The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 320

It was night, at the right time, in a civilian alley adjacent to Yingchun Gate in the east of Kaifeng City, a team of hundreds of people appeared quietly.

Everyone in this team wears black clothes, and their left arms are tied with green cloth with the word "Ye" embroidered on it.

Among the leading people, one of them pulled down his scarf, revealing a big face. When he grinned, his mouth was full of missing teeth and he walked with a slight limp. It was Ma Qing.

Several leaders gathered around and took off their headscarves to talk in low voices. Chen An and Cao Bin were also among them, and there were a few rough-faced ones who were descendants of the Fu family.

This is a "coalition force" led by the Zangfeng Battalion, with the Cao family and the Fu family actively participating.

The person in charge of the Fu family in Kaifeng was Fu Yanqing's third brother Fu Yantu. When Guo Wei raised troops in Yedu, Liu Chengyou issued an edict to Fu Yanqing to lead the Taining army to Beijing to serve the king. Fu Yanqing verbally agreed to send troops according to the edict, but turned around and wrote to Guo Wei to express his feelings. , stated that he would never go against the imperial court and Guo Wei.

After the Ye army entered Chigang, Zhu Xiu suggested to Guo Wei that he could unite the Fu family and the Cao family as internal responders. When the army attacked the city, people from the two families would respond to the Ye army and cooperate with the inside and outside to help the Ye army enter the city.

After getting Guo Wei's approval, Zhu Xiu sent Hu Guangyue to contact Ma Qing and asked him to contact the Fu family and the Cao family.

The Fu family and the Cao family had helped rescue Ma Qing before and were considered old acquaintances. Ma Qing paid a secret visit and they naturally hit it off.

Fu Yantu sent out the children of the Fu family to assemble the Fu family tribe, and put them all under the leadership of Ma Qing.

The Cao family asked Cao Bin to serve as their representative, asking for money and people, and raised troops in response to Guo Wei.

Cao Bin's mother and Guo Wei's stepmother Zhang are sisters of the same clan, and Cao Bin can also be regarded as Guo Wei's nephew.

The Zhang family had married Guo Wei a long time ago, and the Cao family had a close relationship with Guo Wei. Cao Bin often visited the Situ Mansion and had a close relationship with Chai Rong, Li Chongjin, and Guo Wei's other nephews.

The entire Situ family was murdered, and the Zhang family also suffered misfortune. As in-laws, the Cao family was naturally regarded by Li Ye's party as members of Guo Wei's party, and they vowed to kill them all.

Fortunately, the Cao family responded in time. After the Guangzhengdian incident spread, the Cao family all moved to their old house on Quyuan Street in Nancheng to take shelter. The imperial troops sent by Li Ye searched the Cao mansion but failed to capture any of the Cao family members. .

Under Ma Qing's needlework, the forces of the Fu family and the Cao family were concentrated, and with the advance arrangement of the Zangfeng camp, a plan to attack Yingchunmen was made early.

In the dark night, in the narrow alley, the dark figures were as silent as ghosts.

Ma Qing, Cao Bin and others gathered to discuss the final details of the action.

Suddenly, the hopeful brothers rushed back to report: "There is also a team in Yingchun Lane next door. The number is unknown. It should be no less than us. I don't know what the banner is!"

Everyone was shocked, and Cao Bin said in a deep voice: "Did Duke Guo also contact other forces in the city?"

Everyone looked at Ma Qing. After all, he was the one who had been in contact with the camp outside the city.

Ma Qing shook his head and said: "My junior officials are responsible for liaising with Duke Guo in the city. The junior officials did not say that there are other arrangements. If there are any, they will definitely inform us in advance."

"Could it be the soldiers and horses sent by the imperial court to deal with us when the matter leaked?" A child of the Fu family exclaimed.

Ma Qing glanced at them. They were all young people. Cao Bin was calm and collected, but these Fu family children looked much more panicked. At first glance, it seemed that they had not experienced any major events.

Chen An said: "You guys wait here, I'll go take a look."

Chen An led several brothers to rush there and came back shortly, followed by a tall man in black.

"Old Ma, look who this is!" Chen An laughed in a low voice.

The man in black wore a mask, and his exposed eyes were piercing.

"Commander Ma!"

Ma Qing heard that the voice was familiar, he was stunned, and said happily: "It turns out to be General Zhao!"

Zhao Kuangyin pulled down his mask and said with a smile: "It's Zhao!"

Ma Qing's head was wrapped in a scarf, and frightening scars were faintly visible on his temples. When he grinned, his mouth was full of missing teeth, which were completely black. His right hand, which he cupped his fists in salute, was also missing a thumb.

Zhao Kuangyin was shocked and couldn't help but sigh, thinking that these were the injuries suffered by Ma Qing after he fell into Li Ye's hands and was tortured in various ways.

Looking at the injuries on his body, one can imagine the terrible torture he endured.

Although Ma Qing was just a lowly official and his status was very different from that of Zhao Kuangyin, it did not prevent Zhao Kuangyin from admiring him.

"Who is this?" Zhao Kuangyin smiled when he saw a young man next to Ma Qing staring at him with burning eyes.

Ma Qing hurriedly said: "Let me introduce you. This is Young Master Cao Bin. He was previously the infantry commander of the Xiaodi Army! This is"

Cao Bin smiled slightly, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty must be Zhao Yuanlang, the eldest son of General Zhao, the eldest son of General Zhao, who is directly responsible for the imperial examination. I have heard about Brother Yuanlang for a long time, and I am finally lucky enough to meet him today!"

Zhao Kuangyin hurriedly returned the courtesy and said: "Young Brother Cao, you are being polite! Considering that my official position is higher than mine, and I used to serve under the command of the Forbidden Army in the Inner Temple, Brother Cao can be regarded as Zhao's top leader."

Cao Bin smiled calmly and said: "The Cao family has been designated as a traitor to the party by the imperial court, and the subordinates have been dismissed from their official positions. Today, you and I should discuss it in terms of elder and younger. There is no need to mention the old positions in the past."

"Zhao also resigned from his position early and has been idle at home for many days!" Zhao Kuangyin said with a smile.

The two looked at each other and smiled knowingly.

The destruction of the old dynasty and the establishment of a new dynasty is the general trend. Smart people will not care about their official status in the old dynasty. Being able to make contributions in the new dynasty is the most important thing. It is related to the future of the family and themselves. .

The Cao family, Zhao family, and Fu family all have the same idea.

Chen An smiled and said: "General Zhao led more than a hundred people from the Zhao family to ambush in Yingchun Lane next door. What a coincidence, and we agreed to attack at the right time."

Ma Qing said happily: "It's just right. The two families are united in one place. At the three quarters of the Chou Zheng period, three rockets hanging directly in the southeast night sky are used as signals. Let's take action together in and outside the city!"

Zhao Kuangyin also smiled and said: "My father and Zhao have the same idea. Joining forces from the two places will make us stronger and more able to deal with it calmly. We should seize the Yingchun Gate as soon as possible and welcome Duke Guo and the soldiers of the Ye Army into the city!"

"Oh? General Zhao is also here in person?"

Zhao Kuangyin smiled unnaturally: "My father and Mr. Guo have a deep friendship. At this critical moment, my father said that he must fight in person to be at ease."

"Old General Zhao is really getting stronger with age, and his sword is still young!" Everyone praised.

Zhao Kuangyin smiled wryly. Originally, the old father planned to sleep peacefully with Geng Shi in his arms, and then went to meet Guo Gong in the morning.

However, he was stimulated by Zhao Kuangyi's words during the day, and the old man resolutely decided to go into battle to kill the enemy in person, using his remaining energy as a veteran to strive to improve the Zhao family's status in the new dynasty in the future.

Zhao Kuangyin was too embarrassed to say what his old man was thinking to his face, lest others think that the Zhao family was too utilitarian.

After a while, both teams gathered in Yingchun Lane. Ma Qing, Cao Bin and others followed Zhao Kuangyin to see Zhao Hongyin.

Under a wall, an old man in black robe was leaning against the wall with a long knife in his arms, snoring rhythmically.

Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly and stepped forward to shake him awake and whispered a few words.

After all, he was old enough to stay up late, so Mr. Zhao was a little bit mentally depressed. He was confused for a while before he woke up.

After everyone had finished the ceremony and calculated that the time was almost up, Chen An took out three rockets specially made with sulfur saltpeter powder and handed them to Zhao Kuangyin. "How about you and I each shoot one?" Zhao Kuangyin handed one to Cao Bin.

Cao Bin smiled, took the arrow, ordered someone to bring a carved bow, stretched the bow and nocked the arrow to try.

Zhao Kuangyin's eyes lit up and he said with a smile: "My dear brother Guohua is a good bowman!"

Cao Bin said modestly: "In terms of martial arts, Brother Yuen Long is above me. Who in the inner hall doesn't know that Brother Yuan Long is outstanding in martial arts."

"Haha~ Brother Guohua is overrated. In my opinion, you and I are equal." Zhao Kuangyin said.

The two of them each got an arrow, and there was one left. Zhao Hongyin took it directly and said, "I want to join in the fun and shoot!"

Immediately, Chen An lit a fire with a hair candle and lit the arrow cluster. Zhao Kuangyin, Cao Bin, and Zhao Hongyin shot the arrows into the southeastern night sky in sequence.

The rocket pierced the night sky with a little bit of firelight, hanging directly outside the southeast city, drawing a beautiful curve.

Three rockets landed in succession, causing some commotion in the city.

It is a pity that the Kaifeng city defense has long been divided among people, the command is chaotic, and the orders are unclear. The person guarding the Yingchun Gate is Kaifeng Prefect Liu Zhu, and Liu Zhu's whereabouts are unknown two days ago, but the court has not selected capable generals to garrison the city defense.

The three rockets fell over the top of the city towards the southeast. Many soldiers in the city saw them, but they just talked to each other.

It wasn't until a fire suddenly lit up outside the Yingchun Gate, horns blared, war drums beat, and a flood of Ye army soldiers carrying ladders rushed down to the city, that the numb city gate defenders reacted and rang the alarm bell in panic.

"kill!"

At the same moment, there was a sound of charging and killing inside the Yingchun Gate. Zhao Kuangyin charged forward with his sword raised, followed closely by Cao Bin. More than 200 private soldiers rushed towards the city gate, and a fierce fire broke out with the inner city defenders.

Half an hour later, Zhao Kuangyin and Cao Bin, who were covered in blood, seized the city gate, broke the lock, and opened the city gate to let the Ye army enter the city.

General Shi Yanchao carried Guo Zishuai's flag on his shoulders and rushed into the city gate first.

The silver spear general Wang Yanchao led the cavalry and followed closely behind. The Ye army rolled in like a bursting river, and the imperial defenders were no longer able to resist.

~~~
"Hoof da~ hoof da~"

Just before dawn, a burst of rapid horse hooves awakened the silent imperial city.

A fast horse rushed into the Duanli Gate and galloped through the palace corridor.

Along the way, many eunuchs and palace guards stopped to watch, with a look of fear on their faces.

Everyone is talking about the war under Kaifeng City and when Guo Wei and Yedu's army will enter the city.

The reporting sergeant rushed to the front of the Long Live Hall, reined in the horse and kicked it, jumped off in a hurry before the horse could stand firm, ran up the steps with staggering steps, and rushed into the Long Live Hall in panic.

"There is an urgent military intelligence report!"

The sergeant's panicked roar echoed throughout the palace.

In the Long Live Hall, dozens of courtiers have been waiting here all night.

Some people looked haggard and had bloodshot eyes.

Some people are secretly happy and full of expectation.

Some people were frightened and uneasy, with sad faces on their faces.

Under the emperor's jade steps, a large brocade couch was temporarily placed. On the brocade couch lay a young man with a withered face and a broken bones.

He was wearing a prince's python robe, a Jinxian crown on his head, elegant clothes, and his eyes were slightly closed.

Although he was elegantly dressed, he could not conceal his malaise as he was seriously ill.

His name is Liu Chengxun, he is only sixteen or seventeen years old, he is the concubine's youngest son of the late emperor Liu Zhiyuan, and Liu Chengyou's half-brother.

Liu Chengyou was killed in Zhao Village. After discussion, the court officials decided to ask Liu Chengxun to take charge of the overall situation.

Queen Mother Li Sanniang has been living in the Buddhist hall of Kunning Palace all day since Liu Chengyou left the palace and went to the suburbs of Qili. No matter who asked to see her, they were all blocked by the chamberlain Zhang Gui.

Even on the day when the news of Liu Chengyou's death reached the palace, Prime Ministers Su Fengji, Su Yugui and other important officials rushed to Kunning Palace to ask for an audience. The Queen Mother just asked Zhang Gui to send a message, saying that destiny has its own destiny and cannot be forced. The court and officials should obey the will. People, don't be greedy for power and leave a reputation for eternal infamy.
When Zhang Gui told the Queen Mother's original words to the ministers, everyone looked at each other in confusion. The Queen Mother's words clearly meant that they should stop confronting Guo Wei and the Ye army, and simply open the city gate to welcome Guo Wei into the city, so as to avoid the spread of war and harm the people of the world. .

There were endless debates in the imperial court about war and peace. Liu Chengxun was too ill to take charge of the affairs and could only watch helplessly as everyone argued.

It wasn't until this night that the courtiers gathered in the Long Live Hall in panic to discuss countermeasures when they suddenly heard the news that the Ye army had breached the Yingchun Gate.

Su Fengji did not wear an official robe, but casually wore a fleece jacket, and sat calmly on the embroidered pier.

The new Prime Minister Su Yugui, who had just taken office for one month, said in panic: "How is the war in the outer city? Tell me quickly!"

The sergeant reported with a mournful face: "To inform Xianggong Su, the Ye army has marched straight in from Yingchun Gate. Almost all of the outer city has fallen under the control of the Ye army. Most of the imperial defenders have surrendered. Only Zhang Quanzuo, the commander of the He Control Army, and the deputy commander of the Xiaoqi Army are left. The commander, Yan Siming, led his troops to guard the alley with a few men and fought to the death with the Ye army!"

Su Yugui's eyes widened in shock, and he couldn't say a word for a long time.

Su Fengji looked calm, neither happy nor sad, as if he had already expected this ending.

The other ministers exclaimed, and the hall erupted into a commotion and chaos.

"I also ask the two Prime Ministers Su to quickly order all the outer city defenders to retreat into the inner city, set up defense lines along the outer city and the palace city, and at the same time order all the feudal lords from all over the world to come to Jingqinwang! As long as we hold on, the imperial court still has a glimmer of hope!"

"No! At this point, it is meaningless to fight any more. It will only increase casualties and drag on Kaifeng. The war is going on and the people are suffering. It is better for Kaicheng to surrender."

"Yes, yes! It's better to invite Mr. Guo to the court, and let Mr. Guo handle everything!"

"How can the royal court surrender to the traitors? The Queen Mother is here, Her Highness Chengxun is here, and the Han Dynasty still has its inheritance, so we must not surrender?"

For a time, the courtiers in the palace were arguing endlessly between surrendering and not surrendering, and all the courtiers were red-faced.

"Alas, please give Prime Minister Su an idea on what to do now!" Su Yugui ran to Su Fengji and asked for advice in a low voice.

Su Fengji glanced at him lightly, shook his head and said nothing.

Su Yugui seemed a little guilty, his eyes flickered and he didn't dare to look at him.

A hint of ridicule flashed across Su Fengji's eyes, and he closed his eyelids and ignored it.

How could he not understand Su Yugui's thoughts? It's not that Su Yugui didn't know how to choose whether to surrender or not, but he just didn't dare to make a choice because he didn't know how Guo Wei would treat him and he didn't dare to bear this responsibility.

Su Yugui climbed to the high position of prime minister by relying on talents such as Li Ye and Nie Wenjin, and these four people were the criminals appointed by Guo Wei to bring disaster to the country. He was worried that Guo Wei would cause trouble for him when he came to the court to settle accounts after the fall.

Su Fengji's heart was filled with coldness and despair. How could such a disorganized court fight against Guo Wei and Ye Jun?

(End of this chapter)