The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 279 A King Is Not A King, A Minister Is Not A Minister

Outside Chaoyang Gate, two Forbidden Army generals who followed Guo Wei to Yedu, Guo Chong and Cao Ying, led their troops first.

Banners and flags were unfurled, soldiers armored like a forest, slowly opened the city gate and headed northeast.

Liu Chengyou sent Li Ye, Nie Wenjin and a group of court officials as representatives to send off Guo Wei and his army outside Chaoyang Gate.

Three important ministers, Su Fengji, Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin, were prominently listed.

The old master Feng Dao did not come in person, but Yan Jinqing, the envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought a few polite words to Guo Wei.

Chai Rong said goodbye to a group of familiar officials and generals, and then caught up with the army and took the lead.

Guo Wei and Wang Jun were surrounded by ministers to say goodbye.

"Mr. Guo will succeed in this trip. I will wait in Kaifeng for Mr. Guo's triumphant return!"

Shi Hongzhao laughed heartily and ordered someone to bring him some wine.

Naturally, Guo Wei would not brush off the good intentions of the old guys. He picked up the wine bowl and drank it all in one gulp, which attracted cheers from everyone.

Su Fengji said a few words of good wishes for a successful expedition, and then stepped aside wisely, squinting his eyes with a sneer, watching Shi Hongzhao, Yang Bing and others gather around Guo Wei to praise him.

Li Ye came forward and said hypocritically: "Originally, the officials were going to go out of the city in person to practice for Guo Shuai today, but they caught wind and cold when they got up early in the morning. After diagnosis and treatment, the imperial doctor advised the officials not to leave the palace to avoid getting worse, so they sent us as representatives as a last resort. , come and give a gift to Guo Shuai."

Nie Wenjin added, "The favor shown by the officials to Guo Shuai is truly unparalleled. I am so envious of him!"

"Yes, yes! Mr. Guo has worked hard and made great achievements, and his officials are very considerate. He is really a model of a virtuous king and a good minister!"

"Only Privy Councilor Guo in our court can make the officials so loving!"

Li Ye and Nie Wenjin started, and a group of courtiers echoed in all directions.

Guo Wei smiled faintly, first bowed in the direction of the Kaifeng Imperial Palace, and then clasped his fists to everyone and said: "Please take care of your uncle and colleagues. Guo Wei has been favored by both dynasties. How dare you not die in service? Please take care of yourself." Long Ti, Guo Wei and the officers and soldiers of the three armies must guard Hebei and prevent the Khitans from invading our frontier!"

"Guo Gong is so righteous! Take care of yourself all the way!" Li Ye and Nie Wenjin led a group of officials to salute Guo Wei.

From the beginning to the end, Wang Jun behind Guo Wei didn't say a word, lowered his head and lowered his eyes, with a cold expression, an indifferent attitude that he had nothing to say to Li Ye and others.

Li Ye glanced at him coldly, snorted coldly, and led Nie Wenjin and other officials back to the city, either on horseback or in a car.

After the practical ceremony on the scene, Guo Wei, Shi Hongzhao, Yang Bin and other close ministers naturally had some private things to say. Wang Jun bowed to him knowingly and said: "I will go ahead and wait for Mr. Guo."

When Wang Jun rode away, Shi Hongzhao sneered and said: "Wang Jun and Li Ye and others have never been of the same mind. Fortunately for him, he still claims to be a close confidant of the official family. I didn't expect that he would end up in the cold today!"

Yang Bin Nianxu said lightly: "Being careful is a tricky trick, Mr. Guo still needs to be careful."

Shi Hongzhao nodded with deep understanding.

Guo Wei laughed and said: "Wang Jun and Hou Zan have always had a grudge. If Hou Zan returns to the court, his life will not be easy. Compared with Wang Jun, Li Ye, Nie Wenjin, Hou Zan and others, the officials must trust Hou Zan more. Those who are not young, Wang Jun has a lot of ambition, and he doesn't want to be inferior to Li Ye and others, so he can only rely on us.

Don’t worry, Mr. Er, I know it well, whether it’s a human or a ghost, I can tell him clearly. "

"That's right!" Shi Hongzhao laughed, "Who is Mr. Guo? From the grass to the temple, what scenes have you never experienced? What ghosts and snakes have you never seen?"

Yang Bin also smiled and said: "Gong Guo is cautious and low-key. Those who don't know often think that Gong Shi and I are the leaders of the ministers who care about life. Little do they know that Gong Guo is our leader."

"Hey~ Yang Xiang is making fun of me again!"

Guo Wei waved his hand, "The three of us, together with Su Fengji, were entrusted by the late emperor to shoulder the burden of the imperial court, regardless of priority."

Shi Hongzhao curled his lips and said: "Xiangong Su is only interested in enjoying the glory and wealth. How can he think of admonishing the king and assisting the courtiers."

Yang Bin also said disdainfully: "Su Fengji only followed the lead of Li Ye and others. He was serving as an auxiliary minister in vain. He failed to live up to the late emperor's instructions on his deathbed. Yang actually became an auxiliary minister with such people. What a shame!"

Guo Wei said helplessly: "I know that the second prince has not forgotten the kindness of the late emperor and wants to fulfill his responsibilities as an assistant minister. However, as the official family is getting older, it is reasonable to want to personally take charge of the power. In many cases, the second prince might as well turn a blind eye. With one eye, there is no need to argue with the officials on everything. The existence of assistant ministers has advantages and disadvantages for the king."

Shi Hongzhao shook his head and said solemnly: "Forgive me for disagreeing with Mr. Guo's words! As ministers assisting the government, one is to repay the kindness of the late emperor, and the other is to govern the country and bring peace to the people. We will live up to our lifelong ambitions! If the officials are wise and the country is peaceful and the people are safe, we can naturally rest assured. Wouldn't it be best to return to the government, retire and return to your hometown to take care of yourself?
But the foundation of the imperial court has just been established, the country is still in turmoil, and surrounded by powerful neighbors from all directions, how can we return the imperial government with confidence?If you put down your duties as an assistant minister at this time, wouldn't you be violating the late emperor's entrustment? "

Yang Bin was silent for a moment and then answered: "If the official is a wise and wise king who has the ability to lead the ministers to establish a stable state, we will naturally be willing to hand over power.

But the official family is over [-] years old, and he has made no achievements in the government for three years since he took the throne. He has no interest or interest in state affairs. "

Shi Hongzhao then said: "The most hateful thing is that the officials would rather get close to villains like Li Ye and Nie Wenjin than listen to the advice of veterans like me. If we delegate power and Li Ye and others take advantage of the situation, the court will be completely ruined." All hell breaks loose.

People with lofty ideals also hope that we and other assistant ministers can bring order to things, advise officials on their words and deeds, and learn how to be kings.If we all succumb to Li Ye and other traitors, the sky in this great Han country will never be clear again! "

The two talked to each other, and Guo Wei had no way to explain what he said, so he could only smile wryly.

"But if this continues, the conflict between our ministers and the officials will become more and more acute, I'm afraid..." Guo Wei shook his head worriedly.

Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bing looked at each other and took two steps forward to get closer.

Shi Hongzhao lowered his voice and said, "Mr. Guo is worried that Li Ye and others will attack us? Hehe~ Mr. Guo, don't worry, how could we not be wary of these treacherous little tricks!"

Yang Bin also said contemptuously: "Shigong is in charge of the imperial army, and I am in charge of the staff. As long as I and I are careful and give those hawks and dogs a hundred courage, they will not dare to do anything to me! Besides, there are Guo Gong leads the army outside, enough to scare Xiaoxiao!"

Guo Wei frowned and said: "The dangers in the court are even more dangerous than on the battlefield. You two must not be careless!"

Shi Hongzhao glanced around and said in a very subtle way: "This time we are in a hurry and there is no time to talk to Duke Guo in detail. We will discuss it in detail after Duke Guo returns to the court. In short, the two of us have a plan. If the official family is still so stupid, I'm afraid Can’t bear the burden of the country”

Guo Wei was startled and frowned: "What do you mean by Shi Gong's words?"

Yang Yan chuckled and said: "The three of us work together, we might as well learn from Huo Guang and choose another Ming Dynasty leader for the sake of the common people and the country!"

Shi Hongzhao said with a playful smile: "If the Liu family really can't find anyone worthy of inheriting the throne, we might as well let Duke Guo sit on the throne! With Duke Guo's ability, if he becomes the emperor, he can wipe out Liuhe and unify China!"

"If Duke Guo is the master, Yang Bin will definitely surrender to the death!" Yang Bin bowed his hand.

"You!~" Guo Wei was shocked and his eyes were full of horror. These two people actually had such thoughts!
Shi Hongzhao smiled and said: "Don't be alarmed, Mr. Guo. These words are just for fun when we chat in private. As long as the officials are willing to stay away from evil villains and humbly accept our advice, we will definitely live up to our responsibilities as kings and ministers!"

"I hope the officials can understand the truth as soon as possible and realize our good intentions." Yang Bin also said calmly.

Guo Wei took a deep breath, clasped his fists and said, "I beg you, Er Gong, to promise me that you should not be impulsive in everything. When Guo returns to Beijing from Yedu, let's sit down and have a good discussion."

"Don't worry, Mr. Guo, we are self-aware. Without you taking the lead, we can't do anything." Shi Hongzhao said carelessly.

"It's getting late. Don't delay Mr. Guo's march. Take care along the way!" Yang Xing saluted.

After saying goodbye to each other, Guo Wei got on his horse, glanced at them again, waved his whip and led his guards to chase the army away.

Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin also got on the carriage and returned to the city.

On the official road, Guo Wei stopped his horse and looked back, only to see that the carriage they were riding in was escorted by soldiers into Chaoyang Gate.

Guo Wei's face was solemn, and he was still thinking about what the two people said just now in his mind.

Although the two of them just regarded those disrespectful words as jokes, it was precisely because of this that Guo Wei was even more worried.

Dare to say such words casually, it shows that the two of them have the intention to despise the officialdom and the imperial power.

They sit high in the position of assistant ministers and enjoy the dignity of one person below ten thousand people. They have become forgetful and do not even regard the Liu family's emperor and the emperor's authority in their eyes.

Do you still dare to compare yourself to Huo Guang and talk nonsense about abolishing the establishment?

Even if the officials have mediocre talents and virtues, as ministers, they have no sense of awe in their hearts, and they themselves violate the rules of ministers.

And such an arrogant attitude is quite dangerous.

Although the officials are mediocre in government affairs, they are by no means stupid people, not to mention that they have Li Ye, Nie Wenjin and others to help them.

If these people work together, they will naturally not be able to govern the country, but when it comes to playing tricks and intrigues for power and gain, Shi and Yang may not be opponents!
The sky above Kaifeng City was suddenly shrouded in black clouds, as if a thunderstorm was coming in an instant.

The weather in early summer is cloudy and changeable, making it difficult to predict.

Guo Wei's eyes were slightly focused, and his heart became heavy for no reason, as if there was a thick cloud covering his heart.

No matter how nice the words of Shi and Yang were, they could not hide the fact that they were domineering and despised the emperor.

As an assistant minister, he has tasted the sweetness of having great power, so how can he let it go so easily?
In the final analysis, it is not selfishness, I hope that the official will always be a puppet emperor who can be manipulated by others.

Guo Wei sighed deeply. The conflict between the official family and the ministers had evolved to the point where it was irreconcilable today. Both Shi and Yang were equally guilty.

But now it is meaningless to investigate what is right and what is wrong. What is urgent is how to prevent the situation from deteriorating into a bloody palace coup, or even the world being torn apart and falling into a melee between feudal lords and towns again.

"If things must be done, what should I do?" Guo Wei looked at the thundering city of Kaifeng and muttered to himself in confusion.

He suddenly regretted that he did not ask the officials to take his family to Yedu.

If his family is around, he can take it easy at any time.

After hesitating for a while, Guo Wei shook his head and sighed: "That's all. If everything goes well on our trip to Yedu, we should be able to get back in half a year. No matter how fierce the struggle in Kaifeng City is, it won't quickly deteriorate to the point of fighting. "

Guo Wei shook his head, temporarily put his chaotic thoughts behind him, took a deep look at the majestic capital city of Kaifeng, turned his horse's head and led his soldiers to chase after the army.

On top of the Chaoyang Gate Tower, Li Ye and Nie Wenjin looked at the official road in the distance. A burst of sand and dust kicked up by horse hooves was blown away by the wind, and they slapped the wall stacks with sneers.

"I don't know what that guy Shi Hongzhao said, he was laughing so wildly," Nie Wenjin muttered.

Li Yemu said sinisterly: "No matter what he says, once Guo Wei leaves, Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin are just meat on the chopping board! The more you and I are tolerant and let them be more arrogant, the more they relax their vigilance, the more likely they will be. It’s easy to do!”

Nie Wenjin grinned, showing his yellow teeth, and smiled sinisterly: "The two Shi and Yang are smiling more proudly now, and crying more miserably when they died!"

"But we still shouldn't be careless. After all, there are still a group of people in the Forbidden Army who are attached to the two of us. Our plan must be foolproof! If the slightest bit of information is leaked, it may lead to failure!

Once things fail, Shi and Yang will definitely fight back crazily. When Kaifeng City falls into a melee, we may not be able to take advantage! "Li Ye said coldly.

Nie Wenjin suppressed his smile, nodded solemnly and said, "Don't worry, uncle, the initial planning is only known to the officials and the four of us, and everything is being arranged in an orderly manner. It may take as little as three months, or as slowly as half a year, and it will probably be arranged properly."

"Now that Guo Weigang has just left, Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin will definitely increase their precautions and give instructions to temporarily stop our arrangements within one month so as not to let them notice. After a while, Kaifeng City returns to peace and the two of them relax their vigilance before continuing. Implement the plan." Li Ye said.

"Uncle Guo is really prudent!" Nie Wenjin bowed his hand, "With Uncle Guo in charge of the overall situation, the government will be able to successfully eradicate powerful ministers and consolidate power! From now on, Uncle Guo will be the only auxiliary minister who has more than ten thousand people under one person. When the time comes, I will I rely on my uncle to help me, and I hope that my uncle will give me more promotions!"

Li Ye put his hands behind his hands and said calmly: "We are both serving the official family. Commander Nie said this, but he is out of touch."

Nie Wenjin took advantage of the situation and knelt down, his face squeezed into a ball, and he said with a flattering smile: "I serve the official family, and I am also loyal to my uncle! From now on, I am willing to obey my uncle's orders. If I have any second thoughts, I will be struck by thunder!"

"Haha, Sir Nie, please get up quickly!" Li Ye's smile became a little more friendly, and he leaned over to help Nie Wenjin up.

"What a shame that guy Wang Jun turned to Guo Wei. He deserves to die!" Nie Wenjin cursed.

Li Ye snorted coldly, and said murderously, "Wang Jun doesn't know what's good and what's wrong. Since he chose to part ways with us, then let him go. In the future, there must be times when he regrets it."

"Hehe~ Wang Jun has been in charge of salt and iron in Jingzhao Mansion for many years. He has accumulated tens of thousands of fortunes and has several beautiful concubines. It's really exciting~"

Nie Wenjin helped Li Ye walk down the tower, muttering in his mouth and looking furtively, as if he was testing something.

Li Ye whispered something in his ear, and Nie Wenjin's eyes widened with lust and he laughed.

"Boom!~" A thunder fell without any warning. Nie Wenjin shivered with fright. He looked up at the sky. Dark clouds seemed to be pressing down on his head, making his heart palpitate.

The place where the thunderbolt that tore the sky apart just now appeared was vaguely where Nie Wenjin was standing at the top of the city.

"God, do you really want to kill me?" Nie Wenjin muttered in his heart.

(End of this chapter)