zhao Kuangyin raised his head and sighed, his face full of melancholy.

"Haha~" Chai Rong pointed at him and laughed, "What a great Zhao Yuanlang, you can easily step on the path that others can't walk in their lifetimes at such a young age, so what else is there to be dissatisfied about?

If Zhu Xiu sees you like this, that kid will definitely make a mockery of you!Saying that you are cheap and acting like a good boy, a full man doesn’t know a hungry man is hungry.”

Zhao Kuangyin suddenly blushed, clasped his fists and said angrily: "Chai Shuai, don't make fun of me, Zhao is telling the truth!"

"Haha~ Okay, I won't tease you anymore." Chai Rong waved his hand and said seriously: "My father is also thinking about you. Since you have received the ministry, you should fulfill your duties faithfully and don't need to worry about him.

Although we brothers will not be able to get together all the time in the future, the most important thing about brotherhood is knowing each other. From now on, no matter how far apart we are, no matter how the world changes, the brotherhood between you and me will never fade! "

"Chai Shuai~"

Zhao Kuangyin's eyes turned red instantly, he choked with sobs and clasped his fists, his face full of emotion.

Chai Rong held his hand firmly, and the four hands clasped together, as if there was a warm friendship flowing in each other's hearts.

After talking about this matter, the sadness on Zhao Kuangyin's face suddenly disappeared.

I was originally worried that because he was hastily transferred to the inner palace and took up a direct post without even saying hello, Chai Rong would have opinions about him and there would be a rift between the brothers.

Now it seems that he is overly concerned. Chai Shuai is an open-minded and generous person, and he will never have an objection to him because of such a trivial matter.

If it were Zhu Xiu, that kid would definitely stay behind closed doors. Even if he did, he would still be sarcastic and ridiculed in every possible way.
Zhao Kuangyin hesitated for a moment and said sincerely: "There is one more thing I want to report to Commander Chai. My father's eye disease has recently relapsed and he is unable to manage the affairs. He has asked for leave from the court and is recuperating at home for a period of time. A few days ago, the official family intended to promote my father to the position of Longwujun. The Commander-in-Chief of the Army, but unfortunately my father suffered from an eye disease and could only submit a memorial to express his gratitude, and he also resigned from the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Protector of the Holy Army."

Chai Rong was concerned: "How is the old general's injury?"

Zhao Kuangyin sighed and said: "Last year my father led an army to conquer the Shu army and was accidentally injured in the eye by an enemy arrow. Now his left eye often hurts and he can't see clearly in the dark. The imperial doctor in the palace saw it and said he was not alive. Worrying, but it’s impossible to heal.”

"Alas, the old general is brave and good at fighting. He still defeated the Shu army and returned home at the age of fifty. He is really a role model for our generation of warriors!" Chai Rong praised.

After talking about his own affairs, Zhao Kuangyin asked: "I heard that one of Zhu Xiu's subordinates was captured by his uncle Li Ye. I wonder what's going on now?"

Chai Rong said: "Cao Bin and I have rescued the man, and now Cao Bin has settled him in a private house in the south of the city."

Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly and said: "When I heard the news, I was busy with the change of military positions and taking care of my father at home. I sent people to inquire for several days but still couldn't get the word, so I didn't bother to help for a while. Fortunately, Chai Shuai rescued him. , otherwise if Zhu Xiu finds out about it in the future, he will definitely blame me for not helping."

"Haha~ Zhu Xiu is greedy for money, next time you play mahjong, you just lose more to him!" Chai Rong laughed.

"When Chai Shuai returns from Hebei, he will also ask Zhu Xiu to come to Beijing to play. Then we brothers will get together again!" Zhao Kuangyin also laughed.

Chai Rongben asked Zhao Kuangyin to finish dinner before leaving. Zhao Kuangyin said that he would go to the imperial medical office to get medicine for his father, and after talking for a while, he left in a hurry.

Chai Rong saw him out of the mansion and stood in front of the mansion with a smile as he watched him ride away.

Chai Rong knew that Zhao Kuangyin came here, firstly, to explain why he was suddenly transferred to the inner palace, and secondly, to express implicitly that the Zhao family had no intention of accepting the wooing of officials, Li Ye and others.

Zhao Hongyin declined the post of commander of the Longwu Army on the grounds of eye disease, which is the most obvious attitude of the Zhao family.

Zhao Kuangyin told this matter, of course he hoped that Chai Rong would tell Guo Wei and show his goodwill to Guo Wei.

Chai Rong sighed in his heart that his father's eyes were so sharp that he could clearly see the Zhao family's plan early in the morning.

As my father said, until the situation is clear, many noble officials, including the Zhao family, will not easily choose sides.

This is also human nature.

The Zhao family did not accept the olive branch offered by the officials. In fact, it was regarded as a disguised support for the "Party of Assistant Ministers."

Many times, neutrality itself is a form of tacit support.

Zhao Kuangyin was transferred to the Forbidden Army, and Chai Rong had no intention of blaming him.

After all, Zhao Hongyin still has the final say in the Zhao family, and Zhao Kuangyin can only accept his father's arrangements in many cases.

Even if Zhao Kuangyin didn't come today, Chai Rong would not blame him.

However, Chai Rong was very happy that Zhao Kuangyin could take the initiative to explain and resolve the misunderstanding. This showed that Zhao Kuangyin valued the brotherhood between them.

~~~
Three days later, Guo Wei led his army and set off for Yedu.

More than [-] soldiers and horses of the Imperial Army were drawn to accompany them, led by Guo Chong, the commander of the left wing of the Holy Guardian Army, and Cao Ying, the commander of the right wing of the Fengguo Army.Guo Wei's main responsibility this time was to rush to Yedu and take command of the Tianxiong Army to guard Hebei and stabilize the Hebei defense line. It was not to lead the Forbidden Army on a large-scale expedition, so the time for recruiting troops was greatly reduced.

Inside Situ's Mansion, Guo Wei and Chai Rong, dressed in military armor, bid farewell to their families.

Guo Wei's gentle and big hands touched the heads of Guo Tong and Guo Xin one by one, then patted the shoulders of his nephews Guo Shouyun and Guo Fengchao vigorously, and squeezed the childish faces of Yi Geer, Cheng Geer, and Ding Geer, Earnestly exhorted:
"When you stay at home, you must study hard, practice martial arts diligently, and take good care of your mother, sister-in-law, and several young brothers and nephews. Don't mess around and cause trouble! When I come back and see that you behave well, There’s a reward for everyone!”

Guo Tong's eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, "I want a big Yanshan horse!"

Guo Xin also yelled: "My child wants a Bohai cold extraction sword!"

Young brothers Cheng and Ding raised their heads and muttered: "We want a lot of Guanghe candies!"

"Haha~" Guo Wei touched the heads of the two little guys with his big hand, "As long as you are safe at home, all conditions are met!"

The teenagers burst into joy.

Guo Shoujun and Guo Fengchao were older and kind-hearted. They clasped their fists and said in unison: "My nephew just wants the chance to go on an expedition with my uncle next time!"

Guo Wei laughed heartily and said: "You practice martial arts diligently. After I return to the imperial court, I will take the exam and teach you. If you improve, I will recommend you to practice in the army."

The two looked at each other and were overjoyed: "Thank you uncle! My nephew will definitely not disappoint my uncle!"

Chai Rong's eldest son, Yi Geer, stood aside silently. Guo Wei smiled strangely and said, "What is Yi Geer's wish? Why don't you tell Weng Weng?"

Yi Geer bowed like a young adult and said solemnly: "My grandson only hopes that Weng Weng will return safely, so that my border in Hebei will be peaceful and safe, and the people will be protected from war and chaos!"

Guo Wei was taken aback, stroked his beard and laughed out loud. There was a sense of old comfort in his mid-spirited laughter.

"As expected of my grandson, he has the demeanor of a benevolent person!" Guo Wei's eyes were full of joy and love, and he said to Chai Rong: "The elder has a good way of teaching his children!"

Chai Rong hurriedly clasped his fists and said, "With my father's precepts and deeds, Yi Geer can be so sensible after being influenced by his ears and eyes."

Guo Wei smiled and praised Brother Yi again.

Yi Geer listened humbly to Weng Weng's teachings, but secretly blinked at Chai Rong.

Chai Rong couldn't laugh or cry, this clever brat.

My own son knows that eight-year-old Yi Geer is the most naughty of the boys, and he is also the most thoughtful.

Usually he would make trouble for his little uncle and brothers, but when it came time to be scolded and beaten, he could always find ways to escape, and he could always make his father happy.

Guo Wei's wife, Mrs. Zhang, had red eyes and whispered some reluctant words. Guo Wei cherished his beloved wife and offered kind words to comfort her.

Liu Ehui stuffed a small red purse into Chai Rong's waist and said softly: "Yesterday, my mother and I went to the Daxiangguo Temple to buy the peace charm. Remember to keep it close to your body and don't lose it!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Liu Ehui's eyes turned red and she lowered her head and shed tears.

Chai Rong hurriedly comforted him: "Madam, don't worry, I will definitely hide it next to my body. Even if I strip off my clothes in the bath, I will still bite them in my mouth."

Liu Ehui burst out laughing, with red cheeks, and punched her husband's breastplate lightly. Chai Rong grabbed his beloved wife's hand and held it in his palm, stroking it carefully. The couple looked at each other and smiled, their foreheads touching.

Two untimely voices sounded from the side: "Wow! Brother and sister-in-law are going to kiss each other!"

"Hey~ Kiss again? Didn't you kiss enough last night?"

"What do you know! This is called love between husband and wife, it's hard to separate!"

The two boys, Guo Tong and Guo Xin, were talking to each other, holding hands and giggling at the side.

"Stinky boy!" Chai Rong was very annoyed, he caught up with Qianfei and kicked Guo Xin twice, but Guo Tong ran away.

"Haha~ These two slanderous little bastards deserve to be beaten!" Guo Wei scolded with a smile.

Mrs. Zhang covered her mouth and chuckled, while Brother Yi and the others also laughed.

Liu Ehui's cheeks were as red as fire, and she chuckled.

The time had come, Guo Wei and Chai Rong bid farewell to their families, and surrounded by their personal guards, mounted their horses and headed for Chaoyang Gate in the East City.

Zhang, Liu Ehui, and a group of young people stood at the door of the house and said goodbye.

Chai Rong turned around and waved goodbye, and couldn't help but whisper: "Shuai father really doesn't agree to bring his family with him? I'm afraid it will take a year and a half to come back to Yedu."

Guo Wei shook his head and said in a deep voice: "Although my father gave me the post of military envoy to the Tianxiong Army and the governor of Yedu, he also served as the privy envoy. It is not considered a complete release. If I bring my family members with me, it will be easy to follow the facts, and it will be called Li Ye and others framed me with double intentions."

Chai Rong sighed and wanted to look back at his family again, but Guo Wei shouted: "A man, don't act like a child! You are also a veteran on the battlefield, how can you be such a mother-in-law?"

Chai Rong smiled bitterly and said: "I don't know why, but I am reluctant to leave home this time. I am full of worries and have nowhere to put it. It seems as if something has been completely abandoned when I leave."

Chai Rong did not continue speaking, his throat slipped, and some inexplicable sorrow surged out of his heart for no reason. There was a sad emotion lingering in his heart, which actually made him feel like crying.

Chai Rong gritted his teeth and took a deep breath to suppress the abnormal emotion in his heart.

After not hearing Guo Wei's words for a long time, Chai Rong gently clamped the horse's belly, and took a few steps forward on the horse, only to find that the corners of his father's eyes were wet.

"Father."

Guo Wei quickly raised the back of his hand to wipe it, and sighed: "I have been fighting for my father for nearly thirty years, and this is the first time I have experienced this inexplicable feeling! He must be old, and miss the warmth of home."

Guo Wei gave a wry smile, and then said in a deep voice: "But if even my father and son express a feeling of reluctance to leave, how will the women and children in the family feel? Don't forget, I, the father, and you, the brother, but An example for the sons and daughters of the family!"

Chai Rong nodded silently, clasped his fists and said solemnly: "Father has good intentions, and the child understands!"

"Drive~" "Drive~"

The father and son shouted loudly, waved their whips, and rode straight to Chaoyang Gate.

On the wide Chaoyangmen Street, Guo Zishuai's flag fluttered in the wind, and the common people stood by the side of the road and watched, watching the majestic cavalry rush out of the city gate.

PS: Guo Chong's original name was Guo Chongwei, but later he was renamed Guo Chong to avoid taboos. The name recorded in history will be used here directly, and no further explanation will be given if there are similar situations in the future.

(End of this chapter)